True Colors

The Grey Path

Twilight Sparkle trudged on behind Nightmare Moon while contemplating the situation they were in. Nightmare had only flown them beyond the Everfree before landing. Despite being powerful the alicorn hadn’t flown in many years, and carrying a pony and both their saddlebags ensured she would be exhausted if they flew all the way to Stalliongrad. So they were traveling on hoof. That alone would extend the trip from hours to days, but Nightmare was insistent on avoiding the roads, which would extend the travel time even further. She didn’t want them to be seen, and Twilight Sparkle had been told why.

The night-empress had apparently had an argument with Celestia over more than just Twilight’s abuse. The two were having a disagreement on the way the empire should rule, and Nightmare had decided to pay a visit to the rebellion. Twilight questioned this. It seemed unwise, but Nightmare was adamant not only that they go. She was also adamant that they give no indication to Celestia of their destination.

Twilight didn’t fully understand everything that was happening. She hadn’t studied on any politics during her time at the castle, and she knew only the bare minimum about the rebellion. However, the young unicorn found herself caring surprisingly little. She was simply happy to be away from the pony that had used her. Of course, she doubted, from the way Nightmare had told it, that the unicorn’s abuse was a big part of the issue, and she didn’t trust her owner. The only reason she hadn’t wandered off while the alicorn slept was because she had no idea how to navigate her way to a town, and she didn’t know how to survive in the wild. Granted all the food and water was in her saddlebags, Nightmare hadn’t disclosed the items she’d packed, but that would only last so long. So Twilight stuck by her owner. In the end, the unicorn realized, she didn’t have any more choice out here than she did in the castle. She was still a slave, and that title was beginning to gnaw on her since her perceived betrayal.

Twilight stared up at the stars that had remained the same since their escape, and began to pick out the growingly familiar patterns of constellations. Traveling by night was the easiest way to remain undetected, and it was also Nightmare’s preferred time of day. “Twilight Sparkle.” The alicorn in question’s voice called the lavender mare back to reality.

Twilight turned from the night sky to look at her owner. Nightmare Moon was not looking back at her, and simply continued to lead the way through the featureless foothills at the base of Mt. Liberum, at the top of which stood Ft. Canterlot. Nevertheless, the obsidian alicorn addressed the unicorn, “You have been very quiet for the past few hours. Is something bothering you?”

“Do you care?” Twilight thought in half-question half-answer before replying aloud. “No. I’ve just been thinking about the situation.”

“Did I not explain it adequately?” Nightmare asked with the smallest hint of annoyance in her voice.

“No. I think I understand.” Twilight answered. “You think the empire is too hard on the ponies of Equestria, but your…sister,” she wouldn’t say the name, “disagrees. So we’re heading to the rebellion. Because they…have the same opinion as you?”

“So they claim.” Nightmare replied.

“Claim?” Twilight queried.

“Many ponies claim do be doing the right thing when in reality they are taking advantage of others. I wish to see if they are honest.” Her owner explained.

The young unicorn was no stranger to the idea. There had been times when thugs had lured her into a trap by promising to help her when she lived in Stalliongrad. She wondered though… “That’s what she’s doing then. Lying to take advantage of others?”

Nightmare Moon stopped in her tracks for a moment before beginning to canter again. “I am uncertain.” She answered. “I believe that my sister believes what she is doing is right. Perfect order, however, is not worth it. Our subjects deserve mercy and freedom.”

Twilight glared at the alicorn for a moment. Not a single mention of what Celestia had done to her. With the way Nightmare originally presented the story it had sounded like, regardless of how small, it was part of the reason her owner left, but ever since there had been no mention of it. No apology for sending Twilight away. No apology for lying to her. No reassurances that Nightmare would protect her, like before it happened. With every passing moment Twilight’s trust in her owner shrunk more and more, and it…hurt. Oh Nightmare, did it hurt! She had thought the alicorn cared for her. She was the first pony to show Twilight any kindness, and the harm she had inflicted, on purpose the unicorn was slowly convincing herself, was irreparable. The lavender mare still had nightmares. She still felt filthy, but worse still was the pain that came from knowing the one pony she thought cared for her was the one to ultimately blame for it all.

Twilight blinked the hot tears, that were collecting, from her eyes. She needed to distract herself from the hurt. This was difficult given that its source was what was leading her, but knowledge always did the trick. She still had questions. “So what if the rebellion is being honest?” She asked.

“Then we join them, and fight until my sister sees the error of her ways.” Nightmare answered.

“If she doesn’t?” Twilight pressed.

Her owner did not deign to respond. The unicorn scowled and asked another question. “If the rebellion isn’t being honest?”

“Apologies will be in order. I will return to my sister’s side, and hope that I will be able to change her mind over the years. We are ageless, after all, and I’ll therefore have plenty of time.” Nightmare explained.

Twilight turned to glaring at the dirt. She would not go back there. She would not live in the castle with the day-empress. There had been no mention of freeing her. She was certain her owner wouldn’t, but she refused to go back there. The other idea, however, was somewhat frightening in itself. She would have to fight. She would be in a war, but it was also a war against Celestia. That was something she might be able to stand for. To hurt the pony that hurt her back. The lavender mare could only hope that the rebellion was honest about its goals.

Celestia stared out at the sunrise from her sister’s balcony. It had been nearly a week since the younger alicorn vanished with her slave. Celestia knew they’d left of their volition. Nightmare was purposefully doing her best not alert the day-empress, and the white alicorn knew that if her sister didn’t want to be found she wouldn’t be. So there had been only the bare minimum of search parties sent out to keep the military happy. Celestia frowned at the thought. Nightmare had been a large driving force behind the Celestial forces. Without her the military was panicking slightly. The funding wasn’t trouble. Celestia wasn’t stupid. She knew what to spend to keep the army going. The problem was organization. Without Nightmare Moon, total control of the military fell to the Legate, as it should, but while Artillerus was a brilliant strategist he was also grim. He was far from an inspiring gelding as well, the gelding itself was only a minor reason why. Furthermore, he didn’t connect well with the bulk of the army. The Royal Guards and Praetorians respected him well enough, and the former was a large portion of the military. However, most of the military was still contained within The Grand Army, the section of the military reserved for normal forces. Without the night-empress the generals of The Grand Army were beginning to worry. The younger alicorn was something of a figurehead for the average soldier, and while only the generals of The Grand Army knew of her disappearance it was still troublesome. Especially considering they seemed to respect Artillerus a surprising amount less, even though he was their superior officer. There was another, more pressing, concern over the military, however. One that had nothing to do with Nightmare.

Celestia sighed, and left her sister’s room. The halls of the castle had never been anywhere near boisterous, but to say the quiet was now deafening was something of an understatement. Since Nightmare had left a grim mood had settled over it. Most would never know why the night-empress left, but the black alicorn’s abandonment of her duties left all the subjects in the castle in confusion. What did it mean that one of their goddesses had abandoned them? Celestia smirked slightly as the thought calmed her. Goddesses, yes. She was, in truth, no deity, but she might as well be. She was far older, wiser, and more powerful than most any creature still living on Equis. Who was to deny it? It was a thought that Celestia had supported as it grew in her subjects, much to Nightmare’s chagrin. The day-empress shook her head. She must stop thinking of her sister. At least for now. Now, she had business to attend to.

The white alicorn opened the door to her throne room as she arrived, and trotted down the Praetorian guarded hall. She had arrived at the right time. For no sooner had she sat on her alabaster throne than did the throne room doors open once more, and Daunting Hooves trotted in. “You summoned me, your majesty?” He asked.

The Prefect appeared tenser than usual. Suspicious, but, then again, the Praetorians weren’t used to any kind of scrutiny. Perhaps a joke would lighten his mood. “Yes. I wish to know if you’ve discovered a cutie mark for wisecracks.” Celestia commented.

Daunting sighed, though he was smirking, “Sadly, my flank is still as blank as ever. Though I wouldn’t mind a wisecracking cutie mark.”

He appeared less tense now. Good. Putting on a smile Celestia said, “It is only a matter of time, Prefect. However, my real reason for calling you is much more serious.”

“Your majesty?” Daunting asked.

“I hear you dispatched a pair of praetorians to Stalliongrad along with a small group of The Royal Guards’ best stealth soldiers under my order. I gave no such order.” The white alicorn stated.

The Prefect gave her a confused look. “My empress, I do not know what you mean. I have a written order that matches your hoofwriting exactly.”

Celestia frowned. That was troubling. “Do you have it on you now?” She asked.

“No.” The white pegasus answered.

“Then shall we go fetch it?” The day-empress suggested.

“Of course, your majesty.” Daunting Hooves bowed.

Celestia stood, and as she reached the Prefect they began walking beside one another. The first few minutes of walking were silent, but eventually Daunting spoke up, “Empress Moon left.”

Celestia wasn’t sure what the gelding wanted her to say, and she wasn’t keen on discussing the subject with him either. “Yes.” She replied simply.

“Permission to speak freely on the subject?” He asked.

“Denied.” She answered.

“Permission to speak tactfully?” He requested.

Damn insistent blank-flank. “Fine.” She grunted.

“It’s unlike her to simply leave. To not tell or bring anyone.” Daunting stated.

“You do not know her very well then, Prefect. She has always been headstrong. She did, however, bring someone.” Celestia responded.

“Who?” The Prefect queried.

“Her slave.” The day-empress answered.

“Ah.” Daunting replied. “That makes sense. She was extremely talented in magic.”

“It is foolish.” Celestia explained. “The slave is bound to her by law. She can easily run, and, considering what has happened, likely will.”

“What has happened?” Daunting asked.

“That is above your station, Prefect.” Celestia retorted.

“My apologies.” The pegasus responded.

The alicorn did not choose to respond. Instead, she simply conducted the rest of the journey in quiet. The compound for the praetorians was actually separate from the rest of the castle, and appeared no larger, or grander, than a large orphanage. There were only a couple hooffuls of praetorians in existence, and all of them, young and old, called the compound home. Celestia stared about as she walked inside. She did not come to the Praetorian compound often, and it was for good reason. It confused her. While outside the compound praetorians were as dutiful and stoic as any other soldier, inside the praetorians were far from that. Due to their relatively small size, and that they had all gone through the same horrifying “training,” the entirety of praetorians were like family to one another. This was most apparent in the compound. The praetorians trotting about wore the bare minimum equipment. They were smiling and cutting up. Even the presence of royalty didn’t seem to distract them from enjoying themselves. It was disconcerting to Celestia, but she never tried to put an end to it. The Praetorians’ closeness made them even more effective in teams, and the alicorn knew the value of that.

The Prefect’s office would be better described as a bedroom. There was an unkempt cot on one wall, and items were scattered about the floor. The only office-like thing about it was a messy desk sitting against the wall opposite the cot. Daunting Hooves cantered over to the desk, and began shifting through the papers scattered about on it. After several minutes of, increasingly uncomfortable, waiting the Prefect trotted up to Celestia with a leather parchment in his mouth. The day-empress levitated it to her face, and read to herself,

“Prefect Daunting Hooves,

It has come to my attention that there is trouble brewing in Stalliongrad. I wish not to disclose the details, but I immediately order that a pair of praetorians and a small squadron of royal guards, all preferably with skill in stealth, be sent to the town immediately to investigate it and its outlying territories. The land, especially close to the town, must be searched thoroughly and discreetly. Should anything suspicious be found, I wish it reported to me immediately.

Your Empress, Celestia”

Celestia glared at the letter. It was a perfect match to her hoofwriting. She couldn’t blame the Prefect for not recognizing the difference. However, it was disconcerting to know there was someone who could copy her writing flawlessly. Even more so that it was someone close. It would have to be, as they not only could send letters to the Prefect, but wanted him to report the findings to her. They would have to be close enough to be able to rely on her relaying the information to them, or being in the same room as her when the information was delivered. Furthermore, and even more disturbing, if they were asking the findings to be reported to her then they clearly weren’t afraid of her finding this letter. They weren’t afraid of her. The most pressing question, however, was why would they ask this? Could it have something to do with the rebels? Possibly, but what? “Prefect, who gave you this letter?” Celestia asked.

“It came by flare delivery.” Daunting Hooves answered.

There weren’t many who knew that spell, and one, in particular, sprung to Celestia’s mind. “Nightmare.”

Nightmare Moon lay under the cover of the northern forest canopy, the branches above blocking out the midday sun. They were nearing their destination. If they pressed themselves they might be able to reach Stalliongrad’s official territory tonight. Then it was simply a matter of locating the rebel camp. This would present its own trouble, but it should not be too difficult for the alicorn. A stirring not too far from her caused her to crack open one of her turquoise eyes. It was Twilight Sparkle again. The unicorn was thrashing violently in her sleep, just as she had everyday since they left. That nagging foreign feeling in the back of her head would act up ever-so-slightly whenever this happened, and it annoyed Nightmare. Another thing that annoyed her was that as violently as Twilight was squirming the unicorn might hurt herself. Beyond the annoyance, however, the alicorn was concerned for her servant and charge. She could easily guess what it was that was causing the issue. The young mare’s mind was still troubled by Celestia’s raping of her.

The thought made Nightmare Moon look at the ground dismally. Even with everything that Celestia said about order, raping Twilight still made little sense. It was wrong in every sense of the word, and the unicorn, being the obsidian alicorn’s slave, was her responsibility. Not to mention Twilight had served her faithfully, and had, therefore, grown on her. It bothered the alicorn that Twilight did not come to her with the issue. It was something personal, and it was up to the lavender mare to decide how she wanted to deal with it. Nightmare, as a responsible owner however, wanted to help her anyway she could. That was the alicorn’s duty, wasn’t it?

Twilight’s thrashing brought her back to reality. She hated referring to her sister in this matter, but what had Celestia done in their youth whenever Nightmare had nightmares? Ah yes. Nightmare Moon rose from her spot on the ground, and walked over to Twilight. She laid down beside the mare, and, using her forelegs, brought the unicorn close to her, head resting on her heart. It felt awkward being this close to her slave, but it seemed to pay off when Twilight’s struggles slowly stopped. Nightmare smiled before closing her own eyes, and heading to sleep.

Twilight Sparkle was running. She knew what was behind her, and she was galloping as hard as she could. Unfortunately, she never seemed to gain any distance. Every time she turned a corner She was there. Every time she looked back She was there, trotting menacingly behind her. “You can’t escape, toy.” She taunted Twilight. “The only reason I haven’t caught you yet is because I’m having so much fun.”

Twilight did her best to ignore the words. No. She had a chance. She could escape. But She was always on her tail, wasn’t She? No! Twilight had no choice. She had to escape. She wouldn’t go through it again. The unicorn looked behind herself once more, and there She was, following ever-so calmly. Twilight’s horn lit with magic, and she focused on the idea of a branch tripping Her. She gasped suddenly, and was horrified to find her magic not working. She concentrated once again, but nothing happened. All of a sudden, she ran up against something hard and furry. She looked upward to see Her towering over her. “Having fun?” Celestia asked. “Well, I’ve started to grow bored, so how about we both get straight to things, shall we?”

Before Twilight could respond she felt an invisible force stronger than steel slam into her, and hold her spread-eagle on her back. Celestia’s horn was lit with a golden glow, apparently immune to whatever was binding Twilight’s magic. The alicorn leant downward, horn pointed at sensitive areas, and the young unicorn clenched her eyes shut in dread.

Ba-bump

Celestia started upwards, and Twilight opened her eyes.

Ba-bump

The day-empress stared about fearfully, and jumped from side to side. “What is that?” Twilight thought.

Ba-bump

Celestia’s hold over Twilight’s body faded as the alicorn lost concentration in her fright. The lavender unicorn slowly stood up on her hooves, and began staring about for herself, more in awe than fear. The sound…was unfamiliar to her, but it didn’t seem threatening. In fact, it felt rather comforting for some reason.

Ba-bump

Celestia turned tail, and galloped away in fear. The world around Twilight seemed to fade into blackness, and left the unicorn floating. Only, it wasn’t an empty frightening black. It was warm and soothing. Like being wrapped in a blanket.

Ba-bump

Twilight sighed in content. Whatever this sound was, it had saved her, and she was grateful to it. The unicorn closed her eyes, and nuzzled the darkness in affection.

Twilight Sparkle blearily opened her eyes as she came out of her dream. For once, it hadn’t been a nightmare. It had turned out alright in the end. She abruptly realized she was still surrounded by the warm comforting black, and the sound, though no longer Equis-shaking, was still present as well. She nuzzled the black once more, and it was at that moment when she heard it. Breathing. Right above her, and the black was rising and falling. The young unicorn realized exactly what she was laying against, and the soothing heartbeat took on a sinister tone. Immediately, she forced herself out of her owner’s grip screaming, and backed up several paces. Nightmare shot to her hooves at the sound and sudden motion, and came face to face with Twilight. “S-stay away from me!” The lavender mare stuttered, her horn lowered and glowing defense.

Her owner looked at her with confusion for a moment before she ordered. “Stand down.”

“No!” Twilight refused.

Nightmare grew agitated, and ordered once more, “Twilight Sparkle, Stand down.”

The unicorn’s heart constricted. She shouldn’t threaten Nightmare. “She’ll hurt me like Celestia!” She retorted mentally.

Nightmare Moon wouldn’t hurt her. “Yes she would!”

Did she really think she could hurt Nightmare? Twilight’s horn ceased glowing, and she plopped down on her flank. She wasn’t stupid. She knew by now that her owner used some kind of power to make her obey, and she’d just given in again. “Twilight Sparkle, why did you threaten me?” Nightmare Moon asked.

Twilight stared at the ground, unwilling to answer. If she didn’t, however, the alicorn would simply use that power again. “Because you…had me in your…, and I was afraid you were going to…” The unicorn trailed off.

Despite the broken speech, Nightmare seemed to understand what she meant, and the alicorn replied more tenderly. “Twilight, you were having trouble sleeping. I was attempting to help you.”

The unicorn was supposed to believe that? “No. No you weren’t.” She denied.

“Twilight,” Nightmare addressed her sternly, though still with a hint of tenderness, “I am not my sister.”

Twilight shifted her hooves uncomfortably. “If what she has done to you has hurt so much, then please let me help you.” Her owner continued.

Twilight Sparkle wanted to. She wanted to gallop to Nightmare. To hug her. To cry all the pain out, and to call her master again. But she couldn’t. If she did she’d be leaving herself vulnerable again. Vulnerable to a betrayal she was certain would come. She couldn’t trust her owner. Tears welled in her eyes, and she snapped them shut to avoid showing her dejection. She turned around on the spot and choked out, “Shouldn’t we be going?”

Nightmare was silent for a few moments before she answered, “Very well. If that is your choice then I will respect it.”

Shortly, the alicorn walked by Twilight, and the unicorn opened her teary eyes. She pulled herself to her hooves, and trudged on behind her owner.

It was past midnight now as the pair trotted through the forest. Nightmare Moon spared a glance back at Twilight Sparkle, who was looking at the ground. The alicorn was truly starting to worry about her. All in all, when she thought about it, it made sense the unicorn would revile any unapproved touching, especially from an alicorn. Still, it was a shock to Nightmare, and it had been clear that Twilight had wanted to talk when she had refused the option. So, obviously, she didn’t trust the alicorn. Nightmare sighed, and began looking about. They had been in Stalliongrad territory for awhile. She could tell because they accidentally came upon the empresses’ road earlier, and a sign had said as much. So she kept her wits about her. There was no telling when-

Nightmare immediately erected a dark-blue shield of energy about her and Twilight as several arrows shot out from the trees. The projectiles bounced off harmlessly, and their owners came out of the brush shortly after them. Five unicorns, four stallions and one mare, all dressed in simple leather armor. Bandits? No. They looked too justified. Like they believed their attack was right. Scouts from the rebellion perhaps? “Well, well,” Began a stallion who was clearly the leader. “You must be stupid walking into this land with that disguise on.”

“M-my empress?” Twilight asked.

Nightmare spared the unicorn at her side a glance. She was nervous, and that was not good in this kind of situation. Fortunately, the alicorn was calm, but there was something else. Some other magic was… “Ah, of course.” Nightmare thought before speaking aloud. “I am neither stupid, nor is this is an illusion. Now tell your subordinate to stop trying to undo this shield. They won’t make any progress.”

“You expect me to believe-” The scout leader began, but was interrupted by the mare of the group.

“Sir, I’m not making a dent.”

“What?” The scout leader asked.

“I’m not sensing any spells other than the shield, either.” Said another stallion, whose horn was aglow.

The scout leader looked baffled for a moment. The he asked cautiously, “What are you doing here?”

“I am here to converse with your leaders. Bring me to them, and I will not harm you.” Nightmare explained bluntly.

The scout leader gaped, “Why should I believe you?”

“What can you do to me if you don’t?” Nightmare mocked, though it sounded as if she was serious.

The scout leader growled in frustration, and the area was quiet for a few minutes. He sucked in a steep breath before offering, “I’ll take you to them, if you let us seal your magic.”

Nightmare quirked an eyebrow. She doubted any seals they placed on her could hold. She was too powerful for that. Still, when a deal is offered, always ask for more. “I will agree on the condition that you leave my servant untouched, and by my side. Her experience with any magic other than the mundane is limited at any rate.”

It technically wasn’t a lie. Twilight had very little experience with magic considering she’d only been learning it for a few months. That didn’t mean she wasn’t skilled with it, though. The scout leader pondered this for a moment. During the quiet Nightmare glanced at Twilight, who still appeared nervous, and placed a comforting hoof on the unicorn’s shoulder. Twilight flinched, and Nightmare inwardly winced at the reaction. Finally the scout leader spoke, “Very well. We have an agreement.”

Authors Note: Hey guys! Sorry it's been so long. I've been trying to make progress with Shoot for the Stars, not to mention plans for a third project with Janushyde, but it's coming along very slowly. So here you guys have another chapter. This is also the first one where we see Celestia's perspective. Now, whose the pony who actually sent out the Praetorians? We all know it wasn't Nightmare, unlike Celestia, so who?

Real quick I'd like to explain something. The king's road is a term once used, not sure if it still is, in countries like Britain for their equivalent to the interstate. Therefore, the empresses' road is the same concept for Equestria.