"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others"

Princess Luna awakes to find herself in a small garden, surrounded by the white stone of Canterlot’s buildings. She looks around for her friends, or anyone, but no one is with her. Confused, Princess Luna stands up and walks around, though finds no way to leave the garden. Rotting vines and dying trees block any perceived exit.

A hushed and familiar voice permeates the eerie silence.

“What were you thinking, Luna? You never should have left. Everything was fine until you acted upon your delusions of starting a revolution.”

Luna looks for the mysterious voice, but finds nothing. Regardless, she becomes enraged at the voice.

“Fine?! There is NOTHING fine about Equestria! Our very right to decide our own lives was ripped away from us! And I’d sooner take my own life than live the life of a slave for eternity.”

The voice recedes, but returns, manifesting into a blackened figure, matching Princess Luna’s shape and height. The strange specter stands opposite of Luna, and begins to taunt her.

“Equestria has accepted its fate. We must adhere to that. The caribou are our rightful masters now.”

The manifestation casts away it’s shadowy down, revealing it to be Luna herself.

Princess Luna looks aghast at the doppelganger, noticing all of her features are the same, except for her red collar. Luna feels her own neck, and finds a black collar still clamped around it. She rigorously tugs and pulls at it like a wild animal, but cannot free herself of it.

“No,” states Luna, glaring at her red counterpart, “You’ve given up. You have fallen. But I have not! I’m still standing!! I will NOT serve THEM. I will FIGHT them until Equestria is free of their filth!!”

The red collared Luna giggles disturbingly.

“It’s a shame that you see it that way. Why can’t you accept what you are meant to be?”

“Ohh! Oh! I can answer that one!”

Another figure manifests itself before their eyes as a third Luna. This Luna, however, bears a purple collar, and has a deranged look in her eyes. She immediately turns to Princess Luna, smiling.

“It’s because things got a little too rough for you. You always liked to tease yourself and play when you could, but when you actually get all of the fun you could have ever asked for, you turn it down! I didn’t make that mistake! And now I can get all the pleasure I had ever wanted in a whole millennia. It’s amazing!”

The red collared Luna crosses her arms. “Even when you’re crazy you get the right idea, Luna. Why can’t you follow our advice and forget all of this revolution nonsense? If you returned to Dainn you’d surely be punished. Why would you not want to go back?”

The purple Luna chimes back in gleefully. “That’s because she thinks it’s against ‘freedom’ or something. I don’t know about you but I feel free as ever!”

“ENOUGH!!”

Princess Luna bellows in her Canterlot voice. With a sudden burst of strength and a scream, she tears the black collar violently from her neck, leaving behind a ring of raw and bleeding flesh. However, Princess Luna is unfazed by this, and instead of reeling from the seeping blood, she seethes with anger towards her duplicates.

Behind her, a massive shadow forms, rising slowly against an invisible wall. At the heart of the shadow appears the moon, bright and full. It casts down rays of silvery light, bathing Luna in its glow.

“I will not be torn apart by my own reflections! I am Princess Luna! I am the only Luna here!!!”

The winged and menacing shadow behind Luna emanates a wave of pure black energy which ripples across the entirety of the garden. The two manifestations of Luna dissolve and melt away as the blackness overtakes them, leaving behind their collars.

Princess Luna slows down her breathing, as the massive shadow curls down to embrace her with giant wings that absorb the bright light of the moon.

It hums a soft and tender lullaby, before whispering into Luna’s ear.

“…Let…Me…Help…You…”

Silence follows, until the shadow dissipates as another voice is heard, sounding as though it comes from beyond the garden.

“Princess Luna? Princess Luna, wake up!”

The garden fades from sight, and the shadow disappears.

“Huh, wuh?”

Luna opens her eyes to see Sweetie Belle peering down at her.

“Thank goodness you’re awake! You were dreaming again.”

Dreams. Once a magnificent and enthralling power which Luna could bend and meld with her magic. She could not only transcend from her own dreams in the past, but she could also use her magic to enter the dreams of her subjects and converse with them directly, as she had done with Sweetie Belle and many other ponies.

Like most everything else in Equestria, this has also changed. Luna has been cut from her magic for so long that her dreams run rampant, and she is powerless to control them. Regardless of the centuries of experience she has of dream-walking, Princess Luna receives unnerving and confusing nightmares every time she sleeps. They make it hard to enjoy sleeping in a warm bed.

Princess Luna steadily lifts herself up, groaning as she stretches her arms and rubs her temple. She flips off the blankets of the small cot she is on.

“Good evening- er… Good morning, Sweetie Belle. Is it still morning?”

“Actually it’s noon. You’ve been sleeping for more than a day. You were really tired when you came back from your last mission.”

Princess Luna isn’t surprised she had slept for so long. She had been avoiding sleep whenever she could, due to her recurring nightmares, but also because of her responsibilities in managing the noctrals and ponies under her care.

It has been roughly a month since Luna and Mjolna’s resistance had arrived at the mountain slopes along Equestria’s Eastern border. They were met by friendly faces; A whole company of noctral soldiers was sent by Umbra to occupy the slopes and to help fortify it, thanks to Princess Luna’s request via carrier pigeon. With the resistance’s help, they were able to map the entire cave system and the surrounding area, transforming the natural formation into a safe haven for the ponies of Equestria. Since they moved in, the occupants have graced their new home Haven.

As its name aptly states, Haven has provided the fortunate ponies to have escaped their enslavement with not only shelter, but with readily-available necessities that were stripped from them long ago. Food, water, medical care, clothing and bedding are provided in sufficient quantities thanks to the support from the noctrals, who have small supply caravans go back and forth through the mountain pass which leads to Umbra.

A fierce growl comes from Luna’s stomach, prompting Sweetie Belle to giggle.

“I think Miss Star Glow was saving some breakfast for you Princess Luna. I’ll come with you!”

Princess Luna nods in agreement, getting up off of the cot and following Sweetie Belle through the large cave serving as a collective housing. Many other ponies and noctrals are also in the large room, either relaxing or sleeping on cots of their own. For the ponies, it’s a blessing to be able to sleep in a bed of their own, and to have their own clothing no less, even if said clothing is old and in need of a good wash. Or meant for a noctral.

Princess Luna and Sweetie Belle make their way further down into the cave system, arriving at another large cave, which has been fitted as a mess hall. Here, food shipments sent in through the mountain paths from Umbra are stored and then cooked for the occupants of Haven. Due to the long journey between Umbra and Equestria, most of the food arriving is non-perishable, so there isn’t much in terms of diversity.

As the two approach the main wooden counter, Star Glow greets them.

“Princess Luna! Good to see you awake and well! I see Sweetie Belle got you up.”

“Thank you, Star Glow. And yes, Sweetie Belle is looking out for me as usual.” Says Luna with a smile as she places a hand on Sweetie’s shoulder.

Star Glow makes a cute face at them. “Please take a seat! I’ll get you a bowl of oatmeal. Want anything, Sweetie Belle?”

“I’ll have a bowl of oatmeal too, please!”

Star Glow, outfitted in a stained apron, immediately gets to work on cooking the oatmeal as the two sit down at the counter. There are very few other ponies in the mess hall, as it’s already past lunch and everyone has already gone to their rounds, though it’s evident from the amount of cooking-wear and stains that Star Glow and the other cooks have had a busy morning. It was nothing out of Star Glow’s capabilities though, as the noctral is a talented cook. The residents of Haven love her cooking, mainly because she could make even the most mundane rations seem like five-star meals.

Princess Luna had assigned chief duties to her team of Sentinels within Haven whenever they were not out on a mission. Each of her noctrals would aid in specific sections of Haven in accordance with their specialties. Star Glow helps with most of the cooking and food storage needs, while the others help where they are needed.

Star Glow passes a newly cooked bowl of oatmeal to Luna, as well as a cup of coffee. Luna thanks her and sips from the cup as Star Glow hands off the second bowl to Sweetie Belle. The filly thanks her, though doesn’t eat. Princess Luna takes notice, but directs her curiosity to Star Glow instead.

“Has there been any news, Star Glow?”

Star Glow nods, taking off her apron. “Scavenger Hunt and Tome just got back from another venture of theirs. They brought back a whole cart packed to the brim with all kinds of stuff. You might want to swing by them when you’re able. Also Night Seer has updates on Haven’s progress. He should be outside by now.”

“I’ll be sure to see them, thank you.”

After quickly finishing her mid-day breakfast, Luna thanks Star Glow once again for the meal and leaves with Sweetie Belle, who has taken her bowl of un-touched oatmeal with her. While walking through the cave halls, Luna turns to Sweetie Belle.

“What will you be doing today, Sweetie Belle?”

Luna always enjoyed asking Sweetie Belle about her day when she could. It was a welcome change of conversation from the usual topics of logistics and management of Haven.

“I was thinking about finding some of my friends to play with. I might help miss Dew Drop with whatever projects she has in mind. But right now I’m going to go talk with Meadow.”

Luna raises an eyebrow at the unfamiliar name, “Meadow?”

“Yeah, Meadow, the, uh… The mare we keep prisoner.” Sweetie Belle hesitates with her words, unsure of Luna’s reaction.

Princess Luna stops for a moment, though upon looking down at the saved oatmeal between Sweetie Belle’s hands realizes her intentions. She actually feels ashamed to have forgotten about the prisoner’s existence entirely.

“If you don’t mind me asking, Sweetie Belle, how has the pris- Er, how has Meadow been feeling?”

“She’s been doing better, I guess. The guards let her have a larger cell, and they don’t mind me bringing her things like food. She hasn’t taken off her collar yet, but… She really enjoys seeing me. Not many other ponies talk to her.”

Princess Luna nods, “It’s good that you are giving her some pony to talk to. Just… be careful around her. She may be friendly, but if she is still wearing that collar then she still believes the caribou to be right.”

“Don’t worry Princess Luna. I’m sure she will see us all as friends someday. All that matters now is that she has at least one friend to talk to. I should go see her before the oatmeal gets cold. I’ll see you later, Princess Luna!”

With that, Sweetie Belle goes running off towards the opposite end of the hall, narrowly avoiding a noctral soldier before banking right to head down to the cells. Princess Luna can only smile at Sweetie Belle’s unwavering generosity and kindness. It has been an invaluable source of morale to the ponies and noctrals of Haven, and even more so for Luna herself, who has inadvertently stepped in as a mother figure for the young filly. Luna wishes that more fillies could be as fortunate to have the safety and optimism of Sweetie Belle.

After equipping herself for the day’s work, Princess Luna makes her way to her next stop; visiting the Bureau, which is situated in the main cavern. The Bureau is a movement which pledges itself to gather any items that were once a part of the old Equestria, in an effort to safeguard and possibly bring back Equestria’s culture. Despite being operated by only two ponies, the Bureau’s area takes up almost half of the entire floor of the main cavern. This area is packed with a myriad collection of all kinds of items, from books to paintings and more, each with their own kind of old cultural significance from Equestria’s brighter days.

Princess Luna stops at the old desk at the very front of the area, which is adorned with a large sign that has ‘The Bureau’ painted on it. On the opposite side there is a pony rummaging underneath the desk. The shuffling causes a book and some papers to fly off the edge. Luna picks them up and places them back on the desk, knocking on the top in order to get the pony’s attention. In a hasty fashion, the pegasus mare pops up. Her tan coat and white mane are tinted with dust and dirt, as is her worn overcoat, which is covered with pockets big and small.

“WWWELCOME! To the Equestrian Cultural and Historical Recovery and Preservation Bureau! Or just the Bureau for short! My name’s Scavenger Hunt, and- Oh! Princess Luna!!”

“Hello, Scavenger Hunt.”

Before she could speak further, Scavenger Hunt darts around the desk to vigorously shake Princess Luna’s hand and pat her shoulder. Luna returns her enthusiastic greeting in kind, being used to the unique welcoming that Scavenger Hunt gives her.

“It’s marvelous seeing you again, Princess. This past week felt so long!”

“I couldn’t agree more. Speaking of said week, how was your outing?”

Scavenger Hunt beckons Luna past the desk and to a small space among the vast groupings of items. They go beside a cart which is half unloaded.

“This week has been the most successful of them all! Tome and I found so much! We’ll… Hey! Tome! Where are you? Princess Luna is here!!”

Scavenger Hunt looks around, finding her stallion friend Tome right around the side of the cart. He scratches his aching ears from being too close to Scavenger Hunt’s loud calling. She quickly apologizes, failing to hold back a giggle.

“A pleasure to see you again, Tome.” Says Princess Luna, shaking his hand.

In contrast to Scavenger Hunt’s previous hand shake, the bronze colored unicorn gently shakes Luna’s hand while bowing his head. He points to the cart and then back to a large pile of unloaded cargo. Following that he hands Princess Luna a ledger of items which he and Scavenger Hunt had collected in the past week, and with a nod, goes back to his work. Princess Luna nods in return, and thanks him. Even though Tome was born dumb (as in being unable to speak), Luna finds it easy to communicate with him. Though she has a difficult time understanding how Scavenger Hunt can interpret his thoughts with such accuracy.

“That ledger is everything we could find. Most of it is from some of the larger cities, mainly Baltimare and Manehatten. You have to see the treasures we found! Like this!”

Scavenger Hunt picks up a whole stack of novels, placing them on a nearby table with caution. She spreads them out.

“A nearly-completed collection of Daring Do books by A.K. Yearling! And not the red collar-printed garbage! These are glorious pre-fall copies. Everything except volumes two, five and twelve. These were able to survive the book-burnings thanks to the safe they were hidden in.”

Scavenger Hunt moves on to pull out a very ornate and beautifully crafted, but broken, violin.

“This violin was crafted by the artisan Morendo Stradivarius! It would be in prime condition, if a caribou hadn’t stepped on it. Tome’s working on repairing it though, along with some other instruments we found. But there is one thing we found which you should definitely see.”

Hopping on the cart and sifting through several boxes, Scavenger Hunt is joined by Tome as she uncovers the item and brings it down. Tome lays out the large piece of cloth using his magic, which turns out to be a banner from the Summer Sun Celebration. It’s once bright yellow is tarnished due to age, and it is torn at the bottom edges. Luna is stunned to see it.

“We found this on our way back home, just along one of the roads. We think it was one of the banners used in a smaller town, maybe Ponyville. It’s probably the most significant item we have found so far, simply because of the history it carries. We, uh... Hope it will bring better memories if we refurbish it.”

“The fact that you found one that is still intact is wonderful,” Princess Luna rubs the fabric once more before letting Tome roll it neatly, “We’ve already lost so much of our culture in the past three years alone. It’s more than heartening to know ponies such as you are going to such lengths to save what we have left. I can’t thank you two enough.”

“Oh gosh… It would be nothing if it weren’t for you, Princess. Our motivation and drive is inspired by you being here and fighting for all of us! You give us a chance to reclaim pieces of our past every day. We should be thanking you!”

Princess Luna can’t help but blush and smile softly at Scavenger Hunt’s words. Being an inspirational figure was always guaranteed when Luna ruled with Celestia, and even when she was Nightmare Moon there were still those who were inspired by her. She had forgotten what it was like to see and feel just how she was able to inspire people. It brings a nice feeling to her heart.

Following shortly after, Princess Luna departs after bidding Scavenger Hunt and Tome goodbye. She makes her way outside of Haven’s caves, climbing up several ledges to a large rock which serves as one of Haven’s observation points, giving view of the entire surrounding area in front of the mountain slopes. It is a cloudy day, with no sun in sight and hardly any wind. It’s as if the day decided to stand still and rest before resuming its course.

Ducking underneath the camo tarp which covers the observation point, Luna kneels beside Night Seer, who is pointing a small mounted telescope out towards fields below.

“Good afternoon, Night Seer. How is Haven standing?” Princess Luna asks.

Night Seer removes himself from the telescope. “Princess Luna. For its first month, Haven has been doing well. We’re able to keep everyone housed in the caves, while the supplies from Umbra are keeping us going. Though as our numbers grow, we will eventually have to begin constructing housing outside along the base of the slopes. I drew up plans to build a defensive wall as a perimeter, as shown by the markers we placed.”

Night Seer scooches over to offer Luna a look through the telescope. She peers through it, noting the flags placed along the grassy earth in a wide semicircle, which reaches all the way around to the edges of the mountainside. Night Seer continues to fill her in.

“Half a circle, ending at the rocks on each side. All we have to work with now is wood, but I’m hoping to have the wall reinforced with stone at some point.”

“A sound plan, Night Seer. This should… Wait.”

Princess Luna trails off as she spies something through the telescope. Emerging from the tree line in the distance is a small group of noctrals and ponies, being led by what appears to be a pony shrouded in a dark brown cloak with a wooden staff. They slowly make their way past the markers and towards Haven’s entrance.

Princess Luna immediately pulls away from the telescope, allowing Night Seer to get a good look before the two make their way out of the camo tarp.

“Those noctrals don’t look to be from any of our recently dispatched teams. They must be one of the missing teams!” Night Seer determines. Princess Luna agrees.

“Find Nurse Redheart and tell her to be ready to receive new patients. Warn our lookouts to be alert in case they were followed.”

“Yes, Princess.”

Night Seer departs as Princess Luna hastily makes her way down back to the cave entrance into Haven. In the main cavern, the group and their mysterious guide are let in by several guards. The noctrals and ponies look as though they have been out of it for some time, bearing faces of exhaustion and trauma. Nurse Redheart and several assistants rush to their aid, assessing their conditions and guiding them back to the clinic below. The cloaked figure stays, surrounded by wary guards. Princess Luna approaches her.

Keeping one hand on her staff, the cloaked figure pulls down her hood. Much to Luna’s surprise, the pony before her is actually a zebra. Her striped mane and coat are tinted with mud and soil, most likely from hiding and traveling through many dense forests. There is no collar around her neck, though a small ring of shorter fur indicates that she used to wear one. It is also apparent that the zebra mare is wearing nothing underneath her cloak.

Judging by all of her features, Princess Luna determines the zebra to be a recent escapee. Though she remains cautious.

“Who are you?”

“I am Zecora, a zebra from the Everfree Forest. I am glad to have finally found your fortress.”

The name strikes Luna as a familiar one. She recalls that the Everfree had a single zebra resident, who was once a common visitor to Ponyville after Twilight and her friends convinced the town of the zebra’s friendliness. Luna now remembers meeting Zecora on a Nightmare Night once, noting specifically how they shared the same shade of teal in their eyes. Her unique method of speech and her accent also rings a bell.

“Yes… I had met you once before, a long time ago. I must thank you for helping my noctrals get back home safe. The group in particular have been missing for months now. How did you find them?”

Zecora accepts Luna’s gratitude, though pauses for a moment before speaking again.

“I’m afraid I cannot tell you now, as I bear news of great urgency. Information regarding my people, which might aid your insurgency.”

Princess Luna could not have asked for better news. The zebras were next on her list of potential allies to join in the fight against the caribou. She hasn’t been able to find a way to contact them, though that may very well change with Zecora’s timely intervention.

“I’ll be forever grateful if you can share it with us as soon as possible. But before that, I insist you visit Nurse Redheart in the infirmary. No doubt you’ve come a long way, and I can’t ask you to do anymore before getting some rest. I’ll send one of my lieutenants down to bring you to the Center Hall when you’re ready.”

Zecora bows gratefully as Princess Luna assigns an assistant to escort the zebra down to Nurse Redheart. As they depart, High Tide appears from the entrance, garnering Luna’s attention.

“Princess Luna, a Circle representative is with the newly arrived caravan. She’s asking for your audience.”

“I’ll see her immediately. If you could, High Tide, find Lantern and tell her to stop by the infirmary to pick up our zebra friend, Zecora, and to bring her to the Center Hall.”

“Sure thing.”

High Tide makes his way into the caves as Princess Luna stands still for a moment, breathing out a sigh of content. With her responsibilities here there is hardly a moment’s rest to be had. Though with Zecora’s arrival, Luna can once again see the path slowly forming before her. The path which leads to a chance at freedom.

A few hours later, Princess Luna enters Center Hall, which serves as the nerve center of Haven’s growing forces. Here, noctrals and resistance ponies compile intelligence from scouting missions and other sources, while organizing the deployment of additional teams of noctrals throughout Equestria. Right now the Hall is cluttered with desks full of documents, maps, and other forms of information gathered. Many bright torches spread light in the cave, and wooden scaffoldings have been erected to allow access to a second floor reaching the ceiling in an effort to grant more space.

Luna approaches Lantern and Mjolna, who are examining an old map of the southern lowlands of Equestria, one which they had procured from the Bureau.

“Princess Luna,” says Lantern, being the first to notice her entering, “We have some important news to share.”

“What have you learned?” asks Princess Luna, eager to hear what was gleaned from Zecora.

“We talked with Zecora after picking her up at the infirmary. I swear, either that zebra is a walking dictionary or she makes up her own words to rhyme with. Anyway, Zecora came from her home in the Everfree forest. She had chosen to be a red collar during the Fall, in order to cope with the change and avoid repercussions, according to herself. However, she escaped from her owner once she overheard caribou talking about the Zebra Free Tribes.”

Luna perks up upon hearing this. “What of them? What has she heard?”

Lantern continues, “The Free Tribes have lost the civil war with the Tributes. What tribes remain are heading en masse towards the southern border of Equestria. It’s the only place they can go. However, the caribou plan to intercept them along the way. Zecora’s native tribe is a part of this exodus, so she fled in an effort to make it down south. Instead, she rescued our missing team, and they convinced her to bring the information to us first. The news of the civil war’s end is already several days old, which means that the Free Tribes are nearing the border soon.”

Princess Luna scratches her chin, moving to examine the map on the board. The entire marked border has been covered with a graph outline, though the squares surrounding one point, a ravine, are highlighted. Mjolna steps in to explain.

“Zecora pointed out which route the Free Tribes will take. Savannah Pass is a large, shallow ravine which helps as a landmark of the border. There is a path through the ravine, and it’s the closest and quickest route the Free Tribes can take. However, Zecora had learned this from the caribou she eavesdropped, which means that they know where the Free Tribes will be, and are likely on their way to capture them now.”

“The zebras will not make it without our help. We will have to reach them before the caribou do.” States Princess Luna.

“It won’t be as simple as finding them first, unfortunately. We have to keep in mind the possibility of direct combat with the caribou here. A single team of noctrals won’t do the trick. No offense.” Mjolna suggests, looking to Lantern.

“None taken,” she replies, “In fact I completely agree. If we are going to help the Free Tribes, we are going to have to bring a lot of able fighters.”

“And that is exactly what we will do. Lantern, spread the word to the Sentinels and our noctral and pony units most suited for travel to ready themselves for the journey south. And ask Zecora to join us, we’ll need her guidance. Mjolna, I need you to stay in Haven and to manage operations in my stead. I will be leading our detachment down south.”

Lantern quickly makes her way to the other unit leaders currently in the Center Hall, joining them in gathering the forces they need, as Mjolna stays, conversing with other advisors in preparation to take Luna’s mantle of responsibility. With the plans set, Princess Luna leaves the Center Hall, intent on solidifying the plans and making sure Haven will be well kept during her absence. Mjolna has proved to be a capable leader, and Luna is confident in her ability to maintain their base.

It will take only a few hours to assemble all of the troops and supplies for the mission, giving Luna enough time to say goodbye to Sweetie Belle before she leaves. She judges by the journey’s direction that they will be away for roughly a week or two, though if they are lucky it might be less. What is assured, however, is that this undertaking will be unlike any Princess Luna has done before. There is a chance that her forces will have to fight the caribou in open combat, and that not all of her troops may return home.

Princess Luna cannot falter from her worries now. Her people need her, and the zebras need her even more. Luna is prepared to take the risks needed to ensure that the Zebra Free Tribes survive, and that they are given sanctuary in Haven.

From the mountain slopes, through grassy fields and to the patch of forest before the ravine, Princess Luna travels with her force of roughly seventy noctrals and ponies. They consist of soldiers, archers and explosives specialists. The noctrals of the detachment have more experience in the field and training from Umbra, and many of them have acted as instructors to the ponies of the detachment, whom many have had little to no experience outside of Haven. Princess Luna has confidence in their abilities despite their inexperience, though if all goes well they won’t have to worry about stacking up against the caribou.

During the voyage, Zecora stays far ahead of the detachment in a methodical pattern of movement. Using her alchemy and knowledge of the wilds, Zecora clears the way of any dangerous wildlife. She disperses them well ahead of any of the eyes of Luna’s troops, so as to minimize any unfortunate encounters. She does this for good reason too, as one of the noctral mares Zecora had brought back to Haven explains to Princess Luna.

“We were making our way somewhere towards the Everfree when we got lost. Suddenly these… things… jumped us. They were like fleshy bats or insects or something. They flew at us, one of them latching onto our leader’s face, and next thing we knew we all had one trying to stick something down our throat. I held one off long enough to see how they slithered these tendrils into your ears, putting you in a trance. I can only guess that’s what happened to me too.

“We weren’t aware of reality anymore. It was like we were kept in and out of a wet dream. It felt good at first, but… it never stopped. Zecora found us some time later, and rescued not only the team but a whole bunch of mares who were also trapped in the nest with us. It was only when we were out of it when we realized we were being used as incubators. Nasty stuff. I’m more than thankful to have Zecora here with us. If she wasn’t we might have already been swarmed by those hive things.”

Needless to say, Luna is just as thankful as the mare to have Zecora along, especially after hearing of her story. Though despite how disturbing it was, the noctrals and the ponies that were saved by Zecora all volunteered for the mission after they were cleared by Nurse Redheart, more motivated to do their part than most others. If there were more alchemists among the Zebra Free Tribes, then they could easily help rescue any mares trapped within hive nests, thus freeing many more ponies eager to help Luna’s cause. Though such plans would have to wait until the Free Tribes are safely back at Haven.

After several days of travel, Princess Luna and her detachment finally reach the patch of forest laying before the northern end of Savannah Pass. The rocky walls and path of the ravine are visible from between the trees. Though the journey was long, it was made much easier with the lightening of the weather, as being this far south has made the cold winds die down and give way to surprisingly calm sunny days.

Princess Luna gives the order for the group to stop and rest. The noctrals and ponies put down their gear and supplies, sitting down and chatting as Luna calls a meeting with her lieutenants. Night Seer and Lantern meet her beside the other Sentinels, along with Zecora.

“If the caribou are planning to capture the Free Tribes, they likely will come from behind, funnel them through the ravine, circle around and entrap them. For this reason, we will divide our forces into two groups. The larger group, consisting of our heavier soldiers and fighters, will stay hidden within the tree line of this forest, and wait for the zebras to make it through the ravine, preventing any caribou from pursuing. The smaller group, consisting of our archers and explosive experts, will position on both sides of the ravine’s walls, giving them clear line of sight on the path below and the southern entrance. We will use what batteries we have to detonate the sides of the ravine once the zebra are through, cutting off the caribou’s pursuit on the path. Any remaining caribou we will hunt down before they can escape. Spirit, you’re in charge of the archers along the ravine. Crowe, I’m charging you with our forces within the forest. The rest of the Sentinels, and Zecora, are with me. We will move ahead to make contact with the Free Tribes.”

Finishing her orders, the Sentinels and Zecora prepare to make their way through the ravine. Princess Luna stops Spirit and Crowe before they depart.

“I’ve chosen you two because you’re the most fit for the task. I have utmost confidence you won’t let us down. Stay alert, and best of luck to you.”

“You can count on us, Princess.”

“This is what we were meant to do.”

Princess Luna nods assuredly before letting Crowe and Spirit go to their respective groups of command. Luna herself rejoins her Sentinels and sets off through the ravine to find the Zebra Free Tribes approaching from the southern end.

After passing through the rocky path and making it clear of small debris, Luna and her group emerge from the southern end, and are greeted with a wide view of what seems like endless plains of yellow grass. In the far distance, they spy the Zebra Free Tribes coming towards them, like a huge wave of black and grey stripes along the amber grass. A massive exodus of hundreds upon hundreds of zebras march along the plain. It is made up of warriors, villagers and families from dozens of different tribes, all fleeing their persecution at the hands of the caribou-supporting Tribute Tribes.

At the very head of the column is a large group of warriors, accompanied by their Chief. Princess Luna and her Sentinels pick up the pace to meet them, though Zecora speeds ahead, waving and yelling out in Zebrican. The zebra warriors, who were beginning to raise their deadly spears as precaution, lower their guard as Zecora approaches. Luna and the Sentinels catch up just as the column stops, and the Chief of the Free Tribes reveals herself.

Zecora and the Chief are astonished upon seeing one another, welcoming each other in Zebrican and embracing. Princess Luna waits until they are finished before stepping in.

“I wasn’t aware you knew each other.”

“Zavala is an old friend of mine. We learned together in our traditional speech of rhyme.”

Chief Zavala bows respectfully to Princess Luna. “It is a wonderful surprise to meet you, Princess of the Night. By what force and luck have you been driven into our sight?”

Lantern chuckles for a second, looking to Night Seer. “More rhyming. How are they so good at this?”

“Practice. A lifetimes worth of it.” Night Seer replies, keeping his eyes forward.

Ignoring her party’s banter, Princess Luna expresses her courtesy to the Chief in response.

“Chief Zavala. I would regularly greet you in a much more official and regal manner. However, those times of tradition have been long lost. I come here to provide aid to you and your people. Zecora has told me of your struggles. I am here to give you a safe passage into Equestria and to a safe location, a base of operations known as Haven. We cannot defeat the caribou scattered and alone. All people of every nation must come together if we are to defend ourselves. Will you accept my aid?”

Chief Zavala laughs heartily, grinning. She calls forth her commanders.

“You are right, Princess, cooperation is key. I share with you command of my warriors, so you may lead us to safety.”

Before long, Luna and her Sentinels allow Chief Zavala and Zecora to resume leading the column into the pass as they travel up to the ravine positions taken up by the archer ponies and noctrals.

Spirit approaches Luna after reminding several ponies of their archery training.

“Princess, we have our demolitions people rappelling down the side of the ravine. They’ll be planting batteries along the rock faces on both sides, and once the tribes are through, we’ll detonate the ravine and cause a blockage. Should cover our escape. We have most of our batteries in the forest in case we need more.”

“Good, we are almost through this-,”

“PRINCESS!!!”

A yell of urgency comes from a noctral mare, sprinting towards Luna and the others. A look of absolute terror is plastered on her face as she stumbles to the ground from running all the way up. Luna sees this, and expects the worst has happened. Luna helps her up.

“Speak, quickly!”

“The caribou! They aren’t coming from the south, they are coming from the north!! They’re overrunning our troops in the forest!! All of them!”

“No…No, no, no!!”

With shock and worry upon her face, Princess Luna runs as fast as she can to the edge of the ravine’s wall that gives view of the north forest. Her Sentinels and others follow closely.

What they see horrifies them.

As the forest shakes and rattles from the sounds of clashing swords and shields from within the trees, several noctrals and ponies appear from the edge of the tree line, fleeing desperately.

In pursuit aren’t caribou, but a massive pack of timberwolves.

The ominous hunters have no trouble in running down the poor noctrals and ponies. They leap upon thier victims, their wooden claws and teeth digging into the hapless troops. However, a few of the timberwolves only wound their targets, and attempt to drag them back towards the forest on the orders of the caribou who trained them. Those still alive scream in agony.

All of the noctrals and ponies attempting to escape are killed or gravely wounded. Though those fighting in the forest aren’t finished.

In an instant, an enormous explosion occurs at the center of the forest. A huge, orange fireball ascends from the canopies, dissolving into smoke. Hunks of bark and branches fly outwards and fall into the clearing before the ravine.

“The batteries. Someone set them all off at once.” Dew Drop mutters in shock.

Without any second to spare, Princess Luna turns to her Sentinels. Never has she expressed such a look of seriousness.

“Get all of our archers facing the forest now!!”

Luna double times it to one of the ropes going down the side of the ravine. A mare finishes climbing back up, and is helped by Luna.

“Remove all of the batteries from the ravine. Save them for later.”

“B-But we just finished-“

“Remove them!!”

The mare hastily nods as Princess Luna grabs hold of the rope and rappels down the ravine wall, reaching the base in a few seconds. She brings up the pace and hightails it to the approaching Free Tribes column. She waves them off, causing Chief Zavala to halt the column.

“The caribou are upon us!!”

Terror sweeps through the zebra tribespeople, families crying out and holding each other in fear of the worst. Chief Zavala and her warriors however, stand determined. One of the commanders, a younger zebra mare, approaches Princess Luna, accompanied by Zecora and others.

“Princess of Equestria, our Chief has given us unto you. We follow your orders.”

“Gather all of your warriors, anyone who can fight. Form a line stretching across the ravine. There are caribou and timberwolves ahead, intent on attacking.”

At the mentioning of the timberwolves, Zecora moves ahead, calling in Zebrican to several other zebras to follow. The young commander explains to Luna.

“Zecora and the other shamans can take care of them. Let them go ahead of our lines.”

As the warriors bear their uniquely crafted spears and their oval shields, Princess Luna leads them through the ravine. The warriors number into the hundreds, with a few staying behind to protect the rest of the tribespeople. Chief Zavala joins her fellow zebras in the march, and brings a large and deadly spear for Princess Luna to use.

Luna gratefully accepts it, just as the massive line of warriors arrives at the northern end of the pass, facing directly at the smoldering forest. She looks back at the ravine walls, spying her noctrals and ponies in position, their bows at the ready and arrows primed. Lantern appears and points thoroughly to the left and right sides of the forest, aiming her bow in the same directions. Getting the hints, Luna now knows her archers will be covering her flanks. Should any caribou try to escape, they won’t make it far.

Returning to face down the enemy, Princess Luna is once again approached by the young zebra commander.

“I am unsure about this, Princess of Equestria. Our warriors are skilled and hardened, yet the caribou are an enemy we have seldom fought. We will not be victorious without heavy losses.”

Princess Luna wanted to find a reason to give her more hope, but the commander is right. The zebra warriors are skilled and experienced, in fighting other zebras. They have not fought the caribou before.

There is little time to think. Zecora and the other zebra shamans prepare themselves as the timberwolves from before spot them and charge with fangs and claws ready. The shamans throw a bright green powder, the same which Zecora had used on the journey, into the air around them, letting a gentle breeze carry it across the zebras behind. Just as the timberwolves near them, the powder catches them by the nose, convincing them to flee the scene despite the harsh orders of their caribou masters. Their purpose fulfilled, Zecora and the other shamans fall back behind the line of zebra warriors, who give them cheers and gracious thanks. However, they are still aware of the now approaching caribou, who are reforming themselves after clearing the fires of the massive explosion only minutes ago.

Looking plainly at each army, the odds are favored for Princess Luna and the zebras. Minus their timberwolves and those lost in the explosion, the caribou force is relatively small, giving the zebras the advantage two to one. However, these caribou aren’t average hunters. Judging by their additional armor and more deadly weapons, these caribou are veterans, and came prepared for any situation. They are completely unfazed by the fire behind them nor the opposing force of zebras in front of them.

Luna can hear the shaking of shields and the tightening grips of spears as the zebras look at their intimidating enemy with uncertainty. Though the stallions and mares are adamant, they are also afraid.

Luna cannot lead them like this. Something must be said.

She moves ahead of the zebras by a few paces, garnering their attention.

“… I know what you feel right now, each and every one of you. Fear, despair, a lacking of light at the end of the tunnel, as they say. But let me say this… You have NOTHING to fear from THEM!!”

Luna points the end of her spear at the caribou, who continue their slow advance.

“I’m sure you all know the tales of the Unity of the Tribes. When all of the tribes came together in friendship and love and created the very nation you have fought for. I saw that day, I was there. The zebras of that time were proud and strong. And when I look at the zebras before me now… I see the same pride and strength. You may have been torn apart, bloodied and bruised by your kin. But the true enemy are the caribou before you!”

Looks of astonishment and renewed hope appear on their faces.

“They are responsible for destroying your way of life!! And now they are standing between you and your right to be free! So now I say to you, Zebras of the Zebrican Free Tribes!”

Luna pauses.

“Show them who you are.”

Where one would expect a round of cheering and determined force, the opposite happens. The zebras do not cheer. But it is absolutely clear that their fear and hesitation have virtually disappeared.

With unbridled bravery, they follow Princess Luna, Chief Zavala and Zecora forward and barrel towards the caribou with their spears primed. Only seconds pass before both forces collide with one another, the sound of splintering wood and piercing steel emanating along the grassy field. Caribou axes come against zebra spears as both sides fight relentlessly.

Princess Luna had remembered enough of using a spear in the past to use it with as much efficiency and grace as the other zebra warriors do. The weapons themselves are tremendously effective, being long and sharp enough to pierce some areas of a caribou’s armor. Ducking and weaving, Luna fells caribou while working in tandem with Chief Zavala.

Though the zebras prove they are agile and swift, the caribou still win out when it comes to strength. Zebras who miss their lunges and thrusts are quickly crushed or cut down by heavy swords and round axes. Many zebras team up on individual caribou, which proves effective in downing them quickly as opposed to one on one combat. Princess Luna sees this and does similarly, distracting many caribou allowing others to dispatch them.

The fighting continues to spill out across the field as bodies start to pile on the ground. Arrows fired from the ravine positions find their marks in caribou armor and flesh, though they are very few, as the pony and noctral archers fear possible friendly fire due to the chaos below. Regardless, their efforts aid the zebra warriors. Princess Luna herself is saved from a severe blow by several well-placed arrows, which had arced over her head and into the caribou opposing her. This gives her enough time to spot a zebra mare about to be impaled by an imposing caribou soldier. Luna hurls her spear in their direction, nailing the caribou square in the chest and saving the zebra.

Princess Luna unsheathes her short sword, though is forced to quickly evade a massive swing of an axe by another caribou. This caribou, however, is larger and much more armed than the others, bearing armor adorned with red cloth. Luna can easily guess him to be the leader of the caribou force.

“What do we have here? A dethroned Princess in the middle of a battlefield. Still thinking that there is a chance to defeat the caribou. Well I can assure you, Princess, we’ve already won. Three years ago.”

The leader wastes no time in attacking with a bellowing battle cry. Luna expertly dodges the caribou leader’s following swings. She waits to strike after another dodge, finding room to lunge in for a stab at his weak points. However, the caribou manages to evade the strike, despite his heavy armor, and delivers a massive punch right across Luna’s face. The sheer power of the blow flings her off of her feet and to the ground, causing her short sword to be lost.

Luna loses her bearings, shaking her head and struggling to get to her feet. It feels as though her jaw and nose were slammed against a brick wall. With no weapon on her, Luna quickly scrapes up a damaged shield from a fallen zebra. She does so just in time to block the caribou’s axe, which manages to bury itself into the wood of the shield, barely splitting it in half.

It takes all of Luna’s strength to hold onto the shield, preventing the caribou from removing his axe. She is unable to find any other weapon nearby, and she can’t afford to reach for her katar lest the caribou manage to remove the only defense she has.

Suddenly, a spearhead emerges from the caribou’s chest, stemming from the spear of Chief Zavala. The caribou loses grip of his axe from the pain, though retains enough strength to swing around and knock the Chief to the ground with a blow of his fists, with the spear still inside him.

As he succumbs from shock, Luna tosses aside the shield and axe and pulls out her katar. She drives it into the caribou’s back, right below the spear, causing the caribou to fall to his knees.

“I can assure you. The day you stepped into Equestria was the day you lost.”

Luna withdraws her katar, giving the caribou a kick to the ground as he dies. Chief Zavala managed to get herself up, and after removing her spear from the former caribou leader, pats Luna on the shoulder. It is only a minute later that the fighting comes to an end, with the zebras victorious. All of the remaining caribou are killed, either in the fighting or from the arrows of the archers on the ravine’s edge.

While the bodies of the fallen are collected and counted, Princess Luna reunites with her Sentinels and rushes into the forest, near the site of the explosion.

Around the massive blast marks lay scorched bodies of caribou, noctrals and ponies. More than a dozen of them are Luna’s troops. Of the bodies which are still recognizable, many had their hands bound.

Night Seer surveys the carnage. “Just as they were being taken prisoner, one of ours must have reached the batteries. They sacrificed themselves to help us. It takes brave souls to do such feats.”

Silence and sadness settles in, though it is quickly broken as survivors are found. Among the few found is Crowe. Though badly burned and bleeding from cuts, he wears a smile on his face as his fellow Sentinels rush to his aid.

Luna comes to him as he is treated by Dew Drop and Star Glow.

“I’m sorry Princess. They came too quickly.”

“You aren’t to blame, Crowe. You did what you could. What matters is that we won. The zebras are safe, and we can head home now.”

Though the battle of Savannah Pass was won, there was a toll. Of the several hundred zebra warriors, one hundred and twelve were killed. The forest group of noctrals and ponies were less fortunate, as only nine of the forty five ponies and noctrals had managed to survive. The only group unscathed from the fighting was the ravine archers, who were a good distance from any threats. None of the deaths were in vain, however, as the zebra tribespeople were kept safe thanks to the defeat of the caribou force, which after a body count, had numbered roughly a hundred and fifty before the explosion caused in the forest, which was also bolstered by the domesticated pack of fourteen timberwolves. Had the desperate troops in the forest not detonated the batteries, and Zecora and the shamans not utilize their alchemy, the battle may very well have been lost.

Now, after clearing the fields and guiding the Zebra Free Tribes on the long journey north, Princess Luna has finally arrived back at Haven. Upon nearing the main entrance, Luna notices that the wooden walls Night Seer had planned to construct have been completed, and many tents have been set up within the protection of the walls. Lookouts on Haven’s high rocks spot the column and have already notified Haven. Princess Luna is soon met by Mjolna as ponies and noctrals come out to help the zebra’s into their new home.

“It’s good to have you back Princess. And it’s even better to see that things turned out.” She says with a smile, shaking Luna’s weary hand.

“I’ll tell you how it went once we get everyone settled in. Make sure the zebras get fresh food and water, please.” Luna replies.

Mjolna nods, moving to help organize the welcoming of the zebras into the walled field as Luna does so as well. Along with the noctral and pony guards, many of the pony citizens come out to help and welcome the zebras, forming friendships as Equestrians always do. The most friendly and upbeat pony, however, is none other than Sweetie Belle. She speaks to many zebras and helps them without hesitation, spreading a contagious grin to many around her.

Princess Luna makes her way over to Sweetie Belle to say hello after being away for nearly a week. However, she is cut off by Lantern, who is accompanied by another pony.

“Sorry to interrupt Princess, but this mare has news for you. She just arrived after fleeing from Canterlot.”

Hearing of a pony managing to escape from the capital is rare, which sparks Luna’s curiosity in the mare before her. The mare is an earth pony, with a snow white coat, a deep gold mane and gold eyes. She has old and worn out clothing, and looks as though she has seen a lot.

“Princess Luna, I have information of critical importance for you.”

Luna remembered not too long ago when she was receiving news from Zecora. It was strange to be hearing it again.

“And you are?”

“Call me Liberty.”

Luna looks at her oddly.

“Is that your real name?”

“In truth, no. But it’s who I am,” she says, in an effort to not sound too cryptic, “This is for you.”

Liberty hands Princess Luna a cylinder shaped parcel. She open it, finding several papers rolled inside.

“What is this?”

“Reports made by an old professor of mine, a stallion scientist and researcher who had sheltered me. He researched the Fall, and the reason why the caribou were successful.”

Princess Luna takes out the first rolled report, looking over it. Her eyes widen as she realizes what it contains.

She looks to Liberty in astonishment. The mare simply looks back.

“It’s the Crystal Heart.”

Author's Note

First update of the new year for me. Hope you all had a good 2014.

Thanks for reading. =]