True Colors

Blackened Hearts

Twilight Sparkle sighed as she stared at the roof of the tent. She always had trouble sleeping. Though she was unhappy to admit it, it hadn’t been as bad since Nightmare Moon had hugged her that day, but it was not enough to free her from her nightmares. So she often lay awake at night with nothing but her thoughts to distract her. She had contemplated more than once going on a walk, but her master’s tent was right next to her own. She didn’t want to risk the alicorn seeing her. Not out of fear for what Nightmare would do. Just out of fear that she wouldn’t be left alone. She used to take comfort in the alicorn’s presence, and while things had not been as bad since the taking of Stalliongrad Twilight still preferred solitude. She believed her master wouldn’t hurt her, or, at least, as far as she could. She was still very aware of what Nightmare could do, though. The strong aching in her back from an earlier sparring match attested to that. Of course, Nightmare had offered to heal it, but Twilight wasn’t quite ready to trust her body to the alicorn like that.

Sighing in aggravation, Twilight decided to risk being noticed. She wasn’t going to get any sleep soon, and she could use the walk. Once she stepped out of her tent, though, she was surprised to see her master sitting near her own tent, and looking up at the sky. Curiosity overriding her desire to be alone, the young unicorn walked over, and sat a little away from her master, being certain there was some distance between them. Nightmare Moon did not seem to notice her, so she decided to attract the alicorn’s attention. “Master?” She asked politely.

“Hmm? Oh, Twilight.” Nightmare greeted, briefly looking to the unicorn. “What are you doing up?”

“I couldn’t sleep. You?” Twilight Sparkle asked.

“I don’t normally get too much sleep. A few hours here and there. I thought you would have learnt that by now.” Nightmare answered.

“Sorry.” The young unicorn replied submissively.

Her master sighed, and looked to Twilight with something between exhaustion and hurt in her eyes. “You don’t have to be afraid me.” She stated.

Twilight knew that, but how was she supposed to not be afraid when she knew how powerful Nightmare Moon was? Maybe…Maybe her master wouldn’t hurt her like that bitch, but there was still every chance the alicorn would turn on her one day. She remembered how great things had been up until she mentioned not trusting the…day empress. When she’d said that Nightmare had lashed out at her quite explosively. Maybe her master hadn’t hurt her, but the possibility was always there. Twilight knew not to trust anyone, growing up in Stalliongrad, and the events a month and a half ago had reaffirmed that.

After several moments of silence Nightmare turned her attention back to the night sky saying, “You don’t have to call me master, either. I haven’t thought of you as a slave in weeks.”

“Just because you don’t think of me as one doesn’t mean I’m not.” Twilight replied vindictively.

Nightmare Moon was silent for awhile before agreeing with slight downturn in her voice, “I suppose you’re right. A blood oath can never be broken.”

Silence returned to the two, and Twilight took it to calm down. Shortly she asked, “So what are you doing out here?”

“Working.” Nightmare replied. “This helps me relax and think.”

The lavender unicorn raised a brow before looking to the sky, and taking note of it slowly changing. The alicorn was rearranging it. She hadn’t had too many chances to do such since leaving the castle. The three quarter moon seemed to glow much brighter than normally, and the space around it was immediately black. The stars were dim in comparison this night, and only served to compliment the white orb. Suddenly, a blue aurora cut through the sky, and broke around the moon to head off in four different directions part it. It was a beautiful night, but, then, Twilight would openly admit she had gained an appreciation for the time since Nightmare had made her a slave. “What’s on your mind?” The young mare asked idly as she watched the stars shift position.

“Everything.” The alicorn answered. “Our numbers, our supplies, the tasks ahead of us, the gryphons’ coming response, the rest of the council, Celestia, and you.”

Her? Nightmare Moon’s actions and words in the past insisted that the obsidian mare had no ill thoughts of Twilight, and while the unicorn did not entirely trust her master she had no grounds to argue that point. It made her wonder what, exactly, the ruler of the night was thinking about. She wouldn’t voice this, though. “Are we really in that much trouble?” She asked.

“Twilight, we have a chance, but at the moment it is slim. Celestia outnumbers us by many legions, and while we have potential recruits in The Grand Army there is still no guarantee that any of them will necessarily join. Our only hope for supplies at the moment is Gildaris, and the gryphons all have a very bloody past. They are a greedy and selfish race. There are few reasons they would help us, and even less that are any good. Without soldiers or steady supplies we will not be able to push forward in this war, and we will fall apart.” Nightmare Moon explained. “So yes.”

Twilight narrowed her eyes. She hadn’t spent most of her time with the obsidian mare for the past few months to not be able to tell anything about her. “You think you acted too brashly in leaving the empire.” She stated.

“Yes.” Nightmare admitted. “Though I am uncertain what I could have done on the inside. I know that should we fail in this coup, however, we will face dire consequences. My sister would most certainly kill you, and I do not know what she would do to me. Neither idea sits well with me.”

“I don’t think leaving was the wrong choice. So long as she pays.” Twilight replied. “And if we fail…It’s better than being forced to live with her.”

“Is that why you fight? Out of hatred for Celestia?” Nightmare wondered, diverting her attention from the sky.

Twilight’s brows furrowed in thought. “I…No. I do hate her! With everything in me!…But I don’t fight because of it. I fight because I have to. Because, like everything else in my life, I’ve been put in a situation where I have no choice.” She explained.

“That is something you should remedy then. Fighting without cause is likely to kill you. If you have no reason to, then you don’t put your all into it, and war is not something you can afford to hold back during. I would advise against vengeance, though. It very rarely turns out right.” Nightmare counseled.

Twilight Sparkle looked to the ground for a moment to ponder her master’s words. Then she nodded in agreement, and turned to walk away. “Thank you.” She said, meaning it.

Legate Artillerus stood rigid, and emitting as much of a sense of authority as he could. By his side sat Empress Celestia, unreadable as ever. They were simply waiting now. Waiting in a tent outside of the Everfree for the four Legatus Legionis in charge of The Grand Army. Once they were present talks over the retaliation against the rebels could begin. There was an issue, though. While the Legatus would all be deeply bothered by Former-empress Moon’s betrayal they would more than likely be loyal to The Celestial Empire first. Whether it be because they quite liked their positions, or they believed in it more didn’t matter. One, however, would be trouble. He was much too young and passionate to be swayed easily. Legate Artillerus suspected he would try something rash, and was quite prepared to kill the young gelding on the spot. Furthermore, there were plenty praetorians and royal guards in the camp for security. Neither the Legate nor the Empress would be taken by surprise should any of the more zealous members of The Grand Army attempt to cause trouble.

The flap to the tent opened, and four ponies walked in. One was a golden unicorn gelding who, from his ursa pelt cape and gold filigreed armor, was easily identifiable as a noble. Lord Zahav of House Platinum was a portly unicorn, but still appeared quite capable of putting up a fight. His family’s duchy was the closest to the Royal Pony Sisters’ Castle, and was given to his elder brother. When he did not inherit the territory he entered the military instead, and proved himself a skilled, if slightly arrogant, strategist over time. He was now getting on in age at fifty years old.

The second Legatus Legionis was a white unicorn mare, spayed as her rank required of her. Rough Cut was surprisingly built for a female unicorn, but not overly so. She was the shortest of the Legatus, but hardly any smaller than the average pony. She was known for being slightly ruthless. She cared for the legions under her command, but was perfectly willing to sacrifice them if necessary. She wasn’t afraid of going for less than honorable tactics either.

The third Legatus was a well built rust colored pegasus gelding. The child of a well-known unicorn who had standardized many large-scale strategies for spellwork. As a result Path Blazer was surprisingly knowledgeable about magic, despite being a pegasus. He had proven quite talented at coordinating his kind and unicorns together, and, as a result, earth ponies were a minority in his legions.

The fourth Legatus was the problem. He was a grey earth gelding that stood nearly as tall as The Legate himself, and, while muscular, he was very lean. He was not wearing plate metal armor like his fellow Legatus, though. He was wearing leather armor over black chainmail, but his flanks were left open to show off his cutie mark. A full moon shining down on the silhouette of a pony. Ardent Fervor had been a missionary for Nightmare Moon when he was young, but had essentially been forced into the military to pay off his family’s debt to House Platinum. He was, as a result, both resentful to Lord Zahav, and a very zealous individual. At thirty-eight he was the youngest Legatus ever. It was not that he was an amazing strategist. He was skilled in that area, but he was a Legatus because of his ability to inspire and relate to his troops. He was nearly as much of a figurehead to his legions as Nightmare Moon was to all of The Grand Army, and his influence wasn’t just in them. He was an extremely charismatic pony, and would more than likely side with Nightmare Moon in this conflict. He was a very large issue for Celestia and Artillerus to deal with.

“I am glad you could all be gathered.” Celestia began calmly. “As you have been informed, our empire faces an emergency. The rebels have managed to seize one of our towns, and, with it, its duchy. Stalliongrad has never been that valuable, but it was the only town within the duchy. With the whole territory now belonging to the rebels it casts a poor light on us. Our enemies will believe we are weak.”

“Yes, that is problematic, but we all know the real reason you’ve gathered all four of us here. So let’s cut to the chase. Shall we, your majesty?” Zahav suggested.

Celestia closed her eyes for a moment to collect herself before speaking, “Nearing two months ago my sister came to me in a rage over the ruling of our empire. She stated accusations that we are unfair, and cruel to our subjects. That night, she fled from the castle, and she was not seen again until just a few weeks ago. In Stalliongrad, where she was slaughtering your soldiers in an attempt to take over the town. Naturally, with her power, she succeeded. The soldier who first arrived at the castle informed of personally seeing her killing his comrades with no remorse. The facts are simple. My sister has turned traitor, and she has joined the rebellion.”

Zahav, Rough Cut, and Path Blazer all grimaced in contemplation of the information. Ardent Fervor, however, appeared more contemplative than anything. “There must be a reason why she left.” He commented.

“Yes. She wishes to take over. She believes The Empress is corrupt, and that her solitary rule would be better.” The Legate supplemented.

“But when would she have come to this conclusion and how?” Zahav asked.

“Perhaps she’s been contemplating this for awhile. I doubt the night empress would make such a decision on a whim.” Path Blazer responded.

“I’m more interested in what her actual complaints were.” Ardent wondered.

Artillerus disliked the gelding’s calm. It was forboding. His attention was drawn to Celestia, who spoke without hesitation, “Among other things, her primary complaint was that our subjects are treated too harshly. She believed the common pony should have some form of say in the government, and that the justice system should be reworked.”

“Outrageous!” Zahav proclaimed, angered by the threat to his family’s status as nobles.

“Moreso than you might think Lord Zahav. If such a thing would occur it could only lead to chaos. Our infrastructure would be made weak. Our enemies would be able to see that. Criminals would walk free, and something best forgotten may find its way back.” Celestia explained, sending a look to Ardent.

As a former missionary he would know of what she spoke. Even so, when he spoke his voice began to pick up a little power behind it, “Empress Moon would not be so foolish as to let it come to that. Furthermore, I dislike your continued insinuations that this a grab for power. Empress Moon is the Avatar of Honesty. She would not be so underhoofed.”

“You’re blinded by your faith, Fervor. Former-empress Moon has done plenty in the past that is questionable. Her status an avatar of harmony does not mean she is an innocent being.” Legate Artillerus rebutted.

Ardent Fervor glared at the larger gelding as he bit back, “Perhaps, but she is an avatar because she best represent those elements out of all the creatures on the planet. I refuse to believe she is a through and through traitor.”

“Need I remind you that she was seen slaughtering grand army soldiers during the taking of Stalliongrad?” Celestia wondered.

“An enemy is an enemy in war. It doesn’t matter who they used to be to you. You have to fight them all the same.” Rough Cut replied.

“Perhaps, but how many of them would’ve fled if she simply told them to?” Artillerus asked.

The Legate was met with silence. Nightmare Moon’s betrayal had not been known at the time. Celestia hadn’t even made her absence from the castle public knowledge until Stalliongrad was taken. Many of the soldiers would have simply left if they had been ordered by their sovereign goddess and ruler to do so. They may have been confused, but they would have had no reason to stay. “You see? She has no remorse for killing any of her followers. She views everyone who will not aid her to take the throne as an enemy. Even if she is sincere in her wishes for the country do you really wish for someone that ruthless to rule alone?” The day empress pressed.

“But she would NOT rule alone.” Ardent immediately cut in. “You said she intended to give the public say in the government. Were she so ruthless she would still not be on the throne alone. Furthermore, though harsh she may be at times, I doubt she acted as callously as you claim. Empress Moon has never been one to needlessly waste life. She understands that there must be sacrifices at times, but she does not kill without remorse.”

“How would you know what goes through my sister’s head?” Celestia asked as her tone took on a barely noticeable edge.

“Because if you would so easily call her a traitor then apparently I know her better than you.” Ardent retorted.

“You will watch your tongue, Legatus Fervor. It speaks treasonously.” Legate Artillerus warned darkly.

“So does yours.” Ardent bit back.

Artillerus was not an easily angered gelding, but the blatant rebellion in the lean earth pony’s words was hard to ignore. Fortunately for him someone else spoke out first. “Hmph. Funny to hear a missionary blaspheming against a goddess. Even if she isn’t the one he preached about.” Zahav mocked.

Ardent paused for a few moments before apologizing, “I am sorry, your majesty.”

“I shall forgive you this time, but remember who you serve when next you speak.” Celestia warned.

“Yes, Empress.” Ardent replied.

“Now that that’s out of the way, I believe we should begin discussing what it is we intend to do. We can not sit idly and chatter while the rebels regroup.” Path Blazer spoke out.

“We aren’t. I already mobilized a troop of five hundred. The rebels will be wiped out soon.” Rough Cut supplied.

“I did not authorize you to begin a campaign yet.” Artillerus said.

“Oh? So I’m supposed to wait for your approval while our land is threatened?” Rough Cut sarcastically remarked.

“You should not underestimate my sister. A tenth of a legion may not be enough.” Celestia cut in.

“But there’s only so much one pony can do. She’s not omnipresent. If my troops don’t win then the rebels will be severely weakened, and we can move in for the kill.” Rough Cut replied.

“When did you do this?” Zahav asked, disgruntled that he had been beaten to the punch.

“Just a few days ago. It won’t be too much longer before my forces arrive.” Rough Cut supplied.

“You call that swinging? Come on! Put your neck into it!” Hail Bolt instructed as she watched a large group of republic soldiers sparring with dulled training weapons. “You, soldier, you’re putting too much strength into your swings. That’s a dagger, not a greatsword! It’s made for quick cuts and stabbing! Aim for vital areas and retreat! Don’t try and engage an enemy with a larger weapon in a lock!”

Over all, most of the troops knew what they were doing, but the Stalliongrad villagers who had volunteered definitely needed practice. Hence why Hail Bolt herself was overseeing the training when she could. She was the second most experienced pony in the republic, only being surpassed by Nightmare Moon. She had been a Praefectus Auxilii in The Grand Army after all. She had a whole legion under her command once, and she did not reach that rank by luck. No, she had worked hard for it, and proven her metal time and again. She had done so for the glory the empire, for the glory of her former goddess, and for the glory herself. She had something to prove then, but she did not now. At least, not in the same sense. She still had a purpose, but it was so much proving something as trying to achieve something. Then again, maybe she was trying to prove something. “C…Commander Hail Bolt?” An uncertain voice asked from the pegasus’ side.

She turned to see Twilight Sparkle. She knew the unicorn fairly well by this point. Nightmare’s servant or slave, she wasn’t sure on the details. Twilight’s reputation had reached large heights among the republic after they took Stalliongrad. Apparently she had lifted a massive wall of earth from the ground by herself, and used it, with the aid of other unicorns, to corral the enemies she’d been facing. Before ordering the pegasi to fry them. It had shown power, creativity, and a willingness to take charge that Hail Bolt wouldn’t have believed the young mare possessed other wise. The reason being that Twilight seemed to be a rather sensitive individual from what she’d seen, and the reports of the unicorn killing someone for mocking her supported that. Twilight’s relationship with Nightmare confused her, though. The lavender mare seemed dependent upon her master, but also held some degree of resentment towards the alicorn. To be honest, Hail Bolt was unsure of what to make of Twilight, but she was certain that the unicorn’s potential is why Nightmare kept her so close. “Yes, Ms. Sparkle?” The blue pegasus wondered.

“If you’re not too busy, could I talk to you?” Twilight requested.

Hail Bolt turned her attention back to the soldiers training in front of her. “That depends on what it is.” She answered.

“What is it you’re fighting for?” Twilight wondered as she sat down beside the pegasus.

Hail Bolt’s brows raised at the question. “That is very personal.” She replied honestly.

“Well…It’s just that my master told me I need to find something to fight for. Otherwise, my chances of survival are low. So, I thought maybe asking someone else what they fought for could help me.” Twilight explained.

“Ah.” Hail Bolt breathed in understanding. “You’re a very direct pony, you know that?”

Twilight merely shuffled her hooves uncomfortably in silence. “Have you tried asking one of the other soldiers?” Hail Bolt asked.

“Yes. Some of them didn’t say. Others were mostly just for revenge or punishing the empire for mistreating them, and my master said that that wouldn’t help me.” Twilight answered.

“But did you listen to their reasons?” Hail Bolt queried.

Twilight shook her head before answering, “Not always, why?”

“What about the ones you did listen to? Think on them. Aren’t they mostly horrible events?” Hail Bolt drilled.

Twilight hesitated before nodding, and allowing the pegasus to continue. “Tragedy brings ponies together. It’s happened before. We’re all here because something horrible has happened to us, and we blame the empire. Don’t get me wrong. There are plenty who do believe in the ideals we’re fighting to attain, but they were mad at the empire first. Can you say you’re any different?”

The lavender unicorn shook her head no. “And so I’m right. If you’re looking for something to fight for it has to be personal. It can’t be because somepony you don’t really even know was hurt in the past. I’m not gonna ask what happened to you, but my advice is to take it and analyze it. If you don’t want to fight for revenge then see what else is there to encourage you to fight. Though, I would also advise that you don’t always listen to your master. Hatred can take a pony a long way.” Hail Bolt finished.

Twilight was silent for awhile as she took in the information. “So, you fight for revenge too?” She eventually asked.

Hail Bolt took a deep breath, and for a moment she was there again. She could hear the screams, feel the heat on her fur. Then she was back in Stalliongrad. “No.” She answered shortly.

“Then…what?” Twilight asked cautiously.

“Forgiveness.”

Decurion Duster felt extremely uncomfortable in his own skin. The beige earth stallion had ever since that night three years ago. He’d been lucky enough to make it out with a demotion, and blacklisting from ever going up in rank again. His commanding officer at the time, though, had been dishonorably discharged. He considered it a blessing since what they had done was technically a war crime, but she had still deserved better in his opinion. It wasn’t like she wanted to do it. She was under orders. They all were. Now, Duster was under similar orders to back then. The difference was that they were dealing with an actual threat rather than just civilians who had overstepped their bounds. The Decurion still wasn’t happy about this, though.

The earth stallion shook his messy dark brown mane from over his green eyes, and focused on the task ahead. To eliminate the rebellion by any means necessary. Any means necessary. Duster was quite familiar with those words. He’d become used to doing Rough Cut’s dirty work by now. After all, if you have a disgraced soldier under your command why not give him the dishonorable jobs? What has he to lose?

As the Decurion stared about his troop he noticed that none of them seemed as bothered as he was. Why should they be, though? It had yet to sink in that their orders meant more than just killing combatants. They were supposed to kill everyone. The town was known for its upset at the Empire. Anyone could have collaborated, and Legatus Legionis Rough Cut wanted no chance of the uprising returning. Besides, who would miss a town as destitute as Stalliongrad? There would be little lost. That was her opinion on the matter, anyway. Duster, however, was certainly not looking forward to the razing. He’d done it before. It was gruesome work. Soldiers aren’t meant to take the lives of civilians, especially not citizens of their own country. However, the Decurion wasn’t a soldier anymore. He was a tool, and he would do as his operator directed. He’d done this before, and he could do it again.

Still, he didn’t think this was going to be easy. Even if numbers were on their side, surprise certainly wasn’t. The large troop marching along the part of the Empress’ Road of that lead through the Pie Duchy was hardly quiet, and had no chance of hiding. Rebel scouts would know they were coming, and the enemy would be prepared. Duster wasn’t one to underestimate his foe. Only a fool would think the rebellion hadn’t found someway to fortify Stalliongrad, so this would likely turn into a siege, even if a small one. That meant their numbers advantage might not count for much in the long run. Still, the Decurion remained “optimistic” that they wouldn’t be too slowed by whatever the rebellion had set up for defense. He just prayed to Nightmare Moon that he could be forgiven for what he had done in his life.

Twilight tightened the last of her armor’s straps magically. Fortunately, since the last battle, she had found a set that fit her better, and now no longer felt like she was being squeezed too tightly. She had again opted for leather as she wasn’t used to heavy chainmail or plate, and, while she may not be the fastest, she did not want to be slowed down. Timing was key, she had learnt on the streets. Reacting a second too soon or a second too late could give unsavory results. “Twilight, I wish to speak with you.” Came the voice of her master from outside her tent.

Knowing there was no time to waste, she hurried outside to the alicorn. Nightmare Moon stood with an air rigidity and wariness about her that Twilight did not normally see. Even so, the ruler of the night still had an air of calm about her. “I’m ready, master.” The young unicorn stated dutifully.

“Good. I have specific orders for you.” Nightmare explained, causing the lavender mare’s ears to perk in question. “I’m taking you off the main battlefield. You are to guard the inner town and civilians.”

Twilight quirked a brow curiously as she replied, “I’m not afraid to fight. I’ve seen REAL combat now, and I know I can handle it.”

The unicorn was slightly relieved with her orders, but she did not like her abilities being questioned, especially not after her master’s training. “You have not seen all war has to offer, so don’t be eager to do battle. This order isn’t a question of your boldness. Protection of the town is important.” Nightmare rebutted.

“But we’re ALL protecting the town.” Twilight argued.

“Yes, but if we’re all at the front then any enemies that slip by will be practically unopposed. We need ponies defending the noncombatants. You have more experience in enclosed spaces than you do in open field, and your knowledge of the town will help your squad to coordinate their defense better.” Nightmare rationalized in slight irritation.

Twilight Sparkle sighed. She wasn’t that set on being on the front. “Alright.” She agreed.

Nightmare nodded in acceptance. “You’ll be reporting to a soldier named Cold Water near the east side of town. He’s a grey-blue unicorn with a black mane, and Twilight?” She asked.

“Yes?” The unicorn wondered.

“Keep safe.” Nightmare answered before cantering away.

Twilight watched her master go with some confusion. Ever since the last battle the alicorn had been far more concerned for her, and she wasn’t sure how to take it. She didn’t hate or distrust Nightmare anymore, but the former empress was an enigma. She seemed to change her opinions quite a lot. Add to that Twilight’s own hesitance to grow close to her master again, and the young mare was uncertain what to think. With a quick shake of the head the unicorn began trotting towards the town in the center of camp.

As she traveled lunar republicans, combatant and not, rushed about her like bees tending to their work. Yesterday, their scouts had reported a large empire force heading towards them. It was entirely grand army, and they were at least four hundred strong, likely more. They would be here by nightfall. So the Lunar Republic prepared as fast as it could. While extra supports were piled against the walls, especially the gates, rubble from the decayed buildings was moved back into the town to block off certain streets and alleys. If the Grand Army did get in, they wouldn’t be able to stampede through like the republic soldiers had when they took the city.

At the same time the civilians were being ushered into their homes before barricading themselves in for extra protection. Twilight personally though the last step was rather stupid. If they needed to run it would be all the harder to do so. Still, she didn’t really have any say in the matter. It was above her position, so she didn’t bother concerning herself over it.

After about ten minutes of searching Twilight found a unicorn by the description she’d been given wearing platemail, and talking to four other ponies. The others were an earth pony and three more unicorns, all wearing chain. “Cold Water?” Twilight asked as she approached the group.

They looked to her before the unicorn that was talking just moments before smirked. “So, the murderer’s with us. Sit down and listen up.” He ordered idly.

Twilight flinched as her mind flashed back to the stallion that had mocked her. She’d killed before, but always with good reason. She was NOT a murderer…Or at least she hadn’t been. She couldn’t justify what she did that random pony. Swallowing her shame she sat beside the other ponies she was stationed with, and listened as her commander began to explain his strategy. At least none of them seemed to dislike her. That was something.

It was a bright full moon when Duster’s regiment arrived at Stalliongrad. They stood at the edge of the forest staring at the walled settlement. He had been right in assuming they fortified the area, but the wall’s size implied the rebellion camp was in between it and the town. Still, it was wooden, and therefore not too much of an obstacle. Oddly enough, however, the wall was clear of any ponies patrolling it, as if the place were abandoned. What caught the Decurion’s eye, though, was a fluttering navy blue flag that depicted a silver crescent moon surrounded by several stars, and with one large one in the center of the moon. Were the rebels proclaiming something about the night with their flag, or just using the symbolism for whatever it is they stood for? He couldn’t be sure, but what happened next was the most shocking of all.

Stepping up onto a rampart behind the wall, so she could be seen clearly was Nightmare Moon. What’s more the Empress was clad in armor, clearly ready for battle. Duster’s mouth dropped open as his goddess spoke out to him and his regiment in a magically enhanced voice, “Ponies of The Grand Army, brave soldiers of Equestria, I implore you to listen to me before you carry out your orders. Long have you served The Celestial Empire faithfully. You have fought to maintain its peace, its power, and the safety of its citizens. However, how deserving is it of your faithfulness? Many of you, perhaps all of you, are common ponies. Back home, you all have families of your own, but what do you or they receive for your servitude? There is no special consideration for you, or any normal citizen of the Empire. You are all treated the same, like stepping stones. Your government seeks nothing, but to use you. Should you step out of line once, purposeful or accidental, you are treated as if you are a criminal. Your families toil to make meager livings, and supply themselves with what they need to survive. Knowledge that you deserve is withheld to keep you in line. Nobles flaunt their riches, and abuse their power. YOU are put in the front lines, in danger, and what do you receive for it? Some pay? You are given no aid for permanent injuries sustained in battle. You are forced to keep serving, or be publicly disgraced. Worst of all, you have no way to speak out against these or other injustices. You have no say in what happens, and no representative to tilt things in your favor at any time. No one to say that you need help, and no one to even appreciate your troubles. It is why I have left to join The Lunar Republic. We are fighting for freedom and equality. YOUR freedom. YOUR rights. Please, do not turn this into more bloodshed. You have a choice. You can follow your orders, and please the leaders who care nothing for you. Or you can surrender now, and follow me to a bright new future. What will you do?”

Murmuring began to spread through the troop. One of their leaders, their sovereign deity, wanted them to rebel. Nightmare Moon, the mare who held a special place in most grand army soldiers’ hearts, wanted them to turn their backs on the Empire. She made an appealing case too. They broke their backs for the Empire, but they were treated no better than most. Here, their god was promising them better treatment if they should follow her. Many of the soldiers were beginning to think of rebelling.

On the other side, there was the fact that she had apparently abandoned the Empire. She had given up her position as their ruler to join a bunch of rebels. She had brought an end to the peace. She had made herself a threat to the land. She was effectively saying their efforts within the Empire were worthless too, and inadvertently insulting them in the process. Besides, how was a government supposed to function efficiently, and take each of its citizens into account? There were many soldiers who still wished to carry out their mission, if a bit more reluctantly.

Duster looked up at his goddess sadly. He truly believed what she was saying was true. He’d been quite abused by his superiors, but he wasn’t about to turn traitor. Even if he had done horrible things in the past, and was about to do another one he wouldn’t commit that sin. He doubted he would be forgiven now. “Burn it.” He ordered.

Author's Note: Hey everypony. It's been far too long, but with this chapter up I have my plans straight for now. So I'm hoping to get back to my bi-weekly updates for this, and I hope you all can forgive me for taking so long. However, I needed to figure some things out. Fortunately, thanks to inspiration from another source, I now know how I'm going to go about the rest of the story. What is my inspiration you ask? George R. R. Martin.