Wardaddy

Artorius kept running, a whole horde of infected still rampaging after him. He tried screaming out for help, but all that did was attract more infected to his location. Despite the fact he was still armed with his plank, Artorius knew it was pretty substandard protection, and that he needed to retreat elsewhere, somewhere with survivors. There had to be some, he knew it. "Help me! Somepony!" Artorius screamed out, before setting his eyes on a cafe that wasn't too far from the castle. From the looks of it, it had been barricaded and fortified only recently. Knowing what that meant, Artorius galloped to the door before banging on it frantically. "Help! Let me in!" However, no one was there, so Artorius, assuming the cafe was abandoned, instead ran towards the castle in hopes of finding sanctuary there. Unfortunately, the infected blocked the route, forcing him to detour towards another fortified building. The door and walls were sealed off with concrete, and the alleyways next to it were also sealed off. Not wanting to die a cornered pony, Artorius attempted to jump over the dumpster that blocked his path. He just barely made it, skinning his hindquarters. Praying to the Creator the bastards couldn't jump over the barricades either, Artorius dug in next to the dumpster, lying on his hooves to avoid being seen. "Creator above! What happened to these guys?!" Cried Artorius in shock. Indeed, what kind of virus drove a pony so mad with rage? "Rage......." Said Artorius, until it finally clicked in his head. What was rumored to be an urban legend turned out to be true. A Changeling's venom did indeed contain the rage virus, and by Celestia, it didn't take long for the virus to go full-on rampant.

Equestria: 28 Days Later Canterlot City Centre-1 day and 10 hours after outbreak Link to OOC: http://mlpforums.com/topic/104246-equestria-28-days-later/#entry2851864 Artorius woke up some several hours after the life that he knew had come to a horrific and bloody end. He had holed up in a flower shop, which wasn't necessarily the best protection, but it had worked as none of the rioters had found him. As quietly as he could, the aqua blue Earth pony got on his all-fours and moved to the door, which he had reinforced with corrugated iron and struts made of wood which helped them to block the door effectively, granting Artorius a good night's sleep. Carefully, so as not to attract attention, Artorius removed the struts and lowered the sheets of iron before opening the door to take a look around. From his point of view, the areas to his right and centre were clear, however Artorius heard a frothy, raspy growl to his left. Shifting his head to take a look, Artorius could make out the figure of a unicorn, stumbling and toppling about without any sense of balance or direction. Despite the distance between them, Artorius could make out the unicorn's appearance. His coat was coloured emerald green, however his body was covered in blood, and there was a bite mark visible on the back of his neck. His mouth was open, bearing his teeth which were complete with incisors comparable to fangs. His nose and eyes were flowing rivers of blood. Artorius recognized the unicorn as a rioter, however there was something wrong with him. Still, remembering that he didn't have time to dawdle, Artorius quietly tried to sneak out of the flower shop, however one of his hooves stepped on an iron sheet, forcing it to the floor with a loud clang, which was easily audible to the infected unicorn. The latter snapped his head to face Artorius, before screeching a bloodthirsty roar. Leaving Artorius little time to react, the infected turned on a dime and charged at the Earth pony, intent on turning him as well. However, Artorius was able to react even quicker, taking one of the wooden struts and smashing it against the infected's skull, temporarily grounding him. Seizing the advantage, Artorius began galloping for his life, as behind him an entire swarm of infected joined the pursuit.

"It's no MG42 sir, but I could never pass up the chance to mow the lawn, if you get my meaning". With a wink to the sergeant, Blitz mounted the machine gun, holding on and bracing his stance as the halftrack jerked backwards in response to the vehicle's movement. As the SdKfz linked up with the armored column, Blitz took a look around. His eyes met with the heads of the many halftrack gunners in his column, along with a few tank commanders who were looking out from their Panzer IIs. At the forefront of the column, Blitz spotted the column leader looking out from his Panzer. He sported a peaked cap with the crest of the Lunar Front sewn on it. Having identified he column, Blitz continued to survey the area, this time for any enemies. His experience from the Battle of Ponyville taught him well enough that the Allied infantry were quite capable of using anything to their advantage, especially foliage. So far, nothing could be seen, but that was exactly what Blitz anticipated. When combined with the olive drab uniform of the Allied forces, the brushland of the Everfree becomes very treacherous. If there was one thing certain, Blitz knew a lot of lives would be lost tonight. After some waiting, the column was closing in on the ruins. Blitz could make out the cracked, disembodied ruins of the walls of the eastern parapets, which overlooked the stretch of woodland between the castle and the encampment. Expecting hell to break loose at any minute, Blitz steeled himself to engage the enemy. "Ruins in sight! Prepare for contact!" Shouted the corporal, before cocking his MG34. With his mind racing, his heart pumping and his nerves steely, Blitz prepared himself to mow the lawn, the lawn being an onslaught of Allied soldiers. Among the many questions racing through his mind, one resonated the loudest: how long would he last?

As the sergeant boarded the halftrack, Blitz took a moment to inspect it. The vehicle appeared so vulgar and unfeeling in its grey coat and thick steel, striding off into battle towards the clutches of whatever fate awaited it, yet it was sturdy and it was quite intent on getting him and his squad where they needed to go. Pondering his thoughts, Blitz turned to the sergeant once more. "I hope this thing lasts long enough sir. Long enough that I can blast my way out of it, right up to the castle". With that, Blitz boarded the vehicle, propping his MG42 on its butt, between his hooves. As his cigar burned from his mouth, Blitz steeled himself, preparing to venture once more into Tartarus.

I do NOT consider Twilight justified in any way. The way she confronted the bride was completely wrong, considering she wore a satisfied smile on her face after Cadance had run away, and you must be some kind of stone cold, heartless person to not even imagine the pain Twilight was going through. For me, it was as palpable as her fury against Tirek in the S4 finale. The look on her face in the aftermath spoke volumes and all. I mean, for God's sake, when will you understand? These are seven ponies Twilight held near and dear to her heart. They should've known her better than anypony, and yet they're perfectly happy to leave her when it suits them. By what you're saying, you're quite happy to have left Twilight be killed, because nopony knew what had happened to Twilight next. Sure, we all knew she got imprisoned, but what of the Infamous Seven? Did THEY know she was safe and sound in a cave? Nope, for all they knew she was probably still there, wallowing in a pool of her own misery. How you could not feel Twilight's pain is beyond me. Not only could I feel it, I could see it. It was obvious, and it was not pretty. Twilight had been left emotionally and spiritually shattered. As I said before, "What the hell, hero"? More like "What the hell, guys who the protagonist held close to her heart"?

That is exactly why Twilight accused Cadance of being evil. Before Twilight's eyes, she was harsh and very critical of the Mane 5, who had worked hard to produce what had to be perfect preparations for a perfect wedding. In fact, Cadance even dismissed the preparations as failures, which was something Twilight knew the real Cadance would never do. From what I gathered, Cadance was a very warm and kind individual, who was not easily plagued by stress or fatigue, even from high-profile events like weddings. Any preparations made for her wedding would be welcomed, and Twilight knew this. But the way the impostor was acting was very different to the Cadance she knew and loved, which fuelled her suspicions. I mean, come on like, the impostor even failed to recognize the Sunshine dance Cadance and Twilight did when the latter was a filly! If I were Twilight, I would definitely raise an eyebrow at that. By the way, I'm sorry I can't agree with your view of the situation. It just doesn't sit right with me to watch everypony that Twilight loves leave her a broken, crushed mess.

Heh, I was wondering when you'd find this fanfic. Too bad I'm considering deleting it, seeing as I've been getting a lot of heat for what I believe in. I need to respect people's opinions? Perhaps, but it's very much the same on your side of this tennis court. Noodles, Dragon Master and now you are all pressuring me to give in and admit that you're right. I need to be respectful of opinions? Perhaps you should take a look in the mirror before saying such a thing. Why should I have to admit Twilight was wrong in openly confronting the bride? I have just as a good a defense as you do for the Infamous Seven. And that defense, my friend, is that Twilight's brother, whom she loved very much, was in grave danger. She couldn't just sit back and let this sick, twisted new character of her former favorite foalsitter take him away from her. I've tried my very best to appease both sides here, but I can see it was all a waste of time when people like you stride onto fanfics like this and call bullshit on every chapter. Want to know why I said Noodles and Dragon Master were no longer welcome here? Because their haranguing is only serving to throw me into doubt and make me question the purpose of this fanfic. You sir, are no different. If you want to call bullshit on the opinions of people like myself and Duragan on FiMFiction, who inspired me to make this work, then so be it. But why should I have to suffer for my beliefs? In fact, it doesn't surprise me you've come to join the bandwagon that exists to criticize and slander me. You're a Chrysalis fanboy, who would say anything to defend her actions. How predictable, says I.

This, this is why I started this fanfic in the first place. This goes out to the guys who thought I got butthurt because Twilight didn't deserve to get abandoned. Of course Twi deserved to get punished, but do you want to know why I condemned the Infamous Seven for walking out on her? Because Twilight was torn apart by her brother. She needed her friends to stay with her, but they refused to give her that comfort. In doing so, they broke a promise they made to take Twilight more seriously from that point onwards. Perhaps if Twilight was not left broken by her brother, then she would've taken abandonment on the chin, knowing she deserved it. But in this case, Twilight needed the support only a true, true friend could give, but what did her so-called friends do? They left her in pieces. And her mentor was no better. Princess Celestia, who has cared for Twilight like a mother and has held her in such high regard, should've known better than to leave her student in the state she was. And what she said was cold. "You have a lot to think about" "What the hell, hero"? More like "What the hell, Princess?" That's one of the many reasons why I started this fanfic in the first place. And once more, I find myself questioning why I should be assimilated into the side that says "Twilight deserves it". Just like in "What Have You Done?" when the Elements reject their Bearers for breaking their promise, the citizens of Canterlot will now reject their Princess and the Element Bearers for putting their lives in danger.

Well, the way I saw your argument was another defense of Shining, the Mane 5 and Celestia. I was so outraged and angry at them for just leaving Twilight to wallow in the pain they blatantly inflicted upon her that I was driven to make this fanfic in order to expose the raw destruction and harm that had been wreaked upon her soul. The show never touched on this either, and I felt that i would be damned if I let the seven ponies responsible get away with this. their actions nearly caused the fall of Canterlot (and quite possibly the deaths of several thousand ponies, not to mention the princesses themselves. And as for the endgame, all of Equestria. Knowing that Chrysalis wanted love, it's not hard to imagine she wouldn't have stopped at Canterlot. No greedy, confident villain stops at just one) This is what I've been trying to tell you the whole time. I felt that Twilight was right to confront impostor Cadance openly and that Celestia, Shining and the Mane 5 were utterly wrong in their treatment of their sister, friend and student. True enough that Twilight had upset a bride, but in a situation where the safety of thousands of ponies is threatened, it shouldn't matter who is who and what is what. What matters is that the city is secure and the wedding can go ahead unopposed. I never said Twilight was infallible, not even from the beginning. She did what she had to do, and her intentions were to protect those she loved. However, in light of recent events, it seems this case is indefensible. I must go with the flow and admit that not upsetting a bride before her big day is more important that trying to protect your family and friends.

Acknowledging the sergeant's unnecessity for formalities, Blitz stood at ease, listening to the debrief as his commanding officer saw it. As he spoke, Blitz's suspicions were becoming more and more correct with every passing word. Following the Battle of Ponyville, he had heard stuff from the officers about the Element Bearers being split in half, with the leader, Twilight Sparkle, supposedly seen running into the uncharted depths of the Everfree Forest. Luna only knew what lurked in that labyrinth of plants and animals, but one thing was for certain; the Axis and Allies weren't just fighting for territorial gain. Twilight was holed up in the castle ruins, and the situation had turned into a race to the finish line between the two sides. Undoubtedly, Lulamoon would have their plots if they failed to extract her, which was why Blitz was determined not to fail. Finally, when the sergeant finished monologuing, Blitz spoke up. "Twilight Sparkle, you say? I had a feeling she was the reason we were here. I'm not saying I knew anything sir. After Ponyville, I heard stuff from the forward command about seeing a purple unicorn running off into the Everfree, so I assume that's why were here......." Blitz trailed off as he heard a shuffling of hooves next to him, before witnessing the mare which was in his truck speed off into the distance, crying her eyes out. "Hey, wait!" Blitz called out to her, but sadly to no avail. The mare was gone, her nerves giving way to the stress of war. "Sweet Luna....." Blitz whispered to himself. He couldn't believe what had just happened. Looking into the distance, the mare was now totally out of sight, lost in the labyrinth of vehicles, troops and mechanics that moved throughout the camp. Sighing deeply, Blitz turned his head to look at the sergeant once more. "As I was saying sir, I knew nothing about this. As far as I'm concerned, I've been brought here to kill some Solar plot-kissing bastards first and ask questions later, which is exactly what I intend to do". With that, Blitz reset himself, and fell back into line, before removing his packet of cigars from one of his pockets, along with a lighter taken from a fallen Allied soldier in Ponyville. Blitz stuck a cigar in his mouth, lighting it before putting the packet and lighter back in his pocket, awaiting the next orders.

Welp, just when I thought I wasn't going to buy Xbox One, looks like I am now! Microsoft are reselling the console without Kinect, which brings me to the point which will help this sentence make sense: This was by far and away a smashing success from Microsoft and Xbox, a presentation that definitely brings me back on board with them. The Halo Collection, super stoked for that, but not nearly as much as Halo 5. I really want to see what that new Spartan's game is, and overall, well done Microsoft for not making the same stupid mistake twice. Also roll on Destiny and anything else which catches my eye http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130102165457/mlpfanart/images/e/e7/Luna_clapping.gif

Corporal Firebolt Blitz, a pegasus of sound mind and wounded, but patched up body, was one of the many infantrymen en route to Forward Camp Selene aboard a convoy of Opel Blitz trucks escorted by a pair of SdKfz 223 armored cars. Security was tight as the Axis worked to ensure no Allied aircraft could get a bomb on their forces, particularly the panzer divisions which were instrumental to seizing the castle ruins. Blitz sat, among his side of 8 soldiers in his truck, with a face as hard as stone. His expression was grim and from his mouth, a cigar slowly burned, smoke leaking from its butt. Blitz took a puff, before removing the cigar from his mouth. The hoof which held it landed gently atop his MG42, which was standing on its own butt. Next to Blitz was the prisoner he had helped save from the Royal Guard at Canterlot, Scarlet Soul. The two had enlisted at Manehatten, before being sent out to the Everfree, which was turning into a mess of gunfire, explosions and general mayhem. Scarlet's expression was a mix of fear, contemplation and worry, but mostly fear. "You OK Scarlet?" Asked Blitz. "Yeah, I'm fine Blitz". Replied Scarlet uneasily. Blitz could sense the terror, but also the resolve, in his voice. He was fearful for his life, but at the same time he was ready to give his life for the cause if need be. "Don't worry, we'll be fine". Said Blitz, comforting the young unicorn before placing his cigar back in his mouth. Opposite him were two other troops, Jump Cut and Sven Schafer. All were there for the same reason he was; fight to bring Princess Luna back to Equestria and restore her to power. The first step, however, was getting the Element of Magic and leader of the Element Bearers, Twilight Sparkle, out of the clutches of the Western Alliance and into their safe hands. After some few minutes, the trucks pulled over. The crew moved in and opened the back door, the NCO behind them ordering the troops to bail out and link up with their squads. "OK Scarlet, I'll see you on the other side" Said Blitz. Unfortunately, Scarlet had been assigned to the 3rd Panzer Division, but at least Blitz got the chance to see him off. "Listen Blitz" Said Scarlet. "In case we don't see each other again, thanks for saving me". "Anytime, now get out of here soldier". Said Blitz, who watched as his friend nodded to him before heading off to rendezvous with his platoon. As the clanging of metal and the chugging of engines resonated around him, paired with gunfire in the distance and various voices calling out all across the camp, Blitz remembered that his first and only order so far was to find a sergeant by the name of Clear Waters, who was with the 6th Panzer's 103rd Motorized Infantry, and report to him. Hoisting his MG42 on his shoulder, Blitz looked around for his squad leader. None could be seen from his current glance, until his eyes met with the figure of a pegasus dressed in military uniform standing next to an SdKfz 250 halftrack. He was looking at his standard-issue clipboard, and his stripes bore the rank of sergeant; could this be the one he was looking for? Not willing to pass up any chances, Blitz stepped before the sergeant, before standing to attention and saluting him. "Corporal Firebolt Blitz, reporting for duty sir".

LOL, it's totally OK. It would seem you've managed to chip away my stubbornness to the point where I can see past my enraged blindness. Twilight wasn't right in her actions at all, and the way the Infamous Seven reacted is completely understandable. I think I need to have a word with TwilightDreamer about this. You've opened my eyes dude. Now I see; defending Twi was a fool's gambit. However, I'm not going to delete the fanfic, for the only question that remains now is how I should finish it. In the meantime, I wish to broadcast this message to all who still think Twilight's actions were justified: they were not. In her own mind, Twilight believed that what she was doing was right. However, to the seven ponies whom I revoke of the moniker "The Infamous Seven", in their eyes, the Cadance that stood before them was the real Cadance, and what Twilight did was shameful. We can all make excuses, but at the end of the day, Twilight upset a bride on the night before her wedding, and if I were her, I'd be lucky to not get kicked out altogether. So please, don't make the same mistake I did.

How misguided? What I'm trying to argue is that Twilight's actions, while in poor judgement they were made, did not deserve the treatment she got. Nopony even gave her the chance to explain herself, and that is why I criticize the Infamous Seven's response. Besides, when one thinks about it, the Infamous Seven basically chose to let Chrysalis walk on Canterlot without them even knowing it. When I said that, I wanted you and Noodles to just get off my back. I got so fed up of hearing that I was making Twilight out to be infallible that I.....resorted to such measures. All I wanted to do was vindicate her, not make her out to be a Mary Sue. In fact, that was the last thing I wanted.

Erm, I was talking about me. Do you find my defense of Twilight stubborn, childish and wrong I'll get on it ASAP, and thank you.

Before I can answer to your reply, I'd like to ask you, Noodles and Dragon Master a question. Do you consider my defense of Twilight in the face of overwhelming evidence to be stubborn, childish and wrong? Because, from my standpoint, I'm making a pretty good case here.

Hardly. I was sitting back here, watching the discussion gain steam. Don't think for a minute we got scared off, because I'm not finished. EquestrianScholar, in no way do I condone Twilight's actions and yes, a time-out was the proper punishment. However, given that there was a threat of invasion from an outside force, Twilight shouldn't have been left in the hall, for in the Infamous Seven's hindsight, God only knows what could have happened to her. We all know what happens to Twilight, but do they? Also, I am among those who criticize the Infamous Seven's response to Twilight, because they are her inner circle. Her family, her friends, and for Luna's sake, her mentor. Seven ponies who know Twilight better than anypony else, but apparently, despite the fact they've been through so much with Twi, they don't trust her enough to know that she would never lie to them. Some inner circle, says I. Even Celestia, who has been like a surrogate mother to Twilight, and has taught her from the days when she was young, to the point where she can entrust her and her friends with the Elements of Harmony, doesn't trust her enough to know she wouldn't lie. However, I will admit what Twilight did was despicable. Driving a bride to tears before her big day is an act utterly senseless and cruel, but as Night Light said in Chapter 3, two wrongs don't make a right. Know what that means? It means that while Twilight wasn't exactly Princess Perfect to begin with, the Infamous Seven IMHO treated her like dirt. And in doing so, they endangered the WHOLE OF EQUESTRIA!! Need I say more?

Thank you so much for this. I was beginning to have doubts about my defending Twilight, considering the pressure put on me by Noodles and Evil Dragon Master, who both remain steadfast with their argument that my defense of Twilight is childish and wrong, based on her actions. But once more God has thrown me a lifeline in the form of your feedback, which has given me the drive to continue this story once more. I completely understand where the aforementioned users are coming from and I totally agree; Twilight's actions were just as despicable, but the way the Infamous Seven reacted is just shameful. The show is labelled as "Friendship is Magic" after all, and what the Seven did to Twilight was like spitting in the face of that mantra. Clearly the Mane 5 had learned nothing from the Lesson Zero episode, Celestia apparently forgets that she told the entire Mane 6 that very same lesson and Shining Armor? Well, you'd expect a brother to be a bit less harsh, although he was under mind control so I don't know, tbh. I mean, even Celestia doesn't know Twilight well enough that she would never lie about something, and in case Shining Armor missed it (which he did) Twilight acted that way because she cared about the wedding (considering it was a wedding between her favourite foalsitter and her BBBFF, a wedding she wholeheartedly supported) and because she feared he was in danger! If only Chrysalis hadn't pulled that Wounded Gazelle.........anyway, thank you so much for this. It was just what I needed given my current predicament. As for the Seven having to answer to the Canterlot Court, well that was a take from another ACW fanfic floating around the interwebz that I read. Twilight may have been able to forgive her brother, friends and mentor while admitting she was wrong in the process, but the nobility sure as hay haven't been able to. They're furious at Celestia for being unable to stave off the second Changeling attack, in the process endangering the populace to certain death. So now the Seven will have to answer to the court, and as for me, I've got a great opening script for the judge to deal upon the group, making them truly understand the level of responsibility they carried on their shoulders, and making them fully regret the blatant disregard they showed to not just Twilight, but the whole of Canterlot by extension. Trust me lad, this next chapter is going to be a stinger.