Operation Luna

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter 1

Prologue

Operation: Luna – Part 1

Luna took a deep breath of the cool night air. She held her breath for a moment before exhaling. She looked up at her beautiful night sky that she had slaved over night after night to perfection and then glanced all around the landscape. The only sound to be heard was the wind. Not a single animal was awake, much less the ponies who inhabited the land. If only they would look outside, even once, she would be content, but they were only ever awake during the day; sleeping during her night.

She looked down at her hooves and frowned sadly. Luna and Celestia were supposed to rule the land together, as one, yet only her sister’s sun got attention, while her beautiful moon and stars were shunned and ignored.

Since the dawn of time ponies had decided that day was the time to accomplish any tasks they had to do, and night was the time to rest; only for few to enjoy the night sky, sometimes being called insane for doing so; mockingly even being named “Lunatics”. In more recent times ponies had taken to building houses with thick roofing to block her night sky from view.

She felt her eyes glistening and sighed, blinking back a tear.

‘The stars are beautiful tonight, Princess.’ Luna turned to see the captain of the Night Guard approaching her. She couldn’t help but smile; Anvil was always there to cheer her up when she needed him, and he always seemed to know when she was feeling down.

‘Thank you, Anvil. Do you have anything to report?’

‘Nothing unusual, Princess. Though, a chef dropped some rotten fruit in the lower hallways. I’d recommend not going down there if you want to keep your nose hairs.’ He chuckled at his own joke, and upon seeing Luna’s impassive face asked ‘is anything the matter?’

Luna spared one final glance to her sky, waving a hoof to reignite a dying star, and turned to walk back through the balcony doors. ‘No, everything is fine.’

Captain Anvil dropped to his knees in a bow as she left.

‘Anvil?’

‘Yes, Princess?’

‘You should know by now that you needn’t bow to me.’

‘Whether I need to or not, it is a sign of respect, and I respect you, Princess. Have a good night.’

She smiled again, feeling her spirits rise, and watched as he stared in reverence at the sky above. After a moment, she continued down the hallway to her lesson. Who better than the ruler of the night sky to teach astronomy to the court scholars? At least a few prefer night over day, she thought, spirits rising to normal.

When she stepped out to the top balcony of Canterlot Tower she met her class of twelve ponies all studying the magicks of the stars and the moon.

‘Good evening, Princess,’ they murmured as one.

‘Good evening, class.’

The lessons always progressed in a similar manner. They would do their welcomes and greetings then move on to stargazing, Luna telling them of the changes she’d made to patterns and why, along with explaining the sciences behind them to the Earth ponies; the magicks to the unicorns.

Luna was half way through explaining why a star had gone nova when one of her students spoke up.

‘The star was getting old, you see. Stars, much like ponies, age, and the older they get, the less energy they have. By having this star go nova, I’ve paved the way for the next gen-’

‘Princess?’ She paused to look at the young stallion.

‘Yes, Star Swirl?’ she asked after thinking about his name for a moment.

‘Not that I’m complaining about the day, but why is it that nopony else seems drawn to the night?’

He had opened a fresh wound. Luna kept a straight face, but she felt like her heart had fallen straight off the tower and landed in a puddle.

‘Ponies find it easier to get around and perform their daily tasks in the light of my sister’s sun. My moon and stars may provide a pretty show for those who would wish to watch, but they choose instead to sleep. There are very few who understand the true beauty of the night.’

‘But Princess, couldn’t you simply show them the night during the day?’ This comment caused Luna to pause for a few seconds.

‘…You are Celestia’s student, are you not, Star Swirl?’

‘Yes, Princess.’

‘Then why would you suggest such a thing? Are you not supposed to prefer day over night?’

‘I suppose Celestia would prefer that, but I don’t. I apologise if I’ve caused offense, Princess.’

‘No, not at all, I am merely surprised that a follower of the sun would prefer night.’

Star Swirl looked around and, upon noticing his eleven colleagues watching him; he backed down, though not without planting the seed of an idea in Luna’s mind. The rest of the lesson went by slowly as Luna continued to recount the changes to her sky, though her mind was elsewhere.

‘Sister, is something the matter?’ Celestia lowered her neck to be head level with Luna. She had noticed Luna wandering the halls during the last week, often glancing at her student, Star Swirl.

‘No, ‘Tia, everything is… fine.’ Luna didn’t make eye contact with her sister. She knew her eyes would betray her true feelings. In the week that had gone past since the lesson with her scholars Luna had been thinking almost exclusively of the minimal amount of recognition she gets for her beautiful night.

‘Luna, please trust me. I am your sister; you know you can tell me anything. Are you sure nothing is the matter?’

‘Yes, I am sure. Everything is fine.’ Celestia frowned but continued on through the hallway to the throne room to preside over the Royal Court.

She glanced through the open window beside her and looked up at the sky. Her frown turned to a grimace and she moved a cloud in front of the sun before moving along.

She barely muttered any recognition to the guards who greeted her and knelt throughout the hallway. Being an alicorn, she required near to no sleep, yet she still felt tired. She didn’t notice a young unicorn kneeling in front of her until she had almost tripped over him. She stopped mid-step with a hoof almost touching his head before moving back and putting her hoof down.

‘Speak, Star Swirl. And watch where you kneel.’

‘Uh, thanks, Princess… for not stepping on me, that is… erm, Princess Celestia requests an audience with you.’

Lovely. She should know by now to leave me be when I don’t want to talk anyone- she paused her thoughts to sigh aloud. ‘Very well, Star Swirl. When does she wish to see me?’

‘N-not to impose, b-but five minutes ago, actually. You wouldn’t stop, so I had to- erm, that is- I couldn’t get your attention so, err-’

‘That’s quite alright, Star Swirl. You may return to your studies.’

‘Yes, Princess.’ Star Swirl left in a hurry, making for the castle’s library. He knew better than to stay around Luna when she was in one of her moods.

She took a moment to think of where she was in the castle and plan her route before setting off to the throne room. Time flew as she was still deep in her brooding thoughts and she found herself before the obnoxiously oversized double-doors to the throne room. As she approached, one of the guards stomped a hoof and the doors began to open. They were fully open and the guards were kneeling as Luna walked in.

‘Morning, Princess,’ muttered a guard to her right. He was kneeling with the other members of the Royal Guard in the room, but he was looking up at her. She smiled back at him and nodded as she continued along. It was an inside joke of sorts between her and Anvil that no morning was good, but they were bearable.

‘Celestia, you wished to see me?’ Luna sat on the rug before the royal throne.

‘Yes, Sister. You seemed to be a little bit under the weather recently, so I thought I’d give you something to take your mind off whatever it is troubling you.’ She paused and watched for Luna’s reaction, her fake, yet convincing royal smile plastered across her face.

‘Nothing is troubling me, Sister.’

‘All the same, this is a task that has been a thorn in my flank for a while now, excuse the term. I’ve been receiving reports of bandits hiding out in the mountain range near Hoofswell. That city being the distance it is from Canterlot, I simply cannot take the time out to go and deal with the problem. I have sent reinforcements from the Guard to protect the town, but they are as of yet unable to locate the gang. If you were able to go, surely you would be able to find them. An alicorn’s tracking spell is much more powerful than a unicorn’s.’ Having made her point, she sat a little straighter and awaited Luna’s response.

‘But why… why do you wish to send me?’

After a moment of hesitation Celestia flared her wings and the guards left the room to wait outside the door. When the massive doors closed and the two princesses were left alone in the room, Celestia stood and descended from the throne to meet her sister.

‘Luna, I love you. I know that something is bothering you, and it pains me to see you in such a way. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe you are feeling saddened at getting no recognition from our subjects?’

Luna’s face remained inscrutable, so Celestia continued.

‘If you deal with this small problem the ponies of Equestria would surely pay you attention. You would get the love that I know you adore. That aside, you know as well as I that our first duty is to our ponies, and if they are being attacked by these bandits, we must deal with the problem.’

Luna thought about it. She knew it was the right thing to do and Celestia had left no way for her to back out without turning down her duty, yet she still didn’t want to do it. She switched from her thoughts and realised she was staring directly at Celestia. ‘Very well, Sister. I will.’

Celestia smiled a true smile and extended a hoof out to Luna. Luna smiled, too, and stood to hug her sister.

‘I’m sorry Luna, but time is of the essence in this situation. The journey is more than four hundred kilometres. Five hundred if you stay within the borders of the Equestrian Kingdom. It will take a few days, whether by air or not. The carriage will be ready to leave by the end of the day.’

Carriage? What, does she think me unable of flying from here to Hoofswell? ‘Sister, I must insist on moving faster. A carriage would only slow us and I’ve more than enough wing strength to carry me to Hoofswell.’

‘If you insist, Sister. There is a small, elite fleet of guards waiting in the bailey for you. Please… stay safe.’

Luna nodded and left the throne room, guards escorting a Canterlot noble in with them as they returned to their posts. An idea struck her.

‘’Tia, may I make a request?’ Luna called toward the throne.

‘Of course, sister. What is it?’

‘Would I be able to take Captain Anvil along with me?’

Luna could see her puzzled frown from across the spacious room, but was relieved when she said ‘Very well, sister.’

Luna lowered her voice to normal speaking level. ‘Come along, Anvil.’

‘Of course, Princess! But, uh, why me?’

‘This trip may take a while. It would do well to have a friend with me.’ Anvil’s jaw dropped and he stared in disbelief at Luna, almost tripping over hooves that felt too big for his body. When they were out of earshot of the other guards Luna softly said ‘Please, Anvil, call me Luna.’

‘Yes, Pr- uh, Luna.’ He held back a small blush. Luna led him through a doorway to a balcony and leapt off without breaking stride, barely bothering to flap her wings once as she dropped the two stories to the ground, startling the prepared guards. Anvil grinned at her manoeuvre and leapt off the balcony after her, instead choosing to glide down. He could swear he heard her mutter ‘wuss’ before she addressed the gathered Guard. Anvil covered his ears with his hooves as she opened her mouth.

‘WE THANK THEE FOR CHOOSING TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MISSION AND ARE GLAD TO HAVE THEE BY OUR SIDE. IF THE GATHERED GUARD MEMBERS ARE PREPARED, WE SHALL LEAVE.’ A few stallions groaned at the use of the Royal Canterlot Voice, but Luna definitely heard a ‘yes,’ so she spoke again. ‘WE ASSUME YOU HAVE ALREADY BEEN GIVEN A BRIEFING?’ More pained nods.

‘Princess, if I might make a suggestion?’ Luna looked down at Anvil covering his ears.

‘Yes?’ she asked in her normal voice.

‘Perhaps… you should keep your use of the Voice to addressing citizens? We’re all guards here, and they may take your briefing better if you speak a little… quieter.’

She looked again to the guards and finally saw them cowering. Embarrassedly covering her mouth with a hoof she muttered ‘oops’ and returned to her briefing.

‘If you have been given a briefing, I’ll keep this short.’ She saw a few guards sigh with relief while they returned to their solid stances. ‘We are heading to Hoofswell. That is… far. It will be further if we remain in Equestria, so we are instead going to travel through Germaney. They are our allies, so we should not receive any ill-will, though you should all watch yourselves. We will take off and head east until we leave the Canterlot Mountains, then we’ll angle northeast until Germaney. With any luck, we’ll reach there by mid day tomorrow. Any questions?’

‘No, Princess!’ the guards chanted.

‘Then let’s go.’ They took off as one, immediately spreading into arrowhead formation.

‘I still don’t see why you’re telling me this. I mean, it’s in the history books. You taught me some of this yourself when Mister Roma was sick.’

‘Yes, I taught you that, but skipping their flight… well, this is a part of the story that you won’t find in any history book. It was wiped, mate. It’s gone. History books say that Luna went and killed all the bandits, then arrived home in time for tea and biscuits. Let me tell you, that’s a load of propaganda. I could be killed for telling you about what happened, but believe me when I say that you need to know.’

On the fifth day the cohort finally arrived in the Hoofswell Mountains, and by lunch time, they gladly trotted through the town gates, keeping formation but staring hungrily at every shop they passed. Luna was feeling the strain of hunger too, but put on an impassive face for appearances. They reached the town centre and saw that one pony wasn’t kneeling before her. That must be the mayor, Luna thought to herself. The mayor was a large, sand-coloured earth pony with a gavel for a cutie mark. His mane was a slick black with a white stripe through it. He knelt for a moment before standing again to speak from a podium.

‘We’d be mighty glad to welcome the Princess Luna to our small town o’ Hoofswell. What’s ours is yers, Princess.’

‘Charmed, Mister…?’

‘The name’s Gavel, Yer Majesty.’

‘Indeed; pleased to meet you.’ She nodded her head and he responded with another bow of his own. The townsfolk began to stand one by one and Luna turned to address them.

‘FEAR NOT, MY PONIES, FOR WE HAVE COME TO TAKE CARE OF THE BANDIT INFESTATION. YOU MAY REST SAFE AND SOUND TONIGHT.’

‘Mighty fine words, Princess. Now Ah’d bet yer men are hungry after the trip. If you want’a get ‘em some food, you should go speak to Buck in the tavern. His sister, Cottonbud is who you go to about some beds. Oh, and if you need a blacksmith while you’re here, Sparky’d be more’n happy to help.’

‘Yes, thank you, Mayor Gavel.’

‘It’s a pleasure, Princess. Let me know if there’s anythin’ else Ah c’n do for ya.’ Luna nodded and directed her troops to spread out.

‘Anvil, split them up. Prepare a fleet of searchers in an hour after they rest a bit. I’ll go out with them. I want to be back home within the week.’

‘Yes, Princess.’

‘Luna,’ she corrected him.

‘Uhh, sure thing, Luna.’ He gave her a smile before setting off to shout orders at the guards.

After getting some food and speaking with Cottonbud about bedding for the troops she went back to the town gate and met her fleet.

‘Names?’ she demanded.

‘I’m Swift Streak. These are Blitz and Hawke. We’re all skilled searchers, though I made sure to keep some back for the next group to go out.’

‘Good. We’ll need searchers with every group. Are you ready?’

‘Yes, Princess.’ They took off as one, the three searchers following behind Luna as she flew to the hills.

After two hours of fruitless searching, and a fifteen minute rest, Hawke spotted something.

‘Princess! On your right, two o’clock!’

She looked where he indicated and saw something move. After watching for a few moments, she decided it was probably worth checking out. A soft click was heard as her hooves touched down on a whistle. She lifted it with magic and inspected it. It was new, not rusted.

‘On your guard,’ she whispered behind her before edging forward.

‘No, Princess!’ shouted somepony behind her. Luna spun as fast as she could and fired a freezing spell back, barely missing Swift Streak. Even as she watched an earth pony formed in the middle of the ice. She quickly unfroze the mare but kept her restrained. The mare was obviously young. She had a light green coat with a dark green mane; perfect for camouflage. Her cutie mark was a rope tied into a loop signifying a trap.

‘Who are you?’

‘My name is Fawkes, Princess. I’m part of a group of ponies living in these mountains.’

‘So you’re one of the bandits?’

Fawkes looked confused as she slowly said ‘There… aren’t any bandits up here… not that I know of, anyway.’

‘I have a report of bandits terrorising the local town. We’re here to get rid of them.’

‘Please Princess; let me take you to my family. I swear we aren’t bandits!’

‘It could be a trap, your highness,’ muttered Swift Streak.

‘Believe me, it’s not. I stopped you from stepping in the trap!’ Fawkes couldn’t move, so she looked down at the patch of leaves Luna had almost stepped on. She prodded the pile with magic and the leaves collapsed into a deep hole. Looking in, Luna couldn’t see where it ended. If she had stepped in it and tripped her leg would have been badly broken.

‘Why would you be setting traps out in the forest? It is not likely you would wish to catch the animals.’

‘No, Princess, I was sent to disarm the traps. Please let me take you to the others.’

Luna spared a glance at her three guards before lowering the mare to the forest floor.

‘Thank you, Princess. You’re every bit as benevolent as the Elder says!’

Elder…? ‘Walk, youngling.’

The mare quickly trotted to the hole and stomped the ground to cave it in before turning and trotting along to a concealed path in the trees. They walked for a full twenty minutes, Luna often bumping her head on low branches, before they reached a rocky outcrop.

‘Argus, let us in! You’re not going to believe who’s with me!’ Fawkes shouted excitedly. A golden glow enveloped an unnaturally round rock in front of them and pushed it aside. An equally golden head appeared through a small hole.

‘Sweet blazes! Fawkes, why didn’t you say it was the Princess herself?! Just a moment, your majesty!’

He pulled his head back in through the hole and the outcrop went silent for a moment. A large, narrow rock began to lower slowly, held up by thick vine ropes. A few grunts were heard from inside then the rock was finally on the ground, leading into a dark cave.

Argus was kneeling to the side of the doorway as the princess walked through. Being the Princess of the Night, Luna was able to see several other ponies kneeling in various places.

‘Fawkes, who is your leader?’

‘Oh, that would be Alpha! Here, I’ll take you to him.’ The mare was surprisingly happy and bouncy under the given circumstances. She literally bounced around on her hooves as she led the Princess deeper into the cave. Roughly 20 metres from the makeshift doorway there was another small opening leading to another part of the cave. Fawkes bounced through and Luna followed. She didn’t believe this was a trap after all, but she still didn’t like going into a cave, no matter how dark it was. Being able to see in the dark would only work so well against those who spent their entire lives underground. Being an alicorn, however, had its advantages. She walked into the darkness with her head held as high as possible without hitting the ceiling.

‘Not too much further, Princess!’ sang Fawkes from a short distance ahead.

Blitz muttered from behind ‘are you still sure about this, Princess?’

‘I am having my doubts, but yes. One way or another I will meet their leader. We should do it on peaceful terms if we can.’ Luna turned to smile at the guards behind her and suddenly realised that they mustn’t be able to see; instead walking trustingly by the sound of the princesses hoofsteps. She quickly cast an illumination spell to light their path and saw the end of the natural cavern.

Fawkes stopped her bouncy trot by the end of the corridor, turning to face the princess.

‘Not to sound rude, your highness,’ she said, punctuating her words with a small bow. ‘But the Elder doesn’t like light, natural or magical.’

‘Then he’ll get used to it.’ Luna ended the spell from her horn, though her mane continued to illuminate the hall just enough to see in the dim blue light. ‘Stay here and watch the hall,’ Luna muttered to the guards behind her.

Fawkes and Luna entered the next room in the cavern and Fawkes dropped down to her knees. Luna continued to stand in the doorway, watching a mass sitting on the far side of the room, facing the far wall.

‘So you have come at last, Princess. We have called and called for you, and you have finally come.’

‘My subject, I must ask you to answer some questions.’

‘But of course, my princess. I will do anything you wish of me.’

‘Firstly, who are you and who are all of these other ponies?’

‘My name...’ the elderly pony sighed in the darkness. ‘My name is better left forgotten. It serves no purpose but reminding me of a time better left forgotten. I go by the alias “Alpha” now. These other ponies... they are the only family I have anymore, and only young Fawkes here is truly related to me by blood.’

‘Why were you setting traps in the forest?’

‘Those traps are not ours; they are meant for us. A gift to us from your sister, I would imagine,’ he spat vehemently.

Tia? No. she wouldn’t. ‘Why are you living out in these caves if you aren’t bandits? And why have you been attacking the town?’

Alpha sighed before answering. ‘You have not been receiving our pleas, have you?’ It wasn’t a question.

‘No, I have received no such things. You had best answer me quickly; I was sent here to get rid of everypony down here.’

Alpha slowly turned around. Even in the dim glow given off by Luna’s mane, every pony in the room could see his blind eyes reflecting milky white light.

‘My family was killed by your sister, the “Great” Celestia. They took my wife while she was at work and then they came for me and my foals. I took Fawkes and ran. We didn’t look back until town was but a speck on the horizon. I took refuge in a small cave to the west of here. I saw some other ponies, close friends of mine, leaving town, and rushed out to lead them into the cave with my daughter, but no, Celestia had other plans. She brightened the sun to unimaginable lengths, blinding me in a heartbeat and burning me where I stood. The others dragged me back to the cave led by Argus. That stallion has eyes everywhere.’

‘And why were you being attacked?’

‘From what I can gather, it would be something to do with how I mentioned that the night was so much better than the day. Your stars are beautiful, the night wind is soothing on the lungs, and have you ever heard of anyone getting moonburned? I didn’t think so. I was in the bar and after having a bit too much cider I shouted out what I just told you. Celestia’s guards tell her everything that goes on, and I guess she doesn’t appreciate ponies preferring night to day… everyone who agreed with me had to leave town. Most didn’t make it that far.’

Hints of tears were visible on the edges of his blind eyes. Luna was struck at the sudden change of situation. A few minutes ago she had been ready to arrest whoever was in this room, but now…

‘Do you have any proof of these claims?’

‘Well, look at my eyes! What, do you think I stared at the sun for an hour?’ He sighed and physically stilled himself before continuing. ‘I apologise, my princess. I’m simply worked up because your sister took away the only things that mean anything to me. Most of my family is gone and I can no longer look upon your stunning night sky. I’m sure if you asked around town ponies would tell you the same thing. If they don’t know why we left, please don’t tell them… it would be best if they thought us dead.’

‘But… why?’

‘There were more in town who agreed with us. I… I don’t want anypony getting hurt because they thought they could do something. If the guards find us I doubt we’ll live to see another day.’ He turned back around to face his blank wall and Fawkes moved to sit next to him. She laid her head against his neck to comfort her father in the silence. Luna thought for a few moments. It is an experimental magic… but… if he wishes it.

‘Sir Alpha? If you would will it, I may be able to… at least somewhat restore your sight.’

‘Heh… “Sir.” You say it almost as though I deserve the title. If you would wish to help a withered, old stallion, I will not deny you.’

Luna nodded in the silence. She walked to stand in front of the old stallion and focused her thoughts upon finding her calm centre. This spell needed perfect concentration. She focused on an image of the moon in front of a dark sky. Stars appeared in her vision and she saw the stallion’s face. Her horn touched his head and his eyes changed. The irises turned jet black and the whites brightened enough that they almost seemed to glow. The room slowly returned to darkness.

Luna turned back and left them in darkness as she pondered what she had been told.

Could he have been telling the truth? Would ‘Tia really want to do something like that?

Her own voice popped up from another place in her mind.

Why would she not do that? She wants all of Equestria to love her. She doesn’t care about the night!

That’s not true! She cares about me!

Does she? She sent you down here expecting you to attack first and ask questions later, no?

Yes…

Well, she obviously expected them to be dead before you could find anything out!

No… no, I refuse to accept that. I’m going back to town. If they can confirm Alpha… oh Sister, I hope he was lying.

Luna went back to town. She asked around and, sure enough, the locals confirmed Alpha’s story. That night, Luna went on to send a letter to her sister.

Dear Sister,

The ponies in the mountains are not bandits. They say they were chased out of town by your own guards. I need to know the truth. Why did you really send me here? Was it to take care of a group of bandits, or was it some form of test? I want the truth, Celestia. Nothing more, nothing less.

~Princess Luna

Almost immediately after sending that letter in a cloud of night-black smoke she received a response.

Luna,

Please disregard everything those ponies told you! They were lies. A battalion has been dispatched, but in the mean time you MUST return home IMMEDIATELY. Everything will be explained when you arrive, but it is no longer safe for you in Hoofswell.

~Celestia

Luna stared at the sheet of paper for a full minute. She was lying. She sent me here to kill innocent ponies, all because she refuses to allow me to have subjects of my own. We are supposed to rule together, yet she rules alone! A tear dropped down onto the parchment. No longer! I will rule Equestria. All will know the beauty of my jewel-encrusted night, and will gaze upon my sky with reverence! I harness the power of millions of stars, while Celestia only controls that one, weak Sol. The sheet of parchment in front of her ignited in black flames, star-like sparks flying off of it. Am I so wrong to wish that they would see things like I do? And am I so wrong to think that they might love me, too? Why shouldn't they adore me? Is it not within my right? I'll not be overshadowed! Mine is not the lesser light!

Luna found herself moving outside without even thinking about it. The second she cleared the inn’s door she dropped into her Royal Canterlot Voice, bellowing ‘PONIES OF HOOFSWELL, HEAR ME! I HAVE DISCOVERED CELESTIA’S TRUE MOTIVES, AND I AM HERE TO FREE YOU FROM HER TYRANNY. MY SISTER SENT ME HERE TO KILL “BANDITS,” BUT I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THEY ARE FOLLOWERS OF THE NIGHT. FROM HERE FORTH, HOOFSWELL WILL BE THE CENTRE OF THE LUNAR REPUBLIC. HEAR ME AND OBEY!’

‘Over the next few days the town warmed to her. There were more night supporters than anyone could have guessed. Luna sent for Anvil to get the Lunar Republic from their cave. She was kind, though. She didn’t harm those who didn’t support her. Those few guards and civilians were sent from town with food and supplies to last them until Trottingham. Blitz left with the civilians and Solar Guard, but all others stayed. Their loyalties lay with Luna first, then the public, and finally Celestia.

Fawkes was over the moon to be back in town, some of the civilians mimicking her mood. She was a source of joy in bleak times. She would make an excellent Element of Laughter, Luna observed.

Alpha was welcomed back in reverence. From town everypony had seen a mighty blast from the sky itself and a blackened mass on the ground. They had assumed that Alpha died while escaping and his body had been taken for burial. He was given quarters in the town hall.

Argus immediately put his hoof up for guard duty when he re-entered the town, and had to put his hoof down when anypony told him otherwise. ‘For the past year I’ve been learning the best tactics of surveying the land. If I’ve protected these ponies from Celestia for that long, you’d better believe it’d be a good idea to have me on night duty.’

There were only a dozen or so more ponies coming in from the hills, though from what Luna overheard, many more had not survived. She felt a burning mixture of sadness and anger at what Celestia had done to these ponies, and why? Why did she do it? Is it truly that terrible that some ponies would choose to live by the night?

She called a town meeting in front of the hall. With temporary bedding set up indoors for the refugees they couldn’t hold a meeting indoors, instead having the ponies gather in front of town hall and Luna up on the podium.

‘My fellow ponies, these are sad times indeed. I had no idea that any of… this was going on in our kingdom. From this day forth, I decree Hoofswell to be the centre of the Lunar Republic. Celestia has tried to hide this from me. I… I cannot apologise enough for the sakes of those who died under the hoof of Celestia. Believe me when I say that they will not go unavenged.’

Fawkes bounced to the front of the ground and looked at Luna with a dazed smile. ‘Princess, are we going to war?’

‘No, Fawkes. We are taking a stand, though. If we are attacked, we will defend. We will only attack as a last resort.’ She looked back over the crowd. ‘Hear me, ponies of Hoofswell! I will not stand for the tyranny of my sister to go unchecked! For now, however, we must prepare fortifications. I will not lie to you. I will not become my sister. She has dispatched a battalion that will arrive within the week; nine nights at most. By then, we need to be prepared to defend this town. Are you with me?’

The crowd cheered as one.

‘Then prepare for battle!’

‘Over the next few days the ponies converted the inn into a makeshift hospital and Argus saw to casting powerful spells across the area.’

‘So… he cast spells to stop the battalion from coming near the town?’

‘Hah! Nah, there’s no way in Tartarus he’d have been able to block ‘em or anything. No, he cast spells to detect any unauthorised presences. If anything bigger than a rabbit came within two leagues of Hoofswell, he’d know, and he’d report straight to Luna.’

‘And then?’

‘Everything took a turn for the worst. I’ve told you about spells; they can be overloaded if somepony else is a stronger spell caster, and, well… this spell caster is bloody strong.’

Everything was silent. It had been seven full days and nights since Celestia’s letter arrived. Half of Luna’s troops were gathered on the ramparts in preparation for a sunrise attack. Luna knew that Argus would be sounding the alarm at any second. He seemed to be struggling to remain awake, however.

‘Argus, rouse yourself. You must be prepared for this battle.’

Argus let out a small moan from beside her. Luna bent down to see his eyes closed tight. He must have already fallen asleep. Perhaps he is having a… a nightmare.

‘Argus, awaken!’ She gently nudged his shoulder. Argus grunted and shut his eyes tighter.

‘That is no way to respond to a direct command from your ruler! Awaken right this instant and-’

Luna was cut short by a blood-curdling scream. Argus’ eyes opened and were revealed to be bloodshot. His horn gave a flash and he stopped screaming to gasp before his eyes glazed over and he fell from the rampart.

I’ve only ever once seen that kind of magic! No… oh my goodness, no…

She slipped into the Voice to rouse the remainder of her troops. If her speculations were correct… this was going to be a lost battle before it even began.

‘TROOPS! AWAKEN! PREPARE FOR BATTLE RIGHT THIS INSTANT!’

The first two ponies to leave the buildings were her Anvil and Fawkes, shortly followed by almost the rest of the town. She had given specific orders for mares and foals to stay safely indoors.

‘FAWKES! Get back indoors this instant! I will not see the young hurt today!’

‘But Princess, I am prepared to fight! Please let me prove myself!’

‘As much as you would wish to, I cannot allow it. Please, go back indoors.’

Fawkes saw beyond the mask of Luna’s anger. She saw true worry and sadness in Luna’s eyes. After standing still for a few moments, Fawkes turned to walk into the inn.

Good, thought Luna, if she cannot fight, at least she can be on hand for medical purposes.

Luna strained her eyes looking out upon the countryside. She could see small shapes forming on the horizon. They became bigger and bigger until she was able to see them clearly as ponies; more specifically, the Royal Guard. She could make out somewhere near a hundred of them. She knew nearly all of them and knew that no soldier was strong enough to overload Argus’ spell. The Guard stopped half a mile from the town and made two lines of fifty facing the town.

Celestia’s own voice boomed out over the land. ‘Luna, I request an audience. Come out alone so we may end this peacefully.’

Luna looked back at her own troops. There were no more than sixty available to fight; the rest had been ordered to stay back, whether from being too young, female, or elderly. They had the advantage of battlements, but this would end with much bloodshed if she didn’t play along.

‘Be ready for my signal, and pray that I do not give one.’

‘Yes, Princess.’ She looked over and saw that it was Anvil she had given the order to. There was none she would trust more. She smiled at her captain and leapt from the battlements, gliding half the distance to Celestia’s troops and stopping.

A bright light appeared over the heads of Celestia’s troops as she materialised seemingly out of pure light and trotted in mid air to the ground.

‘Sister, please stand down. We can’t afford civil war in times such as these.’

‘What civil war? You have been killing innocents, Sister! And why? Because they prefer my Night over your Day?’

‘No. I did what I had to because if there are two factions, those of night and day, fights will break out over which is more liveable, ponies will try to convince each other otherwise, and more blood will be spilled. Ever since we fell out of contact with the Griffin Kingdom, Germaney has been preparing for our defences to fall. I have received reports of scouts seen around Derbyshire and Trottingham. Please, Luna, this is precisely what they have been waiting for to attack. I do not want blood to be shed.’

‘Blood will not be shed, Sister! Ponies are more capable than you think. They are conscious beings, not mere animals! They can solve their own problems without resorting to violence; you do not need to kill my subjects.’

‘I wish you could be right, Luna. I truly do. I will offer you one more chance to surrender before we attack. Please do not make me do this.’

‘The choice is yours, Sister. These ponies will defend their home with or without me.’ The image of Alpha, sitting in darkness with his daughter came to her. ‘That much I know.’

‘Very well. Guards, take the town back!’ Celestia leapt to the sky and flew over her troops as they charged. Luna took off back toward the town and fired a magic flare above her. The flare was black as night-like a void in the sky-and had white, star-like specks in it. The guards prepared to defend their homes and family with their lives.

Celestia’s soldiers charged. Luna landed on the battlements just as the civilians and guards of her town visibly stiffened.

‘For the Lunar Republic!’

From out in the battleground another war cry came over the area: ‘For the Solar Empire!’

So Sister started her own faction, too? She is no sister of mine. Luna took to the skies to engage in air combat with her sister. The two most powerful ponies in the Known World clashed together in the sky with a resounding boom that shook the ground. The sky appeared to flash with not only light, but also pure darkness as the princesses launched colossal spells at each other.

Celestia was by far more powerful, but her downfall was in her size and agility. By the time she landed a single spell on Luna- a spell that merely grazed her hind hoof- Luna had managed to strike Celestia near to a dozen times. Celestia’s attacks became more frantic and less accurate as she was hit more and more.

Luna was hit directly in the chest with a wind-based spell by Celestia. It knocked her from the sky and she landed hard enough on the ground to leave a small crater. The ponies immediately around her fell over from the sudden quake in the earth and they backed away. Both members of the Lunar Republic and Solar Empire stopped their skirmishes to watch their leaders fighting.

Celestia grinned maniacally as she landed opposite Luna.

‘Well, this is what it comes down to, Sister! You have brought this upon yourself! You should have come back home when you had the chance.’

‘Celestia! Look at what you are doing! Innocent pony lives are at stake here!’

‘Anyone who wants to live has exactly thirteen seconds to get their flanks out of here! Better?!’

‘Celestia, stop right now. Do not make me-’

‘Make you what, Sister?! What will you do? You have always been the weaker one! You never deserved any recognition, but I, the kind Celestia, offered you a chance for redemption! All you had to do was follow an order and you would be loved, but no, you had to go and make friends with these… these… RAAH!’

Celestia’s horn glowed brightly as she charged a megaspell. Luna froze on the spot and it fired. Time slowed down before her. Her life was over. Celestia had killed her own sister. There was no dodging a spell such as this one…

She closed her eyes as the spell neared her. The Lunar Republic may live without a leader, but the idea will never die. The spell never hit. Instead, Luna was hit with a soundwave the likes of which Equestria had never known. She opened her eyes to see the megaspell detonating in front of her, somehow being deflected. The soundwave was flattening the grass, quickly followed by the explosion blistering the very earth. She saw several of the closer guards fall bellowing, but never heard their screams. Everything had gone silent.

As the fire of the spell finally began to clear, Luna saw what had saved her. It was Fawkes. The young, green mare fell to the ground gasping for breath that didn’t seem willing to come. The area had been stripped of oxygen, none but an alicorn could survive for long there. The world still seemed to be eerily silent and slow-moving as she approached the dying mare. Fawkes slowly, silently gasped out her final words.

‘The Lunar Republic… will live…. I did it… for you… Princess…’

Fawkes’ eyelids and lips froze partially open as the final breath departed her lips. Luna heard somepony whisper ‘I told you to stay indoors.’ She saw a tear fall to Fawkes’ body, followed by her body moving to face Celestia. Her lips pulled back in a feral snarl, though she felt nothing but sorrow. Celestia’s eyes widened in horror as she watched her sister transform from a dark blue pony into a pure black… Nightmare.

Luna felt herself slipping into darkness. She could still see her body moving, even if she couldn’t control what it did, though even that was beginning to slip away. Her only thoughts were of what Celestia had done to Fawkes. Celestia, one of the rulers of Equestria, had killed an innocent pony in a blind fit of rage. She knew she was about to completely slip away and she used her last ounce of self-control to cast a megaspell of her own.

The spell teleported all of the ponies, Solar Empire and Lunar Republic alike, into the town and launched a protective barrier up around them. Luna blacked out completely within her own subconscious.

‘Yes… we find this body quite… fitting. From here forth, we are known as Nightmare Moon!’

Celestia knew her sister was lost to the darkness immediately. She thought back to why Luna had given in and realised she couldn’t remember, herself. Looking down at Nightmare Moon’s hooves she saw a green pony, very much dead. Celestia recognised those burns. They could only come from a specific type of fire… a fire which could only be produced by her Lunacy-controlled form, Nightmare Flare. Her eyes widened in horror at what she had done and what she had turned her sister into.

Glancing up at the sky, Celestia saw a black thunderhead brewing, blocking out her sun. That would drain her power. She used magic to dispel the clouds from above and saw something that made her spirits drain even more: a solar eclipse. Luna- No, Nightmare Moon!- had summoned the moon to her aid before Celestia had even realised it. She had only one possible hope left. The last time she had wielded the Elements of Harmony to defeat a great evil, she had Luna by her side to help. She concentrated what little power she had left into engorging the gems embedded in her tiara and collar. They quickly overgrew the accessories, falling off and splitting into four, then six gems. I had wished I would not need these, but… oh, Luna, please forgive me…

Her eyes turned white as she allowed the Elements to work. They held the power, Celestia merely channelled it. Nightmare Moon was wrapped in a spectrum-coloured vortex. She struggled against it, shouting taunts at Celestia, but was eventually swept up. As the vortex lifted Nightmare Moon from the ground it changed form into a ball of light and wind. The captured mare’s body started to glow in an artificial light, and then she was gone. A face appeared on the moon above them; the face of one scorned, and the moon began to move back along its predetermined path across the sky.

One final thing to take care of.

With the barrier down around the town, Celestia was free to walk straight in. She wanted nothing more than to comfort her civilians, but she had a job to do.

‘Where is the leader of the Lunar Republic?’

‘Ye just sent ‘er to her moon, ye dunderhead!’ called a voice from somewhere in the crowd.

Celestia furrowed her brow and gritted her teeth. Now she wanted nothing more than to blast this town to smithereens. Still, she had a job to do.

‘Who speaks for the Lunar Republic?’

After a moment of silence, Alpha stepped forward.

‘She touched me and me alone. You took the gift of sight from me and Luna benevolently gave it back, though I fear she cannot return my daughter to me. Even with my sight, I know not why you saw the need to take her, too. Take me if it may please you so, and show these ponies that you truly have no boundaries. I will join my daughter soon enough. Believe me when I say that my name is true. I am merely Alpha; I am only the beginning.’

Celestia looked at the elderly pony with distaste. The way he had worded that, there was no way to come out on top. If she killed him as she had intended, she would be seen as a tyrant. If she let him live, it would be in suffering and mourning. She took a deep breath and lifted him with magic to the town centre. Using the last of her magic, she reworked broken ramparts into a working noose and hanging platform. Placing the noose around his neck, she turned to the crowd.

‘This stallion has been convicted of high treason and is sentenced to death by hanging. May his death spare the lives of all other members of this treasonous faction, and may it bring about peace in Equestria. Alpha, do you have any last words?’

‘I do. I will die today. If it did not happen today, it could have happened the day after, the week after, month, year, or so on. Hear me now, members of the Lunar Republic. Princess Luna not only returned the sight that was taken by Celestia. No, Luna also gave me another gift. She gave me the gift of precognition. On the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape and she will bring about night time eternal. So I have seen it, so it shall be.’

His words hung over the crowd like fog and the crowd remained silent as the platform dropped.

‘Celestia returned to Canterlot alone. After witnessing the events of that battle, her guards refused to return with her. The second Celestia got back to Canterlot she requested- well, demanded, really- an audience with the historical scribes. And parchment, quills, and ink. That’s why you won’t find the real story in any history book, mate. It’s… gone.’

Zedd looked at his ex-teacher in a new light. Bazz was definitely passionate about this whole subject.

‘Come on, I want to be over this hill by lunch time tomorrow. We’re nearly to Manehattan.’ Bazz levitated a sleeping bag and roll mat from his saddle bags and threw the sleeping bag to Zedd. Unrolling the mat as he went, Bazz picked a spot in the moonlight of the forest and settled down for the night. Zedd went to sleep looking at his friend in the moonlight. He could swear he saw a tear on Bazz’s cheek, but he was asleep before he could look twice.

Spectrum walked out of the bushes and sat next to Bazz, also looking to the moon.

‘Are you sure it was a good idea to tell him everything?’

‘He was going to find out sooner or later, and I’d prefer he heard the whole truth rather than try to piece together his own story with only half the pieces. From what I remember, some of the other members can be… deceiving. I’m glad I’m good at puzzles.’

‘Right, good point. But… but what about me? I still can’t remember anything…’

‘Hey, Spectrum, you know your name. As soon as I said it, something came back, right? Well, if it’s that easy, you’ll have your memories back in no time flat.’

‘Yeah, maybe. I just hope those memories will be more… bearable than the one that returned. Good night, Sunrise.’ Spectrum walked back into the shadows between the trees to find his own bedding.

‘Oi, Fuzzbucket, the name’s Bazz! I dumped that name a long time ago.’ Sunrise Fall. Ugh, what kind of parents did I have? Whatever, my name is Bazz Quill now.

He heard a faint laughter from the trees followed by ‘Good night, Bazz’ in a mocking tone. Bazz grunted and flicked his gaze back up to the sky, watching as a shooting star burned across the atmosphere and fizzled into darkness.

‘You’ll be free soon, Princess,’ Bazz whispered to the sky before lying down on the matt in the moonlight. The longest day of the thousandth year is fast approaching. We need to be ready by the time it gets here.

Chapter 1

Operation Luna – Chapter 1

Two days had passed since Zedd and Bazz had left their homes. Zedd wasn’t walking much. He seemed depressed and Bazz knew better than to talk to him. Zedd’s heart was sore from leaving his love; if Bazz tried to talk to him, he’d better be holding some form of shield.

They had followed the river from Ponyville through the forest and out through a valley in the Drackenridge Mountains. The river had left them behind with the forest and supplies while tempers were running high, supplies were running low. Bazz had insisted they travel by night. ‘It’s cooler and we won’t need as much water. With any luck we’ll even get to Manehattan before running out at all.’ Zedd agreed grudgingly. The sky’s beauty was little comfort against how tired he felt from changing his sleeping pattern, not to mention how much he missed being warm.

‘You’ll have time to be warm while we sleep. That’s another good point, though. We don’t have sleeping gear. I dunno if you’ve ever gone camping, but if you sleep during nights like these, believe me, you will freeze to death. It’s not as fun as it sounds.’

‘But that doesn’t sound fun at all!’

‘My point exactly.’

Bazz was content to march in silence through the night. The nights were dead silent except for the wind and the occasional screech when a nocturnal animal found its breakfast. The land was barren and bleak. It seemed to almost be like a wasteland or a desert. Occasionally they would pass a tree, though more often than not the trees were dead. How any animals could survive out here was a wonder, though they continually passed reptiles and buzzards. Bazz rechecked his supplies. They were almost out of water; one single litre left for both of them. That would last them half a day in this climate. They had to find a waterhole. Yeah, that’ll be the day. Bugger it; we’re in for a difficult trek. This is just insane that Manehattan is in between the Known World’s biggest inland lake and a bloody desert. Bazz sighed to himself, drawing a quick glance from Zedd.

The moon was floating above them, a face of sadness eternally etched upon it. The sand was getting under his horseshoes and he was about ready to call a break to relieve the problem when he felt a change in the sand density.

‘Hold up, Zedd.’

‘What is it now?’ Zedd asked irritably.

‘With any luck, water. You want to learn about magic, right? Well, check this out.’

Bazz focused his magic on the ground in front of him. The dry sand was lifted up and pushed away to reveal a damp mud.

‘Delicious,’ noted Zedd.

‘Yeah, d’you want mud pancakes for dinner?’ Bazz rolled his eyes at the joke. ‘Come on, pay attention. I’ll show you how to do it, then you have a go. Mud is just water and dirt- or sand in this case- so you can extract the water from it. Well, it must have rained here recently. Think of nothing but the water and mentally separate it from the dirt, then…’ Bazz’s eyes closed in concentration and the mud shifted. Clear, sparkling water rose up from the mud leaving the patch of ground dry.

Zedd looked in distaste at the mud-water. ‘You really expect me to drink that?’

‘Hey, you need to drink something and we’re almost out of water. Besides, I reckon I did a passable job. Not too much sand in it, at least.’

‘But there’s so little of it!’

There would be at most twenty millilitres of water floating between the two. Bazz sighed before responding.

‘Yeah, that may be, but this spell doesn’t take too much energy, just concentration.’ He levitated the water towards himself and awkwardly bit it out of the air, swallowing all of it in one mouthful.

‘Hey, I can’t eat or drink when ponies are watching me, okay? Go on, even if you don’t want to drink it, have a go at the spell.’

Zedd walked a few metres and kicked at the ground. He kept up with his pouting, though under the mask he was excited. He wanted to learn more about a magic, and he was glad Bazz was willing to teach him.

After he had dug a sufficiently deep hole and saw damp sand, he stopped his digging and focused his magic. In his mind, the spell was somewhat like simple levitation; he just needed to separate the sand from the water. Concentration. Come on, Zedd, you can do this!

He watched as water began to rise from the ground, leaving most of the sand behind. Soon enough Zedd had a small ball of water floating in front of him, somewhat clouded by speckles of sand.

‘Looks delicious. You up for a mud slushie?’

Zedd spun to glare at Bazz and heard a splash. His mouth fell open in shock when he realised the water was no longer floating in the air.

‘Ah, made a foal by gravity, I see!’ Bazz couldn’t help but laugh a little at Zedd’s expression.

‘Yeah? Well let’s see you try and-’ Zedd stopped talking. He was only making it worse.

‘Do better? But you already have, mate! Look, you had that perfectly. Gravity is actually how I like to manipulate this trick.’ More water began to rise from the ground as Bazz spoke. ‘Now, most ponies like to concentrate on separating the sand from the water. That can be a bit of a pain considering how small sand particles are, y’know? Well, I use gravity.’ Zedd watched the trail of water form itself into a clouded ball. The cloud of sand condensed into a single clump in the middle and fell through the water to the ground.

‘Sand is heavier than water!’

‘You got it. I normally show off by doing that while it’s rising from the ground; that way you don’t even see the sand in the water. Want to try again?’

Zedd nodded his affirmation as Bazz filed the water ball into a spare canteen. He concentrated on lifting the water from the desert floor, though this time wasn’t surprised to see how dirty it was.

‘Perfect, now you just need to concentrate on the centre of the ball of water. Focus the gravity of the ball to that point and the sand’ll move on its own.’

Zedd nodded slightly as he allowed the force of gravity to shift. Some of the water dripped from the ball and was reclaimed to the desert, though most of it stayed standing as the sand condensed. When he had sufficiently collected the sand particles, he let go of the sand and only held onto the water. As Bazz had shown, the sand clump fell back to the ground.

Zedd looked back up to the water ball and was disappointed to see a few bits of sand still floating in it.

‘Hey, that was bloody good for a first try, mate! The first time I tried that, I immediately dropped most of the water back to the ground and held onto the sand! I think you might be a born telekinetic.’

‘Wait, really?’

‘Really what? Yes, I think you have some serious skill, and yes I was much worse.’

‘…Thanks.’ Zedd always liked that about Bazz. If he wasn’t sure what a question was aimed at, he’d explain multiple things in a straight-forward manner.

‘Come on, we’re getting close. We were probably just lucky here, though. A stray cloud from Cloudsdale would be my guess; they really need to get a new weathermare. We also need to be out of this desert by sun-up.’

Bazz lifted his metal device from his saddlebags and kicked at it. The device split in two, revealing a small piece of glass. Bazz peered through it for a few moments before saying ‘I think we’ll be out of here in two or so hours. Manehattan is three hours away.’

Zedd looked disbelievingly at the small device. ‘As though you can see that far through such a small telescope-thing.’

‘Magic,’ Bazz mocked before floating it back to his saddlebag. ‘That thing’s good for more than just music and audio surveillance. Aside from that, I can sort of tell by the stars. Neither method is perfectly accurate, but together you can get a fair idea of distance.’

Zedd looked up at the sky. The Mare in the Moon seemed to be watching them, sadness eternally masking her face. Almost to exaggerate this, a small flame burnt across the sky in front of her eyes, mocking a fiery tear.

‘Bazz?’

‘Yeah?’

‘There’s a couple of things I want to know now. I’ve been wondering for a while what your real name is, and I also now kinda want to know how to navigate by stars.’

Bazz sighed. ‘Well… I’m sorry, but the name will have to wait. You are a bloody sharp one, though. Don’t go asking the real names of members of… just don’t question names. Some people don’t appreciate it. There’ll be a time for me to tell you, but I can’t yet. As for the stars, I can teach you as we walk.’

He quickly dropped the canteen back into a saddlebag before beginning walking again in the direction of Manehattan. As they walked, Zedd listened raptly as Bazz described each constellation, told the story behind each one, and explained how they can be used in navigation. He told great tales of Gods and Titans, along with several mythological creatures, such as cockatrices, manticores, and the three Fates.

Zedd looked to the east, then back to the west, comparing the gradient of colour visible in the sky. There wasn’t a single cloud to be seen, leaving nought but the black night sky contrasting the red morning light. Celestia sure puts time and effort into the transition between her night and day…

‘It’s incredible,’ he noted aloud.

‘It’s a lie.’ Bazz continued walking, sparing a glance for the setting moon and nothing else.

‘Wait… how can a sunrise be a lie?’

‘It’s not Celestia’s moon. I know what you were thinking. Everypony thinks the same way. Something went down almost a millennium ago. I’ll tell you eventually, but right now you wouldn’t believe me. Trust me on this. Now come on, we’re almost to Manehattan.’

Zedd looked back across the sky once more before following Bazz. Yeah right.

The skyscrapers were the first parts of the city to come into full view. In the light given by the sun, Zedd was shocked to see how high they truly rose. The tallest building in Ponyville was a toss-up between the town hall and Sugarcube Corner, but these buildings… Now I see why they call them “Skyscrapers”.

The desert ended and was replaced by dry dirt. Only when they came within a league of the city did live reassert itself in the form of grass. The stallion and the buck continued walking to the city, passing cottages and agricultural land as they went. Farmers paused in their tilling to wave and bid the travellers a good morning, which was responded to with much less enthusiasm by Bazz.

‘So Zedd, what do you think so far? It’s bloody different from Ponyville, isn’t it?’

‘Yeah… are they sure those buildings won’t just fall over? They don’t look very safe…’

Bazz laughed before he answered. ‘Nah, mate. They’ve taken every precaution to make sure they don’t fall. They’re lined with metal and cement; stuff you don’t get in small towns like Ponyville. It’d take more than a tornado to knock one of them down.’

There were no gates or walls around the town, the houses just became more frequent. They made their way onto the main street of the city and walked to the business district.

‘This place is set up a lot like Canterlot, with the exception of not being built into a mountain. You’ve got agricultural land on the edge of its borders, housing on this side of the city, a business district making a ring around the city centre, the city centre is for nobles and rich ponies, and then there are the docks. The docks are where Manehattan gets a lot of its money. I mean, someone has to keep those nobles rolling in bits, right? We’re actually headed for a bar down there, but we may as well do some sightseeing, too. If anything catches your eye, just say so, but I want to be down at the docks by midday.’

The business district held several interesting shops. Zedd wanted to try some sushi from one of the numerous cafes around, despite Bazz’s reaction (Augh, seaweed! It tastes like salty lettuce with fish poop on it.) It wasn’t as bad as Bazz made it seem, but he decided not to go out of his way to eat it again. There were boutiques spread around on almost every street, and there were shops for nearly everything in between, from maps and survival gear to books and music. As they passed one of the local clubs, a familiar voice floated through the front doors.

‘Good morning, everyone, and welcome to WR3K! The manager tells me that drinks are half-price for the next ten minutes, so go and get some before it’s too late! I’m DJ PON-3, signing off with one of my original mixes.’ Music flooded the club again as Zedd spoke up.

‘Bazz, come on, that’s one of my friends from Ponyville!’

‘Wait, you know Vinyl? Nice, mate. We’ve got about an hour before I want to be by the docks, so we can spare a few minutes.’ They walked to the club doors and were stopped by the bouncer; a large, dark green earth pony wearing sunglasses and holding a clipboard. A suit was covering his cutie mark.

‘Are you on the list?’

‘There’s a list?’ Zedd frowned in confusion.

‘If you ain’t on the list, I can’t let you in. Simple as that.’

‘Zedd, this isn’t Ponyville.’

‘No, but that’s not fair! I just want to see Vinyl.’

‘Yeah, you and every other young electro-loving chump out there. You’re either on the list or you ain’t. Take a hike, kid.’ The bouncer was obviously glaring at Zedd through his sunglasses.

‘Come on, she told me to look her up if I ever came to Manehattan!’

An idea came to Bazz. ‘Yeah, she actually did. We don’t have the letter any more, but his name might be on the list. Got anyone called Zedd?’

The bouncer sighed loudly. As much as he wanted these two to just leave, if one was on the list he could lose his job. Bazz took his metal device from his saddlebag and pointed it at the stallion from behind his clipboard. If he had to use it, a memory modification spell would work well.

‘BRAVO, WHAT IN THE NAME OF LUNA D’YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?!’ Bazz flinched and dropped his device to the ground, then hastily flicked it back into a saddlebag with magic.

A middle-aged mare appeared in the doorway, an absolutely livid look on her face.

‘Ma’am, do you know this pony?’ The bouncer stooped a bit to show respect for the shorter mare.

‘I used to. Let him in, he has some serious explaining to do. And if anyone asks, you never saw him. Or his friend, for that matter.’

The bouncer nodded his assent and grunted, stepping over to let Zedd and Bazz pass, albeit begrudgingly. After being led through a second doorway, the three entered the main part of the club. It was a lot darker than Zedd had expected. As dark as it was, there were black neon lights spread around, causing all light-coloured objects to seem to glow. Bazz looked like a ghost with a black mane. A few laser lights were flashing around in time with the music and a smoke machine was puffing out a cloud near the stage. The stage itself held a pony-sized mixing board and speakers on either side that were easily twice the size of a pony.

The mare leading them through the club stopped in front of a door near the stage.

‘Does he know?’

‘Not yet,’ Bazz responded.

‘Very well. I’ll have to ask you to stay out here for the time being. Bravo, come with me.’

‘Yes, ma’am. Also, I go by the name “Bazz” now.’

‘In my presence you will remain Bravo.’ Bazz looked a bit exasperated at the older mare, but held his tongue.

‘Zedd, go find your friend. This might take a while. Here, this should be enough bits for a drink or two.’ He levitated a small coin purse from his saddlebag and passed it to Zedd before following the mare through the doorway. Zedd watched the door close and turned back to the club.

‘Boo!’

Zedd gave a startled gasp. Vinyl had snuck up on him while he was facing the other way. Having a pure white coat, she looked less like a ghost and more like she was purely glowing.

‘What, do I really look that bad tonight?’

‘No, you just surprised me; you kinda look like you’re glowing. And it’s morning.’

‘Wait, seriously? Oh, that’s awesome!’ She held up a hoof and admired the way it seemed to glow. ‘I forgot those lights do that, haha! Wait, it’s morning? Oh man, I’ve gone nocturnal. Anyway, what brings you to Manehattan? I’d guess you were here just to see me, but what’s Mister Quill doing here, too?’

‘Ah, yeah, about that, I should probably fill you in. Here’s the fast version: he’s promised to help me find my dad who he seems to think is still alive, he’s quit teaching, we’re headed down to the docks, and I’m bloody thirsty; let’s get a drink.’ Vinyl’s jaw dropped slightly and she burst out with more laughter.

‘What? What is it?’

‘Did you seriously just say that? I think he’s getting to you!’ She laughed harder.

‘What did I say?’ He thought about what he had just said. Oh. “Bloody”.

‘I guess you’re picking up on some of his slang! What, are you going to start saying “eh?” after every other sentence?’

‘No, it was just a slip of the tongue. Come on, Vinyl.’ I honestly don’t see why she thinks that’s so funny…

When she finally caught her breath, Vinyl had to apologise. ‘Yeah, sorry, I just find his accent funny. It’s so different to ours, and he has so many strange sayings.’ Zedd immediately thought of the few times Bazz had said things like “Buckets of blood” or “I guess you’re up the creek” and laughed, too.

Vinyl directed him to a booth over at the far side of the room and went to get their drinks. She returned with two glasses of something that smelled strongly bitter.

‘What’s the matter? Never had alcohol before?’

‘Well… no. Don’t you remember Ponyville? No matter how old you looked, nopony would serve me anything. They all knew me.’

‘Yeah, true enough. Go on and drink, just take it slowly. The first time drinking is always the one you should be careful with. Also, if this is your first time, maybe take my drink and I’ll have yours.’

‘Yeah, sure.’ She used her magic to take his glass and push hers over and immediately lifted the glass up, turning it almost horizontal.

Zedd smelled the drink. It smelled a lot less bitter than the other one; almost chocolaty. He tentatively took a sip and discovered it did taste a lot like chocolate, though with a bit of a kick to it that left a strange warmth in his throat as it went.

‘You like?’

‘Yeah, it’s good; almost like liquid candy!’

‘It’s a lot weaker than normal alcohol.’

‘Why’s that?’

‘Because it’s a mare’s drink.’ She paused for a moment and watched his face fall before laughing again. ‘Don’t worry! A lot of bucks like drinking them just because they taste better. There’s nothing feminine about it.’

‘Yeah, sure. Could I have a try of the other drink anyway?’

‘Sure thing, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.’

She passed the drink across the table for him to try. He wiped the edge of the glass with a napkin (“Just drink it, you wuss!”) and took a sip. This one was unbelievably stronger. He felt it burn his throat on the way down and leave a stinging taste in his mouth. He dropped the glass back to the table and coughed.

‘Yeah, that was pretty much my reaction the first time. You wanna go back to the mares drink?’

He glared at her for a moment at the way she had said it and pushed her glass back across the table, taking a swig of his own to alleviate the taste left in his mouth.

‘Now, this here is rum. It’s not mixed in with anything, so yeah, it’s pretty strong. That drink you have is called a mudslide. It’s vodka- fermented potato- with some cocoa and other stuff mixed in. I love mudslides, but it takes forever to get drunk off ‘em. So anyway, what else have I missed? Gimme the long version, Mister Quill might be in the back room for a while.’

‘Old habits never change, I guess, Miss Scratch?’ She realised she had called Bazz by his last name again and facehoofed. The next DJ came on over the club microphone before he started.

‘Hey, hey, hey, all! Welcome to WR3K, the club that’ll leave you a complete- y’know…. That was DJ Pon-3 from a little place called Ponyville, but now I’m here for your musical pleasure. This is a new mix by me: your very own DJ Kit-Kat!’ He had painted his muzzle white to glow in the neon lights. It was making the pattern of a cat’s jowls and whiskers. As silly as it seemed, it had effect.

As the bass-filled music flooded the club, several ponies moved from the dance floor to back to the booths and bar, just as several others moved out to the floor. Zedd recounted everything major that had happened in and out of school since she left. She had very few questions, instead just drinking as he spoke. By the time he got to the Manehattan part of the story, she was half way through her third glass; though she had switched to a lighter drink- a type of whiskey mixed with milk.

Bazz made his way out of the back room. He looked around for a bit before noticing the glowing figure of Vinyl next to Zedd and walking over.

‘Have fun with Madame Fussy-britches?’ asked Vinyl as soon as Bazz was in earshot (which, in the music-filled club, wasn’t that far).

‘Yeah, much. She yelled at me for a bit, then I had to tell her what I’ve been doing for the last few years. I used to know her. Anyway, Zedd, I have a better idea of what we’re doing now. I know exactly where we’re headed, and we don’t need to be down at the docks until two.’

‘Wait, you didn’t even know where we were going?’

‘N- I… had a vague idea!’

Vinyl suddenly piped up. ‘Where would you be going to at the docks? It’s not like there’s a club down there or anything…’

‘No, but there’s information. Information is a valuable commodity. Never forget that.’

‘Oh come on, old buck! I thought Zedd said you gave up teaching!’

‘Hey, firstly: I’m only ten years older than you, and secondly… I’ll always be a teacher.’ His voice dropped after he said “secondly” and he looked down to the floor. Zedd looked confused at his reaction and Vinyl took off her goggles to look him in the eyes. The result was horrifying; her stunningly red eyes seemed to glow brighter than her white body in the neon lights of the club.

‘Hey, sorry buck, I just…’

‘No, it’s fine. I’m going to get something to drink.’ He stood up and walked straight to the bar.

‘What’s up with him?’

‘I’ve got no idea. He’s… different than I thought he was. He seems… more and less mature than he ever let on at school. Like, he always knows what he’s doing, but he treats life in general as a joke. I’ve never seen him react to anything like this, though.’

‘Give him some space. Anyway, I see you got your cutie mark! You just casually left that bit out of the story. Go on, tell me all about it.’

Zedd took note that Bazz was ordering two drinks- a glass of wine and a double shot of whiskey- before he recounted how he got his mark to Vinyl.

They had been walking in silence since they left the club. Zedd had asked what was wrong as they were leaving the club, but Bazz just shook his head and kept walking with an impassive look on his face.

‘I’m sorry.’

Zedd looked at Bazz for a moment, confused about the random apology.

‘What for?’

‘I sort of killed the atmosphere in the club with my little episode.’

‘Episode? I don’t know what you think you did, but all I saw was you walking to be by yourself. Everypony does that from time to time.’

‘Yeah, but still… you deserve to at least know why.' He took a deep breath, bracing himself to reveal part of his past to Zedd.

‘I’ve been in love before, Zedd. She was beautiful, smart, funny… and she was taken from me. She’s the only reason I’m alive today, but it was at the cost of her own life. Four years ago the damn Solar Empire did a raid on… a raid on a place I used to live. So many died… so many killed. I saw some of my best friends go down, and I saw others… break.’ His eyes glazed over. ‘I’ve tried to live the best life I can, but even that is wrong in the eyes of some. The truth, Zedd, is that there is something very wrong with Equestria. Innocent ponies are every day being killed needlessly. I’m fighting to change that. All I want to do is make a difference… even if it costs me my life.’ He glanced to the sky before levitating his blue-tinted sunglasses out of his saddlebags and putting them on.

‘This is where we’re headed.’ They were walking down a boardwalk in the dock. Bazz turned toward the door of a shady-looking bar. Zedd followed cautiously.

‘Be on your guard in here. I’d trust some of these ponies with my life, but not everyone’s as trusting as me; and honestly, some of them just don’t like me, and, by extension, you.’

‘That’s a lot of information to take in, you know.’

‘Fine, putting it bluntly, keep your mouth shut or they’ll shut it for you.’

‘Erm… got it.’

Bazz pushed the door open and walked in. Zedd followed stiffly, forcing his mouth shut tighter than normal. The room’s shutters were drawn and it was lit by a candle. The place was set up like your average seaside bar, despite being next to a lake. It had cobblestone walls, wooden stanchions supporting the roof beams, wooden tables, and candles in glass holders. Several shady bar patrons were visible, but in the low light their features couldn’t be made out clearly.

‘Bravo! Where in Tartarus have you been?!’ A violently fluorescent yellow-green coated pony launched themselves onto Zedd’s back.

‘Delta! Mate, I haven’t seen you in years! It’s kinda crud being the only Austallion in Ponyville.’

‘Well, I’ve been right here. Again, where have you been? Off with the ladies?’

‘Ah, no.’

Delta laughed at Bazz’s expression before saying ‘Only joking, man! Ahh, bloody hell, it must’ve been three years ago that I last saw you?’

‘Seems about right. Oh yeah, this is Zedd. We’re looking for Foxtrot, and Madame Tightwad wasn’t much help.’

‘Wait, you were up at WR3K? You got in to WR3K?!’

‘Yeah, what of it?’

‘Today?’

‘Yes…’

‘Man, as if! They wouldn’t let me anywhere near the place! They’ve got some of the best DJs in from all over Equestria for the next few days, oh man, how did you get in?!’

‘I… might have pointed my Thing at the bouncer.’

‘Oh yeah, that’ll do it. Memory modification?’

‘Nope, Madame Tightwad caught me. Not fun. So, do you have any info about Foxtrot?’

‘Foxtrot? Last I saw he was on the run from the Solar Empire. Had to leave his little foal in some… oh, no way.’

‘What is it?’ asked Zedd, slamming a hoof to his lips to keep his mouth shut.

‘You’re his son, aren’t you? As if I didn’t notice it before! Same eyes, same… “untameable” hairdo. So you’re little Zedd…’

Zedd shot a warning glance at Delta. ‘Look, if you don’t have any information on Foxtrot, maybe we could get some help from Sierra.’

‘Sierra? You’d have to be a one mad stallion to look for him.’

‘I was never a fan of sanity. Zedd, you can breathe, you know.’ He moved to take a seat near the bar and motioned Delta and Zedd to join him.

‘Who are all these ponies? Why do they have codenames? At least… I think they’re codenames. I mean, your name’s Bazz, not Bravo.’

‘Bazz? Hah, you dropped into that old name again! What happened to “Sunrise”?’

‘My hoof lodged itself in your left nostril is what happened. I dropped that name the second I joined. Anyway, Zedd, we all have codenames to protect our identities. This here is Delta. His name starts with a D. I go by Bazz, so I’m Bravo. They wanted to call me Sierra, but that title went to Spectrum.’

‘Spectrum?’

‘Old friend of mine. A good friend. Hopefully. The last time I saw him… it wasn’t nice. We need to find him, though. He’s one of our best bets for finding your dad.’

‘What about-’

‘Information is valuable, Zedd, but it’s also dangerous. Don’t ask more than you can handle.’

‘Well… you keep talking about keeping identities secret and constantly being in danger… why? Why are you in danger?’

‘That, Zedd, is a dangerous question. It’s one I’ll answer, just not yet.’

Zedd contented himself to hearing the other two swap stories of what had happened to the other during the past three years. Zedd missed half the terms they were using; not understanding the unusual terms and slang the foreign ponies were using.

As the day wore on, Zedd became more comfortable with speaking and was gladly asking questions about some of their stories, and telling tales of his own. Zedd was beginning to run out of energy before long.

‘Zedd, if your head drops any lower you’ll be licking the table. Be sure to tell me how it tastes.’

Zedd grunted. ‘Don’t blame me; I haven’t slept in almost a day…’

‘He’s got a point. Delta, d’you have a place we can stay for the night? We’re going to need to get going in the morning, though.’

‘Yeah, you can stay in my room. It’s upstairs and on the left.’

‘Awesome. I should probably get some sleep, too.’

‘Weak.’

‘Rude.’

‘Go on, I’ll lead you to my room.’ The three stood together and Delta led them up a staircase near the bar. At the top of the stairs, Delta pointed to one of the doors and said ‘Dream of me,’ before walking back down. Bazz and Zedd entered the room together. The place wasn’t big; one bedroom, a small bathroom, and a walk in robe. Bazz insisted that Zedd take the bed. He moved to the wardrobe and levitated a blanket down to spread on the floor.

At least this place has floorboards. Cement wouldn’t be too fun to sleep on. Zedd was more than glad to finally be back in a real bed, lying down on it and stretching as though it was the most comfortable bed ever made.

‘Night, Zedd.’

He was already asleep.

She smiles at me sweetly. I look into the face of the mare I loved and feel a smile appearing across my own face. There’s something magical about her. Her long, brown mane… her bright, golden eyes… her soft, green coat; she is perfect. She says something to me and I responded in kind, both of us laughing.

The world was filled with eerie silence in its own perfection. I see friends of mine alongside me in the room. My best stallion, Sierra, stands at my right; her best mare, Requiem, at her left. A wall blows apart off to our right. The room is filled with fire and shrapnel. The sound of screaming fills my ears. The screams of the dying; the cries of the dead. White manes, white coats, all gilded in thick armour, they swarm the room quickly, cutting down close friends of mine in a flash.

I look over and see my best friend, Sierra, bearing a knife in his teeth. His normally blue eyes are filled with hatred, rage, and all manner of emotions that drive one to kill. Faster than a flash, he drives the knife into a Solar Guard’s neck, quickly pulling back out and running into the battle.

I look back at her. She is no longer smiling. Fear glazes her eyes over as we both take in the scene around us. She opens her mouth to speak, words drifting to my ears half a second later.

‘Go… please, go!’

‘I can’t leave you, I won’t!’

‘Bravo, run. Run now!’

I continue to say that I won’t, but she turns and runs into the battle. I try to follow and take her back with me, but I’m rooted in place. I’m forced to watch as, almost in slow motion, a Solar Empire guard rushes in from the side and knocks her to the ground. She sprawls for a moment, trying to get upright, and he places a hoof to her neck. Raising a wing with metal blades along its fore, the guard cuts straight down by his hoof.

I scream her name as my vision swirls. She’s gone.

‘Bazz! Bazz, wake up!’

‘She’s gone…’

‘Who’s gone? Bazz, everything’s fine!’

Bazz paused for a moment, taking in his surroundings. Light was fading in the windowsill; it was nearly night. He was lying on the floor next to a bed, Zedd standing above him.

‘Nothing’s fine, Zedd. Come on, the sooner we leave Manehattan the better. We have to get to Trottingham and find somepony.’

‘Who?’

‘If the mare from WR3K can be trusted, it’ll be one of my old friends. She refused to give a name, but I think I know who it might be.’ The image of a knife in bared teeth came back to him and he gave an involuntary shiver. ‘What’s the time?’

‘Just after midnight.’

‘Come on, let’s go.’

‘Wait, what? We’re not waiting until morning?’

‘Not unless you want to be shot out the sky by a solar flare. Come on, they’re probably waiting for us anyway.’

‘Who?’

‘Look, I promise I’ll explain everything soon.’

‘Pinkie Pie promise?’

‘What?’

‘Pinkie Pie promise! You can’t break a Pinkie promise!’

‘Err… right. I Pinkie Pie promise.’

‘You have to say it right and do the movements!’

‘”Movements”?’

Zedd went through the movements of a Pinkie Pie Promise, reciting the lyrics to the rhyme as he went. Bazz begrudgingly followed along.

‘Now, if you ever tell anyone I did something like that, you’ll end up with your tongue tied into four different knots.’

‘Fine, but I’m not Pinkie Pie promising anything.’

‘Bugger ya.’ Zedd couldn’t contain his laughter as he and Bazz walked back through the bar (which now had more patrons) and exited the building.

‘Bravo, this way!’ Delta frantically whispered off to their left. ‘Code… uhh… oh bugger, what was the code again? Um…’

‘What’s happened?’

‘The Solar Guard, they know you’re here. I mean, they know we’re all here, but they couldn’t prove anything against us, but you? You need to get out of here now. They could be anywhere, mate.’

‘And let me guess: because of your coat colour, you’re not coming with?’

‘Nah, I can’t. You know how bad I am with stealth, not to mention that I’m a “civilian”. If I’m caught, I’ll be released immediately, but you… please, I haven’t seen you in years, but I don’t want to lose another friend.’ Zedd saw a deep-seated sadness in his eyes.

Bazz remembered his wedding day. Delta, Sierra, and I were some of the very few who got away… and I don’t want to lose any more friends either. He glanced at Zedd for a moment before nodding.

‘Where are we going?’

‘We have Luna’s Moon on our side, so She can’t see us. I think there’s a platoon scouting the west side of town. You’re headed out to the south. Be careful, they’re trying to catch the town in a net.’

‘Who are “they”?’

‘Not now, Zedd. Trust me.’

‘You keep saying that! How can I trust you if I never get told anything? You need to trust me from time to time!’

Bazz’s expression could not be more sad and sincere. ‘Please, Zedd. Everything will be explained soon. If we make it to Trottingham and find my friend, I promise I’ll answer any questions you have, absolutely any, but right now we have to leave.’

Zedd was getting ready to just stop following Bazz and return to Ponyville. I’d be willing to bet he’s never even met my dad… I’ll go with him to Manehattan, but if I don’t get any answers soon, I’m leaving.

‘Go!’ whispered Delta frantically, turning and rushing back to the bar. Bazz led Zedd through the back streets of the business district, avoiding the upper district entirely. As the green grass outside the city came into view, so too did a small carriage connected to two Pegasi.

‘Bravo, come on! They’re nearly here!’

Bazz and Zedd quickly piled into the back of the carriage and the Pegasi took to the skies. Not half a minute later, guards in white armour began to take places every forty feet around the perimeter of the city. None noticed the carriage, already but a speck flying away in the sky.

‘We were bloody lucky tonight, Zedd. Just think… if you hadn’t woken me up, we’d have been caught in there. Pay attention to the newspapers, Zedd. You’re going to see a lot of propaganda soon, even in Trottingham.’

‘Propaganda?’

‘Alright, I’ll give you one thing to think about, but I’m not allowed to tell you anything more. Have you ever heard of the Lunar Republic?’

The trip went slower than he thought it would. The flight from Manehattan to Trottingham had taken a whole three and a half days. He was more than grateful to Storm Cloak and Black Dawn for flying Zedd and himself half way across Equestria, but he was still eager to be out of the sky. The sky was no place for a horse without wings.

They stepped out of the carriage and the other two Pegasi went to park it and rest. Zedd was struck with how different this city was from Manehattan, but was so different from Ponyville, as well. The buildings didn’t touch the sky as they did in Manehattan, nor was the town as large, but it was still advanced. A small amount of smoke was visible on the horizon where a steel mill was working, presumably supplying Trottingham with supplies for the piping system linking most of the buildings together.

‘The city of opportunity. It’s not big, but if you have the aptitude, you can go far here. Some of the biggest advances in technology are made here. The biggest arcane advances go to the Canterlot scholars, but Celestia’s personal engineers hold no par with the underground society of Trottingham.’

‘Underground?’

‘Alright, time for some answers. But… not in public. Come on.’ Zedd groaned but followed Bazz through the town. The ponies here all seemed to be either in perfect health, or incredibly sick. For every strong, healthy stallion, there was a frail, dirty old stallion or mare on the road side.

The layout of the city seemed to be similar to Manehattan; a business district surrounded by urban housing. Instead of a whole upper-class district, though, this town only had one large town hall adorned with a larger-than-life stone statue of Celestia, wings spread wide and her horn aligned perfectly with the rising sun.

‘Y’know what separates this torn from the rest of Equestria, Zedd?’

‘Would it be something to do with whatever that thing is out there?’ He pointed to the steel mill in the distance.

‘That it would. This is the only city in Equestria to have a working steel mill.’ He pointed a hoof to the south where a large mountain was visible. The mountain had a few small buildings on it, and there was a Pegasus flying a cart from the quarry to the mill. ‘There’s a quarry off yonder where they mine the steel, then they melt it down at the mill. Once it’s resolidified into ingots, they bring it into down and hand ‘em over to the blacksmith- for a few bits, of course.

‘This place is more advanced than anywhere else in Equestria. Celestia would brag about it being her personal engineers, but it’s actually because of…’ He warily glanced at a guard who seemed to be leaning slightly toward them, presumably listening in. ‘Because of her scholars. Without the scholars, the engineers wouldn’t know what to do.’ The guard seemed satisfied and leaned back into a normal standing position.

Bazz quickly leaned in close to Zedd. ‘We can’t talk out here. There’s one place… Celestia doesn’t know about it, but we have an engineer of our own. That’s Sierra. If he’s here, he’ll be underground.’ He started walking suddenly, leading Zedd along behind.

‘You don’t actually mean “underground,” do you?’

The guard completely looked over in there direction.

‘Uh, yeah, I do! They, uh, the- the iron is only found underground, so they need to send in ponies to mine it out. Mostly earth ponies, y’know? Unicorns aren’t too good at manual labour, and the Pegasi ferry the ore from the caves to the mill.’ The guard warily returned to observing the few other ponies walking around town.

‘Will you shut up in public? You say the wrong things and… bad things happen. Trust me.’

Again with the “trust me”! Seriously, how does he expect me to trust him? He took me away from home to find my dad, and now he’s leading me off to find some Sierra pony…. At least I’m getting to see Equestria. But… oh, I miss her…

His mood immediately dropped to critical lows when he thought of Ditzy.

‘Hey, Bazz, do you think I’d be able to send a letter home?’

Bazz thought about it for a moment. ‘Yeah, you should be able to. I’ll take you to the post office later today. Come on, we’re headed… uhh…’

They stopped and looked around. While talking, they had left the centre of town and were over on the western edge. There were far less shops here; this area was focusing more on trade businesses. ‘Over here.’ Bazz led Zedd into a run-down building, fittingly labelled “Condemned” by several yards of yellow tape.

The inside of the building looked no better than the outside. There was furniture in varying states of disrepair and decay strewn all over the floor, and somepony had gone to the trouble writing on the walls in black paint.

‘In Umbra Luna Est,’ remarked Bazz.

‘English, please?’

‘The Moon is in Shadow. This may not look like much, but that’s what we were aiming for. Go ahead and take a half-step to your right.’

Zedd complied and found a loose floorboard. He looked up at Bazz, who nodded, and lifted the floorboard out, revealing a small metal tube rising from the ground.

‘So… they had a broken kitchen sink before their house blew up?’

‘Not quite.’ Bazz trotted over and floated his small metal device from his saddlebag. He pointed it down the pipe and a red light shone out the end of it. He heard a few beeps followed by a click and an entire elevator shaft rose from the floor.

‘After you, Zedd.’ He held out a hoof and mock-bowed over the wreckage of the house. After following Zedd into the elevator, the door automatically closed. A robotic voice reverberated around them.

‘Voice authentication required.’

‘Bravo of Austalliona.’

‘Accepted.’

The elevator began to descend with a small jolt. After a few moments, the lift slowed and stopped, doors opening slowly.

Zedd’s eyes widened in horror. He looked away immediately and saw Bazz looking more shocked than ever before… and… scared?

The room was huge; easily four times the size of the building above it. The walls were once white, now covered with soot, dust, and the occasional fleck of blood. The floor was scattered with broken furniture and death.

‘Luna help us…’