Chapters 10…
“Place the charge Sergeant!”
9…
I take a deep breath in waiting for the charge to be armed by Sergeant Jackson.
8…
“You all know the drill. Breach and Clear, be sure to aim for the head and keep an eye out for hostages!”
7…
My breathing slows at my words as I focus in on the task at hand.
6…
“This operation is to be in, and out. If there are any survivors, execute them we are not here for prisoners.”
5…
“The charge is set Captain Varellian!”
4…
“Stand back everyone!”
3…
This is the moment I’ve been waiting for…
2…
…If any harm has befallen you two…
1…
…They shall pay dearly.
0…
The charge detonates blasting the door wide open on its hinges, dangling by a single screw in the bottom hinge. We charge in…
*pop* *pop* *pop* *pop* *pop* five shots, five direct hits
“Room secure! Move in and keep low, there may be enemy patrols.” I relayed into the communications device running along each of our vests.
“Roger!” The squad of 7 other members relayed back.
“Sergeant Vasquez, Sergeant Johnson, and Corporal Lin, you’re with me, we’re taking the south. Lieutenant Norman, take Staff Sergeant Milo, Corporal Melody, and Corporal Manning and take the north.” I relayed the commands to the squad, given a nod of heads in reply. “Lets get this show on the road.”
With that Vasquez, Johnson, Lin, and I went our own way. We snuck across the grim filled street passing by a few decaying bodies which were recognized to be the rebels we were helping in this war. Slowly we proceeded making sure not to make any noise loud enough to be heard by the many patrols we had hidden from on our way to checkpoint A. Sadly this luck was not to last long…
We came to a stop when we came across an empty parking lot, filled with nothing but trash, bodies, and belongings of the people who had once lived in these homes we now use as pathways.
“Sir, do we proceed?” asked Sergeant Johnson.
“No, this may be a tr-” I was cut off by the abrupt sound of a sniper rifle being fired, only to look back and see Corporal Lin falling over. As she hit the ground, her helmet rolled 3 feet away to reveal that the shot, had entered through the right eye socket, but exiting through the back of the skull, or what it left of the skull.
“GET DOWN! WE’VE BEEN SPOTTED!” I relayed to the two remaining soldiers, luckily for them. The Sniper had misfired and hit the glass bottle behind Sergeant Vasquez.
After waiting a minute to see if they would have troops coming in to try and swarm us, we were instead met with utter silence.
1 Minute……3 Minutes……5 Minutes……10 Minutes……
Whispering just low enough that Vasquez and Johnson could hear me I said, “ Listen, we need to be more careful from here on out. I don’t think that they are trying to defend or be on the offensive here. Either this is a trap, or that wasn’t one of them. Either way, keep a sharp eye out for anything suspicious. Got it?”
“Yes sir! But I have a question?” replied Sergeant Vasquez with a mortified look that would make any sane being cringe.
“Ask away Sergeant.” I replied whispering.
“Sir, first off what will happen with her body? Do we just leave her? and second...What’s that thing behind you and why is your left eye bright orange?” He asked in a slurred voice.
I turned around to end up staring directly into the eyes of a creature I had never seen before, but before I could truly react it leaped onto the rooftop getting away.
What in Gods name was that creature!
“If I had any guess to what in the heck that was Vasquez, I would say that it was mind tricks and we may want to wave it off as just that for now. To answer whether we leave the body or not, we won’t be taking it right now, but we will take her dog-tags.” I replied in a voice laced with pure terror and for some reason, excitement.
“But that doesn’t answer why your eye i-” He was cut off abruptly.
“The reason for that right now is irrelevant, we need to get a move on before that thing comes back or that sniper does. Either way I’d rather take my chances with neither.” I replied in a harsh but hushed voice.
“Sergeant Johnson, where did yo-” My question was cut short to find that Sergeant Johnson had disappeared along with the body of former Lieutenant Lin. I silently cursed myself for allowing one such as him out of my sight, even for a split second. “Vasquez, looks like it’s just you and me from here on out until we reach the rendezvous point. You ready to see how I got the title of, “Lupine Demon”, because I feel that I won’t be holding back this time around.” I said with a sinister grin.
Sergeant Vasquez responded by nodding his head with wide eyes, I could see him visibly shudder at the thought. “Sir is it really necessary for you to go to that extent?”
“Oh it is more than necessary Vasquez, they killed Lieutenant Lin and have taken Major Lynn and my brother hostage.” I said allowing a dark shadow to cloud my face. “They will stop at nothing, and I mean nothing. To get me to give in to their demands, but this time, they have made it personal.” I replied not bothering to lower my voice from the rage rising up inside.
I turned to look at him just to get a nod from him. With that we continued further into the city, this time not hiding from the enemy but stealthily taking out each roaming squad with efficiency and ease from the shadows.
The moon is your friend Lionel, embrace it and use it to bend the world in your favor
What in the world was that? Hello?!?! It must have been my imagination. “Vasquez, tell me, did you just hear anyone speaking to you?”
“No sir, why? It may be your earpiece, these versions of the earpieces are really buggy, it may have just been a transmission you weren’t meant to receive?” He replied with a quizzical look.
“You may be right… but still keep an eye out. I feel as if we’re being watched and I don’t know if it’s good or bad yet.” I replied with a hint of doubt in my voice.
“Yes Sir.”
“So you won’t give us the codes, will you Major Lynn? Or do you need to be influenced-” As he said this he brought a knife to the bottom of my bare back making a long cut up the length of my back, “- a little bit more?”
“You can-” I winced at the feeling of the blade cutting my skin, “-do all you want, but I will never betray my country, as I would never betray my husband and his brother!” She said through broken teeth and black and blue eyes.
“Oh, but I think quite the contrary my darling. I think that you will give me the codes, even if I have to take them-” He yanked my ponytail as he said this, “-by force, but I don’t want to ruin such a beautiful specimen. You would make quite the fine slave around the base. Many of us would request your “Services”.” He let out a small chuckle as he finished.
I smiled through my busted lips and spat a small thing of blood out of my mouth onto the floor, “If you think even for a second, I would agree to any of that you are horribly mistaken. I would rather DIE!” I said as loud as I could and clearly as I could before I felt a resounding smack that seemed like it rung out through the world for hours.
“Well then, if you won’t agree to my terms, I guess it’s time for more eh?” With that he pulls up a cart full or doctor tools. I rely on my ears to tell me what he is pulling up as my eyesight has been disabled due to my black and blue eyes. From what I could hear, I suggest he is taking a scalpel off the tray.
“Don’t worry this won’t hurt a bit” as he says this I feel the tip of the scalpel touch the under part of my arm, causing me to wince in pain as it digs deep into my skin. I screamed as loud as I could as I felt him bring the scalpel down the length of my side then feel as he starts to forcibly peel away the first layer of skin causing me to scream even louder.
“This pain could end if you ju-” He was interrupted by me headbutting him right in the nose. I heard the sound of his nose being broken.
“GAH! WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME!?” As he screamed I couldn’t help but laugh even though it brought me pain due to the long incision along my side.
“Isn’t it obvious? I broke your nose! I knew you were stupid but not that stupid. If you’re going to torture me, do it right, otherwise the one you’re torturing could turn the tables on you!” As I said this I felt a metal object hit the back of my skull knocking me out.
“We’re getting closer Vasquez.” As I said this I heard a loud scream coming from the building in front of us. “Don’t worry Lynn… I’m almost there…” I whispered silently to myself.
“Sir this complex is swarming with guards. How do you plan to get in there?” Asked Sergeant Vasquez, giving me a quizzical glance.
“Well you know that, “Lupin Demon”, title I told you, you were going to learn about tonight? That’s exactly what is going to get us in.” I said giving him a sly smile.
Now I need to concentrate……
Let the moon help you Lionel, let my powers flow through your veins
That voice again?! Who are you?! What do you want?!
No response…… of course……
As I began reciting the passage the world started to fall away from me.
I call upon the Sun and the Moon to give me strength,
I call upon the animals of Earth to give me form.
Come to me now in this time of need.
Lend me your wisdom, Lend me your strength.
I call upon you, the spirit of the wolf,
May I be your vessel,
Lupine Demon.
As I finished reciting the final verse I felt a strong warmth flow through my body and felt the power start to change my form. I felt as my mouth and jaw turned into a long black snout, I felt as my ears shifted towards the top and back of my skull, I felt my eyes change from human to lupine, I felt my hands and feet grow claws and pads appear on the bottom of them, I felt as my spine grew twice the length making a tail for my body.
If our presence was not known before my transformation, it was known now as a light as brilliant as the sun radiated off my body as I turned. When the transformation was complete I opened my eyes to find a horrified Sergeant Vasquez.
“This is why I’m called the, “Lupine Demon”, Vasquez.” I said in a soothing yet more feral voice than my previous one. Vasquez couldn’t help but stare from the sheer horror that befell his mind from seeing me turn from human into an anthropomorphic creature, commonly called a werewolf. Yet being a werewolf was not the case, as this was one of the many forms I could take.
I turned and walked towards the gate. As I opened the gate I was surrounded by guards, weapons drawn using an eclectic array of weaponry. Everything from small handguns pointed at me, to a 25mm artillery cannon. Sadly, they were going to need a lot more than just this to stop my rage as I heard the deafening scream from who I could only assume to be my wife. As soon as I heard the scream, I ran behind the guy manning the artillery cannon, cutting him and the artillery cannon in half as I ran my claws through the weapon. Leaving all the guards who had previously been opposing me to start cowering and some blindly firing at me. Luckily enough I was fast enough to move behind the stone wall that surrounded the house before the blind fire.
I took this chance to move around to the front gate again. I took several grenades from Sergeant Vasquez and jumped as high as I could dropping the grenades over the group of over 2 dozen guards that gathered in the middle of the courtyard. Creating a satisfying explosion that resounded across the whole town sending off car alarms citywide. I landed on the roof where the room felt as if it were going to give way anytime soon.
*BOOM*
I woke up to the sound of an explosion just outside the room in what I could only assume to be the courtyard of the establishment I was in. I still could not see, so I waited while I heard the sound of ripping, tearing and screams that resounded throughout the halls. Then I finally heard him calling…
“Jazmine! Where are you!?!?” Was he….was he about to cry?
“WHERE IS SHE?!” There’s no denying it, he’s gone Lupine.
“I’m in here Lionel!” I screamed as loud as I could then I heard the door open and slam.
“Oh you’re not going with your cute little boyfriend Major Lynn, not till you give me those codes.” I heard the man say...great of course in disaster I’m his first priority.
“Oh I’m pretty sure I’m safe, Lionel will tear you to shreds when he finds you.” I said coldly to the terrorist.
“Oh yet you have yet to even realize who I am Major. You have yet to even begin to understand.” He said as he slipped a pill into my mouth and forced me to swallow. The world seemed to slip away in a moment’s notice…
Lost Solstice will help you yet Shimmering Dawn, just wait……
Who are you and why did you call me that………
……I am -
“Captain! You need to get out of there! The Building is going to come down on you if you keep this up!” Vasquez yells as loud as he could above the sounds of explosions and miscellaneous gunshots.
I try to yell back to him but all that comes out is a long blood thirsty howl.
CRAP! I need to turn back, the wolf is starting to take control.
Solstice, be calm and recollect, you’re in control, not the demon……
Wait a minute… Who are you and why did you call me Solstice?!
……Tis not important, what is, is that Jazmine needs you, now go!
Listen to me! This is not some sort of game! WHO ARE YOU?!?!
I was met with silence of the mind. I can’t let it get to me, it might be trying to screw with me.
On the verge of tears I cried out one more time, “JAZMINE! Where are you?!?!” I was met with enemy forces rushing me, this time they tried to use swords in hope that it would meet them with better results. “WHERE IS SHE?!” I yelled at them.
“I’m in here Lionel!” I heard someone scream, it was one mixed with fear, happiness, and pain. As I heard this I took the sword from one of the enemies and used it to skewer the skull of one, then proceeded to use the arm of the next to beat him to death. The other 4 tried to run away to no avail. I proceeded to jab my claws into the back of one of the enemies and rip his spine out and then I took that same spine and stabbed it through the top of the head of another. Then I grabbed the last two in the chest and tore their hearts out and proceeded to devour the hearts.
This has to stop….
Lupine soul be cast from my body,
Lend me your strength no more.
Return to the Earth,
From whence thee came.
With this I slowly started to revert back to my human form. The power that once flowed through my veins slowly vanishing bringing back consciousness and control. As I turned back I couldn’t help but notice, my eyes felt strange, as if they had not changed back.
*creeeek*
I was brought back to attention by the sound of the building starting to collapse. Crap. I need to find her and get the heck out of here! I ran swiftly to the room I heard her voice come from to find the room empty but for a single note lingering there in the middle of the room from a thin string. The letter read the following:
To : Lionel Varellian
From : Commander ########
Dear Varellian,
How does it feel to know all that bloodshed was pointless, that you could not save her because you were too slow? You allowed yourself to lose control, as I was counting on and it proved to me something. Yet it seems you yourself have yet to understand exactly what that is. As for your brother, he lies dead in the closet of this room. I hope that you enjoy this little gift from the one you called a Tyrant those many years ago. If you wish to ever see your wife again you will come to the following location. Alone. You will bring no weapons but you will bring me the codes, or you can say goodbye to your dearly beloved. The time is ticking Varellian, will you be too slow again? Or will you be able to give up everything for the one you love?
Signed,
Commander ########
As I finished reading this letter I fell to my knees allowing the anger, rage, sadness, and fear rush over my body. The tears I fought to hold back finally came out in a violent rush. I tucked the letter into my pocket then proceeded to slowly stumble over to the closet where the Commander said I would find my brother. As I grasped the doorknob I felt something on my shoulder. When I turned around I found it was nothing. The doorknob felt cold, not a normal cold, but one that could be felt as a ghost travels through the same room as you. I slowly turned the knob to be met with the strong smell of entrails and blood. What I saw of my brother, could hardly be recognized as him. His entrails were decorating the wall, his heart in the middle of his large intestine that formed a heart on the wall. Spelled in his own blood on the wall was a message for me. “The “Tyrant” Queen awaits you Solstice”.
What in the living heck did this mean? I couldn’t stand the sight any longer so I said my final goodbyes and took his dog-tag then proceeded to hastily exit the crumbling building.
By the time I reached Sergeant Vasquez the enemy forces had evacuated the area leaving nothing but the dead bodies of their fellow soldiers and the crumbled mass of the once beautiful building behind. That was when we saw Lieutenant Norman. Or at least what was left of him.
From what I could infer, his squad never made it. We lit a red flare signaling we were ready for pickup. What I have seen tonight, shall never be forgotten, nor shall it ever be forgiven. The “Commander” will pay for what he has done, same as this so called “Tyrant” Queen he speaks of.
Solstice, be at peace, for I know the pain thou dost endure but we shall make her pay, as well as the Commander. Be patient and we will see each other soon.
Please, at least tell me who you are. I’m not in the mood for guessing games, I just lost my only brother and I may lose my wife if I don’t do what I need to for this person.
I am the one who guards you in the night, I am the one who revived you. I am the one who gave you the, “Lupine Demon”, you will learn my name and who I truly am with good time.
Fine, but when all is said and done, I demand an explanation.
You shall Solstice. May you rest tonight for tomorrow your life changes…Forever.
What do you mean?!
I was met with the hum of a chopper overhead starting it’s descend to pick us up.
I will rescue you Jazmine, and I will make them pay for this pain they have caused us, and I will ensure them the same fate that they have given my brother.
Did command really allow this……
“Captain Varellian”
……Were they really sacrificing this……
“Captain Varellian!”
……Are they seriously giving into his demands……
“Captain Varellian! The Drop!”
……Why are they doing this?!
“CAPTAIN VARELLIAN! THE DROP! WE GOTTA GO NOW!”
Finally I was awoken from my stupor by now Staff Sergeant Vasquez. I looked over to Vasquez with sorrow and pain in my eyes and asked, “Why……why did this have to happen?”
“Sir, with all due respect we have our orders and we need to follow them. Now get your lazy behind up off the bench and GO! The Drop is right below us, we have to go NOW!” Vasquez was yelling at me above the hum of the helicopter blades. I shook my head to rid the doubt and worry from my mind and put on a brave face.
“Lets get this over with Vasquez” I said coldly as I brushed past him, readying myself for the drop. I yelled back to Vasquez, “You ready for this Staff Sergeant!?”
“That I am sir! Let’s go get your wife back, and get some payback for what that wretch did to your brother!” He replied enthusiastically, with a grin that could make even the coldest of hearts smile.
“Then lets go!” I yelled as I jumped from the helicopter.
It’s been almost 3 weeks since our last operation that was supposed to be a rescue op of my brother, Corporal Varellian, and my wife, Major Lynn, during that time Sergeant was promoted to Staff Sergeant and placed permanently within my squad for future operations, due primarily to the fact he had found out what the, “Lupine Demon”, truly was.
“T-Minus 45 seconds to deployment of chutes sir!” Yelled Vasquez above the whistling air. I gave him a slight nod in conformation that I had received his update.
When we returned from the rescue operation, Vasquez was mortified of me, terrified, angered, and most of all felt only empathy towards me. It took over a week for him to recover from this state. When he had, I explained to him what that exactly was.
“Sir, you mean to tell me that you were born with this, this Demon?” Vasquez asked me between bites of his food.
*sighs* “For the last time, it isn’t truly a demon. It’s more of a guardian.” I said taking a sip of my root beer.
“Can we run through this one more time as to what it is? I still don’t get it.” he asked with an irritated but pondering tone.
“Alright, but this is the last time Vasquez.” I told him with a slight sigh of anger.
“Deploy the Chutes!” I heard Vasquez yell above the whistling of the wind going past my ears. As he said this I proceeded to pull the cord to release the chute, which almost like a sack of feathers being flung open into a wind tunnel, shot up and yanked me hard to slow my descent to the calm treetops that laid below us.
“Alpha to Delta, we arrived at the drop point, where’s our pickup?” I said into the walkie talkie. Within a minute they responded.
“Delta to Alpha, The pickup should be there T-minus 30 seconds, should be coming up the north path.” I heard them say through the walkie talkie. Music to my ears.
As I ended the conversation I motioned Vasquez to follow me to the nearby path to await our pickup.
No sooner that I had put my helmet on did the pickup come roaring down the path, stopping only 3 feet in front of us. In the drivers seat was someone that I looked familiar, yet I could not place my finger on it.
“You gonna stand there gawking, or ya gonna get in? I ain’t got all day!” said the driver mildly irritated at me. I shot him a glare that made him turn back to face forward. “Whatever, just get in.”
“Got it mate, but first things first, do I know ya from somewhere? You seem very familiar, yet I can’t place my finger on it.” I asked the familiar looking man.
“Never seen you before in my life.” He replied. He sounded like he was trying to hide something, but I waved it off as anxiety.
As soon as I had gotten into the passenger seat of the pickup, the driver started to head towards our destination. When I thought more and more about where I had seen him before. I started thinking that maybe I was wrong and I had never seen him before.
Do not let your guard down around Aurora, Solstice, he is dangerous.
Ummm……how do you know his name? and why do you know him?
Just trust me Solstice, he is not to be trusted. Stay alert and don’t take your eyes off him for a minute, or it will be your last.
How am I to trust a being that I have no clue if it is benevolent, or malevolent? And why do you keep calling me Solstice? That’s not my name, my name is-
You are Lionel Jecht Varellian. Born to Beatrice Varellian, and to Zachary Varellian. Your brother was -
STOP! I get it, you know my family, but that doesn’t give me a single reason as to why I should trust you.
It is not my place to make you trust me, you may trust me, or you may think I lie and find out for yourself.
Fine……I’ll trust you, primarily because I don’t trust him anymore than I do you, but evidently you know me somehow, so I’ll do this.
No sooner did I say that, did I feel the presence leave my mind once again. I turned my gaze towards the driver, who was mysteriously called Aurora by the……thing in my mind. I watched him for the entire trip making sure he didn’t try anything funny. He occasionally asked a question, usually it was about me or my wife. It wasn’t anything too personal or revealing, just the basic questions like what we like to eat, our favorite color, etc. It was an hour long trip to the Headquarters that held my wife and the Commander who was waiting patiently for me to hand over the codes that command had so eagerly given up to get the Major back.
The last time I saw any of these troops, they were at the mercy of my Lupine form…
“The, “Lupine Demon”, as many call it, isn’t truly a demon but a guardian. It senses the fear, hatred, and sadness within the air turning it into strength and using that in violent bursts to give it the strength it needs to operate. Sadly when doing this, it lowers the time I am able to use it. If I were to just go about a normal life, and fought normally on the battlefield in that form, I would be able to control it for up to a week at most. Yet when I fight like I did during the rescue operation, the guardian senses, I am losing control slowly and starts to act on it’s own, which in turn, slowly causes it to take me over. In only one case, has it ever fully taken control. That was the day, that it was made known to the world, that there was a demon among them, a Lupine Esque Demon. No one had a clue what it really was, and luckily they didn’t think that it could be anyone, so they didn’t think to do tests on people to see if the demon resided within one single person. That was my third time going Lupine, and I hoped it would be the last, but that was before I discovered how to force the transformation. Thing is, after using my Lupine Form, it can take anywhere from 2 days to a month for my body to be able to recover before doing it again. So you won’t be seeing me like that again for a while, you can count on that. As you saw, even though it is Lupine in nature, it is also human like. Some people would call it an anthropomorphic creature, which means to have human like traits and characteristics, yet many would call it just purely, a demon. I was born with the Lupine form, as far as I know that is. The first time I had ever transformed, was purely by accident and from anger and sadness overwhelming me.” As I said this my face grew dark and I fought back tears……
“Sir? Are you coming in?” asked Vasquez, I assumed he was talking to me and I was simply out of it again.
“Sorry Vasquez, was just thinking about some stuff. Let’s go and get this over with.” I replied, sighing slightly due to my irritation. I know command thinks my wife is important, but these codes……these codes could be the very thing that could be used against the people we have fought so hard to protect. So why were they giving it up so eagerly?
As we breached the threshold of the building, it reeked of sweat, smoke, and unwashed clothing. As the smell met my nose I resisted the strong urge to empty my breakfast that I had only a couple hours ago.
“Gah! What is that putrid smell?!” I asked to the lurking nearby still, Aurora.
“That tis the smell of our people. I thought you would love it considering your people smell worse.” He replied with a smug grin. If I weren’t on this mission for my wife, I would have slit his throat then and there.
“I haven’t said one word about your people, good or bad, so don’t talk about americans like that again, or I will not hesitate to slit your throat the next time kid.” I growled back to him. He retreated to the back to get something. When he returned, he brought along with him a swath of clothing, a knife in the bundle, and a dog-tag.
“I may be your enemy, but it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have a little something to remember your brother, after what we did to him.” He said with a face that of sorrow and sincerity. He held out the clothes and items to me. I took them in my arms and wiped my hand across them.
“Thank you for what it’s worth.” I said dipping my head low resisting the urge to drop then and there and just stop. One day, these barbarians will pay for what they did to you, and when they do, I’ll paint a beautiful picture with their brain matter, organs, entrails, and blood.
I didn’t have long to think. As soon as I had lifted my head back up I heard the door swing open behind me. What met my eyes was both a sight that made my heart flutter and made me enraged. They brought in my wife along with the very man that we were here to trade with. The very man who made my life hell for the past 4 months.
“I guess you decided to take up my offer Lionel. I was hoping so dearly that you would.” Said the Commander. “But perhaps, you had no choice in it now did you?” he said with a sly grin.
“Listen to me, give me my wife, and I’ll give you the codes. If you want to strike conversation, I’m the wrong person to do so with, especially after what you and your men have done to my family” I said coldly. He cringed then responded.
“Oh, you don’t want to converse with me? That’s quite cold, considering all I’ve done for you.” As he said this I could feel my blood run hot with rage. I then felt a hand on my shoulder, I turned around half expecting it to be Vasquez, but what I saw was less than expected.
I saw putting its hand on my shoulder, the very creature I could become. The Lupine Demon. This was my first time ever seeing it, and now I could see why so many were terrified of it. The Right eye was a bright cyan blue, and the left eye was a bright orange, yet instead of the eyes of a dog, they were that of a dragons. Slits instead of pupils. Under the right eye, there was a maroon red mark in a crescent moon shape, the inside facing up towards the eye. From the top of its right and left eye it had a long maroon red streak with various colors flowing through it as well, that seemed to twinkle and move as though it was the night sky. On the hands and feet were open pentagons with a single triangle in the middle. This same pentagon was present on the tail as well, the streak that went along the back split onto the two sides of the tail and created an arc that reached the tip of the tail but left the middle of the tail with the pentagon the midnight black fur that made up the rest of its body.
No sooner had I seen this had I almost fainted. I stumbled backwards into the commander. I looked around to see if anyone else had seen it, to find out that what I had seen it was only an illusion of the mind.
“Please tell me I wasn’t the only one to see that?!” I asked with a strong hint of fear sewn into my voice.
“Saw what? You turned around then stumbled backwards into me then asked us if we saw something? What did you see?” the commander replied.
“You seriously didn’t see it?” I asked in disbelief. I know I had seen it, I know it was there. That wasn’t just some trick of the mind, I felt its hand on my shoulder.
“No, now get up and be professional. I don’t care if i’m an enemy or not, at least have the common decency to be nice, and not go nuts in the middle of a serious matter. Now then, as we were saying before you rudely interrupted. I will give you your wife, when I get the codes.” He said irritated by the interruption I had caused.
“Sorry, must’ve been a trick of the mind. Yet, you will not get the codes until I have my wife in my arms, considering how bad of a condition you have left her in.” I motioned towards her wounds on the arms and sides as I said this.
“Oh no no no, you see Lionel, this isn’t a you give me and I give you in return deal, it’s either you give me the codes, or you will never see her again.” As he said this, he pulled his pistol out of the holster and put it against Jazmines head. I jumped a little then he pulled the hammer back making a clicking sound, “Ah ah ah, I wouldn’t do that if I were you, I might lose grip of the hammer.” He said with a victorious grin.
“Fine, how about I give you the codes, and you give me my wife at the same time. Does that sound better?” I tried to negotiate with the commander.
“That would have worked better in the first place Captain, now we will do it on 3.” He replied
“2” I grabbed my wifes arm as he grabbed the case.
“3” I let go of the case as he let go of my wife.
“Good, now we can be on our ways, see? It wasn’t that hard, now was it?” The commander said almost sounding like someone completely different.
“Remember, if I ever see you again Commander, you will die, and what you have done to Jazmine, and my brother shall not be forgotten.” I said coldly making the room grow silent along with making my blood run cold. Something was wrong. I felt something grasp my shoulder again. Everything had stopped, the commander in mid laugh, Vasquez opening the door, my wife tripping over a rock as I led her out the door. When I turned around, it wasn’t a human hand, but it was the Lupine Demons.
“What caused that first transformation. Was the death of my father, my anger directed towards the individual offender, and the sadness pouring from my father as he faded away. It was a peaceful day, everything was going perfect, it was my 4th birthday and I was out with my father, picking out a new toy. On our way home we decided to take a shortcut to our house, yet that shortcut we had always taken, that had always been safe. Became the final spot I would ever see my father alive. As we walked down the alleyway, 5 people in total, blocked our exit in front of us and behind us. In the middle there was a single person, a face that I will never forget, one that I will find even if it takes the rest of my life. He walked slowly up to my father with a knife. He said, “Give me everything you have pops, and you can go free, along with your kid there.” My father being the one who never gives anything up without a fight said, “You can get what I have when you pry it from my cold dead unbreathing corpse. If you want to fight, you can more than guarantee you will lose. Now let us through.” The guy started laughing and said, “I have a knife, you have nothing, I could kill you in one-” He was cut off by my father punching him in the stomach causing him to drop to the ground where he took the knife from his hand, and stabbed in into his back. At this the other four jumped in to help the wounded man. My father fought bravely, but in the end. My father was stabbed by the very same person, with the very same knife through the throat, causing him to bleed out. When I saw him get stabbed I felt anger surge through my body, power, and plethora of other feelings at once. It felt good. I let the anger overtake me. Then I suddenly grew four times my height and I had claws and had perfect night vision. I used those claws to take the lives of 4 of the 5 men. Sadly I did not get the one who had murdered my father in cold blood. My father was a good man, and would give anything for his family, even his own life. After that day I tried to keep the, “Lupine Demon”, under control. After the third time, only then was it that I learned the control that I truly needed. Do I know what it looks like when I’m in that form? The answer is no, I don’t, and honestly I do not even have the slightest inclination to know, especially considering the fear that is placed into the souls of those who see me in that form. The investigations as to what this, “Demon”, was were quickly shut down to avoid it from reaching the public on a mass scale to cause mass hysteria. Then the rest of my story you already know kid.” I said finishing with my hands shaking. “I hope you got all that because I’m not saying it all again.” I said to Vasquez.
All he could respond with was a nod, telling me that he had finally understood who and what I was. What I truly was.
“Lionel, be calm I am not here to hurt you.” I heard it saying in a deep voice laced with my voice. “I see the worry in your eyes and in your soul. I dare not to hurt you. You inherited my gift for a reason, that reason I have not come to know yet, even after the many years I have been within you.” the creature said to me.
I stumbled backwards and fell onto the ground. “Who….Wh…..Who are you?!” I yelled almost crying from fear.
“Lionel please, be calm I wish no harm upon you. I am the embodiment of the guardian given to Lost Solstice, by Luna. From what I can tell as of late, Luna has been speaking with you trying to give you guidance to no avail. Please trust her, she wishes to help you for some reason. Her reasons are her own and I have no place to question them so please just listen to her and trust her, as you have trusted me.” He replied in a soothing tone. He moved over to me and held out a hand to help me up. I grasped the hand and he pulled me up.
“Luna? Who’s Luna? and that doesn’t really answer my question, who are you? What is your name? What are you exactly?” I asked trying to get the questions out while I could.
“Luna is the goddess of the night sky and moon, How could you forget the godd-” I cut him off.
“Goddess of the night sky and moon? What in the heck are you talking about? There are no gods or goddesses of the night that reside here on Earth. Also what do you mean these thousand years?” I replied with a tone of irritation and disbelief.
“You seriously mean to tell me that you know not of the Tyrant Queen that was fought over a thousand years ago and the goddess that led, “The Pack”, into battle with her?” it said in disbelief.
“No! I have no clue what you talk about! The year is 2013! Back in 1013 the Roman Empire still existed, but has long since been dead. If that is what you’re talking about then you have some facts wrong.” I replied almost yelling due to the absurdity of the situation. How could such an ill-informed being live inside me? Let alone be a part of me?
“You mean to tell me, this world, this country, isn’t Equestria?” He asked dumbfounded.
“NO! This is Planet Earth, and the country we’re in right now is Indonesia! Not any place named Equestria! Now please, tell me who you are and who this “Luna” person is please.” I replied to the dumbfounded creature that stood before me.
“Well then, this is a problem and quite weird for me. As to who I am, I am Azriel the Protector, commonly called by you and many others, “The Lupine Demon”. When by far I am not a demon, but a mere manifestation of the soul of those who possess my power. You being the second retainer of my existence. The first being Lost Solstice who has long since been dead, but now that I am back I have the feeling he is alive again. As to who Luna is, I cannot say, as it is not my place. When you “lose control” it is not me taking control, but the feral nature of the wolf taking over and clouding your mind.” He said hastily as if something were wrong. “Anyways I don’t have much more time before this time barrier dissolves and time starts again. So I say goodbye Lionel, and I wish you luck. If you need to talk with me just remember, it only takes a look over the shoulder and the thought of me to do so.” He said fading into the dark.
No sooner had he faded time started again and I appeared back in the building carrying Jazmine out of the building. As soon as we exited the building I was tackled by two of the guards.
“What in blazes are you doing?! We had a deal! Let us go!” I yelled as the two guards brought me to my feet binding my feet and hands together, along with Jazmines. I looked over to see Vasquez knocked out and being binded as well.
“Oh yes we had a deal Varellian, but you never had a deal that you would be allowed safe passage home.” Said the commander giving off a sinister smile as he said so.
“You’re lucky I’m still recovering then Commander, or you would be dead already!” I growled through my teeth.
“Oh yes, just as I was lucky those thousand years ago.” He said making me widen my eyes in fear. Was he truly from a thousand years ago?
LIONEL! I recognize that voice! It’s Commander Bolt! How is he even here?! It’s been over a thousand years!
What?! How in the heck is he still alive? That’s what I really want to know!
I have no clue, but this can’t be good!
You’re telling me, wait……How are you talking to me now?
No clue but he’s talking so listen!
“Say goodbye Solstice, the Tyrant Queen awaits you.” As he said this something opened up in the ground mere feet behind us. I looked back to see Vasquez being thrown in.
“NOOOO!” I cried piercing the very air. I turned to the commander. “HOW DARE YOU!! I WILL KILL YOU BOLT! YOU SHALL PAY FOR THIS!” I yelled feeling Azriel breaching the barrier built up.
Let me out and I’ll take him down!
I can’t! I’ll die if that happens!
Crap……This recovery period just had to be this long…… didn’t it?
“Oh save it Solstice, but it seems you finally recognized me. Yet it’s all too late.” He responded with a grin that would make even the craziest, and evilest of souls cringe in fear.
As he said this he threw me and Jazmine into the gaping hole into the ground, what I saw wasn’t a pit of spikes, fire, or anything else I had expected. It was a pure yellow ooze that covered the bottom of the pit. As I hit the surface of the ooze everything went dark.
Lionel, awaken.
Wha…What? Please awaken Lionel, you are in danger. Gah, my head. The last thing I remember- What in the world? Whats going on?!?! Where am I?! Lionel, please calm yourself. You won’t get anywhere if you don’t calm down. Where’s my wife?! Where’s Jazmine?! Where’s Vasquez?! LIONEL! PLEASE BE CALM! Jazmine is next to you, do not fret. Vasquez was transported elsewhere so I cannot be sure his location. You planned this didn’t you?! No I didn’t, it twas my sister, more commonly known as the Tyrant Queen. I knew it. I shouldn’t have trusted you, why should I listen to you at all?! Because I was banished by her, and I chose to rebel against her a thousand years ago. Oh great, another thousand year old being inside me. Isn’t that just perfect. I am not inside you as Azriel, I am still in the place I was banished, so you don’t have to fret over another being in your body. I let out a sigh of both relief and irritation.Well if you’re not in my body, and you know where I am, just exactly where are you? I am trapped in the moon of this fair world. So you mean to tell me that you are trapped in the moon that orbits Earth 238,855 miles above us? I’ve never heard something more idiotic in my entire life! No one would be able to live up there, let alone for a thousand years without food, drink, air, or warmth. Now why don’t you tell me the truth? You believe I doth lie, when I was the one to take in your ancestor as mine own and treat him as my son till the day I was banished? Also this tis not Earth, Lionel, no this is Equestria. Equestiwhat now? What do you mean? I believe you’re about to get your answer. No sooner had the voice stopped talking did I hear a voice. “He’s awake!” the voice yelled through the halls as I heard what sounded like hardened blocks hitting the ground repeatedly. “Why does it sound like there’s a horse in here?” When I spoke I realized my voice was more hoarse and seemed to be laden with a European accent. That was weird. “He’s awake? We must go alert the Queen at once!” I heard another voice say, then I heard the pair of what I could register as guards to this, “Tyrant Queen”, I’ve been hearing about the past month. I started to feel sleepy, not a normal sleepy, one that was slowly taking me over, like a medicine or in this case, it may be a poison. Whatever it was, it took me into sleep rapidly.
When I finally woke up, the shackles and chains were gone from what I could hear, and I was laying on a royal red carpet, gilded with golden thread. Where in the world was I? “It seems you have finally awoken Solstice, you know it’s rude to keep your Queen waiting.” said a females voice laden with hatred. I looked around and could find no one. Next to me laid a creature, no not a creature. It was a……Pony? What in the world? “You look surprised to hear my voice.” said the voice once again. I looked up to see the carpet going up some stairs that led to a golden throne that shone brilliantly with the sun glistening off of it. What I saw sitting in the throne, couldn’t have of surprised me any more than finding out a dog could talk, and was actually an astrophysicist. Sitting there, where the voice had come from was a large unicorn with a pure white coat that looked as if it had never seen a speck of dirt in its entire life. Its mane was what really attracted my attention. The mane was flowing, even without any air. It seemed like it was an array of colors that flowed through the spectrum of a rainbow, yet it was missing quite a few to be considered as such and it seemed dimmed down as well. The tail was the same as well. Though something was weird, this unicorn had wings. Weren’t unicorns only supposed to have a horn?“Umm……Did you just talk?” I asked quizzically, not believing the image in front of me.“No, I’m just talking for the sheer joy of it, you ungrateful whelp.” she growled through her teeth. When she actually spoke, I fell backwards flailing my ha…..hooves?
and then the giant monkey frog summoned by the black wizard from compton said “OMG, i like duckies!”.(Random line by my friend when I was writing this in spreadsheet applications… Don’t ask what is wrong with him ._.)
I screamed, “HOW ARE YOU TALKING?!?! YOU’RE A FREAKING HORSE! WHY DO I HAVE HOOVES?!?! WHAT IS GOING ON?!?!”, with this outburst I went into full on panic mode. I felt my heart beat increase ten fold. It felt like it was beating out of my chest. I fell onto my back again, but this time I felt something on my back, it felt like there were two long appendages sticking out of it. “What in blazes are you doing? What do you mean how am I talking? Everypony knows we can talk. You have hooves because you’re a pony.” said the pony sitting on the throne with both an amused and annoyed tone. “No no no, ponies should not be able to talk. I am not a pony, there has to be a logical explanation to this…” I said worriedly. There just HAS to be an explanation. Was this just a dream? Yeah it was a dream, and I would wake up anytime now.“Yeah this is just all a dream, you're not real, none of this is!” I exclaimed as if coming to a revelation. When I said this, I heard the pony on the throne start to laugh.“A dream? You doth think this is but a dream? Oh you are severely mistaken Solstice, this is not a dream, but the reality you live in now. This is Equestria, not the place you once called home.” she said between her maniacal laughing.“This can’t be real…This is Earth, I’m at home sleeping with my wife, holding her in my arms after getting her back from the commander…” I whispered quietly, then it struck me. This really wasn’t a dream. That yellow ooze we were thrown into… that served as the gateway between this world, and ours. I felt as tears started to fall from my eyes, then I heard a pained moan from something behind me. I turned around to find that the pony I had been brought in here with had finally awoken.“It seems our other guest has awoken. Now the party can begin.” I turned to see the queens horn growing a bright yellow. What was she doing? No sooner had I asked that, had I been given my answer. I looked to the main doors to see them being slammed shut, the windows blocked out leaving only a dim light to light the room. Spheres of light started springing up through the floor forming a circle around the three of us.“Gah, my head…wait a minute…why don’t I feel any pains?” I heard the pony say, who was examining her sides only to be stop and look at the appendage that was feeling for the scars and cuts that were supposed to be present. “What the…” I could hear her say quietly as she examined her hoof.“Jaz...Jazmine?” I asked quietly to the pony who responded by shooting me a glare.“Who are you? and Why are you a pony, further more how are you talking and how am I a pony?” She asked hastily. I could sense she was starting to worry. I moved in and hugged her with hoof as best I could, only to be pushed back. I forgot I was a pony as well.“Jazmine, it’s me, Lionel. As to why we’re ponies and why we’re able to talk I have no clue.” I said to her. She looked at me as if she had just seen a monster.“Sorry to break this oh so touching reunion short but I believe that you deserve some sort of explanation as to what is going on, even if you will be dead in a few hours.” said the queen getting our attention. As she said this I couldn’t help but notice Jazmine go pure white when she heard it. She had just gotten done being a prisoner of war, that was the last straw for anyone, or in this case pony.“Listen to me right now, you threaten that we will be dead again, you will find a rude awakening as to what I can do. I won’t tolerate any threats made towards her again, I just got her back and I’m not willing to lose her again.” I said feeling the anger boil within me.She started to laugh, “You honestly think I care for your Lupine Form? Oh yes I know about it, I know about it very well. You may have died a thousand years ago and are back now, but it seems you forgot a great deal of things. Let me be the first to say, you wouldn’t last a minute against me.” She said now in a more formal tone, one that rung out with the tone you would expect from a queen.“I’ll take my chances if need be.” I growled through my teeth at her. I looked back to see Jazmine cowering behind me. “Jazmine” I said, “Don’t be scared, I will always be here with you, so you need not be afraid.” I tried to comfort her. It seemed it kind of worked because she looked up to me with her tear soaked eyes and fur.“Please Lionel, don’t let her hurt me. I don’t want to be hurt anymore.” she cried into my shoulder as she said this.“If you don’t mind, I would like to explain.” I heard the queen sigh with irritation.“Sorry, but may I ask your name at least, if you’re to be my enemy I would at least like to know your name so it is not forgotten.” I said returning to my formalities. I turned to face her, with Jazmine standing by my side.“Hmm, I think that would be appropriate. My name is Queen Celestia, ruler of Equestria.” She said bowing her head slightly.“My name is Lionel Varellian, Captain of Alpha Squad of the United States Marine Corps. This is my wife Jazmine Lynn, Major of Alpha Squad of the United States Marine Corps.” I said with a flat tone that gave off formality.“That is the name you go by? Why?” Celestia asked. With hearing this I felt irritance within me, yet I forget this is a new place to me and I knew not what one would call themselves. “A thousand years ago, you were Lost Solstice were you not?” she asked.“Lost Solstice? Why do you and Azriel call me that? I was born to Zachary Varellian and Beatrice Varellian. They chose the name for me, and to this day I keep it close to me as it is the identity that is the true me.” I said keeping my formality.“That’s because you are in fact, your ancestor, reincarnated. You are Lost Solstice.” she replied. I felt something surge through my back as she said this, it made me look directly into her eyes despite my best efforts. “Now I know that you are. That very same glare he had given me that day. Not only do you share his attitude, but you share his voice, his body, his wings, and most importantly, his spirit.” she said suppressing a giggle as she said this.“I know not of who this Lost Solstice is, you, the voice, and Azriel all keep saying it yet I have not even the slightest idea of who it is, or the history you all share together. You may think I lie, but I do not. All I know is my life from the day I was born, to this day.” I stomped my hoof as I finished my statement.“Hmm, you have no memory of those thousand years ago? Yet you appear in this world looking exactly like him, sounding like him, having his spirit, and more importantly even the cutie mark he had? You expect me to believe you?” She said angrily.“No.” I said hanging my head. “No, I don’t expect you to believe me. You seem to have a grudge beset on this pers- ponies head. I truly do not know why, but if you believe I am the one who has angered you so, do to me as you will, but I do request you at least send Jazmine home to our world. If you don’t accept at least this, then I fear we will have nothing further to speak of.” I calmly said, I lifted my head up to reveal that my eyes had changed to the slits of Azriels.“Then I guess you shall die here and now. GUARDS!” She yelled the magic curtains, lights and hold on the door all disappeared. No sooner had this happened did a swarm of guards start swarming into the room pointing spears and swords at me and Jazmine and swarming around the queen to form a protective barrier.“This isn’t a fair fight…” I said lowering my head so that my mane was covering my eyes. I felt Jazmine cowering under me.“Oh yes, you’re quite right Solstice. I promise it will be quick.” I heard Celestia say above the silence.“I was meaning this isn’t a fair fight for you or your guards Celestia.” I said lifting my head up to reveal a look that made the guards take a step back. I was feeling good. “Jazmine, this time they won’t hurt you. We will escape.” I said looking down to her where all I got was a slight nod.I felt the surge of power run up my spine, and through my wings, and down my legs. This was quite different from what I normally felt. Instead of pure anger and hatred, I felt a warmth that ran between each and every bone in my body, encompassing my organs and felt my throat start to burn. No sooner had I realized this, did I feel my body start to change. This time it was completely different from Azriel, no, it was a new creature entirely.The pain was immense as I felt my bones grow lighter more spread out but harder. The appendages I had before, grew immensely and I realized that they were leathered wings and that which held them were scales. My tail, it felt bare, but at the same time it had felt as if it were ten fold stronger. I felt as my legs grew larger and grew talons on them instead of the normal claws I was used to. My head felt heavier and made of stronger bone, yet I felt light as a feather. My eyesight changed drastically from what they usually were when I turned, this time I could see everything clear as day, yet I could see for miles beyond the horizon. It felt great, but at the same time I was terrified as to what I had become. No sooner had it finished did I hear the guards start charging me, both from fear, and from the order given by Celestia. With one swipe of my right claw, 4 ponies fell their armor being torn in half and the uppermost parts of their bodies being flung clear across the room.For 30 minutes I fought barely wasting any energy the waves of guards, some I severely wounded most I had killed. Celestia just sat upon her throne watching as her guards fell before her with but a smirk. It enraged me. I finally had enough of this senseless slaughter, so I picked up Jazmine in one arm and flew towards the door.“STOP HIM BEFORE HE REACHES THE COURTYARD!” I heard Celestia yell. This time it sounded as if she had actually been terrified. I looked back to see her starting to chase me, with an expression that brought me joy. Her face was laden with fear and anger.“I’d see you dead if I didn’t enjoy that look.” I said with a cocky demeanor, when I spoke it sounded as if thunder had boomed in the sky above and felt like it as well from what I could tell. Beneath me a great many ponies tripped from being thrown off balance. I couldn’t help but laugh.“You won’t escape!” I heard Celestia yell again. Quickly she had caught up to me and was almost to me, ahead mere meters away I saw the sunlight. With one last great flap of my wings I surged through the small doorway and out into the sky. I was followed by from what I could tell were Pegasi, and celestia herself. Along with very few unicorns who were using something to fly themselves up towards me. They wielded spears, swords, flails, and an array of weaponry I had never seen before.“Crap, if this keeps up I’ll run out of power before they stop. I guess it’s time to put these wings to good use.” I thought to myself as I looked upwards to see Celestia appear above me, wielding a great many spears, dropping down towards me. As I saw this I dodged to the side as the first spear was thrown, I was lured into a volley of arrows from below, luckily the arrows did little to nothing but scratch my scales. I then decided to drop down like a bullet keeping Jazmine tucked safely in my arms. Before I hit the ground I let out my wings to slow a little and I felt the ground meet my feet. I then pointed my head towards the sky and let out a strong stream of fire that burned the oncoming spears and arrows to ash, along with a few of the pegasus and unicorn that foolishly chose to follow me. As I stopped I could see the entire army that had swarmed inside the castle up in the air above me blocking out the sun and casting a shadow upon me. They were going for one final assault, placing their chances in a single strike. How foolish.“Stop now Celestia before there is more un-needed bloodshed!” I roared at the army.“Once you die, I shall surrender my arms!” I heard her yell back down to me. “Guards! ATTACK!” I heard her yell once more. As she said this, the army started to drop like a bomb towards me. I felt something start to encompass my body. It was a field of translucent cyan substance, then my whole world flashed away in a single instant.
[Pre-Note, this is a REALLY Long chapter, you may want to get a drink and snack before starting this especially if you are a slow reader ;) Hope you all enjoy!]
When my world came back, I appeared in the middle of a clearing of a mysterious forest. Standing in front of me was a figure in a black cloak, from the figure I assumed it was a pony just as the ones I had encountered only seconds ago. On the back of the cloak was a symbol. The symbol was a tribal wolf head, with an orange eye and 3 red marks.
I didn’t know if this pony was friend, or foe, but one thing I did know is that I’m not taking any chances with the pony. I lifted my right arm high into the air when the pony finally spoke.
“A grave mistake that would be, as I am an ally to you Solstice.” she spoke with a soft tone. I still felt as if I shouldn’t trust her so I quickly brought my claw down to where she was. When I lifted my claw she was approximately 20 feet to the left from where she once stood. How did she do that?
“You think me an enemy for fear of your wife, be not afraid Solstice, I am a friend who wishes to help.” She spoke once again, but this time it was louder and a more hardened tone, one of a true warrior. “You are wary of our kind after what happened not but minutes earlier yes?” she probed.
“I dare not trust your kind. You all wish to see me and my wife dead, why should I trust you?” I asked, my voice booming. I’ve gotta learn to control my voice in this form…
“To trust in me, would be good for you. I know of your past and will tell you of it in trade of your cooperation.” she responded.
“Know of my past? Why would I need to know of my past? I know about my life already, do you try to fool me?” I asked with growing irritation in my voice.
“I mean your past of those great many years ago, the past of the true you, Lost Solstice.” she said with a victorious tone. I pondered the offer for a while, thinking whether she could truly be trusted, and if I should give her my cooperation. She may be a secret unit for Celestias Guard, just trying to trick me so they can get me and my wife and kill us. Yet on the other hand, they seemed more inclined to just simply attack without thinking, so maybe I can trust her.
Solstice, trust her, she can and will help you. She is with us.
What in blazes name do you mean by, “us”?
Us as in I .
I still have no trust in you, so trusting her could prove worse.
Lionel, that is Luna that you are fighting with, just listen to her. She is the one who speaks to you now. She was our commander long ago, trust in her and all will be fine.
Fine, but if I die or my wife dies, I’m going to haunt the both of you until the day you die.
I live in you, so if you die I die. What is the logic of me making you trust her just to get killed?
Paranoia makes you think illogically, sorry.
Thanks Azriel, now Solstice stop fighting her and agree.
“From that silence I presume your connection with Luna has formed?” she asked flatly.
“How did you know about that?” I asked trying to comprehend how she immediately came to that conclusion.
“Tis said in the legends that you had a mental connection with our Leader, seems they weren’t just superstition after all.” she said giddily.
“You obviously already know who I am, yet I have not the slightest clue as to who you are. I may not personally trust you, but it seems Azriel and Luna do, so I must accept your offer. Do know this though, if you betray me, you will find that I will take you down long before I die.” I said coldly, watching as the pony visibly shook from the voice.
“I would dare not betray the Vice Commander of The Pack.” she said bowing. Why was she bowing, and why did she call me the Vice Commander of The Pack? What was The Pack in the first place?
“Okay, but why are you bowing and calling me the Vice Commander of this, “Pack”?” I asked.
“You are a leader, sir, and The Pack is the group that is lead by Luna. You were the Vice Commander when you died long ago, so I thought you may be again since you have returned as the tales have told.” she said from the ground.
“Well little pony, I do not like to be bowed to nor be treated any higher then others so please do not do this. Also I still don’t know if I trust you yet so automatically naming me Vice Commander is premature. I just wish to know of this legend and my past.” I said as my voice started returning to normal. This form must be running out.
“Yes si-, I mean Of course Solstice. Also before I forget, I am Glistening Star, Captain of squad charlie in The Pack.” she said removing her hood to reveal her face. Her coat was a deep blue, and her mane covered the left side of her face and fell flat on her coat. Her right eye was a bright yellow and was a unicorn. That may explain how she got away from me flattening her. “As you might of already came to the conclusion, I was the one who teleported you here, I heard rumors going around that there was a mysterious khaki pony that appeared and was taken to the castle. So I thought back as to how you were detailed in the legends and decided to take a look for myself to see if it were truly you.” she said.
“I remember waking up in a dungeon chained, not anywhere else.” I spoke my voice returning to the booming voice it was. Looks like I was wrong, maybe I was just controlling my voice better. “So I take it you have an interest in fairytales and legends?” I asked.
“Considering in the past couple years, more than 4 legends and myths were proven to be true, I have more and more. Also with Princess Lunas return only on the horizon, I couldn’t have taken any chances with leaving you to Queen Celestias guards.” she said irritated.
I felt my throat grow colder and my blood return to normal temperature and felt myself shrinking. My eyesight turned back to my normal eyesight instead of the dragon vision I had, or Eagle vision as it should be called. I set my wife down before fully turning back. I felt my wings shrink but not disappear fully, I must be a pegasi then I guess. The last thing that shrunk was my tail, turning back into the flimsy thing it was before. As I finished transforming I threw up what there was left in my stomach. After finishing I felt dizzy, and I started to stumble.
“Oh no!” I heard Star yell.
I fainted.
When I awoke, I found that I wasn’t in a forest, or anywhere on Earth, or Equestria. Where I was, I had no idea, but evidently it was habitable because I was able to breath. I slowly struggled to my feet, feeling that my body was weak from my recent transformation. Wait a minute.
It took me a while to process things but I wasn’t a pony anymore, I was a human again. I ran my fingers through my hair and made sure everything was in place. I couldn’t believe I was human again.
“You seem surprised to be in your natural form.” I heard a voice call from behind me. I recognized the voice, but I couldn’t quite place my finger on who it belonged to. I quickly turned around to find myself looking at the Earth, more specifically, Equestria. I was awestruck by its beauty, from here it didn’t seem like anything was separated, that it was just one whole that everything was peaceful and united. It felt like a true unity. “The planet is beautiful from here is it not, Solstice?” I heard the voice call again this time it came from beside me. I looked over to be staring into a flowing starfield that looked like the night sky, minus the galaxies and planets that you could see here on the moon. Whoever it was, they had beautiful hair.
“Yeah, it’s really amazing…” I said quietly, turning my gaze back to the Planet. I then came to the quiet realization that I was still in fact in Equestria, but I was on the moon that orbited the planet. “This...this is the moon...isn’t it?” I asked the creature standing next to me turning slightly to allow its starfield into my gaze.
“This is Solstice, and it tis the place of my banishment, at least for 2 more months.” I then realized that this was the Luna everyone had been talking about, and the one who had been talking to me in my mind. She turned to meet my eyes. Her eyes were a bright teal, and her coat was a deep blue, what really caught my attention was that she had wings, and a unicorn horn just as Queen Celestia did. As I saw this I backed up and readied myself for a fight. “Why are you doing that?” she asked seeming offended.
“You and that Celestia in Equestria both have a horn and wings.” I said through my teeth, keeping my guard up so I couldn’t be fooled.
“So you think I’m just as she? Have I not helped you enough to prove I’m no threat?” she asked with a pang of sadness lacing her voice. I looked to see she had a sad look upon her face. I lowered my guard and dropped my stance.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t take any chances with you ponies, considering the first one I met was hellbent on keeping me as a winter coat, or making some dragon scale armor out of me.” I responded with a small giggle.
She laughed as well, “Well I certainly can’t blame you for that now can I. Yes it is true I am an alicorn just as my ex-sister, Queen Celestia. You have all right to be wary of ponies, especially after that encounter.” I saw her expression of sadness change to a happy smile. “As to why you’re here Solstice” she started speaking again. “This is merely but a dream, as I control dreams, I am able to meld them as I see fit and intrude on them if need be. I formed this dream for you so we may speak, face to face as it were.” she said.
“Well I have a million and one questions to ask you, how long can you make this dream last?” I asked her.
“I can make this dream last as long as I want as dreams meld time to their form, so I could make it last for years yet your actual sleep last only seconds.” she responded. “As to your questions we have a great deal of time, so there is no rush. I understand you wish to know everything, from the start, yes?” she asked pointing a hoof at me.
“Honestly, I do want to know, but this isn’t just my decision. I would like for my wife to know of my past as well, so we can both at least know what we’re in for.” I said drifting off and turning my gaze towards Equestria. I sat down on a nearby rock.
“You don’t think I brought you here alone did you?” she asked me. It took me a little to realize what she meant. I quickly stood up and looked around to find my wife laying a few yards behind me. She started to stir and get to her knees.
“Ughh, that was one bad dream.” I heard her say as she opened her eyes. She looked dumbfounded letting her mouth hang agape. “You have got to be fu-” before she could finish I picked her up in my arms hugging her tight to me.
“I’m so happy you’re alright.” I said into her shoulder. She returned the warm embrace. I felt warm drops start to appear on my arm. “Are you crying Jazmine?” I asked her. She responded with just a nod. “Don’t cry Jazmine, everything is alright now. The commander will never be able to hurt you again. I promise this.” I said comforting her. I then pulled away from the embrace and kissed her.
“Thank you Lionel.” she whispered. She let go of me and looked around and her gaze stopped on the planet the hung in the sky. “Where are we?” I heard her ask.
“You are on the moon above Equestria dear.” I heard Luna respond from behind me. As she said this Jazmine jumped and looked over, and just as I did, went into a fighting stance. “Dang, do I really have everypony wanting to fight me on Equestria?” I heard her ask, thinking it was towards me.
“I guess so Luna.” I responded to her, then I turned my attention back to Jazmine. “It’s okay Jazmine, she’s a friend. She’s going to help us, and more importantly tell us why we’re here.” as I finished what I said Jazmine lowered her guard and walked behind me and hid there. “Oh come on Jazmine, you can’t be that shy with everyone forever.” I said with irritation. I got no response from her.
“Well I guess we can get on with this then.” Luna said pulling up some rocks to form seats for us. She used her magic to form a small fire in the middle of us to warm us up. It was quite freezing on the moon, even if it was just a dream. “Please sit.” she said, this time with more urgency in her voice. We sat down and I leaned in further so I could get closer to the fire. I looked over to see Jazmine doing the same.
“First thing I think we should start off with, is why you all keep calling me Solstice, and this whole myth surrounding him and now me.” I said calmly. I looked up to see Luna getting adjusted to the rock she was sitting on. As soon as she got comfortable she started to speak.
“The legend starts long ago, around 1200 years ago. Just like any other day, me and my sister, Princess Celestia, had been going about our duties as the royal family. Attending court, holding trials, listening to diplomats and aristocrats talk about what they want from us. Yet there was something off about my sister that day. Instead of the cheery happy, go lucky pony I knew and loved. She was far more distant, instead of her usual attentiveness she was distracted by even the slightest movement or sound. throughout the next few days I watched her, she looked as if she was always looking for something, always listening. This went on for weeks before I finally asked what was wrong with her. When I finally asked she said, “I fear that our guards are conspiring against us. That the citizens are growing uneasy and are ready to overthrow us at any moment.”. I at first laughed at the idea and told her that we were safe, that none would dare to even think of conspiring against the goddess of the sun and the goddess of the moon. Even with my reassurances her strange behavior continued. Soon she started to imprison anypony she thought was part of a conspiracy against us, when I decided to confront her, she simply ignored me and continued to do this until the point where I had finally stepped in during one of the arrests.”
“I was walking along the streets of canterlot doing some window shopping when I heard a door being broken and windows being shattered. I quickly galloped over to where I had heard the breaking, and found that the royal guard was arresting a family of 6 ponies. One mother, One Father, and 4 fillies. I requested that they stop and leave this family alone. They told me that Queen Celestia had ordered the arrest of the Leaf family. I then ordered them if they do not let them go, they will be dishonorably discharged from the Royal Guard. They said I was no longer in charge of them even after this, that I was just a Princess, that I had no authority over them. I was baffled at this because me and Celestia were both Princesses and this was a treasonous act. I quickly flew back to canterlot castle and ran to the throne room of Celestia. I was blocked by the guard saying that I was not to enter unless given advance consent from the Queen. I was scared, and at the time I hadn’t noticed they kept calling her “Queen”. So I broke through the throne room doors, knocking out the 4 guards that were guarding the room. Celestia glared at me and spoke, “You dare come in here with my consent Princess Luna? Have you no respect for your Queen?” when I heard this change I yelled, “You are not a Queen Tia! You are a Princess! Just as I am, why are you doing this to poor innocent families?” I stomped my hoof as hard as I could saying this to try and get a point across, “You dare speak to me about what is wrong and right? How dare you! Get out of my throne room before you regret this Princess, this isn’t a place for the weak of heart.” After hearing this I let my rage flow through, “WEAK OF HEART?! Isn’t that a laugh coming from the one who calls herself Queen yet is just a princess as I! Last time I checked as well, my heart is stronger than yours, I’ve done what was right for this country for over 200 years and will continue to do so for the next millennia! You, you are nothing more than a paranoid filly who wishes to play princess when she is doing wrong to her people! If you want to do what is right for your ponies, then step down and return to your old self! Stop with this ill conceived paranoia!” I yelled from the rage shaking the very building around us. She then yelled for the guards who quickly outnumbered me. “Luna, from now until the end of your unnatural days, you are hereby banished from Equestria. If you dare step hoof into Equestria again, your life shall be forfeit and you will be executed on the spot.” she declared it in the equestrian voice, which she rarely used except for in cases such as this.”
“After I was banished I flew until I was finally out of Equestrian territory. I lived in the far west on an island that was inhabited by not just ponies, but gryphons, dragons, naga, and minotaur. All of which lived in harmony. This island was named Utopia, as you may guess from the name, it was perfect. At least for the many it was perfect, there were the few who saw Utopia as nothing more than a cover. As it was that, just the perfect cover up. Deep beneath Utopia resided another city. This was no ordinary city, no, this city's name was Dystopia. It was the exact opposite of Utopia, yet it was a a cesspool of the wicked, brave, and the damned. All of which looked for work after being banished unjustly by Celestia and other figures of power. For a hundred years I lived in Utopia, slowly growing a rebel group from the ponies, gryphons and minotaur races that dwelled there. Many of them, lost their families because of her, and when they were banished, they left to Utopia in hopes of either finding peace from her, or finding others worthy to take up a sword to bring her down. I brought them all together under a single banner, under a single leader, those hundred years I spent my time training them, helping them, and uniting them. The name of this rebel group was, The Pack. This name had just felt right to us, when we had first conceived the idea it had no real meaning behind it. It was just a name.”
“After 100 years had passed since I arrived there on my banishment day, I finally decided that it was time. Time to rid Equestria of the one I used to call my sister, Queen Celestia. We had a great wealth built up from various jobs from all over the planet, except for in Equestria. The times we had gone to Equestria for money, it had been a large sum of it, one that was worth risking our lives for. Luckily our name had grown in both fame, and in infamy. Many joined us in the name of bringing peace to the land of Equestria. We purchased enough ships to move the entire rebel Army to the mainland, but we were smart and came in as squads, from Alpha Regiment to Zeta Regiment. Over 100,000 members had joined our cause.”
“We fought from dawn to dusk for the next 99 years, winning many battles, and losing many as well. The war had been a stalemate for a great long time, me and Celestia had clashed on the battlefield only a few times, usually the battle ending in our favor because she could not fight anymore. In the spring of the 99th year we found something that unknown to us, would turn the tide of the war in our favor. A mysterious unicorn had not been known to us, or any pony in the town he wandered into. He forgot his name, where he came from, even how to read and write, but there was one thing he knew how to do, and that was fighting. We were watching over him until the first battle when we had him with us. He stayed close to me during the battle, when I encountered Celestia he hid nearby behind a tree trying to stay away from the fight so he would not be harmed.”
“It was a battle that was truly hailed as the battle of gods. Unlike our previous battles, we set out to make this a deciding battle on who would win the war, we used our best spells, our best maneuvers, our best tactics. In the end it was I who was losing for the first time. Before she dealt the final strike she was tackled by a wolf-like creature who sent Celestia toppling into a tree. You could hear the crack as the trunk and her back cracked, it was one that made even I flinch. The creature looked down to me and I couldn’t help but notice, it smiled at me then returned its attention towards Celestia. Celestia who was taken by surprise quickly recovered and when she got to her feet I sensed that something released when she was struck by it. She broke the seal placed on us by our mother that kept us from using dark magic.”
“I felt the dark energy pass from her into the land and everything around us, I felt as it tainted the air it was not pleasant. No sooner had this happened did she create a blade of pure darkened magic. She jumped at the creature that had saved me only to be caught in mid air by it punching Celestia in the throat then kicking her clear through the tree that she had recently been smashed into. Creating a thunderous boom that no doubt got the attention of the army fighting over the hill as it fell silent. Celestia quickly got up and flew high up and then dive bombed towards the lupine esque creature. The creature grabbed the sword as she dived towards it and used the sword to cut a mark right under Celestias left eye, no doubt you saw it when you saw her, we may be immortal and heal fast but wounds by magical weapons conjured by dark magic leave a scar that lasts forever.”
“No sooner had it done this did they land leaving a crater in the ground. It picked up Celestia and reeled back his fist for one final punch, it sent Celestia flying clear across the hill, from what I could tell it knocked her clear out. The creature then turned its attention towards me, it slowly walked towards me and started to visibly shrink and turn back into the pony who I was caring for. He then slowly started to stumble until finally collapsing on my side falling asleep.”
“My first reaction was to get up away from him in fear he was doing this to lure me into a false sense of security. I poked at him for a little while before finally I picked him up in my field of magic and withdrawn from the battlefield I looked back to see Celestias army retreating 3 ponies carrying her limp unconscious body. I continued to walk to a medical crew who was waiting nearby and I told them to give him the best treatment possible. As soon as he was laid on the stretcher, he started to open his eyes. For the first time he spoke to me, “I’m sorry Luna”, he then proceeded to faint once again. I felt a pang of guilt hit me, his first words to me was that HE was sorry. The medical ponies who were carrying him stopped and looked at me wondering what had gone down for him to apologize to me.”
“I told them that he had saved my life from Celestia by throwing at a rock at her drawing her attention away from me and when she was targeting him I knocked her out but not before she could poison him. It was a lie, but it was necessary because I still needed to figure out what had happened myself. I knew that it wasn’t just a vision, or a fake, because I saw Celestia knocked out upon the backs of her army retreating. It was a major victory for us, and it was the turning point in the war, the tides had finally shifted in our favor, with that single pony. I knew not at the time the importance of who he was, but soon I found out he was more than just any pony. He was brought to us to save us, to help us, to rid the world of the Tyrant that still rules Equestria.”
“It was 2 days before he had awoken again. When he woke up the first thing he asked for was to see me, I didn’t know if I should be happy that he was alive, or mortified that he was alive. The medical team that was caring for me quickly fetched me from my tent, where I was in a meeting with the generals and Vice Commander at the time, planning for a raid on Ponyville. When I heard the news I quickly ordered them to follow me to see this pony. They all agreed but not without a little, “convincing”.”
“When I arrived in the tent where the pony was, he was looking out the plastic window up to the sky, speaking silently to himself. He didn’t even turn around when he spoke, “Luna, I am sorry for my mutism before, and for what I had done at the battle, but I could not have allowed your charity towards me go unpaid.”. I slowly approached him and asked, “May we know thy name at least for what you did was but save myn life and I am truly grateful.” he turned around so I could see his face. “My name…I have none or at least I don’t think I do. I only learned how to speak during my sleep as my protector taught me. Nor do I know who I am, where I am, what I am, or anything else. All I know how to do currently is walk, talk, eat, drink, fight, kill, and follow orders. I know not how to read or write as your kind would say, I don’t even know if I belong here. I haven't a clue who I am.” he spoke in a solemn tone one full of remorse and sadness. I felt a pang of guilt as I didn’t know who he was either, the only thing I knew is that he saved my life and that I was grateful.”
“I looked over to see my generals were standing in a line blocking the doorway from the crowd that had gathered outside, listening in to this ponies story. The Vice Commander, who was at the time the one you know now as Commander Bolt, told me that we should help this pony as he had shown his loyalty to The Pack. I agreed with him and from behind I heard murmuring from the crowd outside. “Listen pony, we shall teach you all you need to know of this world if you do one thing.” I spoke to him using the equestrian voice. “What would you have me do Luna? Swear loyalty to you and The Pack as you call it as Bolt said? Yes I can hear you even when you whisper above the noise the crowd outside is speaking of. It’s one of the perks you have when you contain a spirit that takes the form of an anthropomorphic wolf. Also you may want to interrogate Lieutenant Rage, from what I’m hearing in the crowd he’s telling an associate to relay this new development to the one called Celestia. Get your best guards on that now or you’ll be in trouble and won’t have me as an ace up your sleeve.” he spoke to me with a tone of urgency and gratefulness. Upon hearing him say this I called for the guards to arrest Lieutenant Rage and any other ponies he has had contact with in the past 24 hours. I turned my attention back to the pony and said “How did you hear that so easily?”, “You think that I would lie to you after you saved my skin, not knowing who I am, not knowing if I was good or bad, if I had any mal intent bent on murdering you, I could have done it as my wolf form, yet I didn’t now did I? I repay in full what is given to me, even if it would take the cost of my life. My life is in your hooves, as I am in your debt for taking me in, and treating me as your own even though I couldn’t speak for what, a little over a month?” He stated monotonously.”
“ “Well either you could have been a really good spy for Celestia, or you could have been telling the truth when we asked you those questions. Yet all you did is shake your head no, not speaking. At first you twere not to be trusted by anypony and have an eye kept upon you for until you could speak or do something to prove you weren’t a liar.” I responded with haste so it wouldn’t seem like I was being rude to him. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking but there was one thing I did know, he was very cautious. “I will swear my loyalty to you and this Pack. Not for just rescuing me, but for accepting me as I was when I first appeared here. I am sure in time my amnesia will clear but for now, I just need to learn the basics of life, especially speaking without this irritable voice.” laughing as he said this. I thought to myself that his voice was really annoying, but it was nice to know he at least had a voice. “Then I hereby enlist you to The Pack. Tomorrow you shall start your training and will get your uniform tonight. With any luck you’ll be caught up to your fellow recruits in no time.” I said beaming with happiness. I felt that he could help us and I was not proven wrong, no not at all.”
“ It was about 1 month later when he returned, this time he had official training, but from what I had heard he was the top of his class, by far. His magic was stronger than any other unicorn that had ever joined The Pack in recorded History, which showed very strong promise to aiding us in the coming raid. It was almost like he was a machine. When he left my tent that day I expected him to come back in the usual 3 months it took for training, but it was deemed by the instructors that he surpassed even their skills, knowing fighting styles that were foreign to them. I was made aware of his return by the shouts from Alpha Regiment bagging on him. That’s when I heard something hit my tent. I quickly ran outside to find that one of the generals was knocked out against the wall of my tent. I looked over to see him standing on his hind legs holding his forelegs in hooks, he proceeded to say, “Call me a worthless piece of crap again and next time it will be a lot worse general.” All of the regiment was standing around him their mouths hanging agape. I couldn’t help but join them as this was my war general who was said to be the best fighter in all of Equestria.”
“ When he saw me he went back down on all four hooves and bowed down to me and said, “I am sorry Commander Luna, forgive me for what I have done but he has insulted me and I do not tolerate being insulted, especially by ponies I know not of.” His voice was flat and the squeaky voice he once had was now deep but laden with depression. “Please follow me Recruit, I must speak with you in my tent.” I said angrily, I couldn’t be lenient even if he had saved my life in the past. “Yes Ma’am!” He said lifting his head from the ground and proceeding to follow me to my tent.”
“ When we had gotten into my tent I sealed the door and plastic windows closed and put a spell on the tent so no one outside could hear us. “So pony, it seems you returned far ahead of schedule, I take it training went well?” I asked. “Yes Ma’am, training went by quick as I was in no need of training.” he replied flatly again, not blinking. “What do you mean there was no need of training? It’s required to join The Pack?!” I shouted at the pony who didn’t even flinch. “Ma’am if I may, I would like to present the report that was requested to be handed to you. It explains my situation.” he said flatly, “Permission to present report Ma’am?” he asked. “Permission granted recruit.” I replied as he passed me the reports. I quickly scanned over them to find out that the instructors even agreed to this, that he needed no further training as he was already more knowledgeable in tactics, fighting techniques and styles, and could tell you a plan like it was the back of his hoof than any of the instructors. Upon finishing the report I couldn’t help but be dumbfounded. “Well this is certainly good but that doesn’t change the fact that you’re in trouble recruit, you knocked out the war general!” I shouted at him. “Ma’am, he was insulting me and I do not tolerate it even from higher ups, the only ones allowed to insult me are you and the Vice Commander Ma’am.” He said flatly. “I won’t do anything about it because one, he had it coming sooner or later, and two you saved my life, but you are getting latreine duty for the month, got that recruit?” I replied to him. “Ma’am yes Ma’am!” He replied flatly again. “Alright these formalities are getting irritating.” I said loosening myself. “At ease recruit, I need to talk with you on a personal level, first off, have you figured anything out about yourself?” I asked him. “I haven’t found out much but fragments in the form of dreams. Yet I have formed a name for myself, yet I have not made it official, I was waiting till I saw you again to give it out. I have found out that my life before wasn’t one that was on this planet though, I will tell you that. The reason as to why I can fight so well and know so much about war is because I was a General in the Roman Empire of Italy on a planet called Earth. That’s all I’ve really been able to piece together thus far from my dreams.” he spoke this time with a cheerful tone.”
“ “This name you have given yourself, let us hear it if you would.” I probed. “My name from hence forth Periit Solstitium. According to my knowledge of my world it is Latin for the name Lost Solstice, of course this is for you to decide Luna, as you were the one to give me reason to live.” he had said bowing slightly. “I think Periit Solstitium is a great name but the translation sounds better and would fit better.” I replied half sounding irritated. I felt bad saying that. “Thank you Luna, from now on I shall be known as Lost Solstice and will live for you and you alone.” he said bowing deeply then proceeded to stand up. “Somethings coming…it sounds like a pegasi squad.” he said alarmingly. “How are you able to hear that?” I asked quizzically. “I have the ears of a wolf, if I couldn’t hear it then what use would Azriel be to me? Oh shush Azriel I was just kidding, don’t get your drawers in a bunch.” he was speaking to something but I could not see what, but what I did do was release my magic and run outside quickly with him galloping out by my side.”
“As we looked up we could see as hundreds of armored pegasi were dropping straight towards the camp. It was a company of them. I thought to myself, we need to get everyone into defense position. Yet as I was thinking about that I heard Recruit Solstice yelling to ponies giving them orders, what surprised me even more was that the Vice Commander was relaying these orders so that ponies would follow them. “Solstice! You’re with me! Come on, lets go meet them in the air!” I ordered to him. “Ma’am yes Ma’am!” as he shouted back he casted a spell that created a platform that he could use to fly. We flew up as fast as my wings and his magic could and slammed right into the pegasi leaving two big holes in the company where we broke through. On my spear I had 3 ponies, Looking over to Solstice, he was bathed in blood casting a spell to create hundreds of tiny knives of sunlight. He controlled each and every one as if they were his own hooves.”
“I dropped down using my spear to spear a few more pegasi, but when I looked back up to see the company of pegasi, I saw a gaping hole the size of my tent in the middle of the company and a bunch of blood falling from the sky. It drenched my coat and mane as I flew back up and started weaving back and forth through the pegasi encountering little resistance. Solstice the surrounded me with his knives for one final blow he screamed to me, “ALL OR NOTHING! GO IN FOR ONE FINAL SWOOP! MY KNIVES WILL SURROUND YOU CREATING A LARGE SHIELD THAT WILL CUT THEM TO PIECES! NOW GO!” he pointed a hoof at the end of the company or what was left of the company and motioned all the way to the other side as it echoed to me. I looked up to him and gave him a nod then I proceeded to the end of the company and dived into it.”
“All around me I saw the pegasi getting cut and sliced to pieces, the knives not differing from any pony except for friends and I. At the end of it all The knives that had surrounded me were so coated in blood I couldn’t see anything outside of the sphere. I heard a whizzing as the started to spin and send the blood flying through the air creating a rain as they did so then they disappeared. I looked up to where Solstice was sitting on his platform of orange magic. He was breathing heavily. I flew up to greet him.”
“As I reached him I noticed that there was something wrong. Instead of his normal mane color, it was a flowing blood red with occasional spheres of different colors in it and his eyes changed from the normal bright yellow to a bright blue and bright orange. His mane was flowing like mine and Celestias. It had honestly scared me at the time but I waved it off and placed my hooves around him trying to comfort him. As I did this his mane returned to the normal red, yellow and orange spiked mane it was normally. I felt him hug me back, I heard him say, “Thank you Luna”. I let go of the embrace and asked, “What for Solstice? You fought hard and showed magic beyond that of any I have seen before. If not for you many lives would have been lost on our side.” I said bringing him into my embrace again. “I mean thank you for the hug, me and Azriel needed it.” he said into my shoulder. It took me a minute to process he said another name. “Wait, who is this Azriel you are speaking of?” I asked to him, “Azriel is my protector, the manifestation of my soul, the Lupine creature you saw when I attacked Celestia a month ago. He lent me his power just now, that’s why my mane was flowing as it was.” he responded with a smile. “You hugging us let the power return to him and it just felt good to be hugged, ya know?” he stated. I giggled at this. “You certainly are a strange one Recruit, now lets get back to camp, I’m certain everypony is waiting to great their hero.” I told him with a smile.”
“As we returned to the camp we were greeted with a great many ponies cheering. As we passed by they bowed gratuitously to us. Lost Solstice who had never been greeted as such walked along next to me with his head down so his mane covered his face. I asked him why he had been keeping his head down but he did not answer me. Over the course of the month he spent his time with the generals, Vice Commander Bolt, and I discussing fighting tactics, and ideas for weaponry that we quickly put into use having our finest smiths create the weapons. He also spent his time helping the instructors around the camp teach their classes, while doing so he gained favor among many ponies even the highest ranking members of The Pack saw him more of a leader then just a Recruit. When the raid on ponyville came he teleported any civilians in the area of ponyville and the surrounding 2 miles to the front of canterlot to avoid any unneeded casualties. This was an incredibly impressive feat considering he was just a normal unicorn, but that day was not to play in favor of Solstice as the pony who teleported down to Ponyville after the mysterious appearance of the villagers in Canterlot was not a face I wished to ever see during the course of the war. It was the Element of Magic, Starswirl the Bearded.”
“When Starswirl the bearded appeared, I knew it was time to withdraw, but he had different plans in mind for us. I ordered all remaining troops to fall back to the camp and abandon the raid. When Starswirl heard of the retreat happening he encapsulated the entire town in a magical barrier that wouldn’t allow anypony in, or anypony out. We were trapped.”
“I quickly began to fear that this was the end for us, that this was the final battle but what truly astounded me was that his goal was not to kill us all, only to fight one pony. That pony was Solstice. “I know you’re here Solstice! I want to make a deal, you fight me, and I’ll let your group and the royal guard leave unharmed, resist my invitation, and all the ponies in here shall meet a fate worse than death.” I heard him loud and clear. Below me I could see Solstice start moving through the crowd towards the voice. I had dropped down to block his path. “Luna, I know you fear for my life, but I know what Starswirl the bearded is capable of. His strength in magic is unmatched, hence why he is the element of Magic despite him being only a unicorn he is said to be stronger than you and your sister. You won’t always be able to protect me, I have to fight my own fights, and I’d rather you all get away and I die, then all of you and the royal guard die including me. To save the greater many, one must sacrifice themselves. I know you will object to this, but I must go.” he said to me. I felt tears roll down my cheeks. “Please be careful Solstice. If you die, I will never forgive you.” I said feeling my heart break as I said this. I don’t know why I felt so strongly about him dying. Was it because I treated him more like a son than an actual soldier? or was I simply naive? Either way, I didn’t want him to die, even if it would save us all. I simply watched as he teleported away.”
“I heard Starswirl call out, “It seems that Solstice has decided to face me, very well. You are all free to go, but move hastily, as my second barrier will force you out. Run ponies run, run as fast as you can!” he laughed crazily. I saw a second barrier starting to emit from the center of town, it was slow yet we needed to move fast before it caught up to us. “RUN! GET BACK TO THE CAMP!” I yelled using my equestrian voice to order the Alpha and Beta Regiments to retreat. I dragged the Vice Commander aside and told him this, “I’m going to stay here and watch the battle, make sure everypony gets back to the camp safely. If Solstice dies, I need to be there to revive him immediately.” I whispered this to him and he responded with only a slight nod.”
“I then proceeded to fly above the barrier and town. The roof of the barrier was clear, but still there, but for what reason? I asked myself, then I realized it, he had wanted me to stay so I could watch. On one side, stood Starswirl the bearded, wearing around his neck, the element of magic. So this was the form the element took while under his control I thought to myself. I then turned my gaze slightly to the right to see Solstice on his magic platform glaring at Starswirl. Starswirl looked up at me then smiled and cast a spell that put me in the head of Solstice. I was able to see all he saw, feel all he felt, and I could see his memories, as he could see my memories as well. “It seems that we can finally get started Solstice, and Luna.” he said with a smirk. “Oh yes that’s right Luna I trapped you inside the head of your little friend. Now when I kill him, I’ll kill two ponies with one well placed bolt to the skull.” he said his voice laden with anger. “Kill two ponies Starswirl? You must be mistaken. There will only be one pony dead tonight, and that pony will be you.” I felt Solstices Anger take control, his voice changed from its normal cheerful deep tone, to one of a demons. I couldn’t shake as I was just stuck in his head. “Oh yes I am so scared of you Solstice, you make me tremble oh so very much.” said Starswirl mockingly. I felt something happening to my body, it was a surge of power something that felt familiar yet very foreign. It was both an immense pain but it was also very pleasant warmth that filled his veins. He grew more than triple his size and we could see as bright as day. I felt as claws grew from my hooves and turn into what he called fingers. As the transformation finished he howled into the moon far above us. I then heard him think, “I hope tonight's sky is strong enough to help me.” I quickly responded to his thought by thinking, “If it is not, then I shall make it clearer and grander.” He started to look around as if he had gone mad then thought to himself, “Luna? How are you in my thoughts?” I mentally face hoofed and said, “Well he did trap me inside you remember?” I asked him. He then proceeded to slap his forehead, “I actually did forget that, sorry. Yet how are you reading my thoughts?” I then questioned that myself, how am I reading his thoughts, I knew we were in the same body but I couldn’t exactly explain this. “I have no clue, but this form draws its power from the night sky?” I asked to him, “Yes, it does. That night the reason I was able to fend off Celestia was because the moon and stars shone brighter than they ever had since my time here. It gave me enough magic to allow me to last longer at that strength. Tonight it will be harder considering the moon and celestial bodies are dimmer tonight meaning that me and starswirl may be fighting on the same level, but there is one thing that you should know.” he said this all the while glaring at starswirl. I saw forming around me spheres of light, that then turned into small daggers like the ones he had used before. “I’m still able to use magic in this form. The flowing red mane you saw a month ago, that was the markings of Azriel forming my tail and mane.” he then proceeded to stand as tall as he could, he towered over Starswirl the bearded. They both began to walk towards each other. I heard Starswirl speak first. “Immense show of strength before the fight actually begins, I admire that Solstice.” he spoke with a small chuckle. Then I heard Solstice laugh, for the first time in a very long time. “Lets hope that we don’t make this battle to boring for us. Are you ready?” he said this time with a more formal tone. “I am, now lets begin.””
“With that they both jumped back around ten feet only for Solstice to continue flipping backwards, I heard below us as bolts of magic started to whizz by going at impossible speeds. Solstice landed then proceeded to leap high up in the air then shoot a few of the daggers at Starswirl who started to dodge the daggers using teleportation. He then proceeded to teleport above us forming a large hammer and struck us sending us flying into one of the buildings of the town below. It hurt but Solstice got right back up and turned the magic of his daggers into claws so he could extend the claws on his hands then proceeded to jump up towards Starswirl who proceeded to use trees to try and stop us, sadly to no avail to him. As we broke through the last tree we saw that he was surprised but he quickly used his magic to shield himself. We sent him flying across the small forest into the other side of the barrier surrounding the town, it rang out as he hit it at full force. Solstice, taking no chances with it, turned his magic back into daggers and went over and started to bombard the area where Starswirl had fallen from the previous strike.”
“When Solstice finally stopped, the area where he had been was barren of tree, grass, and blood. He quickly realized that Starswirl had snuck away before he had reached him. Solstice turned around just as Starswirl was launching himself at us with a large gouging spear. Solstice grabbed the spear and deflected the blow towards the barrier where the spar dissipated into thin air. He then grabbed Starswirl by the horn and flung him as hard as he could into the ground. Starswirl started to slowly get up. “You are putting up quite the fight Solstice, far better than I had anticipated, but now. Let us take off the training gloves and get to the real fight.” we heard him say. We saw a bright light start to emit from his chest, he was activating the element of magic to help him. Solstice quickly descended to the ground and waited for him to finish activating it, for reasons unknown to me at the time, Solstice had wanted this. As Starswirl finished, his mane was infused with a purple hue and flowed like a river, his entire body was covered in white tribal markings that glew like the sun. His eyes were pure white and he grew to the same height as Celestia. “Now that you are taking this seriously Starswirl, I can fight without remorse.” I heard Solstice say, then I felt something changing. He didn’t grow at all, but I did feel something change, it was throughout his blood. “Looks like Solstice is giving me the chance to fight you Starswirl, are you ready to die?” His voice changed to a slightly less demonic tone and it sounded less deep as well. “So it seems I have drawn out your guardian, this battle shall truly go down in history.” I heard Starswirl say, I couldn’t help but ask myself at the time, who was this pony I was trapped inside? It surely wasn’t Solstice.”
“No sooner had they took a stance did they start to fight, the first attack sent a shockwave through the air creating a small crater below us. I saw that Solstice used his magic to create a staff of light, Starswirl on the other hand used his magic to conjure 2 swords to fight with. Solstice and Starswirl quickly jumped back then proceeded to attack once more sending another shockwave through the air. This went on until finally Solstice decided to slide underneath the attack and use his staff to strike the underside of Starswirl sending him flying up into the air, quickly Solstice took advantage of the situation and jumped up towards him only to be blasted back down to the ground by a magical bolt of energy. Starswirl then dropped full force slamming into Solstice’s stomach. It was really painful but Solstice grabbed his hoof and flipped him over then proceeded to grab him by his mane and slam him into the ground, then grabbed his horn and threw him clear into the town hall. Solstice walked over to the gapping hole in the wall to see Starswirl was waiting for him with 7 energy bolts.”
“No sooner had Solstice seen this did he jump back out and start running as fast as he could. Right behind us following was the 7 bolts of energy, phasing through the trees and buildings following him. As he looked back in front of him there was another energy bolt coming towards him. We ran right into it and was blasted back into the other 7 bolts of energy. We fell from the sky hitting the ground sending a wave through the ground and back to us making us bounce. Solstice slowly got up after this strike to be greeted by Starswirl charging at us with swords drawn. Solstice brought his staff just in time, but what had surprised me was that he blocked this attack using one arm and he didn’t even flinch. “You want to play dirty, eh Starswirl? You are a disgrace.” I heard him say his voice deepening and another surge through his body, he turned his gaze to meet Starswirl who slowly stepped backwards in fear. Solstice slowly started to walk towards him, I felt the ground beneath us shake as he did so. Starswirl had all the right to be terrified, as I was terrified as well. I saw the images in Solstices mind from his past come to the surface, memories suppressed from his Amnesia coming back without relent. The anger, sadness, love, hate, loyalty, disgust, and lastly the strongest feeling present within him, loneliness.”
“ “You dare betray the name of honorable battle Starswirl? You shall pay with your life for this great evil you have committed.” He said deepening his voice even further. Starswirl was cowering beneath him, he said “You can’t possibly kill me!” He was cut off before he could say anything else by Solstice grabbing him by the throat and slamming him into the ground. “You deserve not the honor and nobility you have earned, you deserve not the life that you live, and more importantly you deserve not to be the wielder of the element of magic.” He said as he gripped the horn of Starswirl, it burned but he did not let go. He broke the horn clear off making Starswirl scream in pain, I could only imagine the pain he felt. Solstice then proceeded to to use the horn to stab it into the back of Starswirl then shoved his claw into his left eye and rip it clear out of the socket sending Starswirl into an even louder scream. “Lastly, you deserve not to live in peace.” Solstice said with one final jab of his claw, he shoved his arm into Starswirl the bearded’s chest and proceeded to grasp his heart, you could feel it beating fast in the palm of Solstices hand. The look on Starswirls face was one of true fear. I then felt as Solstice crushed the heart in the palm of his hand and Starswirls breathing stopped. He fell lifeless before us and the barrier surrounding the town dissolved. I was then returned to where I was above the town before I was trapped inside of his head by Starswirl.”
The black wizards giant lizard thought that the Solstice went a little mad a moment ago. The black wizards watched from an unknown location, waiting for the right time to strike. They decided to transport to compton and started to cast dark magic upon their kingdom and protect it from an impending threat.
“At first I couldn’t believe what had just happened, Solstice, the one I thought of as a son, killed the most powerful unicorn in existence by crushing his heart, in the palm of his hand. It was a terrifying realization of the power that an enraged human could possess. I found out through the memories that his race was called humans, that he was a general to a place called Rome, that the last thing he saw before he appeared here was his wife dying in his arms then it all just going black.”
“I flew slowly down towards Solstice where he was just standing there over the corpse of the recently killed Starswirl the bearded who had returned to his normal size. The element of magic was no longer around his neck, it was being held in Solstices hand. As I landed beside him he spoke to me, “I finally know everything Luna.” He said this his voice low and laden with sadness. He looked over to me with tears streaming down his face. “I finally remember.” He said breaking down to his knees. I quickly ran over to him to comfort him, he wrapped his arms around me just crying. I knew what he saw, the memories, the feelings, I knew everything now about him, and all I could do, is comfort him to the best of my ability.”
“The Pack had search parties come looking for us to find him asleep on my side. They saw the damage that was done to the town and saw the corpse of Starswirl laying mere meters away from us. They quickly got a medical team and carried the corpse back to the camp along with carrying Solstice on a stretcher into the infirmary tent. It took him only a day to get better from his fight the night before, which was odd considering the last time he went into that form it took him almost a month to recover. The first thing he saw when he woke up was me staring out the window on the side of his bed. “Hey Luna.” he spoke quietly, I turned around startled by his voice. I smiled and hugged Solstice and said, “I saw everything Solstice, so if you need someone to talk to, you can talk with me okay?” he responded with a smile. “I’d be more than glad to tell you everything.” He said sitting up in his bed. Over the course of the next 4 hours he told me everything that he remembered from start to finish sparing no details on any of it.”
“Those days were good, they were filled with joy and laughter. Not a day went by when he didn’t make me or another pony smile, but I couldn’t help but feel his loneliness emanating from the wretches of his heart. 4 months after the fight with Starswirl, Vice Commander Bolt was accused of being a spy for Celestia, which turned out to be more than true. When he was confronted by the guards he killed 4 of them before escaping into the everfree forest. I was then without a Vice Commander and none of the generals had been willing to step into that position so I appointed now Corporal Solstice as the new Vice Commander of The Pack. At first he had been reluctant to accept the title and the position because he had only been with us no longer than 7 months. He felt as if he was not worthy to, although the generals and many of the soldiers encouraged him to be the Vice Commander. He was well respected even for his low rank, he was treated as I was treated even though he was but a simple Corporal. After some encouraging by his peers he finally agreed to take up the position. The next three months were our most productive ever, he worked everypony to the brim. He got us much needed supplies for weaponry and food as well, considering we had to ration everything before because the vice commander was holding us back. The generals learned more tactics and fighting techniques so that they could be almost on par with him so they weren’t thought of as useless.”
“All was good until that final fateful day of mine. It was to be the last battle of the war, the deciding battle, whether we would win or we would lose. Me and Solstice were both preparing for battle putting on specially made armor made out of titanium that was infused with magic to make it a lot lighter than what it would normally be. Solstice had grown from being a normal sized stallion to becoming one that stood as tall as me and Celestia at the time. His mane was no longer the spiked red, yellow, and orange it had been 3 months ago, his mane now flowed as a red starfield with the occasional color sphere dotting it making his mane all the more unique from me and Celestias. His right eye was the bright electric blue of Azriels and his left eye the bright electric orange as well. Him and Azriel had finally learned to merge together fully and it allowed him to use the power Azriel wielded when he was released. Solstice saw that I was staring at him, he gave me a reassuring smile and asked “It’s definitely different from when we first met huh?” I woke up from my daze and simply nodded my head and returned to tightening my legguards. “It’s been almost a year since that day, and even as such, I’ve come a long way compared to most ponies would have ever in their entire lives. I’ve saved the goddess of the moon, knocked out the goddess of the sun, fought off entire battalions and companies single hoofed to top it all off, last month I killed the element of Magic by crushing his heart in the palm of my hand.” as he said this he tapped on the element of magic that now hung around his neck.”
“After the defeat of Starswirl the bearded, Azriel took up the element of Magic and placed it around his neck intending to make it his trophy for his victory over Starswirl, but instead the element of magic changed slightly, yet it was still a necklace. It changed from being a circular amulet that had a crystal that reflected the very world and twisted it. Into The Pack insignia, the eye looked like lava and the red marks flowed with the same magic starfield as his mane and markings. After that day we had found out that our insignia, it wasn’t just a coincidence that it looked similar to Solstices protector, Azriel, it was telling that one day he would appear and help us win this war, it was a prophecy that was told long before it began.”
“After I was finished fixing up my legguards I slowly walked out of the tent, Solstice following behind standing proud and strong a full head above the other ponies. He was still a unicorn by all means but he was stronger than any other alicorn I had ever laid my eyes upon, he was a true god by our standards, surpassing even me and my sister.”
“It took us about 2 hours to make our way to the field that laid below canterlot for this final battle. What we saw was a force much stronger than any we had ever seen before. There were catapults, and ballistae lacing the army at mostly the front and catapults near the rear force. What truly struck me as amazing was that all the races were there, they were all united to fend us off, it truly was a sight to behold that there had been such unity after we had arisen. The Pack of course was composed of all the races but to see Equestria united in such unity was truly astonishing, no matter how long I looked I couldn’t help but feel both saddened and happy by the site. From what I could tell there were thousands upon hundreds of them, all fighting for Equestria, for the false Queen, the Tyrant Queen Celestia.”
“ “Solstice, look at all this.” I said to him slowly. “I see it Luna, but this won’t be enough to stop us.” he said this as I turned towards him to see him grinning at me. “Oh, no it will not. Lets just hope they don’t lose their heads when they’re killed.” I replied giggling. “The punishment they would have to endure with you would be worse Luna.” he said laughing. “Oh shut it Solstice, Celestia is making her way to the front, as should we.” I replied flatly. “Alright, let us go greet the oh so great tyrant.” He replied lacing his voice with regality.”
“It took us only a couple minutes to reach the halfway points between the two armies, Celestia was walking slowly towards us, no doubt she didn’t enchant her armor to make it lighter as she struggle with every step. Her armor was made of a shimmering gold. On her chest laid a depiction of the Equestrian Insignia that showed she was apart of the Equestrian royal army. Her armor shook with every step she took making her chain mail rattle. It took her about another mintue to finally join us. “Hello Luna, Solstice.” she said with a slight nod towards us both. “Hello Celestia. I do hope you will surrender instead of going on with this unneeded bloodshed.” I said flatly hoping that she would listen for once to no avail that was. “I’ll surrender as soon as my blood has been drained from my body, until that happens this battle will go on.” she said monotonously looking straight into my eyes. “That can and will be arranged if necessary.” I growled through my teeth and stepped a hoof forward to be stopped by Solstice. “Celestia of Equestria, if you dare not stand down and surrender your arms then today shall be your last. That I can and will make sure of.” He said flatly keeping a straight face as he said so to her. “You dare to threaten me whelp? Know your place you filthy dog!” she said, I quickly snapped at her, “Don’t you dare talk to him that way!” I growled again. “Fine Celestia, you have had your warnings, prepare yourself.” Solstice said calmly. We then started to gallop back to the front line.”
“ “Stallions, Mares, Minotaur, Gryphons, Naga, and Dragons! Tonight is the final night, the battle to decide who shall control Equestria!” Solstice started to yell to the army, his voice echoing to even the furthest soldiers and from what I could tell part of the Equestrian Royal Army. “We Cannot allow this tyrant to rule the lands we lived in anymore! She has threatened the very well being of all species residing here with her paranoia! She has done nothing more than banish those she even thinks to be against her even if they had not done a thing wrong. Tonight my brethren! We shall rid the world of this great evil! We shall fight in the shadow of our beloved PRINCESS LUNA! WE SHALL BRING DOWN THE WALLS OF OPPRESSION! WE SHALL BRING UPON A NEW ERA OF PEACE! WE SHALL WIN THIS WAR AND WE SHALL BRING THE TYRANT QUEEN TO HER KNEES! WE SHALL PREVAIL!” He yelled at the top of his lungs, this time it rung clear across the land as I heard the entire Army start cheering creating a ear drum bursting cheer. Solstice held his hoof out to me, when I grasped it he lifted us up into the air above the army and proceeded to finish. “NOW PACK! TO ARMS! TO JUSTICE! AND TO VICTORY!” He yelled again gesturing a strong hoof towards the Equestrian Army.”
“What came next was the cheering and calls of over 250,000 creatures united under one banner for the greater good. Below us you could feel even his magic platform shaking from the galloping of the army down below. “Are you ready my Princess?” I heard him say to me, “Yes, let us finish this.” As I finished my words the moon was peaking over the horizon and I used my magic to make it closer to make it brighter and made the night sky as beautiful as it could possibly be. At seeing this Solstice looked over to me with a confused look on his face. “You said that your power came from the moon and nightly celestial bodies, so this will one give you immense power and two it is the perfect backdrop for the final battle.” I spoke looking forward as the ground troops advanced quickly. He replied simply saying, “Get ready I’m lowering the platform and turning once I do I need you to back me up as I go for the leaders. Take them out first and we can cripple the army causing Celestia to have to order all the troops not being able to send them to other commands. Got it?” I nodded and he released the barrier. I fell for a second before letting my wings catch me then I proceeded down with Solstice as he turned and dropped down in the front of The Packs front line.”
“No sooner had he landed did he charge the front lines of the Equestrian Army who was charging towards the group but as they saw the large wolf creature charging towards them they quickly took to the defence. Yet Azriels charge proved too much for any of them to stop as Azriel casted a spell turning the moonlight into a staff and beating them to the sides clearing a path to the first general. Quickly I dived towards Azriel who proceeded to turn his staff into a sword and chop the head off of the general causing his blood to spurt over his soldiers. I reached Azriel and grabbed his arm and threw him up where he proceeded to use this height to locate the next general and dive bomb into him sending his limbs and blood to be sent over the battlefield. I thought silently to myself, “Two down 4 to go”. Azriel proceeded towards the next general who was lining his men up in front of him to protect him. Azriel gave me a gesture that told me it was my turn to get my hooves dirty. He quickly broke through the defense and proceeded to toss the general up into the air as I conjured an axe and chopped the general clear in half then reared around and proceeded to cleave the head of the screaming upper body causing the screaming to stop. I looked over to see where Azriel was, he was fending off a wave of soldiers trying to attack him.”
“I quickly flew towards him and yelled, “Grab my hoof Azriel!” He responded by shooting his right hand up into the air and grasping onto my left front hoof. I then flew him high above the battlefield so we could search for the remaining three generals. They had seen the other generals start to fall and retreated to the sky to avoid us, yet ended up running right into us I couldn’t help but smile for this fortuitous gift. As they spotted us their eyes grew wide with fear but they were quickly surrounded by 3 squads of Pegasi using a weapon design of Solstices. The weapon latched onto the wings of a pegasi turning the wings into sharp swords that could be used to deal swift blows if the pegasi was fast enough, it was paired along with another design for wrist blades for the ponies to allow swift strikes. It was a deadly combination. The fight was very quick to say the least leaving the pegasi who had challenged us crashing into the ground having their wings ripped off and the blades on their hooves stabbed into their stomachs, leaving the generals to fend for themselves.”
“No sooner had they seen the squads fall did they start to retreat towards Celestia in hopes she would be able to save them, but she just sat there watching as her generals were ripped to shreds by me and Azriel, not even flinching at their blood curdling screams of pain.”
“As soon as we had finished dispatching the generals did we set our sights on Celestia herself. “Are you ready to deal the final blow in this war Azriel and Solstice?” I asked loudly over the roar of battle going on beneath us and around us as the Equestrian Royal Air Force collided with The Packs Pegasi Unit. “We are Princess, let this day be remembered as the day Equestria was rid of a tyrant queen.” he said shifting his sights towards Celestia and glaring angrily. We quickly descended to land in front of Celestia where her army had left her.”
“ “This is your final chance to surrender Celestia, we have already slaughtered your generals, your army is slowly falling into disarray as there is no leader giving them orders as you just sit here on your battle chariot waiting for the battle to finally end.” I had proclaimed loudly towards her only to be met with a laugh. After she had finished laughing she finally responded, “Oh Luna, Luna, Luna you still dissapoint me to this day with your cowardice, and your incompetence. You may have the element of loyalty in your possession, but you forget, I still possess and control the other five elements of harmony. The generals lives were a small price to pay to be awarded the chance to see you finally ridden from Equestria.” I stepped back in both disgust and hatred, “A small price? The price of over 2 hundred thousand beings is a small price to you? Have you no shame or regret Celestia? “ I proceeded to ask in disgust. “That I do not, their lives were but a small price. You shall not take this kingdom, as long as I have blood running through my veins, you shall not be leader of Equestria.” she growled back at me through her teeth. “Then I guess talking to you is of no use Celestia of Equestria, your crimes against pony kind, gryphon kind, minotaur kind, dragonkind, naga kind, and humankind shall not go unpunished. You are to die today, no remorse and no regret, you deserve nothing more than to die for what you have done.” I heard Azriel speak through his teeth. Celestia then proceeded to cast a spell to summon the power of the elements of harmony.”
“As the spell was cast the elements infused with her mane causing the color to turn pure white and her eyes to glow as bright as the sun itself. She had become the elements of harmony. I turned to see Azriel standing there, waiting, as she had gained her full power. I readied myself by conjuring wing blades and hoof blades made of pure moonlight. I had then proceeded to conjure up on extra sword just in case of needing it, as I knew this fight was going to be one that would decide who would rise, and who would fall. As she finished she stayed hovering in the air above us and proceeded to below, “LOOK UPON ME, LUNA AND SOLSTICE! SEE THE POWER OF A TRUE QUEEN!” as she finished this she created several spheres of light that turned into all sorts of weapons, from small daggers to spears. There was something off about them that I noticed, she had imbued them with dark magic. I had to be extra careful, as did Solstice so that we wouldn’t die.”
“I began the first assault with Azriel following quickly behind. I pounced at her only to be countered by a sword contacting with my wing blade making me stumble but not stop but I quickly flew into being hit by a staff and knocked back approximately 20 feet. I saw as Azriel was holding his own against the magic weaponry, dodging and striking switch from staff and sword when need be. I quickly got up and tried my assault again this time to be countered by Celestia using one of her conjured swords. As we struggled with each other I did a leg sweep knocking her off her hooves and causing her to stumble, I took my chance and lunged at her only to be stopped by a pole knocking me back. She got up quickly and pounced at me this time instead of using her weapons she used a magic bolt surrounding her hoof to strike me. It felt as if a fire coursed through my veins as it struck.”
“The shear force of the strike sent me tumbling backwards at least 100 feet. I quickly tried to get up only to be struck down by her dropping full force onto my back, I felt the heat once again. It was a painful burning that flowed through my veins, she had sent the sun's power into my very veins. As I quickly got up I looked around to see her flying at me full force. I felt as her hoof connected with my muzzle sending me flying only to hit a pole she had set up in advance. I bounced off it and before I could recover she was already upon me and slammed me into the pole again this time holding me there. I heard something scream, “NO MORE!” I heard a violent explosion follow the scream.”
“Standing there behind Celestia was Azriel this time his eyes were a maroon red that flowed the same as his markings. He had grasped Celestias hoof as she reeled it back to hit me, he then proceeded to pick her up by that hoof and slam her down into the ground, then proceeded to kick her as hard as he could in her stomach sending her flying a few meters in front of us. Where he had his usual Element of Magic hanging around his neck was not the element itself, but the insignia of The Pack. The Element of Magic had imbued itself within Azriel.”
“ “You shall harm her no longer Celestia!” He yelled proceeding to pounce Celestia who brought all her weapons to defend her from this deafening blow. As his staff struck the wall of weapons it let out a sonic boom making the wall of weaponry shatter. He then proceeded to continue his assault by returning the magic into his body and punching Celestia across the clearing he had created from the blast of the sonic boom. Celestia quickly recovered but from what I could tell she was far from over. She started to charge her magic into a wave of magic. As Azriel saw this he quickly took up the defensive by jumping in front of me and creating a magical barrier from the moonlight and stars. All around me a starfield had been formed protecting me and Azriel as we felt the force of the blast hit the barrier. I analyzed Azriel to find that he had been cut on the thigh, forearm, and on the back. The wounds weren’t deep but they did make a noticeable difference on how he fought. As soon as the blast had stopped he lowered the field to find Celestia was waiting for him with a hoof getting ready to hit him. He took the hoof full force sending him flying into the woods behind me, at this point Azriel was well over his limit, but he continued to fight. He picked up one of the fallen tree trunks and threw it at Celestia following closely behind it. Celestia had cut the tree in half and saw that Azriel was following it closely all too late, he punched her this time right in the chest where her heart is. I heard a violent cracking sound as it struck and noticed his hand was tinted slightly orange. As he landed he fell to his knees panting heavily.”
“ “Solstice!” I screamed to him, he put up a paw and said, “I will fight until my very last breath, don’t try to convince me otherwise Luna.” he was hurt and you could tell by the look he had on his face. He had gone way overboard and was now taking it’s toll on him. I felt something sharp go through my leg. I looked down to see that one of Celestias swords was stabbed into my thigh. I let out a pained scream. Solstice quickly looked over and looked mortified then I felt the very air around me grow cold. The once pained Azriel stood up this time with an aura of deep purple light around him. Celestia teleported in front of me taking the sword out of my thigh and bringing it up to my throat.”
“Solstice had other plans for the blade though. He grabbed the Celestial Blade and proceeded to stab it into Celestias side causing her to wince in pain. He then grabbed her by the head and slammed it into the ground then picked her back up and threw her across the clearing then proceeded by jumping high into the air and elbow dropping her where he had just stabbed her. He then got up and proceeded to make his way towards me, the aura dispersing from his body, and his eyes returning to his original state. He had won the fight. He had killed my sister, or so we had thought, the both of us.”
“My eyes grew wide with horror as I saw the blade appear in the chest of Azriel who quickly fell to the ground coughing up blood. “You don’t think I would die that easily, now did you dear Solstice?” I heard her say evilly. I looked at her and Solstice, shocked and mortified. “As for you dear sister, my plans for you are not death anymore. I shall make you suffer far worse.” she spoke to me calmly. “This time, you are not to be banished from simply this country, but from this world. For a thousand years, you shall spend every waking moment upon the moon you so dearly love, and control.” she said making me widen my eyes with horror. I looked down to see Solstice grabbing Celestias rear left hoof. He said, “You….You will do…. no such thing to her.” coughing between his words. Celestia quickly rose her hoof away from his grasp and bucked him right in the head knocking him out finally.”
“ “Goodbye Luna, and may your demise be slow as you watch all you worked for, crumble.” She said saying her final words to me. She then began to cast the spell, I felt my body grow cold, and felt as my body was banished to the moon. The last thing I saw and heard was her laugh and blood ridden coat.”
“As to what had happened afterwards, I cannot be fully sure but I can tell you this, mere days later Solstice was executed as I was forced to watch through a magical portal designed to allow me to watch as he had his head lopped off by a guillotine.” she said finishing up the legend finally.
“So you mean to tell me, that even though his power was great, even with the element of magic, that he was still not strong enough to face Celestia who wielded the 5 other elements of harmony?” I asked hoping to make sense of how the story ends.
“It may seem as if it is a lie, but all I have told is the truth. You were a unicorn in your past life, but now you seem to be a pegasi which is odd, but that can be fixed by a spell I know.” she answered letting her head hang down.
“I would love for that to be possible, but you are trapped here on the moon correct?” I asked.
“I am only trapped here for but 2 more months, in the mean time, I want you to join up with The Pack and start training immediately. I know you have great experience and that you will do well in training, but practice can only make you better.” she replied this time in a more cheerful tone.
“So you’re saying that my husband was a demi-god among gods back a thousand years ago that was a general in the Roman Empire, who became the Vice Commander of a group called The Pack, whose insignia is a depiction of his Lupine Demon?” Jazmine interrupted.
“Believe it or not Jazmine, it is true, to the very last word. You may not believe me, or you may, I guarantee if your husband goes into Azriels form again and you look for the scars, they should most definitely be there.” Luna said giving her a small glare.
“Well true or not, we are stuck here in Equestria until we find a way home Jazmine, and right now they are the best chance we have at living a semi-normal life.” I said trying to get Jazmine to join me.
“Semi-normal life? You call fighting war and operations a normal life?” Luna asked baffled by my statement.
“Well, if you lived on earth, you would see that was our normal life so this won’t be much different other than that we will be taking orders more instead of giving them.” I said suppressing a laugh. Jazmine huffed and silently nodded when I asked her if she would join me.
Over the course of what seemed like 2 hours we talked trying to get all my questions sorted out about Equestria and its history, along with what she wanted to know about Earth and our lives back on Earth. All was going great.
“I’m so sorry for the loss of your brother Solstice, I know it must be hard.” Luna said giving me a sympathetic look.
“Yeah well, can’t exactly change the past. Anyways, when do you think we will finally be done with this dream, no offense, I enjoy your company and all but I want to get up and move around again.” I said with a solemn face.
“Well it seems your body is starting to stir already, and it’s around six o’clock in the morning in Equestria right now so I can end the dream right now and let you two awaken if you want.” Luna said giving a slight smile.
“I’d love that Luna, sorry if I am cutting this short, but I feel like getting up and moving around in my new body so I can get used to it.” I said hoping to not sound like a prick.
“It’s fine, I’ll end the dream now, I have some stuff to prepare myself for the coming months for my return. Please take care of yourself Solstice, and Jazmine. You never know what Celestia might do when she is desperate.” She said taking great care to make it a point on Celestia.
With that I felt as my body started to float back towards Equestria and land itself back into the body of Lost Solstice, the one who I was meant to be from now on.
Slowly I phase into the body feeling as my thoughts and the warmth of the blanket covering me returns and the drowsiness along with it. I slowly started sitting up in the bed only to be pushed back down by a nurse who heard me rustling to life.
“Rest now, you are still in no condition to be up and moving.” she said her voice calm and soothing.
“What…what happened to me…” I trailed off feeling as soreness and nausea wash over me causing me to swallow some throw up.
“I am not exactly sure as the field report has yet to of come in, but when you came in your breathing was extremely shallow and your heartbeat was faint. You had us all worried you were going to die, looks like you pulled through, but right now you still need to rest so you can regain your strength.” she said jotting down the readings on the monitors that surrounded my bed. I felt pricks all over my body and when I looked down to where they were I froze.
The length of my body was covered in needles that were no doubt keeping me hydrated and recycling my blood.
“Nurse can you tell me something?” I asked to the pony. She turned around and raised an eyebrow to me. “You said that when I came in, I was terribly ill and you thought I was going to die, correct?” She simply nodded her head. “So, tell me this, how long was I out?” When I asked this she turned away immediately and sighed.
“Well, when you were brought in…It’s true, you were terribly ill, even more close to death than you were to life, but you were somehow barely clinging to a single thread of life. After running blood tests we found that you had both A and B blood running through your system, your own body was fighting itself, so we quickly started to use these needles to recycle the blood with a serum that would eliminate one type of blood, and considering most members of The Pack are B positive we chose to eliminate the A positive blood in your system and replace it with more B positive blood and continued to recycle it through this machine here.” she gestured towards the machine where I saw blood flowing in one end and out the other, at the top of the machine there was a clear glass ball containing a sapphire blue liquid, I guess that was the serum she was talking about.
“It’s been a full week since you have come in, the field report is still being written but I don’t expect it for a couple more days as the pony that saved you hardly cares for them and puts them off until last minute.” she said giving a slight smirk and giggle.
I shook my head in disappointment, “Honestly, I should’ve expected better from the pony that saved me and…” I stopped abruptly, my eyes widening in fear. “Where’s the other pony she brought in, is she okay? is she alive?!” I asked almost screaming increasing my heartbeat.
“She’s fine! Calm down, she is alright. She’s in the station over, she hasn’t woken up yet from what I can tell so don’t worry. She was in a much better condition than you were but seems to of been put into a coma from hitting her head on the ground too hard.” as she said this I felt both a wave of relief and a wave of regret wash over me. I sighed heavily.
“That’s a relief…” I said laying back into my bed. The nurse started to walk over to me with a stethoscope and started to feel around my chest looking for a heartbeat. She found it after about a minute of looking.
“Hmmm, that’s very odd…” She moved the stethoscope to another part of my body, then another. “What in the…” she said quietly taking a few steps back.
“What? What’s wrong?” I asked confused. She stopped and regained her composure.
“It’s nothing to worry about, at least not for now. Get some rest for now, I need to go talk to Glistening Star, please get some rest while I am away.” she said worriedly. That was very strange…also who is Glistening Star? Hmm…
Seems you’re finally awake Solstice, it’s been over a week your time, how do you feel?
How do I feel? Not too bad other than the nausea, the soreness and weakness is fine, I’m used to it. I hear her start to giggle a little.
Well that is quite good, it seems like you ought to be fine though, minor concussion and differentiated blood type. No big deal.
What do you mean no big deal? If it were no big deal I wouldn’t be in this hospital bed, now would I? I cross my arms and stare angrily at the wall hoping she could see it.
That tis true but for you it is nothing compared to what you have had before and had survived, so all is well. I would take her advice though, you might want to get some rest, telling by how fast you’re recovering right now you’ll be ready by tonight if you rest and allow your body to recover faster. As she finishes saying this I feel myself start to drift off.
*yawns* Let me guess...Sleep spells can reach here from the moon?
Yup…
I felt as everything slipped away in an instant and this time instead of being on the moon with Luna, I was in a house. I looked around to see where I was only to find myself alone at the end of an endless hallway. I slowly started to walk down the hallway looking at the pictures on the wall. They weren’t ordinary pictures, no. They were pictures of ponies, more precisely their history, from the dawn of the first ponies up to current times. I slowly walked past each painting allowing the history to flood through my mind taking in every note I could, mostly from the great discordian war with the god of chaos, Discord.
The world was twisted and distorted to a reality beyond comprehension as it went against any known laws of the universe. Time was distorted greatly, in some spots years would fly by in mere seconds destroying and eroding rocks, trees, and more importantly the poor ponies that were unlucky enough to of wandered into the vortexes of time. Some spots time would be so slow that when a pony exits it, to the ones on the outside it seems like only a second, while to them it felt like many great years of solitude and loneliness. Gravity was hardly an issue as Earth ponies floated around as if they were flying, defying all laws of physics set forth by the world. The clouds were made of gum and rained chocolate rain that distorted anything that it had touched.
I heard a thunderous boom from over the horizon and felt myself started to float towards the great explosion to find myself standing over the god of chaos and the goddesses of the sun and moon fight. Their clashes caused the earth to shake and the very air around them crack with thunder causing me to turn away from the light and sound. When I looked back to where they were, they were……...gone. They had disappeared from right in front of me, but how? No creature in the universe could move that fast. The magic in this world will forever be a mystery to me.
The world below me opened up to a pitch black, and from what I could tell, bottomless hole. I felt as the gravity of the world that had allowed me to float freely finally give way to normal gravity and I simply fell into the hole trying to get a hold of my descent by flapping my wings, sadly it was to no avail. I simply stopped and allowed myself to fall, I closed my eyes and started diving headfirst feeling as the wind rushed by my face and through my mane.
When I finally opened my eyes, I was rushing towards the ground over a town from what I could tell, hundreds, if not thousands of ponies, were gathered around below me watching in awe. Then something flew past me, it was a rainbow going about the speed of sound which threw me spiraling out of the sky and I landed inside of a tree. I looked around and there was no indication of me even breaking into it, something that caught my eye was that the entire room I was in, was covered in books.
“Spike! Can you bring me some quills?” I heard a voice call out. I looked around to see where the voice had come from only to find nothing. I got up and started to walk around when I saw a pure black figure start moving across the room and enter a doorway.
“Here you go T-” The voice had garbled at the end making what it said incomprehensible, but I chose to follow the figure into where it had entered. When I opened the door I had entered into what seemed to be a bakery, more specifically a sweets bakery. The counter in front of me had encased a large pink cake and what it had said scarred me more than anything. It had said, “Your life is over Solstice, just accept your fate. You’re dead.”
I slowly stepped away in fear only to find myself bumping into something, I didn’t want to turn around in fear of what I may of seen. I could hear it breathing overhead, it’s hot breath seeping over the back of my body, I slowly started to turn around to find myself inside of a new place, instead of staring into the face of an unknown creature. I looked around to see that the entirety of the room was covered in dresses on racks, and oddly saddles of various different design. I guess that this was some sort of dress shop for ponies.
I found myself starting to slowly look around, not for anything in particular, but just for the sake of seeing what the ponies would wear as normal attire. My wandering stopped when a figure in the middle of the room started to move, it was slowly walking towards where I was standing. I felt my heartbeat start to rise and my breathing got heavier as it approached me, I slowly started to back away.
“Don’t be afraid darling, I won’t hurt you.” I heard the figure say. It was both soothing and calming, I felt as my fears had left me. I felt my mouth move to try and say something, but no sound would come out of my mouth. I then felt as something behind me grabbed me and threw me into the wall.
When I opened my eyes this time, I found myself to be staring at the room of an empty cottage with some animals scampering around. I walked to the window of the cottage to look outside only to find that outside there was nothing but darkness. I turned around to see a yellow pony standing in the middle of the room, yet I couldn’t make out any features of this pony as her whole body including her mane and tail were encased in the brilliant yellow. I walked over to examine it more closely only for it to shy away from me. I felt as I mouthed, “It’s okay, I’m not going to hurt you.” the figure stopped and slowly started approaching me instead, it was a mere foot away from me when I felt a surge of energy rush through me throwing me out of the door of the cottage into the endless void of darkness.
I awoke to the howling of what sounded like wolves off in the distance, I looked around to see that I was in the middle of an...Apple Orchard? I was confused by this, but the wolves howled once more to bring me out of my confusion.
I started walking around to see if I could find any shelter as it was nighttime, and from what I could tell it was midnight. After searching around for what seemed like an hour, I found myself walking into a barn. I looked around slowly as to make sure that there was no-one around and laid down on some hay and felt as I drifted off to sleep, only to be awoken in what seemed like seconds later by a pure orange figure poking me with its hoof. I looked up quizzically only for it to turn around and buck me, knocking me out.
I awoke with a start, realizing that I was splayed out on a table, all four limbs strapped to the four corners of the table. I recollected myself quickly realizing finally that this was just a dream. As the thought crossed my mind, I wondered why I was on a table and not out doing what I want in a world that is of my creation. I was quickly given that answer.
“Yes this may be a dream Solstice, but you are not it’s controller nor are you its conceiver either. We are.” The voice was deep and stressed. Were they psychopaths that my mind created to keep this dream in check? No sooner had I thought about this had it responded. “We are not psychopaths, Solstice, we are the Order of Harmony. Many would call us gods, many would call us mortals, many would call us crazed and broken, but we consider ourselves, balancers, nothing more, and nothing less.” This time when it spoke, it spoke with a normal voice causing me to question it even further.
“What do you mean, balancers? You’re nothing more than a figment of my imagination that was created by my mind, nothing more and nothing less, you aren’t a clan, group, guild, or anything else, just ima-” I was cut off by a sword landing itself in my left rear hoof, causing me to bit down to resist from screaming in pain.
“Imaginations? Then you should be interested to know, just how real we are Lionel, Azriel, Tiamat, Lost Solstice, or whatever you choose to be called now.” Another voice said, this time it belonged to what I assumed was a female. How did they know those names?
“Those names are just names, nothing more. As to who Sylvian is, you should already know, or have you not put one and one together?” The voice was the first one again. I thought about what he said for a minute trying to put it together. Tiamat…I know that name…but from what. “Oh come on, you know it, put it together, tick tock!”
“Don’t rush me! I’m thinking!” I yelled. It quickly went silent and I returned to my thoughts. This time I spoke in my mind towards Luna and Azriel.
Luna, and Azriel can you help me out here, do either of you know what myth Tiamat is from?
I don’t know exactly but I will think on it, it sounds familiar.
I know the name, and its origin.
I sighed in relief hearing him say this.
“What do you give up on it?” I heard the second voice speak again this time giggling.
“Nope, exactly the opposite.” I feel as I let Azriel take over and start to recite what the myth is and the meaning behind the name. Instead of my normal turning, we stay as a pony strapped to the table, the only noticeable difference was my eyes. I felt as I was pushed into the back of my mind allowing Azriel to take control and speak.
“What is this? You brought out Azriel to speak? Are you s-” Azriel quickly cut off the creature talking.
“Save your insults for one who wishes to be irritated by malevolent beings such as you, that won’t even show their faces to the one they claim to know everything of the pony they have captured in his dreams.” Azriel said extremely irritated. I felt as the anger burned his mind and our body.
“Now then, Tiamat is from an old Babylonian myth, it is the name of a sea goddess who was in turn a dragon and the mother of the first gods of the world. How this relates to us as name wise, I am unsure, but it seems you clearly know.” Azriel recited with ease. I was taken aback at this because I realized something just then. When I was in dragon form, no matter how loud my voice had gotten it was deep yet, it was still feminine, so this explained it perfectly.
“It seems you were not allowed in your maste-” the female voice was cut off by Azriel.
“If you dare call him my “master” I will find you and I will rip you apart, slowly by peeling away each layer of skin slowly while using a rusted dirk to carve off each layer making it tear in various places as it is torn away and cut then leave you to die a slow and painful death after placing a spell on you to make it so nothing can heal you. EVER!” I felt the anger grow in my body as Azriel said this, then I noticed something. My mane was flowing, just as it did in the legend, but it was impossible…I’m not a unicorn, so how can I have any magic? The room quickly grew silent as I returned my attention to the situation at hand.
“Know this Azriel, you are not long for this world if you speak like that to others. Yet we shall let you and your master go. You have entertained us for a good while now and your mind is growing restless, we can’t keep this up much longer, and with this, we shall bid you adieu.” All three of the voices said in unison. I felt Azriel breaking the chains that bound us to the table and start to rush at one of the voices. I felt as my hoof connected with a head, but before we could even get a good look the figure disappeared leaving behind a phantom image. It slowly dissipated cackling.
I was soon returned control of my body after asking Azriel more about the Babylonian myth, most of which he knew off the top of his head, and some he had to recall. As we had finished the floor below us vanished and once again we were falling.
My eyes slowly opened and I felt as my head was throbbing from my recent dream adventures. When I finally got my vision straight I realized I was surrounded by a great many ponies, all of which were in uniform and had the same insignia on their shirts. I slowly looked around looking at all the ponies who were gawking. I then heard one of the ponies next to me.
“He’s awake everypony!” he yelled right in my ear causing me to flinch at the sound. I sigh and look at him irritated.
“Hey! Do you mind not shouting in my ear? and what do you mean I’m awake? Of course I’m awake, it isn’t some big dang on occasion that we all gather around for, it’s quite creepy.” I said making him shy away a little bit in embarrassment. “Now then, can somepony tell me just what in the sam heck is going on here?” I asked hoping to get an answer.
“I can explain sir!” I heard one of the ponies next to me say. I recognized that voice, but who was it? I looked over at her and nodded.
“I don’t know if you remember me at all but formal introductions are in order, I am Glistening Star. The reason everypony is gathered around is because they had all heard of the legend when they were younger and had always dreamed of the day you would return and well, the day has finally come sir and its been a week since I had brought you in for medical attention and you are waking up finally. The nurse had told me that you were awake and were able to be seen finally. When I walked in you were already asleep again, so I sat here patiently waiting for you to wake up, then I guess my field report had gotten out when the generals hit the roof when they heard it was Lost Solstice that I brought in. It got everypony out here to see you when you woke up.” After she had finished I quickly gave her a hug.
“Glistening Star, eh? Thanks for bringing me and my wife in after that big ordeal over at that castle.” I said holding her tight, watching as all the other ponies and creatures gawked at the sight. I felt as she returned the hug. I let her go and continued to speak, “Now then, to everypony and from what I can tell a melting pot of other creatures as well, I am not the pony you want to think of me as, it is true, I am the reincarnation of Lost Solstice, but I am not him either, for one I don’t even remember that life and I had to hear it from your commander, Luna during the week I was out cold. She told me of the legend, but I can’t confirm that I am he, and may I point out, I am clearly a pegasi, not a unicorn as told in the legend.” I said aloud hoping everyone could hear me.
“I can’t say that I am Lost Solstice, nor can I say that was my life in the past. I can’t tell you anymore about myself then as I have no recollection of that life, or the life I had lived before it. Until all is sorted out, I don’t want any special treatment, I don’t want to be your “Vice-Commander” I just want to go through training and do what I need to survive my time in this world.”
“I will earn my name among all of you, not just be given it. As to the legend, I can confirm Luna will be back in two weeks and six days time. During that time, if you truly want to make her proud, if you truly want Lost Solstice’s name to not be in vain, train as hard as ever, work harder than ever, and fight harder than ever to bring down the Tyrant Queen.”
As I finished, the crowd just stood in silence, waiting for me to say more. Then I heard slowly as the crowd started to clippity clop the ground and start to retreat from the tent ecstatically. Then 7 ponies walked in. These ponies were different then the rest, they were about middle age and they wore capes, and on their shirts instead of the insignia, they each had different symbols, from my guess they were the symbols for what they were in charge of.
“Sergeant Star, please leave us, we have some things to discuss with Vic- I mean Recruit Solstice.” One of them spoke breaking the silence. Glistening star put her hoof over her insignia and said, “Sir, yes sir!” then walked out of the tent, closing it up behind her.
“So……You’re supposed to be the legendary Lost Solstice huh?” This time the pony with the Blue seal that resembled a ship asked. I simply nodded. “Well we have news for you, you aren’t, you’re just another pony who wishes to be something better than who he really is. Now why don’t you tell us who you really are?” He questioned this time with anger in his voice. The other ponies gathered around us, one of them pushed him off of me and said.
“Give him some space General Dusk.” He said glaring at him.
I sat up quickly and sighed, “My name here supposedly is Lost Solstice, I was called this by Princess Luna, Azriel, Commander Bolt, and Queen Celestia. Do I know why? I have no clue or I did have no clue. My real name in the world I come from is Lionel Varellian, son of Zachary Varellian and Beatrice Varellian. I was a Captain in the United States Marine Corps. I was betrayed during a trade for Major Lynn, who is my wife who is also here, still knocked out in the room over. I didn’t know who the Commander really was until I met him for the trade and I didn’t recognize the name at all, and still don’t other than him being the previous vice commander before Lost Solstice who turned out to be a traitor for Queen Celestia. I came here with another person, his name was Luis Vasquez, His rank was Staff Sergeant and was apart of my squad in the United States Marine Corps. He was unlucky enough to of gone to the trade with me to get my wife back. Now I have no clue where he is in this world, heck I bet he’s still trying to adjust to the idea of talking ponies who can fly using wings and unicorns who can use magic. I know I still am. As to you asking if I am thinking I am Lost Solstice, you heard what I just said so if you really want to get on me, then just kick me out and I’ll find out how to survive on my own here, because this war is not my’n and it never has been, I’m helping for Princess Luna and Azriel and to get my wife home. Also to kill the Tyrant Queen as she had killed my brother by using his blood and organs to adorn a closet.” As I finished saying this the generals around me slowly nodded and the one called General Dusk punched me.
“Don’t you ever call out your superior like tha-” I quickly sent him flying across the room with a resounding crack of hoof against skull.
“I am still strong enough to whoop your butt general, don’t lay a hand...errr… I mean hoof on me ever again or you will pay dearly for it.” I stood up taking out all the needles and removing the other attachments causing the machines to start beeping crazily. The general slowly got up and said.
“I think I’m going to like you, haven’t had a pony sock me since grade school.” He spit out a small thing of blood. “You sure know how to pack a punch. Now get some sleep, your training starts first thing in the morning, consider this your only lucky punch you’ll get on me.” He said laughing. The other generals say their introductions and goodbyes as the nurses come in to shut off the machines and try to usher me back into the bed.
“Rise and Shine recruits! The day ain’t going to be begin on it’s own!” I heard someone shouting. “Get up! Get up! Get up!” The voice repeated over and over until it finally reached its way over my bed. “Get u-” I quickly shot up glaring at the instructor.
“Say it one more time and I’ll rip that horn off and shove it where the sun don’t shine.” I said angrily causing the pony to stop. He then chuckled and continued yelling.
“So! It looks like we got a tough pony here! Know what that earns all of you? An Extra 3 miles on the morning jog!” He yells smirking at me. All the other recruits are already out of bed and I see as some of them are glaring at me. I smirk and decide to do some more damage.
“Five Miles sir? I think we can do better than that. Five miles, what do you take us for? Newborns?” I say laughing as I get up out of my bed and confront the Drill Sergeant. I stood a mere inch away from his face looking into his eyes until he finally turned away.
“Fine, you can do an extra 15 miles Recruit Solstice. The rest of you, you are to do 5 miles then go to your posted schedules in the mess hall!” He yelled, it was returned quickly with a big sigh of relief by everypony.
I looked around the room to find that everypony was glaring at me trying to burn holes into me only for me to smirk and start to walk out of the room and say, “Why don’t yall stop glaring and get to work? If you want to fight me, then do it instead of just standing idly by. Take a stand for what you believe and stick to it, no matter what others may say or do to you.” I then exit the building and put on my running gear along with an extra 5 pounds on each hoof, to compensate for the 20 pound ankle weights I used back on Earth.
It took only two and a half hours for me to complete my 20 miles. When I returned to the camp finally, the instructors believed I had cheated on my miles and did less than what I was told, so they made me redo them, this time with their supervision, and to their astonishment, I completed in another two and a half hours. I waited for about another hour and thirty minutes before they finally arrived at the designated point to end the 20 mile jog.
“Sweet Luna…How in the world can you run THAT fast for so long Recruit?” One of the instructors said through struggling breaths.
“Well for one sir, I did lots of endurance and speed training back in my world, usually with 20 pound weights on my legs. I did that for about 6 years straight and soon enough I jogged at the speed of someone who could run at the speed of 8 miles per hour. So what you saw me doing, wasn’t even running, it was simply jogging for me.” I said from the ground staring up to the sky. I looked at the instructors who had the best, “What in the sam heck”, faces I had ever seen which caused me to laugh.
“Well, recruit if that is jogging with weight, I am terrified to know what jogging without that weight is like.” The P.T. Instructor said gesturing towards my ankle weights.
“Well I’m thinking about going up to 40 pounds now since I have 4 legs instead of only two.” I quickly retorted, sitting straight up to see them shaking their heads and laughing. “What’s so funny?” I asked.
“You’re crazy, that’s what’s so dang on funny.” The flight instructor said between laughs. “Anyway’s we should all be on to our afternoon classes, you’re with me Recruit. Let’s see if that endurance and speed is any good in the air.” he said putting on a serious face and staring at me.
“Well the thing is sir, even though I am fast on the ground and strong, flying, I have absolutely no clue how to do. I’ve never flown a day in my- wait a minute - the only time I ever flew was in that dragon form when I was escaping Celestias castle, but it felt like the flying was being controlled by something else and I was just telling it where to go, but still my statement stands.” I said hoping to dodge the class so I could go and do some more research on Tiamat through Azriel.
“You honestly don’t know how to fly Solstice? Just exactly where did you grow up then?” He asked screwing up his face in disgust.
“You all did get the report as to who I was right? And where I’m from?” I asked to all of the instructors who simply shook their heads. “Seriously? Do the generals keep even that important information from you, the ones who are to instruct the new recruits? Including a pony who isn’t even really a pony?” I asked hoping that they were joking with me.
“Well I guess that might explain your crazy talk about, “In my world”, and “In dragon form”. Can you tell us everything?” one of the instructors stated aloud, he was met with a hoof to the back of the head by the fighting instructor.
“Don’t go askin-” I quickly cut him off.
“No no no, you all deserve to know, especially since you’re going to be the ones training me over the next couple months.” I said drifting off into who I was, where I came from and what my real name was and the reason for my existence as it has been told.
“Hmmm, I think we should use these ropes instead, they're more durable, and considering how strong that Solstice guy is, we need the most durable we can get.” one of the recruits said who was in on the prank.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” I said drifting off, taking the rope from his hooves. “Alright, is that all we need?” I asked to the 5 other ponies standing around me.
“Yeah that’s it Vasquez. You sure this will be enough to hold this guy?” one of the ponies asked me.
“Yeah it’s enough, no pony can withstand chains, and ropes. Tying him down without waking him will be tricky.” I said looking over to the recruit standing to my left.
“He sleeps like a dragon hibernating, nothing can wake him unless it is a yelling voice or an alarm.” said the bunkmate of Solstice who slept on the top bunk above Solstice. I quietly contemplated this thinking the plan out thoroughly for the sixth time.
“Well it will be risky, especially if he wakes up, but he keeps getting us extra miles every dang morning, are we going to continue to stand for this?” I asked to the five ponies around me. They responded with a silent no. “Is it worth latrine duty for the next 2 months because of him? Is it worth any of the punishment we get because of him?” I asked whispering harshly.
“NO!” They whispered harshly back to me. I snickered and held out my hoof and did our chant.
“Hey recruits! It’s time for lights out! Get to bed!” I heard Solstice call out as he entered the room. He was a Generals pet, pathetic. I looked over to each of the other ponies who were in on the prank and nodded. They all nodded in return.
We had waited for 2 hours until everypony was asleep. We slowly got off of our beds, being sure not to wake up anypony else, taking care to get the ropes and chains and stuffing our pillows with anything we could find.
I slowly walk over to Solstice with rope in hoof and jaw and throw it over to another recruit who was waiting. We did this process over and over tying Solstice to the length of the bed, then did the same thing with the chains. Not once did he even flinch. We tightened it and made sure he was securely fastened.
What is this crap? Do they even know how to make a real prank? This is nothing. I was thinking to myself as I heard each of them try to be silent as they threw the rope over and under me along with chains. What, was this amateur hour?
“Alright it’s tight, you ponies ready?” I heard one of them whisper. In unison they all said yes making sure to try and make it so I couldn’t hear them. As I heard the first sack being lifted, I released Azriels form shattering the chains and scaring the crap out of all the ponies who were trying to prank me. I howled as loud as I could sending them running with their tails between their legs out of the room while I was left to laugh on my now broken bunk bed.
The lights quickly turned on and everypony in the room was staring at me and I heard ponies from the tents over waking up to see what the source of the howling was. I saw as the instructors and generals ran into the tent yelling.
“What in the name of Luna happened in here?!” They yelled looking at the shattered pieces of chain on the ground and broken pieces of rope strewn across the floor. The thing that caught their eyes the most was me, all of them stopped immediately on me after they assessed everything else.
“GUARDS!” One of the generals yelled, my eyes quickly widened.
“Whoa whoa whoa! General Dusk! There’s no need to call the guards.” I said in Azriels voice. They looked back at me as if they had seen a ghost.
“Did...Did that thing just talk?” one of the generals said, I also heard a few ponies in the crowd ask that too. I snickered at it.
“Of course I talked, what didn’t you read in the reports who I supposedly was? I told you that I was able to turn into this form, guess none of you believed me.” I said shaking my head holding the bridge between my eyes with my forefingers.
“So… Recruit Solstice?” the instructors and generals asked in unison.
“Nooooo, I’m recruit imbecile! Reporting for duty!” I said sarcasticly, getting few giggles from the crowd gathered around. The generals and instructors started to glare at me.
“Well, turn back to normal, and report to my office NOW!” yelled General Dusk. I sighed and stood up, well over 3 heads taller than him. I looked around to see many scared and frightened faces, but one face caught my eye. The pony simply stared at me, no expression, just staring, straight through me. It made me shudder.
“Okay okay, but there are 6 other ponies you need to have come with us, as they are the source of this prank gone wrong. I was the expected victim of it, as they were not.” I said looking down at the general. I then saw as six ponies including the one who was staring at me start to move towards the door. “There they are!” I said chasing after each of them before they could get out of the door and heaving them over my shoulder on top of one another. “Alright lets go.” I said exiting the tent shortly followed by the instructors and generals. With the grumbled anger of the ponies I was carrying.
“If you all didn’t want this to happen, you should have just gone to bed instead of trying to pull a prank on the best recruit of your tent.” I heard one of the generals blurt out. He was met with silence, so I dropped all six of the ponies right in front of the generals tent, and reverted back to my pony form.
I turned around to see the generals and instructors gawking at me. “What? Is it really that amazing to see me transform, so to speak?” I asked, only to have one of them point to my head.
“You...You...You have….You have a horn?!” He practically yelled, I felt as my front right hoof moved its way towards the top of my head and felt something protruding out of it.
Oh great, this can’t possibly get any worse. “Your wings are gone too!” General Dusk yelled. Great, first I get a horn, now I lose my wings. There goes all my flying training I was doing.
It took only seconds to regain full consciousness as I felt the pegasi underneath me galloping away with me and Jazmine. I looked up to see that Jazmine was flailing making it hard for the pegasi, that was carrying her, to carry her. It infuriated me that they did this and I was unaware until Kale had told me. I looked to my right to find a pegasi staring at me.
“Sir! The captive is awake, should we sedate him for the rest of the trip.” The pegasi said through a communications headset. I took this time to roll off the back of the pegasi rolling over his wings I could feel a jolt go through his body. I landed on the ground with a loud thud causing them all to stop, the pegasi that was recently behind me tripped over my body and slammed his face first into the ground. I took this moment to my advantage.
As he started getting up I turned, letting Azriel out, making me tower over all of them. They looked at me in fear of the creature that stood before them, no longer a unicorn, but a wolf esque creature. I felt a smile creep across my face as I opened my eyes revealing my change and I could see a dim light emitting from the marks on my body, no doubt the magic flowing through my veins, causing each mark to be a red star-field with the occasional bright light of varying colors.
I let out a bloodthirsty howl, alerting all recruits and higher ups that there were intruders. I heard and saw tents and buildings in the distance lighting up, ponies getting off their bunk and hurrying outside to see what was wrong. I looked down at the pegasi who were starting to slowly back away, then turning around and starting to gallop as fast as their legs would take them.
I quickly caught up to the first pegasi grabbing him by the leg and throwing him up into the air, grabbing his leg again, then slamming him into the ground knocking him out cold. I looked up to see the pegasi starting to take flight so I sped up and grabbed another pegasi by the wing and ripped it clear out of the socket, causing the pegasi to spiral into the ground. No doubt he broke many bones, as I heard the crunch of bones breaking. I landed mere feet in front of it and looked up to see the pegasi going even faster, being joined by others. This infuriated me. I let out another howl.
I cast a spell to create a platform below me and started to fly towards them with it. They looked back and saw that I was speeding towards them, my eyes ablaze with anger and blood-lust. I wanted no more than to rip them apart muscle by muscle, organ by organ, bone by bone. I jumped from the platform towards the pony who was carrying Jazmine, only to be tackled to the side by one of the other pegasi. Sadly for him, I kept hold of him as we tumbled through the night sky.
“YOU SHALL PAY!” I yelled through the air as I bit into his neck ripping a giant chunk out of him and then proceeding to rip his wings off. I stabbed them into his upper chest, pulling down, revealing his organs as I started to rip them out. He was already dead by the time I ripped his wings off due to the shock, but I continued to rip out his organs, and finally I ripped out his heart and stuffed it into his left eye socket. When we were mere meters above the ground I created a platform below me and let the body of the pegasi continue to the ground where it flopped up and left a pool of blood. I looked upwards as the blood that came out of the body during flight landed on me. I continued my ascension.
The pegasi that had attacked the camp were over two miles away by the time I got back up to the altitude. I started to fly towards them to be stopped by a shout from behind me.
“Recruit Solstice! Stop now! You are not to go after them!” I heard the pony yell. I looked back to find it was General Solstice, most commonly called Lunar Solstice as to not be confused with me. I simply shook my head at him.
“General, that is an order I cannot, and will not obey, they have my wife! I will NOT allow them to take her away from me again!” I yelled almost crying from anger. The General sighed and I noticed the other Generals, save General Lotus, rising up to meet us.
“Recruit Solstice, I will not ask again, you will stand down and you will obey me, or you-” I cut the General off.
“OR YOU’LL WHAT?!?!” I yelled. “SHE IS ALL I HAVE General! AND IF YOU DARE STAND IN MY WAY OF GETTING HER BACK.” I continued. “I. Will. Kill. You. And that is final.” As I said this I took my fighting stance. The Generals also took their stance.
“Solstice, this isn't the time for rash thinking! Luna’s return is only a week away. We know she means a lot to you, but are you going to run in there by yourself? It’s suicide! Fighting all of us at once is not a wise decision either, Recruit.” General Frost says. I simply shake my head in anger.
“Suicide? Evidently you don’t know me. If fighting you is what it takes to go after her, then I will. I have nothing but her, you wouldn’t understand. You all have family, you all have a home, you have a place to go after all of this is over, but where do I have to go? There’s no way home to my world, there’s no place for us in this world, yet you expect me to give up the only thing I have so easily? You obviously know nothing about me, you don’t know the loss I have felt throughout my life nor in this new life I have to live.” I growled through my teeth towards the Generals who lowered the stances only for General Dusk to step up to me. He looked up at me with the eyes of despair, the look of loss.
“You think you’re any different from me? From anypony down there? Think again Solstice. Just as you were brought here with nothing, I have nothing to return to either, not even a wife who I have a chance to save.” He started casting a shadow over his face. “My wife, she was killed over 30 years ago by the Queen herself. My parents, both dead. They were killed by the Royal Guard because they were thought to be conspirators. I have no children, and I came from a life of poverty. I knew nothing but how to fight. I survived through my life by fighting. I fought for food, I fought for others, I fought for the better of the kingdom. I was an enemy of the throne, and I still am to this day. I was taken in by The Pack as they saw what I could do. Your pain, it is understood greater than you can imagine. Many of us have nothing to go back to, nothing to lose except our life, and even that is a good price to pay so that the future may be bright.” He finished hardening his look into my eyes. I stood there saddened by what he told me. I was being stupid, selfish, self centered. He was right…there are others out there that have it a lot worse than I do. I looked over my shoulder to see the minuscule pegasi fading from view as they passed over a final hill, disappearing from sight.
“You’re right General.” I said aloud. I turned towards him again and keeled down so I could be at eye level. “I won’t chase after her, but I will get her back someday. If it takes days, weeks, months, or even years. One day I shall rescue her, but right now isn't time for rash action, as you have said. As much as it hurts to just let her go like this, I must think of everypony else, other than just her and I.” I finished gesturing towards the entire base that was below us. I looked up towards the Generals. “I am sorry, I will give a full report of what happened in the morning if that is okay Generals?” I asked feeling as the adrenaline started to fade from my body making me shake. They nodded, so I started to descend alongside General Dusk. I looked up to see the other Generals descending even slower than us so I looked down towards General Dusk.
“Listen Solstice, I know it’s hard. I won’t say that it will get better, I can’t say that everything will turn out fine, because in the end we honestly never know what life will deal us. Life will either chew us up and spit us out, or it will give us the necessary items to play. In the end-” He stopped and looked up towards me. “we’re all going to die, no matter the price we pay. Either by old age, disease, or dying an honorable death on the front-lines.” He finished as we landed in the middle of a crowd of ponies. I nodded and held out my hand towards him. He put his hoof in it and we shook and started to walk towards the Generals quarters. General Lotus’s place was still ou- I mean mine for the weekend.
As I reached the house I turned back into a pony, feeling as the power left my body and dispersed, leaving me weak. I stumbled up the stairs and walked slowly towards the guest room hanging my head low feeling as the depression of losing her again overtook me. I climbed into the bed and fell asleep slowly as I remembered every moment of our life together, feeling as if it was the last time I would ever see her.
Twilight awoke with a start from Spike poking her with his talon. As he came into view she calmed down taking a deep breath to regain herself. He simply snickered at it.
“Twilight, don’t be scared, it’s just me. It’s 9 o’clock in the morning, you need to get up or you’ll be late for your morning classes again.” Spike stated as he started to take the blanket off the mare and started folding it. She groaned and started to get out of her bed and made her way towards the bathroom.
“Spike!” Twilight yelled from the bathroom. “Do you know where the toothpaste is?!” She asked.
“It’s in the cabinet on the left, on the top shelf.” he answered back to her. Followed by the sound of her slamming the cabinet shut, and the faucet turning on and off, then the sound of the shower starting.
There was a knocking on the door. Spike rolled his eyes and made his way to the door. As he opened it he was greeted by two stallions of the Royal Guard.
“Hello sir Spike, please when you see Mrs. Sparkle, give her this letter along with telling her, her classes have been cancelled until further notice as the return of Princess Luna is six days away and that she is preparing.” The stallion states and turns away after handing the letter to the small dragon. He simply nods and closes the door and waits for about 10 minutes before Twilight opens the bathroom door and exits in a plume of steam.
“Twilight! There's a letter from the Queen, and a message to go with it.” He hands her the letter and tells her the message causing her to give an irritated groan. She then opens the letter and starts to read.
Dear Twilight Sparkle,
For last night, I am sorry. For what I am about to tell you, I am sorry again. Last night there was a late night raid on Fort Brathio for the capture of two ponies, and I am sorry to tell you that your father was among the dead. He died honorably but not without cause. His wings were ripped off and from what the report describes, the creature that killed him used those wings to disembowel him and squish his heart into his eye sockets. I am truly sorry Twilight. From the wretches of my heart, I am sorry. Your father was a great man and he didn't deserve to die, but he died for what he believed in.
You are also requested to move to Ponyville during the time of war, as Canterlot will not be safe as the war goes on. Canterlot castle will become heavily militarized and defended leaving you no place to continue your studies in peace. In Ponyville, I have set up arrangements for you to stay at the town library, you are to report to Ponyville tomorrow so please ready your items swiftly. There is no arguing this Twilight.
Good Luck Twilight, and may I see you again after this war is over.
Signed,
Queen Celestia.
As she finished the letter she held her jaw agape and tears were creeping down her face at the news of her fathers death. Then the news that she had to move from Canterlot, to Ponyville. She stopped crying and wiped the remaining tears from her face then started packing all the while she held a blank expression on her face.
She was hurt, lost, and felt alone. Her father, the one who cared for her since she was young, the one who loved her no matter her flaws, the one she looked to in her time of need. Gone. Never to return, never to say another word to her, never able to tell him she loves him ever again.
She packed some books, a few trinkets, and lastly she packed the necklace her father had given to her as a foal when she got into Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. As she placed it into the bag she kept running her hoof over it, letting tears drop from her face onto the necklace. She then slowly closed the bag and made her way out the door with Spike on her back. She closed that door, for one final time.
As Twilight left the room the portal, in which they were watching her from, closed. The Order of Harmony leaders all bowed their heads and turned towards the second portal that was focused on Queen Celestia as she was placing her order for new armor as it had been over a millennium since she had armor as it has been peaceful for the past thousand years without The Pack. She was requesting shoulder pads, legguards, a helmet, a neckbrace, and finally a chest-plate. Each of which were to be designed so they could be easily molded to the shape of the wearer and able to have magic flow through them from the pony using it to empower the armor against magical attacks. She gave her the bits required for the armor and left the blacksmiths shop, the portal closed leaving the Order of Harmony leaders in silence as they each started towards the towering doors that lead to the main hall of the Castle.
“All is well in the Harmonic Hall, might we be making way to the Hall of the Discordant, Kale?” the mare asked blandly. Kale turned around and nodded in response.
“We shall, I fear that my warning to Lost Solstice was not fast enough as his portal was not open during the oversee, the balance may have tipped from the normal harmonious state that it was truly supposed to be.” He answered turning his head back to face forwards and started to walk towards the Hall of the Discordant. “Gresh, please make way to the court and inform the other members of the Order that they are to up their rounds to each of the halls as the war is about to commence in only six days. The balances will be constantly tipping and will need constant attention. If they argue, you know what to do Gresh. There will be no room for mistake, so make haste, lest you wish to be the one that gets punished.” He stated quickly looking back towards the Pony on his left who simply nodded and broke apart from the group of 6.
As they started to open the doors to the Hall of the Discordant they could hear the screams coming from one of the portals, no doubt from Jazmines. They quickly made their way towards the left portal from whence the screams came. What they saw made them cringe in anger, Jazmine was hanging in the middle of a room where another pony was using a branding rod to burn the length of her back. All over her body she had cuts, and the occasional scorch mark where a cut had been closed. It was truly a horrid sight to behold, most of them turned away cursing themselves. Kale held his head down and cast a spell over the torturer to put him to sleep and released Jazmine from her bindings, closing the portal.
“Kale, I don-” the mare was cut off quickly by Kale raising his hoof signaling her to wait before continuing. It took not but two minutes for the portal to reopen to reveal Jazmine in the middle of a large group of guards and Celestia running towards the group in a full gallop.
“You were about to say Prism?” Kale questioned aloud raising an eyebrow underneath his cowl to the mare. She simply shook her head quieting herself much to the entertainment of the other leaders. Kale returned his attention towards the portal in front of them.
Celestia had finally made it to the front of the crowd where the guards started to back away forming a big circle around the two. Jazmine taking a defiant stance against Celestia, Celestia simply standing there not even phased by her. Jazmine pounced in to attack the queen only to be caught in a field of Celestias magic, much to the surprise of the Order she set her down gently and bowed her head towards her. Kale shook his head and looked towards the other leaders and nodded. They all nodded towards him as well. Kale stepped through the portal making him a phantasm in the castle to watch the event unfold as the other leaders turned their attention towards the portal that was focused on Lost Solstice.
Jazmine looked up towards Celestia whom was still bowing her head to her for reasons unknown until she finally raised her head with a saddened look on her face. Jazmine got back into a fighting stance as Celestia started to speak.
“Jazmine Lynn, was it?” She asked to her. Jazmine simply nodded keeping her stern look, not taking any chances with letting her guard down. “I know you hate me but allow me to explain without rash action from you nor I. Please follow me.” she said as she motioned her head to follow down the hall. The guards making a pathway for the two mares.
Jazmine simply stood in the same spot keeping her guard up against the Queen. It took Celestia a moment to realize that she wasn’t following. Jazmine finally spoke, “And why should I your “highness”.” she growled through her teeth towards alicorn. “First off yo-” she was cut off by Celestia stomping her hoof on the ground causing an echo to vibrate through the halls of the castle.
“QUIET!” She yelled at Jazmine causing a silence to overtake the entire castle. So quiet they could hear the breathing and heartbeats of others around them. “You may not trust me, you may hate me, you may want to see me dead Jazmine. For the kidnapping and for the torture, I cannot say I deserve forgiveness, but there is one thing that I do know. Just as you have very little to lose, so does my student Twilight Sparkle.” She stated lowering her voice to a hushed whisper as she walked over to Jazmine who perked up at the mention of her student.
“Telling from that, you must know her. I ask not as a Queen, an enemy, or a friend but as somepony that cares for her, that you hear me out Jazmine.” She whispers into her ear. Jazmine nods and starts to walk towards the pathway created by the guards shortly followed by the Queen. They make their way towards the throne room of the castle where Jazmine stops at the doors, remembering the day that she had arrived in this crazy world of myth and magic.
Jazmine sighs as she walks over the threshold of the room, closing the doors behind them and casting a spell so that none may hear them or see them. Even the phantasm that was floating above them was not able to get in so he had cast a spell and returned to from whence he came.
A buzzing sound occurs as Kale starts to materialize into the room in the Hall of the Discordant. Causing the other leaders to shift their gaze towards the stallion who held his head low, concealing his face underneath his cowl. When he finally lifted his head back up he made his way towards the next portal to see as Lost Solstice was still sleeping and it was midday. The shades were cracked only allowing small rays of sunlight into the room, Solstice was laying in bed holding a pillow tight to him, no doubt to have something to hold in place of his wife whilst he slept.
“Kale, he’s been sleeping this entire time sir. He hasn’t stirred, even once, not even to the knocking at his door from the Generals. What happened to him? Why is he-” Milor was cut off by Kale lifting his hoof up motioning her to be silenced. She nodded and returned her attention towards the portal.
There was a loud scream as Solstice woke up, no doubt he had been having a nightmare brought upon by recent events. The other leaders were taken by surprise causing them to jump a little, all except Kale who stood there with a blank expression, taking in the scene before him.
Solstice sat there for what seemed like forever, panting, feeling himself all over to make sure he was still in one piece. By the time he had finally gotten up there was another knock at the front door in which Solstice was startled by. Kale kept watching, unblinking and unmoving while the other leaders were shifting uneasily waiting for something to happen so they could leave. Kale saw that they were growing impatient.
“You all may retire to your duties for the day, I will keep watch over the Hall of the Discordant for the day. Please relay word to all others that there is to be no pony to interrupt me lest they choose to cease their existence in the Order. The only ones allowed to enter this room are Milor and Gresh, any others will be banished, no questions asked.” He stated towards the other leaders, looking up to each of them, giving them a piercing look that told them he was serious. “Do I make myself clear?” He asked returning his attention towards the sight before him. They all nodded and made their way out of the room leaving Kale looming over the open portal.
“Now, let us see what your fate has in store for you my sweet Lost Solstice.” He whispered quietly giving a malevolent grin as he stepped into the portal, appearing as a phantasm once again in Equestria.
As I made my way towards the front door, I felt a chill go down my spine. It was odd as the heater was on and it was 84 degrees Fahrenheit in the house. I took a quick look around to see if anything was odd around me only to find nothing abnormal. I shrugged it off finally as just something unexplainable and continued to the front door. As I opened the door I was practically blinded by the light of the sun and the cold of the outside.
“We've been pounding on the door for the past hour Recruit! What in Lunas name were you doing in there?!” General Frost exclaimed as he pushed passed me, followed by 9 others. I yawned and proceeded towards the kitchen.
“For you to know my thoughts General, tis a bad omen indeed, especially after last nights events. All I will tell you is I awoke to nightmares, not to the banging of your hoof to the door.” I growled through my teeth towards the General. Everyone was taken aback by my attitude. Usually I was happy and cheerful, but now that happiness and cheer was replaced by hatred and disdain.
General Dusk stepped forward and sat at the counter that separates the kitchen and living room. “Listen Solstice,” he started, “I know it’s hard for you right now, but trust me, we will get her back someday. Although right now we need your full cooperation as there are only six days left before Lunas return.” He finished giving me a stern look, I returned a glare to him.
“Know it’s hard? This is my second time watching her get taken away from me. Also who said I wasn’t giving my full cooperation? I woke up the day after she was taken away from me, after I had promised her she would never be taken away again. You expect me to be happy? You expect me to be nice? You expect me NOT to be pissed because I couldn’t keep my word to her? Well you are absolutely wrong so, get over it or leave me be. I will give my cooperation but don’t expect the happy recruit you knew from when I arrived here up till yesterday.” I spoke aloud, more so addressing everypony in the room, not just specifically General Dusk. The General sitting in front of me gave a small chuckle and shook his head, I took this as an insult. “What in tartarus do you think is so funny?” I growled.
The General looked up to me and gave me a smirk. “Nothing is funny, but I think we finally get to see who you REALLY are now Solstice. We all feel bad for you, but it seems that it was exactly what you needed to get you to stop messing around. If you weren’t messing around like you were weeks ago, you would already be out of training just as you were in the legend.” He ended turning around in his chair. “Now make some coffee for everypony, I’m sure Lotus won’t mind. Now hop to it Recruit lest you would like to go on a morning jog?” He stated. The other Generals and Captains laughed at what he said.
“Make your own forsaken coffee Dusk, I’m not your slave.” I retorted, causing them all to gawk at me. Dusk started to laugh aloud much to the surprise of the other Generals, I quickly joined him. “I’ll put the coffee on, just stop looking at me like that, starting to freak me out, looking like ya seen a ghost all eight of y’all. Me and Dusk joke like this all the time, might as well try and get a smile today.” I said rolling my eyes at the Generals and captains. They started to chuckle nervously.
I started making the coffee when I felt the strange chill go down my spine again, this time I knew it couldn’t be something unexplainable. I quickly finished putting the coffee into the brewer and made my way towards the living room and sat on the couch and motioned the Generals and captains to take a seat.
“Everypony, be quiet.” I said causing them all to look at me weirdly. We sat there for about a minute in complete silence, only the sound of the brewer in the kitchen. I felt the chill go down my spine again, this time much stronger.
“Why do we need t-” I cut General Frost off as I closed my eyes and reopened them, revealing pale blue eyes. I looked around and found the cause of the shutters I have been having.
It was a unicorn clothed in a black cowl and robe. I stood up and made my way towards it and put my hand through the unicorn and felt another chill fly down my spine, this time causing me to fall to the ground slightly from the freezing cold. I heard the others get up, I put my hoof up motioning them to sit down. I backed away and took my place back on the couch keeping my gaze on the phantasm in the room.
“It seems we have a guest everypony.” I said aloud making it known to the unicorn that I hadn’t just felt him by mere chance. He removed his cowl and looked down at me, I recognized this unicorn as Kale, the one who had warned me of Jazmines and my kidnapping. “Kale” I said aloud recognizing the pony. He simply smirked at me.
The Generals and captains exchanged confused looks to each other. “Recruit? Are you all right?” General Frost asked poking me. I simply nodded and looked towards him revealing my eyes to him. He backed away and sat back down closing his eyes and reopening them, revealing the same spell I had used on mine and looked to where I was looking. He was taken aback by the ghost floating right in front of us.
“Hello Lost Solstice.” Kale said aloud, causing General Frost to shift his gaze towards me. “Worry not General Frost, Lost Solstice has no ill intentions towards you. He used his senses to perceive and find me. He is not traitorous nor am I here on terms of spying nor killing.” He said making his voice heard to even the other Generals and captains around us who looked around to find from whence the voice had come.
“What in the name of Luna was that?!” General Dusk exclaimed. Breaking General Frosts concentration causing him to lose grasp upon the spell. I closed my eyes and dispelled the sight spell and reopened my eyes.
“Kale, why don’t you join us. Tell us your true intentions of why you’re here.” I said aloud, confusing the others except for General Frost. The air grew cold around us as a wind came through the home creating a small tornado of energy in front of us throwing off some sparks of energy as Kale appeared in the middle of it, eyes ablaze with a bright white light. It took about thirty seconds for him to fully appear and the magical energy to fade from the room.
I stood up and made my way to the side of Kale who was still patting his robe free of static electricity that may have resided in the robe. I put my hoof around his neck and hugged him close, much to the surprise of him and the other ponies in the room. “Thank you Kale.” I whispered to the pony. He shook free of my grasp and removed his hood for a second time, this time revealing himself to the Generals and Captains. All but me, and General Frost were gawking at the sudden appearance of the unicorn.
“I did not warn thee to benefit you Lost Solstice, do make of it what you wish though. I did not do it for anyponies well being, if I did, the three pegasi you slaughtered last night would be alive and well, with you in the Royal Canterlot Dungeon.” He said, standing tall, a full two feet above anypony else in the room. I nodded.
“Well, I thank you nonetheless for the chance to save Jazmine, even if it weren’t meant for me.” I quickly replied, Kale simply nodded to me. I heard the alarm go off to signal that the coffee was done. “The coffee is finished, would you like a cup Kale?” I asked to the unicorn who nodded.
“Make it black.” Kale said aloud making sure his request was heard. The Generals and Captains followed suit asking for black coffee. I rolled my eyes as I put milk and sugar into my own cup of coffee and sighed as I felt the steam rise up from the pot into my nose, bringing me the bitter sweet smell of the coffee rushing to my brain. I put the coffee into 10 other mugs and carried them in a field of magic to the others. Each one taking a mug in their magic and hooves.
I took a big gulp of coffee letting the succulent liquid fill my throat, feeling as it warmed my entire body. I looked around to see everypony but Dusk and Kale looking at me like I was crazy again. “What? I like hot coffee.” I said narrowing my eyes in irritation. “Stop looking at me! Aren’t you all here to talk about something, or is this just merely a social call?” I asked as they returned their attention to the table that sat in front of them, ignoring Kale who was sitting behind the table sipping his coffee.
General Frost made his way over to the door and picked up a suitcase that was laid on the wall that I hadn’t noticed until just now. I shook it off and assumed he had put it there when they got inside. Not as soon as he had sat down the door flung open and General Lotus sprinted inside holding a spear.
“WHO IN THE BUCK IS IN MY HOME?!?!” She yelled at the top of her lungs causing us all to jump, all of us except for Kale that is who sat there sipping his coffee still. It took us all a moment to regain our composure as Lotus was fallen to the ground laughing her flank off. I rolled my eyes.
“Okay, you had your fun General Lotus, now can you be serious for once and sit down?” asked General Frost motioning towards a spot next to Kale. She stopped laughing as she recognized this stallion. She slowly rose to her feet and slowly walked towards him. I felt as the atmosphere had changed from a calm, and peaceful setting to one as if there were a bomb about to be dropped, so I conjured up a magic bubble around me and the others, save for Kale.
Kale looked to his side to see her approaching, he turned back only for his eyes to widen and return his gaze towards the mare that was approaching him. He turned to look at us, I simply gave him a smile and waved. He mouthed, “Help me please!”, silently hoping that we would put a shield around him as well. I shook my head and mouthed, “I can’t hear you!”, giving a small giggle as the gray mare pounced Kale in a full on glomp, causing Kale to start flailing for breath. I dropped the shield falling into a fit of laughter.
“Please…Get…Off…Me…” Kale said between breaths before she finally released him and punched him in the Jaw causing us to flinch from the sound. “I guess I did deserve that.” He said as she bucked him in the stomach, causing us to wince again. “I deserved that as well.” He said holding his stomach.
Lotus turned away and sat down next to the table causing us to give her quizzical looks. “What? He’s an old friend who dropped off the face of Equus and hasn’t talked to me in over 24 years! He deserved it.” She said without elaborating any further into it. Kale disappeared from sight, no doubt hiding in phantasm form so he couldn’t be glomped any further by her. I chuckled at this returning to my serious attitude from before. “How was you and Jazmines night Recruit? No doubt it was fun!” She said breaking the silence, only to be replaced with me darkening my face and the others looking around to avoid looking at either of us. “Was it that bad?” she asked forcing me to look up to her with tears coming from my eyes and an angered look on my face.
I couldn’t really blame her, she hadn’t gotten the news yet, so I told her what had occurred the night prior. She sat there listening attentively, hanging onto every word about what had happened. When I finished she held her head down and looked back up to me and smiled. “It’ll be fine, just as Dusk said, so don’t linger on it too much Recruit.” She said sincerely. I simply nodded and returned to a serious attitude again, hoping this time we could get back to the meeting at hand.
“I think we can hold this little meeting later, after all this drama is over with. Meet at the main tent at 2100 tonight everypony.” General Frost stated aloud, causing the others to sigh in relief. “Recruit attend your classes and we will see you there as well. Good Luck today everypony.” He said leaving the room. Shortly followed by everypony else except for me and General Lotus. I sat on the couch, my left eye twitching from irritation.
“Aren’t you gonna-” I cut off General Lotus by flipping the table and storming out of the home. She was left with a terrified expression from the table hitting the wall in front of her.
Jazmine was offered a seat in the middle of the throne room as Celestia brought over a seat large enough for her to lay down upon. Jazmine sat down waiting for Celestia to get comfortable. “You have no reason to trust me, to care about what I say.” Celestia started, “You have many reasons to hate me, to show me disdain and nothing but anger. For which I cannot and will not apologize.” She continued, causing Jazmine to glare at her. “Glaring at me will do you no good Jazmine. You may be my enemy, I may dislike you, but I do know you spoke with Twilight Sparkle last night, along with Luna and your husband.” She said bringing back her calm demeanor and causing Jazmine to calm down.
Jazmine nodded her head. “Yes, I did. For what can be said, Twilight Sparkle is very dis-” Jazmine was cut off by Celestia raising her hoof motioning her to silence.
“I know she is disappointed in me Jazmine, but it is the very reason you are not dead right now for breaking out of the dungeon.” Celestia stated, causing Jazmine to perk her head up as to hear better. “I could have, and should have, but I didn’t. Are you curious as to why?” She asked to the mare before her. She nodded slightly, Celestia smiled finally. “I want you to look after her while she is in ponyville, for the duration of the war.” Celestia stated causing Jazmine to become confused.
“What? Why do you need somepony to look after her? She is a full grown mare! Not some foal!” Jazmine exclaimed, baffled by Celestia. Celestia shook her head, and motioned Jazmine to follow her. As Jazmine stood up, following Celestia to a hidden hall of the main hall. No doubt concealed to hide a room of grave importance.
Celestia cast a spell causing an orb of light to appear in front of the two ponies. She started down the hall, looking around as if she had long since seen this hall. “Jazmine, she is a full grown mare, true, but she makes rash decisions, without thinking ahead. Knowing her, she would do no more than try to make her way to my side and fight alongside me.” She stated, continuing down the hall. Jazmine was about to speak before she was cut off. “I know what you’re about to say, that I’m just worrying too much, that I’m worrying over nothing. The thing is, you have only known her since last night, as I have known her since she was a foal. So I ask you this, will you please see to her protection during the war?” Celestia stopped finally at a dead end, waiting for her answer.
Jazmine took a minute or two to contemplate whether she should trust her, or whether not to. It couldn’t hurt her anymore than staying in the dungeon of the castle, and with this she would at least have a chance to survive without being tortured day in and day out. She finally made her decision.
“I will Celestia, but on one condition, please?” She asked to the Queen. Celestia nodded her head in acknowledgement. “I request, that if the time comes, if it ever happens. If you see my husband on the field of battle, please, I beg of you in return of this favor, to capture him and to let me see him one final time before you kill him?” She asked tears welling up in her eyes.
Celestia thought about it for less than a minute. “I will Jazmine, in return of this favor. Just make sure you keep her safe, okay?” She replied, causing an ecstatic smile to appear on Jazmines face. Celestia quickly pressed a brick in the wall, causing the wall to break apart in the middle revealing a big room, from what she could tell it was a ponies room.
“What is this place Celestia?” Jazmine asked walking around the room. The ceiling was decorated with stars and looked like the night sky then on the other half of the ceiling it was decorated with a blue sky with clouds and the sun at the top where it connected with the night sky. In the middle of the room was a bed large enough for an alicorn, it could easily fit Celestia onto it, along with another alicorn. The room had no furnishing other than the bed and a large alicorn mannequin that held pure white armor.
“This room,” Celestia started, “belonged to Lunas and my mother.” She finished, bringing a hoof onto the armor that adorned the alicorn mannequin. Jazmine raised an eyebrow to the alicorns statement. Celestia sighed. “I brought you to this room, not so I could trick you, but to show you, that even a “Tyrant Queen” has a heart. I could have destroyed this room and turned it into what we wanted as she told us to do when she died.” She brought a saddened look to her face. Jazmine walked over and hugged the alicorn as much as she could for her height. “But…I didn’t do that, as I wanted to keep this room, in memory of her.” Jazmine felt as a tear dropped onto her. Celestia returned the hug slightly.
Jazmine broke away from the embrace and walked to the mannequin and looked over the armor and its detail. “Your mother must have been a great pony.” Jazmine said silently. Celestia nodded slightly as she looked around. “I can only imagine losing a mother…” She said moving her hoof over the armor.
Celestia made her way over to the pony. “The reason she died was because of the same reason that I may as well.” she said quietly. Jazmine raised an eyebrow towards her, asking what she meant. Celestia looked to the head of the armor and started to speak. “She died due to an uprising from the ponies of the land, they betrayed her. One day she was going about the day when ponies broke into the throne room where she was having a meeting with the gryphons of the eastern lands. A pony threw a spear right into her heart, causing her to die immediately. The guards were taken by surprise of the attack and so was she.” Celestia said this with a flat tone, seeming as if she had told this a million times and has finally lost any emotion to give to the event.
Jazmine tried to think of something to say but couldn’t think of anything to say to her. Why was she telling her this though? Was she trying to relate to her husband's past experience with his father? She was about to say something but was cut off by Celestia.
“Jazmine, I know of Lionels experience with his father, how he killed most of the perpetrators except for the one who actually killed him. The same was for me, when I saw my mother die next to me, her blood sputtering onto me and my sister, we both were in shock for only a moment before letting loose and murdering those ponies in cold blood. We got all but the one who threw the spear. To this day, I regret it, killing those ponies when we could have tried to do something better. No doubt your husband feels the same. I will not relate to his experience, but I do know where his fighting spirit comes from, why he fights and why he does what he does. Just as my experience with my mother formed this entire war.” she finished putting her horn onto the armor, sending magic flowing through it, causing the designs to glow with a bright yellow light, illuminating the room.
Jazmine watched in awe as the armor shone like the sun. It was a beautiful sight to behold. When the light finally died out, the armor returned to its pure white color and Celestia stepped away from the armor. “I am sorry Celestia, but don’t think this changes anything.” Jazmine said walking towards the Queen, who nodded her head.
“Then, we are both in agreement. Please see to it that she is safe Jazmine, not for only my sake, but for yours.” She said frowning at Jazmine and casting a teleportation spell on her, sending her to Twilight Sparkle.
*5 Days Later………
Luna, there’s less than an hour before you return, are you sure you are going to be ready in time?
For the umpteenth time Lionel, I am ready. My armor is rusted but that’ll be an easy fix when we get back to the Fort later tonight. I should be asking are YOU ready? Your thoughts have been a little……Violent as of late. She projected into my brain causing me to roll my eyes in irritation. I loved having a pony who I could share every thought with, but sometimes I wish that she wouldn’t, especially when they were as violent as they are currently.
I sighed before I replied, You can’t expect them NOT to be after the news before we left the Fort, especially considering the importance of tonight.
I’m sorry for that news you got. I know she meant a lot to you. Luna said into my mind, this time in a soothing tone, sadly it had no effect on my mood. I remembered back to the memory for only a split second before I felt the anger rise up. I calmed myself quickly to save the anger to use on any enemies that may cross our path this night, especially any pegasi from that squad that had kidnapped her.
As I looked up to the night sky, I noticed a quick movement above us. I crouched down and conjured a magical field underneath me and readied myself to pounce at the creature if it made any sudden movement again. Sorry? Sorry doesn’t cut it Luna. It’s become a personal matter now, and Celestia will pay with her life for the sin she has done.
I returned to my position in the brush waiting for anypony else that was stupid enough to try and enter the forest. As I got into my position you could hear the solid thud of the pegasus body hitting the ground in the middle of the pathway. Two of the other recruits got out quickly and dragged the body into the bush that they were hiding in. There was a small light as the body was undoubtedly immolated with a spell, leaving no evidence of the event that just transpired.
We waited for 45 minutes under the brush before finally we saw a platoon of ponies marching towards the forest, all of them dressed in the royal guards armor. Celestia walking in front. I felt as my anger boiled over, I was slowly rising, readying myself to attack the alicorn with full force but I was stopped by Luna. Lionel! Don’t! She’ll kill you if you attack her by yourself. She yelled into my mind causing me to take heed to her warning. She was completely right, if I attacked her, it could prove to be a suicide attack. I silently cursed myself as I let the platoon pass by. Luckily nopony was spotted and we started to follow the platoon of soldiers marching down the pathway, making sure to stay far enough behind and not attract any attention. Occasionally when a pony or two would stop, we would put them to sleep and take their armor and join up with the platoon.
Eventually, the entire squad had merged with the platoon and we were following them towards the castle. Where the generals were waiting with a platoon of their own to intercept the platoon of Royal Guards and Queen Celestia. The whole trip took only 10 minutes in total before we stood outside the ruins of Everfree Castle. I broke away from the platoon of soldiers and made my way to a bush and cast a invisibility spell over myself and made my way into the castle through a side window.
I made my way towards the Generals who were standing around a statue that held the supposed elements of harmony. I tapped on the shoulder of General Frost who quickly turned to look at me, using his visual spell so he could see invisible ponies. He gave me a slight smile.
“General Frost, Queen Celestia and a platoon of soldiers are right out front. Also my squad infiltrated the platoon of soldiers, taking out 17 of them in total leaving them with a grand total of 48 ponies which includes Celestia herself. Sir.” I said standing at attention as I gave my report. The other Generals simply nodded and the unicorns cast an invisibility spell over the entire platoon, combining their magic to strengthen the spells effect area.
“Thank you for the update Private Solstice, remove your invisibility and wait right here just as we planned. I’m sure your appearance won’t be much of a surprise to them. Make sure you only turn if you absolutely have to. Got it Private?” General Frost ordered me. I removed the spell and took my place in front of the statue, focusing my magic from Azriel into me causing his markings to appear on me and my mane and tail to take on their flowing appearance as they had before my death a thousand years ago.
I waited only a minute before the doors burst open, the platoon of soldiers pouring into the room with Celestia at the head of the crowd. They all stopped in the middle of the room, just as planned. Celestia took a few steps forward and stood at the bottom of the stairs in front of me, looking straight into my eyes.
“I can’t say it is a surprise to see my sisters dog here tonight.” She starts, quickly causing me to stand up in protest.
“Dog you say, you murderer? I’d rather be a dog to Luna anyday, then be a pony under your rule any day. Especially after the crimes you’ve committed against the world.” I stamp my hoof, cracking the stone below me from the pressure. Celestia raises her eyebrow and puts on an innocent face. “Don’t act like you don’t know. If you hadn’t taken away either my brother, or my wife. You would still have a chance for redemption, but the only way for any of this to end.” I said lowering my head so my mane covered my head and body. “IS TO DIE!” I yelled thrusting my head up high into the air, causing the air around me to crack with magical energy. This signaled the generals to release the invisibility spell over everypony.
The platoon of soldiers were surrounded, and outnumbered as the ponies that infiltrated them retired to The Pack taking up their spots in the circle. The leaders looked confused as 2 squads had disappeared instantaneously, Celestia was the only one who was not surprised by this. She looked calm as usualy.
“It seems you have done away with some of my troops before the real battle had even begun Lost Solstice. I commend you for it, but it will cost you dearly.” She said as she conjured a sword of light and charged up to me. The generals readied themselves to attack her but I conjured a giant blade of fire before any of them got a chance to defend. Our swords clashed and caused the air around us to crack with energy from the blow. “This will not be the day in which I die Solstice, but this shall be the day, you join your wife!” She bellowed as she released herself from the struggle.
I felt myself jump at her bringing my sword down upon hers above the crowd of ponies making the ground below her crack from the strength of the hit. “You dare not speak of her.” I growled through my teeth letting my anger seep through my veins, flowing into the magic, causing it to turn from its normal bright yellow to a blood red. I released from the strike and quickly turned it into a staff and knocked her up into the air where I slammed her back down into the ground. As she hit the ground the two groups of ponies started their battle, with me and the generals fighting Celestia.
From what I could tell, Lunas return was only two minutes away. So, I made sure that Celestia was kept on the defensive and not the offense. General Solstice sent her flying back up towards me with a bolt of electricity, I dived towards her only to be bucked away by her bouncing off me flying towards the General. She hit him full force with her blade, cutting straight through his abdomen, cutting him in half as the blade sunk into the ground. I watched in horror as he coughed up blood and split into two, revealing a clean cut all the way through his guts and all. I saw the other Generals were unphased by the loss, attack her at once surrounding her in a box of magic as the spears and swords all converged on the princess. She teleported out of it just in time and appeared in front of General Dusk.
The General took this chance to buck her back a couple feet and I dived towards her again, this time landing a crushing blow onto her upper back. I heard a loud crack from the floor below her as it broke again under the pressure of the blow. She teleported behind me quickly and smacked me into a far wall using a sphere of sunlight, leaving a scorch mark on my side. She was ambushed quickly by General Frost who had teleported above her with a slab of stone that was being held in his field of magic. He cut the slab in half then turned one of the halves into shards of stone and sent the big half slab down towards the Queen, where she quickly obliterated it with a bolt of energy. She hadn’t counted on the shards of stone after it, lowering her guard she was pelted by shards of stone, stabbing into her entire body. She quickly made a magical shield to protect her body from any further harm.
I saw a weakness in the shield and took my chance. There was one small hole, only big enough for a rat to fit through in the back of her shield. I conjured a bolt of lighting and condensed it into a small ball and sent it through the hole and closed the last of the hole with my magic. She looked down to see the small ball of energy, as she saw it, I released my magic causing the lightning to explode and break the magical shield she had made. She was sent flying a few feet back, before struggling to her hooves, where she began panting heavily as her wounds started to take a toll on her.
IT’S TIME LIONEL! I heard Luna yell into my mind as I heard a thunderous explosion above us. Everypony stopped in mid-battle to gaze at the sight, above us there was a funnel of clouds that was alight with an ominous dark blue glow. The ground beneath us began to shake as the sky began to lightning and thunder. The lightning was the oddest I have ever seen, it arced back into the clouds instead of coming down to the ground.
The light got brighter and brighter as a sphere started to appear near the exit of the funnel. Slowly lowering itself to the highest tower of the ruined castle, eventually releasing an explosion as it landed, causing the entire castle to shake as if the ground itself was splitting apart. Luckily the ruins were sturdy and resisted the urge to crumble underneath the shaking. It was followed by utter silence. I could hear Celestias heartbeat start to race as we heard the clippity clop of hooves coming down the stairs that lead to the tower.
We had succeeded in holding Celestia and her guards back. The pair of hooves stopped at the bottom of the stairs, only revealing a starfield mane poking out of the exit. I turned around to see that Celestia held an expression of fear upon her face, I smiled evilly at the sight, thinking of the ways I could kill her at that very moment. I turned my attention back to the exit as Princess Luna had finally stepped out into the room, revealing herself to everypony. Members of The Pack bowed before her, while members of the Royal Guard raised their weapons, readying themselves. Celestia stood there with the same scarred expression.
“Greetings everypony.” Luna started with a tone of regality heavy in her voice. She made her way over to the top of the stairs, and stood in front of the elements of harmony statue. She looked down upon Celestia who had started to very slowly inch her way back towards the entrance of the castle. “Oh dear sister, how nice it is to see you after a thousand years.” Luna said changing her voice to a tone of disdain and hate, thick with sarcasm. She made her way down the steps, slowly approaching her sister, conjuring a sword made of her starfield mane, solidifying it to reveal a deep silver blade that shone like the stars above, and a handle that was a deep black, like the night sky. I started to make my way towards her only to be stopped by General Frost who shook his head, telling me not to approach the two.
“You made me suffer for a thousand years. Alone, trapped on the moon. Listening to the pleas of everypony who wanted you gone. The pleas of the ones who I had failed. The pleas of all who were lost in this world you created.” Luna said aloud, making sure she was heard by everypony. “The nightmares ponies had of you. The nightmares that were created from your lies. The lies you created for a thousand years of history. You’re nothing but one who lies to ensure her rule, no matter the cost.” She continued to approach Celestia with her sword drawn, Celestia continued backing away as she got closer. “You’re NOT a Queen worthy of your title Celestia, you're a tyrant worthy of her head on a platter!” Luna yelled as she slammed the sword down into Celestias sword. Causing another eruption of magical energy.
As the eruption faded, the battle commenced once again, but this time with Celestia and Luna in the middle of it all. I took my eyes off them quickly as I was attacked by two of the platoon Captains who had survived the first part of the battle. They charged at me from both sides so I cast a platform underneath me and quickly flew upwards causing them to slam into each other head first. As they fell on the ground rubbing their heads I transformed and slammed my claws through both of their skulls and ripped their heads clear off their shoulders. There were only about 16 Royal Guards left compared to our 47 Pack Members, so I quickly took to using my magic, creating 12 daggers from my magic, that was still a blood red for unknown reasons. I Jumped into the middle where the last ponies were defending against The Packs onslaught.
I concentrated and started spinning the daggers around me faster and faster, until finally they were moving so fast you could no longer see the daggers separately, but as a whole circle around my body. I started walking outwards, cutting down one… two… three… six ponies. As they touched my daggers they were sucked in and churned out into a pool of blood, mixed with bones and minced organs. I stopped and turned my attention towards the final ten ponies, but they had dropped their weapons and accepted defeat before I could get a chance with them. I felt a pang of disappointment in my heart as I still had a few ideas I wanted to try out on the ponies with a new spell I was learning.
From behind me, “Retreat!” Celestia yelled as she ran past me, galloping as fast as she could. Quickly followed by four of the prisoners who successfully escaped with their Queen, sadly the other six were not so fortunate. I slammed the doors shut with my magic as the bucked at the door, trying to make it open. I quickly grew tired of the banging and cast a sleep spell over them. I sighed in relief as a moment of silence befell the recently alive battlefield in the Ruins of the Everfree Castle. I looked above the crowd seeing how many ponies we had left, how many were wounded and how many were dead. 39 uninjured, 4 injured and in need of medical attention and 19 dead. I made my way over to the stairs where I sat down in exhaustion and returned to my normal pony form. I was quickly followed by the Captains and the Generals of the mission. The ones who survived at least.
Among the dead were General Solstice, Captain Blitz, Captain Kicker, and lastly Captain Draco. I swore to myself, their lives would not just be in vain, that Celestia would pay one of these days, that I would kill her, if it was the last thing I did, if it was the thing I did with my dying breath. I was brought back to reality by a hoof being placed on my shoulder, I was startled by it. I looked over to see that it was the platinum hoof guard of none other than Princess Luna. I looked up towards her to see her eyes were full of both happiness, and that of sadness. I got up and hugged her, she returned the embrace wholeheartedly, turning heads from everypony in the room.
I broke away from the hug and quietly nodded at her and turned my attention back to the generals who were all bowing to Luna, along with the Captains, Sergeants, Corporals, PFCs, and Privates. Me and Luna were the only ones standing above the crowd. I turned to face her, she was standing in front of the statue motioning me over to her. I walked to her side and stood proudly beside her, not as another soldier anymore, but as a survivor, as her friend. Everypony rose to their hooves and the Generals surrounded me and her.
“Private Solstice. Your duty to The Pack in your time of training, and in this major battle has been met with great recognition, not only from us, but by your instructors and from your fellow Recruits. Your passion and dedication to The Pack is true and is what we all strive for. Despite your losses, you overcame and surpassed each loss, turning them into your greatest determination. You are an inspiration to us all Private Solstice. With that being said, you will be attending a promotion ceremony this weekend, not for only you, but for the rest of your graduating class. We hope that you will be there Private.” General Frost ended giving a salute to me, the other Generals followed suit to his example.
“Thank you sir, for your kind words, and thank you for the promotion.” I started, thanking them all with a hoof shake. “But there is something I need to ask you.”I said darkening my face, causing the Generals to raise an eyebrow to me. “All of you have been good to me, you have all given me a reason to keep fighting, but I can no longer fight just for The Pack.” I said causing murmurs among the Generals. I felt a hoof on my shoulder, I looked over to see Luna staring into my eyes, telling me silently to continue. I give her a slight smile. “You all fight for the better of everypony. You fight to see a brighter future, but the one thing I need to know, from each of you. Why do YOU fight? I mean why do you REALLY fight?” I asked coldly.
I was met with dead silence. “So you all really have no reasons why you personally fight?” I asked addressing them as a whole. General Frost was the first to step forward lifting his head up to meet my eye level, staring into my eyes.
“I fight…I fight because…I fight because I have nothing, and I hate seeing others…in pain.” He says lowering his eyes away from me. I lift his chin up and hug him. I break away from the hug.
“Thank you General Frost.” I said wholeheartedly. The next one to step forwards was General Dusk.
“I choose to fight because I want to defend those around me from Celestias unjust laws. Sometimes, you can’t run away from the fight, so I chose to fight a fight that was worth fighting.” He said aloud keeping his stern look and puffing out his chest in self confidence.
I stepped forward and punched him lightly on the shoulder, he returned the punch. “Thanks Dusk.” I said returning to my spot next to Luna.
The next to step forwards was General Lotus. “I fight for my own gain, nothing more, and nothing less.” She said flatly, causing the other generals to look at her quizzically.
I stepped forwards to greet her with a firm hoof shake. She clapped her hoof into mine and we shook ferviously. “At least you’re honest about it General Lotus, Thank you.” I said flatly, not changing my expression.
The last of the six generals stepped forwards, holding his head low. He mumbled so low we couldn’t hear it. “Excuse me General Hooves, but could you please speak up?” I asked to the pegasi. He raised his head and looked me in the eyes. “I fight for the future.” He said aloud making sure we heard him this time. It was quite vague but I still took the answer.
“Thank you General Hooves, even if it’s vague, but nonetheless, thank you.” I said shaking his hoof firmly. I turned my attention to Princess Luna who was waiting patiently, listening to all but two of the Generals reasons for fighting.
“Shall we return to the Fort, Princess?” I asked her. She simply nodded and we started to walk towards the door, followed shortly by the Generals and other ponies in the platoon.
We had won this battle, we had gotten our Commander back and with that, The Pack was whole once again. Princess Luna, the Commander and founder. Lost Solstice, the Lupine Demon and best weapon. The drive of nine field armies at our disposal. The Pack had finally returned, and we were stronger then ever before.
Chapter 8 - Years Gone Past
5 Years Later…
It’s been five years since her death, and five years since her return. The days seemed to slip away as war overtook this world. From the Desolate Badlands in the south, to the Crystal Empire in the Frozen North, From the Gryphon Kingdom to the Naga Empire. The peace and prosperity that was brought upon by the Tyrant Queens rule of lies, had come to an end, and war and loss overtook the world.
A great many battles have been fought, many soldiers dying at the hoof, claw, talon, or hand of another. These five years of war alone, have started to show its toll on the land. After the Battle of Galloping Gorge in the spring of 1472 A.F. the war turned into a neverending stalemate between the Equestrian Legion and The Pack.
The Gryphon Kingdom and Naga Empire intervened a year into the war, to help their Equestrian brethren, forming the Equestrian Legion. The Dragons however, took to The Pack, tiring of the Queen trying to take their land from them, they saw her as a threat that plagued the land. The Minotaurs however, chose to stay neutral and keep to themselves, save the ones who were in The Pack from the start.
Both sides fought with equal strength, cunning, and ferocity. Not one side could gain a foothold on the road to Victory. As the years went on, a safe haven was established, a place where all races and affiliations. It was established to give all warriors and civilians a safe place to stay if they were not on the battlefield, risking their lives for what they believed in. The safe haven was first established in ponyville, eventually growing in size and encompassing 200 sq. Miles of land.
This safe haven came to be known as Utopia to The Pack, and the Garden of Eden to the Equestrian Legion. The other empires simply knew it as paradise, a place to get away from the conflict and bloodshed, nothing more, and nothing less.
The Crystal Empire belonged to The Pack, taking it shortly after the return of Princess Luna, establishing a headquarter for The Pack. Canterlot was the headquarters to the Equestrian Legion, housing Queen Celestia herself and Commander Bolt who made his return from the human world during the battle of The Tartarus Chasm. The Pack inevitably lost the fight, but not without causing grave damage to the Equestrian Legion. The casualties were five to one, yet The Pack was outmatched as the Commander brung back his entire army from the human world. Eventually the numbers dwindled but the endless storm of troops from the Legion took its toll on The Pack, forcing them to pull back, allowing the Equestrian Legion to take the chasm, which was thought to be a crucial turning point in the war.
The less they knew about why they really retreated, the better. Not two days later had word reached around the world that all troops that were stationed there still, all committed suicide by launching themselves over the chasm's edge, inevitably falling into the first layer of Tartarus. Limbo.
The number of creatures that died that day numbered at 854,913. It was a tragic loss that even shook The Pack, not one pony, naga, dragon, gryphon, nor minotaur mourned that day. It caused a month of silence between both sides as they mourned for the fallen. That day should be remembered forever by all, as everypony had lost something of theirs, whether it be a brother, sister, mother, father, daughter, or son, or a life long friend who they had sworn their lives to protect.
Not long after the month had passed, did another battle break out. The battle at Fort Brathio, the first stronghold of The Pack. They barely held their own, and were met with many casualties, but in the end it was worth it. Fort Brathio stood the onslaught of the Legion, proving that The Pack was not leaving anytime soon, nor would they so easily give up for they had one thing to hold onto that the Legion did not.
The Legion fought for honor, and for glory over The Pack. The Pack however fought for the future of all, their dreams, their love, their lives. Everypony in The Pack had lost something dear to them, driving them to join the war against the Tyrant Queen and her allies. They had a weapon greater than any spear, and sword, a defense greater than any shield, or any piece of armor.
They
Had
HOPE
“Get Down!” I yelled at the top of my lungs as another blast hit the ground in front of the trench, covering me and my squad in mud and grass. I lifted my head up. “Sergeant Vasquez! You’re with me! Corporal Rose, Corporal LightningTwist, and Corporal Cloudkicker, you’re with Sergeant Dash! Sergeant Yano you have Corporal Flask, and Corporal Devin! Meet up at point Alpha Echo Charlie!” I barked the orders at my squadmates.
“Sir Yes Sir!” They yelled back to me, giving me a salute as they did so.
“Move! Move! Move!” I yelled, hearing the whistling of another blast of magic flying towards us. I started to gallop down the trench making my way to the north end of the field, ducking as bolts of magic flew overhead. As we came out of the trench we quickly jumped behind the closest trees as a magic grenade landed 4 meters away, blowing up and sending bolts of magic flying all over. I stood on my hind legs hiding behind the tree catching my breath.
I looked over to see Vasquez catching his breath as well. I nodded to my former peer and looked out towards the battlefield where I saw the enemy advancing. Crap, we need to get behind them but we can’t charge them head on… it would be suicide…
I looked to my left to find Vasquez finishing his teleportation spell just as I heard a large explosion from below us. I parted the clouds enough to look through, only to find the area we had recently been hiding, blown to smithereens. I gave a small sigh of relief. “Sergeant Vasquez, how are you holding up?” I asked the jasmine green unicorn. He lifted his head up to look at me with a muddy face from the trenches I assumed.
“I’m doing okay sir, but right now isn’t the time for small talk. We need to make it to the checkpoint before nightfall, or we’ll be sitting ducks without Azriel.” He retorted harshly. I nodded and looked down to the clouds, closing my eyes, casting a sight spell, then opening them again. I could see through the clouds and saw the members of our squad around the battlefield below. Sergeant Dash’s fireteam sustaining heavy fire, but nonetheless they would make it through, Dash was a tough one, always training never stopping. She’s worked hard since she joined 4 years ago, and has continued to astound us by her feats even if we think she can’t anymore.
I looked about 70 meters to the east of them to find that the last of Sergeant Yanos fireteam killed by an explosion. I tilted my head slightly in acknowledgement of their efforts. “Sergeant Yanos fireteam is down Sergeant Dash, be advised that the hostiles will be targeting you more now. Make your way to Checkpoint Alpha Charlie Delta instead, we will meet you there soon. Stay safe.” I said aloud sending my voice to her mind. I could see her nod in acknowledgment, not wanting to give away her cover. She quickly motioned her squad to come in closer to tell them the change of plans.
“Sergeant Vasquez! We’re moving to Checkpoint Alpha Charlie Delta now, Sergeant Yanos fireteam has been K.I.A.” I said as I looked up to him. He nodded and we both slowly made our way towards the checkpoint. Making sure to stay in the cover of the clouds as to not attract any attention to us.
An hour into our trip in the cloud cover the clouds started growing dark as the sun slowly sunk over the horizon, allowing me and Vasquez to travel in the open without worry as both sides had ceased for the night. It didn’t take us much longer to reach the checkpoint where Sergeant Dash, Corporal Rose, Corporal LightningTwist, and Corporal Cloudkicker were all waiting for us. I smiled and breathed a sigh of relief as we descended from the clouds on a platform I conjured up, concealing ourselves in a invisibility spell to make sure we were unseen.
The four ponies were talking quietly amongst themselves in a semi-circle allowing me and Vasquez to enter the middle of the circle without any of them knowing until we dropped the spell. They all jumped back and readied themselves into a fighting position, quickly realizing it was me and Vasquez, they stood at attention.
I kept a hardened look on Sergeant Dash, “At ease soldiers, glad to see you all made it here safely.” I said flatly. They all relaxed slightly. “Let us have a moment of silence for Sergeant Yano, Corporal Flask, and Corporal Devin, all of whom were good soldiers who gave their lives in the name of a brighter future.” I said this lowering my head and closing my eyes, holding my helmet to my chest. We stood there for 2 minutes before breaking the silence.
“It’s been a long day everypony, but we have to keep moving. We can lay down and rest for about 3 hours maximum, but after that we need to get moving again. We will sleep in shifts so that we have a pony on duty at all times to warn us if there are any enemies about and we need to get out of here. The first shift will be Sergeant Dash, and Sergeant Vasquez, then Corporal LightningTwist, and Corporal Rose, then last shift will be Me, and Corporal Cloudkicker.” I said pointing to each of them and the pony they were paired with.
“A maximum of 2 hours of sleep per pony and 1 hour of guard duty. Any questions?” I asked holding my hard gaze on them. Corporal Cloudkicker stepped forward saluting as he did so. I nodded to him, allowing him to speak.
“Sir, with all do respect, but why do you get to sleep through the first two shifts, you’ve done the least amount of work out of all of us, so shoul-” I punched him in the jaw, sending him tumbling into a tree.
“Done the least amount of work Corporal? Might I remind you, I saved your flank not 7 hours ago from being speared by those naga by using a portion of my life force channeled into an explosion of magical energy that eliminated any enemies within a 50 meter radius of us, allowing us time to escape. Or when I saved Sergeant Dash’s life when she broke her wing 9 hours ago by charging into the oncoming group of Unicorns who were using celestian swords who have left many cuts along the length of my body, leaving her unharmed from their attack and then proceeding to return to them and killing 6 of them before they retreated. If that is the least amount of work Corporal, then I must be a schoolyard filly playing on the swingset. Need I go on with my examples Corporal, or do you want to just listen to orders?” I said hovering over the pegasi my eyes piercing a hole through his skull.
“N-n-n-no sir.” she whispered, flattening her ears to her head. I stepped back and offered a hoof to help her up which she gladly took. Hoisting her up, I looked back to see them shaking their heads at Cloudkicker.
“Now, let’s get some shuteye everypony. Wake me and Cloudkicker up in two hours when your shifts are done.” I said walking to a nearby bush and laying inside of it. They all replied with a nod as I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.
Twilight was pacing the room impatiently that night, thinking of all that had happened in the recent month. Her brother was stationed on the front line of the Equestrian Legion, which made her worry about him as she knows who and what lies on the front line. She thought of the pony she met five years ago, the one who she knows well now due to her friend who stays with her to watch over her. Lost Solstice, now more commonly known once again as the Lupine Demon as the legend got around the world in the first year when the first sighting occurred of him on the front line when he was but a corporal.
She feared that he would mistakenly kill her brother, even though he had no control over where he was stationed. She couldn’t shake the fear of losing another family member from her mind, she was lucky to even have him be alive after all this time. Her mother was in Canterlot working as a nurse for the barracks, her father, well he died five years ago by something. Celestia said it was a manticore, but she hardly believes the story as Celestia is a known liar by her after the discoveries five years ago. Twilight could hardly trust her that she let Jazmine live if she promised to look over her, she thought she was just biding her time until she could kill her, just as if she were a conspirator against her.
Twilights pacing caused Jazmine to awaken from her sleep and stand at the top of the stairs looking down on the lavender unicorn. Twilight quickly noticed her, giving her a sad look, Jazmine proceeded to make her way down to Twilight and give her a hug.
“Twilight, your brother will be fine, I’m sure that Lionel won’t hurt him if he recognizes him.” she says quietly. Hoping to calm her down. Twilight returns the hug.
“I hope he will, but how can we be sure? I know I sent him a letter about him, but what if-” She was cut off by Jazmine hugging her tighter and releasing. She gave a small smile.
“I’ll go make us some tea since it seems like you won’t be relaxing anytime soon.” Jazmine said, poking Twilight in the chest with the tip of her hoof. Twilight lets herself a small giggle as Jazmine moves into the kitchen and puts a teapot full of water on the stove with a tea bag in it. Jazmine exited the kitchen carrying with her a cup of water for her and Jazmine. “Drink this while we wait for the tea to finish.” she said handing Twilight a cup.
“Thanks Jazmine.” Twilight says, taking the cup of water in her field of magic, bringing the cup to her lips and taking a sip. She sets the glass down on the nearby table and takes a seat on the sofa behind her. Jazmine quickly joins her.
“Jazmine” Twilight started, “do…do you ever think…that Lionel might not forgive you after this is all over?” She asked, causing Jazmine to nearly choke on her water. She started to cough violently before responding.
She sighs heavily before looking back up to her, “Honestly, I don’t know what to think. For an entire five years, I have been dead to him, and anypony in The Pack. I’m alive only to those here in Utopia, and even then nopony has told him about a Jazmine.” She stated taking another sip of her water before hearing the teapot go off. She quickly hopped off the couch and went into the kitchen.
She returned shortly with the teapot and two cups on a tray. Setting it down on the table she poured herself and Twilight a cup of tea, putting two sugar cubes in Twilights and leaving hers normal. Twilight took hers in a field of magic and held it close to her. Jazmine gets back on the couch and takes a sip of tea before continuing.
“To tell you the truth Twilight, I wouldn’t be surprised if he were with another pony now. I also wouldn’t blame him, if I found out he was dead, I would move on, just as I want him to move on.” She said coldly, lowering her head, hiding her face with her sky blue mane. She looked back up to Twilight resisting the urge to cry.
Twilight smiles at her, “Jazmine, I’m sure he would forgive you, seeing as it was a way for you to keep on living in the safety of a pony he trusts.” she finished, taking another sip from her cup before refilling it. Silence falls between the two before Jazmine speaks again.
“But that’s what I’m afraid of…” she says turning away from Twilight before continuing, “...You’ve been contacting him through letter, so if he finds out that I was with you the whole time, I don’t know how he will react. The last time I was gone for a week without a trace at my parents house, he went berserk on them for lying to him that they had no idea where I was.” She finished off her tea as she finished speaking. Twilight closed her eyes, no doubt thinking about what she said.
“You’re probably right, but as long as you’re alive, he should be a lot happier that you are alive and not dead.” she said. Jazmine let a small giggle as she realized how the topic had changed.
“It’s funny how the topic changed from me comforting you, to you comforting me.” she looked up to the ceiling, leaning back into the sofa. Twilight finished off the last of her tea before speaking.
“Well, it doesn’t matter, as long as both of us are distracted from the thought. Tomorrow I’m going to Rarity’s Shop if you want to come, or do you and fluttershy have plans again?” Twilight probed, hoping that Jazmine would be able to hang out with her. Jazmine shook her head.
“I’d love to go, but as you said, I have plans with fluttershy. We’re going to the spa, you and Rarity are welcome to join us, we aren’t going until around 2 in the afternoon tomorrow.” Jazmine replied, offering her to join them.
“If we can make it, we should be done around noon, so it won’t conflict.” Twilight said yawning. “I think that tea did the trick, I’m gonna go get some sleep before tomorrow.” she said getting down from the sofa and walking towards the stairs.
Jazmine yawned, “Night Twilight, I hope you sleep well and I’ll see you in the morning.” she said getting off the couch and taking the teapot and tray back into the kitchen along with the cups. She set the tray next to the sink for Spike to clean in the morning.
She started making her way towards the stairs before she stopped, hearing a voice, but she couldn’t find where it came from. This time the voice made itself louder catching her attention.
Jazmine are you there? the voice sounded like Celestias. What did she need?
“Celestia? Is that you?” she asked into the empty room.
That it is. It seems my spell has worked. She said into Jazmine’s mind. Jazmine started walking up the stairs not questioning how the Queen did it. Aren’t you going to ask what spell? Celestia asked into her mind.
“Nope, not a unicorn, don’t need to know magic. I’m good being oblivious to magic as I don’t want to understand it.” she said flatly, walking towards her room. She could hear Celestia sigh.
Well, you’re no fun. Anyways, how is Twilight doing with the news of her brother? Celestia asked.
“If you really want to know, she just went to sleep after pacing a hole into the floor of the house. She was worried, but I helped her relax enough to get to sleep.” Jazmine said, lifting the covers of her bed up so she could climb into it. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to sleep as well. Goodnight Celestia.” she said yawning and closing her eyes.
Goodnight Mrs. Grumpypants… Celestia said, leaving Jazmine to her own thoughts and sleep.
“Milor! Where are you?!” Kale yelled down the hallway, growing agitated by the ponies antics. She took his favorite robe and ran off with it before he could catch her. “Milor! If you don’t give me back my robe right now, I will burn you at the stake for eternity!” He yelled again. He heard the clicking of a door as it released its lock. “Gotcha!” He exclaimed silently. He made his way over to the slightly open door.
The door flew open, smacking Kale in the face, causing him to stumble backwards. The door slammed shut before being opened again to reveal Milor on the floor laughing, while holding Kales robe above her in a field of magic. Kale got up and quickly snatched the robe out of her magic. “Hey! It was just a joke, don’t be such a sourpuss Kale! Gotta lighten up sometime.” She said between her laughs. Kale giggled slightly, finding it funny in a sense.
“Suppose you’re right Milor, but it doesn’t mean you should take my robe. If it were anypony else, I would have to punish you if they were to report it, you know it’s against Order rules to take others robes, let alone be seen without one on.” He scolded her as she continued laughing. It took her a while to regain her composure.
“Okay, okay, okay. I won’t take your Robe again.” She said holding one hoof to her heart and another in the air. “But I can’t promise about anything else.” She muttered under her breath.
“What was that Milor?” Kale said putting his robe on and putting the hood over his face to hide everything but his eyes.
“Nothing! Anyways, what are we doing today? Are we going to the Hall of the Discordant, or the Hall of Harmony?” She asked Kale before slumping onto a wall and sliding down onto her flank. Kale put his hoof to his chin, thinking of where they were going.
“Well, we don’t actually have to do anything today, both halls are covered by the council the next couple of days, so we’re free to do as we please.” He said walking over to the wall and sitting down next to Milor.
A silence falls between the two as they think of what they should do. The silence lasted for about ten minutes before one of them finally broke the silence.
“How about we go to Paradise and spend the next couple of days there?” Milor asked, putting her hooves together with pleading puppy dog eyes. Kale looked at her and decided that it wouldn’t do any harm, seeing as they had the next couple of days to do as they wanted. They were interrupted by Gresh walking by.
“Hey you two, what ya up to?” He asked, raising an eyebrow to the two unicorns that were sitting on the wall.
“Well, seeing as we have the next couple of days to do what we want, we were going to go down to Utopia and spend our days off there just relaxing. Want to join us Gresh?” Kale asked, gaining a squee from Milor. She used the same look on Gresh who quickly covered her from his vision with his mane.
“Yeah, I’ll just come with you while you pack. We’ll see you in a bit Milor.” Gresh said holding out his hoof for a hoofbump with her. She hoof bumped his hoof and then ran down the hall towards her room.
“Meet at the Main Hall Milor!” Kale yelled to her, hoping that she would hear him. He then turned to walk to his room in the far end of the castle.
One hour and thirteen minutes later…
“Sir, Wake up! It’s you and Corporal Cloudkickers turn for guard duty.” a voice said, shaking me lightly. I groaned a little before opening my eyes to find the pony who awoke me to be Corporal LightningTwist. I smiled at this as LightningTwist was always nice when he did something, never once had he rudely awoken somepony, ever cursed, and has even captured his share of Equestrian Legion soldiers instead of killing them. Such a kind hearted pony, despite what he has seen.
“Thank you Corporal, please get some much deserved rest. May you sleep well.” I said stretching my legs, doing a small jog in place to get my blood flowing. I walked over to where Corporal Rose was and nodded towards her, telling her that she could awaken Corporal Cloudkicker now.
She quickly made her way over to the sleeping pegasi, giving him a light shake. Cloudkicker knocked the hoof away returning to his sleep, Rose shook him again this time speaking aloud. “Cloudkicker, it’s time for your guard duty, please wake up.” She said making sure he heard her. A grumble of words came from him, inaudible and not understandable by any of us. “What Cloudkicker?” She asked the pegasi.
“Leave me the buck alone! Wake me up when my duty is over.” He said aloud. Causing Corporal Rose to step back and look at me with tired eyes. I felt the rage boil inside of me, this was his last straw, Corporal Rose did nothing but cover for him since he was a recruit, but now she couldn’t defend him after what had occurred only two hours earlier. I made my way over to the pegasi.
“Either you get up now Corporal Cloudkicker, or I kick your flank.” I growled through my teeth. Corporal Rose stood in front of the pegasi.
“Sir, please leave hi-” I cut her off by using my magic to move her to the side. I was done talking with this inconsiderate piece of trash.
“You asked for it.” I said aloud. I took both his wings in my field of magic and laid them out flat, I proceeded to rip a large branch off a tree and slam it down into his wings, causing him to awake with a scream, waking the other ponies in our squad up. “You have been nothing but careless, ungrateful, dishonorable, disloyal, disrespectful, and most of all, you have been using Corporal Roses kindness to protect you. No more.” I growled again this time picking him up by his broken wings and making him face towards me.
He spat in my face, “You think I care you-” I cut him off with a hoof to his jaw, causing a resounding crack to resonate throughout the forest. I then proceeded to drop him then turn around and buck him in the face as hard as I could. I sent him flying into a tree where he blacked out. All I could think about was the disrespect he showed everypony, I couldn’t take it anymore and knew I would face repercussions when we arrived back at HeadQuarters, but I didn’t care, he deserved exactly what he got.
I turned to face the horrified Sergeant Dash. “Sergeant Dash, I know it has only been an hour worth of sleep, but I request that you accompany in place of Corporal Cloudkicker as he will be out for a while. You do not have to comply, but I ask you this so we can be fully protected.” I said flatly to her. She opened her mouth but quickly shut it and nodded.
We made our way to our positions for guard duty before she spoke. “Sir, permission to speak freely?” She asked, turning to me. I nodded my head, keeping my eyes on the sky and path in front of us. “What you did to Corporal Cloudkicker, won’t you get in trouble back at headquarters?” She asked putting a look of concern on her face. I sighed and looked towards her.
“Yes, I will get in trouble, but not as much as him. In the 2 years he has been in The Pack, he has done nothing but use Corporal Rose and others to get his way. He has been disrespectful to his higher ups, to me, and to Commander Luna. His punishment from me, wasn’t severe and the punishment that will await him for his indiscretions towards us will be nothing less than dishonorable discharge as we have sat by to see if he would better, sadly that did not happen. Although you, Vasquez, Rose, and LightningTwist will all be commended for your actions on this mission and you will be placed in a permanent squad with me, and on occasion Commander Luna. That is, if you want?” I said keeping my voice low enough so only she could hear me. I was met with silence, but when I turned to her to see why she was quiet, her mouth was agape to the news.
“I’m going to take that as a yes.” I said smirking a little as she continued to look at me astonished. “Sergeant Dash, could you return your attention to the sky please? Looking at me like that is scaring me.” I said jokingly, she shook her head and gave me a big smile before looking towards the sky.
Luckily the time went by fast and we didn’t see any enemy. I returned to the campsite and started waking everypony, when I went to wake Cloudkicker, I found he was still knocked out cold. I couldn’t help but laugh at the sight, the arrogant pony finally shut up by a swift buck. I picked him up in a field of magic and put him on my back before turning to find that everypony was ready to move.
“Alright everypony, listen up. We have at least an hour’s flight ahead of us to the Crystal Empire, that’s if we don’t stop for a break and we don’t get stopped by anypony. Remember to guard Sergeant Dash with your life if need be, she has the crystal that we need. Please make sure you go to the bathroom, so to speak, before you get on the platform so we can ensure there are no breaks needed.” I finished jokingly. About five minutes later we all boarded my platform and I hoisted us up above the clouds, high up into the sky so that the forest below looked like a pure dark blue green of trees, not able to see through any of the treetops.
We flew through the air speaking quietly every now and then to pass the time. Occasionally they would ask me a question about my life and who I lived with before I joined the pack, what my motives were, what my drive was, and even about my family. Each one I answered with the same flat tone, keeping my concentration on my speed and altitude before we started getting the first snowfall as we entered the Frozen North where the Crystal Empire is located.
Corporal Rose cast a shield spell around us to keep the snow from freezing us to death. Sergeant Vasquez used his magic to regulate the temperature to keep us warm. I let the warmth seep into me before I heard a stirring from the pegasi on my back. As soon as he moved I let him fall off my back quickly, he groaned in pain as he landed on his broken wings. The others fell silent.
“Nice for you to join us Cloudkicker. I hope you’ve learned your lesson.” I said aloud with a tone of anger in my voice. He quickly made his way to his hooves.
“Yeah well screw you “Vice-Commander” Solstice.” He retorted angrily. I wrapped a magic field around him and made a chain around him then proceeded to hang him from the bottom of our platform, earning a laugh from the squad. “HEY! PUT ME DOWN!” He shouted, flailing in the chains.
“Cloudkicker, I guess you haven’t learned.” I said, turning towards him, looking down at him. “You speak to all of us constantly like you’re the best, like you’re the most important pony around. In reality, you’re less than that. More so without you, we would be better off.” I said pointing a hoof at him, causing him to turn his head away from me, saying something under his breath. “Excuse me Cloudkicker? What was that?” I said putting a hoof behind my ear and putting it on the platform.
“YOU DON’T DESERVE YOUR RANK!” He yelled, making sure he was heard by us all. I sighed and cast a sound spell around us in tandem with my platform spell. I motioned him to continue to hear his case. “You’ve been here five years, and yet you went from being a Sergeant, straight to being the Vice-Commander! I mean, how fair is that?! The others had to work their flanks off to get to where they are today, but you, you got to jump the ranks all the way to Luna’s side! What did you “appease” her “desires”?” He finished. I closed my eyes letting the anger flow into my magic causing my mane to flow with the red starfield and my eyes to alter to their infused form along with my markings to appear.
“You want to know why I have my rank Corporal? Do you want to know who I REALLY am? Because I will tell you if you so desire.” I said glaring at him, he nodded angrily. “The reason for my rank Corporal, isn’t because I “appeased” any of her “desires”. I worked these five years harder than anypony in the corps and my skills were honed to the point the generals have to fight me together to be on the same level as me. I have completed over 758 missions for The Pack, every mission I have been offered, I have accepted, every offer to me to help the needy, the poor, the lost, the innocent, I have taken. I risked my life more times than Luna herself has in this war.”
“You should have known exactly who I was if you truly were a part of The Pack, but evidently you read not history, nor do you read mythology of this world. Yet there is one thing you should know about me you ungrateful pegasi, I’m not a pony and I never have been.” As I said this I brought him up to my level turning my eyes from their bright yellow magic infused eyes, to glowing blood red eyes. “I’ve seen more war than anypony in this land has in the past 100 years. I was a human from the United States of America on the planet Earth. I was a United States Marine, my rank was Captain, my wife Major Lynn more commonly known here as my dead wife Jazmine. I practiced every form of combat, from stealth tactics to guerrilla warfare, from Coreeda to Kung Fu, from hand to hand through explosives.”
“My drive and determination is unmatched, while yours is just personal gain, my drive is for the betterment of this world as I don’t want it to fall into a cycle of death, pain, loss, and sadness as my world has. You act as if you are the best pony out there, that no matter what you do, you are a good pony. My name is Lost Solstice, reincarnation of Lost Solstice from the 100 year war back before Luna was imprisoned on the moon, killer of Starswirl the bearded and champion of The Pack. I’m no where near a saint, I’m not nice and I will kill you if you disrespect me again, because by now you are going to be dishonorably discharged when we arrive in the Crystal Empire and will be forced out of Equestria. Do I make myself PERFECTLY clear?” I growled angrily, making a large discharge of magic explode behind me as I stamped my hoof into the ground.
Cloudkicker fell silent and white along with the others, seeing this side of me. He quickly regained himself before retorting. “You don’t have the guts!” He yelled angrily. I felt my magic wrap around his neck and snap it like a twig, his body fell limp in my magic before I let his body drop onto the platform. The others mortified by the scene that had just unfolded in front of them.
“Rest in Peace Corporal Cloudkicker, may you find peace in death.” I said before taking his dog-tags and insignia off of his body. I gave them to Corporal Rose who was still stunned by the death. I returned my attention to flying before I was interrupted by Sergeant Vasquez and Dash walking next to me.
“Sir…do…do you feel…bad about this?” Vasquez started. I looked over to find him giving me a remorseful look. I turned towards Dash to see she was waiting for an answer as well. I sighed slightly.
“To be honest with both of you, I don’t.” I said flatly, keeping an expressionless face. Hoping that I wouldn’t have anymore questions to answer. I was quickly shown wrong.
“Sir, I know he was a bad pony, but you shou-” I cut off Sergeant Dash.
“Sergeant Dash, I know how I SHOULD feel, but I don’t. Not because I’m cold blooded, not because I don’t care, but because it was the necessary course of action.” I said flatly. Looking at the horizon before Vasquez started again.
“Are you sure it was necessary Lionel? I mean, we had members in our squad like that on Earth, but you never killed them.” He stated this time speaking not as a soldier, but as a friend. I realized this before I spoke, so I chose my words carefully.
“Can I say it was truly necessary, that is not my call, but what I will say Vasquez, is that he wasn’t a threat to just a squad like it would be in the human world, but to everypony around him. No doubt once he was discharged he would find himself in the Equestrian Legion for revenge. If it were the human world, I would have waved his disrespect off and punished him accordingly. On earth he was a threat to the country, but here he was a threat to the entire world. If I had to do it again Vasquez, I wouldn’t think twice. Call it unjust, call it evil, call it morbid, but my actions cannot be changed.” I said flatly as the Crystal Empire appeared on the horizon, the spire piercing the night sky.
Sergeant Dash sighed. “You may be right, but we are in this together.” She said putting a hoof on my shoulder. “I think if I were in your position sir, I would have done the same thing.” she stated with a smile. I looked to the others to see what they thought, and they were all with Dash. They all were going to accept the consequences, even though it was me who killed him.
Ten minutes we flew in silence before we finally reached the Crystal Empire. We landed on a platform of the spire that was used for Captains and Above, we were quickly greeted by the General Dusk and Commander Luna. They raised an eyebrow as I landed, seeing that I was using my infused form instead of my normal one. They quickly received their answer as I stepped sideways to reveal the corpse of Cloudkicker.
“Lost Solstice, what happened?” General Dusk asked, not moving his eyes from the body as he moved closer to it. The members of my squad quickly joined me, standing in line a few feet away from the body. I stepped forwards.
“General Dusk, Corporal Cloudkicker was KIA, along with Sergeant Yano, Corporal Flask, and Corporal Devin. But his death was recent.” I said flatly as the others nodded, verifying the story.
“That is a shame that they died, their deaths and sacrifice will be remembered. As to Corporal Cloudkicker, is he the reason you are in this state Lost?” He proceeded to ask. I closed my eyes and nodded slowly. “What did he do to deserve his demise by your hoof Lost?” The general asked, encasing the corpse in a field of magic before turning it into ash with a simple vaporization spell.
As the body turned into ash I lowered my head in respect to the pegasi. As I lifted it up I found Dusk to be staring at me waiting for an answer. “General Dusk, I will not lie. He has endangered everypony in my platoon I left with, a multitude of times during this mission. The first thing that happened was he charged headlong into an encounter with a platoon of Legion soldiers when he was told to stay put and wait for them to pass. Resulting in the loss of 7 Pack members. Reducing our numbers from 38 to 31. When we split up at Checkpoint Echo we split into 3 squads of 10 members each with an extra member tacked onto my squad, the squad he was with all died except for him because he thought he could take on the squad waiting for them inside the building by himself. He escaped the slaughter by running with his tail between his legs. The other squad only lost one member, a Staff Sergeant Lin if I am correct. Leaving us with 20 members in the platoon. His actions continued to endanger and get others killed until there was only eight ponies left. Sergeant Yano and his squad when we split up to meet at Checkpoint Alpha Echo Charlie, they were killed without relent, Cloudkicker played no part in their demise, they were just unfortunate. Throughout the mission he continued to disobey orders, disrespect higher ranking soldiers, use others to save himself, at one point he had actually used one of the pegasi as a meat shield to save himself.”
“Before we left our area an hour ago where we were resting, he was knocked out by me for disobeying orders and yelling at Corporal Rose when she tried waking him for guard duty. He said and I quote, “Leave me the buck alone! Wake me up when my duty is over.”, aloud to each and every one of us. After this I had knocked him out after he spat in my face when I lifted him up by his wings. When he awoke on the trip here I said, “Nice of you to join us Cloudkicker, I hope you’ve learned your lesson.” and he retorted by saying, “Yeah well screw you “Vice-Commander” Solstice” and I proceeded to wrap him in a magic field and attach a magic chain to it and hang him from the bottom of the platform. Keeping him nice and cozy until he yelled, “YOU DON’T DESERVE YOUR RANK!””
I quickly recalled the last of the events before finally stopping with a sigh, “And there you have it sir. I do take full responsibility and will take any punishment you deem fit for me. It may have been the wrong course of action to take, but if I allowed him to continue he would either be discharged and join the Legion or be discharged and cause harm to others. Neither of which I wanted for everypony, he has done more than his fair share of damage to us and nopony else should have to deal with it.” I finished flatly keeping my eyes concentrated on General Dusk who was now standing in front of us with Luna.
General Dusk nodded in understanding and motioned for Luna to follow him to an area across the platform of the spire. I looked over to the ponies in my group who all looked nervous and scared as we waited for our punishment to be decided upon. The two occasionally looked back at us still contemplating what they should do before they finally came to an agreement. They made their way back over to us keeping stern faces.
“Vice Commander Lost Solstice, Sergeant Rainbow Dash, Sergeant Luis Vasquez, Corporal Maroon Rose, and Corporal LightningTwist. You are the only survivors from todays mission, so we will congratulate you on this, but it was not without cost nor was it without loss. 33 ponies in total were lost today, a great many of them the result of one soldiers arrogance, which was handled in a less than preferred way, but necessary.” They said in tandem. I was quickly taken aback at what they said and looked to my squadmates in confusion who were just as confused as I.
“Ummm, so you’re not go-” I was cut off by Luna holding up a hoof.
“You will be with punishment. You are hereby suspended for a week for the death of Corporal Cloudkicker. All five of you are equally responsible for the death, but seeing as it was a necessary course of action, it is not as severe. Consider this a warning as to what will happen next time if something like this occurs. If there is another pony that endangers everypony as such, bring them before the council and allow them to deal with them as they deem fit. Do not bring matters into your own hooves. Do we make ourselves very clear?” They finished up saluting us.
“Ma'am yes Ma’am!” We all exclaimed, giving a salute back to the both of them before they allowed us to leave to our quarters to get our items. The others of my squad went down the entryway of the spire as I stayed behind with General Dusk and Luna. I turned towards Luna and made my way over to her giving her a hug.
“It’s nice to see you again Luna.” I said as she hugged me back. As I released her from my hug I turned towards Dusk who simply glared at me telling me if I hugged him he would kill me. “Oh come on Dusk, it’s just a small hug.” I said joking with him.
“No, that was a hug that lovers share, not one that friends share.” He said backing away from me as I approached him. “If you hug me Solstice I will throw you off the spire!” He yelled, making me laugh as I continued to approach him before Luna tackled me to the ground, pinning me.
“Oh come on Luna! That’s no fair!” I exclaimed, trying to free myself from underneath her.
“It’s fair alright Lionel, you could’ve died on this mission and I haven’t seen you in a week. All is fair in love and war isn’t it?” She said nuzzling the back of my head. Causing me to sigh in irritation. She got off my back and helped me to my hooves before nuzzling me again. I nuzzled her back before turning my attention towards Dusk who was fake gagging causing me to laugh.
“You’re right, all is fair in love and war Luna, but all is fair in Jokes and Pranks as well.” As I said this I heated some of the snow on the balcony, turning it into water and covering Dusk in it. Causing him to shoot an angry glare towards me and Luna. I couldn’t help but laugh, he looked like a mare when he was wet, which just made it all the more hilarious. I felt a rock hit the top of my head.
I looked over to see that Dusk was holding several more in his hooves. “You better duck and cover you little crap!” He said as he started throwing them towards me ferociously. I conjured a shield, laughing the whole time he did this, Luna interrupted our fun by striking us both with a small bolt of lightning, causing us both to yelp, more out of the sound than the pain. We looked over to see her laughing in mid air.
“Oh so you want to play huh?” I said looking over to Dusk and nodding at him. He nodded back to me. “No restrictions! All or nothing, whoever falls first has to buy the other two drinks at the Drunken Stallion in Utopia tomorrow night, deal?” I said aloud pointing to the both of them, they proceeded to nod. Right as I was about to get in the air myself Dash and Vasquez came outside, looking at us in confusion. “Hey yall two want to join?” I asked readying myself.
“Join in on what?” They asked in unison, causing me to laugh as they stared at each other with confused faces.
“We’re going to have a little prank fight, first one to fall has to buy the drinks at the Drunken Stallion in Utopia tomorrow night. How’s that sound to yall?” I said readying a few ropes in mid-air from my magic. They both smiled and nodded at each other before joining me on my platform. I raised an eyebrow to them.
Luna took the first shot, creating a bolas and tossing it towards me where I jumped it only to be knocked over by a giant plush magical hammer from Dusk, sending me flying off the edge of my platform. I quickly recovered by creating small platforms underneath each of my hooves and flying up towards Dusk and shooting a magic pillow at him making him fly upwards but quickly recovering and throwing the pillow at Dash who was concentrating on Vasquez. She narrowly dodged it as it whizzed by her head only to be knocked off by a fly swatter by Luna, sending her tumbling down towards me. I grabbed one of the nearby clouds in a field of magic and putting it under her. She got back to her hooves quickly, proceeding to send a rope flying towards Luna, wrapping around her body, making her wings hug to her body. She started dropping like a rock.
She quickly conjured up a platform, landing with a solid thud, but not hurting her much. Vasquez then proceeded to dive off his platform in a giant ball of magic, straight for General Dusk who didn’t notice the ball until it was too late. Dusks platform shattered from the shear force of the sphere hitting him and it, from what I could tell, the force knocked him out, deciding him as the loser I dispelled my ropes and carried me and Dash up to the spires platform we had previously landed on. Luna and Vasquez quickly joined us, Vasquez carrying Dusk in a field of magic up to us, luckily the blow wasn’t strong enough to keep Dusk out for more than five minutes.
We all walked over to the unicorn offering a hoof to him to help get him off the ground. He took Dashes hoof and she proceeded to pull him up off his flank. “Looks like you’re buying the drinks General.” She said with a smirk. The General quickly sighed back.
“I guess I am, didn’t think such a spell would knock me out so easily. Guess I’m just not as strong as I used to be, good work Vasquez, you took me by surprise, no doubt.” The general said facing towards Vasquez and holding out a hoof to his opponent to shake. Vasquez quickly shook his hoof.
“Thanks sir, but this was just a little practice fight with no real weapons or anything, just some quirky fun spells. I guarantee if this was a real fight, you would have took me out in no time.” Vasquez said praising the unicorn. Giving a small smile as he did so. I walked over to Luna and stood next to her before she laid her head on my shoulder.
“That was fun, but I gotta get back to work, but before I do, I need to talk to you Lost.” She said, her voice soft and kind. I put my hoof around her hugging her.
“What do you need to talk to me about?” I asked as the others looked at the scene unfolding before them.
“I mean in private.” she said shooting a glance to the general. He obviously knew exactly what she was going to talk to me about from the look he gave her. He quickly ushered Dash and Vasquez into the spire and down the stairs before telling us we were out of hearing distance of the two. He quickly said his goodbyes and proceeded down the spire as well.
“Luna, what’s wrong?” I asked with a tone of worry heavy in my voice, looking down at her. She walked towards the ledge keeping her head high but I could see that she was sad.
“It’s been 9 months Lost, but this war doesn’t seem like it’s going to end before he’s due.” she said. I quickly realized what this was about, so I quickly joined her near the ledge looking over the Crystal Empire and the Frozen North. She turned towards me with a saddened look in her eyes.
I nuzzled her, “Luna, Don’t worry. If it comes to it, we will defend him with our lives, or more so me since well, you know.” I said trying to comfort her. It was to little avail as she pulled me closer.
“Lost, but what if something does happen? Shouldn’t we have a backup plan if the war doesn’t end?” She asked, almost pleading. I sighed and thought about it for a moment. She was right, what if the war didn’t end after we obtained the elements and found the new bearers in time. There was a big chance that she was right that the war could go on, so we should have a plan for if the war didn’t end. I turned my attention towards the moon, thinking of what we could do when it struck me.
“Luna, I know what we could do if the war doesn’t end by the time he arrives.” I said staring at the moon. Luna looked up to me as I looked down towards her. “Twilight Sparkle.” I said hoping she would put it together. She motioned me to continue. “As you know, I’ve been keeping in contact with her over the past five years, before my ex-wife died. She’s said that if we need anything of her, we need simply to ask, and well, frankly, if the war doesn’t end in time, we may have to call her up on that favor if we want him to live a safe life.” I said. She looked at me for a second before looking towards the moon, no doubt contemplating the idea.
“Do you think we could do that Lost?” She asked, keeping her gaze on the moon. I looked over to her to see a tear fall from her eye. I looked up to the moon as well, suddenly feeling saddened as well. I knew it was a hard choice, but it was one that would be necessary if we wanted him to grow up safely, away from a war.
“I wish there were another option for us Luna, but you know it’s our only one if the war doesn’t come to an end. We may already have the crystals for the Element of Laughter, Generosity, Loyalty, Kindness, and Honesty, but we need to find the Element of Magic if we have any chance of ending this war soon. Even then, we will have to find the bearers of the Elements and convince them to help us, which will be no easy task. I love both of you dearly, and I don’t want to see him grow up in harms way, constantly in danger of being hurt, just as I don’t like you being in constant danger. For 3 years, I have looked after and taken care of you as much as I could as both your Vice Commander and husband. So if this is what it takes for him at least, to grow up safe, then it is a necessary course of action.” I said feeling a wave of sadness rush through me causing me to tear up at the thought. Luna quickly fell onto me weeping. I could do nothing more than try to calm her as I had done in the past when she felt the weight of the world bear down on her.
During the first couple of years, I distanced myself from everypony, everypony except for two. Luna and Twilight, both of whom, treated me as if I were a long lost friend who had come back. Luna was there for me when my dreams made me shake to the bone, Luna helped me through the death of Jazmine, Luna helped me overcome my pain and eventually move on knowing I could never get her back. We then started seeing each other more and more out of the meetings and battles as friends at first when I was just simply known as the Vice Commander.
It was two months after her return that I was appointed the Vice Commander not only for my heroics on the battlefield, but because I sacrificed myself countless times for everypony to get away if we needed to retreat, nearly dying each time in the process. Yet somehow, fate dictated that I would not die that day or any other day. I had trained with the best in the country as much as I could, learning quickly and always honing my skills. For over a year when Jazmine died, all I did was fight, train, work, and suffer, thinking that I would get her back somehow. Clinging onto that small glimmer of hope that she was still somehow alive, even though it wasn’t true.
I was cold and ruthless, everypony saw me as a monster, saw me as a cruel being as I killed the Equestrian Legion without relent. I was effective on the battlefield, able to take out platoons without even thinking of the repercussions and thinking of those who had lost a mother, father, brother, sister, grandfather, grandmother, husband, wife, or friend. I took no prisoners on the battlefield, I only took lives as they took the only thing I had left away from me. I had lost who I was because I had lost her. I didn’t want to feel that kind of loss again, so I protected The Pack with my life, hoping that I would join her one day in deaths embrace by dying on the battlefield.
In those two years of mourning, not once had I felt the sweet relief of death, no matter what happened. I cried and wept over her, and showed no mercy because of her. I was made Vice Commander for what I did, even though it was cold hearted, I was always counted on to get the job done, one way or another.
After being with Luna for a couple of months, I finally realized that it would be what Jazmine would have wanted, for me to move on, not for her death to hold me back. After a year with Luna, I became my old self again, in a sense. I wasn’t as cold or mean anymore and ponies started taking a liking to the better side of me, the side that showed compassion and care to those around him. I stopped thinking of returning to my world as I would have no life there, especially after 3 years of being M.I.A..
I thought of all those who I have met, all of those that I have befriended, and all of those that I now know as my family, or at least family esque friends. Me and Luna soon got engaged and planned our wedding around Christmas time. Our wedding took place on December 13th, 1473 A.F.. We went on leave together at the same time for 1474 whenever it was possible so we could spend time together in peace and quiet. We stayed here in the Crystal Empire of course, but we tried to get out for vacations to Utopia whenever we could.
Eight months ago on March 22nd, 1474 we found out that we had a foal on the way. She had been pregnant for a month before we found out. When we did, we were both happy, and we were concerned for who we were. So far, we have been able to conceal her pregnancy with an illusion spell, and the generals have been helping in keeping her off the battlefield until the foal is born. Our worries were put to rest as we started finding the Elements of Harmony in mysterious places across Equestria. Thinking we could use them to our advantage, we did our fair share of research on them and found that each one has a certain bearer, much to our annoyance. We planned to find them all in a month or two and find the bearers in under a month, but our plan did not work too well as each one appeared in an order, and not all at once.
This showed that finding the Elements Bearers were going to be even harder to find than the elements themselves. Now, it’s been nine months and we only just found the Element of Honesty. They are all still inactive, no surprise as the Element of Magic is needed to activate them. It’s also likely that this war could continue until the Elements are fully assembled and they pick a side in the war, either they choose us, or they choose the Equestrian Legion, or they choose nopony and stay out of the war. Me and Luna now know, that the plan won’t be able to be put to use before the foal comes. So now we have to make the decision of either sending him to Twilight when he is born, or allow him to grow up in constant danger.
The choice was obvious, to both of us. We had to send him to Twilight, there were no questions about it. I was brought back to reality by Luna pushing herself into my arm trying to get my attention.
“It may be necessary Lost, but can we at least go see him when we’re on leave?” She asked in a saddened tone. I wrapped my neck around hers holding her even closer.
“I wish we could, but if anypony knows that we have any connection to him, he could be in danger.” I said letting the tears fall down my face. I sat there holding Luna in my arms as she started to cry, knowing she would never get to see her foal grow up, but neither would I. I held her close to me, holding her tight as she cried in my arms.
The Next Day…
When I woke up, I realized that I was in our bed with Luna in my arms still. How did we get here?
I thought of what I had done, and what I did in the end to keep the rest of us safe. Then I remembered what had happened after our fun little duel, where Dusk had lost and owes us drinks now. I laughed at the thought of the general losing to a Sergeant, even if it was a fun battle. My mood quickly declined as I thought of what me and Luna had discussed the night prior as well. I shook the thought from my head quickly as I didn’t need to depress myself as it was for him, not for us.
I turned off the shower and opened the curtain, using a spell to dry my coat and mane fast. I then walked over to the mirror to find that I had quite a few cuts along my body and face, no doubt they were from the mission. I looked to each one and examined it as if it were some unexplainable phenomenon. Just as every cut I gained before, I remembered the face of the pony or creature or item that had given it to me. I returned my attention to me as a whole, looking at my mane as it was flat instead of its normal spiked appearance.
I picked up a brush in my magic, and started moving it slowly through my mane. Then I used my magic to spike it into it’s normal appearance, making the roots of each spike appear to be a bright yellow, slowly fading into a orange then a bright red at the tip. Turning my head side to side and levitating a mirror behind me I decided that it was alright and walked out of the bathroom. Luna was still sleeping which brought a smile to my face, no doubt she would wake up after breakfast was starting to be cooked.
I made my way to the kitchen and started opening cupboards and cabinets, grabbing oats, flour, sugar, eggs, and lastly for me, bacon. I knew how it felt to be an animal by now, no doubt, but it didn’t keep me from enjoying meat, and for it I get many strange looks from others. As I started mixing the ingredients for pancakes, I put the bacon in a skillet along with the eggs, cooking them sunny side up for Luna, just as she liked them. I heard a yawn come from the bedroom. I smiled as I saw her come around the corner and smile at me.
“Morning Luna, did you sleep well?” I asked to the indigo mare as she walked next to me and laid her head on my back before answering she let out a long drawn out yawn.
“I did, how about you Lost?” She asked lifting her head off my back as I levitated two eggs and a pancake over to a plate and gave it to her with a fork. She took it in her field of magic and set it down on the counter before poking me. “Hey can I have some bacon too?” she asked, causing me to raise an eyebrow to her. “Hey, can’t blame me if I want to have it once in a while, especially since I live with you.” she said sleepily before I levitated two strips of bacon onto her plate.
“True, but bacon is awesome, you can’t deny that!” I said standing on my back hooves and flailing my front hooves in the air. Gaining a laugh from Luna. I finished off the cooking by moving two pancakes, four scrambled eggs, and 6 strips of bacon onto two plates for me. Smiling as I smelt the food, taking a strip of bacon I popped it into my mouth, savoring the taste.
Me and Luna sat at the table eating, me recalling some childhood memories as I ate, with her listening intently. No matter how much I told her about my life, she was always interested, especially my memories of the human world. Not as much by the war tales, but the ones of the days of peace I had with Jazmine, and my other family members.
I finished off the last bite of my food with a loud belch. “That was gooooooood!” I exclaimed laying a hoof on my belly as I relaxed back into the chair. Luna proceeded to take my plates and other utensils before I stopped her. “I cooked, and I’ll clean okay? Just go and take a shower, we leave for Utopia in two hours, make sure you pack for a week alright?” I said taking the dishes out of her magic. She smiled and headed towards the bathroom.
It didn’t take long for the dishes to be cleaned, and as soon as I was done Luna was out and packing a bag for our trip. I knew that she didn’t suspend us just because of what happened yesterday, but it was because we had just obtained the Element of Harmony and she wanted us to relax and have fun, but it was also because she was going on leave for a week this week. I didn’t oppose to it, but I felt as if we should have been punished a lot harsher, but I was glad that Dash, Vasquez, Rose, and LightningTwist only got a slap on the hoof.
An hour and a half later we were all packed and waiting on the Captains platform, waiting for Dash and Vasquez to arrive so we could leave. I saw that Dusk wasn’t wearing his normal uniform and that Luna wasn’t either, but she was disguising herself as a unicorn to keep from being bombarded in Utopia. I was happy to see that she kept her disguise simple, hiding her wings, making her hair normal, and changing her cutie mark to a simplistic star. Keeping her coat color and eyes normal.
As soon as Dash and Vasquez joined us I conjured a platform and proceeded to make a sphere around us as we soared through the sky towards the Utopian border. We all talked and joked around on the flight over, Dusk talking about his life as a foal before his family died, Dash talking about her friends Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and surprisingly Twilight Sparkle as well. When she started to mention her both me and Luna asked her if she had been getting letters from her as well, she simply shook her head but said she would look into it when we saw her. Vasquez and Rose kept to themselves, have small talk about the weather and the scenery, no doubt Vasquez had feeling for the pony and well, just as I have, gave up on the thought of returning home as this world was better than the one we could return to. He accepted his fate wholeheartedly. LightningTwist was silent most of the time, no doubt because he wasn’t very talkative.
In about an hour of flight, we finally arrived at the border of Utopia before dismounting the platform and making our way to the nearby train stop. We waited for less than ten minutes before a train arrived to take us to the heart of Utopia, what used to be known as Ponyville. We boarded the train and made our way to the heart of Utopia as fast as the train would take us, luckily, nopony suspected that we were of The Pack, just simple ponies that were on a vacation.
Twenty minutes later we had arrived at our destination and were greeted by two ponies, Fluttershy and Applejack as Dash said. Two of whom were good friends of her, I made my way over to them and tipped my head in greeting, along with Luna.
“Hello AppleJack, and Fluttershy. It is nice to finally meet the both of you after hearing so much about you two from Sergeant Dash.” I said holding a hoof out to the both of them. Applejack shook my hoof while Fluttershy backed away. So I simply smiled at the yellow pegasi, in hopes of calming her.
“Nice ta know Dash remembers us, even on the front line.” Applejack said giving a small smirk to Dash who gave a fake laugh. “You know who ah am, so ah must ask, who’er you?” Applejack asked happily.
“I am Lionel, and this is my wife Midnight.” I said, partially lying, hoping she wouldn’t recognize my real name since many Utopian ponies kept their noses out of the war. Luna tipped her head in greetings again.
“I am Midnight Star, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Luna said, her tone friendly and soothing. Applejack shook her hoof and proceeded over to Rainbow Dash. We both turned our attention to the yellow pegasi who was hiding her face behind her mane.
“Fluttershy was it?” Luna asked, causing the mare to silently nod. Luna walked over to her, only to have Fluttershy shy away from her. “It’s okay, I won’t hurt you Fluttershy.” Luna said calming the yellow pegasi. She showed her face finally, allowing a small smile to crawl onto my face seeing that she was able to smile. I made my way over to the two, as Luna finished her introduction. Upon seeing me standing next to Luna she quickly averted her gaze to the ground.
“It’s okay Fluttershy, I won’t hurt you either, I’m Li-” I was cut off abruptly by her facing towards me with a glare.
“I know who you are Lionel, and if you hurt Dashie so help me.” She said causing a shiver to go down my spine. Luna looked at me with her , “What in the heck did you do?”, face. I simply shrugged at her before turning my attention back to the pegasi.
“Okay, I guess. I don’t know why you would think I would hurt her, but I won’t delve into it. I’m sure you care for Dash just as much, if not more, as me. I promise, she won’t be harmed by me or any other ponies in her squad okay?” I stated before holding out a hoof to make it a promise. She returned to her normal attitude and shook my hoof, giving me a small smile, yet it still made me quiver. She then made her way over to Applejack and Rainbow Dash.
“What was that about Lost?” Luna asked me.
“I have absolutely no idea, but I suppose we should make our way over to Twilights, I think she may be surprised to see us in person after a year. Let’s just hope she doesn’t have a heart attack when we do get there.” I said with a small laugh. Luna grabbed my hoof and picked up her bags in her magic and we started making our way towards Twilights home, which was the Library here in Ponyville. Her arrangements were made by Celestia herself, mostly because Twilight loved books, and because she wanted her to be able to do something she liked when she was there.
We quickly made our way to a hotel to get a room and put our stuff away before heading out once again. We made our way down the street towards the library, encountering few ponies and other creatures along the way, each of whom, seemed to be happy without end. It was a nice change from the gloom that lingered in the Crystal Empire.
As we reached the treehouse we saw that it was closed for the day, no doubt because it was evening by the time we got here. I knocked on the door three times. “The libraries closed for the night! Please come back tomorrow!” A familiar voice called out from the home. I knocked on the door once more. “Didn’t you hear me?! The library is closed!” The voice said louder this time. I knocked one more time before a young dragon opened the door. “I SAID THE LIBRARY IS CLOSED!” He yelled. As he opened his eyes, he was greeted by me and Luna smiling down at him. “Well, um, this is awkward…” he said his face becoming red as me and Luna laughed.
“Hello there Spike, how have you been this past year?” I asked to the young drake who was now only a foot shorter than me and Luna. He looked worried at our sudden appearance. “You okay Spike?” I asked leaning in closer to him and putting a hoof on his forehead only to have him bat it away in irritation. “That’s better.” I said giving a small smile.
“Let me go get Twilight, wait right here.” He said slamming the door. You could hear him running up the stairs yelling, “TWILIGHT!”. After that it was silence as we waited for Twilight to answer the door. We heard as she, Spike, and some other pony walked down the steps of the home. When she opened the door we were greeted with a smile, but oddly she was out of breath.
“Hey there Twilight, How are you?” I asked hugging the lavender mare before Luna joined us. I pulled away from the hug so she could answer.
“I’ve been really good, but you shouldn’t just POP by like this without warning, it’s really unnerving.” She replied quickly, poking me with her hoof. I snickered and turned my attention towards the other mare. She was a light blue pegasi with a white mane and tail, her cutie mark was a quill, no doubt that she was working in the library with Twilight.
“Hello there, I’m Lionel.” I said holding out a hoof to the pegasi whose eyes grew wide. She quickly regained herself and shook my hoof.
“I’m...uhhhhh…Twilights Cousin, SkyQuill.” She said quietly, almost low enough for me not to hear it. I smiled at the pegasi and then turned towards Spike and hugged the young dragon.
“Still no wings yet Spike?” I asked the young dragon who folded his arms.
“No.” He said sighing in irritation. I gave a small laugh as Twilight motioned us to come inside.
“You really know how to keep this place decorative.” I said sarcastically to Twilight.
“Oh hardy har har Lionel. Like I haven’t heard that one before.” Twilight said rolling her eyes. Luna laughed. Twilight made her way to the kitchen. “Hey Luna, Lionel! How do you want your tea!?” She yelled through the closed door.
“Three cubes of sugar Twilight!” Luna yelled back to her. She then dropped her disguise and stretched her wings, her cutie mark appearing and her mane turning back into the flowing starfield that it normally was. I let my magic flow into my mane and eyes giving me my infused appearance. SkyQuill just gawked at us before picking her jaw off the floor.
“I’ll have mine with no sugar Twilight, thanks!” I yelled before turning my attention to SkyQuill who now sat on the couch staring at the both of us. “SkyQuill, I don’t think you’ll tell anyone about us will ya?” I asked the pegasi. She simply shook her head, telling us she wouldn’t. “That’s good, can’t have everypony in Utopia knowing the leaders of The Pack are here.” I said with a small smirk, sitting next to SkyQuill on the couch and Luna in the chair across the coffee table. SkyQuill shifted uncomfortably.
Luna stared at the pegasi before finally speaking. “SkyQuill, I never knew Twilight had a cousin?” She asked. SkyQuill gave her a sheepish smile.
“Oh, she does, quite a few at that. I’m just staying with her as my parents are in the war. Do you two know them?” She asked. We quickly questioned who they were and their affiliation. “They’re part of The Pack. Their names are InkWell and SnowCloud.” she stated. I felt a drop in my heart as I recognized the names, both of whom were in our platoon for the mission for the Element of Honesty. I looked towards the ground.
“I’m so sorry SkyQuill, if I knew…” I said trying to keep a hold of myself as I tried to deliver the news to her. “...your parents…they…they died yesterday.” I said closing my eyes, tears welling up behind them as I remembered both of them being stabbed by spears. I looked up to see SkyQuill, she had her hooves over her mouth and her eyes were wide with terror. I hugged her, holding her close so she could cry. Twilight entered the room with a tray of tea. She slowly sat the platter down onto the table.
“What happened?” Twilight asked to Luna with Concerned eyes. Luna whispered to Twilight what news had just come forth. She quickly joined the hug, followed by Luna as SkyQuill wept. No doubt, the loss of her parents had come to a major shock to her, I felt bad for Twilight as well, her aunt and uncle died as well.
I pulled away from the hug, letting SkyQuill wipe the tears off her face with her hooves before taking a teacup in her hooves and sipping it. “SkyQuill, for what it’s worth, your parents were amazing ponies, they shouldn’t have died as they did. If it makes you feel any better, the pony that had caused their demise, was killed.” I said looking into my cup of tea. When I looked up I found SkyQuill staring at me.
“I’ve missed you so much Lionel.” She said quietly, but I heard it.
“What was that SkyQuill?” I asked, hoping to get an answer from her. She realized what she said and nervously shook her head. “Okay then, Twilight, I know that our appearance was sudden but, we have something we need to talk to you about.” I said my face growing serious. She put her cup down and turned her attention to me.
“What do you need to talk to me about?” She said raising an eyebrow to me then looking at Luna, who was shifting uncomfortably. I motioned for her to sit next to me on the couch. She quickly moved over and held my hoof.
“Well, it’s really important, that it only stays between us, Me, You, Luna, Spike, and SkyQuill. You can’t even tell your closest friends, okay?” I asked my tone hardening. Twilight nodded and I looked over to Spike then SkyQuill who all nodded.
“As you know Twilight, Me and Luna, We’ve been married for 3 years now-” I was cut off by a gasp from both Twilight and SkyQuill. I looked to Spike who was looking around the room, avoiding my gaze. “Spike? Do you have something you need to tell us?” I said angrily. I could see Twilight glaring at the young dragon as well. He tried to run out the door but I teleported in front of him before he could escape.
“Ummm I had a good reason!” He said holding his arms up thinking I was going to hit him. I felt like hitting him, but I sighed and shook my head motioning for him to say his reason. “Well, I was going to tell her eventually, but I felt it wasn’t the right time.” He said sheepishly. I glared at him.
“The right BUCKING time Spike?!?! It’s been 3 BUCKING YEARS! That isn’t waiting for the right time! That’s keeping a secret!” I yelled. Luna quickly cast a sound spell, realizing how loud I was getting. Twilight quickly joined me in front of the dragon.
“Spike! How could you?!” She yelled causing him to look towards the ground. He mumbled so we couldn’t hear him. “What did you say?!” She yelled for him to speak up.
“Because I… I… I don’t know…” He said looking up to us with teary eyes. “I felt, if it got to you, it might…hurt you.” He said hugging Twilight. Who pushed him away.
“Why would it hurt me? I would of felt happy for them, but now after three years, I’m figuring out Spike! This is horrible!” She yelled shaking the dragon furiously. I stepped in between the two, separating them.
“Twilight, Spike! STOP!” I yelled. They quickly fell silent, but I couldn’t help but hear SkyQuill crying. “See what you did!” I exclaimed to the two. “For Fausts Sake, Twilight I know you’re mad, I understand the anger, I really do. Spike, I can also understand why you would have thought it would hurt her. Yet I’m sure she would have understood, my wifes been dead for five years, she wouldn’t of wanted me to mourn her forever, she would have wanted me to move on and Twilight no doubt, would have thought the same.” I said scolding him. He kept his gaze on the floor, scraping his claw on the ground in a circular motion. I then proceeded to hug Spike.
“I’m sorry Twilight, Luna, and Lionel.” He said hugging me. I hugged him tighter I felt Twilight glaring holes into my back, I waved it off as I released him from the hug.
“We’re going to have a serious talk when they leave mister.” Twilight said glaring at Spike. I laughed and joined Luna back on the couch and looked at SkyQuill who was still in evident shock. I hugged her hoping to draw her back, she shook her head and pushed me away.
“Alright well, since that’s out of the way, we have some even more shocking news, so you may want to get some more tea.” I said pouring some tea into my cup from the teapot. Twilight, then Luna, then SkyQuill, then Spike proceeded to do the same. I put my hoof into Luna’s and gave her a small smile before turning towards Twilight.
“Twilight, Luna’s pregnant.” I said causing Twilight, SkyQuill, and Spike to simultaneously spit out their tea.
“WHAT?!?!” They all yelled in unison.
Me and Luna flattened our ears at the combined sound of all three of them yelling at once. Twilight was trying to get a hold of her breathing, SkyQuill just looked at the ground as if her heart had broken, Spike he regained himself the quickest and waited for the others just as me and Luna.
When Twilight finally regained herself, she poured another cup of tea for her and SkyQuill. SkyQuill shook her head and looked back towards us. Spike let out a quiet giggle.
“Yeah, we knew that would take you as more of a surprise but we didn’t expect you to not know of our marriage until three years later. More so that she is nine months, not just getting pregnant.” I said to them, Twilight face hoofed, SkyQuill just looked astonished, and Spike, he had another guilty look upon his face. “Spike, don’t feel bad, in none of the letters had we mentioned this to Twilight, so you’re fine. We wanted to tell her this in person, not over letter, so it’s okay.” I said to the dragon, I saw him visibly perk up at it, letting out a sigh of relief.
Twilight finally released her hoof from her face and gave us a small smile. SkyQuill flattened her ears against her head and laid down on the couch with her head hanging off, I didn’t think much of it. “So, it’s been nine months? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Twilight asked, pointing a hoof at Luna.
“Because we wanted to tell you in person, and we thought the war would have been over by now, but we were wrong. Yet that is why we are here today, not just for a social call.” Luna said, sitting up straight, her look hardening. I followed suit to my wife. “Twilight Sparkle, we need you.” Luna said aloud.
Twilight gave us a quizzical look. “What do you need me for Luna?” She asked calmly, taking a sip of her tea.
“When he is born, the war may still be going on, and if anypony knew of his existence, he would be in danger, constantly. What we want of you, we’re not asking as leaders, but as friends. We want you to watch over him as he grows up if the war has not ended by the time he breathes his first breath.” She said. It took Twilight, SkyQuill, and Spike all by surprise. Twilight most of all, her jaw hit the floor at the news.
Twilight shook her head to regain herself from her stupor. “What? You want ME, of all ponies, to raise YOUR son?! Why?!” She exclaimed in both happiness and astonishment. I held Lunas hoof tighter.
“Twilight Sparkle, We trust you, not as a friend, but as a family member. We want you to be the Godmother, in a sense, of our son.” I said lightening my gaze upon her. “I know it’s not something that you would want for your child if you had one, but this is our only option. You’re our only hope if the war does not end.” I said. Twilight looked at us in astonishment.
“You trust me that much?” she asked, her voice laden with happiness and sadness. Me and Luna nodded in unison. “Are you sure about this Luna, and Lionel? I mean, I would be more than happy to, but are you sure there is no other option?” She asked, we simply shook our heads. Twilight let out a sigh and looked away thinking about it no doubt. When she finally returned her attention to us, she held upon her face a big smile. “I’ll do it.” She said happily.
I felt a smile of relief and happiness fall upon my face as I hugged Luna. We then walked over to Twilight and hugged her, quickly joined by Spike who was going to help with taking care of our son, no doubt. “Thank you Twilight, Spike, and SkyQuill.” We said in unison, before pulling away from the hug.
“One question though Luna, why do you look so, normal?” Twilight asked, pointing a hoof to her stomach. “And have you been going out on missions while you were like this?” She asked.
Me and Luna laughed as Luna released the illusion spell from her belly, allowing it to expand to the real size. “Simple illusion spell, that’s how, and nopony has made me go on any missions in the past nine months. The Generals know, and so do very very few other ponies.” She said giving a wink to Twilight as she said it. We looked over at SkyQuill who was still moping on the couch, we decided to leave her alone.
“We’ve gotta get going Twilight, but thank you for your understanding and for accepting. You made us both very happy. We’re going to be here for a week so we’ll stop on by to make some plans with ya. If you want to find us tonight, we’ll be at the Drunken Stallion. General Dusk is buying us drinks, well me at least, Luna’s gotta stay sober.” I said nudging Luna with my hoof. She rolled her eyes, causing Twilight to laugh.
“I’ll see if I can make it tonight, but you two be safe.” Twilight responded before showing us to the door. As the door closed behind us we made our way towards the Drunken Stallion, both of us in our disguises again.
“He’s married…for three years…a foal on the way as well…” SkyQuill mumbled to herself as she laid on the couch with her head dangling off of it. She felt tears start to well up behind her eyes. Twilight made her way over to SkyQuill, releasing her disguise. SkyQuill returned to being Jazmine. Twilight saw that she was hurt.
“Jazmine, I’m so sorry.” Twilight said hugging the pegasi. Jazmine broke into tears as Twilight held her. Her husband thought she was dead, and he had moved on. Even though she wanted this for him, she didn’t think it would hurt this much for her. Her heart had broken, she even had to keep herself disguised when she saw him for the first time in over 2 years. Whenever he had visited previously, she was out doing something for Fluttershy, or Rarity.
“Why…why does it hurt so much Twilight?” She asked between sobs. She wrapped her arms around twilight crying into her shoulder. Twilight couldn’t say anything to console her, as she had never known the feeling of heartbreak. She just held her as she cried.
Twilight was just as surprised as Jazmine by the news, but didn’t expect it to hurt Jazmine this much. The previous night, she had said that she would have wanted him to move on, that she would be happy for him if he was happy, yet it came to a bigger surprise that it had been 3 years since he had moved on. While Jazmine, had never given up hope that she would return home someday, he had given up and accepted his new life.
Jazmine soon fell asleep listening to the thoughts inside her head stir. Her will had been broken, her mind had been shattered, her thoughts of only sadness. She had very little chance to ever return home now, and Celestia made it so. All of which pointed back to her, Lionels sadness and hatred at the news, and also him moving on from her, even though she was truly alive. No matter how she looked at it now, she had lost. She lost all she had left of her human life. Even if she didn’t want to admit it, this was her life from now on, there was no way out of it.
She didn’t have nothing as a pony, she had a surrogate family, Twilight her sister, and Spike her brother. She had something as a pony, she had friends all around her, at every moment. One’s who would help her through anything, one’s who cared for her, and loved her for who she was. She may have lost the only connection left to her previous life, but her new life had only just begun, and she was going to make the most of it. Last of all, she was going to be able to care after Lionel's Son.
The next day…
“Dash, where are you taking us?” I asked to the cyan pegasus walking mere feet in front of me and Luna. Shortly following us were Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, SkyQuill, Twilight, and Spike, all of whom were talking amongst themselves with Rainbow Dash in front of us. She didn’t answer me.
“I’m sure wherever she’s taking us, it can’t be bad, so just wait okay Lionel?” Luna said taking my right hoof in hers as we continued towards our destination. I sighed and nodded, it’s not like she would be leading us into a fight or anything, I mean, we are in Utopia.
It took about five more minutes before we arrived at a large building, the sign had, “Sugarcube Corner”, printed on it. I quickly realized she was taking us to a bakery shop and sighed, remembering how the last time I had a sweet from a shop I almost died from sugar rush. I flattened my look scrunching my eyebrows.
“Oh great, a bakery.” I sighed rolling my eyes. Luna gave a small giggle and shook her head before we entered the establishment. We were quickly greeted by an energetic pink pony, no doubt this was the Pinkie Pie that we had been told about.
“Hi I’m Pinkie Pie! It’s so so so nice to finally meet you!” She said furiously shaking my hoof and Lunas. I lightened up a bit, even in the face of me disliking this pony.
“Hello Pinkie Pie, I am Lionel, it’s a pleasure.” I said, faking a smile as best I could. I knew she was going to be a ball of energy as Rainbow Dash said, but I didn’t expect her to be like this. Dash knew that if I heard she was happy go lucky, I would want to repeatedly stab her. I quickly put the thought at the back of my mind.
“Hello Pinkie Pie, I’m Midnight Star, but please, call me Midnight.” Luna said keeping her tone friendly, I could tell that she would get along with her just fine, unlike me. Pinkie Pie then proceeded to run into the kitchen, disappearing from sight, I quickly yanked Dash over to us, ripping her from her conversation with Twilight.
“Hey! I was talki-” I cut her off by putting a hoof up, motioning her to silence.
“I know you said she would be energetic, but this is just NUTS! Happy-Go-Lucky, and friendly to no bounds?! You know how I am!” I said quietly through my teeth so only she could hear me. She rolled her eyes.
“I also knew you wouldn’t give her a chance if I told you. I know you hate happy go lucky, but at least give her a chance, if you don’t like her, I’ll do 30 miles of jogging, no wings, when we get back to HeadQuarters. Okay?” Dash said putting out a hoof. I glared at her before shaking her hoof as Pinkie Pie bursted out the kitchen. She carried with her a catering cart with a large round metal cover on top of it.
“Cake is served everypony! I made it special just for you three!” She said pointing a hoof towards Rainbow Dash, Luna, and I. We walked over as she took the top off the cake. Underneath lay a cake in the form of The Pack Insignia in pink frosting it said, “Thank you Rainbow Dash, Lionel, and Midnight Star for everything!”, I felt a small jump in my heartbeat at this. It was nice to have some ponies who thanked us for fighting for what we thought was right.
Luna then shut the door to the bakery and cast a spell allowing none to see into the building as she revealed her real form. “Sorry, but if you don’t mind I’d rather be seen as who I really am for this get together.” She said stretching her wings out as her cutie mark changed back to its normal crescent moon, and her mane to the normal starfield. All the ponies except me, Twilight, Spike, and SkyQuill gasped as she revealed herself.
They quickly bowed to her, recognizing her as the princess she once was. “Please, do not bow to me, I am not your Princess nor am I your ruler. I’m just another pony just like you.” She said closing her wings close to her body as Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie all raised their heads from the ground.
“But, ah thought ya were Midnight Star?” Applejack asked pointing a hoof at her. Luna gave a small laugh.
“I am Midnight Star in an essence, but it’s only a cover up name while I am out and about as it were. Just as Lionel here is really Lost Solstice, the Vice Commander of The Pack. I’m more surprised you knew not his name.” She said hugging me and nuzzling my head. The four ponies gave mixed expressions to the news. I let my magic flow and my mane changed to the red starfield and my eyes changed to the bright yellow slitted eyes they normally were. My cutie mark also changed from the sword it was back to the Theta-Delta Symbol it normally was. The Symbol meant “change” and it derived from the Greek Language.
“More surprising that you didn’t recognize my name as I’m sure Twilight has told you about me, at least she told me she has in her letters. We are on vacation for the week, well me, Dash, LightningTwist, and Rose are actually suspended, Luna and Dusk are on vacation.” I said lowering my head as Luna shook me jokingly. The other ponies in the room looked lost in thought before letting out a collective, “Ohhhhh”. I gave a sheepish smile and nod.
“Wait a minute though, you say you’re Lionel, as in, the Lionel from a different world, Lionel? The Lupine Demon? The Savage Killer? The Ruiner of Pegasi? The-” Pinkie Pie was cut off by Rainbow Dash shoving her hoof in her mouth. I felt a wave of sorrow wash over me as those titles came to my ears, long since forgotten by me when I was cold hearted after the death of Jazmine. They all shot a glare at Pinkie Pie who averted her gaze to the ground.
I lifted my head up, my gaze turning to one of pain. “Yes, that is me, but Pinkie, I prefer never to be called any of those again. I already regret my actions enough without being reminded of them, especially since they bring back the most painful memory of my life.” I said flatly, making it clear I despised the names. They all nodded their heads.
“May I ask something then?” Rarity asked aloud. I motioned her to ask the question she had brewed for me. “I know you hate talking about it, but no pony really knows why you were so hostile back then, more so why you changed 3 years ago. If it isn’t too personal, may we know at least?” She asked causing all eyes to shift to her. Pinkie Pie joined her waiting for an answer which caused the others to wonder as well, other than Luna, Spike, Twilight, Dash, Vasquez, LightningTwist, Rose, and Dusk who all sat next to me, knowing the answer already.
“Luna, Spike, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Vasquez, LightningTwist, Rose, and Dusk, you all already know the story so you are more than welcome to leave, but the rest of you, I will tell. Once, and only once, as the memory as long ago as it may seem, is still vivid in my memory.” I said flatly again, my gaze turning into a wide glare at all of them. Luna, Twilight, Dusk, and Dash all stayed while Spike, Vasquez, LightningTwist, and Rose left the room. Closing the doors behind them and standing in front of them not to allow anypony in.
“Mr. Lionel, may I ask why it’s so personal?” Rarity asked using formalities now.
“Mrs. Rarity, I ask for you to call me by only Lionel as you wish for me only to call you by Rarity. The reason why this is personal, is because if word got out about it, no doubt they would use this to tear me down by hurting friends in The Pack and Utopia.” I retorted harshly, narrowing my glare to the white unicorn. Fluttershy stayed behind AppleJack the whole time.
“You already know that I, Lionel Varellian, am not from this world. Yet I had not come alone. I came with two other of my kind, Sergeant Luis Vasquez, the jasmine unicorn that sits outside the room right now, he has no recollection of his life from our world and he wishes not to gain that memory back as he is happy here and wishes to stay when all is over. The other one who came with me was……Major Jazmine Lynn, my wife.”
“Jazmine and Vasquez, they were the last things I had of my life on the planet I once called home. With Vasquez having no memory and no want to regain it, he left me with only Jazmine as he is not the same person he was before. The reason I became so dark, so grim, so morbid and cruel, was because a week before Luna’s return, my wife was captured by Queen Celestia. Two days before Lunas return, they sent a letter announcing the death of Jazmine.” I said coldly, feeling nothing but anger and sorrow rise to my heart, causing my mind and body to go cold.
“She had taken the one thing I had left in my life, but she didn’t keep it so I could regain it. She killed her without second thought of the repercussions it would have on me, or those around me, or to her guard. She had no remorse for me, so I felt no need to hold back any longer. So I killed and killed and killed until I could no more, hoping that one day, I would be able to join Jazmine soon. That day never came.”
I lowered my gaze shortly before returning it to them as my eyes grew a deep maroon red. “She created a monster, a monster who only saw hatred for two years. One who showed no remorse to those around him, one who chose the path of darkness, one who let anger consume those around him. Jazmines death, it is something I will never forget, and something I will never forget until I see that Celestias head is held in my hoof, claw, or talon.” I said my voice darkening and casting a shadow over my face.
I let myself calm down before continuing. “After two years lingering in the darkness, I found my way back to the light again. It was slow but eventually, I became who I was before my fall into darkness. I was able to finally smile again, able to laugh, able to be happy. Jazmine would never of wanted me to be like that, she would have wanted me to move on, to be happy. I found that out all too late, everypony was scared of me, they cowered away from me if I came near, they loathed me.” I said my expression brightening a little.
“I never once thought about my actions during those two years. Not about the ponies I would hurt when they found out somepony special to them died on the battlefield, or about the ponies who we could’ve captured and returned them to their families instead of killing them as I did. The reason for my darkness, the reason for my hatred and the cause of those titles, were the result of Celestia killing my wife who was innocent in all this.”
“I will tell you now, when you lose everything, you’ll stop at nothing, and I mean NOTHING! To get back at what took everything away from you. Just as I will not stop fighting until Celestia is dead and this land is free from her.” I stated stamping a hoof onto the ground as I finished. Almost all of them had looks of shock on their faces. Only SkyQuill looked remotely intact after I told them all the secret.
Applejack moved up to me and slapped me across the face. “Why?” She asked simply. I turned to face her again.
“There is no why Applejack, I just did. If I could change it, I will be straight with you, I wouldn’t.” I said coldly, causing even Luna to gawk at me. I felt Applejack slap me again this time with tears in her eyes.
“Why wouldn’t you change it!?” She yelled confused. The others wore glares on their face as well, all except for Dusk, Dash, and Rose. They wore looks of understanding.
“I wouldn’t change it because if I had been happy go lucky after her death, that would make me a true monster. The last thing you had from your life, taken away from you in an instant and you’re completely fine with it. Maybe I wouldn’t be as evil for as long, but there would still have to be the time period of grievance. Even when I was in my old world, I dealt with death by releasing my anger and sadness on those who even looked at me wrong. This is who I am Applejack, I may not always be proud of who I am, but I would never change a thing about me because if I did, I would no longer be me.” I said coldly, hardening my glare on the orange farm mare. Luna was no longer glaring at me, but smiling.
“Ah don’t know what ta say…” Applejack said quietly as I walked over to the door to let the others back in before I was stopped by SkyQuill. I looked back at her and she hugged me before returning to the others leaving me wondering why she hugged me. I shook the thought off and let the others back in.
“How did they take it sir?” LightningTwist asked. I simply pointed towards the still stunned group. “Oh, well at least you know they have hearts seeing as everypony you tell reacts that way.” She joked with me. I gave a small laugh at the joke.
The party continued without anymore “events” occurring and we made our way to our hotel. We stopped near a dinner as we recognized a unicorn in the window, he was talking to two other ponies. Me and Luna decided to stop in and say hello.
As we walked through the door we were greeted by the waiter. “Hello Sir and Madam, would you like a table or a booth?” He asked us, we simply shook our heads before continuing over to the three ponies.
“Well well well, never expected to see you here Kale.” I said aloud, holding Lunas hoof. The Unicorn looked up, spitting out his drink at the sight of us causing me to laugh.
“Lionel! What in the name of Faust are you doing here?!” He exclaimed, causing others to turn towards us, some recognizing my name and quickly returning to their meals. I motioned him to quiet down.
“Hey, I’m trying to keep it on the down low Kale, why don’t ya say my name a little louder?!” I whispered harshly gaining a laugh from his mare friend. “And who might this be?” I asked. He rolled his eyes.
“This is Milor and Gresh, members of the council.” He said slightly irritated.
“Hello Lionel and Midnight Star.” Milor said with a wink. She no doubt knew it was Luna as all the Order knew everypony. Luna looked at her awkwardly.
“I forgot you don’t know the council. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen you Kale, how have you been?” I asked sitting down next to him, along with Luna. He shot me a glare.
“I WAS trying to have a nice dinner with my friends, but then you had to up and ruin it. Milor, remind me to screw with him later.” He said pointing a hoof towards the unicorn. I gave a small chuckle. “I’m serious, you’re gonna pay for this later.” He said glaring at me.
“Okay okay, we’ll leave, for Fausts sake was just trying to say hi.” I said getting up from the booth.
“Well you said hello, now why don’t you get out of here.” He said angrily. I put my hooves up pretending I was scared gaining a laugh from Gresh, Milor, and Luna while he sat there glaring at me.
“Seeya around Kale!” I said as we exited the dinner. We made our way towards the hotel again. As we reached our room we hopped into bed and fell asleep almost instantly.
The days we spent there in Utopia passed quickly as we spent time getting to know the 4 ponies and their families. It was a fun week but it was not without annoyance as Kale made good on his threat and I constantly messed up during my vacation, either a small trip or hurting somepony on accident. I knew the next time I saw him not to talk to him unless he talked to me first.
About halfway through our vacation we were given the location of the last Element by a messenger pegasi. We knew what that would entail for us when we returned to base, Vasquez, Dash, Rose, LightningTwist, and I all knew we would be heading out first thing. We kept the news of the mission until we were ready to leave. When we arrived at the train depot in full armor, carrying weapons and all, the ponies and other creatures on the train platform looked upon us with fear, as did our friends we had met during our stay in Utopia.
I stood still waiting for the train, staring straight ahead to the hills beyond us, Dash and Vasquez stood the same next to me, keeping their sights on the horizon. I no longer held back my magic allowing my body to flow with the marks of red starfield and my mane and tail to flow as well. I knew that everypony knew who we were now and Luna even dropped her disguise knowing it would be a fruitless effort to hide herself with me like this in public. Applejack stood in front of me waving her hoof in my face trying to get my attention.
“Hey! What do ya think yer doing Lionel?!” She asked loudly. She went to slap me with her hoof but I caught her hoof and set it back on the ground returning my gaze straight ahead. “Will ya listen ta me!” She exclaimed.
“Applejack, there is nothing to discuss. Now please leave me be or risk angering me.” I said coldly, not even shifting my gaze to her. She looked at me, stunned at my threat.
“Why are ya doing this! Ya don’t got ta go!” She said trying to glare holes into me. I stood there unphased as Rarity came over and tried to remove Applejack. I put a hoof between them.
“Rarity, let her. She, just as everypony else here has a right to be mad, but this is our job, we can’t risk losing what we are after.” I said flatly looking down to the unicorn who shrunk back under my gaze. Applejack went to slap me again, I let her but her hoof stopped on my cheek, not making me even flinch.
“Please Lionel, you don’t ha-” I cut her off by putting a hoof to her mouth.
“Applejack, if we don’t do this, we may lose the only chance we have to end this war sooner rather than later. You may hate seeing your new friends going to battle along with one of your best friends, but this is the fate that we have chosen to make your life, and everyponies life better.” I said motioning to Dash who kept her gaze forwards. “Dash, please say goodbye to Applejack and your other friends, this may or may not be a final goodbye.” I said flatly looking at Dash as she softened her eyes and ran over to Applejack giving her a hug soon joined by Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy.
“Goodbye girls, if this is the final goodbye, it was a fun ride.” she said softly, letting a single tear come down her face, the others crying furiously. They were drowned out by the train stopping in front of us. I walked over to Luna and gave her a kiss and said my final goodbye. I shook hooves with General Dusk.
“Good Luck Vice Commander, you better come back with that element and your squad intact.” He said jokingly, hoping to raise spirits. It worked as it brought a smile to my face.
“You better keep Luna safe General, or I’ll have your flank on a platter when I return.” I said with a smirk laughing wholeheartedly before turning towards the train where my squad was waiting. I boarded as Applejack grabbed my tail. I turned around to see her eyes pleading for us to stay. “I’m sorry Applejack.” I said levitating her away from the train allowing her to flail and yell wildly as the train started to leave the station.
For the entire trip we all stood in a circle of silence, not speaking a single word. Dash looking out the window, Vasquez standing against the wall, his gaze kept on the ground. Rose sat down her head in her hooves being as silent and still as she possibly could. LightningTwist fell asleep on a seat. Me, I was constantly looking around making sure we weren’t in trouble and there was no trouble.
By the time we finally arrived at the edge of Utopia, it was night time. “Everypony up and out! We’ve arrived at the edge of Utopia, we have a two hour trip to the badlands. Make sure you get some sleep on our way so you are at your full strength when we arrive.” I ordered. Everypony got up collecting their gear and trotting off the train station platform where we were greeted by two royal guards. They smiled at us oddly.
“Hello Vice Commander.” One of them said happily. I readied my dagger spell, they quickly held their hooves up. “Whoa, Whoa, Whoa! We’re here on our leave!” He said backing away from me. I quickly dispelled my daggers.
“We just got back from our leave and there are two Equestrian Legion soldiers at the train platform of Utopia, yeah how are we not supposed to be alarmed?” I said sarcastically. They scratched the back of their heads.
“We can’t expect you not to be alarmed, it would be weird if you weren’t, but we are seriously going on leave. I’m visiting my sister, Twilight.” He said lowering his hoof. My eyes widened.
“So you’re the famous Captain Shining Armor? Well it’s nice to meet you, sort of.” I said walking over and holding a hoof out to him. He stepped back with a glare on his face.
“How did you know my name?!” He asked angrily. I shook my head and approached him again.
“I know your sister, Twilight Sparkle. She is a good friend of mine, don’t worry I have no mal intentions towards her or you.” I said calmly putting my hoof back out for him to shake it. He relaxed slightly and cautiously shook my hoof.
“Fine, but if you hurt her in any way, I will kill you, personally. Got it?” He said threatening me. I smirked at him waving off his threat.
“Captain, if I wanted to hurt her, I could have done so a long time ago, I met her when I arrived here five years ago. I’m more surprised she hasn’t told you she knew me. I also made her the promise if I ever found you, I wouldn’t hurt you and on the battlefield I wouldn’t kill you but capture you or just knock you out.” I said with a smile, Causing him to shift uncomfortably. I heard a laugh come from behind me.
“We ought to be going. I’m sure you’re busy and I’m sure Twilight is waiting for me. If we meet again, it will most likely be on unfavorable terms, I wish you luck Vice Commander.” He said politely before motioning his friend to follow him to the platform.
“As do I to you Captain, may your visit go well, also send my regards to Twilight for me as I’m sure she will be happy to know we have finally met on favorable terms.” I said giving him a smile, him smiling back. They trotted over to the platform and waited for the next train. We did not see them off.
I turned my attention towards my squad who were all waiting at attention waiting for me to give them orders. “Everypony ready?” I asked, they responded, “Sir, yes sir!” I gave a smile as I conjured a platform underneath us and lifted us off the ground. On the platform I could see Shining Armor gawking at us.
I smiled and waved as we started flying upwards casting a shield around us and an invisibility spell allowing us to have no wind or snow or rain come in at us and allowing us to travel without being seen. The others quickly fell asleep as we flew, as I kept the platform, shield and invisibility up.
An hour later...
The train came to a halt as Twilight waited for her brother to step off the train. She had hoped that Lionel and him had not encountered each other. She waited for two minutes before finally seeing her brother step off the train in his armor. She smiled as he saw her. He did not smile back, but held a grim look upon his face. No doubt, he had met Lionel. She gulped as he approached her.
He hugged her quickly before speaking. “Twilight, I need to talk to you about something.” He said flatly, keeping his grim look. Twilight sighed as she realized what it was about.
“Shining I can explain!” She said. He raised an eyebrow to this.
“Explain what?” He said coldly keeping his look. Twilight shrunk under his gaze.
“I know you don’t like me being friends with him but-” She was cut off by him putting a hoof up.
“That’s not what I wanted to talk about, what you do is your business, not mine. I honestly don’t care about that, it’s about something else.” He said slightly lightening his gaze. Twilight raised an eyebrow to this. She looked into his eyes and saw exactly what he wanted to talk about.
“Oh no…” She said quietly. Shining hugged her quickly and motioned his friend to come say hello. He simply waved at the mare, Shining rolled his eyes. Twilight started to walk off the platform, Shining Armor following behind her shortly. It took only a couple of minutes to reach the library.
“Brother, did you ask to be stationed there?” She asked quietly looking towards the wall with him behind her. He hung his head before replying.
“I did…but-” She cut him off.
“WHY?! WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS?!” She yelled at him. He found his way onto the couch before motioning Twilight to sit down on the chair. She kept standing.
“The reason I did this is because…I found out what The Pack is doing. They are collecting the Elements of Harmony to try and end the war.” He said flatly. Twilight shook her head, she already knew this.
“Shining, I already know that.” She said flatly looking back up to him. He looked at her in utter surprise.
“You knew?!” He practically yelled. Twilight kept her stance.
“I did.” She said simply. Not even blinking as his anger rose to meet his face. Twilight suppressed the urge to laugh. “Shining Armor, just as I didn’t tell you of their plans, I never told them of your plans. I am just a neutral body in this, so you can be mad at me all you want.” She said flattening her eyebrows. Shining didn’t calm down though.
“Why wouldn’t you tell us?! That information is vital to the Equestrian Legion!” He exclaimed, stamping a hoof into the sofa.
“As I said, I’m a neutral body Shining. You can report me to the Legion if you want, but I can’t guarantee your safety if you do. Lionel may be my friend but he will not take lightly to having me hurt, especially by my own brother.” She said flatly, causing him to look away in shame.
He thought to himself, could I really do that to my own sister… he thought about it, but he knew that it would be for the better if he did. He decided once he returned to base, he would report it to Celestia. “I won’t do that to you Twilie, I’m sorry for that.” He lied to her. She brung a smile to her face.
“Good, now that, that is out of the way, we should get some sleep. Your room is upstairs on the left, be quiet though, Jazmine is sleeping.” She said quietly.
“I’m not asleep anymore, what with your yelling and all.” Jazmine said, descending the stairs. “Hey there Shining Armor, long time no see.” She said walking over the unicorn and hugging him wholeheartedly. He returned the hug, giving her a smile as well.
“Hope Twilight hasn’t been too rough on ya the past couple of months.” He said jokingly as Twilight rolled her eyes. “How did you take the visit from Lost Solstice?” He asked, causing her to quickly avert her gaze to the ground. Twilight cleared her throat, shooting him a glare. He raised an eyebrow and shrugged.
“It…it was good…” she said quietly. Shining felt his heart fall realizing her lie.
“What happened?” He asked placing a hoof on her shoulder, she shifted away letting his hoof fall away.
“Nothing that I can tell. Please don’t ask.” She said harshly. Twilight smiled at her as Shining opened his mouth to proceed further but closed it realizing it was a sensitive topic.
“Alright, I won’t ask any more. Just know me and Twilie are here if you need to talk about it.” He offered. She nodded her head and started walking back up the stairs.
“I’m going to go back to bed. I’ll see you two in the morning.” she said sadly, keeping her head low as she ascended the stairs, disappearing into the darkness.
Shining kept looking up the stairs with a sorrowful look on his face. He turned to Twilight. “What happened?” He asked. Twilight sighed and motioned him to sit down, proceeding to tell him the events of the week prior, of course leaving out details that were to be kept to her and her friends.
Thirty-Seven Minutes later…
We slowed down and reduced our height as we approached the castle ten miles ahead of us. I walked to each pony, silently shaking them from their sleep to wake them. “Listen everypony, the castle may be old but it shall not be unguarded no doubt. Be ready for all that may meet us upon entry, keep yourselves in the shadows and stay alert. The castle of beginnings is not to be taken with caution.” I told them as they readied their gear. They all gave a silent nod of acknowledgment.
We landed a mere mile away from the castle, not taking any chances of there being Equestrian Legion soldiers or otherwise. We hid unneeded gear in some brush and I cast a warding spell over them to conceal and keep them safe in the brush. “Let’s go and get the final Element of Harmony everypony.” I said quietly to them. They all smiled and nodded.
I had cast an invisibility spell over us as we walked down an overgrown path of plants that used to be made of cobble. It did not take us more than twenty minutes to reach the entrance of the castle, which had collapsed on itself allowing us easy passage over the rubble. When we reached the top of the pile I jumped down only to feel the jolt of a warning ward be broken underneath my hooves. I mentally cursed myself, motioning for the others to stop on the top of the pile.
“Ready yourselves everypony, I accidently broke a ward.” I whispered back to them. I could hear the unsheathing of three swords and a spell being cast. I slowly approached the door to the tower as I heard the whizzing of an arrow. It narrowly missed my snout as I turned around and sent a dagger flying at the one who had sent the arrow my way. The dagger burrowed its way into what looked like a skeleton pony. “Oh great, skeletons, what does this world not have.” I thought to myself as two more skeletons popped up next to the dead skeleton.
They shot two arrows in quick succession but they were quickly cut away by a dagger of mine. I was about to send two more daggers as Dash and LightningTwist landed upon them with a crushing strike. You could hear the swords slam into the ground after cutting the skeletons in half. “Looks like silent is not what we shall have, keep your guard up and split up into two groups. Sergeant Dash, Corporal LightningTwist, you search the east and north ends of the castle. Sergeant Vasquez and Corporal Rose, you’re with me, we will search the west and south ends of the castle. Let’s go!” They all responded, “Sir, yes sir!”.
I bucked down the door to the castle sending it crashing into the ground mere feet in front of us. As we walked in we were greeted by the smell of mold and moss, it looked like we had entered into the royal kitchen. We looked around for the element only to be disappointed, so we made our way out into the hallway. It was lined with Skeleton soldiers clad in rusted armor, I gave a small smirk.
I transformed into Azriel and cast my dagger spell along with making a staff for me to use. I stood in front of Rose and Vasquez, who readied themselves for the fight ahead. I jumped forwards at the army of skeletons who were using swords and spears to try and pierce me. I landed in the middle of a giant group and spun my daggers around me as fast as I could, clearing out a small area as the skeletons were sliced into dust along with their rusted armor and weapons. I proceeded to start smashing skeletons with my staff as I heard the clashing of swords and spears from where I had just jumped from.
When the dust cleared I could see they were holding off the army near the, killing quite a few of them. I returned my attention to the skeletons around me. I noticed something, they had eyes, not holes of black, but a small ball. It was a pure white sphere that embedded itself into the eye of each of them. I quickly snatched one up and ripped the balls out of their eyes, the skeleton fell apart and the balls of white faded into the air. Somepony was controlling them.
I casted a sphere of antimagic around me and slowly increased it, causing the skeletons to fall one by one as the spheres of white faded from their skulls. I encompassed the entire hall in the sphere, killing any skeletons that might of been “alive”. I returned to my unicorn form, walking over to Rose and Vasquez who were panting, trying to regain their breath. They had no cuts, only a few bruises. “Good job you two, now lets continue searching.” I said smiling at them. They smiled back to me.
We searched all the rooms along the hall for the Element to no avail. When we entered the hallway again I heard something come from the end of the hallway. I couldn’t place my hoof on it, but it sounded like a mare. I motioned Vasquez and Rose to silence as the doorway opened on its own. I raised an eyebrow and cast my daggers spell and slowly approached the open entrance. Cautiously I poked my head into the room to find it was the main hall.
“Hello?” I asked into the room. I received no response and chose to enter the room, Vasquez and Rose following closely, keeping their weapons handy. I dispelled my daggers only to recast them as the main doors burst open, revealing Rainbow Dash, and LightningTwist, shortly followed by an army of skeletons.
“Help!” Dash yelled through her breaths. I rolled my eyes casting the same anti magic sphere I had used previously, causing the skeletons to all fall into a giant pile of bones. I sighed releasing the sphere. I looked at Dash and LightningTwist who wore expressions of awe on their faces. I chuckled as I heard hooves approaching from behind us. I quickly readied myself for a fight and looked to where the sound was coming, but saw nothing. I was staring at the throne of the castle. I heard the hooves approaching from the hallway next to it.
“Who’s there!? Show thyself demon!” I growled. The hooves got louder and louder before we saw what had been approaching us. My eyes widened in shock as I saw an alicorn slightly larger than Celestia stop at the doorway. Her coat was a snow white, her mane a violet red, her eyes a teal color.
“Demon? Why I think not that I have been called such before.” She said lightheartedly. She gave me a small smile as I dispelled my spell and bowed. My squad kept their weapons at the ready. When I raised my head I motioned for them to sheathe their weapons and listen.
“Who may you be ma’m? From what I can tell you are either a princess, queen, or an ex-princess/queen.” I asked holding my head high, speaking with formality added to my voice. I held a warm smile on my face.
“Who may I be you ask? For one who knows whom I am already you ask such a question, Lost Solstice, or do you prefer Lionel Varellian?” She said loudly, her voice reaching the farthest end of the room. She walked to the front of the throne and sat down on the ground. How did she know my name? Oh wait, never mind…
“I would ask how you knew my name, but I’m afraid it no longer surprises me. I don’t know yours though, even if you would like to say I do. The only alicorns I know are Queen Celestia the Tyrant, and Princess Luna. None more and none less.” I said, making it clear I had no idea of whom she was. She chuckled as she motioned me to come forwards. I walked up to her and she whacked me on the head with her hoof. I rubbed the spot where she hit me and glared at her. “OW! That hurt! Why’d you do that!?” I exclaimed, causing her to laugh.
“Still dimwitted as you used to be. How little you have truly changed.” She said, her tone turning to one of reminiscence. I looked up to her with a quizzical look splayed across my face.
“What do you mean? I’m not dumb…” I said growing irritated with her. I heard Dash and Rose laugh from behind me. I shot them a glare that made them shut up immediately. “Also you say, “How little you have truly changed”, what do you mean? You were never mentioned in the legend of a thousand years ago to my knowledge.” I stated.
She sighed and looked up to the broken roof above us. “That’s because I’m from even farther back Lionel, back from the days of old. I ruled before Luna and Celestia. Believe it or not, this tis not your second life here, but your eighth.” She said returning her gaze down to me. My eyes grew wide.
“Oh great, so this is a recurring theme for eternity isn’t it?” I said sarcastically, knowing the answer. She placed a hoof on my shoulder and the world around me faded to white.
Lost Solstice, a name known across the ages as a hero, forgotten by lies and tragedy. You are not a simple pony, nor a simple human. You are a pony without end, one without a fate to fade as many others have. You are more than anypony could dream to be, you are a true immortal. Not physically, but mentally and spiritually.
Your soul has endured the worst disasters in history, it has endured many lifetimes worth of pain and suffering, but you always stay true to yourself and keep fighting, even if all is lost. You brought upon the Equestrian Kingdom with the help of me and I let your name be forgotten from Equus. You brought upon the downfall of Lord Shamble, breaking his will to nothing by showing him a light that would never fade, yet your story faded as you sacrificed yourself. You destroyed the Queen of Frost by showing her no mercy without end, only to be forgotten by history and waved off as the weapon known as excalibur.
You helped the griffin kingdom from certain destruction by sacrificing yourself to the dark, allowing it to consume a light that in turn destroyed itself, nopony remembered the name of that selfless pony. You killed the King of Equestria, King Ignis, to ensure that Celestia and Luna lived, you were forgotten by all except I. You threw yourself into the depths of Tartarus to keep Lucifer himself at bay, you let your body become the binds that hold him in his unbreakable prison of light, forgotten by many and legend told by many but name lost to time. You tried to save Equestria from a life terror under the cruel hoof of Celestia, yet you had lost after Luna was banished, killed in cold blood and legend written over.
You are the light that has given so much for so little in return, the one who has suffered eight lifetimes of terror and anguish. You are the one who has been forgotten across the ages, the one who has saved countless lives in sacrifice of his own, even if he had to take blade up against those around him to do so. You are the light that is lost, found only when darkness wishes to consume the land. Never to find peace or solitude, but to live countless times despite your want to rest in peace. You are the Lost Solstice.
As my reality returned to me I felt the urge to throw up and my head throbbed with enough pain that it felt as if my brain was going to burst out of my skull any moment. I groaned at the pain as I slowly got to my hooves.
“You’re finally awake.” I heard a voice come from behind me. As I opened my eyes I was met with a room decorated with stars and clouds on the walls, all moving around as if it were the night and day skies merged to one. At the top was a half moon, half sun figure. I stared at it only for a couple of seconds before the voice from behind me cleared its throat. I turned to face the voice, realizing it was the alicorn from before.
“What did you do to me? More importantly where is my squad?” I asked calmly, keeping my gaze hard upon her. She smiled.
“Your squad is as unharmed as you Lost Solstice. As to what I did to you, was tell you of what could not be told by anypony else.” She said happily. I shook my head as I remembered what I heard.
I closed my eyes and let my magic flow again. I opened my eyes staring straight into hers as I realized that she had told the truth, she was not lying about it. “That may explain me, but that does not explain you, Queen Faust, from what I was told, you died by a spear as my wife has said. It explains not why you are here before me and why you are even alive.” I said questioning her existence. She merely laughed.
“Just as you are a true immortal, I am as well. Not to mention Discord, Harmonis, Ignis, Lucifer, Starswirl the bearded, and the Element Wielders. We may all die, but we are born with different names, all of us except for you. Your name in the world of humans may turn face and choose fate, but your name here in Equus has always been the same. As where you have died seven times and lived seven lives, the Element Wielders, Starswirl, and Ignis have all lived a multitude more than thou, but Harmonis, Lucifer, and Discord have lived under three lives each as our lifespans are greater than that of any other. Only dying to the hand of fate mostly. This tis only my second life.” She stated clearly, keeping her royal composure up as she did.
I took a moment to contemplate the whole idea. As I took it in, I realized, I never remembered anything from previous lives then, or at least as far as I know. I looked back up to her about to ask my question as the doors burst open revealing my squadmates as they all fell onto the ground. All of whom were panting heavily, no doubt they were running themselves ragged trying to find me. I gave them a smile as they looked up to see me talking with the Alicorn.
“Attention!” I shouted, causing them to scramble to their hooves and stand at attention. “At ease soldiers, I am unharmed, but I do wish to know how long it has been since I have been out.” I ordered. Sergeant Dash was the first to step forwards.
“Sir, we have no clue how long we have all been out, we only woke up a few minutes ago, oddly we were in a room with two alicorn beds. We saw no trace of you so we decided we should look for you. So here we are now.” She stated motioning to the rest of the squad who nodded in acknowledgment.
I turned towards Faust. “Faust, how long have you kept me and my squad?” I asked flatly, short on any patience I had left for slow answers.
“You have been here only for but two days Lost Solstice.” She responded quickly and calmly. When I heard this my eyes widened in fear. We were expected back yesterday at headquarters, no doubt Luna and the generals were going crazy trying to find out what happened to us.
“Oh for Fausts sake! No offense to you Faust. How in the world are we going to explain this one to the Generals!” I facehoofed. A small laugh came from the alicorn as the others did the same as I.
“I know not what intentions you hold for the Elements of Harmony, but I do know that your intentions may be true to the heart, as such I shall relinquish the Element of Magic that I have held to since your demise those many moons ago.” She said as she walked over to a blank wall. She pushed a stone into the wall causing gears to go off behind it. The wall itself sunk into the ground below revealing a single pedestal in the middle of the room it blocked off, on that pedestal was a necklace that held the insignia of the pack.
I trotted over to her to take a look at the Element. “Faust, you are helping us? Not that I should be mad, but why?” I asked worriedly. She gave me a small smirk.
“What I do is my business alone Lost Solstice, just as I have told you in the past my intentions will become clear when they need to you. There is but one thing I wish for you to tell my daughters. To Celestia, The night has come for the light and in which you shall be followed. To Luna, Life has brought upon sorrow but the light will show you the path. Do not tell them who has said this as they will more than likely realize it soon after they hear it.” She said smiling, giving me a scroll in her blue field of magic. No doubt it says exactly what she wanted me to tell them. I nodded my head taking the scroll in my mane and placing the scroll in a pocket of my jacket.
“I shall Faust.” I said as she placed the Element around my neck. “Why are you pl-” I was cut off as a surge of strong magic flew through my entire body, turning my mane and tail from a red starfield into a pure white flow, along with turning my markings into pure white magic as well. I felt as if all the magic in the world was in the palm of my hoof.
“Be cautious with the Element Lost Solstice, I have released the bindings of each Element to allow the full and proper use of each. They are not to be used for idle usage, so please find the bearers quick. Hold each one in a field of magic and use this spell to find the bearer of the element.” She said floating another scroll to me, I took it in my new field of white magic and placed it in my pocket, next to the scroll she gave me earlier. I nodded and gave her a salute. She gave the same and I teleported me and my squad outside the castle to where we stashed our equipment.
I took off the element, allowing my normal magic to flow again, panting from the power that left my body so quickly. I shook my head, waving off the weakness and nausea. “Hopefully we can find the new bearer soon, I don’t think I would be able to take all that magic again without hurling my lunch.” I said jokingly to Vasquez who gave a smile.
As he was fetching his equipment he proceeded to ask me how it felt to have that magic, how I felt about Faust, more importantly, If I would tell Luna the truth. I sighed at the thought, what could I do? I didn’t want to lie to my wife, but Faust, the creator of Equestria, had told me specifically not to. Who knows what she would do to me if I didn’t obey her.
“Honestly Vasquez, the power felt good, but it burned. How I felt about Faust? How was I supposed to feel meeting the long since thought dead mother of my wife, I felt both a pang of guilt and a pang of happiness. Also if I told Luna the truth, no doubt Faust would know immediately and rip me apart one by one for not listening to her only wish. So I’m keeping what happened here, with Faust, Class 12 classified. Meaning if any of you speak of Faust or what happened, you will be dishonorably discharged, got it?” I finished glaring at each of them. They all nodded. I turned to face Rainbow Dash.
“Sergeant Dash” I started as she turned her attention towards me. “Since I know you are best friends with Pinkie Pie, you must make a Pinkie Promise on this.” I said coldly. She rolled her eyes and did the promise. “Good” I said as I cast the platform under us all. “Everypony ready for lift off?” I asked. They all nodded. “Alright then, let’s go!” I said lifting us off the ground almost three times faster than I had ever before causing us all to flatten against the platform and it to send us flying at the peak.
I quickly caught everypony with the platform, shaking it off. “Sir, pardon me but, what in the buck was that?!” Rose practically yelled, causing all of us to stare at her. She shied back under our combined gaze. “I’m…I’m sorry…” She said quietly. I walked over to her offering a hoof up, she took it nicely.
“Honestly Rose, I have no clue. I’ve never gone that fast before with a simple push. I think I should cast a shield around us this time, not to keep the cold out, but to keep us from flying off if that happens again. Also I’ll form my magic around each of your hooves to keep you firmly planted if it does happen again. Now stand still.” I said as they all stood facing the four corners of the platform and me in the middle. I cast a shield around us then an invisibility spell along with expanding parts of the platform to encase our hooves.
I slowly started pushing forwards with my magic on the platform causing me to jerk forwards into about 30 miles per hour. It was odd, usually that small push would only put me at ten miles per hour. I decided to test this further by doing a really strong push that would normally let us go at our normal speed of 200 mph, this time I noticed the significant difference between my speeds. This time I was at 600 mph causing all of us to jerk harshly as we sped up.
We reached the crystal empire faster than we had ever before. Our total trip took under 45 minutes.We slowed down significantly as we lowered onto the Captains Platform of the spire. It was noon when we landed, we were greeted by the generals and Luna. Luna cried into my arm as I held her, no doubt thinking that I was dead.
We sorted out our things into our quarters and got debriefed putting the Element of Magic with the other Elements for the time being. I left out all of the occurrences after we entered the throne room playing off that the hooves we heard were another skeleton that was wearing the element but knocked us out with a spell before we could kill it. I also told them once we woke up Dash killed it and took the element bringing it to me and we got out of there as fast we could using a teleportation spell. They accepted it as the truth from each of us.
It was night time by the time I was able to tell them of the spell we had obtained from the castles archives, of course lying. I decided that I wouldn’t tell Luna the other scroll until we were in private, no matter how much she asked for it. She even tried to use her rank to get me to tell her it then and there, when I denied she pouted. Which only allowed us to concentrate on getting the spell decoded soon. We had decoded it by the end of the night but decided we should get a nights rest before using it on any of the elements.
As me and Luna made our way to our quarters I couldn’t help but feel that there was something off. I kept looking around, making sure nopony was watching us. “Luna, do you feel like somethings…off?” I whispered quietly to her.
“No I don’t, why? Should I feel like somethings off?” She asked flatly, raising an eyebrow to me. No sooner did we stop in front of our door did we hear a letter appear behind our door. I rolled my eyes and sighed as I opened the door. There behind the door was not just one letter, but a pile of letters.
“Ummm, I guess someones been trying to get a hold of us Luna.” I said sarcastically, causing her to glare at me. I walked into the room levitating all the scrolls onto my desk. “Luna, before we open any of these scrolls, I need to read this one.” I said levitating the scroll out of my shirt pocket. Her eyes lit up like fireflies in the darkest of nights.
“Finally!” She exclaimed as I removed the seal from the letter. I cleared my throat.
Dear Luna,
I have not much to tell but only this. Life has brought upon sorrow but the light will show you the path. Make of this what you will as one day you will understand.
Signed,
The letter cut off on both parts for her and Celestia at the Signed part. I looked up to Luna who only held a quizzical look on her face. “Luna, who has given this to me I have no idea as I woke up with it in my pocket. When I read it, I knew it was for you and Celestia.” I said sitting next to Luna who was still pondering the meaning.
“What does it mean Lionel?” She asked silently, looking at me. I shook my head telling her I had no clue. We heard as another letter appeared. I rolled my eyes.
“I guess we should see what these letters are about.” I said levitating the newest scroll over to us opening it.
LIONEL! LUNA! HELP PLEASE! THE EQUESTRIAN LEGIONS GOT TWILIGHT AND SKYQUILL! PLEASE HURRY!
The letter stopped there, but it didn’t cause any less damage. I felt the anger boil inside of me, spilling over as I screamed in anger. “HOW THE BUCK DARE SHE!!!” I yelled at the top of my lungs causing Luna to cringe under the sound. I got up and stomped out of the room. “SERGEANT DASH, SERGEANT VASQUEZ, CORPORAL ROSE, CORPORAL LIGHTNINGTWIST, GENERAL DUSK, GENERAL FROST, GENERAL LOTUS, GENERAL SLYNN! ALL OF YOU OUT HERE NOW!” I yelled down the corridor at the top of my lungs. The doors opened quickly as each of them dived out weapons in mouths and spells cast only to be lowered in disappointment.
“Vice Commander! What is the meaning of this?!” General Frost exclaimed irritatedly only to widen his eyes in fear as I approached him in a full on rage.
“General, right now is not a good time to push me. Get your best gear and best men ready for battle now. Twilight Sparkle and SkyQuill have both been captured from Utopia. One breaking a long time peace zone and two kidnapping Twilight Sparkle. This isn’t an option, this is a BUCKING ORDER! NOW MOVE!” I yelled in his face, causing him to shrink back before saluting and gathering his armor and weapon from his room
“DO YOU ALL THINK YOU’RE EXEMPT FROM THIS ORDER! GET A MOVE ON!” I yelled at the remaining ponies who all saluted quickly and slammed their doors shut in a hurry to get their armor and weapons ready. I turned around to see Luna surprised at me.
“Lionel, I didn’t think I would ever see this again.” She said approaching me, holding a hoof to my chest. I looked down on her and hugged her bending my neck around hers.
“I’m sorry Luna, but Celestia has given me no choice but to take charge like this. She may have Twilight, but she doesn’t have even a single Element of Harmony, which is her one crucial mistake, especially since we have the Element of Magic now.” I said coldly releasing my hold on Luna. I quickly kissed her and ran down the stairs to the room that held the Elements.
I unlocked the door and used the spell on each of the elements quickly putting the knowledge of each bearer into my mind. I sighed realizing each pony was a pony I already knew, one of them being the one who I was about to rescue. One of them is in my squad and the others are friends of her and Twilight. My mind became focused only on getting Twilight back, safe and sound. Even SkyQuill was at the back of my mind, even though she had been captured as well.
I put the Element of Magic around my neck again this time the magic flowed a bright orange into my mane and I felt myself grow a couple feet. The Element seemed to have a potent effect on me this time, increasing my size and magical abilities. My eyes turned a pure white all the same. I walked out of the room, running straight into General Frost who was half my size now. He simply gawked at me not able to take his gaze off of me.
“Tis me Frost, art thine troops ready?” I asked, speaking in olden tongue. Much to my surprise my voice held a more regal tone and it was louder than normal. It broke him out of his stupor no doubt.
“Sir, my troops stand at the ready in the courtyard, what are your orders?” He asked standing at attention. I motioned for him to relax.
“Thou shalt wait in the courtyard for the other Generals Troops to gather, when all are gathered, from the courtyard we shall depart.” I ordering him towards the courtyard where his troops were gathered. He saluted and made his way to the platform above the courtyard.
I took only thirty minutes before all the Generals were gathered along with their respective troops that were stationed in the Crystal Empire. I joined the generals upon the platform. I motioned for my squad to come forth onto the platform as well.
“Listen up everypony! Tis not a night of solitude and love, tis a night of war and breakage of peace. The enemy has broken the long since made peaceful area of Utopia, kidnapping two ponies by the names of Twilight Sparkle, and SkyQuill. Luna and I only recently did receive word from her scribe, Spike. We shall NOT stand idly by as the territory we have long since kept to peace be destroyed by her vile hooves. Tonight, we shall fight! Tonight, we shall rescue Twilight Sparkle, and SkyQuill from her! Tonight we shall return peace to Utopia and the land surrounding it!”
“Before we do go, amongst my squad lies two of the bearers of Harmony. To which their respective elements shall be bestowed. One being I, the wielder of the Element of Magic, but not the true bearer of this day and age but the bearer of old from a thousand years ago. The other Element, the Element of Loyalty, is bestowed upon its bearer, Sergeant Rainbow Dash.” I yelled motioning Rainbow Dash to stand next to me. Her eyes were widened in shock as the news came out. None wore nothing but the expression of shock.
She slowly approached me as she realized what this meant. I placed the Element on her neck as it turned its shape into a necklace that created a lightning bolt from the crystal. She grew only slightly under the magic of the Element, but it was noticeable among other pegasi. I motioned for her to stay standing next to me as I continued my speech.
“Many of you may not return unharmed, whether physically or mentally. Tonight you fight with all you have as this will be a deciding battle as she has the Element of Magic Bearer, without her, the Elements cannot truly be connected to one another. We shall either live in the embrace of night or cease our lives in the grasp of day. We fight for honor! We fight for dreams! WE FIGHT FOR THE FUTURE!” I yelled at the top of my lungs causing a roar to go over the crowd gathered below. “ARE YOU READY!?” I yelled again. “SIR, YES SIR!” They yelled back. I smiled as I wrapped us in an embrace of magic, causing many of them to start whispering to each other.
I wrapped us in a sphere and teleported us a mile outside of Canterlot castle. No doubt we got their attention as the moment we appeared, you could hear war horns blowing in the distance coming from the Castle city. I looked over the gathered army to see many faces of confusion coming from even the generals and my squad.
“LISTEN! What has just occurred was a mass long distance teleportation spell, do not let that fear overcome you but let that fear flow to your weapon as you let yourself loose in battle against the Equestrian Legion. Our time is now! TO ARMS EVERYPONY!” I yelled above the crowd, my voice reaching the farthest ends of the army.
“Separate into squads under the orders of your respective general and stay together, watch each others backs and MOVE!” I yelled again, causing a roar from the army. I turned towards the generals. “May I see you all again at the end of this. Now get to work and we will see you on the frontlines with your squads you command.” I ordered them giving a salute. The saluted back and proceeded to organize their troops.
“Element Bearer Dash, Sergeant Vasquez, Corporal Rose, and Corporal LightningTwist, you’re with me. We stay together and we fight as one, do not stray far from one another or it may be fatal. Now, let’s move.” I said coldly to my squad. “Sir, yes sir!” They replied, following me down the path.
Only moments later were we joined by the Generals and their respective troops, separated into 7 squads per general. I trusted their judgement as to who they put in command of each squad and how they would go about this battle. I walked a few feet in front of the army before turning around to address them one last time.
“To all who shall sacrifice their lives this day, I commend you and tell you, you shall never be forgotten. Your names will be scribed in stone and your legacies will be told for many years to come. They have brought this fight to their doorstep by breaking peace, and kidnapping those of whom were neutral in this war. I will say no more, but know you are in the hearts and minds of everypony here, and those of whom you are fighting for. Now, let’s move.” I yelled turning around again and starting to walk, the Generals and Dash standing on the front next to me in a line. My squad right behind us, then the army we had gathered.
It took us only about twenty minutes to reach the gathered army of Equestrian Legion, with Celestia, Commander Bolt, the Vice Commander, and her generals on the front line as well. I motioned for the army to halt as me and the generals walked forth to meet in the middle. Celestia and her generals did so as well, stopping seven feet in front of us in the middle of both armies.
“Celestia, stop this battle before it begins and return Twilight Sparkle and SkyQuill. If you do so I will order my army to return to their posts.” I said coldly, lacing my voice with anger. She rose an eyebrow to me.
“You will not get her this day or any other day Lost Solstice.” She replied lowering her eyebrow and hardening her gaze.
“I wish not to take her for my own. She twas a neutral party in this war, yet thou hast broken a peace area in which all could live peaceful. I wish to return her to her home in Utopia, she has done not a thing to thou nor has she done anything to the ones who did take her. Thou dost only wish for her knowledge of which I have given her yet she did not tell me of any knowledge thou hast parted to her either.” I said keeping my gaze on Celestia who only shook her head.
“Oh, but I will get that knowledge Lost Solstice, just as you have gotten the Elements of Harmony. She may be my student, but any information is worth it.” She said coldly, reminding me of the cold that encompassed her heart. I furrowed my eyebrows in anger.
“You know not the pain she shall endure dost thee? Not only shall she resent thee, but she will be driven towards taking arms against thee, and her brother. You dare drive apart the family that hast lost but a father and mother leaving them nothing more than one another? Your heart truly hast become cold as stone and clouded by resent your mind has grown. I’ve only one last thing to say to thee before we fight.” I growled through my teeth.
“Oh and what is that Lost Solstice? That you want to give up?” She said cockily.
“This message be from one who shalt not reveal till right as time should deem. The night has come for the light and in which you shall be followed. As to Luna I have said you make of this what you will and thou shalt know soon when thou realize it too late.” I said coldly, letting her look at me in surprise.
“It…It can’t be…” I heard her whisper under her breath as her face grew with worry.
“Oh Celestia but it is.” I said grinning maniacally. I proceeded to turn around and walk back to our front with the generals in tow. I looked back briefly to find Celestia staring at me in fear. No doubt she realized exactly who it was from.
It took us only a couple minutes to find ourselves at the front of the army, waiting to charge as we readied ourselves. I cast a spell I had been working on for over two months finally being able to sum up the magic to cast it. I created a plethora of swords and daggers in the air above us creating a strong offense that could also defend us from the pegasi above us.
We stood at the ready, waiting patiently as the sun rose over the horizon helped by Celestia herself. “CHARGE!” I yelled at the top of my lungs, sprinting at full speed towards the front line, bringing my swords and daggers flying towards the frontline of the enemy army. I was followed by a roar of hooves and battle cries from the army behind me. It was deafening but it did not stop us.
I jumped high into the air and came down onto the skull of a unicorn whose magic faded quickly as bits of brain matter and skull flew out from where his head used to be. It was shortly followed by the sound of weapons clashing behind me as the two armies clashed. I quickly ducked as a spear flew above me landing itself into the back of a legion soldier. I smirked as I turned to where the spear came from seeing a pegasi flattening his ears against his armor as he heard the cry of pain from his friendly soldier.
I took this opportunity to kick him into the air then proceeding to cut his wings off with a sword and as he fell down I brought six daggers up through his chest leaving a giant hole where his heart was. His body fell limp on the ground as I was charged by a gryphon clad in golden armor with intricate designs, this was no doubt a captain. I grabbed him as he flew towards me throwing him past me only for him to catch the ground then spin around at full force. He flew towards me kicking me in the chest sending me flying into a crowd where I quickly recovered and took to the air with my assailant.
We hovered there for a minute. “May you be a Captain?” I said keeping my glare on him hovering a few swords around me in a circle.
“I am, but you shall not win this fight.” He replied coldly. He dashed towards me as I blocked his talons with a sword.
“We shall see.” I said calmly, knocking him back with a sword then charging at him, punching him in the stomach sending him hurdling backwards before he caught himself only a couple feet above the ground. He quickly charged at me. As I went to swing he dodged upwards and brought a talon down on my helmet full force knocking me to the ground. I recovered looking upwards to see him coming down at full force about to slam me into the ground. I narrowly dodged it as he hit the ground with a thunderous crack, the ground beneath his talon had cracked.
I brought a sphere down on his back before he could recover and slammed two swords down on his wings, incapacitating his flight capabilities. He struggled to his feet, panting heavily. I walked over to him keeping my glare concentrated as I started bringing in my weapons for one final barrage. I knocked him into the air with a sphere and levitated him there as I brought all of my daggers and swords slicing through his body. As I let his body out of my field of magic he turned into a rain of blood, bone, meat, and armor.
I took to the skies again, searching the field for Celestia. She was no where in sight so I decided to help my squad, they were holding their own again a squad of unicorns who were barraging their shield with bolts of magic. I brought a sword down on each of their horns causing them to die from magical backlash as the energy they had in their horns jolted through their bodies.
I landed softly next to my squad as I put up another shield so that Vasquez and Rose could take a moments rest. “We must get inside the main castle, everypony huddle together for a teleportation spell, I have enough to get us in but I cannot guarantee we will be able to get out the same way.” I ordered flatly. They all obeyed huddling close to me as I started to engulf us in my field of magic and cast the spell, visualizing the throne room from years past.
As I reopened my eyes I found us to be on top of a meeting table with several ponies, naga, and griffin surrounding it. All of whom looked at us surprised, only one of which did I recognize as Celestia. I quickly cast a sleep spell over the others leaving Celestia as the only awake one.
“Seems thou hast cowardly retreated leaving your army to fend for themselves. For shame Celestia.” I said snarkily. Creating daggers around her before she had time to respond. “You should tell me where she is before I create swiss Celestia for the world to savor.” I said casting a shadow across my face. She smiled and laughed.
“Coward? Says the one who wants to see me dead after a thousand years of peace. You are a coward fearing change.” She retorted glaring at me.
“Fear change? For I do not fear change, but I fight for change. You feared those around thee because thou hast not a underlying layer of trust left of her subjects, only one of irrationality and insecurity. A coward does not give their life in the name of what is right. Now, Twilight and SkyQuill, speak now or die now, tis your choice Celestia.” I said narrowing my glare, my eyes glowing red.
“You shall find them where the ones who object to the throne are.” She said coldly, keeping a steady glare on me. I gave a smile then cast a sleep spell over her.
“Goodnight Celestia, may its embrace take thee away.” I mumbled under my breath as I turned towards the main doors. I thrust them open with a strong push sending the guards outside flying down the hallway. They hit the wall with a thunderous crash, knocking them out. “Take haste and only put down if need be, the dungeon is where our targets lie.” I said to my squad who silently nodded as we walked out of the throne room.
We met surprisingly little resistance as we made our way towards the dungeon. All those we did encounter I dispatched quickly with either a spear or a sleep spell. As we descended the stairs we started smelling the burning of oil from lanterns that lit up the staircase. “Sir, if I may ask, what do you plan to do when we rescue them?” Dash asked from behind me. I looked back at her really quickly before turning my attention forwards again.
“What I plan to do is teleport them to the Crystal Empire in me and Lunas Quarters. Leaving me with only one choice left for our escape.” I replied. I heard them all stop and freeze, realizing what I meant. “Listen all of you, when they are teleported you are to sum up what energy you have and get the heck out of here as fast as you possibly can. This is an order, heed it or die.” I said flatly, continuing down the steps.
We had finally reached the bottom floor of the dungeon where Twilight and SkyQuill were supposedly being kept. “TWILIGHT! SKYQUILL! WHERE ARE YOU?!” I yelled down the hallway.
“Down here!” I heard a voice come from the far end of the hall. I sighed in relief that they were not dead, but it did sound as if she was hurt. I quickly ran down the hall to the door from which the voice had come.
“Stand back Twilight and SkyQuill! I’m going to kick this door down!” I exclaimed through the opening. I waited for a few seconds before bucking the door as hard as I could, sending the door crashing into the far wall of the cell. I walked inside of the cell as Twilight hugged me as hard as she could. “Tis nice to see thou art alright.” I said turning towards the other figure in the room who was under a blanket in the corner, no doubt traumatized from these events.
I walked over to the cowering figure grasping the blanket in a field of magic before Twilight put a hoof on my shoulder. “Lionel don’t!” She exclaimed, causing me to stop and look at her with a quizzical look. “If you do, you won’t ever recover.” She said, her eyes pleading for me to stop.
“Twilight, the pain endured has wrenched my heart enough. I wish to see how she fares before I teleport you two.” I said flatly, grasping the blanket again and tearing it off. What was there caused the world around me to fade with only her there in the middle of my vision.
I felt anger, sadness, happiness, and hope flood my body. There, staring back at me was Jazmine, my wife. I started to shake as the realization came to me.
The world flooded back to me as I felt the quaking of my body. “Twilight, know not this shall be discussed soon but take Jazmine in your hooves and ready thyself.” I said lowering my head to allow my flowing mane to cover my eyes.
“Lionel, I’m so sor-” I cut her off raising a hoof and pointing towards Jazmine who was still crying in the corner. I heard her walk over to her. I looked up only enough to see Twilight grasp her. I imagined my quarters and teleported the two as fast as I could.
I waved this off as fast as I could turning my attention towards my squad who were all waiting for orders, only Vasquez looked at me with a sad face. “Now is not the time for joy or sadness. Get out of here now.” I ordered them. They quickly took the order and started running down the hall and up the stairs, leaving me in quiet, only the sound of the torches flames crackling.
“Celestia, you shall pay, not today, but you shall pay.” I said aloud not minding if there were anypony else around me, as all who were around me now were considered enemy. I heard the clopping of hooves coming down the hall now. I readied myself and ran out into the hall only to stop as I saw Faust standing there in front of me.
“Greetings once again Lost Solstice.” She said happily, giving me a smile. I couldn’t help but glare at her as I felt anger arise once again in my heart.
“Faust, you must leave now or face death once again. I dare not harm friend if need be, but I know you knew of Jazmine, so I recommend that thee disappear from me for a fortnight as I work this all out.” I said angrily as I felt the despair rise into my heart as well.
“I shall, but before I do I have only one thing to say to you.” she started, “Alone you are not, the day and nights embrace doth take hold and allows you your life. Take these gifts and bring upon the end.” She finished teleporting out of the dungeon. I looked at where she stood for a few minutes before shaking my head.
I released Tiamat as all went dark.
The battle raged on outside as a thunderous boom came from the wretches of the Canterlot Dungeon, able to be heard from the Crystal Empire and beyond. Not one head did not turn towards the sound as the sky was darkened under the form of a dragon, one the size of which none have seen before. The scales were a dark gray, almost black, in color, the eyes were a pulsating red, and the leather wings were a pure white.
Rainbow Dash, Vasquez, LightningTwist, and Rose all stumbled back to their feet as they saw their old friend flying high above them all. They noticed something falling quickly from the dragons grasp, it was the Element of Magic. Dash quickly took to the skies flying towards the Element, catching it in her hooves before returning back to her squad.
“MOVE MOVE MOVE! WE CAN’T STAY HERE! ALERT THE GENERALS FOR STRATEGIC RETREAT!” Dash yelled worriedly as she pointed towards the battlefield. They quickly took heed and started running towards the battlefield, only to find that the fighting had stopped as they gawked at the sight before them.
The dragon was slowly descending and turning towards the castle, from what Dash could tell, Lionel was going to kill Celestia. Dash quickly shook the fear from her body as she flew up towards the dragons ear to speak to him.
She was knocked away with a swipe of his claw, knocking her smack dab into the middle of the castle where Celestia was still knocked out. She struggled to her hooves as she realized Lionel was about to breath fire upon them. She quickly picked up Celestia the best she could and dragged her behind cover, created from the rubble of the castle when he came up from the dungeons.
She violently shook Celestia, trying to wake her from her sleep spell as the air in the throne room ignited with flames. She sat there for a minute before the fire finally stopped and dared to look outside her cover. What she saw was but only ash and burnt stone, hovering above it was the looming figure of Lionel as he readied himself for another assault.
“CELESTIA! WAKE UP!” Dash yelled as she brought a hoof clear across Celestias jaw, waking her with a screech of pain. “Quit your whining! We have a bigger problem!” She yelled catching the Queens attention as the air ignited again with flames.
“Sweet Faust, what’s happening!?” Celestia asked worriedly to Dash, who simply shook her head and pointed her hoof outside as the fire came to a stop. Celestia poked her head out of the cover for a split second before returning to the cover. “Who is that?!” She yelled.
“That dragon is Lionel.” Dash said calmly with a tone of annoyance. Celestia shook her head furiously.
“That dragon is not Lionel! Last time I saw him in dragon form, he was a sky blue, and not nearly as huge!” She said her eyes quivering with fear.
“Oh buck…” Dash cursed under breath. “That means something must have happened.” She said staring into Celestias eyes. “Celestia, we may be on bad terms but he was not intending to kill you, only to buy us time to escape. I recommend that you retreat as fast as your wings and your armies wings can take you. There is no time for arguing so get going as soon as that fire stops again!” She growled loudly at Celestia who simply nodded her head, heeding her advice.
No sooner did the fire stop again, did the cyan pegasi and white alicorn shoot out of their cover towards their respective allies. Dash flew towards General Frost who was busy ordering a captain what he needed to do.
“General Frost! Sir!” Dash said through her breath. “We need to retreat! NOW! That dragon, is Lionel, the mission for rescuing SkyQuill and Twilight was successful and he is buying us time. These are orders directly from him, sir!” She said hardly able to hold herself up any longer from exhaustion.
“Alright, Captain, forget the orders you were given and relay a mass retreat to headquarters as fast as possible. Get going!” He ordered to the captain he was recently talking with. He saluted and ran towards the battlefield along the back yelling retreat, causing the other captains and generals to do the same. They heard retreat coming from the other side as well from the Equestrian Legion causing them all to stop in their tracks.
General Frost quickly spoke up. “This is a mass retreat for both sides! We have completed our objective and it seems they will be busy with the dragon! Now follow my orders and MOVE!” He yelled at the top of his lungs, motioning down the path. Quickly the army followed suit as another crash was heard from Canterlot.
What Dash saw when she turned around she could only explain as gruesome, one of the towers to Canterlot castle had been knocked down by Lionel onto the Equestrian Legion Army. Underneath the rubble lied an enormous pool of blood and limbs along with very few alive, trying to get air into their crushed lungs before finally giving in to the embrace of death. Lionel then proceeded to land in the castle just as a big flash of light overtook the army and the castle, when the light finally faded, only Lionel was left.
Dash quickly looked down towards the Element of Magic and Loyalty remembering the last sight she had of Lionel, standing there with his mane over his eyes, feeling the heat of his anger radiating off his body. She closed one hoof over the Element of Magic as she looked towards Lionel.
An earth shaking roar came from the dragon as his prey had disappeared, leaving him in anger. Dash could only watch in fear as he destroyed the castle, engulfing everything in flames and destruction, she knew something was amiss when he first arose. Lionel shifted his gaze towards The Packs Army and slowly started turning towards them causing Rainbow Dash to start flying even faster towards the front of the army, fearing the worst.
As soon as the dragon was above them did it start shrinking, ever so slowly did the dragon turn back into its former self. There was a collective sigh of relief from the army as they realized he was returning to normal. The pony that was the dragon continued falling towards the ground, slowly turning upside down so their back was facing the ground, nopony except for the generals and his squad realized what had happened. Lionel had blacked out, just as he had the last time he turned into this form, and the time before that, and the time before that. This time though, there was something significantly different about the pony.
Rainbow Dash quickly took flight towards the falling pony taking in the changes that had occurred to her friend. No longer was his coat a khaki color, but a pure black, his mane had become a permanent red starfield, even while he was unconscious. The most drastic change was he wasn’t a simple unicorn, nor a pegasi anymore, but an alicorn. No doubt these were the effects of him wearing the Element of Magic when he had turned into this form, usually he would only be a pegasi when turning back from dragon form, but he was infused with a great magic when he did it this time.
She slowed his descent but did not totally stop it causing them to crash into the ground hard. They were quickly joined by General Frost, General Dusk, General Lotus, Sergeant Vasquez, Corporal LightningTwist, and Corporal Rose. Rainbow Dash struggled to her hooves feeling the cuts and bruises that had occurred from the crash. As she tried to stretch her wings a stinging pain ran through her wings and down her spine, causing her to wince. Her wings had been broken from the crash.
“Bearer of Loyalty, are you okay?” She heard from behind her. She turned around to face the voice seeing General Dusk raising an eyebrow to her. “Looks like you had a pretty rough crash there.” he said with a grin.
“Sir, I am fine, just a few cuts and bruises and a pair of broken wings, no big deal sir.” she replied quickly. General Dusk let out a laugh at this.
“Rainbow Dash, you don’t have to call me sir anymore, you only take orders from the commander and vice commander from here on out. No one else unless they say you do.” He said turning his attention back towards Lionel. He shook his head and put his cap over his heart, the others followed suit.
Lionel started moving only slightly before speaking, “Mourning me before I’m dead, how cute.” He said through pained breaths, causing all of them to jump from both happiness and being startled. “Get me to HQ as soon as you can, I don’t have much left in me.” He finished before fainting again.
Dash felt as the world shifted around her as the generals started barking orders and they started moving back to the Crystal empire.
“It seems our friend Lionel has changed the tides of war.” Kale said under his breath, observing the scene before him with watchful eyes. He smiled underneath the cover of his hood turning towards Milor. “Get news to the council, the tides have changed in favor of The Pack, but Lionel is currently out of commission as he recovers from his most recent transformation.” Kale ordered to her. She nodded and ran out of the room.
“Kale, what do we do about her though? She was too dangerous this time, if she comes out again it could be disastrous upon an unprecedented scale. You saw what she did to the canterlot castle within only minutes!” Gresh exclaimed towards him. Kale started to laugh at his comment.
“Gresh, you know not what plans are in store. Tiamat shall stay, that disaster was exactly what Celestia needed as her wake up call, and the next time it does happen, it will be a wake up call to every creature in Equus.” Kale said lighting his eyes up in a red glow with his magic to add a dramatic effect. Gresh shook his head and sighed.
“Are you sure about this Kale? If that happens again and Lionel loses complete control? What if-” Gresh was cut off by the doors to the room slamming open as the 6 members of the council walked in.
“Kale! What happened for this shift to occur!?” They demanded in unison, almost rehearsed.
“Lower your tone with me, all of you. You may be a part of the council but remember whom the head of the council is.” Kale growled through his teeth. “The shift I shall let you observe here, tis easier to show than to tell. Find me tonight in the council room to further discuss this, I have other matters to attend to.” He said flatly, walking out of the room.
...10 hours later…
After ten hours of marching from Canterlot to the Crystal Empire, all were finally able to rest as they returned to their quarters for the rest of the day. It was 6 in the evening by the time they had arrived, exhausted and worn out from the recent battle that had been fought. The casualties were 134 dead and 62 wounded, out of the total 637 troops. We lost a general and four captains, two of the generals and seven captains were wounded, none of the wounds were fatal for them but we could not say the same for the other troops. Those with fatal wounds had died along the trip back to the Crystal Empire raising the original dead of 116 to 134.
Rainbow Dash, followed by her squad, General Dusk, and General Frost made their way to Lunas and Lionels quarters shortly after they dropped the alicorn off at the ICU. They all huddled around the door to their quarters hearing the cries of Luna coming from behind the door. All of them looked at each other as if they were broken on the inside, for the most part, they were.
“If none of you will, then I shall.” Rainbow Dash said, hardening her gaze on the others huddled around the door who quickly stepped back allowing her to pass towards the door. She slowly raised her hoof to knock on the door, when she brought it down on the door the crying stopped.
It took only a minute for the door to open, revealing a crying Luna who had no doubt, been scared out of her wits when Lionel didn’t come rushing through the door when the army first appeared in the city.
“Where is he?!” She practically yelled at them. They all looked towards the ground before Rainbow Dash finally spoke up.
“Luna, you’ll want to see for yourself, we will explain some other...happenings on the way.” She said motioning down the hallway. Luna's eyes grew in worry as she heard what she had least wanted to hear.
As they walked down to the ICU they told Luna of what they had discovered and whom the element bearers were. They told her of how they found SkyQuill to be Jazmine, not the pony they had come to know over the past couple of weeks. When Luna heard that Jazmine was alive, her mood quickly deteriorated as she realized she had been lied to and so has her husband.
As they entered the ICU they were greeted with a sight they wish they could forget. All of those whom were injured in the recent battle all lied in beds along the walls and in the middle of the room. They slowly looked over all of the patients seeing wounds from a simple stab wound to missing limbs, overall it was a horrid sight. There was another door at the far end of the room that led to the ICU area for Officers and above, no doubt Lionel was being kept there.
As they made their way towards the door they were stopped by a nurse. “Excuse me, you may not enter the Officer ICU without permission.” She said standing in front of the group. Luna quickly stepped forward and launched the nurse into the nearby wall, leaving an imprint of the once conscious nurse. All of those that could turn their heads, turned to see Luna stomping through the doors to the Officers ward.
“Well dang, remind me not to piss off the commander.” a random voice came from the ICU. Rainbow Dash quickly turned around to where the voice had come.
“Remind me to kick your flank when your out of the ICU, got that Corporal? The Vice-Commander is in the ICU as well when he defended your sorry flank.” She growled to the broken pony who simply gulped and nodded as she continued to the ward with the rest of the group.
As they entered the ward area, they were greeted warmly by the officers of the ward. There were only around thirteen in the ward at the time not including Lionel who was in a corner away from all the other ponies. They hastily made their way towards him as Luna hugged his limp body, only taking in the changes after letting him go.
She stood there gawking at the sight before her, her husband once a khaki bright and happy colored unicorn was now a pure black alicorn with a red starfield mane. What was more odd was that the markings that were on Azriel usually were present on him now, but it seemed this was no longer a forced item. Luna held him quietly crying.
“Luna, I am sorry.” Dash said putting a hoof on her shoulder. Luna turned to her with tears still in her eyes.
“Dash…will…will he be okay?” She asked quietly to her. Dash sighed and shook her head.
“Luna, I am sure he will be fine, but after the discovery today I can’t say he won’t change, be it better or for worse.” She said trying to console the indigo mare. Luna turned back towards Lionel again holding him tighter. His left rear hoof twitched underneath the cover. Luna quickly looked down to see it moving now more than just a twitch.
Lionel sighed in pain as he moved a hoof towards his head. Luna let out a squee of happiness as she hugged him again causing him to cringe in pain.
“OW!” He yelped as she squeezed him. “That hurts you du-” He quickly cut himself off as he realized it was Luna. She looked up at him with a wide smile on her face with tears still streaming from her eyes.
“Welcome back Lionel” she said continuing to hug him as he gritted his teeth, bearing the pain as he lifted his hooves up and around the indigo mare.
“I’m sorry Luna.” He whispered into her ear as he fell back onto the bed, unconscious once again. Luna quickly released him, looking at him with a raised eyebrow.
“Lionel?” she asked quietly as she poked him. He didn’t even flinch. “Lionel?” She asked again, worry heavy in her voice as she grasped his arms to start shaking him. “LIONEL?!” She exclaimed as she started shaking him vigorously.
It took Dash, Dusk, and Frost to pull her off the unconscious pony. The monitors started slowing down, eventually drowning the room in the sound of a flatlining heartbeat. Luna stopped struggling as she realized the worst had come to pass, Lionel was dead.
Darkness surrounds me as I fall into this abyss. Where am I? Where is everything? Where is Luna? All questions that were now pointless as the only company I had was the shadows. Endlessly I have fallen for what seems to be days now, not one glimmer of light, not one warm embrace. This is what fate has kept in store for me, isn’t it?
Life has seemed to fade away as all I remember slowly fades further in the darkness that surrounds me. All of their faces, all of the times we spent together, all of those I gave so much for. The good that has come of this is that I finally get to rest, no more fighting, no more pain, no more life.
I continue falling as tears well behind my eyes, knowing I’ll never see Luna again, nor be able to see my son grow up. I gave my life to ensure their freedom, for which I am happy, but I shall never be able to hold them ever again. This is a final goodbye to all I know and those I love.
It was truly worth it Luna. I love you, and goodbye.
Luna started fighting violently against the hold of them, quickly breaking free of it charging over to Lionel. She violently shook the limp body yelling for him to wake up, causing the entire ICU staff to be there in only a few seconds. Dash stood back feeling as tears started falling from her eyes, she stared in horror as the scene unfolded in front of her. The generals were holding their hooves over their hearts, lowering their heads in respect to the dead vice-commander. Sergeant Vasquez, he did his best to stand on his hind two hooves as “humans” did to pay respect as what he used to be, he held his hoof over his heart and lowered his head as well.
“LIONEL!” Luna yelled over and over “WAKE UP! WAKE UP LIONEL! WHY WON’T YOU WAKE UP?!?!” She continued, crying profusely as the nurses moved her out of the way to do CPR on him. They used a defibrillator on him at least two times before finally giving up and pronouncing his final time of death.
“Vice-Commander Lost Solstice, Time of Death 7:42 P.M.” One of the nurses said quietly as they jotted down the time and date. Dash had finally given up on holding a strong composure as she broke down onto the ground in tears. Vasquez wrapped his arms around her trying to console her, she noticed that all in her squad were crying as well, along with the generals who had come into the ward. All of them had known Lost Solstice for at least three years, none of which did it hurt more than Luna herself. She cried at the top of her lungs hugging her dead husband.
It took hours for the ward to clear, all except Dash, Vasquez, Rose, LightningTwist, Dusk, Frost, and Luna. They stayed to mourn their friend, leader, and husband. Luna stopped crying an hour ago, left with no tears left to cry quietly moaning in sadness, a single spot on Lost Solstices coat was dense with tears.
“We have to get word to The Pack Luna, we are truly sorry, but he gave his life doing exactly what he wanted.” General Dusk said, expression barren from his face but pain heavy in his eyes and laced in his voice. General Frost quickly followed Dusk out of the room.
“Luna come on, we will go to Twilight for a while. She deserves to get the news first hand.” Rainbow Dash said, hugging Luna. Luna quietly nodded, releasing Lionel from her grasp.
“Goodbye, Lionel…I…I will miss you.” She said laying one final kiss on his forehead before slowly exiting the ward where everypony moved to the side, letting them pass on by. Luna kept her head low, her gaze averted from everypony letting Rainbow Dash guide her.
...A few hours later…
There was a knocking at the door downstairs, the first thought to cross Twilights mind was, “Who in the hay is knocking at my door at this hour?”.
She quickly made her way down the steps as another knocking came from the door. She looked behind her hearing Jazmines door open to reveal a white pegasi, her face laden with dried tears. Twilight returned her attention to the knocking again, she rolled her eyes. “I’m coming! Hold on!” she exclaimed as she cast the disguise over Jazmine as she trotted down the steps.
She opened the door to find the same tear dried look upon Luna and her friend Rainbow Dash. “Luna? Rainbow Dash?” She asked raising an eyebrow.
“Twilight Sparkle, we…we must deliver some news to you and to…Jazmine.” Luna said quietly her voice heavy with sadness, causing Twilight's eyes to widen, realizing that the news had gotten to her about Jazmine. Twilight glared at Rainbow Dash who glared even harder back.
“Twilight, don’t you dare give me that look.” Rainbow Dash said angrily, the same sadness in her voice as Luna. Twilight quickly dropped Jazmines disguise, revealing the tear dried face of hers as well. Twilight motioned them in, Luna quickly sat down on the couch trying to gain a stronger composure, but ultimately failing as Rainbow Dash sat next to her.
Twilight and Jazmine sat across from them, waiting for Luna to speak.
“Lionel…” she started lifting her head up slightly, “...he…he’s de-” Luna choked on her words, keeping back the tears. “He’s dead…” she finally managed to speak through her broken voice. “Lionel is dead.” She said again, still trying to grasp the idea. Twilight and Jazmine both stared at the indigo mare and then shifted their gaze to Rainbow Dash who simply had her eyes closed.
“His time of death was 7:42P.M. in the ICU. His last words were to Luna, they were “I’m sorry Luna”.” Rainbow Dash said, her voice low. She was now staring at Twilight who was holding back tears as well. “You Twilight Sparkle, how does it feel knowing that the last time you saw him, was when he sacrificed himself to save you and “SkyQuill”?” Dash said angrily, causing Twilight to let go of her tears.
Jazmine couldn’t cry anymore as all her tears had come out before, all she could manage were dry sobs. Rainbow Dash stared at her now, “Jazmine, you should be ashamed.” She said angrily towards the white mare who looked away cursing herself.
Rainbow Dash poked Luna to get her attention, whispering into her ear. Luna quietly nodded in acknowledgment. She quickly straightened taking a more assertive stance. “Twilight Sparkle, this news is indeed true and indeed sad, but his Element of Harmony now belongs to you. You are the rightful bearer of the Element of Magic of this age.” She began, addressing Twilight formally. “The Element of Loyalty is your close friend, Rainbow Dash, The Element of Laughter is Pinkie Pie, The Element of Honesty is Applejack, The Element of Generosity is Rarity, The Element of Kindness is Fluttershy.” She continued her gaze hardening as the shock made itself present upon the face of Twilight, much to her delight.
“I shall allow you time to decide what you shall do, whether you wish to help The Pack, or the Equestrian Legion, or you can continue your neutral standpoint and let this war continue. It is your choice, but know whatever you choose affects the future.” She finished keeping her strong stance and her face stern. “Rainbow Dash and I will be on our way for now, you will message us your decision in two days time. Fail us, and we will be back for it in person.” She said as she made her way towards the door opening it and slamming it behind them.
Twilight took in the news of Lionel and the Element. She knew that the Element had belonged to Lionel in the past, and her oh so loving mentor had only kidnapped her not a day ago from a peaceful territory, so what would ensure she wouldn’t do it again? She quietly thought to herself as she was brought back to reality by the clopping of hooves going up the stairs.
“Goodnight Twilight……” Jazmine said quietly as she made her way up the stairs, closing her bedroom door lightly. Twilight continued thinking, realizing the choice she had to make.
Side with those who had killed one of her best friends and kidnapped her, side with those who are against her teacher and brother, or stay neutral and allow much more bloodshed to occur. The choice was not an easy one to make, but she knew which one was the right one.
December 18th, 1475 A.F., 7:14 P.M.
Two months after the death of Lionel
Twilight was pacing the hallway up and down to the maternity ward as screams of pain traveled throughout the hospital. She thought about what she would do with the foal when he was born seeing as she was to be the caretaker of the child. She was worried, not one bit did her friends try to calm her down as before when they had tried, they were yelled at causing them to not try again. Her friends sat quietly by on a bench on the side of the room, all the while talking amongst themselves, the only other two that were pacing were Rainbow Dash and Jazmine.
They had all accepted to come here for the birth but remained secret members of The Pack as to not draw attention to themselves. They were all going to play a hoof in raising the newborn foal over the next few years in Utopia, keeping themselves out of the war unless it was absolutely necessary. At first when the question was asked, they were hesitant in choosing sides as they feared what would happen to their families.
Twilight accepted graciously but on the terms that she would only be called on when she was absolutely needed. Rainbow Dash accepted it as part of her duty to The Pack, seeing as she was already a soldier, she was now the leader of the squad in which Lionel used to lead. Applejack at first was hesitant as she was more swayed towards the Equestrian Legion, but after she heard about Lionels demise, she accepted on the terms that her family was ensured their safety. Rarity, the only way she accepted was after some convincing and coaxing. Pinkie Pie accepted immediately after she heard of Lionels demise as well, her mane had flattened and she turned from the happy go lucky mare she was into one of depression and anger towards Celestia and the Equestrian Legion. Fluttershy, she was the hardest to convince, but eventually she was swayed over but she was going to only be called upon when the time was right.
All of them were affected, just as the entire Pack. Not one pony who knew him felt some form of emotion, most of the Equestrian Legion had celebrated at the death seeing it as the turning point in the war, favoring them. There were a few riots against the Equestrian Legion by Pack sympathizers, the Equestrian Legion lost grasp in many areas across the world of Equus.
There was a plethora of recruits in the past two months, trying to aid The Pack after hearing rumors of it being Celestia who had killed him. It wasn't true, but The Pack saw this as an advantage and chose to take it, no matter how distasteful it was. Celestia had not shown her face in public ever since the news reached her, only sending letters to Twilight mostly apologizing for what she had done, asking her to join her, trying to gain her hoof in spying on The Pack, sadly it was to no avail to her.
The air was pierced by the sound of crying, no doubt it came from the newborn foal. Twilight stopped in her pacing and ran towards the door before bursting through she was stopped by Rainbow grabbing her tail and pulling her back.
“Rainbow Dash! Let me go!” she exclaimed trying to break free from the cyan pegasus grasp. She let her go as a nurse motioned for them to enter through the open doors, causing Twilight to fly forwards and hit a wall in the small hallway. Rainbow winced as she watched her hit the wall.
Twilight glared at her as she got up causing Dash and the rest of her friends to laugh as another cry came from the foal in the room before them causing them to continue towards the foal. As they approached, all the nurses around simply stared at the newborn foal in awe. It was quickly noted that the foal was an alicorn, just as his mother.
Once Twilight saw the foal in Luna's hooves she couldn't help but notice Luna's happy face that held a look of awe as well. Twilight quickly noted that the newborn foal was a pure black, just as Lionel was before his death in the very same hospital. He was quickly quieted by the cooing of his mother as she rocked him in her hooves. He slowly started to open his eyes to take in the sight before him, he had pure silver irises with an outer rim of deep burgundy instead of the silver that was held in his eyes. The whites of his eyes were clearly visible as they almost shined.
His mane was a bright orange that contrasted his coat greatly, it held a small flow to it but did not shimmer. He more than likely inherited his magic from his father, meaning he would either become as strong in the magical arts or even stronger than him. Twilight beamed with happiness watching as the foal laughed as his mother nuzzled him.
The scene soon departed as the nurses went about their jobs and the group huddled around Luna and the newborn foal.
“Luna, what are ya gonna name the lil feller?” Applejack asked with a hint of eagerness in her voice. Luna looked up to the ceiling in thought before looking back down at her son.
“I think…I will call him Lunar Dawn, a sort of combination of my name and…” she stopped her mood suddenly turning solemn. “...Lionel.” she finished holding her child even tighter to her, remembering his father.
“I think thats a wonderful name dear, I’m sure Lost Solstice would agree with it.” Rarity spoke up, breaking the awkward silence that befell the room. Luna looked up to her and smiled, she smiled back.
Jazmine stepped forwards to get a closer look at the foal. “Luna, we all wish he was still here, but we can’t let what he fought for end here.” she said keeping her gaze on the foal as Luna looked up to her and gave a sheepish smile.
“You’re right Jazmine. Besides, if I think too much on it, it won’t be good for anypony now will it?” she said trying to brighten her mood. “Promise me, all of you, you will take good care of him?” She asked to the pegasi, she nodded in acknowledgment giving her a smile.
“Ah think we should let her rest everypony, ah reckon she needs it after what shes just been through an all.” Applejack stated, motioning out of the ward. They all nodded as they started out the door.
“Jazmine, please don’t go, I want to speak with you for a moment.” Luna said as she grabbed Jazmines tail. Jazmine turned around and gave her a nod as the rest of the group piled out of the door. The nurse soon came in to take the foal away so they could see how healthy it was. “Please be careful with him.” Luna said quietly to the nurse as she took him away.
“Luna?” Jazmine asked quietly as Luna turned towards her. Luna let her gaze drop to her hooves as she thought of what to say.
“I haven’t had the chance to speak with you since Lionel passed away, I mean actually speak with you.” She started keeping her voice low so only Jazmine could hear her. “What I mostly want to know is the question he would have wanted to know, why did you do what you did?” She asked lifting her head up, pain heavy in her eyes.
Jazmine turned away seeing the look, thinking of what to say. She sighed as she turned back to her, “Luna, I did what I did not out of anything more than love for him. It hurt me more than you can believe, watching from the crack of my door every time you came over with him. I wanted so much to jump down those stairs and hug him tight, but if I did, it would have been a fatal mistake.” she started lowering her head.
“Why would it of been fatal Jazmine? He loved you with everything he had, even during the time we were together, I could tell he never fully let go.” Luna said, reassuring the pegasi who wriggled away from her hoof.
“I knew he hadn't but if I revealed myself to be alive, Celestia would have killed me.” She said her voice slowly increasing to fill the room. “Celestia made me a deal, if I watched over Twilight while she was in ponyville during the war, she would only capture Lionel and allow me to say my goodbyes then. If I chose not to, I would have been really dead right now. She soon added on that I was to remain “dead” to The Pack for the duration of the war.” she stopped, choking on the anger that created a lump in her throat.
Luna frowned as she heard this news. “Yet many ponies still wonder why this war continues.” she says under her breath. “Jazmine, you no longer have to fear about Celestia hurting you, if she finds out about you revealing yourself to us, she will answer to us if she even lays a hoof on you.” she says grinning at the pegasi. Jazmine mustered up the strength to give her a weak smile as she walked towards the door. “Jazmine” she said before she opened the door. Jazmine looked back to her. “Thank you” she said giving her a radiant smile.
“You’re welcome, Luna.” Jazmine said as she exited the room and into the hall to the ward.
October 18th, 1482 A.F., 7:45 P.M.
The darkness has been going on forever without a single hope of returning to Luna or to my friends or to my family. From what it feels like, it has been at least ten years yet my senses tell me otherwise. The cold has seeped into my bones leaving me in the grasp of an eternal frost that never leaves.
I’ve started hearing voices, ever so faintly from the darkness. Some telling tales of days long past, some telling tales of days yet to come, some telling of the life I had only just left. The only thing I have left to do is think back on that very life, my body was void of tears or any strength at all. The last memory I have, is Luna holding me in her hooves as I fell into this darkness.
Lost Solstice…
What? Who’s there? I think into the darkness hoping that the voice would respond. I fell for what seemed like hours before the voice finally returned to me.
…It’s time to wake Lost Solstice…
What do you mean wake? Am I not dead? The years have gone by, I have no place in the world anymore, by this time Luna and the ones I love have forgotten me, just as I had forgotten Jazmine. Leave me to fall, for I no longer belong.
…You are an immortal Lost Solstice, you never truly died.
Faust?
Yes, it is me and your journey has only begun.
~The End~
At the dawn of a new age, one will stop to think, to wonder, to pray, that all of that which they fought for was truly without loss. In the end, it isn’t those who survived that have won, no, not even the dead win. The only true winner in the endless game of war, are those who sacrifice their souls for the sake of a better future. Those who sacrifice their very souls are the ones who also lose the most, they lose their happiness, they lose their peace, and some even lose their very sanity. So in the end, where do you stand in this game of war, this game of death, this game of life, do you stand with the “victors” or do you stand for the “losers” or do you sacrifice yourself for the future of all?
With a sigh I look down at my hooves and shake my head in hopes to rid the ever present feeling of uncertainty of this world. Even as I have been here for little over a month and a half, everything still feels as if it were a dream. I closed my eyes and felt as tears started to well up behind my eyelids and start to stream down my face.
Why did this happen to me of all people…Why couldn’t it be somebody else…
I felt a hoof wrap around me and hear the pony say, “Lionel, it’s okay.” I look up to have the pony hug me even tighter as my tears slowly come to a stop while looking at the darkened faces of the generals and others. I break apart from the hug to realize that this pony, was Jazmine. I felt as my heart broke and I started crying again this time falling into her to hug her again. “Shhh, there there Lionel, it’s okay…” she cooed to me.
We sat there for a good ten minutes before I finally stopped and said, “Jazmine…I’m so sorry…I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you back then…” choking as the words came out. She stroked my mane trying to calm me down. I let her out of the hug to see that she was crying as well. To my embarrassment the generals and others were still standing there.
“Lionel, there was nothing you could have done to prevent it, I was reckless and ran in guns a blazing instead of using my head.” she replied in a soft tone. General Rose cleared his throat getting our attention.
“Excuse me, but may I ask, who in the name of Luna are you miss?” He asked angrily. I stepped in front of her only to be pushed to the side by her letting her stand in front of him.
“I am Major Jazmine Lynn of the United States Marine Corps, and who might you be?” she demanded holding her head high dwarfing the general. She was about a foot and a half taller than any of the generals, two feet taller than General Rose.
“Major Lynn huh? Well your rank from your previous affiliation does not carry much hold here in Equestria, just as Recruit Varellian used to be a Captain in the United States Marine Corps, his rank carries no authority here either. As to who I am, I am General Rose of the Strategy Division in Alpha Company here at Fort Brathio. You seem important to Recruit Solstice, but currently he is in trouble so if you would, please come back at a later time.” He finished with an angry huff and stomp of his hoof. Jazmine was completely unphased by this and shook her head. She looked back at me and nodded and left in direction of the medical tent.
“Sir I k-” I was cut off abruptly by General Dusk bucking me in the chest sending me flying through the tents entrance onto the floor. I slowly started to recover as the generals and other recruits stepped in, most of them grinning.
“What do you think he’s gonna do?” I heard one of the other recruits whisper to General Light. He responded with a slight shake of his head. I stood up straight and apologized to the general much to the surprise of the other generals and recruits.
“Sir, I am sorry for that outburst, it will not happen again, sir.” I said as I rose up from my bow to General Dusk to see him laughing at my gesture. “Sir, what is so funny?” I asked only for his laughter to increase.
“You’re funny Recruit, that’s what is so dang funny! I buck you to get you in here, for you to apologize to me? I was bucking you because I got impatient, nothing more!” He continued to laugh as he said this. I felt as my right hoof slowly started to come up, I quickly stopped it before I let it hit him. My self control for hitting him has grown. Over the course of my training me and Dusk have become more of good friends, than him being my superior.
“Well next time sir, please show a little restraint, that kind of hurt this time.” I said giggling gaining even more confused looks from the other recruits and small laughs from the generals. “Now, lets get down to business sir, about this whole prank business because I have a horn now and I need to learn how to use magic asap.” As I said this I felt my smile fade to a flat toned face and saw the Generals faces turn into their normal angry looks and proceed to take seat behind the large crescent moon desk as me and the other recruits stood in the middle.
“I suppose you’re right Solstice.” General Rose said casting the normal spell that kept all prying ears and eyes from seeing or hearing inside the tent.
“Recruits, tonight you pulled a prank on a fellow recruit that ended in 3 injuries from the broken chains whipping them and having an entire bunk bed destroyed because the recruit retaliated to this prank. Which one of you had the bright idea of pissing off the only known recruit that could transform into different creatures at a whim?” General Frost said from the middle of the table. His silver eyes piercing through me and the other recruits.
A jasmine green pony stepped forth. “Sir, I Recruit Vasquez am the one responsible for this prank. I planned it from the start getting the other recruits in on it as we were getting tired of doing extra miles of jogging in the morning due to Recruit Solstices lack of respect towards the Drill Sergeant. We are also stuck on base wide latrine duty because Solstice decided to knock out the Drill Sergeant. Sir.” as he finished saying this I stared at him in complete and utter disbelief. Was this really him? If so how in the world did he ever find his way here of all places? I stepped forth.
“Sir, permission to ask a question to Recruit Vasquez, sir?” I asked to General Frost who simply nodded and gestured towards him. I walked my way over to the jasmine green pony and stared him in the eye where he started to shake holding his breath. “Staff Sergeant Vasquez, is that really you?” I asked, surprising everypony in the room.
“Recruit Solstice, what do you mean Staff Sergeant? He’s a recruit only joined a month ago.” I heard General Frost ask. I turned around and took off my hat and walked straight over to General Frost.
“Sir, with all do respect, I lost a Luis Vasquez upon entering this dang world, and if I lose him here or never find him, I will not be able to live with myself. He may be only a recruit to you, but to me he is Staff Sergeant Vasquez of Alpha Squad of the United States Marine Corps Alpha Company stationed in Indonesia. He may not seem important to you, but he is the only family I have here other than Jazmine, and if I lose him then I-” I was cut off by a pony clearing his throat.
“Recruit Solstice, I am Luis Vasquez at least, that is to my knowledge, as when I woke up one day a month and a half ago, I had no clue who I was, the only thing I had was a card. It had a picture of me and a name, nothing more. I came here seeking refuge only to be recruited by the pack. To my knowledge, this is my first time formally speaking with you, but I felt something strange happen to me when I saw you in, whatever that thing was. I felt oddly comfortable and knew somehow, you weren’t going to hurt us so I just stared at you, trying to grasp what you were.” he said lowering his head to the ground hiding his eyes only to be yelled at to lift his head back up. He shot up straight to reveal his eyes had changed to slits. At least I thought they did, so I did a double take to see that his eyes were normal. It must have been my imagination.
I slowly walked towards him and put my hoof on his shoulder. “Listen Vasquez” I said looking into his eyes. “I don’t know what happened to you, but I promise, you are not alone and th-” He slapped my hoof away and glared angrily at me.
“Don’t you DARE touch me again Solstice!” he yelled angrily. I felt as a pang of guilt surged through my body. I shook my head and walked back to my spot in the center.
“Back on topic, I believe that the punishment suit for this is 35 bits from each of you to pay for the damages and to pay for the medical expenses for the 3 injured ponies.” General Frost concluded. The other Generals simply nodded. “You all are dismissed, except for Recruit Solstice, and Recruit Vasquez, and somepony please go find that other pony that was outside. I want her here as well.” He finished up only to have the other generals sigh.
It took only about 30 minutes for the recruits to find Jazmine, with a little help from the other ponies of course. When she walked in I felt as if a 200 pound weight had been lifted off my back. She walked up next to us and stood straight staring ahead towards the Generals who readjusted themselves.
“Okay first off, we don’t need these formalities so do away with sir, or ma’am for now. We all more than likely know what we are here for right now.” Said General Dusk calmly putting his rear hooves up on the table, leaning back in his chair. Two of the other generals followed suit while the others silently shook their heads. “Now, Luis was it?” probed Frost.
“That’s my name as far as I know, so yes.” Vasquez responded silently with a hint of hatred in his voice, no doubt towards the generals and I for bringing this up.
General Frost simply nodded and continued. “Well Luis, you know when we took you into The Pack, we didn’t know jack squat about you, and the only pony that might know ANYTHING about you, you are mad at.” The general said trying to keep his calm composure, “You said you would do anything to know about yourself, am I not correct?” he proceeded to ask only to get a small nod from Vasquez. “Then why don’t we let Solstice speak, how does that sound? Sound good to you?” He stated cockily. Vasquez nodded again.
“RECRUIT, SPEAK WHEN YOU ARE SPOKEN TO!” General Dusk yelled slamming his hooves onto the desk. For the first time ever since I have known him, he used his rank to get what he needed.
“Sir yes sir!” Vasquez responded loudly, standing at attention now. He proceeded to face me as the Generals put two seats in the middle of the room so we could sit down. I walked over to the chair and sat down whereas Vasquez was still standing at attention.
“Sit down Son” General Rose said aloud. Vasquez walked over to the chair and sat in it still holding his posture. “If you don’t stop with that Vasquez, you can do 20 miles with him tomorrow.” the General stated making Vasquez stop being so formal with this and sat down like any normal pony would. He then proceeded to glare at me as I told him our history together.
It was about 2 hours later when I started to finish up, “After we had exited the building from getting Jazmine back, you were knocked out and we were captured and we watched as they threw your limp body into the pit that teleported you here, to Equestria. The same as we were thrown in only seconds later. After that, we have no clue what had happened to you, me and Jazmine woke up in Canterlot Castle in audience of the Tyrant Queen so say. I knew no more than you did when we awoke here, but I was out for a week and Jazmine out for nearly a month.” I finished with a sigh. Vasquez had his head down rubbing his temples. The generals were at attention listening to every detail taking in all they could from our history together, no doubt they were listening because we had technology far beyond theirs.
“This is all too much…” Vasquez said quietly still massaging his temples.
“I know that it sounds fake, like it is nothing but a joke, but I can promise you, it’s not.” I said putting a hoof on his shoulder trying to comfort him. This time he let me keep it there. He looked up at me with a look I haven’t seen in a very long time from him. It was there, the look of terror, the look of loss, the look of despair. He lost more than I did when we entered this world.
I may have lost friends and lost my home and possessions, but he lost so much more than I did. Not only did he lose his only memories, he lost a family, a wife and 3 kids. He lost his grandmother, his grandfather, he lost his brothers and sisters in law. He lost the love of his life, he lost all he had worked so hard for, he lost the last of what he had to hold onto. He lost everything.
“I’m sorry Solstice…” I heard him whisper as he let his head droop down again. “Even if it’s all true...I don’t think it matters anymore…” he said louder this time. I felt as the anger seeped through my body, resisting the urge to hit him. “Even if you knew the me before I lost my memory, It can’t change the fact that I’m here now.” Him saying this calmed me a little, because even I knew, we may never get back, that nothing may never be the same for us, even if we wanted to. He looked up into my eyes this time, the despair was replaced with a glimmer of hope. “My life, before I came here, may never be able to be returned to me, but I won’t let that bring me down. I have to live so that one day, I may have any hope of returning to that family of mine you speak of. I have to survive for them, I have to survive for everypony, and nothing will stop me from doing so.” He said this time with a smile on his face, causing me to grin at him. I shook my head.
“No Vasquez, nothing will stop US.” I gestured towards Jazmine, Vasquez, and me. “You may not remember who you once were, but you are still a good friend of ours, and we will help you survive, no matter what it takes.” I said holding my hoof out into the middle of us. Jazmine was the first to put her hoof on top then oddly enough the generals came over and did so as well.
“As long as you’re here, you’re also under our protection and we will help you all home, somehow.” General Dusk said smiling at me. I smirked. Vasquez looked at all of us just staring at him waiting for him.
“What do you say Vasquez? You don’t have anything to lose by betting on us, so come on.” I said gesturing my head towards the pile of hooves. He giggled and put his hoof on top. “Together as one, we shall fall together, or we shall rise from the dirt and bring down the heavens.” I said pulling my hoof out as they cheered. Vasquez and Jazmine both smile at me as Vasquez lightly punches me in the shoulder. I punch him back and start walking towards the exit with the other two.
“Where do you three think you’re going? We’re not done here!” I heard General Frost yell. We all look back to them looking at them quizzically.
“What do you mean you’re not done?” I asked raising an eyebrow towards the general.
“I mean, we’re not done yet.” the general said gesturing towards the other generals. “First off, you” he said pointing towards Jazmine. “You aren’t a recruit yet so you have to stay in sight of an officer until you are accepted. So until you decide you will be staying in the company of General Lotus, she’ll watch after you. Now Recruit Solstice and Recruit Vasquez.” He looked towards us, his look hardening. “Don’t think this gives either of you an excuse not to do your training, Luna comes back in a month and a half, so get to it. Vasquez you get to your flight classes, and Solstice your flight classes are to be replaced with magic classes, your instructor is General Rose, you better be good or General Dusk will show you a whopping in your fight Classes, got it?” He finished smirking at me. I nodded my head and said my goodbyes to the Generals and to my wife.
Hey Luna, are you there?
I…I’m…I’m sorry…
Taken aback by this I open my eyes breaking my concentration. Why was she sorry?
Luna, is something wrong?
Guess I’ll just go to sleep then, goodnight Luna.
“Oh where is it THIS time!” said the lavender unicorn sweeping over the books in a field of magic. Her concentration was interrupted by the sounds of over a dozen books falling and the yelp of pain from the young dragon. “Spike! Be more careful when you get on that ladder, would you?” She yelled at the dragon.
“Would you calm down twilight? I’m fine, I was just surprised.” the young dragon quickly retorted trying to calm the mare. The unicorn watched as he got to his feet glaring at him. “What?” he asked to the glaring unicorn.
“Fine? You could have died from that height if you landed wrong!” Twilight yelled again. Causing Spike to cover his ears. She walks over to the dragon inspecting him for any cuts or scrapes. She sighs, “Spike, just be more careful will you?” she asked putting on puppy dog eyes as she did so.
“I can’t be more careful than I already am Twilight, stop worrying. Now, here is the book you wanted, “Legends of Equestria”, correct?” Spike asked holding the book out to her so she could see the cover.
She simply nodded and took the book in her magic and brought it over to a desk. She used her magic to flip through the book skimming over the pages as she went until she finally found what she was looking for. “Here it is!” She exclaimed excitedly.
“Here what is?” Spike asked hopping onto the chair next to her.
“You know how as of late there have been reports of a group with a wolf insignia forming on the outer reaches of Equestria?” she asked as she looked over to Spike who simply shook his head. “Well, as of late there have been reports of that wolf insignia popping up all over Equestria, mostly at the outermost reaches of the country, Celestia said that it belonged to a group from a legend from over a thousand years ago. So I thought that I may be able to find out what it means if I read the old legend.” She stated happily, returning her eyes to the book.
“Why are you so interested in it Twi?” Spike asked hoping to get an answer other than her normal raised eyebrow. He simply sighs in aggravation then walks to the door. “Fine, if you won’t answer me I’ll just leave you to it then, make sure you don’t stay up all night again Twi, you know Celestia hates it when you do.” He stated only to have her shake her head and smile at the young dragon. He closes the door leaving the room still and quiet.
For hours Twilight sat there in the light of a single candle reading the legend, taking in all there is to know about the legend, from the small details that had no pertinence to the tale to the major details of how Celestia managed to nearly kill Lost Solstice but ended up banishing her sister to the moon. At the end of the story she sat there reading the very last line, over, and over, and over, and over. Her eyes were widened in astonishment, not only had she just read of her teacher, Queen Celestia herself, killing innocent ponies, but also read that Starswirl the Bearded, the grandfather of magic, the bringer of justice, the most powerful unicorn in existence had not been killed by a heart attack, but by this...thing ripping his heart out and popping it in its own claws.
She had to hold down the throw up that was trying to purge itself from her body at the pure detail of the legend, what was even more surprising was that the images were masterfully crafted so that one would feel as if they were there when the legend took place. For almost an hour she tried to convince herself that this was fake, that this legend was just that. A Legend. What scared her the most was that the insignia described and shown, was being worn by members of all species, from the Earth Ponies, Unicorns, Pegasi, Minotaur, Naga, Dragons, and even the Gryphons. She finally managed to convince herself that people were doing this because it was part of the newest fashion trend and they were just wearing it because they liked it.
She slowly got out of the chair and walked towards the door after blowing out the candle. She opened the door and closed it quietly. She turned around to be staring into the regal neckbrace of Queen Celestia. She stared into her reflection that was seen from the Amethyst. She quickly looked up to see that Celestia was staring down at her, her face instead of the cheerful smile, it was an flat face.
“Twilight Sparkle, you’re out late, may I ask why?” she probed quickly and flatly, not changing her expression as she said this.
Twilight quickly bows down and returns to her hooves. “Sorry Queen Celestia, I was doing a bit of late night reading.” she replied trying to keep the nervousness out of her voice, sadly to no avail. Celestia gives a small giggle finally smiling a little bit.
“Care to tell me what about Twilight?” she probes in a friendlier tone, giving her a reassuring smile. Twilight nods and starts walking alongside Celestia towards the courtyard.
“Well...You know those insignias that have been popping up all over Equestria, right?” Twilight asks her, she simply nods. “Well, when you said it was one from an old legend, I decided I might do some research into it.” she states sheepishly. Celestia looks at her then sighs.
“I knew you would go and do research on it, but tell me, what do you think?” Celestia asks sitting down on the closest bench gesturing Twilight to sit next to her. As Twilight hops onto the bench Celestia relaxes a little as she tries to get comfortable on the bench.
“I honestly don’t know what to think…” she started, “I mean I don’t know if it is real, mostly because it was said in history of over 1000 years ago, the only war around that time frame was the discordian war but that was around 1215 years ago, but the legend told that 1200 years ago, you banished your sister from Equestria and that she spent 100 years building up a rebel group to take back Equestria, from you.” she started to hang her head and speak louder so that Celestia could properly hear her. “It said, that you banished and killed ponies, because you were fearful that they would overthrow you, that they were trying to kill you, but Luna tried to dismiss your worries and when she saw ponies getting banished still and confronted you, you banished her from Equestria. After 100 years from her banishment, she returned with a group of rebels, they were called, “The Pack”, and their insignia was the insignia I’ve been seeing all over as of late.” She looked up to her teacher who simply stared at her listening to every word she said.
“After 99 years of fighting the war had changed into the favor of them by a pony named, Lost Solstice who has no known history here in Equestria, but was found to be of different origins from that of Equus. What was even stranger was that this pony could change into a wolflike form, but even odder from my analysis, he only ever turned when it was night time or close to night time, but it was like he could control it. It even said that Starswirl the Bearded was killed by him, not by a heart attack. Only a couple months later when he was seen on the last field of battle, he had a mane that flowed like yours but it was a red starfield with floating orbs of color lacing it. He was also the last wielder of something called, “The Element of Magic” and he was defeated by you with the power of other Elements which were called, “The Elements of Harmony”. In the end you banished Luna to the moon for a thousand years and according to the legend that thousandth year is this year, more precisely next month! And-” Twilight stopped as she saw her teacher looking up towards the stars of the night. She saw a tear come from the corner of her eye as she looked back towards her. “Are…Are you okay Celestia?” Twilight asked.
“I’m sorry Twilight…” was all she could manage to say before she disappeared into the night-sky. Twilight sat there with her hoof out in the air screaming for the queen to come back to her.
After ten minutes of screaming she finally gave up and made her way back to her room where Spike was sound asleep. She was both exhausted and filled with many questions still that were left unanswered by Celestia. Why is it all hidden? Why did she hide the truth? Is Nightmare Moon the only myth there truly is? How much else has she lied about? Why did she run away from me? All these questions she thought of as she went to bed. As she finally fell asleep, she woke up on the Moon.
“Concentrate on creating a spark in front of you Recruits! Once you see that spark keeping pouring your magic into it!” yelled General Rose at us. I already had a fire blazing in a perfect sphere in front of me while the other recruits were still trying to get a simple spark to appear. It’s been 6 days since I started my magic training and I’m catching on fast, I’m able to form perfect shapes out of my magic making it a deadly weapon. Sadly I am still not advanced enough to move into the higher classes per say General Rose. “Solstice! Stop messing with the sphere and start over! Practice mak-” As he said this I created a flat plane of magic below each of my hooves and started to use them to hover. The other recruits stopped to gawk at me in amazement. The General wasn’t impressed though and bucked me in my right knee sending me to the ground dropping the planes of magic and the sphere of fire into multiple shards yet still perfectly sitting in midair causing the recruits to laugh.
“Sir, with all do respect, my skills are advanci-” I was cut off with a hoof to the jaw, I looked to my left to find General Dusk was standing there. He simply smiles and helps me up onto my hooves. “Okay, that was just unfair!” I exclaim to the general. He simply smirks and nods towards General Rose.
“Your skills may be good Solstice” he said as he took off his cap. “Yet if you want to get to the next classes, you’re going to have to learn to listen.” he continued as he slowly removed his coat. “Or better yet, you can fight me, magic only. No hooves, no killing, you can severely injure, but if you kill, you will be killed, got it?” he said turning his gaze back towards me and General Dusk. I look to my left as General Dusk busts out laughing, falling to the ground holding his abdomen.
“What’s so dang funny General?” I ask to the pony who stops laughing and walks over to the side of General Rose and takes off his coat and cap. “Oh, so two generals versus a 6 day recruit? Now that just isn’t fair.” I exclaim as I see them smirk at each other and whisper. “At least, not fair for you two.” I say aloud catching their attention.
“Change of plans recruit, you’re going to have your final fighting test with me as well. Your first magic and your last hand to hand combat? This will test your skills to see if you will be able to come with us in 25 days.” General Dusk says easing into his normal fighting stance. General Rose just nods his head and conjures a sphere of what looked like a starfield. I simply smirk and assume a calm stance.
“Ready?” I ask to the two generals. They nod their heads. “Get back everypony, it’s about to get serious.” I say as I conjure one…two….three...six...twelve spheres of light slowly forming them into daggers. The generals eyes widen but they don’t retreat, the other ponies around us back away clearing a 50 meter radius for our fight. “Seems you know this spell?” I ask them assuming a fighting stance now covering the ends of each limb with the daggers pointing outwards. They simply nod. “Then lets begin!” I yell charging at them both, jumping and slamming right back hoof into the ground where they once were. I look above me to see the starfield encompassing the hoof of General Dusk who was dropping like a bullet towards me.
I narrowly evade the attack by backstepping then sending a dagger flying towards General Rose to be met with a twang as it rebounded off a shield he created last minute. As I saw General Dusk getting up I ran up and punched the general sending him flying about 9 feet away turning around just in time to see the starfield gauntlet that was created of the starfield as it zipped past me flying right into the recovering General Dusk. All you hear is a solid thump as General Dusk is sent flying into a tree, knocking him out.
“You know General Rose, you’re supposed to hit me, not your teammate!” I yell up to the unicorn who is floating on a field of violet magic. He simply winces as he realizes what he did. I take this advantage by sending 4 daggers into the platform making him fall as I use the last of my daggers turning them into fists and sending them where he was falling where I used them to punch him left, right, up, down, and to all sides for about a minute before finally stopping.
As I walk over to General Rose he slowly starts to get up so I ready another sphere of magic hoping for him to continue fighting. He simply waves his hoof, signaling the end of the fight. “That’s enough Solstice! You passed!” He says continuing to wave his hoof before finally fainting from exhaustion. No doubt, I went a little overboard with punching him with my magic. As I rid my magic from the field I hear a yell from my left, looking over I see General Dusk charging at me punching me in the jaw sending me flying a few feet back.
“I’m not done with ya yet Solstice!” He exclaims angrily. I look up to see him huffing and puffing struggling to keep his balance. I looked down to his left hind leg to find that it was broken and he was barely trying to put any weight on it. I smile conjuring a platform underneath him and quickly zipping it from underneath him then jumping at him and kicking him in the stomach sending him 7 meters away. No way he could take a hit like that and still be conscious. As I start to walk away I hear him yell, “You aren’t done till you knock me out Solstice!” Luna be damned, he was still awake! I walk over to him this time not lifting a hoof to hit him, but I put out my hoof to help him up.
“Listen General Dusk, I don’t care if I lose this test, your left hind leg is broken and so is 2 of your ribs from what I can tell, you need to be taken to the ER stat, no ifs ands or buts about it. You can fail me, but I won’t run the risk of letting you die because of your pride in not ever being knocked out by a recruit. Now either you can accept this help and fail me, or I will sedate you, your choice.” I say towards the General hoping he would be smart and listen for once. He simply laughs.
“You’re sure something different Recruit, you sure as Luna are.” He said before fainting finally. I roll my eyes and pick him up as another recruit runs over to me to help. I smile and explain his injuries to the pony and tell two other recruits to get General Rose and bring her to the ER to get them both fixed up.
“Commander, we have located the targets.” he says quietly through the headset as he uses binoculars to spy on Fort Brathio. His squadmates stand at the ready hiding in several other clouds in the sky. Tonight was cloudy as the local weather team planned for a dark night, of course payed off by the royal guard to do so.
“Are you sure its them?” the commander asks through his radio from Canterlot Headquarters.
“Affirmative, Permission to engage the enemy?” he asks readying his wings to take flight from the clouds.
“Permission granted, but keep this a stealth mission, we don’t need to lose any unneeded soldiers Captain Shard.” He said harshly through the microphone.
“Roger that Commander Bolt.” Captain Shard then proceeds to switch communication channels from Hotel Quebec to Delta India Echo. “Listen up soldiers! We have permission to engage, but keep it quiet, we get the targets we get out, no more no less. Only kill if you have to then hide the body quickly. Now move!” As he finished his sentence the pegasi zoomed from the clouds towards the ground into the shade of the trees and the brush.
Slowly they crept up on the Fort meeting no resistance. Oddly, there were no guards at the gate as usual and there were no guards on the walls either. The Captain signals them to stop as he continues towards the gate and slowly opens it. He sneaks in to find that no pony was around. It was a ghost town, he gestures for the other ponies to join him in the Fort, they quickly enter and hide again.
They searched for the barrack that their targets were in for a good hour before finally finding it. Captain Shard split the group into 3 Squads and surrounded the building while he went to find the targets.
Five
Four
Three
Two
ONE!
As we all hit one I bust through the door making Jazmine yelp in surprise.
“Happy 8 year anniversary!” I exclaim towards her whereas she is holding her hoof to her heart both to try and calm down and because she was so happy. Today, September 18th, 2013 it has been 8 whole years since me and Jazmine have been together. Eight wonderful years spent with the one I love, eight years I will never regret ever, even this time in Equestria.
“You remembered?!” She exclaimed back as I held a rose out to her in my field of magic as she took it in her mouth and set it down on table. She was staying with General Lotus had left for the week as she had work to do over in the Gryphon Kingdom more specifically Companies Whiskey through Zulu. Before she left, I asked if I could stay with Jazmine in her place for a few reasons, mainly since it was our 8 year anniversary, she said I could as long as we keep it in the guest bedroom. I smiled as I hugged Jazmine holding her close landing a peck on her cheek.
“How are you holding up Jazmine?” I asked as I pulled away from the hug. She sighed and opened her mouth to speak but quickly closed it and shook her head.
“I want to say I’m doing okay Lionel, but…In reality I’m not…While you’re out there training every day to help bring back this, Princess Luna, in a week I’m stuck doing nothing. It’s really boring.” She says walking into the living room which was furnished in what was the pony version of a seaside home. White walls, furnishing that resembled Shells, some walls were painted with a background of a beach and some were painted with a simple sky blue with a sun somewhere on it. She had a nice place to be honest. I walked over to Jazmine as she sat down on the couch putting her head in her hooves.
“I know it’s boring Jazmine, but I’m not doing this for them, I’m doing it more so that we can get home or have at least some hope of getting home some day.” I say putting a hoof on her back and stroking her mane as she fell down onto my lap.
That’s mean, I thought we were friends! I hear Luna yell into my mind causing me to wince.
“Yes, you’re my friend, but I have priorities, Family first, Rebel groups trying to overthrow a Tyrannical Queen second, you know how it goes!” I say out loud. Jazmine looks up to me.
“Who are you talking to Lionel?” she asks raising an eyebrow.
“Don’t you know? I’ve had this connection with Luna and Azriel for about a month before we had arrived and we’ve been using it to talk when we need to ever since, I thought I told you?” I probed making her roll her eyes. She closes her eyes then sighs. “I know it’s a little weird, but hey they aren’t so bad once you get used to them.” I said hoping they heard.
HEY! I hear Luna yell into my mind while I hear Azriel laughing in the background.
“You’re the one who cast a spell on me to do this Luna, heck, I didn’t even know of you before I came to this world, can’t expect me not to think it is one, weird and two, creepy.” I say aloud getting a small chuckle from the white pegasus laying her head on my side as I bicker with Luna.
Fair enough…but that’s still mean to say… she replies solemnly.
“Sorry Luna, I can’t say I really blame you especially since well, for a thousand years you had no one or pony to talk to, or at least be able to understand your feelings of loneliness.” I said letting my face grow dark as I remembered my father, and the mother who abandoned me after he was killed. I felt Jazmine start to stroke my mane trying to calm me, I return to her a warm smile.
“Lionel, can…can she hear me?” I heard Jazmine ask as she continued to stroke my mane. I simply nodded. Jazmine smiles at me and hugs me. “If she can, I want to speak with her, but I want you there with me Lionel, think you can ask her?” she proceeds to ask.
I can Solstice, let me cast a sleep spell on both of you then I’ll bring you both here, along with a pony I want you both to meet. Luna replies quickly into my mind. I nod.
“She’s going to cast a sleep spell on us, so lets get to the bedroom so we can wake up somewhere comfortable, and not in a hospital bed.” As I finished saying this we both got up and walked into the guest bedroom and cuddled together as we felt the spell take effect. Drifting off to sleep and appearing on the moon.
“Squads regroup, targets are nowhere to be located in the barracks, we’re moving to the Generals Quarters, they may be holding them in there.” Captain Shard said through the headset quietly as to not wake the sleeping recruits. He slowly makes his way out the door and shuts it as softly as he can and takes off, off the balcony into the cool night air. Making his way towards the Generals Quarters, seeing only one light on, it was coming from General Lotus’s home.
“Make your way towards the home of General Lotus, we will check her place first for the two targets.” The Captain says as he sees the other pegasi take flight, staying low to the ground as to not attract any roaming recruits up for a late night snack or jog. Captain Shard makes it to the home and lands on the balcony that rests in the living room area. “Captain Shard, in position.” He says through the Headset.
“Alpha Squad in position.” says Master Sergeant Tome.
“Beta Squad in position.” says Master Sergeant Umbra.
“Charlie Squad in position.” says Master Sergeant Sol.
“Alpha Squad and Charlie Squad, stay put, Beta Squad enter through the back door, front door and the balcony of the study, now MOVE!” Captain Shard whispers harshly into the headset, he gets the normal reply. “Sir, Yes Sir!” As they say this he watches as 3 ponies enter through the entrances. Defined by the Captain, entering quietly as possible and closing the doors behind them immediately.
Captain Shard opens up the balcony window making his way into the center of the room, looking over everything making sure not to leave any spot unchecked. After thoroughly checking every spot in the living room he makes his way down the hallway to the master bedroom making sure not to touch anything. As he reaches his hoof out to turn the knob he hears a rustling come from the bedroom to his left. He retracted his hoof and opened the door to the bedroom.
My sight came back as I stood up onto my two feet again. It was nice to be back in a human body, even though it wouldn’t last that long. I look over my shoulder to see Jazmine getting up slowly from the grey surface shaking her head as she got the last bits of dust out of her hair. I smile at her and she smiles back.
“Alright, c’mon honey, let's go find Luna, and this other pony she brought.” I said putting out a hand to her, she grabs it and smiles at me. We start to walk towards a mound no more than 30 feet away and use it for a viewpoint to find Luna and this other pony.
“There they are!” Jazmine Exclaims causing me to look over in the direction that she was pointing. I saw Princess Luna sitting on a rock and in front of her a fire blazed, across the fire was a Lavender Unicorn. I couldn’t help but feel as if this Unicorn was someone that I knew, or someone that I once knew. I simply nod my head and start walking towards them.
Luna is talking as the lavender unicorn is staring intently taking in everything that she is saying no doubt it was something important as she was using her magic to furiously jot down notes as she spoke. I couldn’t help but laugh causing them to both look over at us, I simply wave and continue walking towards them. Luna returns it with a warm smile while the unicorns eyes grow big and she hides behind the rock she was sitting on. I simply smile at the unicorn trying to reassure her that I wasn’t a threat. It took about 5 minutes to finally reach them.
“We were just talking about you.” Luna says as she moves two boulders over for me and Jazmine to sit on.
“Oh, and what about may I ask?” I probe causing the unicorn to widen her eyes in amazement.
“It...It can talk?!” I hear her practically yell. I wince at the voice as it pierces my eardrums.
“Ow! Please don’t yell, one my hearing is very sensitive and two I’m only a few feet away. Yes I can form fluid sentences in the language I speak, just as you can, miss?” I end with a question to try and get a name from her. She regains her composure and returns to her spot on her rock.
“I’m much more interested in getting to know who you are, more specifically what you are.” She replies quickly while raising an eyebrow towards me. I look over to Luna and gesture her to continue her story.
“Well Twilight Sparkle, I would like you to meet…” she stopped mid sentence putting on a grim face. “...Lost Solstice.” She finishes causing Twilights smile to disappear entirely and be replaced with a horrified look before teleporting a few feet away. “Twilight, it’s okay, he won’t hurt you.” She says to Twilight who conjures a sphere of sunlight.
“Twilight, listen, from what it seems, Luna has told you the legend of what happened over a thousand years ago, about Starswirl the Bearded and my history or at least what she can tell you. I promise you, I mean no harm to you and I will not fight you.” I said opening my arms and walking slowly towards the mare stopping a few feet in front of her as she still held her position. She slowly started walking towards me and as she got close to me she slammed the sphere of light into my gut sending me to my knees grabbing my stomach in pain. I hear Jazmine getting up from her rock as well as Luna, I tell them to sit back down. “Okay, I guess I deserve that, but I seriously don’t want to fig-” I was cut off by her slamming the ball of light into my chin sending me flying a few feet back before she teleported on top of me holding me down.
She slowly analyzes me up and down feeling with her magic making sure I have no weapons before letting me back up. “I can’t take any chances in letting you get the jump on me, sorry.” She says holding a hoof out to help me up, I grab it and get up off the ground.
“Well, you sure know how to pack a punch with that sphere, I’ll give you that. But I have no intentions to harm anypony other than those who get in my way of getting my wife back to my world.” I finish gesturing over to Jazmine who simply waves at us with an uneasy smile on her face. Luna is smiling as we start to walk back over to them
“Besides if you did mean any harm, you could have killed me by now, from what the legend says.” Twilight responds looking up to me and smirking. I shake my head.
“No I couldn’t of killed you, primarily because I don’t have a single reason to, and secondly this is only a dream, not reality miss Sparkle.” I reply putting on a flat face as I sit down on my rock. As Twilight sits down I look back over to Luna who was waiting patiently for us to sit down. I smile at her, “So, where did you leave off?” I asked.
Luna clears her throat, “I finished telling the history of the 100 year war.” she replies returning to her normal voice and demeanor. I smirk.
“Well then,” I start, “Twilight, do you know of anything that happened after she was banished? Anything that would tip off any of this? Anything at all?” I asked hoping she had some information that wasn’t readily available to me. She nods. “Care to tell us?” I gesture towards Luna and Jazmine when I say this. She nods again.
“In the legend from the book it says after Princess Luna was banished to the moon, Lost Solstice was captured and spent a month in the royal dungeons before being publically executed by guillotine. Your last dying words were as follows. “My last words? You would not care for them, none would listen, so why should I even try. No one respects a rebels wishes no matter if they fought for the better of a country because of tyrants like you. My life has no worth anymore to you or any of the other ponies living here today. You banished Princess Luna to the Moon the first chance you had on the field of battle showing no honor. You are no queen, you are no noble, you are nothing but scum! Your sister would have done anything for you to help you, but you turned your back on her and chose to go down the path of darkness. She tried to help you, yet when she insisted you banished her from the country in fear of her overthrowing you. That’s what has truly led us to make, “The Pack”, because she wanted what was best for Equestria, and she knew that you were a tyrant that needed to be dethroned. Kill me, maim my corpse, burn my corpse, drown me, do whatever fate you wish to me, but one day. One day, when Princess Luna Returns, we will be back. I will be reborn just as my brothers and sisters who fought alongside me. When that day comes Celestia, that day will be your last.” “ She finished quoting him and brought a long silence upon the moon other than the occasional crack of the fire.
Did I really say that? I thought to myself as she finished quoting the legend. I looked away towards Equus allowing myself to drift off into thought only to be quickly brought back to attention by Jazmine slapping me on the back of the head.
“HEY! Snap out of it!” She exclaimed as the smack resounded across the surface of the moon. I simply shake my head to tell her I wasn’t. She pinches the bridge between her eyes with her forefingers and lets out a small sigh. “Well listen this time, or next time I’m going to do worse than just hitting you in the back of the head.” She said angrily. I nod and return my attention towards Twilight and Luna.
“Okay I’m only going to repeat this one time Lost Solstice, ONCE!” Twilight stamped her hoof to make a point. “First off, Queen Celestia, you may not see it, but she is done with fighting and doesn’t want another w-” I cut her off.
“Done with fighting Mrs. Sparkle? Obviously you hadn’t heard of the recent dragon attack on the castle did you? Two months and three weeks ago, or have you just not gotten the truth from her?” I asked harshly changing my calm demeanor to a harsher one. Glaring right through her.
“You mean the dragon that attacked the castle and the royal guard apprehended? Queen Celestia had nothing to do with it, she di-” I cut her off again.
“Than you obviously were misinformed Mrs. Sparkle, she was deeply involved, how do I know? I WAS that dragon, I didn’t attack her until she raised the guard against me threatening to kill me and Jazmine escaping from the royal guard who took to the air after us and blocked out the sun with Celestia leading the assault on us, only to be saved by Glistening Star, a unicorn from The Pack in Fort Brathio.” I started feeling the anger seething my face as I stood above the fire looking over Twilight who was now quiet. I shook my head at her and sat back down trying to calm down.
“That...that can’t be true…” She said quietly, trying to shake the thought from her head.
“Well it is, I was there, I was the one attacked, that was the day I came to this world, the day I met the very thing responsible for my brothers death by disembowelment and using his blood to write me a message along with using his large intestine to make a heart and write that message in the middle of it.” I said angrily getting my point across. Twilight simply sat there dumbfounded. No doubt she couldn’t wrap her mind of the very pony that had taught her since she was a foal, was actually a menace to the world.
Twilight started to cry falling to the ground and covering her face with her hooves. “I...I can’t…. I can’t believe this! She lied to me…she lied to the world…why…just…why…” she muttered between her sobs. Jazmine walks over to Twilight and pulls her into a hug holding her tight as she cried. Luna sat with a sad look on her face looking at Twilight.
Lionel…I never wanted any of that to happen, trust me. It hurts me just as much her to have my sister turn into something evil in the blink of an eye. she said into my mind causing me to turn to her and give a small smile.
I can only imagine the pain and sorrow the both of you feel, but at least you have the chance to get her back from her darkened state of mind, as I don’t have a chance to get my family back. I replied taking on a solemn look. She simply nods her head at this.
Both of you are at least in your own body, I have to share one with Lionel for eternity! Not to mention share with Tiamat as well. We were both taken aback by Azriels interruption. I couldn’t help but snicker a little. Luna was just shaking her head with a small smile on her face. When I looked over to Jazmine and Twilight, Jazmine was gone and Twilight was still crying.
I started to worry, “Hey Luna, Twilight, where is Jazmine?” I asked to them, Luna replied with a shrug of her shoulders and Twilight didn’t even look up. “Crap…” I muttered to myself. “Luna, can’t you track her on the moon with some sort of spell or something, I mean this is a Dream of YOUR creation isn’t it?” I asked.
“It may be of my creation but it doesn’t mean I can sense the entities present in it. Just like I couldn’t sense him coming until he was right next to you.” she said pointing a hoof behind me to my left. I slowly turn around to find myself face to face with a pony in a black robe draping over his entire body and covering all but his face.
“Hello again Lost Solstice.” He began. I recognized the voice from my dream a few weeks ago when I was laid out on the table. I felt the anger flow through my veins as I punched the stallion in the jaw. He didn’t even flinch. “Not very wise to be picking a fight with me, especially when you have no control of anything in this dream.” He said taking off his hood to reveal his face. He was a dark brown unicorn with a black mane and dark blue eyes. “I’m not here to fight, I’m here to give you a message which I hope you shall heed with haste.” He said calmly. I simply nod my head and keep myself from trying to punch him again.
“First off whoever you are, why should I listen to you, second off what was with that dream, and lastly who are you?” I asked furrowing my eyebrows.
“First, because it pertains to the disappearance of your wife, second that is none of your concern, and lastly my name is Kale of the Order of Harmony.” He finished up and started to speak again. “Your wife and you were just kidnapped from the generals home by Captain Shard of the Royal Guard, your wife was awoken by the touch but gagged so she couldn’t wake you. You and her are currently being carried out of Fort Brathio so make haste Lost Solstice and know we are always watching.” He finished saying as he disappeared from sight.
I sat there horrified for a couple minutes. How could I have let them take her again…why…why does this always happen. I shook my head ridding the thought of losing her again. “LUNA! Send me back to Equus, NOW! I WON’T LET THEM TAKE HER AGAIN, SEND ME BACK NOW!” I yelled across the moon causing the ground to shake under the voice, I recognized it as the voice of Tiamat. Luna simply nodded and I felt as I fell back to Equus landing into my body as I was being carried by some pegasi.
Prologue - The End of a Life
Where am I? What happened……
“Sir! He’s waking up!”
……Oh that’s right……
“Drag this whelp to the lift for public execution.”
……I failed you Luna……
“But sir, weren’t our orders-”
……I am sorry……
“It was ordered by Celestia, do you dare go against orders from the queen?”
……I was your last hope, and I failed you……
“No sir, but I question her motives, he cou-”
……Now I shall pay for serving you……
A loud resounding crack filled the air from hoof connecting to lower jaw. “You there! Guard! Lock this traitor up in cell H17 and make sure he stays put until I return.”
……Luna, may my death not be in vain.
“He is secure in the chains, may his death be excrutiating and may many rebels be watching this as their precious second in command is slain publicly.”
Looks like I woke up in time for my execution……
“Looks like the whelp awakens in time for his execution Commander Bolt. Who will be doing the honors of beheading him?”
……At least the death will be swift……
“Beheading? Are you mad? They will want to see a show! A Spectacle! Not a simple execution!” The Commander Exclaimed. “My apologies sir! In what way are we going to make him suffer?”
……Of course I get the ones who want to torture me……
“Oh you’ll see sargent, oh you’ll see…” said the Commander drifting off into a malevolent grin as the platform started to move slowly upward and the ceiling started to part revealing the sun lingering high overhead.
You could hear the crowd chanting, “Death to Solstice! Death to Solstice! Death to Solstice!”, I felt truly hated finally.
“Mares and Gentlecolts! Please settle down!” said a familiar voice. I turned to try to see the pony from whence the voice had come yet I was stopped abruptly by a violent tug on the titanium color around my neck.
“You dare not gaze upon her you whelp!”
……Great it is her……
“You know, if I weren’t chained up as I am now, all of you would be dead, correct?” I said violently giving off more than a mere sound of hatred, but the sound of a being who has nothing to lose anymore.
The Commander Visibly shuddered then responded, “Oh yes Solstice, because we are so scared of, “The Lupin Demon”, that you possess. That’s why you were captured so easily, am I correct?”
I looked towards the ground as he said this, feeling the pain ring through my chest like a spear to the heart. I sighed and responded, “You may think that, “The Pack”, is done for without their second in command, Commander Bolt, but you are wrong in many ways. Those you have killed, will come back one day and you will pay.”
He swiftly turns around and bucks me right in the jaw resounding off the walls and reverberating into the crowd above sending them into a mad cheer for their so called, “Justice”.
“You dare speak to me that way whelp? Lets see how you speak once your pretty little tongue is out.” Said the Commander giving a glare that would make many colts turn away, but I glared right back until we were both brought back to reality with the lift finally stopping on level ground.
……I guess this is it, time to die……
“Presenting! Her Loyal Majesty! Queen Celestia!” an announcer had yelled out to the now quiet crowd.
I looked to see everypony bowing down to her. “Today, we are here to witness the public execution of Lost Solstice, the Second in Command of, “The Pack”, accused of treason, manslaughter, assassination attempts...”
I drifted off into mindless thought listening to the announcer say my crimes……
……This list is going to go on for hours...unless……
“And Last but not least, murdering the Element of Magic, Starswirl the Bea-” I cut the announcer off by thrusting myself upwards and the chains clattering causing the announcer to stop.
“That was getting quite tiresome, just get on with what they are really here for you useless announcer.” Everypony starred in silence only to be awoken by the sudden crack of a whip hitting my back.
“SILENCE YOU SCUM!” said one of the guards behind me.
“Lost Solstice, do you have any last words before your execution begins?” said the oh so “brilliant and vibrant” Queen Celestia.
“My last words? You would not care for them, none would listen, so why should I even try. No one respects a rebels wishes no matter if they fought for the better of a country because of tyrants like you. My life has no worth anymore to you or any of the other ponies living here today. You banished Princess Luna to the Moon the first chance you had on the field of battle showing no honor. You are no queen, you are no noble, you are nothing but scum! Your sister would have done anything for you to help you, but you turned your back on her and chose to go down the path of darkness. She tried to help you, yet when she insisted you banished her from the country in fear of her overthrowing you. That’s what has truly led us to make, “The Pack”, because she wanted what was best for Equestria, and she knew that you were a tyrant that needed to be dethroned. Kill me, maim my corpse, burn my corpse, drown me, do whatever fate you wish to me, but one day. One day, when Princess Luna Returns, we will be back. I will be reborn just as my brothers and sisters who fought alongside me. When that day comes Celestia, that day will be your last.”
Silence fell upon the crowd, few ponies started to clippity clop the ground not as a show of happiness, but as a show of honor. All ponies, good or evil who have fell in this colosseum have said their final words in this spot, no matter who they were, they always gained an aplaude from the audience.
“Lost Solstice, you are to be beheaded for your crimes, you shall be executed here and now.” said Queen Celestia in a monotone voice that rang out crisply.
“Looks like you’re getting out easily you whelp, I wouldn’t have had the same mercy as she has. You’re lucky to have had this “tyrant” as your queen” whispered the Commander as he carried me to the guillotine. He placed my head through the hole.
……Goodbye Equestria, I shall be back one day and when I do come back you will finally……
The Guillotine started to drop.
……be * free.***
The Guillotine landed with a solid thud on the neck………….