(Imperium of the Moon)

A mare stepped up to a podium looking over at the tens of thousands of Imperium citizens and soldiers alike. She smiled at them as they cheered before she held up her hoof silencing the crowd as she took a deep breath and slowly let it out.

"I'm sorry but I don't want to be an emperor. That's not my business. I don't want to rule or conquer anyone. I should like to help everyone if possible; Ponies, Griffons, Changelings, and Donkeys. We all want to help one beings are like that. We want to live by each others' happiness, not by each other's misery. We don't want to hate and despise one another. In this world there is room for everyone. And the good earth is rich and can provide for everyone. The way of life can be free and beautiful, but we have lost the way.

Greed has poisoned ponies souls; has barricaded the world with hate; has goose-stepped us into misery and bloodshed. We have developed speed, but we have shut ourselves in. Machinery that gives abundance has left us in want. Our knowledge as made us cynical; our cleverness, hard and unkind. We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery we need happiness. More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost. The aeroplane and the radio have brought us closer together. The very nature of these inventions cries out for the goodness in poines; cries out for universal brotherhood; for the unity of us all.

Even now my voice is reaching millions throughout the world, millions of despairing men, women, and little children, victims of a system that makes beings torture and imprison innocent people. To those who can hear me, I say "Do not despair." The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed, the bitterness of men who fear the way of beings progress. The hate of ponies will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people. And so long as ponies

Soldiers! Don't give yourselves to brutes, ponies who despise you and enslave you; who regiment your lives, tell you what to do, what to think and what to feel! Who drill you, diet you, treat you like cattle, use you as cannon fodder! Don't give yourselves to these unnatural ponies-machine ponies with machine minds and machine hearts! You are not machines! You are not cattle! You are ponies! You have a love of freedom in your hearts! You don't hate! Only the unloved hate; the unloved and the unnatural.

Soldiers! Don't fight for slavery! Fight for liberty! In the seventeenth chapter of St. Luke, it's written "the kingdom of God is within thee", not one being nor a group of beings, but in all beings! In you! You, the people, have the power, the power to create machines, the power to create happiness! You, the people, have the power to make this life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure. Then in the name of freedom, let us use that power.

Let us all unite. Let us fight for a new world, a decent world that will give men a chance to work, that will give youth a future and old age a security. By the promise of these things, brutes have risen to power. But they lie! They do not fulfill their promise. They never will! Dictators free themselves but they enslave the people! Now let us fight to fulfill that promise! Let us fight to free the world! To do away with national barriers! To do away with greed, with hate and intolerance! Let us fight for a world of reason, a world where science and progress will lead to all beings freedom.

Soldiers, in the name of the Imperium, let us all unite!"

The mare stepped back and sighed as she looked back to the people to see the cheering masses before stepping back up to the podium.

"Now I ask you! Will you help me and our leader fight for a free world?! Will you fight for our nations freedom and to bring our empress back home and our allies? WILL YOU STAND BY OUR LEADERS TO BRING FREEDOM TO THE WORLD?! LET US UNITE AND STAND AS ONE, LETS US UNITE IN THE NAME OF FREEDOM AND JUSTICE FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD, LET US UNITE TO END THE HORRORS OF EQUESTRIA SO OUR ALLIES ARE SPARED FROM THEM AND CAN SLEEP IN PEACE KNOWING THEIR BORDERS ARE SECURE! WILL YOU HELP ME!?" She yelled as a roar came from the people as she held up a hoof.

"What say you people of the Imperium? Will we unite to bring harmoney back to an unatural land wrecked with death and greed, ruled by machine mares with machine hearts that lead with fear and slavery, who's soldiers fight for that same idea! What say you people of the Imperium will you unite for freedom and our way of life and show Equstria what it is to love again and not let them fall into the darkness the we worked so hard to crawl out of. WHAT SAY YOU MY FAMILY? WILL YOU RISE AND END THIS MADNESS WITH ME?" She yelled hearing them roar with approval and could hear it echo over the waters and through the hills and mountains letting all know that the Imperium will no longer sleep in the shadows letting all know that the might of the Imperium has come to bear and all will know their name.

"Thank you. I will make sure that the Imperium is led into a new age of peace and freedom, free of hate and greed - of war and death." She said stepping back from podium as the people continued to cheer as a white mare stepped up to her and hugged her.

"You are a great leader Stardancer. Your father would be proud." Vinyl stated as Avitus pulled her into a hug as well.

"You did a great job sis." He said as he stepped back making her smile.

"Thanks guys I wish dad was here to see me." She said looking down till Vinyl pulled her head back up smiling at her.

"Your father heard you dear. I know he did." She said holding a ear piece making Stardancer go wide eyed and took it with shaking hoove and put it to her ear.

"Daddy?"

[You were beautiful baby girl, I'm so very proud of you.] He said as she choked on a sob, he sounded so tired.

"Where are you daddy?" She asked as he coughed and goaned.

[I'm in Ponyville, in your aunts old library. But don't worry I'll be home soon ok?] He said his voice getting softer.

"Daddy are you ok?" She asked starting to panic.

[Yeah daddies fine baby girl, I'm just very tired.] He stated making Star sigh.

"When are you coming home daddy?" She asked sniffing a little.

[Very soon sweetie very soon. Put your mother back on ok?] He said getting a nod from her and handed the ear piece.

(3 days earlier)

Darkstar landed his boat on the island shore late at night the deranged and insane laugher filled the are but also the sounds of a battle, Darkstar silently followed the sound of battle to see a sight that well was strange to be on the other side.

He saw a stallion in silver and gold armored robes , he couldn't make out how old but he was smaller than most but most peagasi didn't move that fast or were as agile! What really caught his attention were two things.

1. The strange silver and black blade that cut through literally everything in its path and 2. The stallion was alone and fighting over 100 cult members and was barely holding his own and was loosening ground. FAST , he needed help NOW.

So Darkstar used his war hammer on the closest cult necromancer leaping up and brining it down in a brutal slamming motion crushing the insane pony with a satisfying squish and crunch.

A few undead finally dropped but maybe half of them turned and charged Darkstar laughing insanely the whole time for hours the two stallions fought on tacking a few hits here and there but nothing to serious.

Darkstar was impressed with the stallion

'I should try and recruit him to the imperium he will be a very powerful ally but i should be wary i don't know where he stands in this war' Finally the last cult Jester of Baltimare died and the battle was over.

"Im getting too old for this crap". Dark panted out loud the other stallion remained silent.

" Thank you i would most likely be a walking corpse right now if it wasn't for you" Darkstar was surprised by the sound of his voice it was young not older and experienced as he expected.

" You can pay me back by telling me who you are and what house you belong to" Darkstar asked warily. The stallion said

"My name is DarkSteel and i am with house moon and star" He said so with the kind of pride one would have in their own home. Darkstar was immediately on guard

" Moon and star!? Your with those slaving fools!?" DarkSteel immediately had to fight down the insult to his mother.

" Ill let that slide if you tell me your name" He said politely keeping his anger in check.

" I am Darkstar lord of the Imperium, I've never seen a weapon like that before"Dark stated

DarkSteel was not surprised by the question but was shocked to learn 3 things, 1. His uncle was now standing in front of him 2. His life was saved by his greatest enemy and 3. The stallion whose armies were attacking his home and trying to kill his mother were standing before him.

"My weapon is unimportant what you want is for me to tell you where you could either get or make one for your self i won't tell you that but i will tell you that i am the son of a high ranking member of moon and star and while they do use slaves and it is disgusting but sadly the only way at this time that will change soon believe me very soon . We can exchange more pleasantry's when we've purified this dark place agreed?"

Dark smirked nodding knowing that it would indeed change very soon, but he was right the faster they cleared the place of filth the faster he cold save Pinkie and go home.

He let Steele lead the way not trusting the young colt not to stab him in the back and leave him for a snack for the laughing dead.

(Northern Moon and Star)

Over the last few weeks the alliance struggle with Everfree had been won with heavy causalties on both sides and estimated 32% of the Changeling and Imperium to their total army in that sector, and now they were marching to Moon and Star boxing them in from the west while Changelings invaded from the south with Whitegold.

With Griffon and Stormwing coming from the north and the bulk of the Imperiums finiest coming from the east Moon and Star were boxed in and cut off from supplies.

With slave uprisings happening in the house and being pushed from all sides Moon and Star were getting desperate sending whatever slaves they could against the onslaught of musket fire while the Imperials knights cut down all that were in the way.

(Outside Fortress Moon)

"MAKE READY!"

MAKE READY

"FIRE!" The crack of musket fire tore through the lines of slaves while the Imperiums artillery hammered the fort and they could see Changelings landing in the fort along with Whitegold blimps firing from above into the enemy lines below.

"Fix bayonets! CHAAARRRRRGE!" General Redcoat yelled as the Imperials war cry was heard across the field.

"FOR THE IMPERIUM!"

"WE LIVE AND DIE FOR THE EMPRESS!"

The surge of black and blue armored ponies along with the Imperial Knights as they charged the retreating lines.

(Moon and Star, Canterlot)

Twilight sat in her throne room as Shining came up to her and sighed while Twilight looked back at him with tears coming down her eyes.

"Where is Steele Shining? Where is my son?" She asked as he looked down.

"He was last seen heading for the cults island east of Stalliongrad." He said as he looked over at her as she was deep in thought.

'What are you up to Steele?" She asked as a explostion rocked the foundation making her sigh and looked over the war map and sighed again looking at the lines of her troops falling back on the magical war table while her enemies converged on the capital.

"Shining take your troops and defend the east sector of the kingdom and order all troops to retreat back to the capital and hold the line, we make our final stand here and we will wait on our brothers to arrive." She said as a shadow smiled and left the room to report to its new comrades.

Out on the battlefield Eclipse made his way out to the captured Star Harbor where he was meeting with Imperial command.

(Seabreeze Island demon lair)

The sound of blades clashing and screams of the dying could be heard around the cursed halls of the Laughing Mares hideout was as demons and the mad flung themselves at two stallions who build a wall of bodies around them.

"We cannot hope to keep this up Darkstar!" Steele stated as he sliced a laughing dead in from chest to tail.

"I know this Steele! Keep moving deeper into the bowls of this cursed place. COME FEEL THE BITE OF MY BLADE!" Darkstar yelled as he shoulder checked a zealot crushing her face as they made their way down a stair case and ran for the doors at the bottom of the stairs.

The two made it through the door closing and sliding the heavy door bolt as the two stumbled back as the doors shook from the force of colliding bodies.

"Come Lord Dark that door won't hold for long." Steele said as the older stallion grunted spotting another door leading deeper into the stronghold.

"There move forward." Dark said taking charge as the two quickly made their way though the door and found what they were both looking for.

There in her coffin stood Pinkie Pie along with the demon that stole her for her final resting place. As she smiled in front of the coffin.

"So you finally made it Darkstar, and it looks like you brought a friend with you how nice." The demon stated smiling showing it's sharp teeth while Dark and Steele growled.

"Your day in these lands are over demon!" Darkstar stated as she laughed.

"Oh and how are you going to defeat me?" She asked as the body of the demon was cut in half by a fine black blade as Dark rushed and grabbed Pinkies body out of the coffin.

"I can not let you leave with that body Darkstar, Pinkies body is the key to destroying the Laughing mares hold on this world." Steele stated blocking the door as Darkstar rolled his eyes.

"Boy you know nothing of what anchors the demon here, it's not my wifes body." He said looking back at his beautiful wife before sighing.

"Lies! I know that the mare is connected to Pinkie, it's the reason why she always looks like her when she's spotted." Steele said growling at this stubborn old stallion who narrowed his eyes at him.

"Pinkie is going home with me for a proper rest at her home where her family is." D*arkstar growled.

"I can't let you do that Lord Darkstar." The young stallion said.

"What are you going to do to stop me?" He asked smiling at the stallion growled.

"I will fight you if I must." He said as the doors behind him were slammed into as they started to laughing from the corpse of the laughing mare doll.

"You will give me back Pinkie now Darkstar." She growled as he looked at both of the two.

"Um, no?" Flash.

"Son of a-" Flash.

"RAAAAAAHHHHHHH! BRING ME BACK PINKIE PIE KILL THE OTHER TWO!" She screamed to all her servants on the island when explotions rocked the the strong hold.

Outside Steele was thown to the ground as the island shook from cannonball fire from the frigates off the coast and Darkstar was no where to be seen.

(On the LMS Apocolypse)

"Welcome aboard my lord." The captain greeted Darkstar as he watched the other ships hammer the island.

"Make sail for the Imperium and bring Pinkie home. Stop at Star Harbor my troops need me." Dark said getting a salute from the captain when the island exploded and out came the upper body of the Laughing mare.

"GIVE ME BACK PINKIE!" She screamed as they all stared in horror of the massive demon but Dark who looked confused.

'What's going on?' He thought as he closed his normal eye and nothing was there but when he closed his demon eye she was looming over the battle group.

"CAPTAIN! IT'S A ILLUSION! ALL SHIPS OPEN FIRE ON THE ISLAND!" He yelled as the order went to all ships their broadside cannons flashing as the demon disappeared.

"Take me to the shore captain." He said looking at the pale stallion.

"AYE SIR!"

(2 hours later)

"PUSH FORWARD STALLIONS AND-" THOOOM!

General Redcoat looked on in awe as a black cresent cut through the ranks of Moona and Star troops taking out the entire right flank.

"LORD DARKSTAR IS HERE!" A soldiers called out as the stallion ran down the hill and past their line.

"FOR THE IMPERIUM CHARGE!" The war cry came as they followed their leader into battle.

The sound of swords clashing and the screams of the dying filled the air along with the taste of blood hung heavy with the mixture of gunpowder.

"This ends today stallions! For the Empress and the Imperium purge these heritics!" Darkstar screamed as Lunar troopers battle Lunar knights.

"Smite the enemy and bring down these traitors!" General Redcoat cried as he lopped the head of a legionair off while turning and drivin his sword through a knights neck.

"RETREAT!" Called the Moon commander.

"LEAVE NONE ALIVE STALLIONS, DEATH TO THE ENEMY!" A Imperial commander yelled as they charged after the retreating forces.

"WITH ME MY BROTHERS PURGE THESE HERETICS!" Darkstar screamed over the battle as musket fire ripped into the backs of the enemy forces as pegasus troops dived into the lines cutting them down before they surrendered.

"Kill them, and burn this taint from the fields." A major ordered as Darkstar held up his hoof.

"I believe that the ruler of this land is waiting for a letter." He stated looking at the lone knight.

"You will tell my sister that I'm coming and not even her best will stop me." Dark said as the mare nodded and took off to her own lines.

"Sgt. Windsurfer, follow her and report back where here lines are. This war will be over in the next month. Now follow me brothers send word that I am on the field." Dark said watching the tired troops smile as a fire was sparked in their eyes.

"Now go rest, we have a war to win." He stated as they cheered as a flight of assualt marines landed.

"Lord Darkstar are you here to aid us?" The mare asked as she pulled her helmet off making him smile.

"Ah sister Helena it's good to see you alive in these dark times." He stated as she smiled.

"As well as you brother Dark, Now are you going to represent the Imperium and the Empress dressed in those rags?" She asked as he smiled.

"It matters not what I wear sister as long as I help lead the Imperium and her allies to victory." He stated getting a nod from her.

"True words brother, but I say some proper armor is waiting for you in the command tent. Suit up brother we have much work to do if we are to win this war." She said as he smiled.

"Don't I know? But by the Imperium it will be done." He stated as she smiled and bowed.

"To the front then brother, we will be waiting for your call." She stated taking to the skys as he smiled.

"Soldiers this day is ours but be warry the enemy may come again." He said as replacement troops marched forward.

Darkstar walked back with the winded troops as medics and others came back and forth with wounded troops.

"Lord Darkstar? It's good to see you well." He said looking at the covered eye.

"I'm as well as I will ever be General Daleus." He stated as some troops set a trunk down with the Imperial symbol on it.

"Now I need to prepare for the coming battles." He stated hefting the trunk on his back and headed to the commanders tent.

(2 days later)

"FOLLOW ME INTO BATTLE BROTHERS!" Darkstar yelled as they charged into the lines of Moon and Star with their jagged swords as they were fired on by marksmages taking down a few of the marines behind him as they slammed into their lines cutting down knights and legionnaires alike.

Behind them where thousands of Imperial soldiers moving behind as assault marines slammed into the forces from the side.

"IN THE NAME OF THE IMPERIUM BURN THIS TAINT FROM THE LAND!" A soldier yelled impaling a knight with his bayonet twisting as she pulled it out as bunkers where marksmages were burned out by firestorms.

Dark marched his armies at the front just as he got a radio from his Templar.

[Sir your wife's body has been purged, may she now rest in peace and with the Empress' blessing]

Dark stopped along with his troops who heard and bowed their heads and prayed that Luna watch over the late Lady Pinkamena and her family before a new spark roared to life as they surged forward killing every soldier in their path while slaves were freed and joined the fight.

"SHOW THEM WHY ALL SHOULD FEAR THE IMPERIUM'S WRATH!"

As the Imperium's finest and their allies met Twilight sighed as she looked at the magical war map showing the lines of her enemies as Steel walked up to her as she gave a sigh.

"Mother what can we do?" He stated watching as ranks of their forces were routed by the allies.

"I don't know son, my brother will come for me weather we like it or not, it looks like my vision of a better race for our kind is at an end." She said not seeing Starswirls happy face at this news.

"Unless I can appeal to his honor, you told me that Uncle Darkstar was a stallion of his word and would bend over backwards to keep his word. If I can beat him in a duel I can force him to our cause and our race would be saved and your dream would be realized." He stated as she gave it some thought before a wicked smile crossed her face.

"If I know my brother and I do, he will accept but with the amulet inside him he can take anything thrown at him and come back for more. Follow me son I have a spell that I made just for this type of thing." She said as Steel nodded following his mother while Starswirl looked on nervously.

'I must tell Eclipse.' He thought sinking into the ground.

On the path before the mountain leading into Canterlot Darkstar and his troops rested for the coming battle just as sister Helena came down next to him as he watched a group of knights come to them with a white flag.

"Hello sister come to tell me of our guests?" He asked with a smile as she shook her head.

"No brother, I come to tell you of the division of knights and nightmares coming around your flank, they have a Usra minor with them along with seraphs support and 4 regiments of legionnaires and a few hundred Inquisitor troops." She stated as he nodded.

"So she's throwing everything she has at us in a last ditch effort huh? Have our allies from Whitegold and the changelings deal with them and send a couple of clankers as support. I want you to take your flight of marine and aid them, we will be fine until then beside I can see a old friend at the head of this little parade." He stated looking at Steel.

Darkstar smiled as he told his troops to stand down just as they came within a few dozen feet of each other both wearing a smirk on their faces.

"Have you come to surrender? Or is the forces on my flank going to be meeting their doom?" He asked as he looked surprised before glaring.

"No we have not, I come on my own to challenge you to a duel." He stated as many of the soldiers behind him laughed.

"And what make a worm like you think he can challenge our lord hm" A mare asked getting a seething glare from him.

"Indeed, it this also a last ditch effort from my sister to win the hopeless battle of hers? Why not surrender now and prevent even more bloodshed, no harm will come to her so long as she come peacefully for once." He stated as they all growled at him while his soldiers laughed.

"IF YOUR SO RIGHTOUS THEN ACCEPT MY CHALLANGE!" Steel screamed as many raised their weapons for such arrogance.

"Oh trying to goad me into a battle that I have already won?" He asked as his soldiers smirked.

"Our lord doesn't need to duel with the likes of you worm when we have already won, you should tell your master to surrender." Another mare snickered while Dark smiled.

"You should listen to my soldiers and tell Twilight to surrender, I already have Shining Armor with me, he's actually in command of the 3rd Lunar Knights brigade. Shocking isn't it?" He said as they laughed at his face before it became that of rage.

"Shining Armor will meet his end soon enough, so what say you Lord Darkstar will accept my challenge?" He asked his smirk coming back.

"My lord please don't bother with this fool, we can take this city easily since Lord Armor has come back to us." One of his captains stated as Darkstar smiled.

"Don't worry this child will know his place soon enough. Fine I accept your challenge Steel we will meet in old Ponyville at dawn, in the meantime continue the assault on the city until my return." He stated before looking back at Steel who frowned.

"What is the wager boy?" Dark asked.

"If I win your forces are ours along with your allies." Steel said as many growled and shouted outrage.

"While I can't say the same for my allies which would sooner crush my own forces then have them turned on them not only that but even if my troops would follow such a order IF you were to defeat me. While my people are loyal to me they first serve the empress." He stated as a Darksteel growled.

"Then you will lead our forces then if you loose." He stated as Darkstar sighed.

"Oh so I could be branded a traitor by my people and my family the same? Fool why should I take this challenge. I could easily destroy the city from here and make what is right for everypony in Equestria?" He asked as Darksteel growled.

(Elsewhere)

"It would seem your student's son is at a loss sister, this is to rich to think my student would take such a offer when it is clearly one-sided." Luna stated floating in the white space around them as they could do nothing but watch.

"I still can't believe my student went so far off the deep end this is madness, fifteen years of war and for what? Land, money, glory? The elements have fallen far from my teachings especially Twilight." She stated looking down depressed.

"Sister you have been very quiet the whole time that we've been captive , I'm a patient mare but I'm worried". Luna said her voice full of curiosity and worry.

"Are you sure you want to know Luna? You won't like what I have to say." Celestia said her voice not raising a hair

"What do you mean?" Luna asked

"1000 years Luna , for 1000 years I spent alone aside from Darkstar and even that I had to give up along with my first filly now they both hate me. But that's not the case with you , what is wrong with you? "

"What do you mean 'what is wrong with you' sister your worrying me". Luna said ,

" I mean why did you leave me behind? Equestria behind your home , OUR home? When Twilight and her friends saved you by destroying nightmare moon, I finally had my family back. I was happy , at peace , but then you left me again in one move of pure selfishness and greed its no different then when you became nightmare moon." She said as Luna growled.

"WHAT!? HOW DARE YOU SAY THAT?!" Luna screamed

" How dare I? Really think about it Luna 1000 years ago you became nightmare moon to steal my little ponies love from me and then after my one and only sister returned to me she left again in a single day you left me to rule as 'Empress Luna' , But think about this who was that best for?" She asked as Luna stayed silent.

"Answer :You , I cant believe you think I actually enjoyed your visits! They were like a hell to me every day away from you was 1000 years all over again. You would come spend some time with me and leave, do you know how badly I wanted you to stay to grab your hooves and beg you to not leave me alone again like some over emotional filly?" Luna just stayed silent letting her sister have her moment.

" You ran away again to a place where ponies would love and worship you, sound like a certain nightmare moon we know? You couldn't take that ponies loved me and not you I thought that you had finally grown up , had learned to be patient. Do you really think ponies weren't afraid of me after you became nightmare moon? 'How long till she turns evil too'?" She asked as Luna stayed silent.

"How long until she enslaves us? I carried that burden for so long until they learned to love me again it took centuries Luna but I did it. But YOU, you left us behind you left Equestria weakened, and vulnerable, what do you think I spend 1000 years doing? Sitting on my throne drinking tea? No at night I had to fight monsters , beasts , demons , and abominations , to protect Equestria from them, I couldn't get a good nights sleep or any sleep at all because you weren't there to watch the night." Celestia said her voice growing colder and colder

"The pain you've put me through all those years ago ... I thought you learned from that , I cant believe you would do it all again. My own sister has put me through a hell she couldn't possibly imagine , all so she could sit on a throne and be haled as a empress and goddess. So all I have to say to you is this. Do you really think you should even call yourself my sister?" Celestia asked looking dead at a now silent Luna who gave a cold look at her sister making her flinch.

"So the truth finally comes out huh? Well then I ask you this then 'sister' when this is over come with me, become the second empress of the Lunar Imperium and help me lead my people into a new age of peace and technology. Leave your ponies behind to start a new with me by your side for the next thousand years." She said as Celestia looked at her shocked before she narrowed her eyes at her.

"I WOULD NEVER ABANDON MY SUBJECTS!" She yelled.

"THEN DON'T ASK ME TO DO THE SAME! MY SUBJECTS HAS BEEN WITHOUT ME FOR EONS BECAUSE OF YOU! THE NIGHTMARE WAS NEVER SUPPOSE TO TAKE OVER BUT OFFER ME POWER TO PROTECT MY SUBJECTS! AND DON'T TRY TO BLAME THE ELEMENTS!" She screamed at her making Celestia jump back.

"You could have stopped the nightmare with no problem with the elements, your student and her friends sure did A THOUSAND YEARS LATER! You know as well as I that once I became the nightmare all of the powers that were mine with the elements became yours, but yet you still imprisoned me in MY moon." She snarled.

"The fact that you dare compare me to that monster I can't believe you Celestia! And I'm selfish!? Yet you sat just there and stated that I was selfish for protecting my subject and going home to rule my own people who have been at WAR WITH EVERY NATION AROUND THEM FOR 1000 YEARS CELESTIA!" She roared panting as Celestia looked on stunned.

"You say I'm selfish but yet you would have me leave my own subject to the those that would destroy them, just because you were fighting monsters and the like in Equestria doesn't mean you weren't the only one dear sister." She stated calmly in a even tone of ice.

"My subjects had to defend themselves without their ruler for the last thousand years what about yours hm? Could yours do the same well it appears not since they have been at war with each other for the last 15 years." She stated as Celestia looked down.

"Oh and how did I leave Equestria weak hm? It seemed to me it had flourished since my imprisonment while my own had to fight for everything they got and built an empire. Before we were taken by that thing your nation was still top dog as far as numbers and training, Equestria was NEVER WEAK." Luna stated never loosing her tone.

"And as for me leaving to be worshipped as a god? No I left because my ponies needed me did you not just say you would never abandon your ponies? Neither would I, I can't believe your selfish actions have led to you hating me. Dear sister." She smirked at the shocked look on her face.

"Ah from the shock on your face you just realized it didn't you? You hate me for leaving but yet refuse to accept I had my own kingdom to govern and lead. Sound like a jealous certain nightmare to you?" She asked as Celetia started to protest.

"Don't even try to deny it sister, it's written all over your face. For a thousand years you have felt guilt over what you did to me and once I was back you expected me to stay by your side for all of time. It's funny that whenever something in your plans fail you become this emotional wreck, look at your kingdom now sister and tell me what you see." Luna said glaring.

"Yes over a thousand years of preaching about friendship and love and this is the outcome. Now look at my empire, what you would call warmongers and killers have stepped up to preserve the Imperium instead of letting a power struggle happen and united to serve me just as they did a thousand years ago." She smirked as Celestia whimpered.

"As for me running from my problem Celestia you're a fool if you think I would ever let some of these ponies ignorant words make me run, I've dealt with it myself in my own empire of those that questioned me and if I was the princess that really guided them to their path of light so many years ago. So no I didn't run from those fools here I ran to more at my own more so than you would think with me trying to insure my ponies that I was the real ruler of the night and even went through trials so they would know it was me." She stated evenly.

"So don't tell me I ran from my problem when the only thing you had to worry about as far as monsters and the like was some of discords left over minions and the creatures of the Everfree and the Griffons." She said as Discord floated beside her.

"This is true Tia you're being childish and have been since your sister left." He said with a disappointed look on his face.

"Sister I'm sorry." She said as Luna huffed.

"Now I'm your sister?" She asked her tone colder than ever making Celestia wince.

(Back at Canterlot pass)

Darkstar watched as Steel glared at him making him smirk before he sighed and had General Stonewall come over.

"At dawn if I am to lose somehow you will not follow my orders and kill me on sight understood." He stated getting a shocked look from the older stallion.

"Ye, yes sir." He stated as Darkstar left.

"You better bring your A game boy." Dark stated as the younger stallion smirked.

"You better believe it."

(Dawn the next day, Ponyville)

DarkSteel waits for Darkstar late at night at the edge of house moon and stars territory near Ponyville his silver coat and black mane reflect the full moons light as does his gold and silver armored robes a he now feels as a last gift from his mother.

Inside his satchel is many components for the ritual Tears of Nightmare Moon , a piece of Celestia's mane the remains of the element of magic and several other once powerful but now useless relics of a time all but forgotten he sets them up in the correct positions angles and the like.

Speaking in a old language to awaken what little power remains inside them for this last desperate move . He feels like death its self is standing over him its scythe at his thought just waiting for him to make one mistake and walk into its cold dark embrace.

He senses Darkstar nearby and his mind travels back as far as he can remember losing his family to the Cult of Laughter, wandering aimlessly for months from refugee camp to refugee camp. Hated and demonized just for having magic and having to either run away or risk losing his horn.

So many cold hungry nights , reaching the Canterlot barrier and passing through it , attempting to steal food from the castle in a desperate attempt to survive , failing and getting captured by the Knights of Luna.

Being brought before his mother to be executed , using all his fear and desire to live to blast away the executioner and others by sheer uncontrolled magic , passing out and waking up in his now room and twilight making him an offer.

" I can teach you to use your magic harness it you are the only pony I've met with power to match my own and your still just barley a colt if you refuse ill have no choice but to lock you away as you are a potential threat." He agreed of course at first he was terrified of her but as time went on he began to see what no others did twilight was alone and hurting in a single reckless day she lost all of her friends and by the end of the year was at war with them.

At first his attempts to get closer failed but when he explained what he went through and he knows how she feels they bonded slowly but surely their relationship changed from master and apprentice to mother and son.

DarkSteel remembered the first of many things he went through living with her his first day training under her , his first day training with the knights of Celestia and Luna his first time he met and freed a slave this and many more things flooded his mind as he finished the preparations just as Darkstar came into view.

"Are you sure you don't just want to surrender Darksteel, I can promise you that no harm will come to my sister. I never planned on killing her to begin with, just simply bring her to justice, she is my sister after all." He stated as Darksteel paused for a second.

"All the pain and suffering of the people will stop and if my hunch is right then the princess will be back very soon and all will be right with the land." He stated.

"You lie." He growled.

DarkSteel drew his personal strange weapon known as a MANABLADE he made from a old schematic he found in the Canterlot restricted section. It was a hilt with no blade to a earth pony or Pegasus but in his hoofs it was a silver and black blade comprised of pure magic and channeled his magic around it and assumed a defensive stance and waited for Darkstar to make the first move and make the first move Darkstar did.

He knew not to underestimate him and didn't plan to using the amulet to enhance his speed he came at DarkSteel with unnatural speed and power his two blades a blur to any normal pony's trained or otherwise eyes but not to DarkSteel he had prepared himself for this and barley blocked Darkstars powerful attack , Darkstar was surprised but didn't let it faze him as he continued to test DarkSteel and his defense.

He fond them both to be formidable and jumped back to avoid to the powerful Manablade's strike DarkSteel used his powerful magic to enhance his own speed and agility to attempt to break through darkstars powerful defenses.

He knew Darkstar had far more experience then him in one on one combat or in anything really but Darkstar was getting older and slower his body had been through a lot of punishment over the years and he knew that any wound inflicted would heal rapidly but Darkstar had used the amulet so long that if and that is a really big IF he was separated from it Darkstar might not be able to fight anymore his age would catch up and so would his old wounds.

The battle went back and forth for hours it was a battle of age-won skill, power , and wisdom verses young well trained skill , ferocity and a desire to protect what they both truly cared about. In the end Darkstar and steel and both realized that their skills were equal and in the long run DarkSteel would win due to having more energy and being younger.

But that was only if Darkstar didn't have the power of the Alicorn amulet to enhance him he knew if he was going to win he couldn't use some of it he has to use it all he had made a deal to help House moon and Star conquer Equestria if he lost he expected a difficult battle but not this.

DarkSteel felt the air around him chill and felt dark power start to pulsate off Darkstar he knew from the feeling this wasn't some of the amulets power, Darkstar was going to use it all he knew he would soon come face to face with the demon of his nightmares and readied himself for it ...

But he wasn't ready enough Darkstar when he entered his full power reaper form was faster, stronger and far more powerful than anything he'd ever seen and in a instant he was knocked off his hooves and was pinned down in the remains of twilights old home the library. He looked into Darkstars demonic eyes and heard him trough all the pain say.

"YEILD" . DarkSteel knew that if was anyplace else he would have no choice but Darkstar and he were now in the center of the ritual circle and he said

" Yes Darkstar i accept your yield" confused Darkstar too late noticed the strange smells and markings in the library and looked down at DarkSteel as he cut his hoof on a rusty nail and slams in in a sigil on the floor.

At that moment the former library was filled with cerulean light and In the center of it Darkstar felt something , something wrong with him he looked down to see his reaper form slowly faze out of his body and become a transparent version of it in front of him he could see the amulet inside it as well and watched it slowly start to collapse on its self and implode.

When the amulet was destroyed within seconds the cerulean light was gone and they were back in the library their roles reversed DarkSteel and his Manablade at his neck and he felt weak to weak to even lift a hoof but he could only utter two words

"I yield"

(6 years later)

The alliance that day pulled back with Lady Star's pleas for them to as Whitegold and Stormwing fell to Moon and Star only a few months later after all was taken and Equestria under the banner of Moon and Star, Darkstar killed himself out of shame and unable to face his nation or family again.

Equestria fell under the dark ages of marshal law and Twilight ruled with a iron grip, any who spoke out was killed as her mental stated decayed she became paranoid, the only comfort she had was her son who stayed at her side ever faithful.

Hundreds of thousands of slaves were executed for rebellion and traitors like Eclipse were killed outright. Twilights mental state plummeted when she found her younger brothers body hanging from the pipes above his cell, the scream she let out could rival even Fluttershy's and chilled all to the bone.

Celestia and Luna were never found even after the Inquisition purged the land of the cult.

Twilight made 3 more attempts at a forced alicorn transformation but only ending in failure before she gave up on it all together.

Stardancer never forgave Twilight and to this day plans to invade Equestira once more but it would be a path of vengeance, because honor demands it. She struck several new allies as she built up the Imperium's might to the point even the changelings and griffons feared the name of the Lunar Imperium.

She dreams of the day she is able to bring her father home to rest, even if he was forced to honor his word she knew he hated himself for what he was doing and blamed himself for his foolish actions and blamed Twilight for her fathers death.

Fluttershy lives comfortably in the Imperium with Applejack who even though they became friends again morn the loss of the others and their families.

Rainbow Dash died in the Battle of Cloudsdale along with her new boyfriend Fireblaze and his friends Cloudy and Nara.

Fleetfoot, Drago, and Creamskull were killed in the last moments of the battle with some of Steels elite guards as they went to capture Twilight.

Glttershot and Zephyr Star made it back to the Imperium alive and are itching to pay Moon and Star back for what they did.

Rarity died in Darkstars arms, her disease finally catching up to her as Sweetie Belle screamed at him that it was his fault.

Now Equestria is nothing but a land of death, pain and fear.

On the far shores of the northern expansion Stardancer stepped off the landing craft sporting the Imperium's new repeater rifle while steam and magic powered vehicles rolled off ships.

"I'm coming daddy." A now 28 year old Stardancer said to herself as a medic and her right hoof mare came to her side.

"My lady, the first outpost of Moon and Star is 13 miles north." Glittershot stated getting a nod from her.

"Star, the troop are ready and waiting for your orders." Zephyr stated getting a smile from her.

"We're with you our lady." The two stated as she smiled.

"Thank you, both of you. My father would be happy to know that you stayed." She stated as one of the armored vehicles rumbled by.

"Let's move we have a land to take back." She said with narrowed eyes and a smirk.

Author's Note

Don't own beginning speech