Remnants of an Empire

Chapter 2- Bat of the Night

-Noir-

I sighed, watching a light yellow pegasus carrying her newly fallen companion away. I would have shot both of them, but the magic cannon was empty.

I marveled the weapon before for a minute. The magic cannon was a Lunar Republic technological advancement, it allowed a pegasus or earth pony to use magic attacks. First, a unicorn (or Nightmare Moon, depending on how busy the Princess was at the time) would charge the cannon's 'battery'. Secondly, the charged weapon would be give to a solider. From then on, the cannon could be used the fire big, hot beams of magic, most of the time resulting in a one-hit kill.

Gritting sharp teeth, I turned to the tree behind him, glaring at the knife imbedded in the trunk. That Solar Empire delinquent tried to knife me, I thought.

I swayed with exhaustion. I had barely slept for a few days, and my family was starting to get worried. Commander Elegance had me slaving away doing soldier work.

I packed up the magic canon, slinging it on my back and prepared for flight.

It flew silently through the darkness, thankful that my Bat-Pony wings were swift and quiet. I traveled to the castle, coming to the ground on the pegasus landing port.

"Glad you're back, Noir!" An energetic voice called to me, Rainbow Dash trotting across the smooth floor. She was wearing her Shadowbolt uniform, as custom for the pegasus general of Nightmare Moon's army. I had heard that she was one of the early ones to side with the Princess, as she had been promised great power. And power did she get.

I was one of the early ones to join Nightmare Moon, too. As a Bat-Pony, it was hard to find a proper job due to my looks and habits. But Nightmare Moon welcomed me into her court, giving me a job as a soldier and a good pay. From then on, I was loyal to the new Princess.

Now with the 'Solar Empire' on the rise, I was glad about my job. I had to know how to fight, or those terrorists would kill me and my family. They had to be eradicated. Can't these ponies accept change? Nightmare Moon defeated Celestia in a fight. She won, she should be the rightful new leader.

"Yo, Noir." Rainbow Dash said, waving her hoof in front of my face. I snapped to attention.

"Y-Yes ma'am?!" I cried.

She gazed at me, purple eyes showing discontent. "Dude, you keep spacing out. Elegance has been working you hard, huh? Go get so sleep. You look like you need it."

I nodded dumbly, saluting and staggering inside the castle. I went to the sleeping barracks located downstairs, but I longed to be home with my wife and kids. They must miss me.

Tucking my jagged wings to my sides, I curled up in small bed. Some other soldiers were asleep, I sensed Applejack near me.