>You make camp for the night.
>It’s been two weeks since you left Canterlot, and there hasn’t been any sight Ulsted.
>Word from Canterlot is that the King broke through Celestia’s line. She wasn’t a match for his devastating force.
>He marched unopposed through the northern region, burning and pillaging away as he did in his youth.
>Celestia hasn’t given up yet, and now that she knows what to expect, she’s assembled a force four fold stronger.
>It might even be enough to make it an even fight.
>The men are itching for action; you can’t begin to explain how many men died for that itch.
 
>You miss Twilight. One promise you made to her and you couldn’t even keep that.
>It’s nights like this where you want nothing more than to turn back and hold her in your arms once more.
>You pull out a picture. It’s of you and her snuggled under a blanket, reading a book by the fire.
>Spike took that when he thought you weren’t looking.
>He’s sure he found it there by accident, but you know better.
>You wanted to have something to look back to in these times.
>And now you have it.
 
>”What’s that?”
>You set down the picture and turn to Shining Armor who entered your tent.
“Just a piece of the past.”
>”Twiley?”
>You furrow an eyebrow, looking back to the picture.
“You know her?”
>”How wouldn’t I know my little sis? I could spot her anywhere.”
>So he’s her brother? She never talked about him before.
 
>”Why do you have a picture of Twilight with you? Aren’t you married?”
“Barely. We didn’t exactly want to get married. Forced marriage, that kind of thing.”
>”That’s rough. I got lucky with Cadence, we both-“
“Cadence? Like Princess Cadence?”
>”The one and only. You act surprised, didn’t she tell you anything about me?”
>No she didn’t, but if he’s Twilight’s brother. And if he’s married to Cadence, then by marriage, Twilight’s technically royalty as well!
>Luna’s the only choice she said. You’ll like her she said.
>Celestia’s a trolling bitch you say. Trollestia, you’ll have to coin that phrase.
 
“Anyways, why are you here? I didn’t call you.”
>He salutes, “Sorry sir, permission to come in sir.”
“Well since you’re already here…”
>He drops his salute, “A group of ponies would like to join forces with our own.”
“More locals? We can’t burden ourselves with any more.”
>”Not locals sir. They’re suited up and ready for battle. Permission to speak freely sir.”
“Granted.”
>”If you don’t sign them on you’re a bucking idiot.”
 
“Good choice of words. What the hell, send them in, I’ll take a look at them myself.”
>”Yes sir.”
>He steps out of the tent, a small group steps inside about 6 in total.
>He wasn’t lying about them being suited up; you haven’t seen so much metal since you broke into the local armory as a child.
>They never did find those tongs. A hundred things to take and you chose that, disappointing.
“So, you six want to see some action huh?”
>”We want to protect Equestria, whatever the duty.”
>Sensible enough answer, you like them already.
 
“Quite the gear, compensating for something?”
>”If you think we’re unqualified-“
“I do. Until you prove me otherwise.”
>They seem to think you mean combat.
“Just one question, and you get only one answer. Who do you report to? Me, Celestia, or Luna?”
>”None. We report to Equestria. The commander is irrelevant.”
>”We really should think this-“
“Correct.” You salute them, “Welcome to the unit.”
 
>Most of them jump for joy, the other staring off.
“Report to Shining Armor, he’ll give you further orders.”
>They make their way out, the last one still staring blankly.
“See something you like?”
>You stow away the picture in your cloak.
>”Friend of yours?”
“Yeah, something like that. Dismissed solider.”
>He walks out, leaving you by your lonesome.
>You raise a mug to the stars, sipping deeply from the chocolaty mixture.
“This ones for you Twi.”
 
>”Erredians! Twelve o’ clock!”
>You take out your spyglass, a large force emerging from the edge of the woods.
>”Do you think they spotted us?”
“They will in a minute. Shining Armor, with me.”
>”What are you doing?”
“Well we have to say hello. It’s common courtesy. Flash, keep these ponies under control until we get back.”
>”Yes sir.”
 
>You and Armor walk out into the open field, two soldiers from their side meeting you in the center.
>From his unshaven beard and pompous grin you recognize one of them as you’re eldest brother Ulsted.
>The other… not so familiar.
>”So you finally come to meet us in open battle huh? Tired of hiding in the shadows?”
“I could say the same thing; we’ve been scouring these hills for you. About time you had the nerve to show yourself.”
>”You may have picked us off, but you won’t get far in a straight fight, we both know that.”
>Pick them off? You didn’t see them until just now.
 
“I do not understand, but that matters little. You’re passing through Equestrian lands on grounds of war, leave now or we will force you to do so.”
>”Well then you’ll just have to make us.”
>Stubborn ass, at least it was worth a shot.
“I’m sorry it ends this way brother.”
>”You will be Anon. You will be…”
>The two of you move back to your armies, battle an assurance as of now.
“Send the messenger back to Canterlot detailing our situation. Double time.”
>”On it sir,” he shoots through your ranks, your soldiers ready for instruction.
 
“My Equestrians! Hear me now. I am not your kin. I am not your blooded royal. I am not from your world.”
“But here we stand for similar purpose, to protect the land that we hold dear. Some of you for your family, others for glory, but it makes no difference to me.”
“Today we stand one and the same. You are the brothers and sisters at my side. We are together in the darkest of times.”
“When one falls, they are not gone. They’re still among us, guiding us through their spirit. This is a bond not even Tartarus can break.”
“We will stand and fight to the last to protect our home. Are you with me!?”
>”YES SIR!” a chant rings out from the crowd, pumping up the eager ponies.
 
”Peep Iniik and Jackal Pep, hold the front line at all cost, we can’t have them get through to our unicorns.”
“Sultry Heft and Shadow Brain, take your Pegasus to the sky and rain hell down upon their ranks. Don’t attack them directly, their too strong for you to handle.
“Ira Try and Shining Armor, fortify the front line and bombard the Erredians with everything you’ve got.”
>”What about me?”
>You look to the last soldier, the new unit’s leader.
“Krawlis Pelightt, you and me are going for a walk.”
 
>You leave Shining Armor in command as you cut through the forest’s foliage around the battlefield.
>”What’s our task here sir?”
“Anon will do just fine.”
>”Why are we deviating from the group Anon? We’re going to miss the battle.”
“Battles are won as much from soldiers as they are from those who lead them. That is where we’re going.”
>”Ulsted’s guard? Won’t he be expecting that?”
“If he had half a brain he would, but thankfully he doesn’t.”
 
>Krawlis cuts through the foliage ahead using his magic.
>A horn sounds, the battle starting.
>You both look out, as the Erredian barbarians charge at the fortified Equestrians.
>Shining Armor’s shield seems to do the trick keeping them out of reach for now.
>”How does it look?”
“You’re a bright young pony; you figure it out smart stuff.”
>You continue on, keeping up the pace. There’s not a second to delay now that it has begun.
 
“So tell me a little about yourself?”
>”Excuse me?”
“I’d like to know who I’m fighting with. So go on…”
>”Not much to say sir.”
“Anon, and we both know that that’s a load of crap.”
>”I don’t follow.”
>You sigh, cutting down yet another bush.
“Oh but I think you do don’t you Twilight?”
 
>She gasps, her cover blown.
“Did you really making an anagram would disguise you? Even with the armor and voice over your little band was more than easy to spot.”
>She removes her helmet, her hair sticking up in ways you didn’t know they could.
>”I just thought-”
>You kiss her forcefully cutting her off midsentence.
“I missed you.”
>”I can see that,” she says blushing.
 
>The sound of clashing steel brings you back to focus.
“Come on. We can’t waste time dilly-dallying. There’s still a war to be fought.”
>”You’re not mad at me?”
>You keep moving forward and talking at the same time.
“I’m furious, but that can wait for later.”
>”Ulsted first, Anger second.”
“You got it alright.”
 
>The outskirts of their camp comes into view, both of you sneaking within.
>Ulsted’ll remain her until he’s sure victory is assured.
>For all his boast of strength, he’s nothing more than a coward.
>The first sign of defeat and he scoots away, generally leaving you to clean up his mess.
>This time he’s not getting away so easily.
>Once the troops learn their leader has fallen they’ll abandon the battle.
>He’s one big domino, and you’re the dick that pushes it over.
 
>”Two patrols inbound.”
>You see them, three man patrols keeping the perimeter clear.
“Here’s the plan, you stow yourself away and wait for my signal. When signaled show me some of that magic you’ve been working on.”
>”What’s the signal?”
“You’ll know it when you see it. Now, get to it missy.”
>She gets inside one of the tents as the patrol inches closer.
>Maybe they don’t know who you are.
 
>You step out into plain sight, the guards arming themselves.
“Hey now fellas what’s the big deal? Can’t spare a pint for a fellow brother?”
>”Begone with you, the battle is forwards not behind.”
“True that. I just need one last drink to get my blood going. Can you help me out?”
>They look at you skeptically unsure of how to proceed.
>Finally one of them gives in, handing you a canteen.
>You take a hit of the beverage, wanting to gag on it’s potency.
>There’s a reason you don’t like to drink.
 
>You belch, a few bubbles tickling up your throat.
“That hit the spot, there you go.”
>The canteen fumbles out of your hand hitting the grassy floor.
“I am so sorry; I can’t believe I just did that. Let me get that for you.”
>”I got it, no worries comrade.”
>He bends down to pick it up.
“Still sorry about this.”
 
>You draw your sword, cleaving his head off in one precise strike.
>You step into the second guardsman, thrusting forward with your hidden blade.
>You strike him just underneath the chin with the blade piercing his skull.
>The third guard barely has time to draw his mace as you finish your attack.
>You pin your sword under your arm and throw yourself backwards.
>There is some resistance at first, but you gradually slide back eventually hitting his belly.
>”Y-ou…”
“I said I’m sorry.”
 
>Withdrawing the blade from his gullet you wipe it off with their robes.
>This isn’t the first time you’ve spilt Erredian blood, but now no longer in the King’s name.
>You whistle soft enough for Twilight to hear you.
>She charges out of the tent ready to kick some flank with you.
>Her dreams are all but squashed as she sees you leaning over their corpses.
>You finish saying a few rites for them, before continuing through the camp.
>Twilight follows, a little upset you didn’t use her.
 
>”I thought you said wait for the signal.”
“I did, and you came out when I used it. Good job.”
>”You know what I mean. I could have helped back there.”
“Twilight please. I want you to be safe, the only reason you aren’t in the main battle is because I worry about you.”
>That seems to hit her where you wanted it.
“With me I can make sure you’re safe, not that I don’t trust your brother.”
>A lone guard passes by, allowing you to slit his throat undetected.
 
>You lie him down, muttering a few words before continuing.
“Whom you should have told me about. I don’t know why you didn’t.”
>”He’s not a big part of my life anymore. I hadn’t talked to him in years before he got married.”
“Yeah to Cadence. I wish Celestia would have told me about that.”
>You dart into another tent with Twilight as the patrol passes.
>”Why would it matter?”
“Just something I’d have liked to know is all.”
 
>You exit, spotting Ulsted’s personal fort.
>You bob your head towards Twilight as both of you head to a lonely section of wall.
>She clears out a small portion of the fence allowing you both to pass through.
>You take Twilight to a secluded section of the fort.
“I need you to stay here.”
>”I’ve stayed hidden long enough, let me help you.”
>You rub her behind the ears and smile.
“Help me by staying safe.”
 
>She gives you a look of defeat, but agrees anyways.
“Promise me you’ll stay hidden.”
>”I promise.”
“Pinkie Promise?”
>”Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”
>You rub your nose with hers and give her a hug.
“Be right back.”
>You step into the open ground, preparing yourself for Ulsted.
 
>Dirt picks up as you stride towards the center.
>Ulsted’s tent stands at the far end, him and his guards inside.
“Ulsted! Guess who’s here!”
>Two soldiers and his bodyguard step out, Ulsted the last to show himself.
>”Well well well, what have we here? Finally becoming a man I see. It took you long enough.
“I could say the same to you, sitting all comfy in your tent while your troops fall in your stead.”
 
>”Valiantly of course. They die for me because they wish it.”
>He readies his massive warhammer, a spike protruding from its rear.
>”You will die because of me.”
>He waves his guards away as you draw your own sword.
>The two of you circle the other forming a circular arena with your strides.
>He clangs his hammer against his armor violently, his show of force not as disheartening as he’d hoped.
>You’ve seen enough of that shit to last a life time.
 
>He mocks you as you continue to circle him. He’ll play this out as long as he can.
>You could do the same, but unlike him you care for your troops.
>You take a step forward, preparing to strike when the opportunity arises.
>He stands out of range awaiting the same scenario.
>He brings down his hammer into the earth. You were barely able to sidestep the attack.
>You lunge forward only for him to slap you aside with his club of an arm.
>”What’s the matter? Out of practice?”
 
>You shake off the blow and go in for a second strike.
>He retrieves his hammer swinging wide for maximum range.
>You roll underneath it coming up inches from his torso.
>He brings his knee up knocking the air from your lungs, pushing you away with ease.
>You manage to stay on your feet, though your body wishes to stay down.
>He saunters towards you, carrying his hammer single-handed.
>Now he’s just toying with you.
 
>You bring up your sword in time to block his hammer, the ensuing force knocking you backwards.
>His next attack misses as does his next.
>You’re recovering faster than he can swing much to his irritation.
>He soon loses control of himself, using both hands to unleash a flurry of swipes.
>You duck down and slash at his knees, forcing him down.
>His massive figure only helps your cause as he falls.
>You kick away his hammer, planting your sword on his neck.
“Do you yield?”
 
>”May Tartarus take you traitor.”
“So be it…”
>You pull back and swing, you’re arm caught on something.
>Your sword is taken from you as another hand smashes against your skull.
>Everything’s a mix of colors to you. A figure watches over you, joined by two others.
>”I’m sorry it ends this way brother. May your spirit find peace in the afterlife.”
>A puff of smoke later, and only two stand.
>”Leave Anon alone!”
 
>You look off to see Twilight flailing magic around like a wild woman.
>Bursts of flame, lightning bolts, ethereal swords, the whole shebang.
>Maybe you should’ve let her join the fight.
>One of the guards charges her, evaporating into the atmosphere when he overstayed his welcome.
>Ulsted backs off using his hammer as a shield from her power.
>”FOREVER!”
>He stumbles over the sudden Pinkie who appears behind him.
>You need to learn how she does that.
>Twilight comes to your side, putting her horn on your head.
 
>A rush of clarity brings you to your senses, but also brings back your injuries.
“I thought I told you to stay safe.”
>”And you said you’d be right back.”
>She wraps her arms around you, a few tears rolling onto your chest.
“That I did. That I did…”
>You manage to get back to your feet, Pinkie gone as if she’d never been there.
>Ulsted attempts to scramble away, though his injury seems to be catching up to him.
 
“Ulsted!” you cry out, “We’re not finished here.”
>He pulls on his tent muttering something under his breath.
>Another person emerges from his tent bound in robes of black.
>Ulsted visibly begs for aid, pulling at his robes.
>”Silence! You should have listened to me when you had the chance.”
>It doesn’t stop him from trying, angering the man further.
>He slams his foot against his neck, your brother’s voice fading to a whisper.
 
>”So, the prince of Glaemar has arrived, how unfortunate.”
>”Who are you?” Twilight’s eyes brighten, her inner rage evident.
>”Unwise Twilight Sparkle, unless you wish for Anon to suffer.”
“She asked you a question, who are you?”
>”Me? I am everyone. I am everything. I…”  he removes his hood, “am you.”
>You’re him, he’s you. The fuck?
>Jimmies at maximum rustle.
 
>Twilight reels back at the sight, concern washing over her.
>”Your response is typical, no matter; your time is already at an end.”
“I don’t know what the fuck you are, and I don’t care. You know something, and I’m going to find out what.”
>His eyes go wide as you stomp towards him.
>”Wait, I haven’t finished my-“
>You grab the impostor by the throat, squeezing him dry.
“You’re going to tell me exactly what you mean, or I’m going to show you what an Erredian can really do.”
 
>He kicks at you, though clumsily. His cooperation may have to be forced.
“I’ll be right back Twilight. For real this time.”
>You turn to take him inside, “Wait.”
“Something wrong?”
>She gulps, her voice a bit shaky.
>”I know what he is.”
>You throw him down, pinning him down under your feet.
“I’m all ears.”
>She looks down at him, “It’s a changeling.”
 
>You stare at him as well, inspecting him closely.
“A changeling? Like a changeling changeling?”
>”The very same you’ve heard stories of.”
>You place your sword on his throat, piercing it slightly.
“Is this true?”
>He doesn’t respond. Instead, he smiles as his body is covered in a black gunk.
>He starts getting bigger, morphing into a familiar face.
>”Did you miss me?” Acus says.
 
>You thrust the sword into him, the blood spewing from his wound.
>”What are you doing?” Twilight asks hysterically, “We need him!”
“No we don’t. That’s all I needed to see.”
>You wipe off the blade on his robes, the red liquid thickening into a bluish slime.
“My king wasn’t lying after all. He had nothing to do with this.”
>”Then why go to war?”
“Because that’s what they knew he’d do. He’s predictable that way.”
 
>The changeling resorts back to its original form, his wounds resizing to fit him.
“When I killed Acus a group of guards came and took him away. Five in total. The same number of men who came to Canterlot with Acus in the first place.”
>”They took him before he turned back to his normal form, and you clean your equipment all the time.”
“There’s no way I would have known what he was. They probably swapped places after I sent him off. Poor bastard’s probably dead now.”
>You sit next to your brother, life completely drained from him.
 
“This is all my fault. I should have seen this coming.”
>”It’s not your fault, no one did. We’re all just pawns in Chrysalis’s game.”
“Pawns… After this war is over, we’ll both be devastated. She could…”
>”Ride in unopposed. There wouldn’t be a force great enough to stop her.”
>You close Ulsted’s eyes, bowing down your head.
“Your death will be avenged.”
>You leave the scattered corpses around, heading back to the front.
>”So, what’s the plan?”
“The plan? Chrysalis will be dead before I let her destroy both of my worlds. We’re going to end this war.”