The Great War is going smoothly. Vanhoover, Tall Tale, Applewood and finally the prize of Western Equestria, Las Pegasus has fallen. Army Group South has conquered it all. Western Equestria is now under Queen Chysalis' army.

Now their sights fall upon the Equestrian South. All lay before them is the flat desert terrain. Perfect for their doctrine of mobile warfare. No more of those urban combat, hill fighting, forest battles and river crossings. It should be easy. At least that's what they thought.

They were wrong.

Set in Equestria at War

For the first time in his life he celebrated his birthday away from his home and family. No cakes, no surprise parties and especially, no family to celebrate with. He was alone.

Maybe a cupcake is enough.

Magic. An essence that has existed since Faust created the world and is inside every living being. Everypony knows that. Applejack knows that. Her farm was proof, after all. All of the Apple Family thrived because of it, their Earth Pony magic was their blessing. However, as peace crumbles throughout Equestria, ponies recommend her to adopt machinery to her farm, to help the war effort. She doesn't want that. But as the war progresses, she has to rethink and she has to choose.

Adapt or left behind?

She likes neither.

An Equestria at War story.

Written for 2022 EaW Writing Contest

Based on Equestria at War mod.
After the Equestrian frontline had collapsed against the Changeling army in the Coltfoalnian Campaign and the Breakthrough at Mariposa. The remnant of the Equestrian Royal Armed Forces(ERAF) abandoned Northwestern Equestria to defend the vital region of Central Equestria.

An earth pony was drafted into ERAF and was assigned to the newly formed 3rd Canterlot Garrison with the obvious task to defend the Jewel of Equestria, Canterlot.

Unbeknownst to him, he will witness and experience the largest battle in the war.