“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion”

Another dream.

Princess Luna has grown acclimated to these recurring dreams. Though this one is different…

There is an endless field of silver grass. The land is flat and wide. The night time sky looms above, dotted with many stars. Luna lies on the field, as if she had fallen from the stars above.

Standing up, Luna walks forward, noticing she is barefoot. The blades of grass feel cold as they brush the soles of her feet. Though there is a calm breeze about, the silver grass does not sway. It lies completely still, as if frozen by an unseen force.

As Luna continues, the dark air around her begins to lighten. Soon she finds the fields to be illuminated with light, as if the sun had risen suddenly. The stars of night are still clearly visible.

Luna takes a moment to observe her surroundings. Her eyes immediately catch a strange sight.

Before her is a small collection of flowers, growing sparsely among the silver grass. They are a myriad of colors, all basking happily in the light. All but one.

The lone flower in the center appears different. Its green stem curves downwards, and its blue petals are closed tightly into a ball. It does not embrace the light.

A strange and beckoning force seethes from the flower as Luna gets closer. She kneels to inspect it, before deciding to pluck it from the ground.

As she holds it in her hand, the flower slowly blooms, unfurling its large petals, revealing the center of the flower to be a mesmerizing black.

Luna is transfixed by its strange yet alluring charm. Soon, however, she notices that the other flowers have suddenly died.

Seven wilted flowers lay.

The silver grass begins to sway with the breeze, freed of its frozen curse.

The mysterious flower, still within Luna’s fingers, whispers to her.

“… Welcome back…”

“Who?”

“…Augh…”

Princess Luna awakes from her slumber, stretching her limbs across her bed of grass. A bed which is not the usual one that she sleeps on in the housing chambers.

As she stretches, Luna contemplates for a moment in her mind why her bed feels like grass. And why she is feeling exceptionally chilly.

“Who?”

Luna opens her eyes, adjusting to the bright and open sky. The Sun has only begun its climb across the great blue dome above. As her eyes focus, however, her view of the sky is blotted out by a mass of brown feathers with eyes.

“Who?”

Luna thought for a moment she was dreaming again, but as she lets the light into her eyes she makes out the strange ball of feathers to be an owl. An owl that is sitting directly on her chest.

“…Hello?”

“Who?”

Princess Luna stands up, patting down her clothes and shaking her featherless wings free from the clinging blades of grass. Luna had somehow fallen asleep upon one of Haven’s highest lookout positions, one that was less rocky and a bit grassier. Even so, Luna’s back ached incredibly, adding more to the fact that she fell asleep rather quickly last night. That to begin with was odd, as Luna usually works through most of the night. How she came to be sleeping outside of Haven is a bizarre mystery.

Regardless, today will be another day of work. It has only been two weeks after the destruction of the Crystal Heart, and as a result things in Haven have been even busier than ever. With more ponies coming in, looking for shelter or looking to join the fight, there is hardly a moment when Luna is not at work managing the safety and upkeep of the mountain sanctuary.

The brown owl had leapt from Luna’s chest as she rose. He flaps up and plants himself comfortably on her shoulder, prompting Luna to raise her eyebrow at him with a smile.

“I don’t recall ever seeing you around before. What is an owl like you doing all the way out here?”

“Who?”

Luna giggles, reaching to stroke the owl’s feathered chest.

“Nice try. I’ve had my experience with owls and their ways. Though I suppose you could accompany me. I hope you enjoy organizing things.”

The owl gives a look of happiness, hooting joyously in what Luna determines to be a solid ‘yes’.

Luna and her new companion begin to cautiously descend Haven’s rocky slopes. However, as she makes her way down, Luna spies several ponies, zebras and noctrals nearby. They are slowly ascending the rocks to the highest reachable point in Haven, which is commonly nicknamed the ‘eagle’s nest’ due to its height.

Luna stopped for a moment to observe the group of six reach the eagle’s nest. As they all set foot on the rocky platform above, they plant a flagpole into the ground and attach a large flag made of gold and white fabric. They raise the flag upright, revealing it to have half of a sun depicted in the side.

Luna makes it out to be part of the large Summer Sun Celebration banner that Scavenger Hunt and Tome had recovered several months ago. The golden and white remnant of the banner now flows furiously with the wind. It is a fitting symbol for Haven, and as the other Haven residents look up to it in awe and wonder, Luna resumes her descent.

Princess Luna reaches the lower slopes safely with her owl companion, making her way into the main cavern. Upon arriving, the lively hood of the cavern catches her by surprise. The many people of Haven come to and fro, working on keeping things flowing or simply looking around for something to do. Close by, a stallion and a noctral mare have a pleasant conversation. Across the cavern, two long-lost friends reunite in a long embrace. Groups of zebras and ponies intermingle as if they were neighbors all of their lives. All of the activity makes Haven seem more and more like a hidden city.

The main concentration of residents is by the ever-expanding Bureau. The Bureau area itself has become much more neatly organized and decorated since Luna saw it last. Instead of looking like a collector’s old junkyard, it now resembles a sort of traveling museum.

Luna approaches the front stand of the Bureau, receiving warm greetings from many of the ponies around her. Suddenly she stops, realizing that the ponies greeting her are actually part of a line leading up to the desk at the front of the Bureau. And that most of the ponies in line have little to no clothes on.

Manning the desk at the front of the line, Rarity and Scavenger Hunt distribute bundles of what appear to be newly stitched clothing to each pony in line. Princess Luna smiles softly at the sight, impressed at how Rarity always finds a way to be generous to others. Luna makes her way to the desk, scooching along the edge to place herself behind it, so as not to disrupt the line.

“Good morning, Princess!” Says Rarity as she turns to gather something from the table. Princess Luna notices that Rarity has made a healthy comeback since her arrival a week ago. Her mane is once again smooth and wavy just like fabric she is so talented with, and her bruises are healing quite nicely.

“I’ve been meaning to… Oh my…! Is that Owlowiscious?!”

Luna had forgotten about the presence of the owl on her shoulder.

With an acknowledging hoot, the owl flutters over to Rarity, who promptly hugs him.

“It is you! How in Equestria did you find your way here?”

“You know this owl, Rarity?” asks Luna.

“I do. This is Owlowiscious. He’s Twilight’s pet owl. I used to see him quite often before… All of this.”

Rarity lets out a sigh, letting Owlowiscious hop to a nearby table, where he continues to look back at her.

“Many of our pets simply vanished when the Fall began. Who could blame them? With no one around to take care of them, they had to find other means to survive. I wish I could at least know my Opal is ok…”

Rarity’s eyes drop to the ground. Luna herself hasn’t had a pet for quite some time, though she knows how a pet can be a trustworthy friend.

“I’m sorry, Rarity. Were you about to tell me something?”

“Oh! Yes. Come this way!”

Rarity turns and leads Luna, followed closely by Owlowiscious, towards the back area of the Bureau. There, a large and heavy wooden table is covered in all kinds of items and relics, though a portion of the table is being used as a fabric station. Piles and rolls of old and renewed fabrics lay in an organized fashion, coupled with an ancient looking sewing machine.

Rarity picks up a large folded square of gold and yellow, carrying it gently and bringing it to Luna.

“I took the Summer Sun Celebration banner that Scavenger Hunt and Tome had recovered and I created two flags from it. One was just put atop Haven. This is the other one. I was thinking that perhaps you could use a flag representing Equestria for when you need it most.”

Rarity hands the folded flag to Luna, who gratefully accepts it.

“Thank you very much, Rarity. It’s perfect.”

“I aim to please! And if you ever require anything else with a magnificent gold and white pattern, I have plenty of the banner left in extras. I could use it to make another flag or… maybe a cloak! Regardless, it will be here if you need it.”

“Thank you, I’ll be sure to-“

Luna’s stomach interrupts her, growling loudly in protest. Rarity can’t help but giggle, placing a hand to her muzzle.

“Oh, Princess. Did you not have anything to eat this morning?”

“I woke up outside today.”

“Outside? You slept outside? What in the world gave you that idea?”

“I’m not quite sure. But it seems my stomach is intent on punishing me for it,” Luna smirks, “Thank you again for your thoughtfulness, Rarity. Perhaps we can speak later?”

Rarity bows with regality in her posture, showing her experience with Canterlot nobility.

“Of course! If you’re able, I’m sure Sweetie Belle would enjoy it if you came with us down to the detention center later, for a visit with Meadow.”

Luna stops midway through letting Owlowiscious back upon her shoulder as the name Meadow strikes her. She was hoping not to come into too much contact with the prisoners held in Haven. The traitors, as they are more often called. Meadow in particular, due to the fact that Luna did nothing to stop her maltreatment at the hands of her own kin back in Whitetail Wood. In truth, Luna sometimes regrets that decision.

Sweetie Belle often spoke of Meadow. And if she was visiting her with Rarity today, Luna might as well tag along for a brief visit. It would indeed make Sweetie Belle happy.

“I… should have some time to accompany you. If it will make Sweetie Belle happy.”

“Wonderful! Find us again in a few hours, after you eat. We’ll head down together.”

With that, Luna departs from the Bureau with Owlowiscious, bidding Scavenger Hunt and Tome goodbye before leaving. Of the continuous concerns of Haven, none mattered more than the replenishing of personal nutrition.

At least, that is the excuse used by some residents to take a break from work to munch on something. Luna has adopted the excuse for herself.

Following a hearty breakfast at the mess hall, an unusual sound reaches Princess Luna as she steps out into the corridor. She looks down to her feet to see a dog barking at her. The small corgi quickly jumps up and down and runs down the corridor. Not a second passes before another dog follows, along with a rabbit. Luna rubs her eyes in confusion before following them.

She continues through Haven’s caves, spotting various small creatures taking residence alongside the citizens of Haven. Everything from ferrets to possums to small lizards, and even tiny sparrows and finches in the larger caves. Princess Luna either was too busy to notice them before, or they simply moved in over-night. Or perhaps they’ve been here all along, and only now they have begun to emerge. Another sign that the Crystal Heart’s effect has been lifted? Luna is unsure.

The concentration of animals begins to increase as Luna nears Nurse Redheart’s clinic. The many small animals seem to come and go the most from this area, and even some of the birds fly through the corridors to perch on small edges along the cave walls. Princess Luna decides to take a peek inside the clinic.

Inside, the regular staff of medical ponies and zebra shamans go about their work, caring for their patients. Though they are accompanied by a small yet diverse faction of animals, which scurry about on the ground, requiring the clinic workers to be extra cautious when moving about. Though being cautious is something they are already quite adapted to, thanks to their work.

Though the smaller animals abound, there is one significantly larger animal in the room.

As Princess Luna makes her way inside the infirmary, she easily spots an orthros lying down by the patient resting section. Beside the large, two-headed dog is Fluttershy, sleeping warmly as if by a cozy fire. Instead of being on one of the cots, she lies peacefully on a comforter mat with pillows, made even more comfortable with the fluffy orthros behind her. One of the orthros’ heads lies down over Fluttershy’s shoulder, sleeping soundly. The other remains wide awake with a happy grin, panting and letting his long, slobbery tongue hang out freely. The alert head observes everyone moving around him, and locks eyes with Luna for a second, cocking his head to one side in curiosity. Luna can’t help but smile at the unbearably cute scene.

“Good morning, Princess,” Says Nurse Redheart as she approaches, giving transport to a small mouse who somehow found his way onto her shoulder, “I see one of our new visitors has already made your acquaintance.”

Luna nods, looking to Owlowiscious on her shoulder once again. The mouse on Nurse Redheart squeaks upon seeing the owl and dives into one of the pockets lining Redheart’s medical apron. Owlowiscious notices, though chooses to ignore the mouse, receiving a noble approval from Luna.

“Yes indeed. I wasn’t expecting to see an orthros here though.”

“We were pretty surprised to find him. Yesterday he just wandered into Haven, along with several other animals. His tags said he was a therapy dog, so we decided to bring him to the clinic to possibly help with some of our patients. The instant he saw Fluttershy, though, he went straight to her. He hasn’t left her side since.”

Nurse Redheart grins at the peacefulness of the orthros with Fluttershy. Though as adorable as they are, Luna crosses her arms with concern.

“Is it a wise decision to keep them together? They haven’t tried to… Well…”

“We were a bit worried in the beginning, but we kept an eye on them, and they haven’t gotten too intimate,” Redheart assures, “The orthros knows what he is doing. He even helps during our Heartmending sessions with Fluttershy.”

“I’m relieved to hear that. Have you given him a name?” asks Princess Luna.

Redheart shakes her head. “We haven’t. We figured that once Fluttershy is up for it, we would let her pick a name for him. He is practically hers anyway.”

“That’s very considerate of you.”

“It was more Zecora’s idea.” Nurse Redheart says with a smile.

Princess Luna and Nurse Redheart continue to observe the half-slumbering orthros, protecting the resting Fluttershy like a guardian angel. Luna surmises that Haven would indeed be a more welcome place with the company of animals. The animals themselves seem to think so, with their recent arrival.

“I can’t shake the feeling that all of these animals know about Heartmending. There’s only three official Heartmenders here, including myself. And once we began to do regular sessions, all of these animals started showing up. It’s incredible.” Redheart smiles, as the mouse still hiding in her apron pocket pokes his head out.

Princess Luna cusps her hands behind her. “Heartmending partly requires unconditional love. There is no greater form of life in this world better at that than an animal companion.”

“I think you’re right about that, Princess. I wouldn’t mind having a few more around here to help out.” Nurse Redheart gently pets the head of the mouse in her pocket, looking to Luna one last time before returning to her duties

Luna herself gazes one last time at the orthros. If the animals have indeed arrived because of the Heartmending efforts, then it is undoubtedly a sure sign that the method is working. And that nature itself approves of its use. Another bit of good news to add to the list. A steadily growing list at that.

As Princess Luna had departed the infirmary, she had suddenly happened upon Rarity and Sweetie Belle, who were coming from the mess hall and were just about to search for Luna. Luna joined them from there on their way down to Haven’s detention center, within the lower caves.

The three of them soon arrive at the entrance to the cells, which was once a craggy opening leading to the dead-end chamber. Since Haven’s development, the entrance is now a fortified mix of wood and stone, consisting of two pairs of parallel doors.

The two guards at the entrance, both noctral mares, welcome Luna’s group in. They say hello to Rarity and Sweetie Belle in a friendly tone, mentioning to Luna that Rarity and Sweetie Belle are the center’s most common visitors. The doors open one pair at a time, in accordance with the developed procedure for security.

Passing through the doors, the cavern is a rather long cave, its space shaped like a cross. Lined along the walls furthest from the doors are wooden-built containment cells. All of the cells are kept in the quartered-off back section of the cave. Only a few are fully occupied, by mares or stallions still loyal to the caribou, even after the Crystal Heart’s destruction. Though the prisoner Luna and company are visiting in particular isn’t usually confined to her cell.

The green mare, Meadow, has been Haven’s first and longest prisoner, having arrived with Mjolna, Luna and the Whitetail Resistance when Haven was still unoccupied caves, save for the noctral detachment that met them as they arrived. For nearly all of the many months of her time in the cells, Meadow has been cooperative, and her good behavior has allowed her to have a bit more freedom around the cavern itself, being allowed to roam freely out of her cell. She isn’t allowed to leave the detention center, but she and a few other prisoners are able to enjoy their time in an area setup for relaxing. Tables and chairs, along with a few books and other activities, allow the cooperative prisoners to find some comfort.

Sweetie Belle and Rarity enter first, receiving more warm welcomes from the pony and noctral guards within the cave.

At the resting area is Meadow, sitting at one of the round tables. Since her time in Haven, the detention center guards have grown to appreciate her. Though reserved at times, Meadow is a nice mare, and the guards enjoy having conversations with her.

As a requirement by Haven, the inmates of the detention center must wear articles of clothing at all times. Meadow has complied with this for the longest, often wearing a rather loose-fitting shirt and shorts. She tries to keep her clothes aired out and loose, out of habit.

She keeps the same red collar that she arrived with around her neck.

“Hi Meadow!” exclaims Sweetie Belle, her young voice cracking a high pitch in its usual manner.

“Ohh, Sweetie Belle! Thanks for stopping by. You too, Rarity.”

“We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit you again, darling. We brought you a little something!”

As the trio sit down at one of the resting zone’s wooden tables, Rarity pulls out a beautiful and lush flower, attached neatly to a mane clip. The flower is a marvelous pink, with little stalks curling out from the bud.

“I thought you could use a little something new to brighten your wardrobe, and I must say the pink is a perfect match for your green mane!”

Meadow happily fits the flower in her locks of hair, setting it just before her left ear. She blushes and smiles from the generous gift.

“I…Thank you very much. It’s wonderful.”

“And I brought you tea again!” pipes up Sweetie Belle as she hands her a cup of white tea, brewed by the filly herself. With the aid of Star Glow’s expertise.

Princess Luna stops herself from going over, instead turning to the mare at the processing desk.

“Anything of late to report, warden?”

“Uhhh…no, not necessarily. I’ve already compiled and sent the reports to Mjolna in the Center Hall. Uhm… all of the purple-collared mares that were brought in have been sent to Nurse Redheart. Aside from that we haven’t had too many more prisoners in the past few days. It’s still concerning though, that there are still ponies out there who join the caribou. Even when they aren’t brainwashed.”

Luna agrees, nodding. “It is their choice, as baffling as it may be. The best we can do is prevent them from aiding the enemy. Anything in particular about Meadow?”

“She’s been the most helpful and cooperative of our prisoners. She’s still a bit introverted, though she works with us, and also takes a lot of time to help out the other prisoners. At least the mares. We don’t let her go near our male prisoners. Though she hasn’t tried to herself.”

“I see. Thank you. Keep up the good work, warden.”

“Of course, Princess. Thank you.”

Princess Luna waits a second longer, thinking on whether or not she should converse with Meadow. She hasn’t met with Meadow since she first found her at the Ponyville Hospital, and isn’t sure as to how to even approach her.

As Luna looks at them, Sweetie Belle turns to her, smiling and waving her over. It would make Sweetie Belle happier if Luna at least be compassionate to Meadow. Even if she still clung to the red collar around her neck, she was still a mare. And Luna did say to herself long ago that she would try to take after Sweetie Belle more often.

Princess Luna, making up her mind, goes to join them at the table, coming in mid conversation on Rarity’s old professions. As Luna pulls out a chair and sits, her eyes meet with Meadow’s.

“How wonderful of you to join us, Princess.” Says Rarity.

Luna smiles briefly, though keeps her eyes locked onto Meadow.

The green mare looks back, though with a look of uncertainty, and perhaps a little fear.

As Luna is about to speak, however, Meadow speaks first.

“I’m not heartless.”

“I’m sorry?”

“What that mare, Mjolna, had said to me in Whitetail Wood. She… said I was heartless. I’m not heartless.” Says the green mare with a quiver in her voice.

Luna, along with Rarity and Sweetie Belle, remain silent, hearing out Meadow.

“I love my family. And my friends. And I don’t want to force them to do things against their will. At the beginning of the Fall, I was a black collar. But it didn’t take long for me to realize I’d be happier and more comfortable as a red collar. The offers the caribou made were enticing. I… put myself first. It was out of survival. Everything about Equestria changed in an instant. I think you could agree that it was almost like they used culture shock as a weapon. And when you take time to think about it… It’s horrifying.

I was selfish. I had come to believe in the ‘new’ Equestria so much that it became my number one ideal. I didn’t want mares to suffer as black collars, so I tried to convince them that choosing red would make life easier and more enjoyable. It did for me, at least. Three years of trying to convert mares like that, and you begin seeing everything the way you want to. I was helping to keep order. If no one resisted, then there would be peace…

I’m sorry Princess Luna, if I’ve disappointed you. Or disgusted you. Right now, this… this is who I know I am. I don’t know how to explain myself any further.”

Luna continues to stare at Meadow as she hesitantly rubs her arm. Meadow has certainly proved to be an enigma of sorts. Though now, after finally listening to what she has to say, Luna understands her a bit more. She makes a good example of how tenacious ideals can be.

Luna can see that Meadow is being as honest as she can be. She was not heartless. She tried doing what was right in her eyes, and in that sense, she was doing what she could to try and care for other mares, trying to make their lives a bit more livable. Even if it still meant living as a slave.

“…I can’t blame you for your actions, Meadow. We all have ideals, and we all have a right to pursue them. And I must apologize to you, for the treatment you were given those months ago. Perhaps we can start anew? It would be better of me to listen more often to what you have to say.” Luna says, looking to Sweetie Belle upon finishing her sentence. The young filly proudly smiles back as Luna extends her hand out to Meadow.

Meadow stops for a moment, in disbelief at the Princess’ hand stretched towards her. However, a smile finds its way across her face as she meets her halfway, shaking Luna’s hand in agreement.

“Yes… I’d like that very much.”

The four spend the remainder of their time discussing more jovial things, like Sweetie Belle’s musical adventures. Although it is reassuring to know that Meadow has reason within her, Luna still fears for her place in the outcome. If Equestria is freed, then red collars with a past and mindset like Meadow’s will have a hard time readjusting. The majority of ponies may simply see them as traitors and nothing more. Though they may indeed be considered traitors to Equestria, they don’t wish any more harm than what has been done. They were only following a belief. They are still ponies of Equestria.

Luna decides to leave those thoughts for another time. They are only speculation. And policies can be discussed regarding red collar treatment once a new ruling system of Equestria is established. For now, Luna prefers to enjoy the moment. And to have some peace before work calls again. As there is still much on the road ahead.

The following day goes by like a breeze. Well, more like a fast and blaring wind. Princess Luna spent the entire day moving about Haven, working with her Sentinels and their prospective areas, as well as coordinating operations with Mjolna and Chief Zavala in the Center Hall. Never a dull moment passes for Luna, though some can certainly be stressful.

As the late afternoon sets in, Princess Luna walks along Haven’s slopes, approaching the training fields which have been set up for the resistance ponies to hone their skills. These training centers of Haven have expanded twice since the arrival of the zebras and the destruction of the Crystal Heart. Now with zebra warriors, noctral scouts and ex-royal guard ponies serving as mentors and tutors, many ponies are able to learn how to properly fight.

At the head of one of the training fields is Liberty, working with fellow ex-royal guards in teaching a select group of ponies in more advanced tactics and skills. Luna finds her in the midst of a session with the trainees, deciding to stop and observe.

Liberty addresses the group of a dozen ponies. Most of them are mares, with only a few stallions.

“The twelve of you have been selected for special training because of your display of skill and leadership qualities. Despite our growing numbers, we are always in need of officers. Not only to lead others, but to also be an example. A role model to look to.”

The ponies listening nod. Liberty pauses for a second, as if trying to remember part of a speech she memorized. She finds her point however, and begins to pace slowly, returning her eyes to the ponies.

“…For now, we will go over a quick recap on the basics of combat against caribou! Each one of you will have to know the basic tactics by heart, so that you can teach others and also be ready for the fighting ahead.

Always remember the main rule; never fight a caribou one-on-one. It’s best to retreat or hide until you can get help. But in a dire situation, if you get separated or lost, and find yourself facing a caribou alone, your most important tool will be agility! Use your smaller stature and lightness to make him miss. Tire him out. Then, only strike when you are absolutely sure you will do damage. In most cases, all you have to do is hit him anywhere but the chest. The average caribou’s concept of armor is to wear nothing but a breastplate. Exploit this. Here’s an example.”

Liberty draws forth the weapon on her back; a fairly uncommon double-bladed sword. She asks for one of the instructors with her, a stallion, to come forward. He happily accepts as Luna moves closer, standing off to the edge of Liberty’s area.

“You’ll be my caribou for now. No offense.”

A small chuckle rings out from the recruit ponies. The stallion only makes their chuckles louder as he archers his arms out and downwards, hobbling like a giant into the center with his tongue sticking out.

“None taken.”

Liberty continues as the stallion casts away his joking and assumes an aggressive stance. She carefully places the tips of her doubled bladed sword along certain points on the stallion’s body.

“The limbs are the preferred target. Injure an arm or a leg, and a caribou will have a hard time trying to get at you. And while I don’t doubt that many of you have a lot of strength, don’t try to brawl it out with a caribou. It would only take one punch to the head and you’d be out cold. Or worse. Your weapon should be your constant companion for this reason.”

Liberty holds out her double bladed sword, emphasizing her point.

“And if your weapon somehow fails you, use what is in your surroundings! Anything from a blunt object to stealing a caribou shock baton will do. Creativity confuses a caribou... Try saying that three times fast.”

The ponies laugh merrily at Liberty’s jests, with one of the mares actually attempting to say the phrase three times fast. Though she fails miserably, her tongue ending in a twist, Liberty applauds her for trying.

Before Liberty moves on, she notices Princess Luna off to the side, and asks one of her fellow instructors to continue the recap in her place.

Luna notices that Liberty only capitalized on fighting caribou, even though there will most likely be enemy stallions who will oppose them. Perhaps it is for the better that they at least know how to fight caribou in general, and apply the same skills against other enemies. It would only hurt Haven’s morale if the ponies in training were told to kill other ponies.

Princess Luna ceases her internal observations as Liberty approaches.

“You sound as though you have been doing this for years.” Remarks Luna.

Liberty scoffs, though only at herself.

“I can’t imagine how. I thought about taking the officer exams in the royal guard a few times, but I never did. I'd never make a good leader. There are other ex-guards here who know a whole lot more about this stuff than I do. Why am I in charge of this when they should be?”

Luna crosses her arms. “I chose you to train officers not simply because of your experience. You had just said it yourself, actually. You were not only chosen to lead, but to be an example to your fellow ponies. You inspire others, Liberty. Sometimes, that is the only thing you need in order to be a leader.”

A reassured smile appears on Liberty’s muzzle.

“I... Thank you, Princess, that... makes me feel a lot better.”

“I'm very glad.” Luna replies, her gaze now upon Liberty’s double bladed sword, “Might I ask about that weapon of yours? I haven’t seen you with it before.”

Liberty hands the staff-like blade to Luna. “Scavenger Hunt had found this during one of her trips. During my time in the guard, I spent a lot of time teaching myself how to use a double bladed sword. I could hardly put it down. Scavenger Hunt didn’t mind parting with the one she found, and Tome gave it a good polish before letting me have it. I’ve been catching up on practicing with it when I can.”

Princess Luna swings the weapon around in the air beside her, testing its balance and weight before returning it to Liberty. She gives her an impressed look.

“A double bladed sword is one of the most difficult weapons to wield. It takes years of dedication to truly master its form. It is a fine weapon.”

“Thank you. Was there something you wanted to speak to me about, Princess?”

Luna nods, waving for Liberty to walk with her along the slopes. They begin a slow climb upwards upon the grassy inclines. The sunset begins to paint the sky a deep orange.

“I have been discussing much with Mjolna and Chief Zavala on our next plan of action. The next objective will be the Griffin Kingdoms. I will lead my Sentinels there to contact the griffin Minister of War to forge an alliance. We will be leaving sometime within the week. I want you to stay here and continue the training of the resistance fighters, as well as to help watch over Haven.”

“Sounds like a good plan. You can count on me here, Princess.”

Luna receives an assuring smile from her friend. The two stop near a rounded boulder sitting in a dip in the slope incline. Liberty turns to Luna as they stop.

“So, I was talking with a few of the old royal guard that have arrived in Haven, and we have decided to try and reshape the old royal guard. We want to create a new kind of guard, one that can help ponies while spreading Celestia’s old influence and teachings. I thought ‘Guardians of the Sun’ would be a nice name. I was wondering if we could get your approval.”

Princess Luna initially blinks in surprise at this, though comes to see Liberty’s reasoning. The fight to free Equestria will be a long one, and ponies will need a figure to be reminded of. They shouldn’t be left with the caribou’s influence in their minds. They should be reminded of their great past, and of the great leader who protected them for millennia.

The more Luna thinks about it, however, the more she feels uncertain about the prospect.

Liberty’s voice brings her back to the conversation.

“Princess Luna?”

“I’m… not sure if that is a wise idea…”

Liberty sighs.

“I don’t know what it is about your sister, Princess Luna. All I know is that for everything you have talked about in freeing Equestria, not once have you mentioned Celestia. She may be a red collar now, and she may choose the caribou over us, but I still believe that she is the same pony as before. She is still the same leader. And she can still be saved. I’ll do everything in my power to see that happens.”

“I…”

Luna hesitates, though not as a means of finding an escape. She simply does not know what to say about her sister. She has been through countless challenges with Celestia, and yet in only three years she has felt as though nothing good of her sister remains. That perhaps there is only one fate left for her.

“I just…”

…Dum…d-d-d-dum…d-d-d-dum…d-d-d-dum, dum, dum…d-d-d-dum…d-d-d-dum…

Princess Luna’s ears twitch, picking up a feint sound from afar. Drums.

“Do you hear that?”

“…Yes. It’s getting closer.” says Liberty.

Suddenly, Night Seer appears and approaches the two. He huffs from having sprinted up the slopes to reach them.

“Princess… You have to come and see this.”

With Liberty close behind, Princess Luna follows Night Seer across the slopes. They head to the higher end of the sprawling tent field, standing upon a flat rock to get a better look at the wooden walls of Haven. The steady and pounding drum has grown louder as it emanates from the other side of the wooden gates.

Luna can see the gate keepers scrambling. One of them yells out.

“Open the gates!!”

As the massive timber doors swing inward, several wide rows of dull and withered gold marches through, coming down the pathway straight towards Luna and the others. At the very front of the mass is a flag, bearing the unique symbols of the southern sands, which belongs to only one nation.

Saddle Arabia.

The huge and long columns of Saddle Arabian troops take a few more minutes to completely enter Haven, the wooden gates closing behind the last of the troops. The sand ponies of the south eastern lands march in flawless unity. Their longbows held within their unflinching arms match each other precisely as the column passes by Princess Luna. They bear formidable weapons, from shimmering daggers to ornate yet vicious scimitars. The Saddle Arabians, beneath their rusted gold armor, have varying hues of tan and brown in their coats and manes, with the occasional bright yellow and orange.

The citizens of Haven look on, completely dumbfounded at the sudden arrival of the visitors. Residents and soldiers alike gather around the Saddle Arabians, gazing with wonder and curiosity. Luna and her companions are just as amazed to witness the spectacle.

As the gates close and the columns come to a halt, the Saddle Arabian leader reveals himself, approaching Princess Luna from below. His armor and weapons are no different than those of his troops, though what marks him apart is his lack of a helmet and the white sash wrapped around his waist.

The Saddle Arabian bows respectably, holding a fist to his chest plate. He keeps his bow for several seconds before rising and looking to Luna. The stallion has a deep coat of sandy fur, and a pale grey mane with light streaks of green. His eyes resemble bright emeralds.

“… The Sultana of Saddle Arabia sends her humble greetings to you, Herald of the Night Sky, and to your people. I am here to represent her wish of invoking the alliance of old, which was once shared between our nations. We have come to lend you aid.”

The Saddle Arabian troops shift and lower their longbows. They swivel to face Princess Luna. Hundreds of focused and stoic eyes watch her.

“Sweet Celestia…” Liberty mutters under her breath as Luna steps down off of the rock, meeting the Saddle Arabian eye to eye.

“May I ask who is representing the Sultana?”

“That would be I. General Zeitun Ta’lab. Though I ask that you call me General Olive.”

Princess Luna bows in return. “You and your ponies are most welcome here, General Olive. We have some free areas to house your troops upon the slopes, though there is not much room. I apologize for any inconvenience this might bear. If you would accompany me to the Center Hall in order to discuss more, I would be grateful.”

“Of course.”

The General signals his company to be at ease and to settle in. Luna advises Night Seer to gather the other Sentinels and aid the Saddle Arabian officers in their new accommodations. As he does so, Luna and Liberty guide General Olive inside and to the Center Hall, where they sit by the war table map.

“What state is Saddle Arabia in, General? Have the caribou made their presence known?” Luna queries, eager for any information regarding the reclusive state of Saddle Arabia.

General Olive sighs as he wipes his brow.

“They have not, bless the sun. But I’m afraid my country has seen better days regardless. The caribou’s occupation of Equestria has broken down trade across the entire continent. We have been suffering tremendously from this. Saddle Arabia cannot grow enough food for its own people, and thus, we are slowly starving. The Sultana has said that by the time the caribou were to make their way to the southern sands, all they would find is a graveyard. Our isolation could last no longer. We needed to take action.

Thus, the Sultana deployed my company some months ago to locate any kind of allies in Equestria and aid them. We had encountered numerous guerrilla ponies, and they had directed us to your stronghold of Haven. Forgive us for our tardiness. We were expecting to arrive much sooner.”

“Do not blame yourself, General Olive. It is better to have you here now, than to not have you at all.”

“Of course, Princess. Please, let me know how my troops and I could be of any assistance to you and your allies. Weeks of travel have left us more eager than tired.”

Luna acknowledges General Olive’s offer, bowing to him once more before she exits the Center Hall with Liberty, followed soon by Mjolna.

“We’re gonna run out of room at this rate, Princess.”

“I’m aware. Though the Saddle Arabians could not have come at a more critical time. With only one more ally, we will be ready. I’m accelerating my plans. I’ll be leaving immediately for the Griffin Kingdoms.”

“Alright, Princess. I’ll make sure Chief Zavala and General Olive know. We’ll man the fort while you’re gone.” Replies Mjolna, nodding to Luna before she returns inside the Center Hall.

Liberty looks to Luna with a smile.

“Be careful out there, Princess. I hear the griffins are in a brutal war with the caribou. And that they’re losing.”

“I’ll do my best to aid them, but there is only so much one pony can do.”

“I have a feeling you’d be surprised. Just look at what one princess was able to do with an empty cave and a little bit of determination.”

Princess Luna places her hand upon Liberty’s shoulder, grateful for her support.

“Thank you, Liberty. Best of luck with your recruits.”

With that, Luna departs to collect her Sentinels, and to gather what necessities she will need for the long journey ahead. The Griffin Kingdoms lie far to the north west, past Canterlot and across various kinds of rocky and forested terrain. The journey must be made, however. Princess Luna only needs one more major ally in her plight. The griffins support will be necessary for Equestria’s struggle. Luna can only hope things go well.

The journey north towards the Griffin Kingdoms was by far the most difficult of Luna’s ventures. Not only was it the longest she and her Sentinels have ever traveled from Haven, but the group had to often take detours or stop and hide away, to avoid being spotted by caribou forces or to simply find ways around the rough terrain. The weather was unforgiving, especially as they went deeper into the griffins’ realm.

As the griffins had been at war with the caribou for three years now, Luna had no doubt that she and her noctrals would come into conflict with enemy forces. They made sure that they were clad in the most reliable armor they could wear while still remaining mobile. Along with their usual armament of katars and daggers, some of the Sentinels brought along longswords and crossbows for more open combat. Crowe and Spirit had managed to muster up a few battery charges from Haven’s supply, adding to their armament an explosive element should they need one.

Despite the challenges, they have made the journey successfully. Luna and her Sentinels are safely within the southwestern borders of the griffin homeland.

Though safely is putting it lightly.

“Don’t move!!!”

Springing from the surrounding brush and pines along the winding path, a dozen griffin soldiers, armed to the teeth with serrated swords and menacing crossbows, surround Princess Luna and her noctral Sentinels. They are clad in a myriad of steel and vested armor, which bear battle scars of all kinds. Tense moments pass before the lead griffin scout addresses the party, sheathing her battle axe and signaling her troops to lower their weapons.

“Well stab me through my heart and clip my wings. Princess Luna. You’re… a lot shorter than I had imagined.”

As her Sentinels lower their guard, Princess Luna parts her mane to one side, revealing the stub of her former horn. She extends her spindly wings outward as well, wearing an unamused look.

“Ah… Right. Sorry. Stupid of me to say that,” the griffin scratches her head, then extends out her hand with renewed confidence, “Commander Skyward, Red Hawk Regulars.”

“We’re anything but! HOO!” exclaims one griffin soldier, followed by the others. The Commander, instead of hushing them or glaring at them, only smiles proudly.

Luna shakes her hand briefly, ignoring any need for royal protocol. The name of Commander Skyward’s group rings in her mind as a familiar one.

“Red Hawk Regulars. One of the more decorated military units of the Griffin Kingdoms. From what I recall, your unit was usually stationed in the northern provinces.”

“Usually. Though nothing has been usual in the past few years. When the caribou attacked us, my Red Hawks and I fought mostly in the north, along with the majority of the Kingdoms’ military. In this past year though, we’ve been repositioned down south, to counter a growing offensive aimed at weak points in here in the province.”

Commander Skyward sighs for moment, looking at her griffin soldiers before returning her attention to Luna.

“They’ve all but annihilated the other units fighting here in the south. My Red Hawks are all that’s left, and they’ve cut our numbers in half, killing male griffins and taking females captive. Needless to say, we’re getting our asses kicked. And it’s damn embarrassing.”

“That’s precisely why I’m here. I must contact your Minister of War,” Luna states, “The caribou hold on Equestria is slowly weakening. Ponies are beginning to fight back, with help from numerous allies. If the Griffin Kingdoms work together with Equestria’s resistance, then we can defeat the caribou and drive them from our homes. But only if we work together.”

The griffins of the scouting group murmur to themselves, though they seem to be in acceptance of Luna’s proposal. No doubt many of the griffin soldiers are tired and demoralized from fighting a losing war by themselves for years.

Commander Skyward nods.

“…Well you’re in luck Princess. The Minister isn’t far from here. She’s set up with the rest of my regiment along Tarsus Line, our final defensive point here in the south. We’ll lead you there.”

Princess Luna accepts the Commander’s offer. Skyward turns to her griffins, who are already primed to be on the move again.

“We’re heading back to the nest! Double-time!”

Luna turns to her Sentinels.

“Be ready to pick up speed. We should not slow the griffins down.”

Dew Drop chuckles, “Has it been that long since our last mission together, Princess? We’re noctrals! You can count on us to keep up!”

With a reassuring smile, Luna leads her Sentinels and follows Commander Skyward’s group northward. The griffins and noctrals meld into one group, with introductions and friendly banter present as they move through the rough woodlands.

Luna in particular sticks close with Commander Skyward.

“Have the griffins gained any intelligence on the caribou forces?” Luna asks, as Commander Skyward climbs over a fallen tree, helping the Princess up behind her.

“A lot. But to sum it up, we’ve been fighting a professional army. These haven’t been occupational troops or dumb rapists. They’re legionnaires, specifically trained to wage war. I’m not sure if you’ve faced them before.”

“My noctrals and I have only faced one such caribou force, near Zebrica. They were brutal fighters. Where are these legionnaires coming from? They weren’t present during the onset of the Fall in Equestria.”

“I don’t know. They say that the caribou suffered some sort of cataclysm in their homeland. That’s utter bullshit. There’s no way they could be this numerous and this powerful in the wake of a disaster, even if said disaster was decades old. The caribou legions have steady chains of supplies and reinforcements from north eastern points. We’ve had our victories, but they are rare. We would end up being outnumbered and completely overwhelmed on an average day. Until recently, that is.”

The continuously rough terrain persists as the woodland temporarily turns rockier. Luna and Skyward clamber over boulders, followed by their respective teams, until they reach a small section of gravel which is flattened out.

“You’ve found an advantage?”

“Yup. Hang on,” Commander Skyward stops to signal the group, “Call it here, Red Hawks! Take five! One on lookout.”

The Red Hawk griffins stop and rest, along with Luna’s noctral Sentinels. While they settle down and keep a lookout, Skyward brings Luna up along several higher rocks, leading to a viewpoint.

Upon reaching the viewpoint among the rocks, Skyward points out across the sprawling hills smothered with destroyed and uprooted forests. There, lies the Tarsus Line, and the advantage Skyward mentioned.

Placed in the center of the Line is a massive, dark grey block made entirely of metal. The steel structure has a huge, long barrel made of the same material mounted on top. The barrel points to the sky at heightened level. A network of trenches, barriers and emplacements surround it, made busy by hundreds of griffins.

“We call it the ‘Thunderhead’. It’s a cannon that the Minister of War commissioned as the war progressed. It’s basically an over-the-top version of this.”

Commander Skyward pulls out a pistol from a tucked-away holster, handing it to Luna for her to inspect. The pistol, made of wood and compressed metal, is fairly lightweight.

“A Fire Dart pistol. The invention that gave us a fighting chance.”

“Incredible. How does it operate?” asks Luna.

Skyward takes the pistol back, removing some parts and sections one at a time to show Princess Luna.

“It uses a mineral powder mined from the Ridgeback Mountains, a highly flammable powder, and small, conical projectiles we call ‘darts’. In combination with pressure added to the powder, this handy little innovation can fire a steel dart farther than any standard arrow or bolt. And it can punch through most caribou armor.”

Luna is thoroughly impressed by the griffin technology. If such weapons could be mass-produced and lent to Equestria, ponies would become much more effective fighters. Luna reminds herself to ask the Minister of War if such an arrangement could be made.

“And the Thunderhead Cannon works on the same principles?”

“Yes. But three times as large. The cannon uses heavy shells instead. Lots of powder is used to give the necessary charge to fire it. The shells themselves are just hollow, metal cones. They are meant to slam into any structure with enough force and destroy it. It isn’t explosive, so it’s not very good against infantry.

We only recently moved it here. Our plan is to hopefully lure the caribou in for another try at breaking Tarsus Line. When they do, we’ll punch a hole right through them with the Thunderhead, giving us a chance at regaining lost ground when the caribou retreat. It’s a dicey plan, if you ask me. But it’s better than nothing.”

Princess Luna and Commander Skyward finish descending the rocky hills with their team and reach the edge of the Tarsus Line, making their way to the various posts setup behind the Line. Skyward leads Luna to the officer tent, where the various other officers of the Red Hawks, as well as the Minister of War’s personal unit, formulate battle plans and movements.

Luna expected the tent’s innards to be much livelier. Around the scattered maps and tables are only three other griffins, one of them a soldier reporting in. Commander Skyward looks just as surprised.

“Where’s the Minister?”

One of the officers approaches her.

“Minister Rhona left, ma’am. She went to requisition reinforcements from the outpost a few miles north.

“Dammit! We need her here! This whole plan we have was her freaking idea to begin with! Now she’s just leaves when the caribou could be at our throats within the hour?!”

Skyward throws her axe to the ground, dragging her hand over her eyes in frustration.

“The caribou will have broken through this Line by the time she comes back with enough reinforcements. I can’t believe this…”

The Commander storms out in a huff, leaving her axe behind. Luna scoops up the axe before she leaves the tent herself, finding Skyward right outside.

The griffin Commander looks at her troops around her as they hustle about, maintaining what defenses they have along the Line. She feels Luna’s presence stand beside her.

“… If you leave now, you could catch up with the Minister at the outpost directly north from here. Shouldn’t be a long way.”

“The Minister left to get reinforcements, yes? Which means she would return here.”

“No guaranteeing that she will. Something else could pop up that could demand her attention. Then again, she’s known to never back down from a fight.”

Luna hands Skyward her axe.

“Then I will wait for her here. You could use the extra hands.”

Commander Skyward, upon taking her axe, stares back at Luna with slight disbelief.

“You know, you Princesses never struck me as so willing to stick around for a fight.”

“Believe me, I’ve had my fair share of fights in my day.”

“Oh really? Since when?” Skyward asks with a chuckle.

“Since long before you were even born.” Luna smirks back with a cunning look.

Commander Skyward bobs her head with an approving grin, not insulted or spurred in the slightest.

“Should I consider this a royal honor then? A warrior princess is in our midst!” she says, holding her axe high and announcing her voice as to imitate some grand figure. Luna thought she sounded more like a games announcer. Though she is enjoying Skyward’s playfulness.

“Equestria isn’t as used to fighting as the griffins are, so that wouldn’t be a very fitting title. I prefer to go by a griffin saying, when it comes to combat. ‘On the battlefield, there is no rank. Only brothers and sisters fighting together’.”

Skyward looks impressed at the Princess, and ends up giving her a punch to her shoulder in comradery.

“That settles it! You’re my favorite Princess.” She says with a heartfelt smile.

Her smile lasts for only a few moments as a loud and blaring alarm bell echoes from across the Tarsus Line.

“They’re coming! Legionnaires!!”

As the griffins scurry to their defensive positions, Commander Skyward wastes no time in moving, getting within sight of as many of her troops as possible. Dozens more Red Hawk soldiers and officers rush out from the tents.

“You all know the drill!! We hold this line no matter what, and we protect the Thunderhead. Without it, we lose this Line! Red Hawk Regulars!”

“WE’RE ANYTHING BUT!!!! HOO!!”

The hundreds of griffin soldiers roar in confidence, quickly dispersing and moving to enforce the Line just as Commander Skyward finishes.

Princess Luna rallies her own Sentinels together in a circle following the Commander’s speech.

“Stay close to me, all of you. Don’t get separated. Understood?”

“Yes, Princess!” Star Glow replies as the rest of the Sentinels nod.

Luna smiles to them, then turns just in time to meet once more with Commander Skyward.

“Princess. My griffins can handle the Line itself. I need you and your team to support me in defending the Thunderhead. If any legionnaires break through, we can’t let them take out the cannon.”

Luna quickly agrees. “Where to?”

“Follow me!”

Commander Skyward leads Luna and her noctrals down towards the wide and shallow trenches of Tarsus Line. The uneven earth and rocks of the terrain provide a good natural defense, bolstered by emplacements installed by griffin engineers. Hundreds of griffins armed with long range weapons take cover along these barriers.

As they arrive at a more open section of the Line trenches, Luna picks up a feint whizzing sound, coming from beyond the Line and from above.

“INCOMING!!!!”

Skyward quickly stops Luna and her team, urging them down. As several griffins run through the open area, long, silvery javelins appear from the sky, impacting into the earth around them. Some bounce off hard rocks as griffins scramble for cover. The javelins that buried themselves in softer ground shift, mechanically triggering a large burst of electricity, catching some griffins within its range. The burst lasts for a few seconds, then suddenly shuts off, depleting its limited charge. Luna notes their similarity to the caribou shock batons used in Equestria.

The unfortunate griffins caught within the electrical bursts cry out and fall to the ground, incapacitated, though not severely injured by the javelin-charge.

“What the heck was that?” High Tide stammers.

“Legion javelins. The shock isn’t enough to kill you, just knocks you out. It’s a painful experience.” Commander Skyward replies, soon motioning for Luna’s group to follow once more. They hastily cross the open trench, as several other griffin soldiers drag their unconscious friends to safety.

As they continuously move and duck into cover to avoid caribou bolts and ballista shots, Luna and the group makes it to the trenches closest to the Thunderhead. The weapon’s size is truly enormous, the metal structure alone being two stories high. On the bottom are four pairs of massive caterpillar treads, two to each side of the body structure. To think the entire weapon itself has a mobile capability only adds to its innovative and terrifying design.

Up on the structure platform, a team of griffins move diligently to operate the cannon, preparing a shell to load. Luna can’t make out the whole process from on the ground.

“We’ll hold this position.” Commander Skyward states.

Luna’s Sentinels dig in in the shallow pit of earth as Luna pokes her head out at the opposing caribou forces to scope them out.
Filling up the desolate plains ahead of them are massive, brass-armored formations of caribou legionnaires, accompanied by large wooden and steel artillery, mainly in the form of wide ballistas and compact bolt launchers. The artillery launch volleys of bolts and javelins, which rain down loosely upon Tarsus Line. They come down as fast as raindrops, raking the ground, splintering off rocks and felling griffin troops caught under the deadly hail.

Luna returns her attention to the slowly encroaching caribou lines. Dotting the formations are a sight uncommon to Luna, though not unheard of. Massive caribou war beasts move like hulking t-rexes shrouded in grey fur and the same brass-colored armor as their masters. Their huge jaws proudly display their sharp teeth as the beasts roar in dominance. The beasts themselves must be a common sight in the Griffin Kingdoms, as few griffins seemed fazed by their presence.

Luna purveys the enemy once more, taking note of the largest unit in their ranks. A massive mobile siege engine, shaped like a massive broad shield, slowly crawls its way towards the Line. The dark, reinforced mobile wall is undoubtedly shielding groups of heavy caribou troops, waiting for the opportunity to move right on top of the Line and spill into the trenches, giving them a chance at quickly sweeping out the defending Red Hawks.

The Thunderhead should be able to punch a hole through the siege engine. Luna hopes that it would only take one shot.

As she ducks back into cover, Commander Skyward dives next to her, holding the sides of her head where the griffin-equivalent of ears should be. The gears of the Thunderhead’s barrel churn, aiming the cannon towards the siege engine in the distance.

“You might want to cover your ears!!!!”

Luna and her Sentinels quickly hold their ears down and crouch as closely to the ground as possible, clenching their eyes shut.

At first, the shockwave of the cannon’s blast literally shakes the earth, as if the ground had suddenly become as flexible and light as paper. The sound burst of the cannon was the loudest thing Luna had ever heard, as though a dragon had swooped down and roared as loudly as possible right into her ears. Though that roar only lasted a second before silence settled in, followed by a numbing ring in her ears. Luna slowly opened her eyes after several seconds, yet still could not hear anything. Afraid that she had gone deaf, Luna is quickly relieved as the sound of Skyward cursing slowly reaches her ears.

“…Dammit! It missed!!”

Luna’s Sentinels reel from the deafening experience and slowly return to their senses, as Princess Luna turns over to take another look at the caribou.

The shell launched from the Thunderhead passed over the encroaching siege engine, instead burying itself at a much further point in the legion’s lines, obliterating a set of ballistas through sheer force of impact.

“The operators knew what they were aiming at, yes?!” Asks Luna, her voice raised almost to her old royal Canterlot pitch.

“Of course they knew! It’s the accuracy of the cannon which is screwing things up! They’ll have to load another round!”

Another warning of more projectiles reaches their ears. Though as Luna and Skyward look up, they see the black mass of bolts and shock javelins falling not upon them, but right on top of the Thunderhead’s platform.

The crew has a safety measure in the form of several metal sheets which can be raised to cover the open platform. However, the sheets have to be lowered in order for the cannon to aim and fire.

The loader crew desperately attempt to get the sheets up in time, but they are too late as the volley of sharp bolts and javelins assails them. The sheets come up to block the remaining projectiles, though the cannon remains unresponsive. Luna sees the body of one of the loaders fall off of the platform and hit the ground with a thud.

Skyward looks to Luna with horror.

“There’s no way we can come out of this without that cannon…”

Luna doesn’t even spare time to think. She looks quickly to her Sentinels and to the cannon, then back to Skyward.

“How many does it take to operate the Thunderhead?”

“Eight… You’re not seriously gonna-“

“We’ll deal with that siege engine, Commander.”

“W-wait! You aren’t even trained to use the damn thing!!” Commander Skyward calls out, only to be left unheard as Luna rallies her Sentinels and takes them behind the Thunderhead’s massive base.

They quickly climb the pair of ladders to the top platform, which is riddled with bolts and most of the dead operators. As they move up to the front of the platform, however, Lantern finds one of the crew to be alive, though severely injured.

“Princess! A survivor!”

Luna rushes to the male griffin’s side as he coughs. A bolt had struck him through his wing, piercing through and digging into his left arm.

“Gahhh. Where’s the rest of my crew? Who are you?”

“They’re gone. We’re your replacements.” Luna replies, waving over High Tide to try and tend to the griffin’s wounds.

“Blast it… I don’t need a bunch of vampires and miss moon-butt touching my cannon! I built it! Only trained griffins- “

“You’re griffins are dead, and griffins are dying all over the Line! If we don’t keep this cannon operational the caribou will win! Now tell us how to fire this thing!” yells Dew Drop as she enters the conversation, cutting off the injured griffin.

“Fine. But I ain’t gonna repeat myself! You can call me Howie. CHIEF ENGINEER Howie! Now help me with this bolt in my arm. It hurts.”

With a subtle rolling of his eyes, High Tide grabs hold of Howie’s arm, assisted by Lantern. He snaps off the blunt end of the bolt and quickly pulls the other half out, handing it to Lantern so he can dress the wound. Howie seems unfazed, and looks more worried about the cannon than his own arm.

High Tide finishes putting engineer Howie’s arm in a sling. He soon gets up to his feet, and looks around the platform, and then back to the noctrals. Luna can’t help but feel as though this griffin is a bit off his rockers.

“Alright. I’ll be using the range finder. The other jobs should be simple enough for you to do. I need two of you in front with me. Three others need to man the rotating ports to move the platform and the shields. The rest of you setup along the cylinder stretching down. Get to those spots and listen carefully!!”

Howie hobbles over to the high-seat, with a complex piece of equipment serving as the range finer. The Sentinels fan out, borrowing ear muffs from the fallen griffins and taking the positions noted to them. Crowe, High Tide, and Spirit move to the cylinder loading sections. Star Glow, Dew Drop and Night Seer go down a level to find the cranking wheels which control the shields and the platform turret. Luna and Lantern stand at the front of the platform, close to Howie.

From what Luna could tell, the section which she and Lantern stood at is where the shell is directly loaded into the cannon from the cylinder stretching back. Which means the cylinder is used to carry the shell from whatever ammunition storage is below the platform, in the structure base. It’s a simple but efficient design, making it relatively straightforward to reload the cannon.

“Can’t tell if we can lower the shields yet. You! Orange eyes! Tell me what you see through any slits in the shield!”

Lantern finds a small opening in between the metal sheets, peering through.

“Another volley coming in! Aimed right at us! I think they have to replenish bolts after this next one! Gah!”

Lantern ducks to the floor as the bolts begin impacting the shields, one finding its way halfway through the slit.

“Hey! Cylinder vampires! Bring up another shell using the lift and push it up!!”

“We’re not vampires you jerk!” Spirit yells as she activates the lift, which brings up another shell. She and High Tide move the heavy shell from the lift into the loading cylinder, then join Crowe in pushing it up towards the barrel hatch.

As the bolts continue to bounce off of the metal sheets, Lantern examines the shell and then the caribou forces once more, turning to Luna.

“Princess, I have an idea! The shells are hollow. If we could put a battery charge in the shell and time it right, we could do twice the damage! Not only could we destroy the siege engine’s wall but wipe out the caribou behind it!”

“That might just work. Crowe has the batteries.” Replies Luna just as Crowe gets the shell through the cylinder and to the barrel hatch.

As Howie gives impromptu instructions to Luna on putting the shell in, Lantern quickly grabs a battery charge from Crowe’s bag. With experience in using the repurposed battery, many fighters have learned how to set a time limit on the charge, mainly thanks to Crowe and Spirit’s discovery on its use.

Lantern follows the white paint marks on the twisting cap of the battery, setting the charge time for six seconds just as the bombardment of bolts ends.

“Lower the shields!!”

With all of their might, Night Seer, Star Glow and Dew Drop crank the wheel forward, causing the metal sheets to fold downwards, giving full view of the battlefield from the platform. Howie quickly spies through the range finder, turning one of the wheels in order to lower the cannon barrel sluggishly. The barrel lines up with the caribou siege engine just as Lantern readies the battery inside the shell.

“We’re all set!! Load the shell now and yank the cord when I give the word!”

Luna nods to Lantern, giving her the all clear.

“Everyone down!!!”

Lantern presses down on the battery cap, setting the charge timer. She quickly closes the shell followed by Luna closing the barrel hatch.

Then, with all of her strength, Luna pulls forcefully on the firing cord.

The ear muffs help in dampening the massive blast as the entire Thunderhead rattles from the launch. Luna looks out to follow the shell’s trajectory, catching it mere milliseconds before it tears through the caribou siege engine, eviscerating the protective wall like it was nothing. Moments later, the shell explodes from within into a massive fireball, obliterating the caribou legionnaires behind the destroyed siege engine.

A round of cheer spreads from across Tarsus Line. Some caribou begin to hesitate.

“What did I just say?!? Wait for my word! No-good princesses. What did you do with that shell?”

As her Sentinels look to her, Luna smiles back, unable to resist a chuckle. Her Sentinels laugh as well with joy.

“Quit you’re laughing! I’m serious! What… Oh… CRAP!!” Howie yelps.

Luna quickly looks once again out to the battlefield, only to see the closest caribou line charging at the Thunderhead from the right.

With a stomping war beast leading the charge.

“QUICK!! TURN THE PLATFORM RIGHT!!!”

Night Seer, Dew Drop and Star Glow jump on the second wheel crank, winding it as fast as possible. The Sentinels at the cylinder load another shell, pushing it up to the barrel hatch.

Luna and Lantern don’t bother with another battery. They shove the shell in and slam the hatch shut.

Lantern turns to Howie, “Are we aligned??”

“JUST PULL THE DAMN CORD!!!”

The war beast lunges for the cannon barrel just as Luna pulls the cord once again.

In what sounds like a heavy sponge being crushed by a boulder, the war beast splits violently into several chunks of flesh, the shell passing right through it and hitting the ground. Raindrops of blood and blobs of flesh fall onto the platform. One piece of meat smacks Howie across the beak.

“Agh… well done… ouch.”

Luna and her Sentinels breathe a huge sigh of relief, splotches of the war beast’s blood sticking to parts of their armor. The charging ranks of the caribou line are cut down by a barrage of Red Hawk bolts and pistol bursts. The remaining groups of the caribou legions begin to turn around, sounding a retreat. Seeing this, Commander Skyward rallies the entirety of Tarsus Line and charges forward. Hundreds of Red Hawk troops run out into the battlefield, swords and axes drawn and pistols ablaze.

Luna and her Sentinels prepare to load another shell, though Howie stops them.

“Don’t be too eager there. We don’t want any friendly fire. Plus it looks like the Minister came back.”

Princess Luna climbs up to Howie’s range finder and peers through it. Sure enough, in the distance lies a massive force of griffins, rolling down a hillside straight into the caribou flank. They quickly meld with the Red Hawks and drive the caribou further off, destroying their artillery and bringing down several war beasts.

“I’ve gotta admit… You and your vam-… I mean, bat-ponies, did a damn fine job here. Thanks for helping me out.” Says Howie as Luna hops down from the range finder seat, stammering a bit to remain polite.

“You’re very welcome, Howie. Perhaps we might work together again.” Replies Luna with a small bow.

“Don’t see how, but… I wouldn’t mind.” He says, bearing a gruffy smile towards the noctrals.

The battle for Tarsus Line had been won.

“I have to thank you again for helping Commander Skyward’s Red Hawks, Princess.” Says the griffin Minister of War, Rhona, “You had great timing.”

“I would have no excuse not to. We are all fighting for our freedom.”

Minister Rhona nods, retaining a stoic impression. Commander Skyward stands beside her as her Red Hawks, along with the reinforcements, pack up supplies and equipment from the tents.

Behind them, the massive treads of the Thunderhead begin to slowly churn, propelling the huge weapon forward at the pace of a snail.

“The formation of an alliance will no doubt be approved by the ruling courts of the Kingdoms. However, I’m limited in what resources I can spare you. There are still caribou legions occupying our lands in the north, and they won’t be easy to remove. I can’t send any of my units away from that front.”

Though a bit disappointed, Luna wasn’t surprised. Even if she didn’t ask for too much.

“I understand, Minister Rhona. I don’t want to lay claim to resources that are critical to your fight against our enemies.”

“I’m grateful for your understanding. Now, I am able to send with you several shipments of fire dart pistols for use by your troops, as well as additional shipments of armor, other weapons and miscellaneous equipment. You’ll need some help with transporting the supplies, so I’m assigning Commander Skyward’s regiment to accompany you down to Equestria.”

Skyward blinks in surprise, though stands at attention when the Minister turns to her.

“Commander Skyward, you and the Red Hawk Regulars are hereby assigned to aid Princess Luna in the delivery of the shared supplies to her forces in Equestria. And to ensure that said supplies will be used efficiently in and out of battle. Return to the Griffin Kingdoms when you see fit, Commander.”

The Minister turns back to give the Commander a subtle wink, before leaving her and Princess Luna.

As a smirk crept its way onto Skyward’s beak, Luna beamed as well.

“Am I to understand that you and your troops will join me?”

“I basically just got permission from the Minster of War to do whatever I want with my Red Hawks, so yeah. You saved me and my griffins out there, Princess. The very least we can do is join your merry band of fighters. And something tells me you’ll want to use our giant gun again.” Says Commander Skyward, punching Luna lightly on the shoulder.

“King Dainn is situated in Equestria’s capital of Canterlot. The fortifications there will be strong. And what better way of dismantling fortifications than with an enormous cannon?”

Skyward laughs in agreement. “No better way, hah! How about the rest of your war plan?”

“Once we return to Haven, I’ll be gathering you and the other leaders to solidify the plans in a meeting. I’ll explain everything there.”

“Alright then. The sooner we get there, the better.”

As Commander Skyward leads her Red Hawk Regulars, Princess Luna gathers her Sentinels into the group. They begin the long journey back to Haven, already blessed with clear skies and mild weather for the return trip.

Princess Luna has succeeded in gaining the last ally she needs. All of the pieces have come together, and soon Luna will be able to lay out the drawings for the final move against the caribou. And then, Luna will proceed with her most critical step. The phase which she has been building up to since her revelation in Umbra.

Her gaze will shift to the Moon.

Author's Note

Ch. 6 done. A lot longer than I expected.

Thanks for reading as always. =]