In times like these, the days where war is no longer between armies, but between one another. It all started on that fateful day when fire rained from the sky and order fell to chaos. The Day of Fire, the start of war.

Hoofington Memorial - 19:32 Hours

My name is Quartz Brine. I'm eighteen years old, and I graduated from school just last year. I entered into training for guard duty at the place, but instead got a nice job as a security guard. I just wish that I would've stayed out of law enforcement altogether.

It was my first day on the job, working at the Hoofington Memorial Museum. I was a new security guard on duty and my job was simple; keep intruders out of the Museum. The day was turning out to be boring as I suspected when the Museum's intercom buzzed and crackled to life.

"Attention all staff of the Hoofington Memorial Museum, we have an important announcement for all of you. It has been noted that tonight, a comet will fly directly over Hoofington, and will not return for another 1000 years. All staff are allowed to leave early to see this once in a lifetime event come to life." blared the intercom.

I smiled, not being able to remember my last shortened day from work. I had my standard issue pistol holstered in case of a robbery, and I was required to keep maintainence on it to a regular basis, and thus, I must keep it with me at all times. I put my pack of extra supplies inside my locker, keeping my extra clips with me, and headed out the door to see the comet.

Hoofington Town Square - 21:00 Hours

I stepped into the town square, looking up at the night sky, hoping to see the comet, but unable to see anything of the sort. I sat down, looking at the stars while I waited for the comet to show itself.

I had a packed lunch with me from earlier that I never got around to eating, so I brought it with me to the square. Nothing is as good as a sandwhich and an apple, especially on cold nights like this. But, I noticed that one thing was off; it wasn't that cold. The weather had called for cold winds, but there was almost no chill in the air at all.

I looked up and saw the comet, my misgivings being dismissed so I could watch the spectacular cosmic phenomenon, something that I would never see again in this life. It took me a moment to realize it, but the comet seemed a bit bigger than it was supposed to be.

Then I felt it; the burning heat. It was so hot that I ran to get inside, and it took a moment to click in my mind, by there was a burning hole in the ground in front of me. I turned and looked to the sky, fire falling down from above, hitting the ground with enough force to leave craters in the ground.

I heard ponies scream in agony and fear, ducking behind anything even seemingly safe, dying upon being hit with the monstrous heat of the flames raining from the sky. As I looked to the sky I saw a glint coming down; a huge amount of fire heading this way. I blinked as it closed the distance between us. It all faded to black.

***
"Look to the skies my children, and see the flames of life and death. Remember these shining beacons of existence, and remember those you lost to them. Never forget their lives, and never let them fade." - Father Garnalus, 5th Artillery Chairman

Hoofington Crater - 01:34 Hours

I woke slowly, a deep searing pain in my side as I tried to get up, the ground burnt beyond recognition. I couldn't recognise any visible landmarks at first, but then I saw it; the Museum was still standing. I limped my way over, my right hind hoof damaged by whatever hit me.

My pistol was still holstered to my coat, but it was stuck in its holder. I was unarmed and couldn't see through some of the smoke. The feeling of death was all too noticable in the air, but I couldn't see anything dead or alive.

I made it to the Museum's door and was surprised to find it locked. I hadn't thought anyone else was inside when I left to see the comet come down, and I was the only security guard with keys to lock it from the outside. So, either I locked it without my keys, which were inside, or someone is inside and has locked me out.

I heard movement from inside, exhibits being smashed, desks being flipped, things like that. The sounds enraged me, but without my keys, I couldn't get into the Museum either way.

I walked away from the Museum's doors, hearing a low, growling noise from somewhere near by. I looked around, trying to pull my pistol from it's holster, but I was unsuccessful, even after pulling with all my strength. I looked around and grabbed a nearby pipe, raising it with my magic. I looked around and moved on.

Hoofington Square Remains - 02:00 Hours

I heard the growl a few more times before it finally stopped, whatever was making the noise seemed agitated at best. I had made it to the town square when a dog attacked me! It seemed strange though. It appeared to be a brown dog with some white fur too. It appeared to be a healthy dog at first glance, but it was glowing lightly.

The dog jumped at me, aiming for my throat. I quickly brought the pipe to bare, blocking the dog seemlessly. I took a swing at the dog with the pipe and struck it head on, cracking it's fragile skull in. It whimpered as the life drained from its eyes, collapsing onto the ground. I took off it's collar, reading the tag.

"Hmm? Wasn't this Applejack's dog, Winona? How the hay did she get here, and what's up with her? She was so cute while I was in Ponyville...rest in peace Winona. Good girl." I said, bowing my head to pray.

Hoofington Radio Tower - 06:15 Hours

The stallion stumbled over to the radio broadcast booth, a deep wound in his side being covered by a mere bandage, the sounds of scraping and scratching proceeding from down the hall behind him as he opened the door to the booth and stepped inside, shutting and locking it, though still unsure of his safety.

He sighed a breath of exhaustion and grabbed the microphone on the table of the booth, turning on the broadcast switch and enabling all frequencies to hear him. With a shuddering breath he spoke into the microphone.

"To everypony that can hear this broadcast, please send help immediately. My name is Neon Lights, and I am trapped at the Hoofington Radio Tower. I'm not sure if anypony can hear me, but if you can, run. Hoofington is no longer a safe place for pony kind. I have seen the things that are attacking us, and they are not peaceful. I saw my manager torn in half tonight, and my only solace is that I can warn all of you. Please, hurry and escape this mad town before we all die. Vinyl, if you can hear this, I'm sorry. There's not much time for me, but I need you to know that I love y-"

As he struggled to breath out the last word, he collapsed onto the floor of the broadcast booth, hidden behind the desk from any prying eyes. With his message sent, he slipped in a very-painful sleep.

End of Chapter One