The air was crisp and almost unsettling in the midsummer sky. Smoke choked the blue aura of the day into an odd gray-color, and it was set afire by the embers that came with it. Everyone in the world seemed to be cowering from the dangers that hung in the clouds and seemed to shake Equestria to it's core.
A tall pony marched through the centre of Ponyville with armor adorning his body. From what could be seen, he had charcoal-colored fur and a pale, creamy mane and tail. His eyes were yellow and shrouded with memory and smoke that was coated in battle-hunger. He was an earth-pony, but the two stallions beside him were Pegasi.
One was tall and skinny, with fairly long legs and weary, green eyes. He was chestnut-colored, with wings held out at the charcoal-pony's disposal if a threat were to arise. His counterpart was a similar color to him, but had a black mane and tail whilst the other had a white mane and tail. They made no moves other than fluent with the leader, even though their eyes were filled to the brink with emotion.
Ponies watched from their homes, and Pegasi flew down from their city engulfed in clouds to see what was going on. The leader of the armored ponies paid no attention to the curiosity sparked in the bystanders, but made his way to his destination - town center - where the mayor was standing with tired bones. She nodded to them as they arrived and stepped onto a platform.
"Citizens of Ponyville," spoke the charcoal-pony with a broad voice, gathering eyes from the citizens. "I have come to recruit for the Equestrian army."
Shocked whispers formed around the ponies. The speaking of "army" had never been heard in such a place before. Army was associated with war!
"What's going on?" said a sky-blue Pegasus from the midst of the crowd. She held a vibrant, rainbow mane and tail and fiery magenta eyes. "Why do we need an army?" her raspy voice called again, looking the leader straight in the eye.
"A large group of ponies throughout Equestria has began to rebel against us. They do not like the way things are run, and plan to overthrow the princesses." he spoke, not just to the rainbow pony, but to all. "Equestria hasn't held an army in the longest time, since there was no need for it. With such a threat cast by this growing number of ponies, we need to build an army and fight." The charcoal-pony's voice rang with a loud boom, making sure everyone could hear. "There will be bloodshed."
The rainbow pony's eyes melted with the thought of being killed in a war. "Count me in," she protested before being swept back by a pale pony with a leather hat and ponytail.
"Don't be rushin' head-first into these matters, Rainbow Dash!" she said in a heavy, southern accent. "You don't know what'ta expect!"
"I know what to expect," Rainbow Dash retorted, brushing the pony off of her. "and I'm willing to die for Equestria to be restored."
The charcoal-pony smirked, entranced by the young mare's perseverance. "We salute your bravery," he said with a dip of his head. "and we'd be honored to have you on the Equestrian Army."
Rainbow Dash's eyes shone with pride and patriotism. She looked at her fellow town, and began to grow outraged. "Am I the only one?" she shouted into the faces of the wary ponies. "Am I the only one willing to go hoof-first to defend Equestria and the princesses?" The ponies gave her an emotionless look in return. "This is pitiful! All of you have the duty to do this, not just me. I don't want to die, but I'm willing, and you all should have this very same attitude!"
A large red pony wearing a strange thing around his neck stepped forward from the mare that tried to hold Rainbow Dash back earlier. He looked at his hooves, then back at the charcoal-pony and Rainbow Dash. "I'm willin'," he said in a similar accent, flashing a glance to the rainbow pony.
"As am I!" flew down a black pony with a striking blue mane and tail and shocking yellow eyes. He was bold, and strong, and was noticeable by all that he would make a fine soldier.
Two ponies flew down from the clouded ranks. One was an orange mare with a mane that seemed to be flames, and the other was a blue stallion with green eyes that would swoon any mare. "We will," spoke the stallion with a whole heart and steady tone.
More and more ponies came forward from the somewhat-small town meeting, all volunteering their lives to help the cause of defending Equestria. The charcoal-pony was overwhelmed with the recruits and accepted every last one of them, including the pale Southern pony that was skeptical earlier.
This was two years ago.