Two Sides of the Same Coin

by LunarShadow

Rating: teen
Tags: Alternate Universe, Nightmare Moon, Original Character, Adventure, Princess Celestia, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark
Length: 18193

Before the Banishment

When the peace talks take a turn for the worst, the pony simply known as the General is thrust into an adventure beyond his wildest dreams. Not all is as it seems in the war between his ruler, Princess Luna and his enemy, the Solar Empire.

After the peace talks dissolve, Captain Clear Skies is forced to make a run for the river. Her task will now be to get some important information back to Princess Celestia... If she can survive.

Published 2012-06-10 05:54:02 UTC
Last updated 2012-07-02 18:33:54 UTC

Chapter 1: The General

Chapter 1: The General

Chapter 1: The General

They want to parley. Bah! Since when have the Solar Empire ever wanted to discuss things? I smell a patch of rotten horse apples. Unfortunately, the will of the Moon Goddess is that we play their game. She is blind.

It wasn’t like this in the beginning. It started as a political argument between two ruling entities. It was kept in the castle. But then they started playing dirty. Those nobles that sided with the tyrant, Celestia, began killing those that supported the glorious Princess Luna.

Everything fell apart after the first few deaths. Nobles called on friends and associates to side with them. Families tore themselves to pieces, throwing their lot in with opposing sides. A father might wake up one day to find his son with a dagger at his mother’s throat because they had differing views. It became a bloodbath until Princess Luna called for her ponies to found Luna’s Hope, City of Night.

Within a season, the Sunseekers, the best troops the Empire has, had laid siege. It was only by the power of the moon that we survived those first months. We pushed them back nearly to the Moonshine River. Since then, we’ve been trading blows with neither side gaining the upper hoof.

It’s been like this for two years. And now they think they can negotiate with us.

“General! The diplomatic party has arrived.”

The General closed the journal and returned the captain’s salute. “Thank you, Captain Blade. Have them escorted to the main hall.”

The captain saluted again, neatly spun around and marched out.

Sighing, the General rubbed his temple. Slowly rising from the desk, he walked over to where his formal regala sat in the corner. He levitated the chestplate over his head and lowered it onto his shoulders. The helmet came next, coming to a hover in front of him, he took a second to look at his reflection.

A rust coloured face glared back, the scar that stretched from his snout to lower jaw a reminder of what war could do. Brushing a few strands of dark red mane out of his face, he looked away and slowly brought it to rest on his head. His hoof rested for a second on the hilt of the ceremonial sword. He grunted and slung it over his shoulder. Lastly, he clipped on a red cape.

Red like me. Red like my mane. As he passed his desk, he stopped and looked at the one picture on it. He blinked several times, holding back the tears. Finally, he knocked it down and hardened his gaze. Swiftly walking through door, he turned and headed down the hall.

Every guard saluted as he passed, but he paid no attention to them. When he reached the grand oak doors to the grand hall, he stopped and nodded to the two ponies that flanked either side. Without a word, they opened the door.

“... Neither side trusts the other. We will be keeping our weapons or we will leave now...” The blue pony who was speaking looked at the General as the doors crashed against the wall, echoing through the room. She grinned and gestured at him. “Ah, finally a pony with some authority. But not the one we need. Where is Nightmare Moon?” Her smile faded and she glared at the new comer.

The General glanced around the room, counting at least two dozen of the Sunseekers. Their white cloaks, emblazoned with the sun that identified them, hid their faces. Each one looked tense, ready to pull blades at a moments notice.

“You will not address Princess Luna by her field name,” the General said calmly as he strode to the table and sat down across from the ambassador. “Furthermore, she does not trust you, none of us do. She will speak with, and only with, Celestia, if these negotiations go well.” He shuffled some papers around as they were passed to him before continuing. “For now, you will parley with me, Clear Skies.”

“That’s Captain Clear Skies to you!” she cried, her wings flaring as she stood up, pounding the table with her hoof. The room remained completely silent for a few seconds before she slowly sat back down. “I’m sorry. That outburst was unwarranted. It will not be the Sunseekers who start a petty fight.”

The General snorted and replied, “Heh, just like this war. You didn’t start it either, I suppose?” Shaking his head, he waved the hoof away as if to swat away an unwanted idea. “But we did not come here to insult each other. You were the one to initiate this. What do you want?”

Clear Skies leaned back and grinned. “A truce. A temporary one, but one nonetheless.”

The ponies around the General glanced at each other. Before any of them could speak, he stood up and walked around the table to Clear Skies.

“That can’t be the only thing you want. The Empire always wants more.” He leaned in close to her and whispered, “Because enough is never enough, is it?”

She shoved him away and waved her guards back. “I’ll ignore that gib for the sake of parly, but you are correct. In exchange for the temporary truce, we want Trottingham.”

The room burst into a hubbub of noise as ponies all around began whispering to each other.

“Preposterous!”

“An outrageous demand! She surely doesn’t think we’d give up a city that deep in our territory.”

“She cannot demand—”

The General pounded the table and roared, “Silence!” He waited as peace reigned once again. Finally, he spoke. “That is out of the question. Any soldier worth their salt would be against that. It’s too important to us. Too close to Luna’s Hope as well.”

“I see.” Clear Skies tapped her chin. “We’d also be willing to trade a three month truce for New Haven.”

Three months is a long time in war. It would allow both sides to recuperate and prepare for the next part. Anything could happen. But the time! The one precious thing we so desperately need.

Captain Blade leaned close and whispered into the General’s ear. “I know what you’re thinking. But as your captain and advisor, I would suggest against it. I smell an Empire trap.”

“You have served under me for this entire war and for ten years before that. In all those years, you’ve proven yourself a good friend. I trust you.” Nodding, The General turned back to Clear Skies. “It would be foolish of us to just hand over any city to you. However, we would be able to trade one hundred prisoners of war per month of peace. In addition to the peace, you will release twenty-five of our soldiers as well.”

Clear Skies thought for a minute before responding. “We can do twenty a month no more, no less, and only if you bump your offer up to one hundred and fif—”

The sound a blade unsheathing cut her off. Every pony in the room turned to the source of the noise just in time to see one of the Sunseeker’s thrust his blade into a pony noble.

“It’s a trap! The Lunar scum are trying to assassinate us!” The earth pony grabbed the blade and swung it around just in time to block the axe of a guard.”

Clear Skies jumped into the air and hovered. “I knew it! Traitors! All of you!” she snarled as she reached back into a pair of sheaths. Two blades followed her hooves out, attached by leather bindings. Screaming, she dived towards the General.

Calmly, he waiting until the last second before deftly whipping out the ceremonial sword. Sparks flew as his blade met hers. Turning around, he lashed out with his hind hooves, sending her tumbling into two of her guards. He landed back on all four hooves and charged into the thick of the battle, his sword floating close behind.

Ducking under a hasty thrust, his own blade swung down, cutting a gapping hole in the Sunseeker’s chest. However, another one of Clear Skies’ guards charged the General before he could regain his defensive posture. He felt the tip of a spear pierce his shoulder. Bellowing in pain, he chopped down, cutting the offending weapon in half. Then, the lopped off the guard’s head.

“To me!” he cried. “Push them towards the corners!” The General whirled around as he felt something brush his side. He stopped just short of gouging Captain Blade. “Dual Blade! Get some ponies and see if you can take some prisoners. Aim for Clear Skies if you can.”

“Yes, sir!” Captain Blade saluted and rushed off towards a group of the Lunar guards.

Across the hall, the General could see Clear Skies rallying the remaining Sunseekers. “Retreat! Jump through the windows, just as planned!”

One by one, a few of the remaining enemy crashed through the nearest window.

The General cursed as he fought his way through the stragglers. I told the Princess that having windows this low to the ground were a bad idea. Her overconfidence will be the end of her. He viciously swung his blade, downing the last Sunseeker between him and Clear Skies.

She turned around just in time to parry a savage swing. Gritting her teeth, she spun away, then dived at the General. He deflected her blow and retaliated with one of his own. Clear Skies tried a downward slash. Her blades slid off his in a shower of sparks.

“Surrender now, and maybe I’ll spare you... after questioning of course,” he growled. He pointed his sword straight at her and sent it flying. She chopped it down and it clattered to the ground, no longer surrounded by the red glow of his magic.

Clear Skies turned, slashing down a Lunar guard that leapt at her. “I would never surrender to you. I would rather die!” Kneeing another guard in the face, she dove towards the window.

“Bow!” The General ran after her. As he galloped, he caught the crossbow that flew from the melee towards him. Letting his magic guide his aim, he pointed it at the fleeing Captain. Just as she jumped, he pulled the trigger. The bolt passed through her left wing, causing her to disappear under the window.

When he looked out, there was nothing. Throwing the crossbow away, he spun around and stomped his hoof, cringing as pain coursed through his shoulder. Snorting once, he examined the scene before him. Out of the thirty guards, plus Captain Blade and him, only fifteen or so remained. Out of those fifteen, twelve of them sported some sort of injury ranging from a slash across the cheek to missing limbs. Their cries of pain grated on his ears, but he did his best to ignore it.

Snorting again, he limped through the carnage. He stopped at the first body and nudged it with a hoof. Captain Blade trotted up. He was one of the few that remained uninjured.

“Shield... she’ll be missed.” He looked around “Spear, Darts, Dull Armor. All of them will be missed.” Shaking his head, he walked away. “I’ll inform her majesty of this treachery. You need to get that wound tended to.”

The General put a hoof on Captain Blade’s shoulder. “Thank you, Dual. I could use the break for once. But when you get back, I think we need to have a chat... as friends rather than military ponies.” Spinning around, he marched past the remainder of his troops. “Dismissed!”

The guards saluted and gathered up the wounded before heading towards the infirmary.

“Two more didn’t make it. That brings the death count up to nineteen.” Captain Blade looked up from the papers that littered the General’s desk.

“But how many of them were slain?” asked the General as he grimaced while tightly wrapping the last of some gauze over the spear wound.

“Twenty. Four escaped, including their captain.”

The General sighed and signed the report. “Too many... but now that we have the nasty business out of the way, I want to talk to you.” He glanced towards the door, bathing it in a red glow. Once he was sure they would not be overheard, he continued. “This war needs to end soon.”

Dual Blade shrugged. “I agree, but unless you or the Princess have some grand plan, that’s not gonna happen.” He rounded the desk and patted his friend on the shoulder. “But we’ll think of something. We’ve nearly got them across the river and after that, it’s a hop and a skip to their capital.”

“If we can push them across. They’re well fortified,” growled the General as he brought out a map and frowned at it. “Anyways, I’m not so sure. Why can’t we just stop when we do finally manage to get them out of our territory?”

“What do you mean?” asked Dual Blade with a raised eyebrow.

The General wadded up the map and shouted, “What? Do we become land hungry mongrels like them? Do we push on, leaving them with nothing, same as they’re trying to do to us?” He smashed his hooves into the desk, causing parchment and books to slide off. “If we pursue them across the river, the carnage will never end until both sides have nothing left but the old and weak!”

Dual Blade backed up in surprise. “Of course we pursue them! It is what Princess Luna wants. She should be ruling the entirety of Equestria by right.”

“I... I just want this to be over,” sighed the General. “I never asked for this. Sometimes I wish I had never discovered my talent for strategy.” He glanced sadly back at his cutie mark, both the black and the white king from chess. “Why couldn’t I have gotten something else? I thought I enjoyed writing enough for that to be my special talent. I was good enough with the flute for a music cutie mark. But no, at the time I was infatuated with finding ways to out maneuver my opponents.”

As he picked up the books, Dual Blade said, “Aye, we all wish that it would end. But you’re sounding as if you’re about to throw in the towel and resign.” He arranged things on the desk neatly, stacking papers and righting the picture. “That isn’t the general I know. That isn’t the general the soldiers know. It’d be heresy to them if you just up and left.”

He spun the picture around around and squinted. “I’ve never noticed this before. Who’s that filly standing by your side? You both look so happy.”

The General grabbed the picture. “Get your filthy mud hooves off my possessions!”

“Heh, mud hooves. You used to call all us earth ponies that. Now look at us, best friends.” Dual Blade chuckled. “Though seriously, who is that?”

“War, working with all the other ponies, being in the army changed things. I grew to be tolerant and then I realized that we’re all the same, except built for different tasks. That’s not to say a unicorn couldn’t be a farmer or a pegasus couldn’t be a scholar.” The General looked at the picture sadly. He ran a hoof down it and gulped. “As for who she is? My daughter... was my daughter.”

“Was?”

He put the picture in a desk drawer and went over to his bed. “Things change. You are dismissed.”

Dual Blade took the hint and saluted. He backed out as the magic surrounding the door faded. The door slammed shut behind him.

One nap and four hours later found the General training in the courtyard. His sword swung again and again at the target dummy. Straw flew from the packed potato sack, nearly blinding him. Grunting and sweating he finally let the blade drop. It clattered to the ground. The dust settled and rose to his hooves again.

Panting, he picked up two crossbows and loaded them. They hovered about half a meter away from him, but he knew that his aim would be true. The triggers pulled back, sending the bolts flying into the heads of some target dummies on the upper levels. He loaded again, spinning around at the same time. Another two bolts hit the shoulders of two other mock soldiers.

Sighing, he sheathed the crossbows. I’m just not as good as I used to be. Ever since I stopped teaching my daughter, it just hasn’t been the same.

“Impressive.” The sound of hooves clapping on stone came from the archway. “It’s a shame you don’t get to use that talent of yours more often.”

The General immediately dropped to his knees and bowed low. “Your majesty. What brings you to this room?”

“Defend yourself.” Two ethereal rapiers appeared beside Princess Luna and she grinned wickedly.

Diving towards his own blade, a proper broadsword this time, the General narrowly avoided being beheaded. A trickle of blood dripped over his lips. Growling, he glared at the Princess and lifted his sword.

He swung in a tight arc aimed at her chest. His blade flew to the side as it the Princess’s own swords deflected it.

She countered with a downward thrust. Princess Luna growled when he threw himself back, avoiding the strike. The anger turned into surprise as he dove forward, nabbing one of her blades in his mouth and whipping it towards her. She felt the wind over her head as she ducked and it passed overhead.

The blade dissolved before she could get ahold of it again. Spinning around, she swung her remaining rapier viciously. However, the General had disappeared. Snarling, she looked around the room suspiciously. “Come out! Let’s finish this quickly and maybe I’ll give you your next task.” She listened carefully, for any telltale sign of her opponent. Suddenly, her ears perked up as the castle bells began to ring.

At that moment, the General launched himself from his perch on a second floor alcove. His blade swung low, aiming for the Princess’s legs. To his surprise, instead of backing up, allowing him to roll into her and gore her with his horn, she stepped forward. His blade bounced off her enchanted breastplate and onto the ground. Her sword came up to rest on his throat.

“Do you yield?”

“As always, you have bested me, Princess.” He breathed a sigh of relief as the rapier disappeared. Falling to the ground he sat there, panting in exhaustion. “You said you had a task for me?”

Princess Luna strolled around the room, stopping at each target dummy, two in each wall, before replying. “Yes, We do.” She stopped at the archway. “You are to go to the Moonshine River, the main crossing, and take an active role in pushing out my sister’s forces. You’ve been idle too long. You’ve given us strategies that are good, but don’t quite work or work, but only for awhile.”

She trotted out, but just before disappearing, she turned back and frowned, saying, “We feel that your heart is no longer in this war. Choose your side now, or we will retire you ourselves.” She spun around, her flowing mane disappearing around the corner.

The General smiled ruefully and snorted. She’s right. Maybe if I did take to the frontline, I could end this war years earlier than expected. He trotted out towards his room.

The moon completed its rotation and began again in the opposite direction.

Dawn, I suppose. Though it’s hard to tell with only the moon in the sky. The Princess’s veil hides the sun from us and frankly, I yearn just to see it once more. Memories of days spent with his daughter running on the beach flooded his mind. He remembered her disappointment when the sun went down and they had to go home. The look on her face reminded him of—

“Now there’s a face I haven’t seen in ages!” The voice of a pink pegasus mare snapped him out of his reverie. “How’ve you been, you old flank wanker?”

The General chuckled. “I’m doing fine Colonel Star. You haven’t changed a bit since we last met.”

Colonel Star tapped her chin. “I... I can’t remember when that was? Care to refresh me?”

“No, no I don’t,” said the General as he tried to suppress a grin with a frown.

“Ah! I remember. The Ragged Mane. That one room if I remember correctly.” She lightly tapped his shoulder with her hoof and giggled. “And it was a good night too.”

The General laughed. “Please, I’m trying to forget. It was a rash action done in the heat of the moment.”

In a softer tone, Colonel Star said, “You let go of your past that night and it was the right choice. It was destroying you from the inside out.”

The grin off of the General’s face faded, turning into a grimace. “I know. Now can we drop this?” When he received a nod, he continued. “Now, is there anypony of higher rank I should be talking to?”

“Not unless you’re planning on talking to yourself.” Colonel Star burst into laughter, but was immediately silenced by a stern glare from the General. She coughed and asked, “So what are you here for?”

“I’m taking command of these troops. Princess Luna has given us a month to push the Empire across the river. We also have to take their first stronghold after the waters.” He looked around surveying the area. “And by the looks of it, we’re going to need the whole month and reinforcements.”

A dozen or so tents were pitched around the central fire. They looked as if they had survived a raid or two, or a dozen. Holes marked the spots where arrows had flown through, and jagged cuts showed just how many times a hit and run had come in and slashed their way into the encampment.

The ponies didn’t look much better. Pegasus tended to ragged wings. Unicorns bandaged their forehead, holding their horns in place as if they were hanging by a thread. The earth ponies apparently took the brunt of the attacks. There were very few and the ones that the General could see all had long scars, broken limbs, or even missing body parts.

He turned to Captain Blade. “You are to go back to the capital and order reinforcements. The three units I brought with me will not be enough. We’ll need at least two more. Also, get more carts delivering supplies.”

Captain Blade saluted and galloped away.

Turning back to Colonel Star, the General raised an eyebrow and frowned. “Why weren’t reinforcements requested? You look like you’re down to your last hundred.”

Colonel Star’s smile drooped. “Three hundred. And we’ve been trying. They’ve been intercepting our runners, though.”

The General cursed and whirled around. “Get two dozen ponies after Captain Blade! Quick! Speed is of essence here!” Angrily, he stomped into the camp, heading towards the biggest tent. “Now Colonel, we have plans to make.”

Chapter 2: The Captain

Chapter 2: The Captain

Captain Clear Skies hit the ground hard and rolled. She came to a stop in some bushes a few meters later. She laid there for a few seconds before one of her guards rushed over and helped her up.

“Captain, are you okay?”

Clear Skies didn’t respond right away. Instead she stretched out her left wing and examined the jagged tear where the bolt had passed through. She pulled a few feathers off and jammed them into the wound.

Finally, she turned to her fellow Sunseeker. “Yeah, as long as this field dressing holds, I’ll be fine until we get a safe distance away.. Now move!” She switched her saddle bag to pin the wing to her side, thus holding the feathers in. Then she picked a direction and took off at a steady gallop.

One of the survivors, a pegasus named Archer, pull up alongside her, already gasping for breath and said, “Shouldn’t we be heading for the main gate? You know... to try and get out before they know what’s going on?

Snorting, Clear Skies ignored the question and pulled ahead. “Come on! If we hurry, we can reach the sewers. It’s our only hope. They’ll have covered the other exits.”

The small group rounded the castle corner and nearly bowled over a pony noble and his wife. Both parties stood still for a second. One of Clear Skies’ troops moved to stab the two shocked civilians, but Clear Skies raised a hoof and shook her head. Nodding at the couple, the Sunseekers stepped around them and continued their flight from the castle.

Behind them, the stallion broke out of his trance and screamed at the top of his lungs. “Guards! Enemies heading south towards the Half Moon district!”

Clear Skies cursed, “Shoot! Move it, and be ready for anything!” She led the way, jumping through a hedge. She slowed to a halt as she waited for her remaining troops to also push their way through. When they had rejoined her, she started walking again, at a slower pace this time.

Surrounding them were a bunch of simple clay houses with straw roofs. Occasionally, they would pass by a cobblestone street leading to the main road.

Each pony looked around warily, suspicious of any movement. Without warning, a Lunar guard jumped from the second story of one of the houses. Several other guards joined him. Behind the Sunseekers, more soldiers charged out from a side street. They quickly fanned out, surrounding the small group, who now stood back to back.

“Go inform the General that we’ve found the traitors.” The leader gestured back at brown mare.

“Yessir!” she replied as she saluted and took off running back towards the palace.

Clear Skies glared at the enemy. “You won’t get away with this,” she snarled. “And we won’t go quietly if you try.” Slowly unsheathing one of her blades, she prepared for the worst. Then, one of her troops leaned close.

“Broad has a plan,” He whispered.

“Well? What is it? You’d better enact it soon, before they make their move,” Clear Skies whispered back.

Broad giggled and nodded slightly at one of the buildings. “House go boom.”

The leader of the Lunar Guards drew his sword and pointed at the group of Solar Empire ponies. “Kill them, but leave our dear friend, the captain, alive.”

“Now! Do it now!” Clear Skies screamed at Broad.

“Okay!” Broad lowered his shoulders and charged at one of the houses. He crashed through the wall, leaving behind a pile of clay and a dust cloud.

Ponies on both sides shielded their eyes from flying debris Clear Skies grabbed hold of the nearest Sunseeker and pushed her through the hole. “Go, go, go! stick to the side streets and make for the wall.”

An axe flew from the cloud of dust, burying itself in the ground next next to Clear Skies. She retaliated with a blind thrust, and her blade came away wet with blood. She ignored the scream of agony and jumped through the hole.

The impromptu door made by Broad lead into a bathroom. She charged through, paying no heed to the screaming mare sitting in the tub. Clear Skies ran out the door, slammed into the opposite wall and galloped down the hall into the kitchen. However, she found her way out blocked by gruff looking unicorn stallion with a chef’s knife.

“Hold, or I’ll be forced to kill you!”

“Not likely.” Clear Skies nimbly dodged a clumsy swing and kneed him in the chest, causing him to double over in pain. Snatching the knife as it fell from the air, she smacked him in between the eyes with the handle and he fell over, unconscious. “Lucky for you, I don’t kill civilians... unlike you mangy Lunar dogs."

She dropped the knife as she heard the enemy cursing from outside. “Even if I was as low life as you, I wouldn’t have the time.” Clear Skies galloped outside and down a side street, heading towards the wall.

A right, a left, another right, plus ten minutes of hard galloping found her panting as she leaned against the outermost wall. Looking around, she spotted two of her squad. They looked beat, and Broad sported a shallow cut across his side. The other pony, a unicorn called Silent Night, sat on the ground tugging an arrow from his shoulder.

“Guys? Where’s Archer?” Clear Skies trotted up, looking around for any telltale sign of the pegasus. She peered around some nearby bushes, hoping to find him quickly relieving himself while he waited for her to give the order to start moving again.

“Sorry, captain. He didn’t make it out with us. And if he did, he’s lost.” Silent Night gently patted Clear Skies on the shoulder before casting a spell over his arrow wound. It clotted up and he walked around a bit, testing it. He nodded in satisfaction and flexed the limb a few times.

Dammit! Clear Skies had to suppress a cry of frustration. Dammit, dammit, dammit! The one chance we have at ending this war and I botch it up. She slid leaned against the wall for balance and closed her eyes, trying to to cry.

“Broad thinks we should go now. Broad doesn’t like it here anymore.”

“You’re right. We can’t stand around and wait for a pony that is most likely dead.” Clear Skies wiped her eyes and sniffed. “If we follow this wall in either direction, we should get to the sewers leading out of the city. After that, we head back to the capital. I have some vital information for the Princess.

They took off at a quick pace, sticking to the sides of the houses that lined the wall. For a few minutes, they ran in silence.

Finally, Silent Night broke the peace. “You do? What’s the information?”

Clear Skies cried out happily as they rounded the corner and saw a grate covering the sewers. “Praise Celestia! I was beginning to think they only used those underground sewers. Broad, see if you dislodge the covering. It’s bound to come out with enough force.”

“With pleasure, Captain.” Broad pushed Silent Night out of the way and tried to grab hold of the metal bars. A few seconds later, he finally found purchase and tugged hard. But it wouldn’t budge. He tried again, straining his muscles. It shifted ever so slightly as he sat down panting. “Broad can do it, but it’ll take time. Three maybe four minutes.”

“And we don’t have that much time.” Clear Skies pointed at a guard that had rounded the corner.

The guard stood there in surprise for a second before shouting, “I’ve found them! Solar Empire soldiers escaping from the—”

Silent Night appeared from the shadows of the alley the guard had appeared from. He swiftly wrapped a hoof around the enemies mouth and drew a dagger across his throat. Shoving the bleeding corpse away, he trotted up to Broad and Clear Skies. “Hurry. I saw about a dozen or so Lunar Guards a few streets down turn towards us when that idiot started yelling.”

Broad shrugged and replied, “Broad will work as fast as he can.”

“Right, and we’ll hold off the guards while you can clear the sewers entrance.” Clear Skies readied a blade and crouched low.

If only I could hover, I could use both my blades. Much more helpful than a single sword. If only my balance were better, I could stand on my hind legs and fight. She looked left, then right for any sign of the approaching enemy.

An arrow suddenly whizzed past her head, leaving a small trail of blood across her cheek. She wiped the wound and looked to where it had come from, growling. Three archers were getting into position in the second story of house a few buildings down.

“Night, get up there and take care of those archers, or we’re dead ponies!”

“Sorry captain, I’m only good for short range teleports. I don’t know if I could—”

Clear Skies smacked him across the cheek, cutting him off. “Then try!” She watched him charge towards the house and disappear with a crack before turning to face the two guards that had rounded the corner.

They held their blades high, ready to chop off any unwary foe’s head. Unfortunately for them, Clear Skies wasn’t unwary. Her sword flashed in the moonlight, severing the horn of the unicorn. He fell to the ground whimpering.

The other guard faltered and quickly backed up. He thrust his blade forward, but Clear Skies sidestepped.

“Come on! Is that best you can do, Solar scum?” The guard charged again, but missed as Clear Skies ducked.

“No, it’s not. But it’s the best I need for you.” She swung her sword up into his gut. A torrent of blood followed her blade out and she grimaced.

Yet another pony dead by my hooves. If only I had never volunteered for this... I could be back home. I’d have a bed, food, safety. She sighed and looked towards the building the archers had been in. But that’s in the past now and we’ve chosen our sides.

Silent Night emerged from the window wiping a bloody dagger on a blanket. He nimbly hopped down, and with a crack disappeared only to reappear a second later on the ground. He walked over to her and said, “Forerunners. We have maybe a minute before the other seven or so guards... Look out!”

Clear Skies whirled around in time to see the unicorn she had hit earlier charge her, a small dagger clutched in his jaw, pointed straight at her. As she pulled her own sword out, she knew it was too late.

From their side, a large metal grate came from seemingly nowhere, striking the unicorn in the head and killing him. Both Silent Night and Clear Skies looked around in confusion.

“Broad is done now. We can leave the city,” Broad said as he walked over to the grate and picked it back up.

“Good, I’ll take point if you’ll take the rear.” Silent Night ducked down and wrinkled his nose as the smell of sewage assaulted the senses. He trotted in and looked around.. “It doesn’t lead directly out, it leads down. Probably to an underground river.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. What do you mean you’ll take point? Captain always takes point.” Clear Skies frowned and pulled Silent Night back.

Silent Night shoved the hoof off and walked back into the sewer, shaking his head. “You said you have vital information. We cannot risk your life any more than we already have.”

Clear Skies moved to argue, but Broad grabbed her tail and pulled back. Dropping her tail he said, “He’s right. And we need to move. Broad can hear guards close by.”

“Fine, but replace that covering as best you can. It’ll go a long way to hiding where we went.” Clear Skies rolled her eyes, but followed Silent Night. Behind her, she could hear Broad grunting as he pulled the metal grate over the sewers. It slammed into place, blocking out more of the already limited moonlight.

For the next hour or so, they sloshed their way through the waters in silence. Each pony looked around nervously as if expecting Lunar soldiers to pop up ahead of them or to charge from behind.

As they descended, Clear Skies couldn’t help but notice that well the moonlight faded, it didn’t grow any darker thanks to a light green glow from low on the walls. Almost as if somepony wants us to escape. Finally, she broke the silence and asked, “Hey Night, you’re a unicorn. Perhaps you can tell us what this stuff on the walls is?”

Silent Night looked over his shoulder and raised an eyebrow. “Oh, so just because I’m a unicorn, you automatically assume I’ll know all things magic related?”

Clear Skies grinned and shook her head. “Sorry, I just assumed that you actually had magic, you’d know a little more than an earth pony and a pegasus. I guess some of my father’s—”

“Some of your father’s prejudices rubbed off on you. I know, you tell us a thousand times when you accidently let something slip,” Silent Night chuckled. “But given how horrible your father was, you turned out damn fine.”

“Was?” Clear Skies looked at Silent Night quizzically. “You act like he’s dead or something.”

Broad cleared his throat. “He should be dead to you. He turned traitor at the beginning of this mess.”

“Turning traitor and being dead are two different things.” Clear Skies angrily retorted. “Anyways, he’s still my father. Now, I order you to drop the subject and talk about something else.” She thought for a few seconds before continuing. “How about this? We’ve only served together since I became captain two months ago. We know almost nothing about each other. You start, Night. How’d you end up with the Sunseekers?”

“Well...” Silent Night scratched the back of his head. “... With a name like mine, you get noticed quickly. Combine that with—”

“Tell Broad and Captain about your name. Tell us your real name.” Broad laughed uproariously and stomped his hoof. “It is a funny story!”

Silent Night grimaced and looked back ahead. “Right, my name is fake, but I’m not to that yet. As I was saying, Combine with my talent for hiding in the shadows, I was approached rather quickly by the general of the at the time. He transferred me from the Intelligence Agency to the Sunseekers as a spy. Been in the unit ever since.” He shrugged and fell silent.

“But what about your name? You said you were getting to it.” Clear Skies curiously looked at him.

“Long Mane!” Broad began laughing again. “It’s so funny that Broad has to stop and wait for the tears to stop.” He smacked a hoof against the wall and tried to regain control of himself.

Silent Night struggled to turn around in the narrow tunnel. When he was finally facing them, the blush was clearly seen in the glow of the strange magic. “It’s not funny! Both my parents were barbers and thought I would be following in their hoofsteps. When I discovered my cutie mark, a black cloak, while playing hide and seek with my brothers, I changed my name to reflect that.”

“It’s still funny!” Broad’s chest heaved and he wiped his eyes.

“Enough! What about your story? How did you become a Sunseeker, Broad?” Clear Skies said sternly. “And your name doesn’t sound too real either.”

The smile on Broad’s face disappeared, replaced with a serious expression. “It is Broad’s real name. Is short for Broad Shoulders. Born into a fighting family, always have fought.”

“I suppose that’s why you have a giant sword for a cutie mark.” Silent Night nodded towards Broad’s side. “It goes well with your white coat and red mane. But how about telling us how you got to be here with the rest of the Sunseekers.”

Broad shrugged and quietly said, “The army always needs strong ponies and good fighters. Broad is the best, so he was reassigned to march with the elite. Simple as that.”

“You realize you’ve stopped, Night. We need to keep moving.” Clear Skies poked Silent night and waited patiently for him to turn around and continue walking.

“Sorry, Captain. So, what about you?”

“What about me?”

“You know what I mean.” Silent Night lightly kicked a rock with his hind leg and snorted.

Clear Skies rolled her eyes and replied, “Fine. In addition to some of my fathers bias against other ponies, I also got some of his knack for strategy. Not much, but enough to save my company at the Battle of Galloping Run. There were some Sunseeker scouts that had accompanied us during that march and they put in a good word for me when they made their reports later.”

“And Broad supposes you’re the best of friends now?” asked Broad.

“Were,” came the reply. “They’re dead... back at the castle.”

Each pony fell back into their own thoughts, continuing the march through the sewage. Clear Skies took the time to try and touch the glowing magic, to see if it would be extinguished or stay lit. To her surprise, when she rubbed her hoof along the rough cave wall, some of it came off.

She stared at it curiously. Sniffing it, a dank smell permeated her nostrils. Disgusted, she shook it off her hoof.

“Well, that mystery is solved. It’s fungus.”

Silent Night chortled. “Interesting. It’s been my life’s ambition to know about glowing plants.”

Clear Skies sighed. “Night... I can hear the sarcasm. I thought we already established that I don’t like it. Do it again and you’ll have a nice bruise to compliment that gray coat of yours.”

“Just don’t do anything to my mane. I got it to be the perfect shade of off-blue and I don’t want you messing that up.”

Rolling her eyes, Clear Skies was about to respond, but Broad beat her to it. “Broad thinks it’s silly to take care of your mane that much. You are a silly, pretty pony.”

“Shut it,” growled Silent Night. “For the last time, I’m not gay. I have a marefriend back home.”

“Cool it guys.” Clear Skies frowned both of them in turn. “Broad never challenged your sexuality.”

Silent Night stomped his hoof. “But he implied it!”

Clear Skies smacked Silent Night. “I said stop. It’s an order now. Anyways, I think I can see the end of this accursed tunnel.” She pointed at a break in the path. Sure enough, to their relief, the way opened up into a large cavern. Natural pillars sprouted from the ground and disappeared into the gloom far above them. A waterfall emptied into a basin right in front of them, and the pool looked deep. Mosses, the glowing fungus, and other plants adorned every rocks, giving the cave an exotic feel.

Broad took a step forward, gazing in wonder at the room.

“Whoa! Careful!” Clear Skies cry of warning was a second too late. Broad took another step and slipped on the moss beneath the water.

With a shout of surprise, he tumbled over the waterfall, landing with a large splash in the pool. He resurfaced a second later grinning broadly. “Hah! Is fun. Jump in. The water is nice and cold!” He paddled to shore where he lay in contentment.

Silent Night turned to Clear Skies and shrugged. “It looks to be only eight or so meters. And if an earth pony as big as Broad can jump in, so can we. It’s not like we’re carrying any supplies anyways. Well... except for the rations and first aid kit your brought in your saddlebag.” Without another thought, he turned and jumped into the water. He resurfaced a few seconds later. “Come on in!” he called.

With one last nervous glance around, Clear Skies jumped. The water engulfed her, soothing her aches and pains. A burst of bubbles escaped her lips as she grinned and then laughed. She quickly pulled herself to the surface and joined her companions on the rocky edge.

“Alright guys, I don’t know if I can leave here after that. That was amazing!” Clear Skies rolled over and rested her head on a carpet of lichen. “We’ll camp here tonight. I’m going to properly take care of that arrow wound while you guys eat.” She took out the first aid kit and tossed the rest of her pack to the two ponies. They immediately began arguing about who got what.

This war will tear us all apart eventually. It’s already torn me apart.

Chapter 3: Escape

Chapter 3: Escape

Broad nudged Clear Skies. “Broad can’t sleep and Night is making a mess of himself.”

Clear Skies rubbed her bleary eyes and yawned as she sat up. “N-Night is doing what?” She looked around for the unicorn. “Well, as long as he pisses anywhere not close to where I’m sleeping.” Rolling over, she tried to wave away Broad and go back to sleep.

“No, Night is puking.” Broad shook her harder. “He needs to see a doctor pony. We need to move on anyways.”

Retching from the far end of the cavern caused Clear Skies’ ears to perk up. She bolted up and looked towards the noise in disgust. “Oh... that’s just gross.” She wrinkled her nose and turned away.

“H-hey, I’m the one puking here,” Silent Night mumbled as he stumbled over. “Protip: don’t eat anything that grows down here.”

Clear Skies leapt back and stared in horror. “You what?” she shouted. “I would have expected you of all ponies to be smarter than that!”

“I’m no botanist. Anyways...” He covered his mouth and doubled over in pain as he heaved.

Broad immediately strode over and led Silent Night away from the campsite. In the privacy of some bushes, Broad patted Silent Night’s back. “Get it all out. Broad knows a little bit about plant poisons. The sooner it’s out, the better.”

“And how do you know this?” groaned Silent Night.

Broad grunted. “Unlike you, Broad’s sister learned about plants. She told Broad... before she died.” He thumped Silent Night’s back on last time and trotted back to the fire that had been built several hours earlier.

Silent Night finished expunging the contents of his gut and turned to glare at Broad. “The plant looked like something I’d seen before in a field guide.”

“Hey! Stop the arguing,” Clear Skies said with a sigh. “Broad’s right though. We need to get moving.” She stood up and stretched. Walking over to the fire, she kicked at it. “And if you can, put out your damned magical flames. It’s creepy.”

Silent Night nodded and swished his head. His flame glowed brightly for a second before disappearing into his horn.

“I’ll take point.” When Silent Night tried to argue, she cut him off and said, “No, you’re too sick to lead through the tunnels.” She turned to Broad and addressed him. “Broad, You got rear again. Make sure Night doesn’t fall or anything. I’ve already gotten too many ponies killed today... yesterday. Whenever that “peace talk” took place,” she growled, stomping her hoof at the same time.

“Right. Broad will watch Pretty Pony.” Broad shouldered Silent Night and pushed him towards the only path out of the cavern.

“Hey. That was rude,” Silent Night protested. The strain could be clearly heard in his voice.

Clear Skies rolled her eyes and started walking. “Shut it, Night. You and Broad can fight to your hearts content when we get back to New Haven."

For a few minutes, they walked in silence. The path led down a bit further before turning to the left. After that, they trudged uphill. To either side of them, side passages would branch off, and in the soft glow of the fungus, they could see that the paths quickly led to dead ends or sloped down.

Finally, Clear Skies looked back and broke the eerie quiet. “Night, I thought you said the sewage led to a river.”

Silent Night shook his head. “I said it probably did. That basin was deep. If I were to make a second guess, I’d say that there’s a network of caves under that small lake that lead to the Moonshine River.”

Broad chimed in, “Broad agrees. Pretty pony may not not his plants, but he knows his terrain.”

Silent Night nodded. “Yeah, it helps to know this sort of stuff when you’re a spy. If I were sneaking in I might use those passages to get into the city without anypony being the wiser.” He shrugged and fell silent.

“Well, I got good news, guys,” cheered Clear Skies. “I can see exit.” She pointed to the mouth of the cave. Moonlight streamed through, and a chill wind accompanied it.

Broad’s ears perked up. He grabbed Silent Night in a bear hug and said, “You hear that? Broad can almost smell home. A nice bed and food!” Laughing, he dropped the spy and galloped out of the cave, falling into the grass and rolling around.

“Bleh, don’t even mention eating,” Silent Night groaned and lay where he had been dropped. After a few seconds, he rolled over rose to his hooves. “Though, that bed sounds nice right about now. Hay, even that grass looks comfortable. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to empty the rest of my stomach.” He stumbled back into the cave and doubled over in pain.

Clear Skies wrinkled her nose and gingerly patted Silent Night’s back before joining Broad outside the cave. She turned back and shouted, “As soon as you’re done taking care of business, we’ll get a move on. It looks like we’re five or six miles east of Luna’s Hope.” She gestured in the direction of the city whose walls could be seen in the distance.

Leaning back against the cave entrance, she sighed wearily. Great, five miles of open plain between us and the enemy capital. We’re sitting ducks unless we can get to that forest about a mile north of us. She pushed off the wall and beckoned to Broad as Silent Night shuffled out. And from there, it’s about one day’s hard gallop home.

“Right, we move now. We can sleep once we get into the forest and out-of-sight from the enemy.” Clear Skies took off at a gallop, a hard, determined look in her eyes.”

Broad and Silent Night caught up quickly. The grasslands quickly melted away to rocky, flatlands as they ran. They jumped over crevices and darted between rocks. Then, they once again found themselves running across open land. Finally, after ten minutes of a hard gallop, they reached the edge of the forest.

Exhausted, they slowed to a trot, and then to a halt. Leaning against a tree, Clear Skies chuckled. “Well, that was fun. Look at us.” She glanced down at herself. “Sweaty, dusty, ragged. My coat is matted down or sticking out in places. We look like we just came from a dung hole.”

Broad joined in the laughing. “Ha! We did just come from sewers.” He wiped his forehead and slid down the tree, coming to a rest on the ground. He closed his eyes and took a big sniff of the grass. “But right now, Broad wants to sleep.”

“Go ahead, take a rest. We’ll push for home in three hours.” Clear Skies grinned and shook her head. “You too, Ni... Night? Night!” she screamed, galloping over to the unicorn.

Silent Night had doubled over, his face turning an ashen hue. He leaned against a tree, gasping for breath. A second later, he collapsed and lay unmoving.

Clear Skies dropped to her knees beside him and leaned close. His breathing came shallow and a his pulse was far and few between. “Broad, change of plans. We move now!” She nudged him until she was under him and could lift. “You’re carrying him, I’ll take point.”

When Silent Night had been securely placed on Broad’s back, they took off at a brisk trot into the woods.

I may have failed already, but I’ll get these two home no matter the cost. I’m captain, they’re my responsibility. As my father always said, “When one is placed in a position of power, they receive a gift, both a blessing and a curse. That gift is the lives of other ponies.”

Clear Skies looked up at her father. “So? Gifts are nice to play with.”

Her father shook his head and smiled sadly. “Yes, they are nice. But like all gifts, they should be treated with utmost care. They were never yours to begin with and with this gift, somewhere out there is a pony that will not hesitate to take back what is hers if you are not careful.”

“But what about the war?” Clear Skies look curiously at her father. “You’re a colonel. Doesn’t that mean you play with other ponies everyday?”

“Sometimes, I think you’re too smart for your own good,” sighed her father. He looked away sat there silently. Suddenly, he spoke again, startling Clear Skies. “There are two types of ponies in war. Those who go in looking to sate their unquenchable bloodlust and those who are there not because they want to, but because it’s their duty.

“The first type will go into a village and massacre every pony in sight merely because they’re the enemy. The second type will strategically take the town, trying to save as many ponies as he or she can.”

Clear Skies frowned. “And those are the only types? One seems quick and brutal and the other seems slow and painful. A war could last a long time.”

“Well, those are the two extremes, I guess. Most ponies fall somewhere in between.” Her father patted her back before whirling around. He marched back towards the house, beckoning for Clear Skies to follow. “Come on, bedtime. The sooner you go to sleep, the sooner your thirteenth birthday will arrive tomorrow.”

Clear Skies cheered, a wide grin on her face. She bounced around her father excitedly. “Okay! And then you’ll start teaching me to use a sword, right?”

“Yeah, I promised, didn’t I?”

“Yay!”

“Captain!”

Clear Skies shook her head and looked back questioningly at Broad. “Sorry, I was just lost in my thoughts. What’s up?”

“Something big’s been following us for the last mile or so.” Broad adjusted to accommodate Silent Night. “Broad doesn’t think it’s a p—”

“Look out!” cried Clear Skies. She shoved Broad with all her might and then rolled forward just as a large yellow blur flew over her head. Jumping back up out her roll, she whirled around to face the thread, one of her blades drawn.

In front of her, turning around, stood a manticore. It looked at the ponies hungrily. Growling deep in its throat, it prepared to lunge again. When it did, Clear Skies was ready.

Waiting until the last possible second, she lashed out, striking the manticore with the tip of her sword. “Run! Get Silent Night to safety!”

“Wait, you need to tell Broad the information, or it’s lost with you,” Broad shouted while he picked Silent Night back up.

Clear Skies positioned herself in between the manticore and her companions. “The Lunar army, they’re planning to attack Fort Ironhoof. They’re going to cut down all their own forts down to the bare minimum troops required to defend the river.” She ducked again, the manticore’s barbed tail missing her by centimeters. She could feel it pass over her. “Now go!”

A loud crash echoed through the clearing, causing Clear Skies to look over briefly. The manticore took that second and swung its tail hard and low. It struck Clear Skies, sending her flying. She cried out in pain as a blinding white light shot across her vision. Bracing herself, she prepared for the worst.

The forest clearing seemed to swim in her vision. The manticore trodded up, she could almost see it smiling victoriously. Well, at least I died fighting. At least I was able to buy some time for—

A white mass slammed into the manticore, knocking it over. The sudden help sparked Clear Skies’ will to fight again. She struggled to rise, but toppled against the tree. Crying out as pain shot through her entire body. When she looked down, she saw a pool of blood on the forest floor. Her vision grew wobbly and she leaned back to prevent herself from collapsing.

Her breath came in short quick gasps and she felt light headed. Looking back to the fight, she noticed that it was Broad that had tackled the manticore. They were currently struggling to get the advantage. She wished she could help, so she felt around the ground for her blade.

“Broad!” she croaked. Bending over, she gingerly picked up her sword and then tossed it with her remaining strength. It flew through the air, glinting in the moonlight.

Broad looked just as it reached the apex of the toss. He deftly caught it from the air and slammed the slim sword down into the gut of the manticore as it scratched him across the back with its paw.

Both stopped struggling and lay there as if dead. For a second, Clear Skies feared they really were gone. Then, Broad twitched. A second later he wormed his way out from under the manticore’s paw. He trotted over to Clear Skies and bent down.

“Broad never leaves a friend when he can help. Now we go put you with Silent Night before you bleed to death.”

The last thing she saw was Broad picking her up. There was a burst of pain and she blacked out.

“You’ve had that blade for five years now, correct?”

Clear Skies nodded and jumped into the air, bringing herself to a hover. She slowly swung the dual blades through the much practiced technique. Suddenly, she lashed out, striking the target dummy.

“They say that you’re as good as me,” Her father chuckled.

“I know and I bet I could best you in a mock fight.” Clear Skies grinned, and looked at her father with determination. “Let’s duel right now.”

Shaking his head, her father turned around and walked out of the training room. “I’m afraid not. I’ve got prior engagements that I need to go tend to.”

Clear Skies dropped her blades and ran to catch up. “Oh... maybe next time. But before you go, I do want to tell you the good news.”

“Oh?” Her raised an eyebrow.

“For my eighteenth birthday, I’m joining the army!” She grinned proudly. “And I’m sure that I can get any unit I want because of you!”

Her father stopped and looked at her with surprise. “Which side?”

“What do you mean, which side? There’s only one army... unless you mean joining the gryphons, which I would never do.” Her smile faltered and she looked at her father with concern.

“This changes everything,” he mumbled, stroking his chin thoughtfully. He looked up at her, frowning. “It’s getting late. Go to your room and I’ll talk to you after this meeting I have to go to.”

Clear Skies sighed in disappointment. “Right, I’ll see you in a few hours then.” She turned up the nearest staircase and headed to her room. In the privacy of her chambers, she pulled out a map and looked at it closely. Along with the map, she brought out a list of infantry divisions.

Now, which unit did my friends say they were assigned to?

She studied the map well into the night while she waited for her father. Finally, she resigned herself to sleep.

Perhaps the meeting went on longer than he though. Maybe he thinks I’m already asleep.

He disappeared that night. The night that marked the beginning of the Equestrian Civil War.

Her eyes shot open and she bolted up, panting and sweating profusely. As she regained control of her breathing, she realized that she was in another clearing. Looking around, she found Broad laying down a few yards away beside a small fire. Alongside him, Silent Night slept peacefully. His face no longer looked ashen gray under the firelight, but he looked to be in a bad condition still.

Clear Skies prodded Broad. “Hey.” She kept prodding him until he grumbled and sat up.

“What do you want with Broad?” he groaned at her. “Broad was sleeping well.”

Shuffling her hooves, she looked away. “Sorry, I... uh... wanted to say thanks for coming back for me. I would have been a goner if you hadn’t.”

“No problem and thanks for tossing Broad your sword,” Broad mumbled as he lay back down and closed his eyes. “Broad would have been a goner too if you hadn’t.”

Clear Skies prodded broad again. “I’ve been meaning to ask you, where is your giant broadsword? You carry that thing with you everywhere, but you didn’t have it back at the peace talks and you didn’t have it when we entered the sewers.” She looked around the clearing. “And speaking of which, where’s my blade?”

Broad replied, “When we were first briefed on this task, Broad was told to leave it behind. Too threatening for peace talks. They were afraid that the Lunar ambassador’s would be less likely to be friendly if we had visible weapons. As for your blade, it’s in your pack over there.” He gestured over at a tree. At the base lay her packs along with some stacked wood, broken branches and such.

Clear Skies limped over to the tree and dug around in her pack. Her face fell as she pulled out the hilt of her sword. It had shattered close to the base, its jagged edge glinting dangerously in the moonlight. Tossing it aside, she reached in again. This time, she came away with the other half of the blade.

She tossed it over by the hilt and sat down in shock.

Broad trotted over and shrugged sadly at her. He gently picked her up, placing her on his back. He walked over to the fire and deposited her by Silent Night.

Wincing, she said, “Careful, I think I bruised myself pretty badly fighting the manticore.”

“You did. You also shattered your left wing. Broad managed to straighten the bone with a splint and bandage it. If we get to a magic doctor soon, they should be able to fix it.” Broad put his head in his forehooves and fell silent, trying to fall back asleep.

Clear Skies looked over to her wing in surprise. “What do you mean it’s shattered? If it had been broken only a few hours ago, I should be writhing in pain right now.” Turning back to Broad, she questioned him. “Unless it’s been more than a few hours.”

“Three days,” He gruffly responded. “Broad managed to carry you two the whole time. We’ll be at the fort in in a few hours after we break camp.”

“What?” Clear Skies cried, staring at Broad in horror. “It’s been three days?” When he nodded, she continued. “That can’t be right. It just can’t be.”

“Why can’t it?”

She sputtered, trying to find a good reason. Finally, she gave up and lay down. “Fine, we’ll break camp in two hours and make the fort by...” She glanced up at the sky. The moon was close to half way to the horizon, heading west. “... By dinner time, if I’m correct.”

As she tried to fall asleep, she noticed that Silent Night shivering. Looking around to make sure nopony was watching, she extended her good wing and draped it over him.

Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that other ponies can feel a cold wind, unlike pegasus.

“Captain, Broad needs you to move your wing so he can pick up Night.”

Clear Skies jerked awake and looked blearily around the clearing. The fire had been stomped out. Broad stood over her wearing both her packs. Looking beside her, she found that her wing still covered Silent Night and he had moved closer to her. She jumped back, folding her wing to her side at the same time.

“S-sorry. You’re right, though. We should go now. I’ll take my saddlebags and we can leave.” She removed the packs off of Broad’s back onto her own. While she waited for him to pick up Silent Night, she got bearing of her directions. “This way.” She took off at a quick limp.

For the next four hours, they walked in complete silence. Clear Skies passed time remembering as many good times she had spent with her father.

The first time I shot a bullseye with the bow. He said something along the lines of, “I’m learning this with you. But I’ll always best you. No matter how much you improve, I’ll match it and then some.

When I asked about a lunar eclipse, he replied with, “I don’t know. Best guess is Princess Luna trying to prank her sister. That, or they’re arguing.”

I once asked about mother and he merely shrugged. When I asked again, he left the room and wouldn’t talk to me for the rest of the day. I still wonder who my mother is. He only ever gave me one clue... on accident. He had been drinking that night and had caught me trying to sneak cookies. He said, “Your mother is high-class. She wouldn’t approve of an action like this.”

Clear Skies shook her head when she realized that they were at the river. Looking across, she could see the fort. One of many that dotted the river, preventing crossing from anywhere by either side. But there something seemed off.

“To arms! Enemy emerging from the forest!”

Her face blanched, and she gasped. “Run, Broad! Get out of here! Warn the Princess or whoever you find with any authority that the Lunar Army has taken the river!”

Just before he took off, Broad dropped Silent Night beside Clear Skies. “Night stands a better chance in that fort than on the run with me. They might take care of him. But Broad will go. Broad will bring help.” He took off at a gallop and quickly distanced himself from the fort.

Some of the faster Lunar soldiers managed to swim across the river and give chase, but Broad viciously threw them to the ground, making sure to kill them. Before any archers could even loose an arrow, he disappeared back into the forest.

The rest of the garrison poured out and swam across the river. They surrounded Clear Skies, who didn’t even try to draw her remaining blade, but rather stood guard over Silent Night, growling threateningly.

“Fine, take me captive, but this soldier needs care. I’ll only go quietly if you agree to try and help him.” She nodded at the prone form of Silent Night.

A soldier, presumably the leader, stepped forward and glared at Clear Skies. “Why? You two have no rights.”

“I am Captain Clear Skies of the Sunseekers. That’s rank enough to earn my rights,” she snarled. “Now get my companion to a doctor or I’ll make sure you’re stripped of command.”

The leader nodded to a pony behind him. “Tell the General we have a pony of interest and we’ll have her transferred back to the castle for interrogation.” He turned back to Clear Skies and said, “Very well, I misjudged you. We will comply with your request, but only because you have... connections.”

The troops surrounding her closed in. A pony bound her legs and roughly shoved her forward. As she walked, she looked back at the spot of the forest where Broad had disappeared. Another push and she stumbled. She regained her balance and glared at the offending pony.

Wherever you are, Broad, I wish you luck. May Celestia be with you.

Chapter 4: War's Herald

Chapter 4: War’s Herald

I’ve assessed the situation. They’re well fortified and there’s no chance of going around them. The patrols they’ve sent out are good. I’ve already lost three scouts to them. As for a frontal assault, it would be nearly impossible at the moment. Their archers are the best in the land. I’ve seen them nearly reach across the river.

Our pegasi have been constantly doing bombing runs in an attempt to soften the resistance in preparation for the push across the Moonshine. However, they’ve got to have some of the best unicorns in the land shielding the fort.

It’s been three days since Captain Dual left for reinforcements. I don’t know what’s taking him so long. It’s a half day’s run south back to Luna’s Hope and I know we had more units ready to march at a moments notice. It would be a full day’s hard march to get back here.

If he isn’t here by tomorrow, we have to push across with what we have. If we don’t, my scouts say they’ve spotted the Solar Empire’s grand army about three days ahead. If we haven’t taken the fort by then, it’ll be impossible to execute the Princess’ orders.

So, tomorrow, we attack. Tomorrow, we turn into the same breed as the Solar Empire ponies.

The General flipped the journal shut and got up. Stretching, he looked around the tent. It didn’t consist of much. He had insisted on living as simple as he could to make the connection between command and troops. The closer they were, the more the soldiers were willing to do for their leaders.

The tent had a cot in the corner with a wooden chest at the foot of the bed. Inside, the General knew he would find his battle armor and sword, and that would be it. Other than the bed and the chest, there was a simple desk that the General used to write in his journal or compose orders and reports.

Sighing, he shuffled to the cot and collapsed into it. Laying in the dark, he reflected on the war.

What do we really want? They say we’re fighting for our freedom from an oppressive government. But why does Princess Luna insist on pushing on beyond the fort? We could easily just hold out here, tire them out.

Once they get sick of launching one failed attack after another, they’ll become more open to a parley. Or, at least one that doesn’t end in treachery and if my spies’ information is correct, it’d be soon.

The General tossed and turned, trying to get comfortable. Finally, he gave up and swung his hooves over the side of the bed. Looking around blearily, he decided on writing in his journal some more. He was about to trot over when a voice came from the tent entrance.

“Clou—”

“Colonel Star!” He spun around and glared at her. “Don’t... don’t use that name. I dropped it many years ago.”

Colonel Star cringed and backed up a step before gathering herself and returning the glare. “Fine, General. But please, this is not a formal visit. Call me by my full name.”

The General’s look softened and he whispered, “Very well, Star Shine. What brings you to my tent?”

“We march into battle tomorrow,” stated Star Shine. When the General nodded, she continued. “You said yourself that we don’t have enough troops to take the fort as is and you know me. I’ll be on the frontline doing my damn best to secure victory, but...” She trailed off

“but..?” he prompted, looking at her expectantly.

Star Shine nodded towards the bed. “Please, just grant me this last... selfish desire. I’m willing to die for my country, but I want to do so knowing that there was somepony who cared for me beyond their superior.”

“Oh Star...” The General trotted over and wrapped her in a hug. Whispering, he said, “You know I’ve always loved you. I would never let you forget that, but you know what we agreed to after that night at the Ragged Mare. We were just friends, no more.”

Pushing him away, Star Shine sighed and walked to the edge of the bed. She sat down and looked at him sadly. “I know, but I didn’t mean sex. I just want to share the bed tonight. For old time’s sake.”

The General looked at the ground and shuffled his hooves. “I... I’ll think about it. Give me a few seconds to gather myself.”

I really shouldn’t. We’re at war and there’s no time for relationships like this. But... Looking up, he realized that she was as beautiful as ever. Her mane still seemed to sparkle and her coat glowed slightly in the moonlight. Sighing in defeat, he realized that he still loved her.

“Fine. I’ll grant your last wish.” He crawled into bed with her. Resting his head on her mane, he smiled contently.

She cuddled close to him, but lay turned away from him. “Thank you.”

He simply nodded. His eyes fell on the picture sitting on his desk. It was the picture same picture of him and his daughter that he brought every time he traveled.

Maybe we could have had a life together. A peaceful family in peaceful times. And then this.

His eyes drooped and the room grew bleary as he fell asleep.

If only you were here with us now.

The battle had been progressing smoothly. The pegasi beat ferociously on the shield until it cracked, killing enough of the unicorns to drop it completely. Then, the General ordered his troops to advance across the river.

With their own unicorns leading the way, divided between protecting the other soldiers from arrows and maintaining a water-walking spell. They quickly made the other side and blew the doors of the hinges.

This is easy. Too easy, the General thought to himself.

Things went sour from there. All the ponies in the fort that had been killed in the bombing suddenly rose up again as if nothing had happened over the last few days. They fought with a vigor that no troop had ever seen.

“General! We’re being massacred! We need something, anything to turn the tides!” The unicorn stood across the table, grimacing. He had his horn tucked under armor and he looked ready to just collapse. Blood streaked down his face and a nasty cut marred his chest.

The General scowled and said, “Do you think I cannot see that? Very well, I will take to the field myself. Perhaps that will make the difference.” He strode over to the tent wall where his sword rested. Picking it up, he turned back to the poor unicorn. “Go to the medical tent and get that injury.”

Galloping out, he signaled to his personal guards and headed for the battle. At the river, two unicorns nodded and cast the water-walking spell.

Running across, him and his guard quickly joined the battle. Spell after spell flew around. The screams of the dying pierced his ears, but he ignored the pleas for mercy.

Jumping over a dead Lunar soldier, he viciously swung his blade, cutting down an enemy. He ducked under a spear and dispatched the owner. Sidestepping a clumsy thrust, he chopped down, killing the unfortunate pony.

Then, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a mare completely cloaked in shadows, despite the full moon. She seemed to have an aura of power. Her blades easily sliced through waves of Lunar troops.

Gesturing at the mysterious mare, the General nodded at his guards to follow him and attack her. They looked for a second, but it was a second too many. An axe sliced through their armor, killing both instantly.

Howling in fury, he stabbed the offender through the chest. Drawing his blade out, the General charged the shadow-cloaked mare. He slid under her blades and tried to impale her gut. However, she jumped up, avoiding the sword by what must have been a full meter.

Laughing, she dive bombed him, barely missing the General as he threw himself back.

Wait! The General stared in amazement. I’ve heard that laugh before.

“Captain?” he asked, lowering his blades. His defence faltered and the mare took advantage of it.

She charged him, one of her swords outstretched. It easily bypassed his feeble attempt to block. The blade easily slid through his chest as if it were red hot.

His mouth gaping, he looked at the sword. Blood seeped from the wound and he felt light headed. Looking back up at the mare, he mouthed wordlessly. He fell to his knees, his vision fading fast. The last thing he saw before he died was her deep, magenta eyes.

“Why, daughter? Why?”

The General sat up suddenly, drenched in sweat, his eyes wide. Looking down, he felt his chest. He found nothing but his coat. No blade, no blood, no wound. Panting, he looked around the tent. It must have been still a few hours before the new day.

Turning to the mare beside him, he focused on her. How did I ever get so lucky? Gently running his hoof through her mane, he smiled. She could have chosen any stallion, but she chose me, a newly promoted general that barely knew what to do with an entire army.

Raising a daughter alone was tough, but I was happy. The only thing that could have made me happier would have been being with Star Shine. If this war ends, and we’re both alive, I promise I’ll marry you. He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. We’ll find my daughter and maybe, just maybe we can live a happy life.

He lay back down and closed his eyes. This time, his dreams consisted of nothingness, a black void. The rest of the night passed uneventfully.

“G-general? Colonel?”

Both ponies sat up and rubbed their eyes wearily.

In the tent entrance stood a scout. “The troops have been up for an hour now and are wondering when the attack is to start.”

The General waved a hoof at the scout. “It’ll start as soon as the Colonel and myself are dressed in armor. Dismissed!”

The scout disappeared into the camp, presumably to tell the captains.

“So, this is it?” Colonel Star looked at the General with a fierce determination. “I’m ready to drive the Solar dogs back.” She swung her hooves over the edge of the bed and got up. “I’d better go get ready.”

The General nodded and said, “Go, get the troops assembled. I’ll address them with a short speech and then we’ll meet in the command tent to finalize the last of the plans.” He pushed aside the blanket and stood up. Walking over to the chest, he opened it and pulled out the helmet.

He glanced once and smiled as Colonel Star exited the tent. I promise... I’ll keep you as safe as possible.

Setting the helmet aside, he levitated out a steel breastplate that shined in the moonlight seeping through the tent roof. Carefully, he buckled it on and adjusted it to be as comfortable as possible. Then, he retrieved the leg guards and fitted them over his legs. Lastly, he got out a protective chainmail saddle and attached it to his back.

Picking up the helmet and hovered it in front of him, looking at his reflection. He could tell by the way his eyes saged that he had slept more poorly than he thought.

It was just a dream. It means nothing. You’ll never have to kill a family member. Especially her. He closed his eyes and sighed. At least, I hope so. She made her choice, she knows the consequences.

Turning, he placed the helmet on the horn of the saddle and trotted out of the tent, putting on a brave face for his troops. When he stepped out, he found himself facing the entire camp. The General walked over to a hastily constructed platform and looked out over the soldiers.

“This is it. This is the decisive battle.” He paused as the troops muttered to themselves. After a few seconds, he waved a hoof to silence them. “I won’t lie to you. They are well fortified, and it’ll be a tough fight uphill. But we have something they don’t. Superior tactics.”

He waited while the troops stomped and cheered their approval. When the quieted down, he continued. “They have the power, they believe themselves invincible behind their walls. But we will prove them wrong! We cannot, will not fail!”

The cheering picked up again and this time, it didn’t look like they were going to stop. Roars of approval and insults towards the Solar Empire echoed around the camp.

“For the Princess!”

“We’ll push those scum from our rightful land!”

“They stand no chance against the might of the Lunar army!”

The General raised a hoof into the air. “For the Lunar Republic! For glory to the Princess!”

The soldiers took up the cry, turning and marching Moonshine River in preparation for the assault.

The General spotted Colonel Star and beckoned to her. “Start the final bombing runs and then meet me in the command tent,” he shouted.

She nodded and waved at a group of pegasi. They saluted and trotted to a pile of barrels filled with something flammable that the General didn’t understand. They each picked one up and took off into the air. Thirty seconds later, they dropped the bombs onto the fort.

The forts shields held, but the General could tell that the bombings over the last few days had taken a toll. Cracks marred the protective bubble and with each bright explosion, they expanded.

Turning away, the General walked to the command tent. A few captains and Colonel Star greeted him when he entered. He nodded in acknowledgement, but focused on the map.

“Does everyone know the plan?” When they all nodded, he continued. “Okay, Colonel, are your troops ready? Are they in good condition? We may need the reserves.” She nodded and he turned back to the map. “Good. Captain Bruiser, Captain Fleet, you’ve both reassigned one third of your units to Captain Shadow’s?”

Both the Captains nodded. “We’ve made sure to reassign a good number of unicorns, just like you asked,” said Captain Fleet.

The General smiled grimly. “Good. The main force will need as many unicorns as possible to maintain the strongest shield possible. Now...” He glanced at his subordinates. All were paying rapt attention. “We will start with a large frontal assault. When the main unit hits the opposite shore, that’ll be the cue for Captain Bruiser to cross the river half a mile southeast of here. The second he reaches the other side, he and his troops will charge the whole way. Don’t forget to take advantage of your shields, keep casualties to a minimal.”

He turned to Captain Fleet. “You, you are to station your unit half a mile northwest up the river. When you see Captain Bruiser’s troops hit the wall, that will be your cue. After that, same tactic as Bruiser. Dismissed!”

Captain Shadow saluted, but didn’t move. “What if what of the units can’t get across the river for some reason?”

“We do not deal with what ifs. Now go!”

He saluted again and trotted out.

Colonel Star held back. “This is it. If we succeed, we’ll have them on the run. If we don’t... it was an honor serving under you.” She walked around the table and hugged the General, kissing him on the lips. Pulling away, she said, “I know this is hardly the time, but... I’ve always loved you.”

The General blinked in surprise, but accepted the kiss. “I love you too. We’ll survive this, I promise.”

He sighed and followed her out. But where she continued on, he stopped and observed the troops. “You have two minutes to be in position,” he called.

Messengers zoomed back and forth, carrying the order to various leaders of the units. Slowly, the massive army separated, ready to take Fort Ironhoof. The last of the bombs were dropped, and as planned, the shield surrounding it shattered. Even across the river, the cries of pain coming from the fort could be heard.

Gritting his teeth, the General signaled for the main army to begin the attack. A large, clear red protective bubble surround the unit and some unicorns parted the river so the unit could cross. They struggled against the enemy unicorns that tried to wrest control from the Lunar soldiers. In the end, the unicorns tasked with keeping the river dry succeeded.

Arrows bounced off the shield, but did not impede the army. Finally, it reached the banks of the other river. The second the first pony stepped onto the enemies side, the whole unit charged. They slammed against the walls and the battle began in earnest.

The General shook his head. The charge hadn’t made a single dent in the wall, and the force behind the collision had really weakened the shield. They had maybe a minute to gain entry before the Solar soldiers on the wall could rain death down on his troops.

He gestured for a messenger. “Has Captain Bruiser and his unit began their charge?”

“Yes they have. There they are now!”

Sighing in relief, he watched as the unit slammed into the wall. This time, a gaping hole appeared. The unit poured through and engaged the troops inside the fort. The distinction between the two sides became hard to tell.

Backing up, the General dismissed the messenger and went into the tent. At the large map in the center, he examined unit placement. He moved the piece that represented Captain Bruiser into the fort. He also shoved forward the small pony piece that represented Captain to the wall.

“Now, we only need Captain Fleet and the fort is as good as ours. He sat down to wait for news.

He didn’t have to wait long. Five minutes later, the same messenger burst in, panting heavily. He collapsed on the ground and the General rushed over to help him up. Bringing him over to a barrel of water, the General filled a cup and tipped it into the messenger’s mouth.

“Thank you kindly! News... the battle goes pretty well.” He took another gulp of water before continuing. “Captain Bruiser’s troops were driven out of the fort and he’s regrouping for another assault. Captain Shadow’s shield broke a few minutes ago, but they’re almost through without too many casualties.”

“What about Captain Fleet?”

The messenger backed up. “That’s where we have bad news. The Solar Empire has a fort about two miles northwest of here. They sent reinforcements and attacked Captain Fleet. It was a small force, but they managed to kite the unit all the way back to the stronghold.”

“What?” roared the General, glaring at the unfortunate pony in front of him. He whipped the cup against the wall, causing the messenger to flinch. “How? I know Captain Fleet was trained better than this!”

Backing up rapidly, the messenger made for the exit. “But... ah... the good news is that he secured the enemy fort. It’s ours.”

“Dismissed... just get back to him and tell Captain Flee that he’s going to get an earful after the battle. If we all survive this, which we may not because of his stupidity.”

Come on, now we need you more than ever. Please, hurry Captain Dual. The General slid down against the wall and groaned. There’s no way we can take a fort that is as fortified as Fort Ironhoof with as many troops we have. Especially since a unit is two and a half miles away now.

As if an answer to his prayers, a pony burst through the tent an hour later.

“General!” Captain Dual saluted. “We saw the smoke from the bombings and marched double time. We’re ready to join the assault.”

“Where were you?” shouted the General. “You were supposed to arrive yesterday! And why didn’t you send any forerunners?”

Captain Dual looked away in shame. “We were already moving as fast as possible. By the time we could see camp the battle was well underway already.”

“That doesn’t matter,” seethed the General. “You always send forerunners the second you leave.”

“I’m sorry,” cried Captain Dual.

The General took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “The harm is done. We can’t dwell on it. You are to replace Captain Fleet’s unit on the northwest flank of the fort. Dismissed!”

Captain Dual saluted, but stopped part way out of the tent and said, “Oh, I nearly forgot. The Princess has a request for you.”

“A request? She never requests anything. She makes orders.” The General raised an eyebrow.

“She said it’s a request because you may be pre-occupied with the battle here. But if you have time, she wishes that you return to the castle.”

Nodding the General frowned. “What’s so important? Spit it out.”

Captain Dual turned around. “They have a prisoner that the Princess thinks you may be interested in interrogating yourself.”

“No,” came the reply.

“Are you sure? It’s a Sunseeker named Archer. He may have information on somepony you’d be very interested in.” Captain Dual smirked. “Your daughter.”

The General’s blood ran cold and he stared straight ahead. My daughter... a chance to be reunited. She means the world to me. I have to know.

“Send some unicorns. I’ll need help teleporting there as soon as possible.”

“I thought you would.” Captain Dual grinned. “I wish you luck. When you come back, the fort will be ours.” He spun around and left the General to his thoughts.

Chapter 5: Loyalties

Chapter 5: Loyalties

Archer screamed as the red hot poker touched his flank. The torturer held it there for a few seconds before sliding it off. Archer groaned and drooped his head. “I-I don’t know. I didn’t know the first time, a-and I won’t know no matter much you torture me,” he panted.

“I know you’re lying to me. You’re a Sunseeker.” The General paced back and forth, a look of deep thought on his face. “You have information and we both know it. You know who my daughter is, and you know where she is. I just want answers and you’re free to go.”

Both Archer and the torturer looked up in surprise. The torturer shifted uncomfortably, the robe that concealed everything about him moving slightly to reveal a pair of wings. It was obvious he was struggling to contain his shock. “S-sir. That’s against the orders of Nightmare Moon.”

Of course is it, you twat. But I will do anything to reunite with my daughter. The General sighed and stopped in front of Archer, staring at him intensely. Just take the offer.

“I am well aware of this. However, in her absence, my word is law.” He gestured for the poker to be reheated. “Now Archer, we can do this the easy way: You tell me all you know about the whereabouts of my daughter and go free. Or, we do this the hard way: I use the poker until you have no skin on your flank.

Archer scowled and spit in the General’s face. “She broke ties with you the second you turned traitor.”

The General could feel the anger inside him about to boil over. He glared at Archer, and raised the poker, ready to deliver a fatal blow. Just before the General swung down, he took a deep breath and waited a few seconds so he could calm down. When he regained control of his emotions, he backed up and moved the glowing hot iron right next to Archer’s cutie mark, an arrow in mid-flight.

“Very well,” he calmly said. “This is your last chance. You are a Sunseeker, you are bound to know something.”

“What? Just because I’m with an elite troop, you assume that I know things?” Archer snarled.

The General moved the poker a little closer to Archer’s flank. He could see the other pony beginning to sweat. “Yes, I do. You aren’t just an elite troop. You were all specially picked by Celestia herself. If you were to go to any other troop, the common Sunseeker would immediately have the rank of Major. That entitles you to... certain information.”

Archer growled, “Doesn’t mean I’d go out seeking said information.” He laughed. “Anyways, you seem to forget that we Sunseekers are also trained to resist torture.”

“Then we shall test that.” The General’s frown twitched and he glared at the other pony. He raised the poker up and savagely swung it into Archer’s flank. The General held it there for a few seconds before releasing the pressure. “You see, family is important to me.”

“When this war started, I pledged my life to Princess Luna. Then, I while I packed up in preparation to leave with her to the rest, my daughter showed where her loyalties stood.” He jabbed the poker into Archer’s stomach. “It broke my heart! Do you have any idea what it’s like to have joined one side and be able to do nothing while your family turns against you?” screamed the General.

Archer cried out in agony, even after the hot iron left his skin. After a few seconds of struggling, he drooped over. Panting, he said, “That... that’s where you’re wrong. I had a brother that became Lunar scum. I killed him for his treachery.”

The General struggled to maintain the glare and hide his shock. Finally, he gave up and turned away. Throwing the poker, he grunted in disgust. “You Solar dogs claim that you fight for what’s right. You claim to follow your heart,” he snorted and went over to the door leading up. “But you’re just as heartless as the rest of us.”

Calling over his shoulder, he addressed the torturer. “He has no information on my daughter. He is of no use to me anymore.” The General mounted the stairs and slammed the door shut. “Burn him until no one can know his special talent. Leave him a blank flank.”

“General.”

He nodded barely acknowledged the voice. The maps in front of him held his full attention. It covered the entire table, outlining in detail all of Equestria. Right down the center, a river split the land into two sides. To the south lay the Lunar Republic and to the north sat the Solar Empire.

At that moment, he had several ornately carved ponies to mark their largest units. He pushed the one at the river half way across to Fort Iron Hoof. The others, an encampment at the border of Equestria in the mountains he left alone. The new colonel who he hadn’t met yet was sending regular reports that the Gryphon Roost Pass was secure along with the entire northwestern front. The only other playing piece sat at the opposite end of the map to the southeast. The colonel there, Colonel Far Sight, had requested reinforcements, but the area hadn’t been assaulted in weeks.

“General, we require thine attention.” The voice became tinged with slight annoyance.

Looking up, he jerked back in surprise. Falling to his knees he bowed low. “Princess. I-I did not see you there.” He raised his head and then immediately lowered it. Princess Luna had been sternly staring at him. “I was just looking at the state of the war.”

That look, I’ve seen it only once before. She knows... His thoughts drifted to his dream of a family, being united with his daughter, perhaps even marriage to Star Shine. Why? Will she hold it over my head forever?

“Your loyalties, we are beginning to question them.” Princess Luna trotted over to the map and examined the line of flat tiles that marked their forts along the river. “The army has ample troops to push into my sister’s land, yet you don’t.”

“I do not wish to stoop to the level of Celestia and her troops.” He rose to his hooves and looked her in the eyes.

Princess Luna bared her teeth and growled, “You will address Princess Celestia by her full title!” She took a deep breath and smoothed her wings. “We may be on opposite sides of this war, but we’re still family.”

The General bowed. “Of course. I will remember that.”

Raising an eyebrow, Princess Luna moved some smaller, more plainly carved pieces around on the map and said, “Speaking of family, I hear that you knew where our daughter was, but she disappeared along with the rest of that... peace envoy.”

Do not bring that up! She is hardly yours to call family. Once she stopped suckling off of you, you forgot about her. You left me alone to raise her on my own! his mind screamed. But on the outside, he said, “Yes, she was here briefly, but as usual, we treated each other as strangers.”

And oh how it pains me to do so. This deception I have to pull, I wish I could just drop it all.

Before Princess Luna could remind him as usual, he waved a hoof and continued. “I am well aware what would happen if the common folk found out that I had a daughter. They would question with whom. When they found out that she was also yours and not only that, she had sided with the Solar Empire, chaos would ensue.”

“Indeed and the effort me and my sister put into binding Discord would be undone. However, that is not our intention to discuss enemies of the past with thee.” Princess Luna took a step forward and pulled out a picture that had been tucked under her wing.

“We told thee that it would be best to erase all connections to our daughter when she chose her side, yet I found this in your private study.” She tossed the picture onto the table. “Thou miss her, don’t thee? She is the reason that thou resisted pushing across the river so much, correct?”

The General reared up, putting his forehooves onto the table and leaving for. “Of course I miss her!” he spat angrily. “I raised her up until you held that one night we spent together over my head, forcing me to join the Lunar Republic.”

“Then why are’t thou still here?” Princess Luna shouted. “Thy loyalties appear to lay with my sister, yet thou continue to fight beside our side.”

Leaning back, the General sighed in defeat. “Because Solar, Lunar, it doesn’t matter which side I fight for. They’re one in the same. The outcome will be similar no matter what. One side will conquer the other and after many years of rebuilding, Equestria will be reunited as if nothing had ever happened.”

“Then go back to thine daughter and help destroy what I’ve built.” Princess Luna jabbed him in the chest and sneered. “Run away now and see what good it does. We’re on the verge of starting our push to the capital of the Solar Empire. Your desertion would only prolong the war, but thou will be with thy daughter.”

She knows. Of course she does. She’s the Princess. Nothing passes through the halls of the castle without her knowing. It was a loud argument, and that probably didn’t help either.

“You know why I don’t. The look in her eyes, the way she shoved me away and ran off in tears. I’ll never get that night out of my head. A lifetime’s work gone in five minutes.” He shook his head and gulped, suppressing the sob building in the back of his throat.

“So, where do thine loyalties lay?”

The General picked up the picture and looked at it sadly. “With my family. Unfortunately, the one pony I want to be with more than anything would sooner see my head on a pike than fight alongside me.” He looked up at Princess Luna “And I do have family here.”

A look of surprise briefly passed over Princess Luna’s face before she hardened her gaze. “Thou consider us family?”

Sighing, the General said, “Because of the acts of a stallion rash in youth and a single night, yes, I consider you family. By the same token, Colonel Star is also family. I fight with the Lunar Empire because at the moment, Colonel Star is worth it. Aside from my daughter, she is the only other mare I would do anything for.”

Princess Luna nodded. “We think we are beginning to understand a little bit about thee, General. We will admit that while we still doubt thy loyalties, we feel confident that you will continue to aid in our quest to reunite Equestria under the Lunar Republic.”

“I don’t do this for you. Enough blood has been shed already and yes, I do fear for my daughter’s life.”

“It clouds thine judgement, yet your capabilities as a strategist are still unmatched. Do as we order and push into the Empire’s land.” Princess Luna grinned determinedly and pounded the table. “Do this and thou shalt see our daughter soon enough.”

The General stood up slowly and shook his head. “Very well, if you believe it is the quickest way to end this madness, I will do it. After all, who am I to challenge the wisdom of a being nearly a thousand years old.”

A mind clouded by a sense of injustice. A mind unwilling to accept that the attention of her subjects is not everything. As the Princess turned to leave, he sneered at her. The only reason this republic hasn’t fallen yet is because of me. She has no idea what she’s doing. Shame. I really thought the Lunar Republic stood a chance when I sided with them.

“Oh, and General, one last thing,” Luna called over her shoulder. “We wish to partake in the taking of Fort Iron Hoof to see thine plans in action.”

“What?” the General cried out in surprise. “Pr-princess... why? The last time Nightmare Moon took to the field—”

“The battle ended in a resounding victory for us,” reminded Princess Luna “We shall get our armor and join thee at our side of the river at the camp in an hour.”

“Understood, but I’m not sure there’ll be much of a battle left. It’s been a day since I came back to the castle and we’d already breached the fort walls.” The General reverted from sneering to a straight face and saluted.

Princess Luna trotted out of the room, headed in the direction of her private chambers. “That is not what the reports say.”

“Colonel Star! What happened? How did this happen?” shouted the General. “We were in the fort when I left and yet, we’ve been pushed back to our own camp.” He sighed and slid his hoof down his face. “Just please tell me we still control that other fort northwest of here.”

“I told you, the Empire’s army intervened,” Colonel Star growled. “We barely managed to retreat before they crashed into us like a tsunami. They outnumber us 2 to 1 now. And yes, we still control that fort.”

Sighing, the General frowned and pulled back all the units on the map to show the current situation. “Have they attacked?”

“No, they seem content to jeer at us from across the river.”

A sudden flash of light accompanied by a crack caused both ponies to whirl around. Their hooves were on their weapons when Princess Luna walked in. “Ah, we see that thou managed to arrive well before ourself, General.” She nodded in greeting and looked at the map. “And it looks as if we shalt have that battle we crave.”

The General’s mind raced, trying to come up with a plan to head off the inevitable question of what the current strategy was. “Yes, I was surprised by this when I arrived, but I do have a little something that should remedy this.”

A triple sided attack isn’t going to work and they’ve refortified the wall facing us. Facing us... that’s it!

“Oh?” Both Princess Luna and Colonel Star looked at him with curiosity.

“Yes, you see...” he pointed at Fort Iron Hoof. They’re surrounded by plains, except for the hills directly behind, right?” When they both nodded, he continued. “It gives us excellent line of sight... if we could get behind them.”

Princess Luna’s eyes lit up and she grinned wickedly. “Are’t thou suggesting what we think? Teleport the entire army behind and rush them?”

Shaking his head, the General split the pieces on the map into four groups. “We’re going to try what we did last time. A larger frontal assault accompanied by two groups flanking from the sides. However, they’ve focused all their defence on the front. They’ve kept the rear open for supplies.”

“Yes, yes. Get on with it,” Colonel Star said, rolling her eyes. “We are all aware of the fort’s condition.”

“We’ll need about twenty unicorns in addition to myself and the Princess. With them, I want at least a hundred and eighty troops other than unicorns assembled.” He glanced at Princess Luna and grinned slightly. “And yes, we’ll be teleporting behind enemy lines.”

Standing back, he stomped his hooves. “Let’s get this done. We attack in fourty-five minutes.

The General watch in satisfaction as the unit in charge of the second side of the fort joined the other two units in destroying the walls. I may not enjoy war, but the feeling I get from a successfully executed plan... well... nothing compares.

Turning to face the twenty unicorns assembled in front of him. “Right, that was our cue to go. Everypony in a tight circle, now!” he shouted.

When everypony had gotten into formation, he nodded at the unicorns on either side of him. They in turn nodded to the unicorns next to them. This continued until the ponies that flanked Princess Luna looked at her.

The General focused his magic. All around him, the unicorns did similar. The feeling of being squeezed into a tube overtook him and he shuddered. As quickly as it had begun, it ended and they appeared with a flash just behind the hills that hid them from the fort.

Silently, he gestured for the two hundred troops to advance. As they reached the top of the hill, he waved again and they broke into a gallop.

As they ran, he pulled up alongside the Princess. “I know your skill as a swordspony, but please, stick with me. It’d make me feel infinitely better knowing that you’re protected.”

She merely nodded. With a burst of magic, the form of Princess Luna disappeared, replaced by Nightmare Moon. “Very well, but this battle shall be short,” She said, a scowl crossing her face.

The fort loomed in front of them, a gaping hole where the Solar Empire’s troops had broken through. They charged through and slammed into the unaware enemy. Immediately, cries of pain and surprise filled the bright afternoon.

Together, Nightmare Moon and the General hacked their way towards the still barred door that had been hastily erected to stop a frontal assault. His sword came down again and again, brutally slicing through limbs. Her twin rapiers gracefully darted around the air, jabbing through the flesh of other ponies.

Whirling around, he forced Nightmare Moon to switch spots with him, surprising an enemy that had been about to stab her. He swatted away the pike and in a wide arc, brought his blade crashing down on him.

Suddenly, there came a cry of victory from the front of the fort. “They’re retreating! We’ve done it! The fort is ours!”

Had it not been for a quick block by Nightmare Moon, his surprise would have gotten the better of him. The pony who had just tried to lop off his head cried out as a rapier jabbed through her.

Nightmare Moon wiped the blade as the last of the Solar Empire’s troops disappeared out the back, galloping for the hills. “They are running like cowardly dogs. Why?”

Why indeed? This fort is crucial to their defense and they had nearly the entire army at their disposal.

“I... I don’t know. We had the advantage of surprise on our side, but it wasn’t that big of an advantage.” The General shrugged, and pursed his lips. “I just don’t know. There’s something we’re not seeing.”

He turned around, looking for the nearest messenger. He found one picking her way through the ruins, an earth pony he could swear he’d seen before. “You there, what’s your name?”

The pony looked up and saluted. “Breeze, sir.”

“Okay, Breeze, go to camp and tell the engineers to get their flanks over here and start rebuilding the defenses.” He walked over to the well as Breeze saluted and galloped back towards camp.

Levitating a bucket into the fort’s well, he drew some water. Frowning, he tasted it and immediately spat it out. Poisoned. Now we know why they retreated so quickly.

Nightmare Moon trotted over, a burst of magic returning her to the form of Princess Luna. “We may not see eye to eye, but thou are still trustworthy.”

The General nodded, barely paying attention. “Right. It’s an... honor to fight alongside you,” he said it more to avoid another lengthy conversation, but his heart wasn’t in it. “As soon as those engineers get here, I’ll have them do something about the well. Until then, we have to transport in our own water.”

Breeze galloped towards the General. She curtsied to the Princess and then saluted. “General! The engineers are on their way.”

“Good, good. Thank you, you are dismissed.”

“But I have more news. Word from the fort northwest of here. Fort Dark Shore, they call it now.” Breeze shook her head and grinned. “Anyways, they caught Captain Clear Skies!” she exclaimed.

Princess Luna looked at Breeze with interest and the General stood up, adrenaline pumping through his veins.

My daughter!