The Sides We Choose

Chapters

An Artist's Duty
Honest Hearts
Bliss of Ignorance
Power of the People
Voices Be Heard
Discord Has No Strings
Always Sunny in Fillydelphia
Negotiations Breaking Through
Single Mindset
Decent into Madness
A Kind Mare Goes to War

An Artist's Duty

Rarity sighed as she walked through the crowd.

This entire conflict took a lot out of her. The stress of not knowing where her little sister was was one thing. Now she was the center of jealousy between Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo over Spike. Whom she rejected.

“Element of generosity…” she whispered to herself.

She glanced over the bandaged soldiers. Clear sword wounds and bullet holes covered them from head to hoof. Mud and blood stained their armor. A ghastly site. Had Sweetie Belle been in Appleloosa during that attack… she didn’t want to think about it. Then she thought about Apple Bloom. The poor filly was in the middle of that battle. What if a soldier killed her?! The certainly didn’t show mercy to anything, ANYTHING in the market riot. Her poor cat was proof of that.

“Praise Celestia! Goddess of light!” several guards cheered with ponies.

These were the ones defending them? Hyper fantasied thoughts polluted this town worse than slime in a garbage pail. Sweetie Belle shivered with fear. Rarity attempted to comfort her but was rejected with a harsh glare. Despite Twilight’s words, the three young ones still held anger towards her.

“We should have Saint Twilight attend a teaching session at the school. Many foals still adore Luna and that forsaken book,” a town pony told his friend.

“Maybe it’d be best to go to her palace? Make it a place to worship her majesty for an entire day?”

“We’d have to get approval of that.”

Rarity shook her head. The closer she got to her store, the crazier these ponies got.

After bearing through the zealous mad ponies and blood thirsty guards, she wished she was with them.

Everypony, everypony glared daggers at her. What had she done to deserve this?! First Sweetie, Scootaloo, and Spike hated her now EVERYONE looked like they wanted to burn her for witchcraft. She saw Lyra and Bon Bon sneer at her. A guard chained them and was taking them to Twilight. Cheerlie was drinking with Berry Punch. Judging by the amount of mugs one would think Berry drank too much again. However, she was more sober than Rarity was. Cheerlie planted her muzzle in her mug at the site of the white unicorn. The spa twins, Aloe and Lotus, gloomily shuffled with Bulk Biceps. The hulking stallion knocking her down by ‘accident.’ But worse out of all of them were the cakes. Oh how she wished the she didn’t see the cakes.
They carried their infants loosely. Neither had color on them nor did they retain any emotion they previously had. They looked… dead… cold and unfocused as if a changeling sucked out their very souls. The foals cries shattered her ears. She wished the crying stopped. She wished to end it by any means necessary. She was inches away from the cakes and saw the most horrifying expression in her entire life. Mr. and Mrs. Cake had glazed eyes, frowns, unmated fur, unruly hair, and bile dripping down their tear stained faces. If only the twins looked like them. Sweetie Belle fainted when she saw the little ones.

The trek had proved taxing on her. She now visibly showed her stress one hundred fold. Her eyes stained black, her coat dusty, and her mane gone wild. Sweetie looked like her usual self, much to Rarity’s confusion and concern. She was thankful to be back in her home but was disappointed in its state.

After the riots, it became a disaster. No longer did her boutique appear as a welcoming home to the latest fashion. These days, her precious boutique was a ruin. Planks of wood held up what little it could. Shattered windows presented jagged teeth of glass. The roof lost most of its tiles. And the horses that happily circled the building were gone. Burned, destroyed, or stolen, it didn’t matter how they were all gone. The side of the little shop was painted with the Lunar Republic symbol with the word ‘traitor’ in bold red paint spreading across her door. Now a mere saloon style gate.

What surprised her was the Solar Empire guard walking out of her desolated store with an enraged glare.

“Are you the owner of this shop?” he barked.

Rarity and Sweetie flinched, “Y-Yes, I am… What’s left of it anyhow…”

“Care to tell me why we found Lunar Republic propaganda in your home?”

Rarity’s jaw dropped, “Propaganda?! I have no such thing in my home!”

The stallion tackled her to the ground, “Filthy liar! There’s proof all over!” He dragged her inside, forcing her to her knees in the center of the room. “Behold! Lunar Republic propaganda!”

Rarity looked up and saw the dresses she had worked on since listening to Sweetie Belle’s book reading. Eight lovely blue dresses with starlight patterns spread across the center stage. They were beautiful, like the night sky or Applebloom’s banner. Her pupils shrunk to pin pricks with realization.

“You think my dresses are propaganda?! I had been working on them before this republic nonsense started!”

The stallion punched her, “Likely story, we’ll have Saint Twilight talk to you.”

Sweetie went to Rarity’s side with tears. Rarity could only whimper as she waited for her friend to help her. Her ONLY friend left.

Hours later; Twilight walked in to Rarity’s boutique with a stern frown. A crimson robe with a sun pendent draped over her. A fiery crown sat on her head with a bright red ruby in the center. She went over the dresses and walked over to her friend.

“I’m glad you’re here, Twilight,” Rarity smiled, “This brute believes I’m working for the Republic, Can you believe that?!”

Twilight held an unamused look as she narrowed her eyes at her.

“T-Twilight, what’s wrong?”

“If you’re not working for the Republic, than why is their symbol on your boutique? Why is the word ‘traitor’ painted on the front?”

“Those were the work of vandals! I had nothing to do with them!”

“Than why do you have these disgusting colors?” Twilight spat at the dresses with a venom laced hiss.

“Darling, I had worked on those dresses BEFORE this republic nonsense started. You know that! I told you about it the day Sweetie read that book to us.”

“AHA!” Twilight snapped, “You were inspired by that forsaken book! You admit it!”

“Of course I was inspired by it, Sweetie read it with such passion and that banner Applebloom made was divine.”

“That book and banner are evil! Everything they inspire is evil!”

“Twilight, that’s ridiculous!”

“No it’s not! Celestia warned us about that book!”

“No she didn’t, Twilight. We were never aware of the book until AFTER the republic nonsense started. Even then I don’t think it as evil.”

“See! It’s tainted you with a false sense of harmony! You’re becoming an anarchist like Discord!”

“Didn’t you get a letter from Celestia saying Discord joined the Solar Empire?”

The room went silent. It was true, Twilight read that letter before it was safe for Rarity to leave her home. The very manifestation of disharmony sided with them. They were the rightful rulers of Equestria! They were destined to bring peace and prosperity to the world! Why would disharmony work for them? …Unless it was harmonic disharmony? Yes, that was it, harmonic disharmony! Bringing chaos to the enemies who defied their law! Surely that was Celestia’s plan all along.

“Celestia knows what she’s doing. Discord is just a weapon against the rebels.”

“A weapon?” Rarity balked, “You think of Discord, a friend, as a weapon?!”

“He’s never been my friend,” Twilight growled.

“I’m sure Tirek would love to hear that,” Rarity rolled her eyes.

Twilight roared with rage. Every argument she had was swiftly countered. Worse was that she couldn’t go against Rarity’s logic. She may have faith in Celestia but she can’t deny logic.

“We just have to have faith!”

“Faith, faith, faith, faith,” Rarity mocked, ”You say that more times than Bulk Biceps says ‘Yeah’!”

“We just… ARguh! Fine! That doesn’t excuse you from the propaganda!”

“We JUST went over this!”

“You know what? Since you love these dresses so much you can watch them burn.”

“You wouldn’t dare…”

Twilight grinned as her horn glowed. In seconds, the dresses caught fire. Smoke exited through the open spaces that made up most of her boutique. She watched her mannequins and dresses smolder to ash. Nothing remained when the fire was put out.

“There, cleansed by fire. No need to thank me.”

Rarity sat in shock, “T-Those were made of the most expensive Moon-Spider silk. I had to give away all of my gems for it.”

“Don’t worry, Rarity. We can have a stack of red and orange fabric at your door step in a few days.”

“Red and orange?!” Rarity screeched, “Those are the only colors you’ll allow me to work with?!”

Twilight nodded, “Yes! Everpony will love the Solar Empire ware! It’s a fashion trend that will last for centuries!”

“Twilight… I’m an artist. You can’t just demand I use one color!”

“Oh sorry Rarity, did I oh… press your buttons?”

“Oh… press?” Rarity thought those words sounded close to what she was felling. She felt trapped under Twilight’s presence. She felt trapped under Celestia’s new rule. She felt… oh she felt her buttons being pressed. Anger, sorrow, hate. She felt all her buttons being pressed.

Oh pressed they were…

“Yes, Twilight you’re oppressing me!” she shouted.

Sweetie Belle finally stood up with an unhinged jaw. The guard gave a snicker. Twilight stepped back in confusion.

“Oppressing you? I’m… oppressing?” Twilight looked at the mirror. The image of the sun clashed against her naturally dark fur. She looked like a beast gift wrapped for a monster, hell bent on devouring her. Oppressed… that was a strong word to describe the feeling.

No… Rarity was tainting her mind with made up words.

Twilight shook her head, “There’s no need to make up words. I’m trying to help you!”

“Humph, only one you’re helping is yourself.”

“I’m doing what’s best for Equestria!”

“Oh really, miss ‘faithful student.’ I didn’t realize the best for Equestria was to send a thousand guards to kill my pet!”

Twilight and Sweetie gasped at those words.

“Opal’s… gone?” Sweetie began to tear up.

Rarity sighed, “Yes, Sweetie, Opal’s gone. She was such a good kitty.”

The two hugged for the first time after their heated argument. Twilight felt she should hug her as well but was rejected with a hate filled gazed.

“I’m… I’m sorry for your loss. Many ponies have died and-“

Rarity smacked her across the face. A tooth flew out of Twilight’s mouth.

“Don’t you DARE even TRY to express sympathy for me!” Rarity seethed with hate, “Imagine all the foals that were out in the market that day. Imagine all the foals in Appleloosa. Imagine how the foals that lost their parents are living now! Honestly, Saint Sparkle, I have never in all my life seen ANYPONY more selfish than you!”

“Even Blueblood?” Sweetie yelped with fear.

“ESPECIALLY Blueblood. He at least had the excuse of being a Canterlot snob and he did apologize to me days later.”

Twilight felt she was on the edge of bursting to tears. The element of generosity proclaimed that she, the element of magic, was selfish. There wasn’t a blade sharp enough to match the wound in her heart after that.

Silence gripped the room. Not even the air itself could make a noise. Twilight turned, holding back her emotions.

“I’ll have red and orange fabric at your door step soon.” she told Rarity before leaving. It wasn’t selfish of her to give that specific fabric, right? …right?

Rarity sat motionlessly on her sofa. Tubs of ice-cream littered the floor. Sweetie Belle was silent but tried to cheer Rarity up as much as possible. The sisters shared one tub of rocky road and made several jokes about a certain Pie pony. It was a simple gesture, but a valuable gesture nonetheless. Perhaps she had been selfish in her thoughts. She didn’t think about ponies that were… oppressed by Celestia’s rule. Pinkie was the strongest out of all of them and saw more than any of them. Her speech before being thrown in the dungeon was proof of that. Applejack and her family were the most prized farmers in Equestria… but… maybe they wanted to be more and Celestia denied them that right? Right… funny word. Ponies had plenty of rights under Celestia reign… before it became the Solar Empire. Then again, she can’t remember anypony putting a negative light on her. Gabby Gums merely showed she liked cake. Who doesn’t like cake?! Oh dear, she was thinking like Pinkie Pie…

Her last Lunar Republic friend, Fluttershy worried her the most. The fragile little thing felt so strong about her beliefs… she was probably dead and she didn’t know it. She could only hope Discord kept her safe. But her fears grew when she remembered what side Discord was on.

“Oh, why did Luna banish Discord from that awful republic?” she cried.

“It wasn’t awful!” Sweetie Belle frowned, “When I was there it was boring but that’s better than what went on here… What’s GOING on here!”

Rarity nodded as she grimaced at the site outside her window.

In a flash, this once peaceful loving town became a cesspool of crime. She noted a couple mares taking goods out of a dead merchant’s stall. It was finders keepers now. No one will even know what happened to the merchant. Rarity shivered at the thought of what would happen to her and Sweetie.

“Tell me about the republic,” Sweetie looked up with a raised eyebrow, “Just out of curiosity.”

“Ok…” The rest of the evening was spent with Sweetie telling Rarity how nice everypony was. How Applebloom’s cousin, Braeburn, welcomed them with open hooves. How Luna spent nights with ponies in what little free time she had. She told about the Lunar guards who played with foals in the street. Tales that seemed unbelievable to Rarity. It was as though the kindness of Equestria stayed with the Lunar Republic.

Kindness…

An image of her petite friend zapped her vision.

Was Fluttershy’s choice in this war decide who was the ‘good guys?’

Rarity shook the thought out of her mind. She asked Sweetie to describe more about the Republic. Each word made it more and more… delightful.

Sweetie continued to gloat about how honest the guards and Luna were. They never lied, not once. Everyone spoke freely! One mare shared concern about Nightmare Moon returning. Luna, apparently, invited her to a party celebrating Applejack and Pinkie’s return. They were honest, sincere, kind, and… generous.

Was she on the wrong side? Was she… a ‘bad guy?’

These thoughts didn’t sit well with her. Thankfully, Sweetie was done talking about the Republic. A mixed feeling of disappointment and relief gave her worries. She didn’t want to be thrown in prison.

She thought about Rainbow and Twilight. The only two who were dead set on Celestia. Twilight had gone insane. She was now holding religious sessions in her castle. She was an alicorn! How could she view another as a deity? Shinning Armor and Cadence replied to her letter asking for the Crystal Empire’s help with concern. Twilight was furious at the note calling her crazy. She was even more furious to learn her parents, Night Light and Twilight Velvet, left to live in the Crystal Empire.

Rainbow had not been better at all. Where she was fit an animal more than a pony. The polychromatic mare was equipped with guns and armor. She shot anything that wasn’t part of the Solar Empire. She was, most defiantly, trigger happy. She would shoot, kill, and maim what ever her line of sight caught. Even little fillies! How she could call a monster like that ‘friend’ was a mystery to her. This war and her blind loyalty turned her into an attack dog. Obeying its master without question. Only concerned with being fed.

And boy, did she feed.

It was just two days when the fabric arrived. Two guards pushed it on top of her and demanded she make more banners for the Empire. The guards watched her the entire day. Until all banners were done.

Rarity was thankful Sweetie was in school that day. Rather longer hours than before. It was nightfall by the time Sweetie came home.

“Rarity…” Sweetie chirped.

“What is it darling?” Rarity weakly called with her unkempt hair and sunken eyes.

“What was it like being Nightmare?”

Rarity flinched at the memory. She honestly wished she didn’t have those memories.

“It was like…” She pondered the words, “Being oppressed… by choice.”

“Huh?”

“I… I had to willingly accept the Nightmare for it to take over me. It forced me to do things. Say things. Things I would NEVER do.”

“Do you think that’s what happened to Luna?”

Rarity pondered, “Yes… That’s very much what I suspect Luna felt. It was obvious she felt strong pain about watching all the things she did as Nightmare,” she shivered, “And if what she told us about her time on the moon… I can’t blame her if she’s… suicidal…”

“What?!” Sweetie squeaked.

“I’m afraid it’s true… The Nightmare still retained Luna’s thoughts, after all. I saw many things from her time. It was… unpleasant.”

The room went cold with dread.

“Could it happen to Celestia?”

“I certainly hope it has.”

Sweetie Belle looked over the banners Rarity made.

“You know… Applebloom’s banner was good. But I think you could make a better one.”

Rarity scoffed, “As if I’d be ALLOWED to touch blue again.”

“Well, Luna lets us use all sorts of colors.”

“She does?”

“Yeah! This one stallion made a poster of her using red and white!” Sweetie Belle giggled, “Luna laughed about how she looked like her sister in the painting and asked if he was willing to paint her in silly poses like the one where she’s in clown makeup!” She fell to the floor laughing.

“My word, Luna sounds more like a comedian than a leader!”

“A good leader has to be willing to make their citizens happy by any means necessary.” Sweet stated absolutely.

“Maybe…” Rarity sniffed, “Maybe…”

For the rest of her time in the Empire, Rarity somberly stitched banner after banner for the Solar Empire. She watched Twilight accuse ponies of heresy. Sweetie and Scootaloo eventually made up after Rainbow returned and threw Scootaloo away like a cheap rag. The poor filly never overcame that. Spike went away in the middle of the night, much to Twilight’s dismay. He left a small note that said ‘Let me know when the REAL Twilight comes back.’ Ponyville itself was worse than before. Republic supporters grew rapidly each day. Curfews encouraged more defiance and riots broke out twenty fold. Foals ran away, leaving very few seats at school filled.

Everypony was miserable.

The Solar Empire were the good guys.

No matter how often she told herself that, Rarity knew it wasn’t true.

Honest Hearts

Braeburn held the rifle steadily. He had trained using these new weapons for the past week. Now he was putting his training to the test. He took aim, hooves starting to shake, he fired at the target…

And nearly hit the broad side of the closest barn.

“Braeburn! What has gotten into you?” Luna shouted, “The last round you fired hit the barn. What illness plagues you?”

“I don’t know,” Braeburn sighed, “I just… remember those ponies that died because of these things.” He threw the gun away, “I’m sorry, I’m really sorry but I can’t use these things! Never!”

Luna frowned. She took a deep breath and exhaled, “Very well…”

Braeburn’s ear twitched, “What?”

“I said ‘very well.’ You are still a valued tactician. We can simply put you in a commanding position so you would never touch a gun.”

“Th-Thank you Luna… but wouldn’t this be a problem in a battle?”

Luna nodded, “While it’s true that a pony without a weapon (no less a commanding officer) is an easy target, I refuse to force a pony to use these evil tools.”

Braeburn glanced at the wicked tube that spits fire, “Thank you, Luna.”

The smile on his face pleased Luna. He maybe defenseless on the battlefield but the moral he gives the troops greatly made up for it.

Applejack trotted over with a tray of apple cider. Three mugs of warm golden liquid. Luna sipped the mug like fine wine. Braeburn chugged it all in one gulp. Applejack just carried hers.

“Braeburn… I’ve been noticing a few things,” Applejack mumbled, “You’ve been really shaky around these guns. Whatever the problem is, you can tell me.”

Braeburn avoided eye contact, “Alright… but not in the open. Is it ok if the three of us chat in private?”

Luna nodded. She dismissed the two Lunar guards at her sides. She escorted Applejack and Braeburn to the barn Braeburn almost shot. The Republic had used it to store all weapons and armor. Not a single pony was present. No one wanted to be near these things. Only time they were handled was when one was charged with maintenance duty. Even Luna was repulsed by the point and kill sticks. The Lunar Republic prided in the use of close quarter combat and stealth.

“Speak, Braeburn,” Luna permitted.

“Luna… I don’t know what’s wrong but… when I see or touch a gun, any gun, I freeze up and start shaking. Then I start remembering what I saw those things do. All those ponies… the ponies that used those weapons on us. And what I did to them.”

Applejack placed her hoof over Braeburn’s shoulder, “Braeburn… I know it ain’t right to kill a pony. You’d have to be a demented sicko to get something out of it! But what you did helped us. It helped everypony! Me and Pinkie would still be in Canterlot’s dungeon if you didn’t kill that one pony. Those Empire guards would’ve murdered the entire town like they did in Ponyville if you didn’t end them.”

Braeburn hugged Applejack tightly and cried, “Thank you, Applejack, that helps a lot.”

“You still feel regret for your actions?”

“Of course I do!” Braeburn snapped at Luna, “I can NEVER forget the looks on their faces. The angry accusing eyes staring at me. The sound of their bones breaking haunts my dreams for eternity.”

Luna lifted his chin and looked into his eyes, “I know that feeling all to well.”

“I suppose this is what you feel when someone mentions Nightmare, isn’t it?” he chuckled lightly.

“It is. It is a pain I had hoped none would share,” Luna sighed, “It seems my sister is the cause of this misery. Her pride only proves her callous nature.”

“I may not know what this pain you’re feeling is but just know I’ll always be here to listen to your troubles when you need it,” Applejack offered, “I wished Pinkie would talk to me… she looks worse than anyone I’ve seen.”

“We thank you, Applejack,” Luna hugged her, “Perhaps you should make this a profession of yours? There has been very few ponies who willingly talk to ponies one on one. I must admit, speaking to you raises my spirits up greatly.”

“Profession, huh,” Applejack wondered this, “Like some sort of emotion doctor?”

“This feels more like a therapy session than a doctor visit. I had to go through massage therapy when my apple bucking leg broke.”

“Woah nelly, I ain’t touching that mess! Screw Loose told me horrible stories about her shock therapy session. How anypony could be so cruel is beyond me. I’m just glade she made it out ok. Shock therapy has put more ponies in the ground than out the hospital doors.”

“It is good to know at least one pony lived through that. I visited her nightmares and saw memories of her trauma,” Luna cringed, “Most unpleasant and messy memories ever, even by today’s new standard of unpleasant.”

“Heh, She’d probably would’ve had a better time talking to me than going through that. She told me she always felt better after talking to me.”

“This has been a very pleasant talk but we must return to our duties,” Luna began to leave before turning to Applejack, “I highly suggest you get a career started with your honest heart. Nearly everyone in the Republic could use it. Both pony and non-pony.”

Applejack walked down the road to her Republic home. In Ponyville she owned a farm. In the Republic she owned a small shack, only enough room for her and Applebloom. She was offered more space but felt other ponies needed it more than she did. They called her generous for that…

…she started to wonder how Rarity was in the Empire. Knowing her, she was happily stitching banners and dresses for the nobles in the Empire’s capital, Canterlot. Typical snobbish unicorns only cared for their own kind. Celestia obviously favored unicorns. Earth ponies and Pegasi were left in the dirt while those useless snobs lived in luxury on that mountain. Their fancy magic certainly wasn’t effective against the changelings, or Tirek, or Discord, or whatever crazy stuff went on at the gala.

That was probably a huge sign that Celestia didn’t care for her subjects. Luna didn’t attend her first gala. She must’ve known Celestia deliberately set it up for the six of them to have a horrible time and couldn’t bear the thought of seeing them in a depressed state. Something Celestia reveled in. That damn blot of sunshine loomed over a pony’s sorrow like a fly hovered over a steaming pile of-

A pink blur knocked her thoughts out of her.

“Pinkie?! What in tarnation’s going on?”

“New ponies! New ponies!” she enthusiastically cheered, “I’m going to throw them a HUGE welcome to the Republic party!”

While Applejack was pleased to see Pinkie’s usual self again, the feeling that a sharp pain was deep inside her gnawed at the back of her mind.

“Say, Pinkie…”

“Yeah?”

“After the party you have planned,” Applejack shifted uncomfortably, “Can we just… talk for a while?”

Pinkie stopped bouncing and stared at Applejack, “Okie dokie loki!” she chimed before hopping to the train station. She seemed brighter than usual after that simple request.

Applejack felt it best to accompany Pinkie to the train station. That and she wanted to check out the new members to the party.

The train rolled in, coming to an abrupt stop. It was shorter than the other trains but still held a lot of ponies in the few carts it had. A stampede of ponies of all types roared out. Unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies along with a hoof full of crystal ponies! Bat ponies (or thestrals as some call them) join Luna because of the xenophobia ponies have had against them. The xenophobia must have influenced the non-ponies that arrived as well. Minotaurs, cows, dragons, and hippogryphs just to name a few. Applejack was hesitant on the changelings but figured they were of no threat since they weren’t disguised.

Pinkie Pie defiantly took a liking to all the non-ponies. Though the questions she asked them were inappropriate the non-ponies chuckled and answered her politely. The party planner had been the happiest she ever been. There was no point in time Applejack saw her this happy before! It was as if being around non-ponies and learning more about them was a treat sweeter than a cupcake. The glint in her eye convinced Applejack that Pinkie was perfectly fine… for now.

“AJ, Look!” Pinkie rushed to a white stallion with blue snowflakes as a cutie mark, “I HAVEN’T SEEN YOU SINCE THE CUTIE MAP!”

“Um…” Double Diamond stuttered, “It’s good to see you too?”

“Well howdy Double Diamond. What brings you to this side of Equestria?”

“We,” Double Diamond motioned to his other friends. Pinkie gasped and jumped on top of Nightglider, “We decided to represent our town in the Lunar Republic.”

Applejack quirked an eyebrow, “That’s mighty dangerous, isn’t it? I mean; y’all are one the east side of Equestria, That’s Solar Empire territory, and I’d be mighty concerned for your town.”

“It’s a secluded little hamlet in the middle of a mountain region,” Double Diamond explained, “Tanks can’t drive in that area, soldiers have difficult time getting around, and the weather has to be cold so the snow doesn’t melt down on the cities below us.”

“Wait, the cold prevents the cities from being under water?”

“Yeah, the entire place is covered in snow! Remember from your last visit?”

“It weren’t as cold as the Crystal Empire but was really close to it.”

Applejack knew Manneheaten south east of the town. If the snow had melted, it’d spell disaster for that city. Not to mention the fact it’s built near the ocean. Manneheaten would become an undersea ruin if the mountains got hot! A morbid revelation that might be useful later on in the war… as a desperate assault. Still too many innocents in that city. Even if their loyalty is misguided.

“Well, we’re happy you joined our side. Any and all help is welcomed.”

Pinkie grabbed Double Diamond and Applejack with the group Double Diamond brought into a big group hug.

“I’m so happy you’re all here! Oh hi Coco!”

“huh?” a beige mare turned around, “Oh, Pinkie Pie! It’s been so long. How are you?”

“Coco? Last time I saw you, Rarity gave you that theater job,” Applejack shook her hoof, “You joining the Republic too?”

“Of course I am! Every artist in Equestria is rebelling against the empire!” Coco yelled, “They’re forcing us to use warm colors only! How is anyone suppose to have variety with just one color? I’d rather use green thread to stitch one hundred socks than be forced to use only red!!!”

The group fell back by the force of Coco’s pride and anger, “Woah nelly! I didn’t think it meant that much to you.”

Applejack looked around and saw familiar faces pass by. Coco did mention artists all over were protesting against the Empire. Vinyl Scratch and Octavia strode by carrying their equipment. Photo Finish and her group pranced by with Hoity Toity and a group of models. Even Sapphire Shores, THE SAPPHIRE SHORES, marched proudly into the Republic. Those were big named celebrities for sure. Celestia really dun goofed when she angered the artists.

If only Rarity was with them.

“Are any artists ok with how the Empire’s forcing things?” Applejack asked Coco.

“Very few,” she answered, “The Empire forces everything to fit their agenda. I was forced to make banners and tailor uniforms before getting on that train. I saw Suri talking to some guards… she was wearing a sun pin in her hair,” Coco sighed with pity, “She doesn’t matter anymore, she was a cruel pony who only cared for herself. Anypony that sides with the Empire are most likely like her. Let’s just forget about them.”

“Coco? Coco!” a stallion shouted.

“Oh, I met someone on the train,” Coco smiled, “Silver! I’m over here!”

A silvery stallion ran over to her, “I was worried that I lost you in the crowd. Some of the Lunar guards said they can give us some fabric to start off with.”

“Silver Shill?!” Applejack gawked, “I don’t believe it! Nearly everypony we’ve known is joining the Republic!”

“I know! Isn’t it great!” Pinkie yelled, “I’m making new friends AND reconnecting with old friends!”

“I just have a hard time with this coincidence. I’m happy we’re seeing friendly faces but I feel like we’re going to start seeing-“

“THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE DEMANDS ASSISTANCE WITH HER LUGGAGE!”

“Not so friendly faces…” Applejack face hoofed. Why couldn’t she just keep her mouth shut?

“Miss, that’s what we’re here for,” a Lunar guard moaned.

Trixie stepped down from her pose with a blush, “Very well, let us… move along.”

“Hi Trixie!” Pinkie tackled the showmare.

“Oh for the love of… hi.”

“Trixie? What are you doing here?” Applejack glared.

“Trixie wishes to join the Republic,” she declared, “Trixie believes in choosing our leaders. She believes she can have a fresh start in the Republic. A second chance at life, if you will.”

“Ya mean you want to become a better mare?”

“That is what Trixie is telling you.”

Applejack glared at Trixie in her eyes, “Alight, I believe you.”

Trixie faltered, “What? Just like that?!”

“Eeyup, just like that.”

“Um… why?”

“Luna used to be Nightmare Moon and now she’s playing with foals out where everyone can see her. I figured you could change the same way she has.”

“Has the princess truly become that social with her subjects?”

“She the Premier,” Applejack corrected, “Premier Luna is just a pony, like you and me, she doesn’t see herself higher than anyone else. Everyone in the Republic is equal.”

The group from the town cringed.

“Sorry, Applejack, but that statement broke on some bad memories,” Party Favor quivered.

“Many of the ponies that came to the town wanted equality really bad. We all felt that Celestia wouldn’t give us what we wanted,” Sugar Belle sniffed.

“Please tell me Luna’s not going to take away our cutie marks,” Nightglider whined.

“Relax, everypony, You can all see what she’s like at the party,” Applejack reassured.

“Speaking of which, we’re going to be late!” Pinkie screamed, “The party’s in town square! Hurry or you’ll miss it!”

Trixie looked to the guard, “Trixie hopes you will escort her to the party after we drop of her luggage.”

The guard smiled, “It’s a date.”

“Well it was nice meeting all of y’all,” Applejack waved, “I’ll see you guys at the party!”

She left the group with a smile. Their first impressions of the Republic were spectacular. They were all familiar faces so it was easier to mingle with them. Applejack should’ve expected the town to join the Republic. The fact equality was an achieved promise ensured their loyalty. Coco and her mention of artists rebelling was promising. Larger numbers meant larger influence and nothing influenced more than art. The artists working for the Empire, like Rarity, were small compared to the artists in the Republic. Even ex-villains like Trixie saw hope in the Republic. A chance of being free from their criminal roles was too great to give up. Applejack was thankful she didn’t come across Flim or Flam… although, their sneaky false advertisement habits felt ideal for the Empire. Those two are probably thriving on selling ‘Celestia’s Blood’ to gullible ponies desperately searching for some meaning in their life.

The closer Applejack got to the party, the more diversity she saw in the Republic. All three pony races were present, that was a given, but she saw more and more non-ponies with each step. The Empire had a mass supply of weaponry. The Republic had a mass supply of troops. All these ponies… all these griffins, cows, minotaurs, etc. etc. came from across Equestria in a small train. All that they needed was to take one, just one, of the Empire’s factories and they’d be able to overrun entire cities!

“Good evening, miss,” a polite stallion greeted.

“Oh, name’s Applejack,” she shook his hoof, “What brings you to the Republic?”

“My name is Silver Screen. I’m from Applewood and, as you should be aware, our city is composed of artists and actors.”

“I’m familiar with Applewood, my family gets a lot of comments about it.”

The stallion looked over to her flank, “Ah, of course you would, I apologize for that.”

“None taken.”

“Well I must say it’s not just art that has taken a hit by the Empire.”

“Go on…”

“Applewood used to be sunny, friendly, and clean…” Silver Screen sighed, “Then everything changed when the Empire attacked.”

“They attacked you? Figures… Those trigger happy psychopaths would come up with any excuse to murder.”

“You should know that Applewood and our neighbors, Los Pegasus, have successfully kicked out all influences of the Empire from our cities.”

“Ha! I’d drink to that. Let’s get something hard to celebrate the victory.”

Applejack led Silver Screen to the refreshments. True to Pinkie’s usually party planning, the refreshment table was perpendicular to the dance floor. Despite her reputation for being the most random pony in Equestria, Pinkie was more organized than Twilight. That was a fact Twilight often denied… along with her cheese phobia.

“Hey AJ!”

Speaking of whom…

“Howdy, Pinkie, great job on the party.”

“Thanks! I see you met Silver Screen,” Pinkie pulled a yellow stallion over, “This is Golden Roulette, he’s from Los Pegasus.”

“Yo what’s up?” the confused stallion greeted.

“You’re from Los Pegasus?” Applejack questioned the earth pony.

“Yeah! Don’t let the name fool you, Los Pegasus has more rocks than a rock farm. The name was just to honor those who helped cool off the area.”

“You honored pegasi by naming your city Pegasus?”

“You got it!” Golden Roulette took a swig of his drink.

“This turned out better than I expected! Hopefully we’ll end that Empire by the end of the year!”

“Woohoo! Victory dance! West coast belongs to the Lunar Republic!” Pinkie cheered, “From Applewood to Hollow Shades! Our territory is huge! Even got a spec in the north-east!”

The group from the town cheered as everyone applaud them.

“I gosh darn forgot Hollow Shades! That’s on the east coast and it was one of the first to side with Luna!” Applejack laughed. There was no way a town filled with Bat ponies would not join Luna. It’d be silly if they didn’t.

“Do you think that would make it easier for us to take over Fillydelphia and Baltimare?” Pinkie whispered.

“I wish, those two places are home to those darn weapon factories,” Applejack grumbled, “Besides, I was hoping we could… take back Ponyville before that.”

Pinkie visibly deflated, “Yeah… getting Ponyville on our side would be nice… along with Twilight and Rarity…”

Applejack perked up, “What about Dashie?”

“Never heard of her,” Pinkie growled.

That set off some alarms in Applejack’s head, “You want to talk about it sugarcube?”

“I guess…” Pinkie mumbled under her breath, “I don’t think Rainbow Dash is ever going to change sides.”

Woah, full name, she must be serious.

“What makes you say that?”

“I saw how she looked at that weapon that killed that one pony, when we were being busted out. She liked it. She likes hurting poines. She’s not my friend. My friends don’t enjoy hurting ponies.”

Applejack placed her hoof on Pinkie’s back, “She’s probably confused. She found out her life was a lie and wants to exert her pain on others. I think if we gave her time to talk out her emotions, she’ll be back to her old self.”

“I hope so, AJ,” Pinkie smiled, “I hope so…”

Bliss of Ignorance

Filthy Rich fell to the cold floor of his cell. Celestia made good on her promise and made Filthy her personal slave. An iron collar clenched his throat with a chain trailing to the sun tyrant’s hoof.

Celestia sighed and walked away.

The look Filthy gave her was cold and full of hate. He may have not chosen a side before, but now he was dead set on having Celestia’s head on a silver platter. He often chuckled to himself. Mumbling about a secret weapon he wishes the Republic would find and use on Canterlot. When asked about the weapon, he gave the same response.

“Imagine the sun being thrown at you,” followed by a dark laugh and crooked smile.

The guards marched down the halls in crimson gold armor. Their spears replaced with rifles. Pistols on their sides. Celestia smiled at the sun pendant that was pinned their uniform. Loyalty to the rightful ruler… the one that stayed in power, no matter the cost.

“Princess,” an old stallion called.

“Empress,” Celestia corrected, “We’re reconquering our land and lands beyond. I’ve told you this Kibitz.”

Kibitz frowned at her, “What then, Princess?”

“Excuse me?”

“What do you plan to do once you’ve taken over this world? Move on to the next? Then another? Repeating the same quest for conquest over and over for all eternity?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Kibitz, my only concern is the well being of my ponies.”

“The first lesson you had me teach Luna, when she returned, was to not treat ponies like property.”

Celestia glared at the old stallion, “Make your point, Kibitz, I have no time for games.”

Kibitz humphed indignantly, “Do you see servants anywhere in the castle?”

Celestia looked around her. Every corner the pair turned around held guards. The halls were empty saved for the small chance a guard was patrolling. All rooms, all space in the castle held no living pony that wasn’t a guard. They eventually made it to the throne room.

“Well?” Kibitz inquired.

“I can not defy that which has been proven fact,” Celestia moped.

“Frankly, I’m appalled you did not mention me.”

Celestia tripped over herself at that comment. She turned to Kibitz in stunned horror.

“Am I less than a servant to you, Princess? Am I just another pony that delivers you cake and tea? Unthinking and unemotional to everything whose only purpose is to serve you?”

The nearby guards leered at him. Celestia had to single them to stand down before she lost another friend.

“Kibitz… you are my frie-“

“NO! I am not!” Kibitz cut her off.

A sharp pain stabbed Celestia in the heart. She wanted to cry but held it back. She had to keep a strong image for her ponies. If she faltered, even a little, she’d lose her throne. She’d lose the one thing preventing her ponies from falling to a true dictator like Sombra. She was not going to be seen as what he was. She was good, truthful, and kind to her ponies… wasn’t she?

“You are not the same Celestia I’ve known for years!” Kibitz shouted, “You are behaving more like a dictator than a proper princess.”

“Bite your tongue, Kibitz!” Celestia threatened.

“I shall not!” Kibitz rebelled, “You USED to allow ponies to be open to you, now you refuse to hear the truth. Instead of heeding Discord’s warning, you attacked your own sister! Instead of owning up to your past, you’re repeating it! Instead of having friends, you have a cult.”

“My faithful stu-“

“EXACTLY!” Celestia cringed, “YOUR faithful student created a cult dedicated to YOUR worship. Something you had me teach Luna as a barbaric fantasy from an age long dead. Seems you now wish to revive it.”

Celestia was about to rebuttal something but failed to find a counter argument. It was true, ponies had thought of alicorns as gods before Celestia taught them different. Despite the archaic belief, it was needed to help moral in her empire. She couldn’t risk losing the support of so many ponies… from a small source of land. It dawned on her that she only had Canterlot and the east coast cities under her reign. She had all the resources to build an army but lacked the numbers for it. Cloudsdale remained neutral with stronger support for the Republic than the Empire. If she lost Cloudsdale, her empire would lose weather. The small amount of pegasi in her empire would be swept away by Cloudsdale superior weather craft. She’ll have to send Discord there at once. She heard Republic influences were creeping into Ponyville once more as well. She’ll command Discord to wipe them out once Cloudsdale is in her grasp.

“So what am I to you, Princess?” Kibitz broke her out of a militaristic state, “Can you tell me how many slaves you own?”

“Ah well, there’s you and Filthy Rich and…” a jolt of realization struck Celestia. She could only pale at Kibitz’s expression. Disappointment. The same look Starswirl gave her when she acted like a spoiled brat, “K-Kibitz… I’m sor-“

Kibitz held up a hoof. The guards sat on the ground, shocked by how swiftly Celestia answered him. They wondered who else she viewed as a slave, were their names on that list? Kibitz turned and walked away from Celestia.

“The other servants left to join the Republic,” he stated in a gloom tone, “I am going to go join them as well. If you find me on a day where you’re feeling thirsty… I hope to satisfy it.”

The two guards shakily prevented Kibitz from leaving through the door.

“Let him go,” Celestia ordered, “I grant him permission to join the Republic.”

The guards backed down. Kibitz turned to Celestia with a lighter expression. Celestia knew it as the expression he’d give Luna when she came close to acceptable social behavior. Just close enough to getting it right… close enough.

“Bring me today’s schedule,” she demanded.

A single guard hesitantly gave her a scroll, “First order of business,” she sighed at the line she read, “Dealing with supporters of the Republic… send them in.”

The guards brought in numerous ponies in chains. Most of them were crystal ponies who had immigrated to Equestria from the Crystal Empire. Curious as to why they were here if they originated from an Empire. They were violently thrashing themselves away from Celestia’s presence. Had she terrified these ponies so? How could anypony view her in such fear?

Ponies that weren’t crystal were mostly pegasi or earth pony. Canterlot was mostly made up of unicorns. Earth ponies and pegasi must’ve come from other regions of the Empire. Celestia was almost convinced the pegasi were from Cloudsdale. She even recognized a few Wonderbolts.

“Soarin? Spitfire? Fleetfoot?” Celestia muttered with betrayal, “How could you three rebel against the Empire?”

“Empire? Ha!” Spitfire spat, “I never served an Empire in my entire life.”

“Me neither,” Fleetfoot snorted.

Soarin simply glared at Celestia. No doubt the words he had in mind were grandiosely… crude.

“I am saddened by the fall of the Wonderbolts. It’s clear to me that they were far to separate from the military. I shall fix this problem later.”

“Fix the problem? Sounds more like terminating to me,” a teal pegasus mocked.

“And who are you to judge your empress?”

“Lightning Dust,” the pegasus stated proudly, “And you’re no empress of mine. I’m siding with Luna until death!”

The ponies in chains cheered. Their cheering caused the chains to finally snap after the abuse the crystal ponies gave them. Metal clattered along the ground and everypony scattered. The guards were flabbergasted by the display of defiance. Earth ponies attacked guards head on, pegasi took to the air and assisted the earth ponies, what little unicorns there were teleported away. None of them concerned Celestia except the crystal ponies.

The crystal ponies became wild animals. In their panic, they trampled friends and foe alike. They were blind to what they were doing. No direction or reason, they ran. They ran all over the room. Some made it out of the room while most bumped into themselves or over guards. Celestia tried to stop the chaos until a small crystal pony hit her leg. The crystal pony shivered as she looked up to Celestia. Their eyes met. Celestia saw terror, absolute unbinding terror. She remembers Twilight describing this type of terror when she first sent Twilight to the Crystal Empire. It was a terror brought on by the past. A terror of a dictator.

The crystal pony’s eyes shrunk, “SOMBRA!!!” she screamed in fear. The mare desperately dragged herself away from Celestia. Sorrow and dread filled her as she watched the crystal ponies assault everything. They were remembering their time with Sombra… they believed Celestia was Sombra.

Celestia shook herself out of her mind. She spotted two guards cornering a lone crystal stallion. Celestia trotted to the stallion, seeing terror grab ahold of him the closer she came. In seconds she was looming over him. The poor stallion practically pissed himself. He jolted away from her as she bent down.

“NEVER AGIAN! NEVER AGAIN!” he cried before jumping out of a stained glass window behind him. It was the window that displayed the element of harmony defeating Nightmare Moon. The glass shattered, leaving nothing but open space.

Celestia poked her head out the window. An aerial view of a dead crystal stallion in the streets of Canterlot greeted her in morbid taunting. More glass broke, making Celestia quickly return to the madness in the throne room. Crystal ponies began chanting ‘never again’ before jumping out the windows. The pegasi acted quickly as they grabbed for the deranged ponies, ensuring they don’t fall to their deaths. The pegasi also grabbed earth ponies before escaping. Thankfully, the guards managed to stop some from escaping. Many were wounded or killed by gun shots. Celestia was thankful not all of them escaped.

Celestia looked around the throne room. Numerous corpses flooded the area. Be they trampled or shot, they were not the worst of the deceased.

No, outside were the worst. Crystal ponies falling from the sky. Shattering on the streets below. From what Cadence told her from the Crystal Empire, the various impacts would’ve harmed many Canterlot citizens. She could imagine a lone foal playing in the streets when a crystal pony falls from her castle, shattering on the ground, crystal shards impaling the innocent foal.

All out of their fear of a tyrant…

A fear of Sombra…

A fear of her.

Celestia soaked in the atmosphere of the tragedy. There was no escaping this. Ponies from all over and beyond will forever remember this day. The day ponies were thrown out of Celestia’s castle to kill any unsuspecting pony was beneath her. She could swear the Republic planned this…

Yes… that’s it.

The Republic planned it! She was never at fault in this, it was all the Republic’s fault. The crystal ponies didn’t fear her, they were just ordered to kill themselves! All for some flawed idealistic dream for freedom! Ponies loved her! She could never be wrong. Her will was just and fair. Celestia would be proven to be kind and honest in her rule. Even if what she was saying was false accusations.

“Next order of business…” she calmly said.

“You highness?”

“NEXT order of business…” her eye twitched, “Please.”

The frightened guard picked up the disgraced scroll and gave it to her, “What do you wish to do to the prisoners?”

Celestia gazed at the ponies in the throne room. The ones that weren’t dead. Fear, hate, and anger enveloped their eyes. Emotions that defied her. Emotions that she did not like.

“Collar them and throw them in the dungeon. We’ll put them to work soon enough.”

The crystal ponies lost their minds on that. They restarted their ‘never again’ chant as the guards dragged them away. Some committed suicide in spectacularly creative ways. Celestia watch as one tore his own head off. Another forced a unicorn guard to stab her with his horn until she was dead. Then there were the ones that used the guns. Shoving the metallic tube down their throats and pulling the trigger. Made for a fast and painless execution. The sight was vomit inducing. So much killing, so much blood, so much… too much.

Celestia just wanted to get to the next item on the list.

“N-Next order of business…” she gasped at the next line, “the health of my royal guards?! But our medicine and healing spells are far superior than any other!”

“They are but…” the guard stuttered, “This type of illness… it’s like something we’ve never seen before…” he glanced at a few deceased crystal ponies, “except what just recently happened. It’s a lot like that.”

Celestia grimaced the thought. What horror were the guard’s facing? What monster could be harming her ponies?!

“Send them in immediately.”

“Your highness, surely you’d like to clean this mess first.”

“I do not have time for cleanliness,” Celestia harshly spat, “We can clear the corpses later. What matters most is ensuring the guards are well.”

The guard bowed and singled for the other guards to come in. The guards from the Appleloosa battle nervously wandered in. Horror fell upon their faces. As soon as they entered the room, panic and mayhem took hold.

The panicking guards began crying and screaming. One huddled in the corner sobbing about black devils leaping out of shadows. Celestia reacted quickly and ordered the panicking guards to be detained. In a swift swing the guards restrained the guards. Over the sobbing of her traumatized guards, Celestia quivered. She was shaken to her core. Memories of the ‘Reign of Terror’ echoed in her mind. The executions, the lies, the demands she refused to listen to raced across her mind. Then came the screaming. Oh how she dreaded the screaming. one thousand years worth of screams. Screams of fear, screams of pain, screams of fury, screams of sorrow, screams of the end. The end to the screaming never came. They would never come. Celestia collapsed on the floor, sobbing and rocking herself in her own hooves like the panicked guards had.

“Take them away! Take them away!” she cried out.

“W-Where?”

“ANYWHERE! Just, please, take them away!”

The guards shoved the screaming guards out of the throne room. The went ahead and took the initiative of putting them in the Canterlot Hospital. They would find a cure for this strange illness. Perhaps they should give Celestia the cure once they find it.

The Empress laid on the floor among the dead. She laid there, motionlessly with sunken eyes. Pale complexion and unruly hair denied her a regal image. For a brief amount of time she stayed still. Her eyes darted through the room. She watched the corpses fester on top of each other. Accusing eyes stared into her soul. All of them asking, ‘why did you have me die?’ all silent bloody faces burned into her mind. She was never going to get a night of rest after this. Not that she has been, anyhow.

“Empress?” a guard quirked over her.

Celestia weakly stood up. Her hazy gaze blinded her to her surrounding. Blinking twice she found the worried guard beside her.

“I-I’m fine,” she dismissed his attempt to care for her, “I am simply stressed is all. We must continue,” she levitated the scroll to read the next assignment.

“Are you certain, Empress?” the guard asked with concern, “Perhaps you should retire early and let another handle things.”

Celestia growled at the guard, “There isn’t a pony alive that I would trust with these duties. I am more than capable of handling them on my own as I have for over one thousand years!”

The guard fell back, silent. He trotted back to his position by the door. Celestia allowed herself a deep breath to calm down. She read the items on the scroll. It was going to be a long day. She would have to ignore the corpses for now. Business must be attended to first, then she can issue forth a proper funeral for her loyal subject… and the rebels.

“Bring in Fancy Pants,” she commanded.

The handsome stallion with a trophy wife trotted in. He ignored the dead bodies and kept his eyes on Celestia. He wore a striking red suite with a golden tie. A sun pendant pinned his collar, complementing the sun clip on his monocle. His wife, Fleur, was just as ignorant to the scene. Fleur trotted along side Fancy with a pleased expression. She was dressed in flowing red silk that bleed into the pools of blood around her. A beauty out of violence. It was almost as though she fantasied about being in a room full of dead ponies. Celestia could’ve sworn she saw the mare lick her lips when she caught site of a decapitated rebel.

An uneasy rumble churned in her stomach as the pair bowed respectfully to Celestia.

“Rise and state your business,” Celestia ordered.

Fancy chuckled, “My colleges have issued forth some papers regarding special… privileges for unicorns loyal to the crown. Have you read any of them?”

Celestia shook her head, “No, I have been far to busy with the war for trivial privileges. The last time you talked about privileges, my student informed me that they were most unreasonable.”

“I assure you, that’s changed. These privileges will aid the Empire greatly! Mind if I read a few to you?”

Celestia nodded with hesitation.

Fleur took out a stack of papers she had in her saddle bag. She levitated them to Fancy who coughed in preparation. A sly smile on their faces alarmed Celestia.

“First is the privilege of owning weaponry-“

“Denied,” Celestia immediately stated, “Only the military have need for weapons. Giving them to every day citizens would encourage them to rebel against authority.”

Fancy hummed but accepted, “Very well. Next is the privilege of owning slaves. Surly you’ve don’t plan on having the rebels rot in the dungeons, do you?”

“Correct, I had plans for them to work in the crystal mines underneath Canterlot,” Celestia admitted, “I approve of that privilege, continue,” even thought she wished to change the word slave to something beneficial. However she could not find any that would be suitable.

“How does the privilege of compromise sound?”

“You’ll have to explain that one.”

“Relatively simple; most unicorns don’t grow their own crops nor are they able to properly control weather. This privilege states that unicorns will be allowed to take as much food as they need from local producers as well as being allowed to decide the weather condition of recreational areas.”

“And what do the earth and pegasi ponies get in exchange?”

“They will be given an agreed sum of bits for their leisure.”

“Acceptable…”

Few hours flew by. Most of Fancy’s privilege demands were mostly uninteresting or quickly denied. Celestia found herself pondering over the privileges concerning relations between the upper class and lower class. While the lower class were important in maintaining goods and produce, the upperclass saw to the trade of those goods with not only Equestria but other nations as well. She decided to approve of those privileges in the end. With all of Fancy’s privileges taken cared of, he and Fleur left. Celestia rubbed her eye and checked the time. She had just enough time to for one more meeting before dinner.

Thankfully she had to talk to the delegates from Saddle Arabia next.

Two large bodied equines galloped in the room. Looks of anger plastered on their faces. A third member of their nation wore a white robe. He carried a jewel encrusted book. A look of disgust caught the mare once she spotted the bloated bodies. The foul stench they created didn’t help. The leading stallion gritted his teeth. An aura of rage enveloped them.

“Greetings, my friends,” Celestia welcomed with a faint smile.

The stallion glared at her, “We are no friends of infidels!”

Celestia flinched, “Did I offended you?”

The robed stallion stepped forward and opened the book, “This is our holy text,” Celestia paled. She knew well enough of what that meant, “It clearly states that there are no other gods than the one true being. To claim divinity is blasphemy of the worst kind.”

“I apologize but-“

“Silence!” the stallion shouted, “Infidels do not speak.”

“We expected proper treatment when we arrived,” the mare said, “We expected the same treatment we have had since our initial negotiation. Instead we were treated like animals!”

“When we arrived, your subjects shoved this strange book in our faces,” the lead stallion roared, “Some unholy text written in gibberish! Then a mare smugly asked if we accepted you as a holy savior. We politely said no and she cursed us all the way to our embassy!”

Celestia shrunk under the stallion’s rage.

“It gets worse,” he assured, “The decor of our homeland, our sacred national flag, our art, everything was replaced with your empire’s visage. Then you have the nerve to lay corpses across your throne room! Is this a threat?!”

Celestia had no words. The delegates were right in their anger. She was unaware the embassy replaced all of the Saddle Arabian belongings with works of her Empire. The guards told her to clean the throne room but refused to listen. She believed the corpses did not matter. She believed the delegates would be fine with them. She realized now that the display made her look more demonic than godly. Godly, a word she used to describe herself to her subjects. A word that insulted the belief of the delegates. It was an insult to their entire nation.

“We are halting all trade with your nation! We will not stand for this!”

“No! Don’t!” Celestia panicked, “Please, we can fix these problems. We’ll give you anything you want! Just please don’t cut off the trade!”

“A goddess begging? Ha!” the robed stallion laughed, “Your pride is as weak as your will.”

“Please, we need all resources to stop the republic.”

“We have heard mention of this republic,” the mare hummed, “Perhaps we should visit them? Luna certainly hasn’t declared hubris.”

“Tell me you’re not serious,” Celestia gawked.

The lead stallion nodded, “If we find the same blasphemous taint with Luna, we will sever trade with Equestria for good! For now, your Empire will never do business with us!”

The delegates furiously left. The doors to the throne room slammed shut. Celestia collapsed in defeat.

“Send… send someone here to clean this mess,” she glanced at the deceased bodies, “I hope I didn’t have to tell anyone to clean the bodies outside.”

A guard saluted, “No, your highness. The guards below should’ve cleaned the areas with minimal difficulties.”

“Wonderful,” Celestia sighed, “I’m off to dinner. Send a report to me as soon as possible.”

It didn’t take long for the report.

Celestia was enjoying a calming cup of tea and a fresh garden salad. The palace cooks shrank in number and they lost their most valued chef. Ironically, his short temper influenced the current chefs to stay in the Empire. Celestia sighed at the poor excuse not to be in the Republic. Maybe she over reacted to the idea of a republic. Would things really change if she gave them the option to elect a new leader?

But was if the new leader was all charisma and no intellect? What if ponies elected a celebrity instead of a politician?! No, she would not risk such a thing. Celestia’s rule was just and fair. The Empire knew that. The Republic were just… self entitled. They wanted things that would harm Equestria. They were risking the loss of tradition in favor of delusional ideas. Ideas that caused war in the past… despite Celestia being the one who attacked first. Equestria would never be able to rule on their own. She had to rule for their benefit.

Celestia picked up the report. Hundreds dead; majority of the body count were of republic sympathizers, half that number consisted of innocent Empire citizens who unfortunately caught shrapnel from the crystal ponies’ long fall. Property damage was high. The shrapnel had punctured doors and walls of numerous homes. The rain of crystal ponies proved to be twice as effective as a hail storm on Canterlot. The lost lives weighed heavily on Celestia. There would be time for vengeance AFTER Equestria was united once more, by force is necessary.

Discord will be that necessary force.

“Thinking of me, Empress?” the foul monster manifested before her.

“Discord…”

“Celestia…”

“Discord…”

Discord glared into Celestia’s eyes. A long silence held between them.

“I should go,” Discord stated as he got up to leave.

“Stay,” Celestia whispered, “Please.”

Discord sat down, “Those delegates didn’t take kindly to your new cult.”

Celestia hummed.

“You knew what you were getting into when I warned you.”

“You should’ve told Luna to forget about this ridiculous republic.”

“Oh, Tia, my friend-“

“EMPRESS!” Celestia shouted, “I am your Empress! Not your friend.”

Discord’s expression fell, “I don’t take kindly to authority, Tia, you best heed my warning before worse happens.”

“Worse?!” Celestia squeaked, “Pray tell, how can things get worse?”

“An element of harmony could die,” Discord darkly muttered.

Celestia stood shocked, “What did you see?”

“My influence might, MIGHT, prevent an element’s death,” Discord shrugged, “Don’t know which one it could be though. Could be Twilight, Rarity, or Pinkie Pie for all we know… but…” Discord rung his claw around Celestia’s neck, “You best beg the heavens and the earth that it is not Fluttershy.”

Celestia was taken back by his very serious threat. An icy chill ran down her spine.

“I had no idea you cared for her so deeply.”

“She showed me friendship even when others sought control. She was the only one who allowed me to be me. Something you and those other ponies were incapable of doing,” Discord let go of her.

“Did you just say I was incapable of something?” Celestia bite back a sour taste.

“Surprised? You’re not as perfect as your cult claims to be,” Discord summoned a black book with a red ribbon sticking out of it, “Have you read this book? Inspirational if a bit contradictory. Look at this passage! It describes how you can not do wrong but at the same time claims you can make mistakes. How absurd! Even I am not this madding.”

Celestia took the book and read two pages, “My… faithful student was the one that wrote this?!” she reeled back in disbelief, “Appalling! No pony of sound mind would write this nonsense! Only the gullible would believe such a thing.”

“Funny how your Empire sucked it up into everything.”

Celestia pupils shrank, “They… They’re not even reading the book, are they?”

“Of course they aren’t,” Discord snickered, “Not when Twilight’s reading the book to them.”

“She’s what?!”

“Reading her little fairy tale to all the over grown foals in Ponyville. Frankly, you’re quite lucky it’s just Ponyville with this problem. Baltimare, Manheaten, and Cloudsdale rejected that book. Seems that the upper class has no care who holds power so long as their pockets and bellies are full.”

Celestia quirked and eyebrow, “You mean like the privileges Fancy asked about this morning?”

Discord laughed, “You ate up his requests like your subjects eat up this goddess nonsense! Hoho, it’s so hilarious! I can die from laughing so hard!”

Discord turned white and held a daisy to his chest. He fell on the table in a comedic fashion.

Celestia was not amused.

“Hmm, thick skinned,” he knocked on her skull, ”Is it even possible for you to smile anymore? Pinkie would be disappointed with you.”

“I remember you saying laughter was your favorite element. Does that mean you like Pinkie as well?”

“Of course, her bubbly personality is just the right kind of chaos I love to spread!”

“What about Applejack?”

“Eh, I don’t see her much to have an opinion on. Although it was fun convincing her to lie to her friends. Nothing like influencing a self fulfilling prophecy.”

Celestia sat silent.

“Something wrong Empress?”

“N-Nothing. Just a reminder you gave me.”

“Oh do tell,” Discord slithered to Celestia’s side.

“You warned me to stop my sister.”

Discord frowned angrily, “Wrong, I warned you to make peace with your sister!”

“Make peace? How was I suppose to make peace when she refused to let go of her ideologies?”

Discord gave her a deadpanned look.

“What?!”

“Did it ever occur to you that you should’ve let go of your reign and give Luna’s idea a chance?”

Celestia searched for an answer.

“Well?”

“No, no I didn’t.”

“Did you ever think about her problems in the past? Ask about the hours she spent in isolation? Ask about her feelings? Do anything to prevent her from becoming Nigh-“

“ENOUGH!” Celestia screeched, “I am well aware of the consequences my actions have taken. There’s no need for you to remind me.”

“Oh, my dear Celestia,” Discord rubbed her chin, “How can you be aware of past actions consequences when you repeat them?”

He gave a toothy smile as he ran a talon through her head.

Literally.

He ran his talon straight up to her horn and tapped the tip. The horn clicked and fired confetti.

The sensation gave Celestia goosebumps.

“Regardless of what you say,” she shuddered, “I need you to go to Cloudsdale. Republic influence has become a problem. We’re shutting down the Wonderbolts and sending in more pegasus guards.”

“Tia, that will diminish all pegasus guards in your entire Empire,” Discord warned, ”But you’re going to do it anyhow.”

Celestia nodded.

Discord sighed, “Fine… but I’m doing it MY way. No exceptions. You take the blame if problems occur.”

“Just make it as bloodlessly as possible.”

“That’s my goal in this war, Empress,” he sneered before disappearing in a pink cotton candy puff.

The day was over. Celestia returned to her chambers after a long list of mundane tasks her court required. Trade between her Empire and the rest of Equestria was… stagnant. The mountainous region she took over made it difficult for flightless being to travel. Baltimare and Manheaten laid on the east coast but were just as closed off as Canterlot was. Ponyville was the ONLY city she could rely on for a proper trade route. However, Ponyville has gained a rampant crime rate. Murder, theft, and vandalism were among the most common crimes committed on a daily basis there. She remembered how it used to be a welcoming town full of smiles and honest workers. That all changed when the elements split.

Hopefully, she could get the elements together once her Empire has taken hold of them. She was thankful Rainbow Dash stayed loyal to her… even if it was blind and more about the glory she’d be able to take defending her. At least Twilight stayed… faithful… writing religious text that cost her an essential ally. Celestia never head a thing about Rarity since the riots started. She wished she was well regardless of what side she was on. Pinkie Pie was noted as a depressed blob when she was in the Canterlot dungeon. Twilight gave her a report on Pinkie’s inspirational speech. Who knew such insight was hidden inside that party pony? Applejack couldn’t be won over easy. One lie to the nation was enough for honesty to despise her for eternity. Applejack’s sense of truth and justice was more solid than Celestia wanted to admit. Then that left Fluttershy…

By all that is good, she hoped Fluttershy was ok. Not just for her well being but for the well being of Equestria. Nothing would stand a chance against Discord’s wrath.

All her thoughts ran wild through her mind. Nightmares plagued her Empire worse than before. No night gave easy rest. Luna’s duties as dream guardian seemed to be bounded by the boarder between the Republic and the Empire.

Celestia regrets setting the sun now. She hated subjecting her subjects to the horrors the dreamscape. Celestia was convinced Luna was causing nightmares on purpose. Would she create a tantabus if it would mean victory for the Republic? That would be foolish and reckless! It would certainly prove Luna’s incompetence and cement Celestia as a good leader. For now Celestia would have to endure the nightmares. She would have to set the sun and watch the moon rise. Even if she didn’t want to. Even if she hated the night and what it brought. What her subjects thought of it and what those same subjects saw in her day.

Maybe she would leave the sun up tomorrow… just a little longer…

Power of the People

Luna stretched across her desk. All the mundane paper work was finished. Majority of them were citizenry papers and land records. The Republic controlled a large portion of the map! Minimizing the control the Empire had. However, the regions the Republic owned were rural and vulnerable. Most of the land consisted of small settlements or opened spaced territories. The Empire was built more in the mountains, save for the east cost that was in danger of being flooded.

Hollow Shades, being the closest to Hayseed Swamp, developed fast travel through the hazards marshland. Baltimare came close but failed. Instead, the seaside city poured focus on the railroad and seaport. Now that the Republic controlled the railroad and decided what went where, the city was placed in a deadlock. That’s a heavy sum of munitions Celestia lost. Now for the Republic’s economy.

General goods were well enough. Glass and metal being a strongest exports. Produce was overflowing in the Republic thanks to the large amount of farmland. Luna was thankful her ponies would never starve. While the basic goods were fine on their own, they were of no interest to anyone else. The Empire held gems and all types of white smiths that made stunning jewelry. That caught the attention of the more luxurious nations such as the Crystal Empire and Griffin Kingdom. The Republic needed something that everyone wanted. Something that would guarantee economic success.

“Luna?” a filly called.

Luna turned with a smile, “Applebloom, your timing is grand. What brings you to town hall?”

Applebloom grinned and waved to some ponies to come in. Three figures pushed a red wagon that held some sort of flat box. The unicorn levitated the box onto Luna’s desk. Luna gave it a curious look.

“Applebloom,” she began, “What is this… thing?”

“I call it the Macintosh,” Applebloom declared proudly while the three behind her applauded politely.

“That doesn’t answer my question, Applebloom,” Luna frowned.

“Sorry but I… don’t exactly know what else to call it,” Applebloom confessed, “You remember those things we used for the election?”

“Of course,” Luna smiled, “Oh! I thought it looked familiar.”

“Yeah! We based this thing on that but made it better!” a minotaur calf beamed, “We built it in a shack a nice stallion let us use.”

“You made this in a shack?” Luna repeated in shock, “You must be clever little ponies aren’t you?”

“Indeed we are. Our dreams are to go far,” a filly zebra with a leaf shaped cutie mark said.

“I assume these are your friends, Applebloom?”

“They sure are! That’s Hard Drive, Tungsten, and Tufaha,” Applebloom introduced them in order (unicorn, minotaur, zebra).

“And who was the nice stallion that gave you this shack?” Luna inquired.

“His name’s Troubleshoes. He used to be a Rodeo clown before joining the Republic guard.”

“Then he has my thanks,” Luna smiled with satisfaction. She will find some way to repay the stallion for his kindness, “Now how does one… use this um… Macintosh?” Luna realized something about the name, “Do you miss your brother?”

Applebloom rubbed her leg nervously, “Yeah… it’s been a real long time and I’m hoping he’s not in too much trouble.”

“I assure you, Applebloom, your brother is fine and well,” Luna leaned in for a whisper, “And he misses you as well.”

Applebloom looked up with a smug smile, “Dream walking?”

Luna laughed joyfully, “Yes, it’s quite useful for long distance communications. If I have time tonight I might be able to guide you to his dream.”

“I’d like that,” Applebloom sat up on the desk. She reached behind the box and clicked on a button behind it.

The box lit up with a welcoming ‘hello’ on the glass front. Luna was taken back by the sudden display but was given reassurance by Applebloom. The screen changed to a simple blue background. Tungsten lifted a portion of a typewriter onto the desk and hooked a wire into the box. Applebloom set down a smaller box to the Macintosh.

“You can write reports on this so you don’t have to use so much paper,” Applebloom showed by clicking on an icon that opened a blank sheet on the screen. Using the typewriter part, letters were printed on screen.

“Amazing!” Luna giggled with glee, “Are we able to perform other tasks on this Macintosh?”

“The answer you seek has yet to reach its peek,” Tufaha mumbled, “For now we can display letters. Plans for art and sound would make this device better.”

“I’m working on that,” Hard Drive said, “I’m also thinking about a way to connect multiple Macintoshes without using wires.”

“Interesting,” Luna hummed, “Is it difficult to create these devices?”

“For me, no,” Applebloom confessed, “But I couldn’t have gotten this far without my new friends. Tungsten got us the materials, Hard Drive set up the program to open the document display, and Tufaha showed me a special brew that it power.”

“Ah yes, just a simple mixture of apples and twittermite dung. Collecting these ingredients is quite fun,” Tufaha chuckled.

“Thank you for showing me this, Applebloom. This Macintosh will prove to be a valuable export of the Republic… Once you’ve finished it.”

“Really? I just wanted to make something that would help you with all this boring paper work. Applejack once had me help with her paper work. So many numbers and words,” Applebloom cradled her head, “It hurts just thinking about all of it.”

“Well I think this is an admirable product to complete. Perfect at your own leisure. We will be far ahead in the economy thanks to your little box!”

Applebloom and her new friends celebrated the praise they were given. Applebloom still had the blueprints to the Macintosh. She could teach others how to make it. The materials were all over Appleloosa, all they needed to do was combine them. Maybe they could get more ponies to help with making them. Applebloom could show them how. If they got enough help, they’d be able to expand into a larger building and produce more Macintoshes!

Applebloom grinned widely at her plans for the future.

“Oh and…” Luna interrupted Applebloom’s thought, “Is there a way to… print these letters?”

Hard Drive nodded, “My sister, Press, made a small version of a printing press that works with the Macintosh. It’ll print out anything as long as you have enough paper. But then we wouldn’t need a Macintosh, would we?”

“No, we wouldn’t… You planned something for this situation?”

Hard Drive pulled out a turquoise cube, “The buffalo use these pretty rocks for jewelry and art. I found out they work just as well as regular crystal enchantments,” the colt pushed the stone into the box. The turquoise glowed in a light blue light, “Now anything you write on the Macintosh can transfer to the turquoise. You’ll be able to carry it anywhere! All you’d have to do to get the documents up is to plug it into another Macintosh.”

“Excellent! You young ones thought of everything. I am proud of all of you,” Luna hugged the group enthusiastically.

“Thanks, Luna, that means a lot,” Applebloom squeaked.

Luna released them from her grasp, “Well, now my business is finished, shall I escort you four to your parents?”

“Nah, my mom’s just outside. She gets a little scared when she can’t see me,” Hard Drive waved.

“Minotaurs don’t do escorts,” Tungsten declared, “I appreciate the offer but I don’t want my dad teasing me about it.”

“My temporary home is next to Applebloom’s. I shall follow you two,” Tufaha stated.

“Very well,” Luna nodded, “Let’s go, Applebloom.”

The three of them made a short trip outside. Applejack’s little house was near the apple orchid. Old habits die hard. Tufaha was a peaceful neighbor. Their first meeting went well. Applebloom’s relation to Zecora lightened Tufaha to her. What little she knew of zebra culture gave Tufaha a sense of welcome. Tufaha’s aunt was skeptical of Applejack, at first, but grew close to the mare thanks to Applejack telling her of her first encounter with Zecora. Looking back on it now; it was a foalish misunderstanding that everyone can laugh at now.

The evening sky glowed a hazy orange. Luna stopped for a moment to raise the moon. A round of applause rang for Luna once she finished. The orange haze shifted to a dark blue. Stars began to shine brightly. The moon glowed in silvery glory. Luna felt her heart warm when she saw ponies looking up with astonishment. Thousands of years ago, ponies would never look up at her stars. Now it’s the first thing they do at night. After so many centuries, Luna finally got appreciation for her night.

“The night sky is quite a beauty,” Tufaha gasp in awe, “You put great diligence in your duty.”

“Thank you kindly, Tufaha,” Luna nuzzled the zebra filly.

A loud gunshot echoed through the streets. Ponies began running away. Solar guards ran around the corner, armed with small arms. The stallions ran over themselves in a desperate escape from the Lunar guards pursuing them. However, it was the citizens that stopped most of the guards. The groups of simple towns folks held down the stallions as the guards came in to arrest them. One Solar guard managed to evade them.

This guard ran up to Luna. The alicorn stood her ground in front of the two fillies. The Solar guard glanced at the two fillies and aimed his stolen pistol at them. Luna pushed herself in front of them. The guard glared at her and aimed his gun, slightly hesitant.

“I kill you, I kill the Republic,” he maliciously laughed.

“Go ahead.”

The stallion was taken back, “Uh… what?”

“Go ahead and kill me,” Luna narrowed her eyes, “If my death will spare the lives of these innocent fillies than go ahead.”

“Bu-But…” he stuttered, “What about the Republic?!”

“Another will take my place,” Luna leaned down, “This is a republic, our leaders are chosen. I can easily be replaced by any pony willing to take power,” she motioned to the fillies behind her, “These fillies you were about to murder can not be replaced!”

The stallion shook. Luna opened her mouth and wrapped it around the barrel of the gun. She glared into his eyes as she waited for him to pull the trigger. Warm saliva dripped down the gun. The stallion’s eye twitched, his heart raced, hooves began to sweat. He looked into her eyes. Pools of teal water poured into his fiery gaze.

Those eyes he stared into… those eyes were sad. A sense of guilt, loneliness, and isolation weighed heavy on him. It felt as though he was not about to fire out of hate but of mercy. Those eyes held sorrow like no other. Sorrow only found in one thousand years of pain and suffering. The stallion looked at the fillies. Looks of fear latched onto their faces. The earth pony held back some tears. The zebra kept a hold of the earth pony, fighting an instinct to run. He did not want to be seen like that. He wanted to fight monsters not become one. He held his grip on the gun, ready to blast the alicorn’s brains out the back of her skull. He grunted as he pushed the pistol up.

Then he dropped it.

The nobel Solar guard fell to the floor bawling his eyes out. Tears ran like rivers down his face.

“I can’t do it! I can’t do it,” he sobbed, “I wanted to be a hero! I wanted mares to flock to me. I wanted foals to ask for my autograph,” he sniffled, “I didn’t want to be a monster to them. I didn’t want to be in a war against my friends, to watch them die, or be locked in prison,” he dropped his head, “I just want this war to end.”

Luna lifted his chin, “We all wish for this war to end,” Luna lightened up for the stallion, “That is why we fight. So that we may never have to again.”

The stallion looked at the other Solar guards who had been captured, “Your army is so… small. But you still caught all of us.”

“Our army is not just military rank,” Luna explained, “It is the will of our citizens to fight. The will to keep our freedom and integrity. Our army is not soldiers with guns and swords, it is everyone who is willing to put their lives on the line for themselves and others.”

The ponies cheered loudly. The Solar guards shifted nervously as they looked around. Couple of them held stern glares as they pretended not to hear the cheering. The rest were uneasy, giving concerned looks with a hint of confusion. The questioned if they were on the right side of this war. Luna offered protection in community not security. The guards thought of it as a good idea. Granting the same level of power the military had to everyday citizens. It was against their previous lives in the Empire. But… it sounded much better than the Empire.

“C-C-Can I join the Republic?” the crying guard asked.

Luna gave a warm smile, “All are welcomed in the Republic.”

The cheering stopped suddenly. Ponies gave confused glances at Luna. They sneered at the Solar guards. They booed Luna for offering the stallion a place in the Republic.

Luna lifted a hoof, “Citizens, please!” the crowed stopped their jeering, “We are not like the Empire. We do not persecute those who wish for freedom!”

The ponies lowered their ears. A few angry grumbles and toxic murmurs scattered between the crowd. One mare gritted her teeth at the sobbing guard.

“I offer citizenship to any who wish for it,” she held a hoof in front of the stallion. The stallion eagerly took it and stood up.

He took off his helmet and threw it to the ground. With a lack of restraint, he hugged Luna tightly. His tears of joy displayed for all that were present.

Another guard shakily raised his hoof, “I-I’d like to join too?”

Luna looked to him, “Do not feel as though the choice is forced. I am aware many of you have family in the Empire. We shall not deny you the right to return to them. Regardless of the choice you make, you may see them whenever you wish,” Luna warmly grinned, “Simply make the decision now or go back to the jail cell. We’ll send those who wish to return to the Empire on a train as soon as it is available.”

Many guards were hesitant. They knew well enough what Celestia would do if they failed in their mission. A hoof full of the guards threw their helmets to the ground, announcing they joined the Republic.

“Traitors! The lot of you!” a stallion shouted, “Celestia will hang you all for this!”

A Lunar guard kneed him in the gut, “That’s enough out of you. Get moving, we don’t have all night for you.”

The rest of the Solar guards were escorted to the local jail. Their train will arrive within the week. They had families to return to. Families that worried about them. Luna was positive the impression she gave them would win many over to her favor.

The guard that was crying limped over to the fillies, “I’m… sorry you had to see all that.”

Applebloom recoiled while Tufaha leaped back. The two fillies did not trust the stallion. Luna pulled him away from them. The stallion’s ears dropped. A sad look on his face. He walked away, a little depressed.

“Are you two safe?” Luna asked the fillies.

“I think so,” Applebloom shivered, “That was scary.”

“So long as you two are safe, I am happy.”

They continued their trek to their homes. They arrived latter than expected. Applejack and Tufaha’s aunt stood angrily outside.

“Applebloom! Where have you been?” Applejack yelled, “I was worried sick about you!”

“Tufaha, my dear, your absence left me and Applejack in fear!” Tufaha’s aunt ranted.

“I apologies, Applejack, I did my best to protect them,” Luna sighed, “Several Solar guards escaped their prison.”

“Beasts with faces of ponies?! You do not ease my worries!”

“No kidding, I hope you showed them what the Republic’s all about.”

Applebloom nudged Applejack, “Luna didn’t hurt them. One of them had a gun in her mouth.”

“What?!”

“Tis true, Applejack,” Luna confessed, “I dared the stallion to fire his weapon on me. I had to protect Applebloom and Tufaha from harm.”

The two mares, zebra and earth pony, gave Luna looks of concern.

“Luna,” Applejack started, “I think we should have a talk.”

Luna nodded, “Your words bring comfort to me, I’ll be happy to chat with you… tomorrow.”

“No, Luna, I mean right now,” Applejack turned to the zebra, ”Mti, can you take the girls inside?”

Mti nodded and herded the fillies inside her little hut.

“You think Luna’s ok?” Applebloom worried.

Tufaha rubbed her chin and just shrugged.

“It was real scary how she put that gun in her mouth,” Applebloom looked out the window, “I thought he was going to do it… I thought he was going to pull that trigger. I don’t know what I would do without Luna.”

“Dependence on a single mare is what this war is about, my friend,” Tufaha wrapped her arm around Applebloom, “Luna would be happy so long as you’re not being sappy.”

Applebloom pushed her away, “I ain’t being sappy! I’m just worried about Luna. She’s… one of my friends I can’t keep track of in this war.”

“Of your other friends you have told. Writing a letter wouldn’t be bold.”

“Tufaha, It ain’t that easy,” Applebloom frowned, “The Empire goes through everything. Every letter, every package, even postcards go through the Solar guards. I don’t want some creepy stallion stalking my friends over one letter.”

“You think these protectors would become predators?”

“Ew! I hope not! Then again, some of them probably are.”

The two fillies shivered uneasily at this.

“Stallions and their tastes, it makes me want to faint.”

“Let’s… change the subject,” Applebloom pushed back some rather vulgar thoughts, “What do you think about the Macintosh?”

“An invention of your that will tear down doors,” Tufaha beamed, “Thanks to our combined efforts, we’ll be rewarded in carats!”

“My family run produce farms across Equestria. Why would I want to be paid in carrots?”

Tufaha face hoofed, “Wrong carat, Applebloom. Thoughts like that will spell out doom.”

“Alright miss smarty pants; if you know so much, what are we going to do to make the Macintosh better?”

“Of this I am uncertain,” Tufaha deadpanned, “Is now a good time to carry this burden?”

“Alright, alright, I get it. We have to get ingredients first, then we’ll see what Hard Drive’s got, ok?”

Tufaha nodded with a smile.

“Great, now we got the rest of the night. What you wanna do?”

“It has been lame since we last played games. The night is young, how about some fun?”

“Your aunt’s still ok watching us?” Applebloom looked over her shoulder to see the zebra mare rocking in her chair.

“So long as we don’t go far, she won’t fall apart.”

“Well it has been a real long time since I’ve been crusading for a cutie mark. I know you already have yours but…”

“To find your mark is very smart. I will be glad to help, shall we start with felt?”

“Nuh-uh, Sweetie Belle had us do the felt cutie mark thing before. Rarity was passed out for a full season! Never doing that again.”

“Season?”

“Eeyup, completely missed out all of autumn.”

“From your tales, that is a good reason.”

“HEY! We weren’t that bad.”

Tufaha gave her a serious look.

“Ok, so we were that bad. But you and your aunt will make sure crazy stuff like that doesn’t happen, right?” Applebloom looked over to Mti.

“In bright day or dark night, no foal has ever escaped my sight,” Mti chuckled.

“Yes! Cutie Mark Crusaders…” Appleblooms ears dropped, “Cutie mark crusader… huh, not as fun without Sweetie or Scoots.”

“A letter to your friends is what I recommend.,” before Applebloom could protest, “Even with the gaze of unwanted stallions. Do you really think they can take on your battalion?”

“My battalion? I don’t have a-“ Applebloom remembered her cutie mark crusader stories, “Very funny…”

“So my words you hear? Forgive me if I do not cheer.”

“Yeah, yeah, just don’t blame me when the Solar guard come to our door steps.”

“Those who threaten little fillies, faint with the sound of billies.”

“Oh yeah, that’s weird how some ponies do that. I’ve heard Fluttershy make that sound more than once,” Applebloom looked to Tufaha, “I’ll get to the letter later. Right now I want to see if I can get a firefly catcher cutie mark.”

“What purpose would one have for a talent easily done?” Mti quirked her eyebrow.

“I’ve been wanting to do it since I got here,” Applebloom looked to Mti with puppy dog eyes.

Mti sighed, “Go have fun but please don’t run.”

The two fillies ran out to the back with bright smiles. Mti followed them with a pleased smirk. The rest of their evening was a peaceful night of collecting fireflies.

Even in war there was time for foals to play.

Author's Note

Looked up on Google Translate; language, Swahili

Tufaha = Apple
Mti = Tree

I thought it would fit Zebras to have pony names in Swahili. :derpytongue2:

Voices Be Heard

“Alright, class, can anypony tell me why Cloudsdale is one of the three most important cities in Equestria?” Cheerilee asked while fighting a hangover.

The class remained silent. None of the students answered. They all drooled over their desks, glassy eyed, and bored. The school itself had seen better days. Planks of wood barred the broken windows. Each desk was scratched and/or bent in different directions. Textbooks were missing pages and what little pages they had were covered in dirt and grime. Cheerilee could only sigh as she brought out a bottle of Berry’s juice… again.

Then Scootaloo raised her hoof, “Because Celestia says so,” she said in a depressed voice.

Cheerilee popped the bottle, “Sure, A+, good job Scootaloo,” she took a big swig of her drink.

Scootaloo sighed. Ever since the riots ended her grades went up. Normally that would be a good thing. Except all her answered were dumbed downed to simply “cus Celestia said so.” An answer that didn’t actually help her in any subject.

When was Equestria founded?

When Celestia says it was.

How many apples would Bubble Bond have if he lost four out of the six he had?

How many Celestia wants him to have.

Can you spell tyranny?

Celestia forbids that word.

All correct. Scootaloo never learned anything. She just said Celestia and the answer was automatically correct. It didn’t matter anyhow. Twilight was going to walk in any moment and read out of that damn black book of hers.

“Good mourning class,” the zealous alicorn sang.

The entire class groaned.

“Well it looks like someponies woke up on the wrong side,” she snarked, rubbing her baggy eyes.

“So hut are we larding today, Twatlate?” Cheerilee slurred a little drunk already.

Twilight rolled her eyes, “I swear, we have to forbid the consumption of alcohol so you could be sober enough to get my name right!”

“Didn’t Celestia already try that once?” Snips asked.

“Y-Yes, she did,” Twilight flinched, “But… that was just a small mistake.”

“Small mistake my wing,” Scootaloo snorted, “The probation created crime families! That’s why we have stuff like the Godfather.”

“W-W-While that’s true,” Twilight stuttered, “C-Celestia had good reason for it! She said that alcohol ruined a pony’s capabilities to think… and… and… it caused riots and… violence!”

“Then it turned out Celestia had a cellar the size of Sweet Apple Arches. That’s enough wine to flood Canterlot!” Scootaloo pointed out, “Besides, they said the same about wrestling.”

“And rock music,” Sweetie Belle added.

“And rap music too,” Snips commented.

“And role playing games,” Snails drooled.

“And the new arcade on the west side of town,” Button Mash confirmed.

“And books,” Dinky stated earning stares from everyone in the room, “What? Did you guys forget that? I also found out that the color red makes you very aggressive.”

“That’s completely false!” Twilight yelled, “No one has ever stated that bo-“

“Republic,” Dinky yawned.

Twilight reeled back in disgust, “Celestia warned us about that-“

“That’s the point,” Scootaloo defended, “Celestia stated a book caused violence the same way everypony states music and games cause violence,” she glared Twilight dead center of her eyes, “We Know, as a FACT, it was the Solar Guards that started the riots. They MURDERED innocent ponies! Not only that but Celestia denied access to those books until Luna shared them to Applebloom.”

A light murmur circled the room, “Celestia denied you access to harmless books because she doesn’t want anypony taking her throne.”

“That sounds like rebel talk,” Twilight growled, “I don’t think Rainbow would approve.”

“To Tartarus with Rainbow!” Scootaloo shouted.

Everypony’s jaw hung off its hinges. Did… Did Scootaloo just say that?

“I-I… ahem, let’s get on with today’s lesson,” Twilight looked over to see Cheerilee passed out snoring.

“Derailing the subject,” Silver Spoon sang.

“This loser can’t even hold an argument,” Diamond Tiara laughed, “She clearly can’t teach anypony anything. She’s just a fake alicorn with no power.”

“What?!” Twilight barked, “I’m as much an alicorn as Celestia or Luna is!”

“Well excuse me, princess without a kingdom,” Diamond Tiara snickered.

“I’m with Tiara on this one,” Scootaloo got out of her desk, “I spent days fixing bicycles for Twilight. If that’s her idea of teaching, I’m better off on my own!”

“She WAS suppose to teach me magic,” Sweetie Belle squeaked, “But I guess her false deity is more important than her friends.”

Twilight’s eyes went into pinpricks, “Celestia isn’t more important than my friends!” she cupped her mouth, “I-I mean, she’s not a false deity. My friends just… don’t see the light yet. Rainbow sees i-“

“Rainbow is a traitor to her friends and family!” Scootaloo snapped, “Everyone associated with her is dead!” she stormed out.

Twilight’s eye twitched as nearly all colts and fillies walk out of the school.

Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, and Sweetie Belle were the first to walk out. They were followed by Snips and Snails. Button Mash went after them. Then nearly half the class was out the door.

Twilight caught her horn glow and cut off her magic before she did something unforgivable. These… foals were going through a rebel phase. Yes, that’s it. Just a phase. Just a phase. They’ll see the light. They’ll all see the light.

Diamond Tiara walked close to Scootaloo, “Hey um… that was cool. What you did there. It was… cool.”

“Don’t care,” Scootaloo snorted.

Diamond Tiara flinched. She realized that after so many taunts over the three blank flanks, Diamond Tiara was the last pony Scootaloo would ever talk to. Sweetie Belle remained silent as she walked on the other side of her friend. It would’ve gotten worse if Silver Spoon didn’t speak up.

“Look, Scootaloo, I know we were never close,” Silver Spoon coughed, “But… this war… it changes ponies…”

Sweetie Belle perked up with interest.

“Diamond Tiara lost her dad because of this. I know that is… almost similar to what you’re going through. Maybe we could start over?” Silver Spoon offered a hoof, “If not friends than… truce?”

Diamond Tiara quirked her eyebrow at Silver Spoon. She didn’t hear anything about Scootaloo’s parents nor had she ever seen them. Curiosity tickled the back of her head. Maybe she can learn some interesting things about Scootaloo. Most likely more ways to insult her.

“Alright, sure,” Scootaloo slapped Silver Spoon’s hoof, “We’ll start with a truce and see where it goes.”

“Just like that?” Diamond Tiara shouted in disbelief.

“Yeah,” Scootaloo deadpanned, “You may have been bad ponies but even bad ponies can turn good. Just look at Discord, he was like a super villain but Fluttershy turned him good through friendship.”

Diamond Tiara stuck her tongue out, “Blagh, How could that happen? He’s the spirit of chaos! Being bad is in his nature…” Silver Spoon tapped on her, “hmm… I guess you’re right. Still sounds stupid.”

Scootaloo laughed a little, ”It does sound stupid, doesn’t it? The greatest force of disharmony turns good over a pegasus that has problems flying, hehehe…”

Silver Spoon gave Scootaloo odd glances, “So… why are you so obsessed with that Rainbow Dash-“

“I’m not obsessed with that traitor!” Scootaloo glared, “You mention that name again and our truce is over.”

“Sorry, sorry!” Silver Spoon backed off. Wonder what happened to make Scootaloo resent her once idle? It must’ve been painful if the mere mention of Rainbow Dash set her off, “Anyhow… Why don’t you look up to Fluttershy? She does things… those other ponies have done.”

“I want to fly…”

“So get some flying lessons. They can’t cost much,” Diamond Tiara waved her hoof.

“I want to fly… good… like professional good.”

“Um… what’s stopping you?” Silver Spoon asked innocently.

Scootaloo frowned and looked forward in a stern glare.

“She has Penguin’s diseases,” Sweetie Belle chirped.

Silver Spoon gasped while Diamond Tiara went ‘huh?’

“It means she really can’t fly,” Silver Spoon whispered to Diamond Tiara, “It happens when a pegasus has lived on the ground for most of their life. Their wings don’t properly develop so they end up unable to fly like a normal pegasus.”

The two noticed Scootaloo hold back some tears. Guilt gripped them hard as they remembered the time they used her flightlessness as a way to demoralize her. They had no idea she actually was… disabled. Sheer audacity of what they did to her was unforgivable. Their words must’ve cut deep into Scootaloo. Poor filly stayed strong through the whole ordeal.

“W-We… I had no idea,” Diamond stuttered, “I had no idea that was a thing. Scootaloo, I’m so sorry. I can’t take those words away. I’ll understand if you never forgive me.”

Scootaloo looked a little shocked, “Uh… gee, I don’t know… I guess I’ll forget about it… if you can get us milkshakes.”

Diamond Tiara rummaged through her bag, “The Solar guards stole a lot of our money when they took my dad,” she pulled out a few bits, “I was going to spend this on a new bag but milkshakes sound better…” she looked to her friend, “Besides, this bag looks perfect on me.”

Silver Spoon nodded, “It totally does.”

“Why are you being so nice to us?” Scootaloo leered with accusing eyes, “You two wouldn’t miss a day to tease us. What gives?”

Diamond Tiara frowned, “Fine, I’ll tell you. My reputation, my money, my family, it’s all gone thanks to those Solar guards. No pony is going to risk being near me, especially the ones who have parents that support the Empire,” she groaned, “Only ponies that would be near me are Silver, Snips, and Snails.”

Silver Spoon scoffed.

“Not that there’s anything wrong with Silver, it’s just… Gets boring after so long, you know?”

Sweetie Belle nodded, “I get it, you want a bigger circle to protect you from bullies.”

“What? No! I’m just tired of being around the same ponies is all.”

“Uh huh, sure, do you really think we’d be able to protect you?”

“Actually…” Diamond Tiara uncomfortably rubbed her leg, “I was wondering if you know how I can get into the Republic.”

Scootaloo jumped on Sugar Cube Corner’s front step. She looked at Diamond Tiara with a confused stare. Sweetie Belle chuckled lightly.

“What’s so funny?” Diamond Tiara climbed the first step.

“There’s no secret to going to the Republic,” Scootaloo laughed, “They own the railways. You just have to ask one of the rail ponies to take you to the Republic and they will.”

“A little filly goes to a grown stallion and asks him to take her to a far away land,” Silver Spoon stated sarcastically, “Nothing suspicious about that.”

The fillies walked through the door, “I see your point… but… you don’t have parents anymore… right?”

“I still have my mom,” Diamond Tiara confirmed, “She’s not exactly happy with the Republic. Says they’re the cause of all our troubles.”

The Cakes eyed the fillies with concern. The group of four ordered their milkshakes and continued talking on the corner table in the back.

“Is she forgetting all this started because Celestia sent in an army to kill innocent ponies?”

“More like she’s forgetting Celestia imprisioned my dad and is doing who knows what to him.”

Mr. Cake came around to deliver the milkshakes to them. He was sweating with tired eyes. His apron was filthy. Stubble clung to his face in patches.

“You fillies should be careful about what you say,” he whispered, “Ponies are listening,” he slinked away with haste.

“Poor Mr.Cake,” Sweetie Belle sniffled, “They haven’t been the same since Pinkie Pie left.”

“Do they still have her in Canterlot’s dungeon?” Silver shakily asked.

“Naw, the Republic busted her and Applejack out,” Scootaloo sipped her shake, “Did it without guns too! Course, it was before they were announced to the public.”

Diamond looked out of the window and saw Twilight’s castle in the distance. The structure was saturated to a dull slate grey. It had lost its shine weeks ago, when Twilight started her cult of sun worshipers. Diamond took in the image and gathered any detail she could get.

“Have you guys seen Twilight’s castle?” she quirked up a bit.

The fillies looked out to the decrypted building.

“It’s so… sad,” Sweetie Belle commented.

“It’s like somepony abandoned it,” Silver noted.

“It looks like those ruins in Everfree,” Scootaloo kicked back, “Probably’s going to end up like it too, with the way things are going.”

“You think the Republic’s going to win the war?” Sweetie gasped.

“I KNOW they’re going to win,” Scootaloo slammed her hoof on the table, “I’ve been reading the newspaper-“

“You can read?” Diamond earned a deep growl from Scootaloo, ”Sorry! I didn’t peg you one to be interested in that kind of stuff.”

Scootaloo snorted, choosing to not take Diamond Tiara’s words as insult.

“We’ll if YOU have been reading the newspaper, you’d find Celestia’s been holding off information to everypony,” she pulled out some papers from her bag. The bag became incredibly lighter.

“The Crystal Pony Massacre?” Silver Spoon read, “Crystal Ponies who allied with the Rebels committed mass suicide in a terroristic attempt to blemish the Solar Empire? Celestia stated that Rebel leader, Luna, ordered the crystal ponies to fall from Canterlot castle; knowing that the force of impact will send crystal shards into any unfortunate subject of the Empire.”

“How would those crystal ponies get up to Canterlot castle?” Sweetie Belle squeaked, “Not only is it in the capital of the Empire, it’s also the its heart!”

“You’d have to be captured and presented to Celestia like a trophy to get up that high,” Scootaloo grabbed a paper, “Look at this; Celestia refuses to tend to public matters, throne room under refurbishing. Guess we know what they’re cleaning up in there,” Scootaloo snickered while the other fillies gave disgusted grunts, “All political matters will henceforth be issued to Saint Sparkle of Ponyville?”

“Saint Sparkle?” Diamond wrinkled her nose, “That sounds stupid. So everypony’s going to come to Ponyville to solve their problems?”

“Not everyone,” Sweetie Belle sang, “Saddle Arabia severed all ties, including trade routes, to Solar Empire. Empress Celestia gave no comment.”

Silver Spoon shrieked, “Saddle Arabia had the finest silk in the world! How could they cut off all trade routes?”

“Yeah, real bad for us,” Scootaloo sarcastically said.

“Actually, Saddle Arabia didn’t just trade silk with us,” Diamond Tiara began, “Silk is just very valuable and the secret to making it is a state secret. They also trade high quality spice and incense with us. Them cutting off all trade is a giant blow to the economy.”

The fillies stared at her for a while.

“What? I was raised by a business pony. I learned this type of stuff before we got cutie marks.”

“Wow… so, how big a blow we talking here?”

“I’d say most of Canterlot is about to go bankrupt if they don’t pull their money from the bank now.”

“That’s some pretty heavy stuff,” Sweetie Belle finished her shake as she read the paper, “Uh oh…”

“What is it, Sweetie?”

Sweetie Belle showed a cold sweat. Her face paled and her eyes glued to Scootaloo. She pushed the paper to her friend. A chilling breeze sprung shivers down her spine. Scootaloo read the paper and felt her heart stop.

“W-What does it say?” Silver Spoon nervously asked.

“Cl-Cloudsdale…”

“What about Cloudsdale?” Diamond Tiara shuddered.

“It turned into cotton candy and fell from the sky…”

The room fell quiet. Silver Spoon remained motionless, Sweetie Belle balled her eyes out, and Diamond Tiara screamed in absolute terror. Scootaloo didn’t show fear. She showed anger. Anger towards Celestia, anger towards Discord, but most of all she held anger for Rainbow Dash. Where was she? The so called element of loyalty, never near where she was needed. Rainbow abandoned her friends, her family, and now she abandoned her home! Rainbow Dash wasn’t the element of loyalty, she was a traitor. A no good, two faced traitor that blindly served whoever made her ego grow. Even griffins were more loyal than her.

“So much for nice weather,” Scootaloo grumbled.

The fillies gave her sorrow filled gazes.

Out the window they saw a herd of Solar guards leading a line of ponies. The parade started from the right side of town going to the left where Twilight’s castle was. The shackled ponies were all blue or had some sort of night theme to their cutie marks. Scootaloo furrowed her eyebrows. An idea popped in her head.

“I just thought of something, let’s go!”

Scootaloo dragged the group of fillies behind some crates. She picked up some rocks and gave a few to the other three. They waited for the guards to come close.

“When I say now, throw those rocks as hard as you can at them,” Scootaloo whispered.

Sweetie Belle giggled maliciously. Silver Spoon smirked, feeling the weight of the rock. Diamond Tiara felt queasy.

“Are you sure this is a good idea? Think about what they’ll do to us.”

“What are Solar guards going to do to a small group of fillies? Shoot us? That’ll look good for Celestia.”

“You’re not worried about losing anything?”

“They already took everything I had,” Scootaloo narrowed her eyes towards Diamond Tiara, “What do you have left?”

Diamond looked at the rock. She thought about her dad, far away in a dark dungeon. Her mother would be furious with her but what would scolding her do for her father? Nothing. That’s all the good the Empire has done for her. Nothing. New found resentment for them flared inside her. An unbridled hate slivered into her mind. She made her decision. A foal’s rebellion didn’t matter in the long run… but it would make her feel better.

Just her and the fillies she bullied against an army.

No, they weren’t the fillies she bullied anymore.

They were her new friends.

“Now!”

Diamond Tiara hurled her rock as hard as she could. A loud clunk echoed through the streets. Suddenly, the entire market place erupted in a storm of rocks and mud. Ponies had hidden themselves behind crates and pelted the guards with anything they could get a hold of. Bottles, pots, and twigs flew across the small battle field. The guards began firing their guns.

“Hold your fire! Hold your fire!” a familiar sounding commanding officer yelled, “There are foals in the area! Cease fire!”

Scootaloo chucked her rock at the officer. The rock struck the pegasus’ wing hard. She yelped in a sharp turn. Her helmet flew off to reveal her poly chromatic mane.

“Rainbow?” Scootaloo cried.

Rainbow Dash turned around to see Scootaloo. She ran over to her, “Get down, Scoots, Rebels are using foals agai-“ she felt a rock strike her hard.

Rainbow was pushed to the ground. She looked up and saw Scootaloo foaming at the mouth with a collection of rocks. She threw them at Rainbow. She threw her rocks harder and harder at Rainbow. On the third or fourth stone, Rainbow began to gush blood. The pebbled rain continued for ages, each hit worse than the last. Scootaloo unleashed all of her anger, all of her hate on Rainbow. Every ounce of her wanted Rainbow red and crippled. She didn’t stop her assault until the guards fled. She refused to stop when she ran out of rocks to throw. She tackled Rainbow and beat her with her hoof. Her assault was relentless and unforgiving. It took the combined efforts of Silver Spoon, Diamond Tiara, and Sweetie Belle to pull her off Rainbow.

“What the hay, kid?” Rainbow wheezily stood up, “Here I am saving you-”

“Shut up!” Scootaloo shouted.

Rainbow recoiled with a scowl, “Scootaloo…”

“No, you,” she picked up a clump of dirt, “Shut…” she threw the dirt in Rainbow’s face, “Up!”

Rainbow spat out the dirt in her mouth. An angry and confused look dawned on her, “Scootaloo… why?”

“You damn well know why!”

The fillies jaws hit the floor. Rainbow nearly fainted.

“You’re not my sister, my friend, or hero!” Scootaloo turned around, “I hate you! I hate you so much!”

Rainbow gingerly reached for Scootaloo.

“I wish you would just die!” Scootaloo yelled in burning tears as she threw the closest thing she could grab.

Today’s newspaper.

Scootaloo ran off. Leaving Rainbow and the three fillies in frightful worry.

Rainbow sighed, “Well, so much for handling the Rebel problem in Ponyville,” she stepped towards the three fillies who jumped away from her.

Rainbow tilted her head in confusion, “Guys, don’t worry, I’m with the good guys.”

Sweetie Belle stepped back, “We’re with the good guy…”

Diamond Tiara stood in front of her friends, “You’re not…”

Rainbow hardened her glare, “What are you guys talking about?”

“We’re with the Republic,” Silver eeped.

“What? They’re the bad guys! The Solar Empire’s the good guys.”

“Good guys don’t fire guns on foals,” Diamond Tiara stared sternly at Rainbow.

“I told them to cease fire!”

“Good guys don’t shackle ponies because of the color of their fur,” Silver Spoon spat.

“The Republic uses night themed stuff in everything they have! We can’t risk ponies being attracted to that.”

“Good guys don’t murder a foal’s parents in front of them,” Sweetie Belle darkly whispered enough for Rainbow to hear.

Rainbow opened and closed her mouth trying to make a sound. She failed and decided to walk away from the fillies.

‘They’re just scared and confused,’ she thought, ‘They’ll come around to the right side. We’re the good guys! We have the coolest stuff, the better uniforms, and me. What more could you ask for than the element of loyalty?’ She rubbed her bloody head and winced, 'Gunna have to bandage this up asap. She really did a number on me... for a filly.'

Rainbow heard a crunch. looking down she saw the paper Scootaloo threw at her.

She read the front page and froze.

“Cloudsdale Falls in Cotton Candy Chaos!”

Discord Has No Strings

The ponies of Cloudsdale peacefully glided from cloud to cloud. The Imperialistic pegasus city was divided between the Republic and Empire. While the city itself was under imperial rule, many citizens made public displays of their allegiance to the Republic. Solar guards were nearly gone with limited numbers. Even the Wonderbolts, the pride of Cloudsdale, were divided into a mostly Republic state.

If the Empire didn’t do anything now they would lose Cloudsdale to the Republic.

And Celestia can’t have that…

An Empire supporter was arguing with a Republic supporter in a dinner.

“While the idea of freedom is commendable; the community NEEDS cooperation,” the Empire supporter stated, “We can not carter to the needs of all ponies. Someone has to make the food so the rest of us can eat.”

“We have to give the right to choose positions,” the Republic supporter countered, “An earth pony deserve the right to choose a career in weather management. If he does not enjoy it, he has the choice to return to farmwork.”

“That sounds like false hope to me. Surely you don’t take pleasure from disappointment.”

“Of course not! I simply believe we must be given options no matter who or what we are. Take a look around, Cloudsdale is a pegasus only city. Even though there are spell that support cloud walking, we do not have methods that allow easy access for that method. Not only that but pegasi are fragile compared to earth ponies. If we were able to give earth ponies the option to work in a weather factory we could boost production speed!”

“I see reason with that but I refuse to trust an earth pony with a cloud walking enchantment. What if the enchantment wears off? That’s a liability I can’t afford. Insurance is too high.”

“Hmm… Perhaps there could be a method where it won’t wear off? Or at the least issue unicorn help to ensure regulated enchantments are placed hourly or so. But that would mean we’d have to keep an eye on them while they sleep.”

“That’s what I’m saying, it’s too dangerous to hire earth ponies in Cloudsdale.”

“Fair enough… oh, you’re religious nuts are parading again…”

The two groaned as a small crowd of pegasi in red robes marched down the fluffy cloud. They were chanting in fancy talk while swinging pendulums that resembled the sun. Five or Three of them smacked themselves with black books. This parade was usually followed by some low class citizens accusing a poor mare of witchcraft.

A silly thing to do in Equestria on account witchcraft is perfectly legal.

It was a rather shocking surprise that ,instead of the usual nonsense, a new brand of nonsense arrived.

Discord manifested in an orb of golden light. He wore radiant armor in a sun motif pattern. Scarlet cloth waved behind him in a heroic way. His helmet was blinding him due to the lack of eye holes. A giant shield in the shape of the sun was his weapon of choice for the moment. It was odd that the over zealous ponies in red robes banged their heads to the cloud and rambling about “the chaotic beast of the sun has come to punish the wicked,” or some giggerish like that.

Discord couldn’t hear them thanks to a lack of interest and the fact his helmet didn’t have ear holes.

“Did I make it to Cloudsdale?” Silence, “I must’ve taken a wrong turn at Albuquerque.”

Discord lifted his helm to look at the ponies beneath him. He chuckled to himself about how the ponies looked hopeful to him. Oh how disappointed they’ll be. If they only knew what Celestia unleashed on them. He snapped his talon to make his get up disappear. He snapped again and turned the sun worshiping ponies into various reptiles.

“He turned me into a newt!” one of them cried.

The unaffected ponies stared at the stallion.

“I got better…” he mumbled before trying to hide himself.

“Well I do hope you all enjoyed that little taste of what’s to come,” Discord grinned to make the ponies around him scream in terror, “You see… Celestia has heard that this city has a lot of trouble with the Republic. So she decided to take advantage of my allegiance to her by sending me here to deal with all of you.”

The two that had their argument backed away as Discord approached them, “Now if it was just her, she’d send in guards to handle the problem… and we all know how that turned out for Ponyville.”

Several pegasi shuddered as the thought of the once peaceful town turned war zone turned slum. Celestia gave the order to the guards to eliminate the threat in Ponyville, many died. Celestia gave the order to Discord to eliminate the threat in Cloudsdale. There is no greater fear than the one they felt at that realization.

“However… since it’s just me who gets to decide what to do with you… We’re going to do this MY WAY! HAHAHAHAHAHA!” his laughter echoed through the city, terrifying even the most courageous stallion in the Empire’s army. Music started to play. It was what could’ve been a happy song slowed down to the point of becoming creepy.

“I… got… no… strings…” Discord whispered slowly, “To hold me down… to make me fret… or make me frooooowwwwnnn…”

He slammed his claw into the cloud. The white fluff turned into a sticky pink. Any pony caught in the mess vanished in a pink pomf.

“I had strings… but now I’m free,” he flared his mismatched wings with a malicious smile, “There are… no strings on me!”

A couple flew away with a foal in their arms. Discord threw one of his feathers at them. The family desperately flew away from the seeking dart. Their efforts were in vain as the feather poked the foal and made the family dissipate into a colorful mist.

“Hi-ho the me-ri-o,” Discord cackled as he eyed a mare hiding behind a barrel, “That’s the only way to be…” he whispered in her ear. The mare eeped when Discord ringed her neck, “I want the world to know…” she vanished when he patted her head with his paw, “Nothing ever worries me.”

The Solar guard scrambled in a panic. The manic spirit of madness slithered underneath the sticky cloud, still making ponies vanish with its pink touch. Discord sprung from below with a terrifying wail.

“I’ve got no strings…” he tore their armor off with a single talon, “So I have fun…” he coiled his tongue around them as his voice echoed the verse, “I’m not tied up to anyone!”

The guards melted like super heated ice. The pink cloud sucked them up and belched a cute little pop. Discord set his sites on the weather factory.

“They’ve got strings…” he opened the roof of the factory. The terrorized pegasi screamed bloody murder at the site of Discord, “But you can see…” he laughed in a diabolical manner, “There are… not strings on me…” he let out a torrent of green fire. It enveloped the ponies within the factory. From where Discord’s flame started to the deepest closet in the building. Nopony was safe from the flames. Out the corner of his eye he spotted a swarm of Republic supporters.

“You have no strings…” he sang with a frown, “Your arms are free…” he whipped himself a few meters in front of them. He snorted when one gave a failed attempt to stop him, “To love me by the Zeider Zee…” the pegasi gave him confused looks before being eaten by the clouds around them, “Ya, ya, ya, if you would woo…” He glanced down to Ponyville with a telescopic eye. Specifically; his eyes fell on a small cottage, “I’d bust my strings for you…”

A kick to the back of his head took him out of his small daydream. A shaking pegasus glared at him. Discord smiled, “You have no stings… Couci Couca… Your savoir faire is oo-la-la,” the pegasus couldn’t decide if that was a complement or an insult, “I’ve got strings but enter nous…” Discord’s tail wrapped around the pegasus’ legs, “I’d cut my strings for you!” he laughed as he slammed the pegasus through a cloud building turning pink. The pegasus panicked as sticky pink strings attacked her. Screams immediately stopped after a loud pomf rang in Discord’s ear.

As the pink consumed all of Cloudsdale and its ponies, Discord smiled at the site of Appleloosa, “Down where the Volga flows… There’s a Republican rendez-vous…” he lightly chuckled to himself, “Where me and chaos goes…” He glanced at Ponyville once again, “But I’d rather go with you…”

“Hey!” A small ragtag team of ex-Wonderbolts lined up before Discord.

Discord could only smile a toothy smile at the cowering pegasi. The pegasi nearly fainted at the growing dark figure that was Discord. He appeared more like a monster than a being with thought. Saliva drooled from his crooked fangs. Red and yellow eyes stared into the souls of his last victims… The last to disappear from the Solar Empire… At least for now…

“There are… No strings on me…”

Author's Note

Yikes. ok, This was a last minute decision I decided to go with because it was 9/11. I imagined Discord singing this song from one of my favorite Disney movies and it made Ultron look light in comparison. The idea is that Celestia ordered Discord to get rid of any and all Republic influence in Cloudsdale to which Discord obeys in HIS special way.

Always Sunny in Fillydelphia

Spike clawed at the sheets. He snored under the warm blankets and soft pillows.

Then he rolled over.

He groggily stirred up. Blanket still around him. He walked down stairs to his friend’s place of business.

“Oh hi, Spike,” Mina called, “We just got a fresh shipment of Power Ponies. Can you set them up on the new release table?”

“Sure thing,” Spike gladly ran over to a small box.

It had been a long time since the mess with Twilight’s cult started. Rarity was kept under guard, Rainbow joined the military, Sweetie and Scootaloo developed a crush on him, and the rest of his friends were in the Republic. With little to no options he decided to go to one last friend he was sure would understand him.

“Hey, is that the new issue of Power Ponies?” a young dragon asked.

“Yeah, you looking for a copy?” Spike grabbed a comic, “Here you go!”

“Thanks,” the dragon took the comic and walked to Mina to pay for it.

Thanks to Luna, Spike found a friend in Dragon Town over in Manehatten. They were having problems with arson and the unicorn police officers suspected a dragon was the culprit. Turned out to be a fire snail, a common occurring creature found where magical waste was. Bigger and more fire snails there were, the bigger the magical waste problem was. That wouldn’t be much of a problem if the Breezies came around to scrub off excessive waste. Unfortunately they refused to leave their home due to Equestria being beyond dangerous in its current state.

Those fire snail are just starting to become a major problem. When Spike came with Luna the ponies of Manehattan expressed severe discrimination against dragons. Enough to issue curfew for Dragon Town over suspicion of arson. Mina was one of the few who did their best to close the gap between the two races. It was going so well when Spike left. According to Mina, the discrimination grew ten times worse in the past month.

Ponies in red robes would burn down dragon stores and houses. Police would arrest dragons for doing nothing. Some knew better and tried to release the dragons from custody but it proved difficult to do. Then came the Solar guards. Once a week, the Solar guards would travel through dragon town and demand certain shops to pay insurance tax. Those that refused were escorted somewhere. No one knew where they went. The Solar guard gave them bad news everytime they arrive.

Spike continued to stock the shop with various comics while Mina tended to customers. It was a few hours before lunch.

“Where you want to go today?” Mina asked.

“Hmm… I heard there’s a jewelry store that has rubies nearby,” Spike frowned, “That’s assuming they know about a dragon’s diet.”

Mina chuckled, “They’re right near Dragon Town. If they don’t know now they’re about to find out.”

The two dragons walked to the store just outside Dragon Town. It was ran by a grey stallion with white mane. He glared at the dragons.

“Oh no, you’re not welcome here,” he pushed the two away, “I know how your kind are. You can’t afford all my jewels. There are far more important PONIES that are willing to buy these gems.”

Mina narrowed her eyes at him, “You know you’re right next to Dragon Town, right?”

“Yes, I managed to get a low price on this place because of that,” the jeweler sighed, “That is also why I got extra security to the place.”

Mina growled at him, “Come on, Spike, I don’t want to waste time with his kind.”

Spike nodded while the jeweler gapped, “How dare you speak like that!”

Spike kicked him in the shine, “Hypocrite!” he roared before walking away.

Mina and Spike wondered the streets looking for a decent place to eat. Seemed like every place they tried rejected them. It felt like hours before they finally found a place to eat. They found a small building ran by a donkey. They mainly served typical pony food but had several options for non ponies. Their foreign menu was colorful with yellows and greens. Spike had little difficulty reading the strange language on the chalkboard.

“Wow… you’re from outside Equestria?” Mina asked.

“Yeah,” he moaned in a scratchy voice, “Me and my family just crossed the border not long ago but we’re still having problems getting along with ponies.”

“Have they never seen a donkey before?” Spike chimed in, “My friends in Ponyville freaked out when a zebra came to town. They never seen a zebra so they didn’t know what to think of her.”

“Eh, maybe, I don’t really care. I came here to run my own restaurant,” he sighed in depression, “Too bad I don’t have anyone to serve…”

“Why don’t you have anyone to serve?” Spike innocently asked.

“No pony wants to go to a restaurant ran by a donkey,” he sighed, “They don’t trust anything that isn’t a pony. There’s strong discrimination against us non-ponies.”

“Well, you got us,” Mina tried to cheer him up.

He smiled and stretched his legs, “And I’m am very happy for that! Now what can I get you? We have…” He glanced at the menu trying to think of what dragons would like to eat.

“Can we try some food from your home country?” Spike innocently asked.

The donkey blinked before grinning ear to ear. He dove into the kitchen shouting some words Spike did not know. Mina smiled and sat at a table. Spike sat across from her, a little confused. The donkey returned with a basket of chips and salsa. Spike eagerly munched on them while Mina delicately dipped her chip in the salsa. After they finished their chips, the donkey returned with a bowl of soup?

“What’s that?” Spike asked.

“Menudo,” the donkey answered with a smile.

Mina pushed the bowl away, “I… think we would like something else if that’s ok…”

The donkey laughed, “So you had menudo before? Ah well… can’t say I tried.”

The donkey went away to get a new dish.

“What’s menudo?” Spike whispered.

“You don’t want to know…”

The donkey returned with two plate that held something wrapped in what looked like doughy paper. Mina licked her lips as he set the dishes down. Spike noticed a hot smell coming off of the meal. Mina picked up her fork and dug into it. Spike decided to mimic her actions. Brownish red liquid leaked out of the wounds Spike inflicted. The thing was filled with many beans as well as some mixed greens and rice. Spike took one bite and felt an explosion in his mouth.

The meal was spicy! Very spicy, even for a dragon. Mina had no troubles eating hers but Spike needed a drink for each bite he took. The donkey laughed while Mina snickered. The look on Spike’s face was cute and funny.

“Sorry, little one, I suppose you don’t have much experience with donkey levels of spice,” the donkey said.

“It had lava in my mouth one time,” Spike grumbled, “but that thing hurts!”

“Wait till it comes out the other end.”

“Gross!” Mina smacked the donkey who laughed hysterically at her.

“So what’s that thing called?”

“Enchilada!” The donkey and Mina answered.

“I think Pinkie made that once… only hers didn’t burn my tongue.”

“Ponies like donkey style food,” The donkey stated proudly, “too bad only donkeys can make REAL donkey food.”

“Well she did burn Twilight,” Spike frowned, “I miss her…”

“Twilight, eh? She your friend?”

“Yeah…”

“What’s happened to her?”

“She went crazy… well crazier than usual. She started this sun worshiping cult and started forcing it on other ponies. She forced me to read that poorly written book she made.”

“Poorly written?” Mina questioned, “From what you told me about Twilight, she should have a well written book.”

“The Twilight I told you about is gone,” Spike sniffed, “All that’s left is this crazy sun worshiping unicorn that looks like her.”

“You mean Saint Sparkle?” the donkey gasped, “I didn’t think I’d ever serve the friend of someone so famous.”

“Don’t worry about it, how much do we owe you?”

“The chips and salsa are free but the enchiladas are eight bits.”

Mina took out out several bits to give to the donkey.

“Thanks, what’s you’re name?”

“Burro,” the donkey smiled.

“Does that mean anything in your language?” Spike curiously wondered.

“It means donkey.”

“You’re name is donkey?”

“Yeah…”

“You’re a donkey… named donkey?” Mina asked in disbelief.

“Yeah… my parents weren’t very creative with names.”

“Sorry… it’s just… a very odd coincidence,” Spike muttered.

“I understand. It’d be like meeting a dragon named draco.”

Spike laughed while Mina raised her eyebrow at Spike, “Draco is old Equestrian for dragon.”

“oh,” Mina realized, “That’s embarrassing since one of my friends is named Draco…”

“For real?” Spike giggled uncontrollably.

“Look, I didn’t know! I thought it was a cool name.”

“Yeah, the name of our species! HAHAHAhahaha…”

“Ok, settle down little one. I’m willing to serve you guys all day but I can’t have you here if you’re not going to do business.”

“We have to get back to the comic store anyhow,” Mina picked up Spike, “If you’re ever in dragon town, look us up. We might get you a good deal on the latest issues.”

“My kid’s will love that, adios. Hasta mañana!”

The two dragons left the restaurant satisfied. They made a new friend in a xenophobic town. The ponies in the city were hostile and they needed any friend they could get. With their new friend running a restaurant they’d be able to get a good meal any time. They wondered down the street until they came across a crime scene where they met a familiar face.

“Ride Along,” Spike groaned.

The unicorn was wailing like a siren loudly. The dragons covered their ears in annoyance. Thankfully Hard Case came along to shut him up.

“Boop boop.”

“Ugh… I swear, Ride Along, you’re a disappointment to the force.”

“Hey! Hard Case!” Spike called.

Hard Case perked up and smiled, “Oh hey Spike! Wait… the Empress isn’t here is she?”

“Naw, I don’t hang with my old friends anymore…” Spike frowned.

“Well that would good for me… If those damn Solar guard didn’t peer through everything we do.”

“What’s going on over here?” Mina asked a little worried.

“Just some petty thief,” Hard Case dismissed.

“That sure doesn’t look petty to me,” Mina pointed to the scorched door.

“Oh that? That’s just from last night’s fire snail incident.”

“LAST night? The one before happened three days ago!”

“They’re becoming more active and no one knows why. I’ve heard there have been a couple cases in Dragon Town but no one’s investigating that area seriously.”

“What? Why?”

“Because it’s a dragon case,” Mina furrowed her eyebrows, “Police refuse to help dragons with fire troubles because fire doesn’t bother us. They’re most likely claiming it was the dragon’s fault and leaving it at that.”

Hard Case nodded, “Hit the nail on the head.”

“That’s not right… how could these ponies become so… racist.”

“I blame those Solar guards,” Hard Case growled, “Ever since they showed up they’ve been causing trouble for us! They arrest anyone who looks like they’d support the Republic. That means anyone who wears blue.”

Spike looked at him in shock, “Did they arrest you?”

“Several times! Imagine what that looks like on my record!”

“Hopefully this war blows over fast. With what happened to Cloudsdale recently, being in a coastal city is dangerous.”

“Alright, I gotta get back to work. You two stay behind that line or go home. Only interesting thing here is me yelling at this thief.”

Spike was about to leave before Mina pulled him over.

“I kinda want to see him yell at the poor guy,” she admitted with a blush.

Spike noticed the blush, “Do you have a crush on him?”

“What? No!” Mina looked over to Hard Case screaming his lungs out, “I just always wanted to be on the force dealing with crooked ponies. It’s kinda my dream to be a hero to ponies.”

“Why can’t you?”

“Because they don’t hire dragons on the force,” Mina sighed.

Spike frowned as they watched Hard Case work. Mina might’ve been taking mental notes. After he was done, they took the thief away in cuffs. Then the Solar guards came to interrogate everyone there. They held onto the dragons for a long while before letting them go.

Mina and Spike tiredly returned to Dragon Town. The comic shop remained untouched for now. They got through the door and looked at the time.

“Wow… It’s already five? Didn’t feel that long,” Mina whispered.

“We still got two hours till closing time. Want to close up early?” Spike suggested.

“I am tired… but no, we should stick to the schedule. Someone might want a book later.”

“Hehe, Ok… I’m going to make some tea.”

“Thanks, Spike. You’re an excellent helper.”

“Anytime Twi- Mina… Anytime…”

Negotiations Breaking Through

“Oh my gosh! Hi I’m Pinkie Pie! Welcome to the Republic!”

Pinkie energetically zipped through ponies materializing out of thin air. Panic swept the streets. The manifesting ponies screamed in terror. Pink blurs dashed in front of their eyes. A momentary blindness gave them enough time to take in Pinkie’s smiling face and cotton candy hair. Each froze in fear as Pinkie spoke.

“I don’t know how you ponies are appearing out of nothing, I mean I’ve tried doing that before but I couldn’t do it. I think unicorns have a spell for that but it usually comes with a bright flash with sparkles and stuff. Oh! We should have a party! The whole town should be part of this party too! I’m going to get Luna and Applejack and Braeburn and anyone else I can think of!”

The ponies blinked a little confused, scared, and relieved. Relieved that they’re not in any immediate danger and as far away from cotton candy as possible. Scared of the pink pony that somehow talked to all of them at the same time. But mostly confused about where they were, how they got there, and what in the world was Discord thinking?

They eventually calmed down, thanks to Pinkie confusing them even more, and took in their surroundings. Pinkie ran down the streets gathering party supplies. She moved too fast and ran straight into Luna with a loud boom.

“PINKAMINA DIAN PIE!” Luna shouted with her royal voice, “WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?”

“A PARTY!!!” Pinkie matched Luna’s voice.

Luna looked around at the confused ponies, “I have received messages from all over the Republic saying pegasi are materializing out of thin air… Is this your doing?”

Pinkie shook her head, “I wish. I’ve been trying that trick ever since I was a filly.”

Luna blinked, “Very well… I take it you’re holding another party in the center of town?”

Pinkie enthusiastically nodded.

Luna sighed, “Of course… I shall attend as soon as I check the train for new ponies who decided to abandon the Empire.”

“Oooh, I’ll go with you! They’ll get a big welcome to the Republic party with the rest of the new magic ponies!”

Luna rubbed her head as the trotted to the train station. No new ponies for this day, much to Pinkie’s disappointment. However there were new large ponies that looked like Celestia without horns or wings.

“Delegates of Saddle Arabia?” Luna stepped back in shock, “It is an unexpected visit.”

The female delegate smirked, “Luna… We finally meet,” she held her hoof out for Luna to shake. Her warm smile eased Luna’s worries before Pinkie opened her mouth.

“WOW! I’ve never seen another pony as big as Celestia! Is it because your part alicorn or giraffe? Are you born that big or do you grow into it? How come you wear so much jewelry? Is the weather nice in Saddle Arabia? Where is Saddle Arabia? We never learned about it when I was a filly… I didn’t learn about zebras as a filly either… or griffins… or seaponies… huh, What did I learn as a filly? It’s like my education was blocked for just stories about Equestria!”

“That’s… interesting…” the delegate slowly stated, “Luna, we would like to discuss with you about possible trade.”

“O-Of course! We sha-“

“OH! You can talk to her at the party in the center of town! All new ponies are invited. We just had a bajillion ponies appear! They just suddenly found themselves here. I bet Discord did something to them cuz they were screaming and talking about cotton candy eating them. Discord has a sick sense of humor… but that’s ok… I guess. Anyway, the party starts at six! See you there!”

Pinkie dispersed in a puff of pink leaving the delegates dumbfounded.

“I… I believe we should take a tour of the Republic?” the male delegate suggested.

“Certainly,” Luna smiled, thankful the maddening pink pony was gone.

Luna took the delegates around town with a pair of guards. She pointed out the stores, houses, and bars of Appleloosa. Not specifically Republic related but it was good that they didn’t change because of the war. It was as though the war never started and the ponies were living their lives like normal. Well, except for the fact non-ponies walked along with the crowds of ponies.

The non-ponies were perfectly blended into Appleloosa. Buffalo and Changelings, once a hated enemy of ponies, were peacefully talking with ponies eating lunch. Zebras and Hippogriffs danced together in a square dance. Even Griffins and Minotaurs were among the common folks when they were once viewed as no better than monsters that would eat ponies for no reason. In the time it took for the war to start, non-ponies became a permanent part of Republic society. It was amazing how progressive these ponies were compared to their Empire counterparts.

“Unfortunately, some prejudices still remain,” Luna frowned upon seeing Applejack glaring at a changeling, “Hopefully it’ll pass soon. We’re all united with a common goal. The freedom of choice.”

“That is admirable, Luna,” the male delegate smiled, “Although, our government would feel different about that.”

“Ah, yes… How is your sultan?”

“Very well. He recently married his third wife.”

Luna tried not to scrunch her face at the thought. Polygamy was not common in Equestria. Homosexual and interspecies marriages were but polygamy seemed… too much. She wasn’t going to deny anyone their choice but she didn’t agree with it.

“Hmm, I suppose he’s happy with his rule,” Luna looked at the clock, “Oh my! I apologize but duties must be tended to.”

Luna’s horn glowed. The delegates watched in amazement while the common folk glanced at her with smiles. Several still looked up to watch the sky darken. Falling from orange to dark blue and purple. Everything was going well until Luna finished and the sun was still up.

Ponies muttered among themselves with worried looks. The sun and moon stood high in the sky. One side shone with golden radiance while the other was shrouded in a silvery grace. The delegates gasped at the sight. Ponies and non-ponies started getting wound up.

“Relax, everyone, I am certain my sister has just… forgotten the time,” Luna attempted to calm them down.

For what felt like hours, when it was ten minutes, the ponies and non-ponies stared at the sky. They waited for the sun to go down. Luna was tempted to cause an eclipse but knew how Celestia felt about those. Eventually, after a long time, the sun finally set. Luna glared at the clock. It had been half an hour before Celestia finally set the sun late. Everyone sighed with relief. The delegates sat up from their praying matts. Luna was grateful she didn’t have to do anything drastic.

“Are you well, Luna?” The female delegate asked.

“Yes, I am well enough. Let’s continue with our tour before heading to Pinkie’s party, shall we?”

“Actually… wasn’t the party at six?”

Luna’s eyes shrunk, “Oh dear,” she glanced at a near by clock, “We’re forty five minutes late! Pinkamina is going to be very cross with me.”

Luna galloped off to the party. The delegates followed her. Barrels were dodged and corners were cut. Luna thought it was a good idea to go through an alleyway to shorten her time. In reality, it took her back to where she started. The female delegate giggled. Luna went back to the original path she took once more. This time not using the deceptive alleyway. They all managed to arrive at the party at seven o’clock. Pinkie greeted them with a banana cream pie in Luna’s face.

“That’s for being late, Luna,” Pinkie said sternly.

Luna whipped the pie off her. She growled at Pinkie while the female delegate laughed hysterically.

“I apologize, Pinkamina, but next time could you refrain from using banana creme pie to assault me?”

“It wasn’t that bad.”

“Banana creme was my sister’s favorite pie,” Luna grumbled angrily, “She would often throw it at me on the first day of April. Her fascination with bananas always confused me more than anything… even you, Pinkamina.”

Pinkie slightly deflated, “I didn’t mean to bring up any bad memories, Luna… I’m sorry.”

“Bah, Just sisterly rivalry. You should have experience with that.”

“Oh,” Pinkie’s mane popped into a pink cloud, “So it wasn’t all bad? You just played around?”

“Sorry for interrupting but… Celestia and bananas?” the female delegate held back a chuckle or two.

“Yes…” Luna sighed, “Tia had… or has this obsession with the crescent shaped fruit. Doctors say she gained too much potassium because of it. She’d probably blow up Canterlot if she didn’t get her daily dose of banana treats.”

“Well now I know what to give Celestia when we win this war.”

“You assume you’re going to win this war of yours?” the male delegate questioned.

“Have you heard the news?” Pinkie raised her eyebrow, “Almost all artists moved to the Republic, Empire has been labeled xenophobic, you guys cut off trade with them, the Crystal Pony Massacre, and Cloudsdale’s been destroyed.”

“What was that about Cloudsdale?!” Luna reeled in shock.

Pinkie pulled over a random pegasus, “One of these new ponies told me all about it!”

“I’ve… actually been here for seven days,” the pegasus rubbed the back of his head, “I’m from Vanhoover.”

“Oops, sorry,” she let him go and grabbed another pegasus. This one screamed in terror as he was pulled towards Pinkie, “I’ve been getting that reaction from them a lot.”

Luna eyed the pony. He seemed to be deathly afraid of Pinkie’s… mane?

“Young colt,” Luna grabbed the pegasus’ attention, “Tell me what happened in Cloudsdale.”

The pegasus shifted away from Pinkie, “C-C-Cotton candy… Clouds turning into cotton candy. Discord appeared in radiant armor like the sun! We thought he came to help us take control of Cloudsdale not destroy it!” he started hyperventilating.

“Calm yourself, young one. May I hear your name?” Luna gently touched the stallion.

“H-Hot Streak, your majesty,” he bowed respectfully.

“There’s no need for that. We are all equal in the Republic.”

Hot Streak blinked, “I’m… not used to that… It’s been part of daily life so much. I don’t know what else to do.”

“Nothing!” Pinkie cheered, “Luna’s not your deity or commanding officer or queen. She’s your friend. Treat her like you would your best friend!”

Hot Streak stared at the pink pony. He looked at Luna and her motherly gaze. He decided to go against everything he was taught and hugged the ex-princess.

“I’ve been wanting to do that to Celestia but you feel nice and cool.”

“Thank you,” Luna patted his back, “You and the rest of the Cloudsdale pegasi are allowed to return to the Empire if you wish to.”

“Uh… I’d rather not go where that monster is,” Hot Streak shivered, “Most of us don’t have homes anymore anyhow.”

“We can make room in the Republic, right?” Pinkie innocently asked.

“Of course! We have plenty of open space and materials to build many homes for everypony and non-ponies.”

“We have noticed that is a grand advantage for your side,” the male delegate noted, “Our homeland consist of deserts with sand flowing over all life, burying those unfortunate to die of dehydration or starvation. But your lands consist of grassy fields and rocky deserts. Food grows exceptionally well here, the open space grants more farmlands and larger populations, plus it makes things easier for our trade route.”

Luna was taken back,“You wish to discuss that here?”

The female delegate smiled, “We are pleased with the Republic. The treatment we have been given is far better than what we experienced… in… the… Empire…” she eyed a group of ponies in blue and silver robes, “Who are those?”

Luna glanced back to them, “Oh… You are aware ponies think my sister to be a divine being, yes?”

The delegates nodded.

“Several ponies in the Republic started believing I’m a divine being because of that,” she rubbed her hooves together, “I tried convincing them I’m not but that just made them believe my divinity even more. So I did the next best thing and started teaching them NOT to force their beliefs on other. That religion is a choice all beings have a right to choose. I’ve told them to make peace with nature, civilized cultures, and themselves. They now focus on achieving enlightenment.”

The delegates unexpectedly grew large grins, “That is quite an accomplishment!”

“Oh, thank you?” Luna nervously glanced at the ponies. One of them waved at her to which she returned the gesture, “There number’s rather large in the Republic. They view me more as a mother and teacher than a divine being, though. That is mildly pleasant for me.”

“And what are these group of ponies called?” the male delegate wondered.

“They have referred to themselves as the Selene Monks,” she eyed the monks carrying shovels and forks. They frequently volunteered to help ponies around farmlands to help crops grow faster.

“They look like farmer…” Hot Streak noted, “But… only one of them is an earth pony.”

“Anypony or non-pony can help a farm,” Luna told him, “One simply needs the correct tools.”

Hot Streak listen to her words. He watched the monks tend to party guests and help other any way they could.

“I’m going to check them out,” he stated before leaving the others to their discussion.

“They make followers come to them… very effective,” the male delegate noted.

“It’s their choice, we have no right to tell them otherwise. Now… about that trade route…”

“Oh we promise all goods we had set for Equestria to be sent to the Republic. So long as you have something worth trading,” the female delegate confirmed.

“Aside from timber, metal and glass? Oh, we’ve been making things that will interest you.”

“Will? Oh, Luna, you know how to sink your claws into the market.”

“Yes but the sample is in my office. Let’s enjoy the party for now and we’ll finish off the night there.”

“The anticipation may cause my death,” the male delegate whined, ”But the party seems too good to pass up.”

“Of course it is, it’s a Pinkie Party!” Pinkie yelled while confetti cannons fired behind her.

The delegates and Luna jumped back in surprise. Pinkie giggled and skipped to the dance floor.

“This pony is far too energetic,” the female delegate whispered, “Where did those cannons go?” she searched for the missing cannons with a curious eye.

Pinkie happily danced the night away, pushing ponies off the ground and through the air. Luna and the delegates joined in the fun for a while but could not last as long as Pinkie. The ball of unstoppable pink jumped to the DJ booth to make a request. Vinyl Scratch laughed as she took out the requested song.

Luna’s ears perked up as the song played, “Pray tell, what is THIS song?”

“It’s called Starlight Waltz,” Pinkie pipped next to Luna, “I thought we should play a few songs that reflected how much you help the Republic and everyone that lives here.”

Luna patted Pinkie on the head, “That’s very kind of you, Pinkie, thank you.”

“Hmm, rather peaceful… serene,” the delegates listened intently to the music, “Your subjects must have high moral to create something like this.”

“We needed a couple slow dances anyhow,” Pinkie confessed, “I have to show you the party games I set up!”

“Games? How exhilarating!” the male delegate cheered.

Pinkie lead them to a series of booths. Most were simple carnival games with a strong night theme to them. A few Luna recognized from her trip to Ponyville on Nightmare Night, which is coming up soon. Pinkie stopped at a fairly large tent with a sign that read “Spider Web Maze” hanging from thin strings above them.

“Charming,” Luna sarcastically said.

“Come on! It’ll be super fun!” Pinkie shoved the three ponies into the tent.

Once inside, the group of four sat and stared at the tangle of threads. Silk ropes criss crossed on each other, blocking any gap, leaving little to no room to move. The three larger members in the room felt unusually large. Pinkie paid no attention to them and darted off to… somewhere in the spider silk.

Luna grumbled as she tried to tread on. The delegates followed closely behind her. The silk was surprisingly strong. Proving impossible to pass without cutting it. Thankfully Luna was able to move the ropes up and down to give her enough room to move on. The task was more tedious than anything else. No real threat other than getting lost in a maze of fab-

Luna shrieked at the sight of a giant spider head. The beast was staring down at her with bulging eyes. Its mandibles fidgeted hungrily as drool dripped from them. Luna’s horn glowed vibrantly before she noticed there was no rest of the giant spider. It was just a head on a metal pole. One of those golems unicorns made for decorations. Brought to life by crystals for one night. Luna laughed and moved around it. The delegates huffed around it. The rest of the maze consisted of jump scares like the spider head and bumping into others. The group was having fun with the silliness. They continued searching for Pinkie and found her in the center of the maze with a friend.

“You made it!” Pinkie chimed.

“Oh, good evening Luna,” Coco greeted, “I see you brought friends. Don’t worry there are plenty of goodie bags for everyone.”

On a small stand next to her was an assortment of colorful bags filled with sugary treats. Pinkie held a purple one. The delegates walked over and picked up a pair of green bags. Luna inspected the bags, seeking the perfect one to choose for her, she reached over and plucked out a yellow bag.

“The exit is just straight ahead, follow the pink spiders if you get lost,” Coco smiled and waved them off.

Pinkie skipped along her way followed by the delegates and Luna. The group slipped out of the maze without trouble. They opened their goodie bags to make note of the prizes they won. Candy and small plastic toys made up most of the bags. They decided to put their confections in their saddle bags for a much later time. Pinkie’s stomach growled, much to the amusement of the delegates.

“Anyone else hungry?”

“I could use a hot meal,” the male delegate admitted.

Luna scanned the streets for a nearby restaurant. She spotted one not too far from their position. It was a homely place decorated with apples of all kinds.

“That place looks good, let’s go,” Luna galloped to the diner.

All went quiet as she burst through the front door. Everyone stopped to look at the sudden noise then went back to their business. A host greeted her and the delegates. Pinkie exclaimed she wanted the booth by the shinny apple sign. The host couldn’t keep up with her and just decided to lead Luna and the delegates to that seat. Once they had sat down, they looked over the menu and ordered when they were ready.

“Interesting place you chose,” the female delegate complimented, “Shall we begin negotiations?”

“I was hoping to wait until I could show you our newest invention,” Luna stated.

“A new invention? My that sounds intriguing.”

Luna nodded, “Indeed, my student Applebloom and her friends created it.”

“Oh! You mean the Macintosh?” Pinkie perked up.

“Yes, Pinkamina, the Macintosh.”

“Sweet! I got one of those for the new bakery I opened up. I call it Sugarcane Corner. It’s a lot like Sugarcube Corner except…” Pinkie visibly deflated, “except the cakes don’t work there…”

Luna patted on her back, “There, there, I’m certain the Cakes are safe. Would you like to tell the delegates about the Macintosh?”

Pinkie gave a small smile, “Okie dokie loki,” she coughed twice, “The Macintosh is this metal box thing with a sheet of glass on it. It’s powered by this stuff zebras make, I don’t know what it is cuz I never asked. Anyway; you can do many things on it like write a book, paint pictures, you can even play games on it!”

“Games?” Luna quirked her eyebrow, “That one is new to me.”

“Oh yeah, Button Mash took interest in it and started helping Applebloom and her friends,” The food arrived in the middle of Pinkie’s rambling, “Me and Elaine, Button’s mom, have gotten along pretty well and I get to hear all the stuff he’s been doing. His mother is very proud of him!”

The male delegate munched on his meal, “What does the young one do that helps Applebloom?”

“Last I heard, he’s making something called the ‘Source Engine’ no idea what it is but it sounds nice.”

“Is that what allows you to play games on the Macintosh?” Luna pipped.

“Maybe,” Pinkie shrugged, “I didn’t ask.”

“I shall have a pleasant chat with this Button Mash once we’re done then.”

“Sounds like we’re getting a one time trade here,” the male delegate frowned, “Hope this Macintosh isn’t the only thing you have to offer.”

Luna pulled a scroll out of her saddle bag, “Yes, well, we do have many things but it should be noted that the Macintosh is constantly being improved. I was hoping we could agree to make an annual trade when the Macintosh has been advanced.”

“I can find that being beneficial for both of us IF we had a means of doing something with the old Macintoshes,” the female delegate eyed Luna.

“We can recycle the old ones to create new ones,” Luna smirked, “the materials for them are all within our borders but only we know how to turn them into Macintoshes.”

“So we will be giving you old Macintoshes and our homeland treasures for new Macintoshes?”

“Correct!”

“Seems we’d be wasting our resources there. Why would we need new Macintoshes if the old ones work well enough?”

“The old ones might not have things the new ones would,” Pinkie pointed out, “Luna didn’t know Button got games on the Macintosh. Who knows what will be on them next year. Maybe they can be used to talk to aliens deep in space!”

The three large equines blinked and stared at Pinkie.

“We… We would still like more than just Macintoshes,” the male delegate coughed.

“Of course,” Luna read her scroll, “We have a large surplus of farms in the Republic. Our produce is far above average consumption. We’d have to throw away a large amount of grains and fruits because we can’t eat that much. There is also a heavy amount of silver and copper your white smiths can use. Ah, and we shouldn’t forget about the turquoise the buffalo generously give us. Where they find it is unknown to me but they mean well.”

“Is that what the green gem on your neck is?” the female delegate pointed to Luna’s necklace.

Luna looked down to see her silver and turquoise collar. The stone was polished and cut into a five point star shape in the center. Two round stones set on each side of the star. All merged into a solid square of silver wrapped around her neck.

“Yes, yes it is,” Luna smiled, “Our own silver smiths got creative with the stones and made some fine jewelry such as the one you see here.”

“Hmmm….” the female delegate pondered, “It’s a deal then. Our silk and incense for your Macintoshes and turquoise.”

Luna shook hooves with them, closing the deal.

“This calls for a-“

“Pinkamina, no!”

“Daw… but-“

“We just finished a party. Surly we can rest before another one.”

“Okie doki loki!”

Pinkie hopped away. The delegates and Luna sighed with relief.

Pinkie joyfully hopped down the way back to her bakery when she bumped into some ponies in blue robes.

“Oops, sorry,” Pinkie giggled.

“No problem,” the stallion smiled, “No one was hurt so all is well.”

“You look familiar…”

“Well I was talking to you at the party earlier.”

“Hot Streak? Oh wow! I didn’t recognize you with that robe on… wait, why do you have a robe on?”

“I joined the Selene Monks,” Hot Streak declared proudly, “We’re heading down to the apple orchard to help out.”

“Gee, you monks are sure nice to everyone. It’s nice.”

“We’re trying to better ourselves through Luna’s teachings. One monk even wrote a book on it. Here, I have a copy to spare,” He gave Pinkie a tiny pocket book the size of a magazine, “It was nice seeing you again, Pinkie. I hope to see you at another party soon.”

Pinkie waved him goodbye, “Say hi to Applejack for me! She works at the orchard!”

Pinkie glanced at the book Hot Streak gave her. It depicted a crescent moon with a smiling Luna looking up to it with a small minotaur under her wing. The title of the tiny book was written under the moon. It read:

The Tao of Luna by Bwana Wa Zamani

She couldn’t help but laugh at the silly name.

Author's Note

from google translate: Bwanan Wa Zamani means Old Master.

Based off of Laozi, founder of Taoism.

Single Mindset

Twilight’s eyes glazed over. She spent hours reading numerous books about non-pony cultures. Unfortunately, the Empire had little to no information on foreign nations. Especially on Dragons and Changelings.

“Spike! Take a…” Twilight looked around, “letter…” she sighed. Spike ran away to Fillydelphia weeks ago. She was worried sick for him! Going far enough to send out a search for him. She knew the imperial guards would find him.

Twilight summoned a quill and frowned. ‘Out of paper… again,’ she thought. Spike had made all her check lists and helped keep her organized. When she became a princess, he would find ways to make sure she could handle everything without trouble on time. Now that she’s a… priest? She is flooded with requests, warrants, letters, reports, and treaties. One mare can’t handle that much work!

“Wish my friends could help me,” she rubbed the arm of her dull throne.

The throne room; no, not just the throne room, her entire castle had gone from a polished beacon blinding her neighbors to an almost condemned glass house. Parts of the castle had collapsed. Occasional beams fell at random. The once glorious crystal structure is now dull grey crippling stone. Twilight looked at the thrones around the center table. Half were glowing dimly while the other half were darkened. Oddly, only the thrones of her friends who supported the republic were glowing.

‘Why are they glowing? Why is my throne not glowing?’ she thought.

Knocking echoed from the throne room door.

“Come in! It’s not lock!”

Rainbow Dash opened the door. She wore a horrified expression with a news paper under her wing. Twilight noticed and took the paper in her magic. She didn’t need to read far. The front page told her all she needed to know.

“Don’t worry, Rainbow, I’m sure Celestia had a good reason to destroy Cloudsdale,” she reassured her ‘friend.’

Dash shook her head, “It wasn’t Celestia that destroyed Cloudsdale. It was Discord!” Dash slammed her hoof on the table, “Why would HE be on OUR side?! He’s DISCORD! Any side he chooses is bad!”

“He’s reformed. He’s no longer evil,” Twilight confidently said.

“Do you really believe that?” Rainbow growled, “He destroyed Cloudsdale! THE city in charge of weather! Without it, all our weather is going to become as chaotic as the Everfree forest!”

“Celes-“

“DON’T YOU DARE SAY CELESTIA HAS A PLAN!” the table collapsed under her. She snorted steam from her nostrils, “IF she does have a plan, I don’t like it,” she angrily sat up, “What do you think the plan is? Collect insurance on crazy weather? That puts me and all other pegasi who manage weather not just jobless but homeless!”

Twilight laughed, “Don’t be so silly, Rainbow, Nopony is going to be homeless over a little weather change.”

“You ever hear the phrase ‘head in the clouds?” Rainbow inquired, “It originated as an insult to pegasi. We literally make our homes in the clouds!”

“Oh… perhaps Celestia wanted to change that?”

“That’s not going to work out,” Rainbow waved her hoof, “We’ve tried living on the ground. Sure some like Fluttershy are ok with it but the vast majority prefer the sky. When have you ever seen another pegasus living on the ground?”

“Well there was… um… Bulk Bi- no, he had a cloud house… um…” Twilight’s eyes widened in realization, “Gosh, Rainbow, you’re right. Well that just means living on the ground is mandatory now. Good too, we shouldn’t have ponies thinking they can be on the same level as Celestia.”

“What the fuck?!” Rainbow shouted, “Are you fucking serious?!”

“Did I offend you?”

“Offend me? More like everyone in Equestria. Wow, Twi, I didn’t expect you to act like Starlight Glimmer.”

“Excuse me?!”

“Yeah, look at everything you’ve done. Start a cult, persecute anyone who disagrees with you, use magic to force your beliefs on everyone, heck even your order to round up suspected Republic supporters is a perfect match to her equalization hunt… That’s not counting the similarities in your names.”

“Our names are nothing alike.”

“Starlight, Twilight, Light light.”

Twilight glared at Rainbow, “Is there something you’d like to say?”

“Yeah! Why are we arresting anypony that’s blue? The night theme cutie marks I can understand but the color blue? I’M blue and you know I support Celestia!”

“Do you?”

“I’m the ELEMENT OF LOYALTY!” Dash flew up to Twilight’s face, “Don’t you DARE go against me!”

Twilight pushed Rainbow’s head down, “Remember Dodge? Where you abandoned Pinkie and Rarity for Applejack?”

“I had to choose between friends. I went for the one I liked the most.”

“Applejack supports the Republic,” Twilight gave Rainbow an accusing glance, “Are you still siding with her?”

“NO! Look, I don’t like making choices. Just tell me why and I’ll be ok with it.”

“Blue is the color of the Republic, it’s banned throughout the entire Empire,” Twilight explained, “If anypony sees the color they associate it with what the color represents and in turn what the Republic represents.”

Rainbow snorted, “What could a color stand for? It’s just blue.”

“Blue is associated with reliability, serenity, creativity, and… peace…”

“Wow… they picked a good color,” Rainbow spat sarcastically, “Would explain why every artist, musician, and dress maker flocked to the Republic. But peace? How can they be peaceful? This war was started because of them!”

The throne with a lightning bolt on it crumbled to dust. Twilight yelped as she recoiled away.

Rainbow nonchalantly glanced at the pile of dirt, “Hey Twi, you might have to get new chairs. Some non-ponies are coming over today and I don’t think fragile stone seats are going to settle well with them.”

Twilight growled at her, “Get a broom and help me collect these rocks,” she shooed Rainbow away, “I’ll have to call a rock specialist to see what in Tartarus is wrong with this place.”

Hours later the throne room door knocks.

Twilight rushes to the door and greets the delegates behind it.

The Zebra Queen of Zebrica trotted in with a pair of zebra warriors at her sides. They were armed with curved planks of wood that were decorated with various tribal symbols. Their armor was nothing more than grass and wood held together with rope. The Queen wore a tiara of polished stones and golden rings around her legs and neck. Large hoops dangled from her ears, jingling with each step she took. She sat in the seat depicting three diamonds.

Next came the rowdy Yaks and their prince. Their traditional helmets kept their faces hidden for the most part. Twilight groaned as they stampeded to the seat with balloons.

To her surprise, Gilda gallantly strode in the room with a pair of griffin soldiers. Rainbow eagerly said hi to her but was dismissed.

“Where’s Pinks?” Gilda asked.

“What about Pinkie?” Rainbow grumbled.

Gilda didn’t answer. She motioned her guards to take the wooden chair in-between Twilight’s seat and the one with butterflies. Gilda grunted in annoyance. The zebra queen directly across from her. Thankfully the yaks weren’t close to her. Their shouting and stomping got on her nerves.

Princess Cadence sobered through. An irritated frown plastered on her face. Twilight happily jumped in front of her for their traditional hoof shake.

“Sunshine sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!” she chanted and danced.

Cadence moaned in disgust, “Now’s not the time, Sparkle,” a hint of anger spiked through her voice.

Twilight was stunned. Cadence had never refused the special shake! It was the one thing they did that proved how close they were as not just friends but sisters (in law). The only time Cadence refused was when she was actually-

“Release me, foal!” a familiar voice shouted, “Our disguises fool even the wisest wizards yet you pea brains somehow discovered us?”

“Chrysalis! So good to see you,” Twilight sang, walking back to her seat.

“Silence you wretch!” the changeling queen sneered.

The two Solar guards prodded her to the seat with apples. Chrysalis was not amused by the image. Even the delegates questioned why she was put in such a position.

Twilight cleared her throat, “Thank you for coming today. I’m sure you all know of our current situation?”

The zebra queen nodded, “Weapons are plenty but not a single pony for a sentry.”

“Seriously?” Gilda snickered, “You got all the steel in the world yet no pony to use it? I should’ve known you were desperate to have Dash in your little army.”

Rainbow flew up to her, “What you say?” the griffin guards slashed their talons at her. Rainbow swiftly avoided the razor sharp claws.

“Settle down guys,” Gilda sighed, “A lot went down after you and Pinks left Griffinstone. As you can see, I’m the big boss here.”

“Impressive,” Cadence commented, “I was under the impression the Griffin economy crashed.”

“It did. But thanks to Pinks showing me friendship and baking powder, things have been great!”

“What about me?” Rainbow asked.

“What about you?” Gilda glared.

“Yaks want to know where pink pony is,” prince Rutherford shouted, “Yaks like pink pony! Pink pony made things perfect!”

“Pinkie Pie is never stepping hoof in this castle,” Twilight dismissed.

“She’s your FRIEND, Sparkle,” Cadence gasped.

“Not anymore,” Twilight frowned, “I got new friends who believe the same things I do.”

“That you and Sunshine are gods?” Chrysalis laughed, “Are you forgetting that I easily defeated her?”

“Thanks to mine and my husband’s love,” Cadence pointed out, much to Chrysalis’ spite, “But she does have a point. If you believe Celestia to be a god that makes you, me, and Luna gods as well.”

“Don’t be silly. Luna could never be a god because she’s evil.”

“TWILIGHT!” Cadence stood up using the royal voice, “I CAN NOT BELIVE WHAT I AM HEARING FROM YOU!”

“Ooooh, the princess of food shows her sour side,” Chrysalis cooed, “Always wanted to see that.”

“Cadence, please calm down,” Twilight commanded, “This war was started because of Luna. Everything would’ve been fine if she didn’t start this Republic nonsense.”

“Actually,” Gilda raised her claw, “The griffins like the idea of the Republic.”

“What?!” Twilight and Rainbow jerked towards Gilda.

“Yeah, Did you think I WANT to be queen of Griffinstone? Heck no! I’ll be more than happy to have someone elected to my current position.”

“But that’s not how it’s suppose to be done!” Twilight screeched, “It goes against griffin tradition!”

Gilda gave a look that stated ‘are you stupid or illiterate?’

“Griffins used to kill and eat each other to be king or queen,” she put a claw around her neck and the other on her belly, “I’d rather not think about going through that. I don’t think anyone would want to go through that.”

“Yaks… do not know what Republic is,” Rutherford stated, “Yaks think it best to close borders.”

The yaks got up to leave but were stopped by nearby guards.

“We’re not done yet,” Twilight hummed, “We waited centuries for you to be friends with us. We’re not going to wait again.”

The yaks kicked the guards out of the way, “Yaks no like this treatment! Yaks feel insulted and stuck. Yaks will leave! Yaks declare war on Solar Empire!”

“Ha! Good luck. Your sticks and stones are no match against Celestia and our new guns,” Rainbow gloated.

“Yaks are prized for their fur… and gas,” the zebra queen chimed, “Their hooves aren’t the only thing that will put you in a cast.”

“Uh… what?”

“She said the yaks have the most prized fur cloths and most dangerous weapons,” Twilight explained, “It’s why we were so ready to befriend them. We’ve been relying on Saddle Arabia for their silk and these guns are not going to do much for their yellow smoke.”

The yaks left the castle.

“Um… what’s yellow smoke?”

“Yellow gas you see,” the zebra queen giggled, “Kills you from the inside out. The pain is so unbearable, you can’t even scream.”

Rainbow screamed as she dashed off for the yaks. Twilight shook her head.

“I should’ve known they’d betray us.”

“Twilight, they didn’t betray us,” Cadence gave a serious look, “You carelessly assumed they would conform to your line of thinking.”

“And you’re not?! I thought you’d jump with joy to help us!”

“If I was helping Twilight, I would. But all I see is ‘Saint Sparkle’ Celestia prized lap dog.”

Chrysalis burst out laughing at that comment.

“What? Lap dog? Where did that come from?” Twilight fell down flabbergasted.

“You created a religion based around Celestia,” Cadence deadpanned, “Starlight Glimmer did the exact same thing for herself. How are you any better?”

“Because Celestia is a god!”

“No, she isn’t,” Chrysalis got super serious, “She really isn’t.”

“Alicorns are not all knowing deities, Sparkle, we just have longer life spans and access to all magics.”

“You’re just in denial. You own an empire of you own. You must see how great the Solar Empire can be if we spread our influence.”

“The Crystal Empire is named that because it’s made of crystal,” Cadence explained slowly, “That means it’s constantly growing. Like a plant. We take territory without doing anything.”

“Woah, Your empire better be contained. I don’t want any griffin to get punctured by some shinny tree,” Gilda warned.

“We estimated at least one million years before it gets to Canterlot.”

“Well, maybe we can chip some of that crystal for the Solar Empire? Think about it. The Solar Crystal Empire! Sounds nice, right?”

“Forcing the growth of a kingdom is to spell doom on your kinsmen,” the zebra queen lamented.

“Kinsmen?” Twilight questioned.

“I know you heard that word, Sparkle. It’s used to describe close relations to others. Something you used to be a princess of.”

“You mean friends? I still have friends! I have many friends who share my thoughts and beliefs and…” Twilight’s seat crumbled beneath her, “ow…”

Chrysalis laughed her lungs out at her mortal enemies’ misery, “Oh I knew it was a good idea to come here! This is the most hilarious sight I’ve ever seen!”

Rainbow flew back in, “Ok, so the yaks aren’t going to war with us just yet…” she noticed Twilight’s position, “um… I miss something?”

“Just Twilight’s seat collapsing on her,” Cadence stated.

“My guard got a picture of it!” Gilda cheered looking over her guard’s shoulder, “You’re too awesome Brawny. Glade to be your friend,” she bumped talons with him.

“Can I see?” Rainbow tried to look over. The guard immediately shoved the camera he brought in his satchel. Gilda growled at Dash, “What’d I do to you this time?”

“Not me, Pinks.”

“What about Pinkie?”

“You tell me! Why isn’t she allowed in Star-bangle’s house?”

“Star-bangle? Star-bangle was that hypocrite that started a rebellion years ago. This is Twilight’s castle.”

“Whatever, just answer my question!”

The zebra queen stood up and started to leave.

“Wait!” Twilight called, “Where are you going?”

“We are going home. This land is going to Tartarus! You’re boned,” she trotted away with her guards in tow.

A small group of guards tried to stop her from leaving. The zebra guards threw their wooden sticks. They hit the guards with enough force to split several skulls open be fore their sticks returned to them. The more intelligent guards moved away from the zebras after that.

“Boomerang,” one of the zebra guards whispered before leaving.

“Dang,” Rainbow exclaimed, “Who knew they were that good?”

Twilight raised her hoof, “Zebras are professionals in martial arts. They’re the ones who invented it.”

“What? I know karate because of zebras?!”

“The black and white wasn’t obvious enough?”

“That’s racist,” Gilda grumbled.

Twilight and Rainbow shot a glare at her

“Listen, Gilda,” Rainbow gritted her teeth, “We want your help to end this war. We have tanks, guns, whatever to do it but no pony to use what we have,” Gilda huffed, “So here’s the deal; you send us some griffins to use in our army and we’ll um… give you the weapons.”

“No deal,” Gilda immediately stated.

“What?!” Twilight sputtered, “But this is Equestria! Celestia has plans for all of us to live peacefully under her rule!”

“Yeah, HER rule,” Gilda pushed away a few feathers to show a blue cloth holding an insignia, “I don’t like the idea of a mammy bambie pony princess deciding what griffins are allowed to do. Luna gave us an offer to rule on our own in exchange for help.”

“Are you serious? What about bits? We got more than enough bits!”

“Ha! You ponies really are xenophobic,” Chrysalis snorted.

“I hate to agree with Chrysalis but she does have a point,” Cadence sighed, “Griffins don’t think about bits anymore. They’re still stubborn and full of pride but now they’ll help out anyone who needs it.”

“Cadence, we’re not xenophobic. We’re just going with what we learned about other races,” Twilight smiled.

“And what have you learned about changelings?” Chrysalis sneered.

“Or griffins?” Gilda leered.

“Crystal ponies?” Cadence raised her brow.

“Uh… not much…” Twilight confessed, “But we can fix that! Gilda, please, you have the power to decide the fate of griffins. Don’t throw it away.”

Gilda stood up, “I’m not,” she snapped her claw. Her guard gave her a rainbow colored cupcake, “I made a promise to Pinkie Pie before leaving the Republic. Dash, can you come her for a sec?”

Rainbow perked up, “Uh sure…” she hovered over to Gilda’s reach, “So is this a surrender or a-“ sudden burning pain wrecked the insides of her eye socket. Rainbow frosting stuck to the edges of her eye lids. Her screams of pain were silenced when Gilda slammed her on the table. A sickening crack echoed through the room.

“Pinkie said she’s no longer your friend,” Gilda turned around, “Which means you’re no longer my friends. Smell you later, losers.”

Gilda and her guards left the room. Leaving only Cadence, Chrysalis, and Twilight as the remaining representatives.

“Ok… so this didn’t go as planned,” Twilight began her breathing exercises, “That’s fine, everything will be fine. I’ll just place a mind alteration spell on them and-“

“You’ll do WHAT?!” Cadence roared.

Twilight fell back with an eep.

“TWILIGHT SPARKLE, HOW DARE YOU EVEN THINK OF SUCH A THING!”

“Cadence, it’s for the greater good!”

“Just like how me brainwashing your brother was to feed my subjects?” Chrysalis smirked.

“No no no no, this is completely different.”

“AND HOW, PRAY TELL, IS IT DIFFERENT?”

“I’ll be using the spell to help Equestria!”

“THAT JUSTIFIES ERASING SOMEONE’S MIND?” Cadence glowed brightly with rage, “THAT’S WORSE THAN WHAT CHRYSALIS DID, THAT’S WORSE THAN WHAT SOMBRA’S DONE, THAT’S EVEN WORSE THAN DISCORD!”

Cadences words blew harsh winds. Twilight was swept away by the breeze of her voice. The rage of the princess of love was intense, and slightly warm. The air seemed to crush Twilight before it died down and Cadence landed in her seat with a soft thud.

She sat there motionlessly and silent. Rainbow was still sore from Gilda’s assault. The few guards in the room trembled. Even Chrysalis shut her mouth out of fear.

“I’m building a wall,” Cadence finally said.

“Um… excuse me?”

“I’m. Building. A. Wall.”

“Cadence, please, we need all the help we can get.”

“NO! You are not going to take over the Crystal Empire! We already had Sombra do that before, and everyone’s still frightened of him! I made my decision. The Crystal Empire declares war on the Solar Empire! I’m issuing forth a crystal wall and magic barrier set up and signing a diploma of peace with the Republic.”

“WHAT? Cadence! You can’t do that!”

“Can’t? Are you going to brainwash me? Make me a puppet you can force decisions on?”

“Of course not! You’re my BBSFF!”

“I don’t even want to know what that means,” Cadence rubbed her head, “You’re willing to brainwash royal diplomats but not me? Twilight, surely you see how unethical that is.”

Chrysalis nodded, “Even I wouldn’t stoop that low.”

Both alicorns gave her a weird look.

“Look, I’ve done plenty of evil in the past but I’ll never brainwash someone just for their kingdom. I have my own subject to worry about, thank you.”

Cadence gave a light laugh, “It’s some day when I think Chrysalis has a better moral compass than you, Twilight,” she shook her head and got out of her seat, “See you on the battlefield, saint Sparkle.”

Cadence and her crystal guards left the room.

Chrysalis laughed maniacally, “Oh this is just too rich!” She sniffed the air and wrinkled her nose, “Eeew… rather salty aren’t you, Sparkle?”

Twilight groaned, “Ok, fine, I still have you to deal with.”

“Now what is it you could possibly offer me?”

Twilight grinned, “I’m not making an offer. You’re going to do what I tell you to do.”

“Ah, the brainwashing. Of course you’d go for that.”

“Let’s not call it brainwashing. That sound… unethical…” Twilight pondered for a moment, “Let’s call it… reformation.”

“That sounds very stupid,” Chrysalis deadpanned, “Not very creative. No wonder your banners look so… bland.”

“What wrong with the banners?”

“Red and gold… just like that time Scarlet Banner rebelled.”

Twilight perked up, “What do you know about Scarlet Banner?”

“Oh she was such a genius! Setting up all the lowly workers into one giant pot with guards and nobles and what not. I decided to mold my hive after her ideas, in fact.”

“Really? Scarlet Banner made your hive what it is today?”

“Indeed! Our philosophy is everyone has a place in the hive. From the lowest drone to the queen, we all have our duties. Although, they still see me as the big bad boss,” Chrysalis gave a light chuckle.

“Fascinating,” Twilight rubbed her chin, “But enough of the radical idealists. We should start the brai- I mean reformation.”

Green slime oozed from Twilight’s horn. Her eyes grew big in shock and disgust. Chrysalis and the solar guards by her side laugh menacingly.

“Did you think petty pony guards would subdue ME?” Chrysalis cackled, “Oh Sparkle… You’ve entertained me so much today. I even got it all recorded!” one of the guards pulled out a small camera that had a little red light on it.

“You’ve been filming this meeting? Since it started?!”

“Oh yes, Sparkle, soon all of Equestria will know exactly what transpired here. What you did to cause war between nations. And what you planned to do to your own ponies.”

“Hey! I didn’t mention I’d reform the rebels!”

“Do you deny that you will?”

“Er… No… They’re too much of a threat to leave alone.”

Chrysalis took the camera with a crooked smile, “And there you have it, Equestria! Saint Sparkle, Celestia’s prized student plans to brainwash all you little ponies into happy little maggots under Celestia’s hoof! HA-HAHAHAhahaha…”

She gently turned off the camera and gave it to the guard that turned back into a changeling.

“By the way… I sent several changelings into your Empire’s army. Been getting a lot of good information out of it. Could you TRY to challenge my changelings so we don’t get board collecting every bit of information from you?”

The changeling guard nodded, “Yeah, I managed to get all the structural weaknesses to Canterlot Castle in one day! And I started slacking off halfway through.”

Twilight’s jaw hung open.

“Uh… I think we broke her…”

“It matters not,” Chrysalis grabbed Twilight by the neck, “We should give her a taste of her own medicine!”

“You’re going to make her submit to you?”

“Tempting but no. I’m making her blindly obey Celestia even if she tells her to kill herself!”

Chrysalis’ horn glowed. A sickly green aura slithered around Twilight. Green energy sunk into her. Twilight’s eyes glowed a faint green before returning to their normal purple color. Chrysalis released her grip, plopping Twilight on the cold floor.

“You sure she’s alright?” the other changeling guard asked.

“She’ll be fine. Her faith in Celestia pretty much cemented the spell. Normally that spell takes quite some time to take hold… not to mention how painful it is.”

“I thought you said you never did it before?”

“I didn’t… I just have experience resisting it.”

The changelings shuddered as they left the room.

Twilight and Rainbow laid unconscious for a few hours. Waking up to sunshine glaring through the stain glass window.

“Oh… ow… Gilda’s gotten stronger since we last met,” Rainbow muttered.

“Ooh, gah… can’t believe she didn’t have the decency to wipe off this crude,” Twilight whined with a hoof on her horn.

Rainbow glanced over Twilight with suspicion, “So… how do we know you’re not a changeling?”

“How do we know you’re not a changeling?” Twilight rebutted.

The moment of suspicious glares was put to a halt by the glare of the sun.

“Um, Twilight, what time is it?”

“It’s about,” she checked the nearby clock, “quarter past six? That can’t be right…”

The pair rushed outside to gaze upon the sun and moon fighting for control over the sky. Ponies supporting both sides began panicking. The simple minded mares fainted, the spineless stallions cowered under stalls, even foals of all ages started to cry for their mothers. Twilight attempted to put a stop to the cries with minimal results.

“IT’S HIGH PASS CURFEW!” a Solar guard shouted, “What is the Empress thinking? No one can sleep with the light of day shinning over us!”

“Please remain calm! I’m sure Celestia has a rational reason to keep the sun up…”

“What if she’s been corrupted by dark magic like Luna was!” Lilly screeched.

“She must be planning endless day on Equestria!” Rose shivered.

“Don’t be silly, Celestia isn’t corrupt by dark magic,” Twilight stated with a straight face, “I’ve seen her use dark magic before and it hasn’t done anything to her.”

Every pony present stopped their panicked cries to turn towards Twilight. Jaws hung loose in shock, as though they were told the most diabolical actions just transpired before them. Mothers immediately took their foals inside their homes and ran to the train station with packed suitcases. Their ability to pack quickly was most impressive. A few guards facehoofed and shook their heads at Twilight. A dark secret was revealed that day. Even Rainbow was stunned by the revelation.

“Uh… is something wrong?” Twilight sheepishly asked.

“You just said Celestia uses dark magic,” Rainbow stuttered, ”Is… Is that true?”

“Uh, Yeah…. That’s what I just said,” Twilight emphasized her irritation, “It’s not like it’s a big surprise. I’ve used dark magic too.”

Everyone jumped a few meters away from Twilight. An undignified scowl plastered on her face.

“Oh come on! What’s the big deal?”

“What’s the big deal?!” a Solar guard growled, “The big deal is dark magic is illegal!”

“Oh…”

“Not only that but you accused the Empress of using magic that is, in fact, illegal. That’s high treason, Saint Sparkle!”

“You got it all wrong,” Twilight tried to explain, “Celestia has used dark magic but only for the best interests!”

“Like what?” Rainbow barked.

“Uh… she showed me what it can do?”

“That’s it? No other reason?”

“Yeah, she showed me what it can do. She’s my teacher so she had to show me what dark magic could do.”

“But why is it ok for Celestia to use dark magic and no one else?” a colt called out in the crowd.

A guard aimed his rifle at the colt. The colt’s mother stood in front of him. Then the colt’s father, then friends, then complete strangers.

The situation made Twilight feel uneasy, “Listen, listen! Celestia always has good reasons to what she does! We just have to obey everything she says and it will all be ok.”

“Uh, Twilight, that sounds like something a brainwashed person would say,” Rainbow whispered.

Twilight leered viciously at Rainbow. Rainbow knew it was best to keep her mouth shut and fell back in line with the other Solar guards. Twilight coughed and prepared a speech.

Her speech was interrupted by vines from the Everfree.

“Seriously? Of all the times they do this again?” Twilight sighed.

Ponies ran away with tails between their legs. A few yelled out lines similar to “I’ve seen enough to know where those things go!” The guards were equally useless. They also ran away cowardly, save for Rainbow who stood by Twilight. The two marched to the edge of the Everfree, near an abandoned cottage.

The two were reminded of their kind friend. It has been so long since they last saw dear Fluttershy. A crippling fear of what might have happened to her went through their minds. Many situations played out before them. Horrible visions ranging from Empire supporters lynching their friend for the side she was on to their friend executing Solar guards for Luna’s amusement. Those thoughts ceased when they found their friend leading a herd of deer in armor.

“Fluttershy! It’s so good to se-“ Rainbow attempted to hug her before being shoved away by spears.

Fluttershy raised her hoof, “There’s no need for violence, Blackthorn,” she looked at her friends, “I gave them permission to take this land. You have no say in this, Empire.”

Rainbow flinched, “What the hay, Fluttershy? We’re your friends!”

Fluttershy looked over Rainbow’s shoulder with a confused look, “Sorry, but you two don’t look like any of my friends.”

Icy daggers pierced through Rainbow’s and Twilight’s hearts. How could their friend say such horrible things to them? The deer looked agitated. Snorts and snarls surrounded the two mares. Confused and frightened, Twilight could only hope Celestia would send help. It seemed her prays would be ignored as the sun finally set, relenting to the darkness of the night. Hope seemed lost to Twilight. She feared she would never see the light of day again…

Then Discord sparked out of nothingness.

Decent into Madness

“WHERE IS HE?!” Celestia roared through the Castle, “WHERE IS THAT SNIVELING WORM WHOM CLAIMS SOVEREIGNTY OVER MADNESS?”

A pair of guards flinched away from the door before the Empress bursted through it.

Celestia seethed with rage. She just heard news of what transpired in Cloudsdale. Support for the Republic sky rocketed after that! The Empire had small numbers before, now they’re even smaller! She knew she should have never trusted Discord. If she’d just sent her army things would’ve been different. No, it wasn’t her fault, Discord forced this to happen. Discord loves chaos! Of course he would strive to make the war worse! What ever he did to those poor ponies is inexcusable. Celestia’s Empire took a dramatic blow. There were some supporters in Cloudsdale she could’ve recruited for her army. Now those ponies are lost. The only thing Discord did right was getting rid of those pesky Republic supporters.

Only for a thousand more to replace them!

“Oh Celestia, my dear, you seem troubled,” Discord hissed in her ear.

Celestia jumped back, “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?”

Discord merely chuckled, “I did as I was told.”

Celestia growled as her eye twitched. She noticed the guards pull up their shields for protection. Discord treated the moment as casual as possible. Silently mocking Celestia.

“Why?” she asked.

“Why? Why what? Why do I like chaos?”

Celestia sighed, “No. Why did you destroy Cloudsdale?”

“It was fun.”

“Fun? FUN?!” she slammed her hooves on top of Discord, “DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT MADNESS YOU HAVE CAUSED?”

Discord smiled.

Celestia released her grip, “Of course you do,” she mumbled bitterly, “I suppose I can make insurance mandatory for everyone.”

Discord slithered to the wall and above the window Celestia decided to look out of. He reached down and pulled up her face.

“Celestia, I have something important to ask you…”

Celestia glared at him.

“Celestia… Are you… mad?”

An arcane blast blew Discord’s face off… it landed on the stain glass window.

“Hmm… I still can’t tell…”

“YES! YES, I’M MAD! YOU CAUSED THE EMPIRE TO LOOSE SUPPORT AND ELIMINATED WEATHER CONTROL!”

“What about the pegasi population?”

“What about the pegasi?” Celestia gritted her teeth.

“Aren’t you worried about how they’ll live in your Empire?” Discord’s face tiled on a stain glass Twilight.

“I have more important matters to attend to,” she waved her hoof.

Discord’s body rubbed the stain glass Twilight’s chin, “Seems you lost all sense of compassion since this war started… Celestia, I’m worried about you.”

Celestia turned with a disgusted look.

“What? I am!” Discord cried, “Ever since this war started you’ve become more and more tyrannical. Now you don’t even care for your subjects.”

“What have my subjects done for me?” Celestia scoffed, “They should be thankful for what I brought them.”

Discord crawled up and tapped on Celestia’s head, “Are you certain you’re not possessed?”

“I am quite certain I’m not…”

“Right… I must be mistaking you for Blueblood.”

Celestia sighed, “I don’t understand the reputation he has. He’s a respectable member of the Empire. More ponies should be like him.”

“A stuck up nobel who never worked a day in his life?”

“His family earned that money!”

“In what way?”

Celestia remained silent. She looked away and focused her attention on the guards.

“Nothing? I thought so,” Discord folded his arms, “You generously give mountains of bits to anyone you like and forget about the rest. Now that I think about it, all nobles are unicorns. There some sort of favoritism there, Celestia?”

Celestia turned to smile, “Of course, unicorns are more civilized and orderly. That makes them perfect for nobility. Pegasi are brutes with no class so it only makes sense to use them as soldiers,” the two guards stared at each other, “Then there’s the earth ponies… they can grow food I suppose.”

Discord frowned, “I’m still convinced you’re possessed. Luna didn’t even behave like this when she was possessed.”

“That’s because Luna is a jealous twat who is unfit to rule an ant farm,” Celestia giggled.

Discord literally vomited.

“Discord! We just got the blood stains out of that carpet!”

“Blood stains?”

“Crystal pony massacre, remember?”

Discord inspected the rug, “Oh,” his vomit poured back into his stomach.

“I wish I did not witness that,” the guards nodded in agreement.

Discord slithered between the two guards, “I never understood why the guards look exactly alike,” he took their helmets off, “Is it a spell? An enchantment?”

“They’re clones,” Celestia levitated the guard’s armor to reveal his cutie mark.

A red ouroboros was planted on his flank. Celestia revealed the other guard’s mark to show the exact same mark. Discord raised an eyebrow and looked at Celestia with critical eyes.

“Isn’t cloning a crime against nature?”

Celestia nodded.

“Then why do it?”

“It was to keep my little ponies safe. I did not want them to be harmed by the dangers of the world.”

“Isn’t the main ingredient to cloning gold?”

Celestia nodded, “I have been taking out of the royal treasury for the sole sake of protecting my little ponies. Safety is more important than gold.”

“And what happens when the gold runs out?”

“We make more! Alchemy ensures we have a steady supply. My Empire will stay rich for centuries!”

“I highly doubt that’s how economy works,” Discord rubbed his head.

Celestia scoffed, “If I need your advice I’ll hit myself with a mallet.”

Discord gave a toothy smirk.

“That was, in no way, an invitation,” Celestia glared at him, “We’re running thin on guards but there’s still enough in the castle to ensure the safety of the capital.”

“You cuddled your ponies to the point they are dependent on you,” Discord observed, “Now that this war showed them what’s really out there…”

“They no longer matter to me.”

Discord flinched, “Harsh. How could you say something like that?”

“Over 1000 years I had struggled to rule over this land and turn it into a utopia all other kingdoms were jealous of. I suppose absolute security wasn’t enough for my little ponies,” she spat with venom.

“Most creatures don’t enjoy being locked in a cage their entire life. You ponies only started expanding away from Canterlot… what was it? 100? 200 years ago?”

“First they wanted land to grow food, then safety from predators and monsters, and now they want some false idea of freedom. I can’t understand them. We were all much safer in one place.”

Discord hummed, “Perhaps all your cuddling encouraged them to want to leave the nest, sort of speak.”

Celestia walked out on a balcony. She flared her wings and basket in the sun. Below her was a disease ridden Canterlot. Crime ran rampant in the streets, filth littered every block, and various nefarious actions took place behind dark alleys. Discord took in the sites, noting Celestia’s oblivious expression. His concern for her well being grew larger the longer he stared at her.

Celestia laughed, “Who could possibly want to leave this wonderful Empire?”

“There may be a way for you to redeem yourself, Discord,” Celestia smirked.

She pointed directly to Ponyville, “I command you to ensure the delegates do not leave Ponyville, eradicate all Republic supporters, and make sure Twilight executes my plans perfectly!”

“Execute your plans?”

“Yes! She knows what I want her to do. She should be completing her tasks as we speak!”

Discord figuratively rolled his eyes, “Very well… Looks like Ponyville is going to have a second massacre this year.”

Celestia walked away to her throne.

“Um… Celestia, aren’t you forgetting something?”

Celestia put a hoof to her chin, “No, I don’t believe I am.”

Discord face palmed, “Look at the time, Celestia.”

“Now Discord… It’s only half past-“ Celestia’s eyes shot open, “ShitshitshitshitshitshitshitshtiSHIT!”

She hastily used her magic to lower the sun as quickly as she could. She should’ve noticed when the moon was up. How did she forget about the most important duty she had?! Discord laughed at her.

Celestia blushed, “Never speak of this. That’s an order.”

One of the guards chuckled under his breath. Celestia narrowed her eyes at him. Both guards shivered and hugged their shields closer to them. The room was noticeably hotter than usual.

Discord nodded between his snickering. Celestia walked away with a hoof on her face.

Discord gazed at the now smoldering town of Ponyville, “I’m happy you’re safe, Fluttershy,” he whispered before disappearing.

A Kind Mare Goes to War

Fluttershy packed her bags. Big Macintosh and Granny Smith had been very king to her. Empire soldiers would frequently inspect their house so she had to hide in the orchard. Being public enemy number four was a big deal, not just for the Empire but for her and her friends as well.

It was her surprise that Applebloom and Applejack were public enemy numbers three and two. How cruel did one have to be to make a criminal out of a filly? Pinkie made it to public enemy number five because of the speech she gave. Which is why it was odd Fluttershy was above her solely for being the element of kindness. Of course everyone knew public enemy number one.

Celestia’s own sister.

Everyday, propaganda to slenderize Luna was dished out to the public. Ponies are gullible creatures, sure, but this was paranoia incarnate. Not an hour went by without someone shouting about the ‘evil darkness looming from the foul Republic.’ Any word against those words lead to imprisonment. Used to be banishment but Celestia realized that would increase the numbers of the Republic.

“Inspection!” a stallion pounded on the door.

Fluttershy looked over to see Big Macintosh.

She had to leave. She had to run away to protect Applejack’s family. She had to protect the farm. She had to protect Big Macintosh.

In silence they communicated with each other. His eyes said ‘I’ll miss you’ while her eyes said ‘stay safe.’

“INSPECTION!” the stallion demanded to be let in.

Fluttershy flew out the window as Big Macintosh opened the door. The Solar Guard were blind enough to not see the yellow pegasus. She took full advantage of this. The apple trees lost most of their leaves, appearing more dead than gnarled oak. The increase in pollution devastated the farmers. Crops were poisoned left and right, making the Empire’s food supply toxic. Only the prestige high class could afford food that didn’t make them sick.

“Who’s there?” a lone Solar Guard pointed his gun in Fluttershy’s direction.

Fluttershy ducked behind a browning bush. She eyed the guard, watching the gun poke through the bush. He bashfully investigated it. Eventually he shook his head and walked away muttering ‘damn squirrels.’

Fluttershy worried about her animal friends.

The increase of pollution and lack of care made the animals more aggressive and scared of ponies. Fluttershy managed to keep some semblance between the more domestic creatures and rodents, such as mice and squirrels, but anything like a bear imposed a danger on herself. She’ll have to find the courage to stand up to the deranged beasts.

With the way clear, Fluttershy rolled from tree to tree. The guards failed to see her. She hugged the last tree near the edge of Everfree Forest, her salvation. There was a patrol at the edge. Three guards meandering by a pile of waxy leaves and talking about ‘dirty blues.’

“When I get my hooves on them dirty blues,” a gruff stallion chuckled, “They’ll be as black as a zebra!”

“That’s racist,” an orange stallion stated.

“INSUBORDINATION! HIYA!” the gruff stallion knocked the orange one into the tree Fluttershy was hiding behind.

“Excellent shot sir!” the small stallion exclaimed.

“Ow… Why did you hit me with the butt of your gun?”

“Because bullets are reserved for blue scum!”

The orange stallion fell over with a sigh. From his point of view he could clearly see Fluttershy right above his face.

“I think I can see angels,” he mumbled, “or at least one of them.”

Fluttershy eeped before ducking behind the tree.

“What’s that private?” the gruff stallion walked over to them.

The small one followed close. All three of them stared at Fluttershy, now exposed. The orange one dozed off and started drooling, the small one was breathing heavily, and the gruff one stared with a raised eyebrow.

“Miss, don’t you know an inspection is going on?”

“Oh I- I-“

“Sir,” the small one squeaked, “I believe that’s public enemy number four, sir!”

The gruff one looked her up and down, “She can’t be public enemy number four! She’s not blue!”

Fluttershy blinked in confusion.

“Uh, sir, I have a picture right here,” the small one gave him a picture, “That’s clearly the wanted mare Fluttershy, sir.”

The gruff one scrunched the picture into a ball and tossed it away, “You know those pictures are in black and white! We all know public enemies are all blue, like Luna!”

Fluttershy started backing away slowly.

“Private!” the gruff one kicked the orange one, “Get up, Private, you have work to do!”

The orange one grumbled, “Just five more minutes…”

“Oh sure, you’ll get your five minutes,” the gruff one spouted sarcastically, “You’ll get five minutes IN HELL FIRE!”

He then mercilessly stomped on the orange one.

Fluttershy took advantage of the weirdness and slipped into the Everfree. Celestia had some odd members in her military, hopefully Luna’s were less violent.

The Everfree was a dark place before the war. Now, it seems to be the brightest. The strange plant life of the forest managed to adapt to the excessive pollution and created luminescent flowers that directed a clear path for Fluttershy. Almost magical in this mysterious place. She walked along the glowing petals and eerie vines. A stunning beauty, this place was, Fluttershy felt as though she’d have a happy home here.

Up ahead, she caught sight of a group in blue robes. Seeing as how the Empire eliminates anything blue, that was a good sign for her. She galloped as fast as she could. She called out to them, asking them to wait. Her quiet voice echoed through the woods as if the plants themselves were aiding her. The robed figures turned to the pegasus. One of them pulled their hood off.

“Oh my,” Fluttershy skidded to a halt, “Y-you’re a griffin?”

The griffin nodded.

The other robed figures removed their hoods. Many ponies were present but there was an even amount of griffins, hippogriffs, changelings, and buffalo! What fascinated Fluttershy were the bat ponies. She had assumed the night guards were costumed to look like bats. This revelation made Fluttershy curious.

“Um… see something you like, miss?” a bat pony teased.

Fluttershy blushed.

A bat pony mare nudged the other with a scowl, ”That’s Fluttershy, you dolt! As in, element of kindness Fluttershy!”

“So? Doesn’t mean I can’t tease her like any other pony.”

Fluttershy giggled.

“See? She agrees with me.”

Fluttershy coughed, “I- I’m so sorry to intrude but can you help me get to the Republic?”

“Of course we can!” the bat pony cheered, “But first we’re going to meet with our allies, the deer. Is that ok with you?”

“Oh certainly,” Fluttershy smiled, “I would love to see the deer again. It’s been a while since I last talked to Prince Bramble.”

The group smiled as they pulled their hoods back up. They walked deeper into the forest.

The griffin handed her a set of robes. Fluttershy accepted the robes and put them on. Looking identical to the rest of the group, she went along side them to the deer kingdom.

The journey through the Everfree was unlike the previous journeys she had with her friends. Before the war, the Everfree was a frightening jungle filled with dangerous monsters and horrors around every branch with weather that was chaotic and uncontrollable. Now the weather was mellow, monsters fled to leave room for little critters, and the plant life became wonderfully fantastic.
As the group trekked through the woods the scenery became more and more gorgeous. Glowing mushrooms, stunning flowers, luminous moths, all types of bright and weird things covered every meter of the path they took. Fluttershy thought about building her home here.

Then, all of a sudden, the trees became black. Little critters were nowhere to be seen. The scent of burnt ash and blood filled the air as they came closer to what horrible event took place. The robed figures twitched uneasily at the sight. Ever closer to ground zero, Fluttershy heard a few gasps and a sudden cry for help.

She threw away any fear and ran to aid whoever called out. Pushing past the crowd, Fluttershy found herself in front of the remains of Zecora’s hut. Broken potion bottles littered the place, embers waved out of seared straw, bloodied armor and corpses laid upon scorched logs. Fluttershy frantically searched for Zecora.

“Over here my dear friend,” a wheeze called out, “Please hurry before I meet my end.”

“Spread out! Search for Zecora, she’s a zebra so double check areas you already looked over,” Fluttershy ordered the group.

The group swiftly complied with her. Knowing a zebra’s natural fur aids them in hiding, they double checked areas they looked over. Fluttershy dove into the collapsed hut. The inside was worse than the outside. Zecora’s cauldron had cracked and spilled whatever contents it once held. Fluttershy gingerly crawled across the floor. What sort of monster would destroy the home of a peaceful zebra? The masks from Zecora’s homeland became nothing more than shards. Herbs and vegetation no longer hung from the ceiling. Instead there were holes revealing the tree tops and tiny flames desperately trying to become wild fires. It didn’t take much time for Fluttershy to finally reach her friend. Which she was grateful for.

Fluttershy’s mouth hung open at what she saw.

On the ground with an empty potion bottle was Zecora. Her rear legs were missing. All there was to prove legs were once there was a red smear and two stubs. Fluttershy trembled seeing the pained look on her friend’s face. Had there been a word worse than monster, Fluttershy would use it to describe whomever committed this atrocity.

Zecora weakly lifted herself up only to fall harshly to the ground.

“DON’T MOVE! DON’T MOVE!” Fluttershy flew to her side, “Please, don’t move.”

“I-I-“ Zecora coughed.

“Shhh, save your strength,” Fluttershy soothed her, ”You’re going to need it for what happens next.”

Fluttershy briefly went out of Zecora’s line of sight.

“W-What are you going to do?” she asked.

There was limited silence. Embers crackled in wood while the sound of Fluttershy pushing supplies off shelves tickled Zecora’s ears. There was a sudden woosh and intense heat from afar. Hoof steps and crying came closer to make Zecora’s heart stop and blood run cold.

“I- I have to cauterize the wound,” Fluttershy said between sniffs, “P-p-please don’t pass out.”

Outside the hut, the group heard a pained scream echo throughout the forest. Several immediately rushed into the hut while others were petrified at the mournful wail. The ones who went inside found Fluttershy pressing a burning stick against Zecora’s no longer legs. The cry of pain came from Zecora, bawling tears of anguish. A couple of the robed figures fainted while the rest did their best to hold back their tears. When the screaming stopped, Zecora collapsed unconscious. Fluttershy checked her pulse and stood up with a contempt sigh.

“She’ll live,” she confirmed, “but I need help getting her to professional aid.”

A griffin and bat pony ran over to her. The bat pony lifted the zebra onto the griffin’s back. The griffin steadied herself while the bat pony stabilized the weight. The two ran out of the hut with Zecora and Fluttershy.

The remainder of their trip was held in silence. Not even the war could change the looming threat that hovered over the Everfree.

At last they made it to the Deer Kingdom. Golden wood rose high across a canopy of leaves. The guards noticed the group right away and allowed them passage. The guard on the left gawked at the sight of Zecora, who was groggily waking up.

“Blackthorn?” Fluttershy called to a familiar buck.

The deer turned with a smile, “Fluttershy, I had a feeling you would join the Selene Monks.”

“Is that what you all are?” she turned to ask the griffin.

The griffin nodded.

“Talon is mute, Fluttershy,” Black thorn stated, “Do not expect too much from her.”

“Oh dear, I’m sorry if I ever prodded for too much.”

Talon waved a claw with a smile.

Zecora groaned. Blackthorn and another deer walked over to see her condition.

“Bring her inside, our healers will help.”

They rushed to the building Blackthorn ran to. Inside were does lounged on benches near a fountain of sparkling water. At the sight of Zecora, they all jumped to her to help anyway they could.

“This condition is critical,” one noted, “Bath her in the waters! We may save her yet!”

Zecora was taken to a fountain at the center of the room. The does performed a ritual never seen by outsider eyes. Blackthorn placed a hoof over Fluttershy.

“We have to leave. We may see your friend when time has passed.”

Fluttershy went along with Blackthorn. They walked to the palace of Prince Bramble. Bramble was eager to see Fluttershy once more. The monks had gone to Bramble’s father, King Aspen, to discuss an alliance between the deer and Republic. Fluttershy worried about her friend, which the deer picked up on right away. Bramble tried showing her a few toys and play with her but the sorrow Fluttershy felt weighed heavy on her. The thought of Zecora screaming in agony without legs haunted her mind.

“Miss Fluttershy?” a doe walked in, “Your friend would like to see you.”

Fluttershy hopped up and flew down to where the room they had previously left Zecora was. She found Zecora laying on a bench with two does massaging her. Zecora held a meditative look. As Fluttershy approached Zecora, the does left. Zecora opened her eyes and sighed. She looked at Fluttershy with sad eyes. Fluttershy looked down to see the blanket she wore had no bumps where legs would be. Fluttershy flinched and whispered sorry.

“This was no doing of yours, Fluttershy,” Zecora lifted her friend’s head, “You should know the culprit of this heinous crime.”

Fluttershy sat up with open ears.

“It was early this morning. I had been tending to my daily ritual. When I heard strange sounds that did not seem too foreign,” Zecora’s eyes darkened, “It was the Solar Empire that was out for blood. Their soldiers were not ponies but an iron flood.”

“Why would they attack your hut?” Fluttershy innocently asked.

Zecora glared at the ceiling, “They came to a false belief rebels had made homes in Everfree. Their mission was to make the homes debris,” she looked at the does near the water, “Perhaps they were heading to the deer along with that mission? Although, they would have to work on their vision.”

“They just suddenly attacked you without reason?!” Fluttershy shrieked, “How can anyone do such a thing?”

“You are naive and innocent as always, Fluttershy,” Zecora shook her head, “The Empire has little concern with ‘why?”

“They couldn’t have been all like that… right?”

“Before I took a blast to the knee, there was one thing I was made aware,” Zecora rubbed the stubs under the blanket, “These… beasts made pray…”

Fluttershy quirked her head, “Pray? Pray to what?”

Zecora’s face scrunched, “A pray to a student most faithful, to a goddess most hateful.”

“Twilight? They prayed to Twilight?”

Zecora nodded.

Fluttershy laughed, “Why would someone pray to Twilight?”

“A book she wrote, when her mind had broke. She spread her disease across the nation. Forever hiding her lamentation.”

Fluttershy raised her eyebrow.

“She think Celestia and herself goddess,” Zecora rolled her eyes, “Even Discord is more modest.”

Fluttershy looked at Zecora’s lower half then to her face. Zecora’s eyes were filled with a flurry of emotions. Anger, hate, pain, sorrow, and hope all rolled into one. Her normally calm demeanor became shaky. An uneasy quiver assaulted her lip. Fluttershy held the blanket as she gave Zecora a questioning look. Zecora laid back with a whimper. Fluttershy lifted the sheets to see what damage Zecora had taken. With her curiosity satisfied, Fluttershy reaffirmed herself. She got up and walked away without word. Once she was out of eye sight, Zecora howled in misery. Her home, her friends, and her legs were gone because of the Empire’s careless assault on the Everfree.

Except, she still had, at least, one friend with her.

“Blackthorn,” Fluttershy called with a stern voice, “I wish to speak with Aspen.”

“You may join the monks in the audience chamber,” he stated before escorting her to his king.

The chamber was large. Many deer ran around discussing many issues from entertainment to the environment to philosophy. At the end of the long hall stood Aspen atop a wooden throne. The monks were nearly finished speaking with him.

“Thank you for your time, your majesty,” a bat pony bowed with respect. He bumped into Fluttershy on accident, “Oh, dear, I’m so sorry. Are you ok?”

Fluttershy said nothing and walked past the monk to Aspen, “We need to talk.”

Aspen stood, “If you had been any other I would have the guards throw you out. However, since you are a friend, I will take audience with you.”

“Fluttershy?” the bat pony whispered.

“I wish for aid against the Solar Empire,” She stated with confidence.

“Those monks asked for the same. They expected me to aid them out of the kindness of my heart. What do you have to offer?”

“Land,” Fluttershy looked up with determination, “The area around my cottage is large and covers a decent section of Ponyville. If you will aid the Republic in the war, I will give you that land.”

Aspen sat down. The monks fell slack jawed. Even Blackthorn was thrown back by the sudden proposal.

“I will… consider aiding your cause. The deer do not wish to meddle in the affairs of ponies. For now, I will only aid your cause on deer land. Any action taken off deer land is yours and only your problem.”

Fluttershy nodded, “Then we have a deal,” she held a hoof to shake the king’s hoof.

“Monks, you may return to your um… president… and inform her the deer will aid the Republic only on deer land.”

The monks blinked in disbelief but accepted the terms and set off to return with to the Republic.

“Take Zecora with you too, please,” Fluttershy begged them. It was implied that they would do what she asked.

With their deal confirmed, An small army of deer set out to take the land Fluttershy gave to them. Deer mages unleashed vines down upon Ponyville to lay claim over the area. This caused a small panic. To their surprise and amusement, the self-proclaimed brave Solar Guard ran with their tails between their legs. Then two Empire dogs stalked over to their new land. They had expected at least one lone guard try to defend against them. They were sort of impressed that two came to stand against them.

“Fluttershy! It’s so good to se-“ the Solar Guard stopped dead in her tracks. Spears pointed at her neck made her jump back.

Fluttershy recognized the voice and singled Blackthorn, “There’s no need for violence, Blackthorn,” she turned with a glare at her ex-friends, “I gave them permission to take this land. You have no say in this, Empire.”

Rainbow flinched, “What the hay, Fluttershy? We’re your friends!”

Fluttershy looked over Rainbow’s shoulder with a confused look, “Sorry, but you two don’t look like *any* of my friends.”

She shouldn’t have said that. It felt, cruel… but it got the point across. If her friends put more value in their ideology than the well being of the ones they loved than they’re no friends of hers. Her heart felt pain as she turned her back on them. This was as cruel to herself as it was to them. She knew the deer wouldn’t kill them with her there. All their snarling and threats mean nothing so long as she’s there to hold them back. She wished for a friend she could count on would come to aid her.

That was when Discord appeared.

“Fluttershy! I am so happy you got out of that barn alive!”

“Discord,” Fluttershy greeted similarly to Maud.

“Ehheh… yeah, so, I destroyed Cloudsdale… and sent all the ponies to the Republic,” he squeaked.

“Did you have to destroy Cloudsdale? It was once my home,” Fluttershy glared at him.

“It was the epicenter of weather control as well,” Discord chuckled, “What is the Empire to do now that weather is no longer under their influence? Taxes! More and more taxes!” a prospector outfit flashed onto Discord as he did a little dance, “The Empire raises taxes which makes ponies mad and when their mad they riot. Soon with the unemployment of pegasi and the poor getting poorer, the Empire will be neck deep in turmoil!” he laughed maniacally.

“I knew it! I knew we could never trust you!” Rainbow pointed at Discord.

“Of course not, I’m a spirit of chaos and madness,” he glanced down at Twilight, “Although some of you think me as god of madness.”

“That is truly diabolical, Discord,” Fluttershy sighed in disappointment, “You had me believing you actually chose Celestia’s side.”

Discord shivered, “To think about being HER servant,” he gagged, “Makes me want to hurl just thinking about it.”

“Impossible,” Twilight whispered, “None can defy Celestia’s grace! None! Why would you side with Luna? Why?”

Discord literally rolled his eyes out of his sockets like dice, “First I took a look at my chances. Celestia and I don’t see eye to eye, ever, so that put me at a disadvantage of getting on her good side. But if I had sided with Luna, Celestia would label her a whore of chaos and influence ponies to join her cause.”

Fluttershy’s ears perked up as Discord pulled out several napkins out of them, “That was when I had to make Luna’s anger towards me believable,” he looked over to Twilight, “Had you forgotten that she can travel through dreams? I’ve been letting her into my little head for a long time. We’ve become great friends since my nightmare incident.”

“You realize Celestia is going to turn you to stone when she finds out about this,” Twilight growled.

“Ha! Yeah, you’re so stupid Discord!” Rainbow taunted.

“Ah but that’s the real kicker, my little ponies,” his laughter roared through the air, “You have to have the elements of harmony to put me in stone!”

Twilight and Rainbow froze at this revelation.

“You see?! I’ve been more than able to do whatever possible thing I could do and it’s all thanks to this war!”

“Your plan was never to help a side win,” Fluttershy gasped, “It was to separate our connection to the elements!”

“Actually,” Discord rubbed his neck, “I just wanted you to be happy. The severing of the elements was going to happen with or without my help. I just tipped the odds in the Republic’s favor.”

“You devious low down no good snake!” Rainbow jumped after Discord.

Discord turned into smoke as Rainbow fell through him. He reformed into a snake like version of himself, “Why thank you,” he gleefully said with a hiss.

“So you did all this for me? Was all this absolutely necessary?” Fluttershy pondered.

“Fluttershy, my dear, you loved the Republic so much I couldn’t not do this.”

“If she loves the Republic so much she should look the part,” Twilight gritted her teeth.

“What a wonderful idea!” Discord proclaimed as he put on claw on Fluttershy and ripped her flesh off. Thankfully, instead of gore, what was underneath that skin was a now bat pony version of Fluttershy.

Fluttershy looked herself over and smiled, “I… Actually really like this.”

Twilight sat there, dumbfounded. Rainbow looked disgusted. Discord patted himself on the back. No, really, he made a duplicate of himself just to pat himself on the back.

“There’s no going back now, Fluttershy,” Rainbow mumbled, “You’re dead set on the wrong side and your going to learn how wrong you are the hard way.”

“It’s hilarious hearing that from you, Rainbow,” Fluttershy hissed, ”Take a good look at the actions your Empire have done. Take a good look at the ponies that are in the middle of this war. Take a good look at Zecora and her hut and see what it means to be on your side.”

Discord cracked his fingers, “I’m sorry, Fluttershy, but I’m going to have to wipe their memory. I have an image to keep with Celestia,” he tapped his fingers on Twilight’s and Rainbow’s heads. They instantly fell over.

Fluttershy nodded, “Very well, just take them far away from here.”

With that, Discord vanished, leaving Fluttershy and the deer to claim the land Fluttershy had given. She had witnessed a small glimpse of what horrors war brought.The world was not a nice place anymore. Even her old friends became her enemies. She had shown endless kindness and compassion for everyone. What did they give her in return? Pain, suffering, and death. She was not going to take it sitting down. She was no longer going to show mercy to those who harmed others. She was and was not the same pony she was this mourning. Now she was set on victory.

Now…

She has gone to war.

Author's Note

This long thing made me question if I should change the tags and rating :twilightoops: It's not that bad though, is it?