Chapter 1
A cloaked figure trotted through the crumbling halls of the Pony Sister's castle, deep in the Everfree forest. The moonlight shinned through the hole in the ceiling, illuminating what remained of the once regal tapestries and windows.
Charcoal gray hooves stepped in the main chamber, gazing at the mobile that once held artifacts of great power, now destined to crumble, as everything does.
Family, Love.
Nations.
A squared off snout and a horn that shared it's storm cloud color poked out from the shadows of the pony's hood. His horn began to glow, then released a burst of magic that soared into the sky, silently lighting up the room.
When the light died out, he waited. Seconds turned to minutes.
With a scowl on his face, he began to turn away. Suddenly, A harsh breeze rushed into the chamber. Purple smoke began to swirl around him.
"Why have you come here?" A wispy voice demanded.
The wind blew the hood off of the stallion's head, his once short and neat black mane now hanging over his right eye. The left eye shone with determination, hurt, and revenge, the once hazel iris now pale, matching the pupil. The eye was marred by a scare that reminded him daily of what he fought for.
For a soldier must have a purpose to fight wholeheartedly.
"Simple, Nightmare Moon." Josh replied, his eyes momentarily flashing blue. "We want revenge."
Causes and beliefs can turn on a dime. But war...
War never changes.
2 weeks earlier.
Josh strode through Canterlot Castle, forgoing his normal human form. He admired the beautiful stained glass windows that depicted the rise and prosperity of Equestria.
The Princesses had called him for an important meeting, though he wasn't sure what for. He turned the corner to the throne room, then, suddenly, several Day guards in golden armor tackled him.
" You are under arrest for acts of treason. Do not resist!" The leader bellowed in his ear. They hoof cuffed him and hauled him back to a standing position.
Josh saw Princess Celestia approach him.
"Princess, tell them you called for me." Josh commanded, though he was in no place of authority.
"... Take him to the dungeon." She said turning her nose up.
" What?!" He yelled. He shifted to his human form, slipping out of the now loose cuffs. He drew his MP 26 side arm and fired two bursts in the pony standing on his right. Ducking below a blast of magic, he did the same to the other guard.
"Celestia, what is the meaning of this?" Josh demanded. Time seemed to slow down as the Alicorn princess prepared to blast him. A cool sense of calm filled his mind.
'I suggest immediate retreat.' Leonidas, Josh's personal A.I. spoke. ' Live to fight another day.'
"Agreed." Josh muttered as he fired a burst of hollow point rounds at Celestia. The Princess was able to deflect most of the bullets, but several hit her right wing.
Josh turned and ran for the nearest window, jumping straight through it.
And off of the side of the Mountain.