HyperSpace HyperWars 3

>Be Twilight Sparkle
>You were standing in front of Rarity's boutique
>It was nice outside, and you had wanted to see if Rarity wanted to come to the park and play with your pets
>It had been awhile since any of you had done so, and Owlowiscious was so bored that he had started making nests all over your library
>Him burning off some excess energy might not be a bad idea
>You had been about to knock on the fashionista's door, when you had noticed the construction on the other side of the street
>The whole block had been torn down the other day, and now three dozen construction mares were building the skeleton of what looked to be a massive building
>Something like this would usually be great
>Those buildings had been an eyesore
>Rarity complained to you all the time about them, and wanted you to use "a royal decree to have them wiped off the face of Equus"
>You explained to her time and again that wasn't how it worked
>There was a process
>You could bring something up to parliament certainly, but then they would have to see if it would fit the budget for the year, and if a grant could be issued
>She didn't want to hear any of this, of course, and just complained louder
>So this SHOULD have been good
>But you knew who was having this building constructed
>Mayor Mare had practically shouted it from the window in her office
>The mare had been excited
>Ecstatic even
>You weren't
>Why?
>Because Anon was behind all of this
>Anon

>Probably the strangest, most whimsical, sassiest piece of work you had ever met in your entire life
>And, being a mare born in raised in Canterlot, that was saying something
>You didn't know what he was building, or how the hay he got the funding for something like this, but you would
>Oh, by the Great Book in the sky, you were going to learn...
>With a huff, you turned around, about to knock on Rarity's door, when your ears perked up
>Spinning back around, you saw the devil himself
>There was Anon, in a suit, walking side-by-side with Discord no less
>The hyoo-man colt was all dressed up with a suitcase in his hand like he was some sort of businessmare
>You took a deep breath, wings ruffling
"Anon?" you called. "Anon! You stay right there!"
>Anon and Discord stopped as you marched over toward them, chest puffed out
>When you stopped in front of them--staying just out of booping range: never again--Anon bowed
>"Your highness. Wonderful weather today, isn't it?"
>You wanted to make a sassy retort, but held it in
>You were a princess, for crying out loud, not some grumpy colt
>Being overly aggressive wasn't going to help anything
>This whole thing could be harmless, and you might just be overreacting
>You weren't, you could feel it in your bones, but there was a chance
>A TINY chance
"What are you doing, Anon?" you asked
>"Standing, your highness. Before that Discord and I were walking and talking."
>Your eyes narrowed
>While to anypony else, his words were completely genuine and sincere, you could see the mischief in his eyes
"I hear you're looking to start a business. Congratulations," you said.

>"Thank you very much," he replied. "I hope it'll work out."
"Have things been going well?"
>"I think so. Discord and I have been trying to get everything ready. Hiring employees, getting the place built, getting a budget all laid out, stuff like that."
>Your gaze snapped to the Spirit of Chaos
>He had a halo over his head, looking away as he twiddled his thumbs
"That's... wonderful," you said. "Say, you wouldn't mind telling me what sort of business you're going to be getting into, would you? There's some gossip in town about it, but I'd like to know."
>"Would you?"
"YES."
>Anon smiled
>"Well, I'm actually getting into the toy business if you can believe it."
"Toys?"
>"A lot of people seemed surprised when I say that, but yeah,"
"What sort of toys?"
>"Models. Small miniatures actually," he said, using his thumb and middle finger to show you something about a little bigger than a wine cork. "When everything is set up you'll have to come and see for yourself. Not to brag, but I think it'll be a hit."
>You took a step back toward Rarity's front door, never taking your eyes off him for a second
"I'll have to do that."
>"Well, it was nice talking with you, Twilight. Hope you have a good day."
"Yeah... you too..."
>You looked at both stallions as your rump hit Rarity's door
>You knocked with your hind leg
>You'd find out what these colts were up to
>Cross your heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in your motherbucking eye

~_~_~_~_~_~_


>Be Anon
>You watched as Twilight disappeared into Rarity's boutique
>It was hard not to laugh, but you managed it
>What a silly horse...
"So," you began, turning toward your partner in crime. "You ready for our meeting?"
>"Of course," Discord said
>With a snap of his claw, he was wearing a suit as well, complete with an overly large bowtie
>"Again, I think bringing somepony in for the production is silly. I can pull the images of what the models need to be out of your head."
>He was right
>He could
>It felt weird, but he had actually HAD pulled your idea for models right out of your head
>Well, more specifically, through your ear
>That was well and good, but there was just one problem with them
>Well, lots of problems
>Discord, being as powerful as he was, had an issue with consistency
>The models were always different sizes and shapes whenever he tried to make more than one
>There was also the issue of them being alive sometimes
>Like, actually moving and screaming
>When he made a psyker the little fucker warp screamed
>Broke every window in your house, and damn near burst your eardrums
>You didn't let him try to make any chaos models yet
>No sir
>You weren't unleashing that can of worms...
"You and I can settle with creating the designs. Let someone else do the hard work of sculpting and molding and all of that stuff."

"I suppose," Discord said. "I'm not one for hard work after all."
>You gave his back a pat
"Good, now let's get going. We're already ten minutes late."
>"A wise stallion is always fashionable late, Anonymous. Luckily for you I'm the wisest I know."
>Despite the sass, you managed to get the both of you to the restaurant
>There, sitting at a table in the far corner, looking mildly annoyed, was Greta Gryphon
>Unlike you or Discord, the hen didn't groom herself for this interview or dress up, which was fine
>You had been warned beforehand that these birds were an ornery sort
>This interview might be a bit of an uphill battle
>Her eyes immediately locked onto the two of you as you stepped through the front door, narrowing slightly
>You made sure to stand up a bit straighter
>A predator always tried to sense weakness, which made appearing as big as possible a good idea
>"You're late," she said as you came near. "I was about to leave."
"I apologize for that," you said, pulling Discord's chair out before taking a seat yourself. "My associate and myself were putting the finishing touches on some things and time got away from us."
>The gryphon snorted
>"You had me take a train ride all the way out to this dump of a town and you're the ones that are late. Typical colts."
>She leaned back into her chair, arms crossed
"I promise this will be worth your wild," you said, placing the suitcase into the table and opening it
>"I doubt it," Greta replied. "I wouldn't have even come here if Gilda hadn't been bugging me for days and days. So what is this about then? I hear you're making some sort of toy?"

"Not just a toy, many toys. For a game. A game I hope will change everything," you said, taking something from your suitcase and placing it right in front of the gryphon
>It was one of your models; one that Discord didn't actually bring to life
>A standard Imperial Levy
>It was basically an earth pony with a helmet and a lasgun
>It was on a 25mm plain base
>Not painted; just showing the model
>Greta's head cocked to the side, and some of the irritation left her face
>She picked up the model, carefully looking it over
>She'd be able to see any imperfections too, since gryphons had by and far the best eyesight of anything on this planet
>"This is very detailed, especially for the size," she said, before letting it drop onto the table. "Why should I gave a horseapple about this?"
>Once again, you reached into your suitcase, this time pulling out an old newspaper
"Around six or seven years ago, a young hen came to Canterlot on a science field trip. She went to Celestia's School for The Gifted, the Lunar Telescope, all the normal sights. A year later she came back with an invention. She made a special type of plastic. No pony really paid much attention, but this plastic was durable, high quality, and it could be inject-molded very easily."
>Greta scoffed, looking away
>You could see anger flaring up in her eyes
"Since no one cared for the little hens invention, she went back to Gryphon Stone, which really hasn't been known for anything for the past thousand years. There she stayed, helping her little sister start her own scone business--"
>"Will you bucking quit beating around the bush and tell me what you want?" Greta snapped, slamming a claw against the table, scaring half the restaurant
"I would like your help. Your plastic would be perfect for making these models."
>The hen looked between you and Discord, a flurry of emotions flashing across her face

>"...I would need space to work," she said after a few moments
"We're have a large warehouse built as we speak," you replied.
>"And models for these... things. Do you have molds?"
"Actually there's a pair of donkeys in town that I'm speaking with. We'll have steel molds and the machinery for everything in a few weeks. Plenty of time for you to find a place here."
>Greta tapped a claw against the table thoughtfully
>Her beak couldn't scrunch up, but if it had the ability you were sure it'd be doing that right now
>"You know, I really, really hate making scones," she said. "You actually think this... whatever it is of yours will be big?"
"I hope so. It can be if we do it right."
>"You think you can do it right?"
"Hopefully."
>The gryphon snorted, looking away from you
>"Where's that waiter? We haven't even gotten any water yet."
>After that there wasn't much conversation
>You all ordered your food, got your food, and ate it
>You paid, and followed Greta out the door
>She said she'd think about your offer before taking off into the air with a mighty flap
>You and Discord watched her disappear into the horizon
"I think that went very well," Discord said
"I think so too," you said with a nod. "You were great as usual."
>"Of course I was. Should I have Fluttershy set up a bed in her cottage?"
"Nah. I'll ask around, see if anyone has any rooms around for rent. We need to find all the girls somewhere to stay until everything is built."
>Discord deeply inhaled, holding it for a few seconds before exhaling, a smile coming to his face

>"You know, I think I like this part the best."
"Whatcha talkin' about, Willis?" you asked
>"The build up right before chaos happens," the draconequus said. "Everything coming to an apex before it all comes down like a hammer. I can't wait to see the looks on everypony's faces."
>Your own smile lessened somewhat
"You think it'll really be that bad?"
>"If you want this little game to be exactly as you described it to me it might be worse that even I can imagine. You might not be turned into a statue, but at the very least you might be a stern talking to."
"Thankfully, I'm used to those," you said, giving his back a pat. "I'll see you later. I got a few more things to do today. You mind putting the fear of god into those construction mares? I want our building done quick."
>The spirit of chaos's smile turned nasty
>"Absolutely. For the good of our enterprise of course."
>With a snap of his claw, he disappeared in a puff of cotton-candy flavored smoke
>You adjusted your tie, looking around
>Seeing no one, you let your shoulders sag
>For a second, you let the weight of just what you were trying to do settle on your shoulders
>But then you quit that shit
>Now wasn't the time to stop and think
>You needed to do, do, do
>Standing up straight, shoulders square, you began walking down the street
>A few twist and turned, a hello here and there, you found yourself standing in front of Rarity's boutique
>Hopefully it would be absent of any purple pony princesses at this point
>You knocked on the door-- only being polite; it was a business, sure, but it was a house as well--you let yourself in

>You could hear humming somewhere in the boutique
>"I'll be with you in a minute, darling," the lady of the house called.
"I'll await with bated breath, my lady," you called back
>"Anonymous?" Rarity called, tone now far more eager. "Is that you, dear?"
>Being a naturally nosey mare, Rarity knew a good deal about the world that you had come from
>She knew about the whole role reversal thing, and thought it was delightful that the stallion was the one that needed to flirt and whatnot
>So, of course, you had then lay it on thicker than a country ham whenever you were around her
>Her friends thought it was weird
>She loved it
"It is. Forgive me for just barging in; I couldn't stand to be away from your radiance any longer."
>You heard a giggle
>"Oh, you incorrigible stallion. Stay right there. I'll be right out."
>You placed your suitcase onto the carpet and took off your shoes
>Not a moment after you had done so, Rarity walked in, mane tied back and wearing her signature red-rimmed glasses
>You sunk to a knee
"You become more breathtaking each time I see you, my lady," you said, placing a hand against your heart and bowing your head. "Someday soon your beauty might stop my heart, though it'll be a fine end if you're the last thing these eyes witness."
>Rarity giggled again
>"Flattery will get you everywhere, dear," she said, making her way over to you
>A hoof was offered
>You took it gingerly, and began planting kissing up the length of it
>The unicorn grinned from ear to ear as you went up her back, along her spine, and kissed your way down her other hoof, Gomez Addams style

>When you were done, you let Rarity's hoof go
>The unicorn lowered it to the floor, before offering you the second one
>You kissed her all over again-- "accidently" giving her snoot a peck, which had her trotting in place like a filly--before standing up
>"It is wonderful to see you, Anonymous. As always," she said warmingly
"I assure you that the pleasure is and will always be mine, Rarity," you replied with a bow. "I would say that your beauty rivals that of the alicorns but you leave them all in the dust."
>Rarity's belly heaved at the praise, her tail wagging like a happy dog
>She's never pounced on you, but you were pretty sure it would be any day now
>"Would you like to come in and sit down?" she asked. "I could put on some tea if you'd like."
"That would be wonderful," you said, bowing again
>Rarity's horn glowed, her magic taking you by the hand and leading you into her living room
>You were sat down as she rushed to get you some tea and little cakes
>As soon as a cup was in your hands she took a seat right next to you, close enough that your sides were touching
>"I've been told that you are the one to thank for tearing down those DREADFUL buildings next door," she said. "I am in your debt, dear."
"They were pretty ugly, huh?"
>"More an an eyesore. I've HATED them since moving into this town, and now they've been destroyed and swept away, as they should have been years ago."
"Well, I hope to redeem the land and make sure nopony remembers what was there before."
>Rarity looked up at you
>She was the town gossip, someone that could, and would, put the noisiest stallions to shame

>You could see a burning desire in her eyes
>"Darling, ponies have been wondering what in Equestria you're building. I myself am more than a little curious."
"It's actually a little complicated," you said. "It's also one of the reasons why I'm here."
>"Oh, really?" Rarity said, taking a sip of her tea.
"I'm attempting to start a business, and I thought I'd ask one of the most successful and beautiful mares in Equestria for some pointers."
>"Most successful in Equestria? I don't know about that, dear," Rarity replied with a laugh. "However, I'd be happy to help in anyway that I can."

~_~_~_~_~_~_

>The talk conversation went better than you expected
>Not only did you learn some tips and tricks, the news of what you were doing was going to spread like wildfire
>You almost wished you had brought a notebook to take notes on what you had learned
>Rarity might have been a quirky little horse, but she was an extremely successful business mare
>She knew things you wouldn't have thought of in your wildest dreams
>The unicorn had also insisted that her massive web of connections be at your disposal
>Ponies from here to Las Pegasus; both business and casual, commoner and noble
>You could tell she didn't get the whole thing, but was being extremely supportive
>You left the boutique like you always did; with a smile on your face and a cherry red lipstick mark on your cheek
>Just one more stop and you could go home
>A few blocks later, you found yourself at Sugarcube Corner
>It was close to closing time, and even so you could see ponies walking in and out of the store

>Out of any building in Ponyville, it had the smallest and thinnest doors
>Every time you wanted to get in it was a squeeze
>You also had to watch you didn't crack your head on any lights or fans
>Nevermind trying to find anywhere comfortable to sit
>The Cakes obviously didn't make their business with six foot bipedal aliens in mind
>Usually, you didn't like coming here for those reasons, along with not really being a sweets guy, but you needed to meet a mare
>A party mare to be precise
>The door creaked and groaned as you forced yourself through it, as it always did
>You could hear ponies inside chuckling and teasing good-naturedly
>Eventually, you did manage to get your bulk inside of the building, immediately headbutting a lamp
>That had a group of foals laughing, which got them yelled at by their father
>"Oh goodness. Are you alright, Anon?" Mr. Cake called from across the room
>The stallion was wiping the front counter, face scrunched up in concern
"I'm alright, Mr.--
>You ducked under a fan, giving it a dirty look as you walked
"--Cake. I'm just going to take a seat."
>"Are you sure? I'm positive I have some ice in the back for your head if you'd like."
>None of the stools would support your weight, so you ended up sitting on top of a table
>Normally, it'd be a little rude, but the Cakes understood
"Actually, if you could get Pink--"
"Hiya!" Pinkie all but shouted, appearing out of nowhere
>You jumped, just barely holding back the urge to flail your arms around
>Last time you did that you put your arm through a wall
"Pinkie!" you couldn't help but yell
"Nonners!" Pinkie yelled back, throwing her hooves up into the air
"Pinkie!"

>"Pinkie Pie!" Mr. Cake yelled in a disapproving tone. "Stop harassing that poor stallion."
>"Sorry Mr. Cake!" Pinkie said, leaping up onto the table next to you
>You, meanwhile, were trying to swallow your heart
>Someone needed to put a bell on this mare, otherwise she might kill someone someday
>"Did you need something, Nonners?"she said. "My elbow was itchy, and my snozzle scrunched up on it's own."
"And that means I need something from you?"
>"Usually. It's that or Thunderlane ran out of orange juice."
>You nod slowly
"Okay... So, Pinkie. I know you're a party planner."
>"The best party planner in Equestria," she said with a nod.
"You do a lot of parties for foals, right?"
>"I do. Why? Does some lucky colt or filly need a party to brighten up there day? Is there a cutieanera that I don't know about?"
>The mare gasped
>"Or is a certain somehuman about to have a foal with some lucky mare? Who is it? Is it Bonbon? Carrot Top? Maybe--"
"Shhhhhh," you said, placing a finger against her lips
>She, thankfully, paused
>You held the finger there for a good minute before lowering it
>Pinkie tried speaking again, only for your finger move back up
>This happened a few more times, until she didn't try to talk when you lowered your hand
"If you have parties with foals a lot you probably have a whole lot of games for them to play, right?"
>"Yeppers!" Pinkie said with a nod and a bounce
>You looked around the shop before leaning down toward her ear
"Would you like another game in your arsenal?"

>The party pony hummed thoughtfully
>"What kind of game are we talking?"

~_~_~_~_~

>You were dead tired as you made your way home
>Everything--for today at least--was done
>You could go home, kick off your shoes, and relax for a few hours
>When Celestia's sun came back up it would start all over again
>There was so much to do before your building was even finished
>You'd get it all done though
>You just needed to knuckle down and get stuck in
>Upon coming to your humble abode, you saw that your mailbox was stuffed
>Pulling it's contents out, there were some bills, letters, and a small yellow box
>Your curiosity got the better of you, and you opened it right where you stood
>The book had a letter, and a book
>The book was medium thickness, at least three or four hundred pages long
>Putting the book in the crook of your armpit, you opened the letter


Dear Anonymous,

I hope this letter finds you well. I hear that the construction of your store is underway. I pray that it goes smoothly. I have some very good news. I spoke to my mother about the setting for your game. She was so tickled by it that she decided to write something for you. I was told you can sell these when your store opens, simply send a letter to my mother in the address I've written below and you both can discuss an arrangement.

Yours,

Shining Armor

>You reread the letter again, before giving the book a once over
>The cover was pretty plain
>No fancy images or ornate backgrounds
>On the back there was a short synopsis:
>In the grim darkness of the future, there is only war.
>On the front, in golden lettering, was the title
>The Horse Heresy: The Fall
>You found yourself grinning like a madman and, for a moment, your exhaustion was gone
"In Excelsis Equestria..."