And Ever We Fight On

The reports indicated it was going to be a bad winter this year. Of course, it almost seemed that way in the Empire for generations. Purple Heart figured it only appropriate that it reflected the mood of the war.

“You know I don’t want to go today,” Heart said as he adjusted the collar on his uniform.

“You should feel honored to partake in a moment of patriotism,” Golden Cross said across the room. “Besides, it’s not often we actually get to bear witness to the king himself.”

“And while he watches, there’s another pony who goes into a rage and speaks profanities and such against Equestria and its rulers,” Heart said as he sat down in the living room. “Father, are they really as terrible as they’re described?”

“I never got to meet Princess Celestia unfortunately,” Golden Cross said. “But, I have heard she is a fair ruler, though not perfect. But then again, are any of us?”

“I wish I could meet her.” Cherry Blossom came in and started dusting off the furniture.

Golden Cross smiled. “No doubt you would want to my dear.”

“Father,” Heart gave him a look.

“What? I didn’t mean any ill intentions,” Golden Cross said. “Look, the rally won’t last too long. No doubt the generals would want to hurry it up so they can get to the ball and get full on food and wine.”

“Will you be gone long sir?” Cherry asked.

“Til about the evening I suppose,” Cross replied. “We shouldn’t be out too late hopefully.”

“Will you be alright?” Heart asked.

Cherry smiled. “I’ll make sure to lock up after you leave. I’ll be fine.”

Cross chuckled. “What?” Heart stared at him.

“Oh nothing…sometimes you remind me of myself when I first met your mother. Anyway, you have to give the mare more credit. She can handle herself in a fight.”

“Oh?” Heart glanced at the mare, surprised by this.

“General Cross was kind enough to teach me a few tricks he learned in his younger days while you had been deployed,” Cherry said, looking quite proud.

“Oh…I see how it is…” Heart grinned slightly as he got up and once more checked to see that his uniform was smoothed out. “Alright, I guess I’m as ready as I’m going to be. Let’s get this over with…”

They stood outside the palace in large rows. The majority of those there were crystal ponies, but there were others like Purple Heart and the generals such as Golden Cross. Unfortunately, because he was a unicorn, he had the pleasure of being near the front.

As expected, there was another unicorn, possibly one of King Sombra’s Inner Circle, shouting into a microphone that projected his voice to all. General Greer was his name. And also expected, there was nothing pleasant to say about Equestria or Celestia.

“Equestria has become a democracy rotten to its core!” Greer yelled, his eyes looking over all of them. “The rich become richer, and the poor become poorer, and Princess Celestia, their “heroine and savior”, merely watches from her throne without lifting a hoof! But we will set things right! As of now, our glorious and humble king has his eyes on Canterlot. He wishes to liberate the unfortunate from the evils of the aristocrats, to balance the scales for all citizens in this world! But only you, those that stand here before me today, only you can achieve this dream of ours! Every soldier, every citizen sacrifices all for this dream! And now I ask you, will you help me!? Will you help our king achieve his dream of a true Golden Age of peace!?”

The crowd suddenly erupted as many of the soldiers, unicorns and crystal ponies alike, lifted their hooves in support. Purple Heart did as well, but only half-heartedly. He looked over at the king, who was standing nearby and saw that he had a look of self-amusement.

He then walked over to the podium and every body in the vicinity tensed. “I must thank General Greer for his uplifting words,” Sombra said calmly. “I admit I could never be as…energetic as he is.”

Sombra was very good at talking to you, even if he wasn’t addressing you specifically. His deep, calm voice was enough to get you sucked in. “But it is as he said. Canterlot is within our grasp. Equestria may think they are turning the tides, but it is mere propaganda to uplift their morale. Even with Canterlot gone, they may run and hide to fight another day, but their days are numbered. And when they are gone, we will look to the citizens that were left behind and embrace them with open hooves. I know that when that day comes…not all of you may be here…but always remember what you stood there, what you fought for…and I promise that none of you, here now and gone before you, will ever be forgotten.”

The air was still, not out of disrespect but out of amazement. Everyone was focused on their king, entranced by his words. Even Purple Heart admittedly was taken aback. But despite his words, he knew they were lies. Oh, the ponies of Equestria would be taken in alright, but many of them no doubt would be forced into labor camps.

Of course, these labor camps were only a rumor, according to some, but Heart and his father knew better. Compared to those poor souls, ponies like Cherry and those on the front lines were the lucky ones. As much as he wanted to speak out about it, he knew better. They say Canterlot is a rotting democracy…but at least it is a democracy.

The rally went on for another half hour and once it was over and Heart sagged slightly, having to stand at attention for so long. Many of the ponies he passed seemed jovial, though he wasn’t sure if it was because of the king’s words or the fact that appetizers and wine would be enjoyed very soon.

It was dusk by the time Golden Cross and Purple Heart arrived by carriage at the palace once again. The timing between the rally and the ball was only about an hour and it wasn’t long before the Empire’s own aristocrats came in stroves.

“You know, it would’ve been nice if you had brought a date with you,” Golden Cross said with a chuckle. “But then again, I’m sure some mare will approach you before the night is over.”

Heart shook his head. “I do not think there’s anypony who could be interested in a mere sergeant such as me…at least not from any of the rich families.”

“Rank has a lot of weight to it, mind you. But…I think what you’re really trying to tell me is there’s already somepony, correct?”

Heart kept silent but thankfully was saved as the door was opened. “Well, time to make an appearance father.”

By the time they reached the entrance to the palace, they had spoken to three military families and two of the richest ponies in the Crystal Empire. It made Purple Heart think more of the hypocrisy of the words spoken at the rally, for didn’t Canterlot have galas of their own?

Once inside, father and son were quickly given a glass of champagne and they slowly made their way towards a corner.

“Hm. It feels just like yesterday…” Golden Cross mused.

“Is that supposed to be a joke?” Heart asked.

“Not really…it may have been a thousand years since we last stood here, but our bodies and minds never registered it. What I mean to say is your mother and I came here time after time before you were born.”

“Was it always so…stuffy in here?”

“Ah yes…the feeling of smugness and the temptation of showing off…nothing’s changed at all. You may want to enjoy the moment while you can.”

Purple Heart took the time to wander about a bit, speaking to those who chose to address him. Many knew his father and were curious about his son it seemed. Unfortunately, Heart didn’t have much to tell them.

Once he had a few appetizers, he returned to where his father was and saw that he was now speaking to someone, possibly someone of great importance. “Ah, Director, I don’t believe you’ve met my son. Purple Heart, this is Director Perdere of the Special Weapons Group.”

“You make my position sound so important,” Perdere said modestly as he shook Heart’s hoof. “Your father was explaining about the recent Vanhoover campaign.”

“Oh…I see…”

“Don’t be so troubled, you cannot be blamed for such a blunder,” Perdere said. “After all, I believe it was General Vox who led your division who said he had good intel about the defenses there. Obviously he was mistaken. But your courageous acts in that battle did not go unnoticed.”

“I only saved who I could,” Heart almost mumbled. Many of those had been crystal ponies who had been brainwashed to serve. They may have been slaves and cannon fodder, but he couldn’t just let them die. But now that Perdere mentioned it, did his actions impress or anger his superiors.

“Ah, perhaps now is not the time for such memories. This is after all a celebration. Your father is very close to finishing his little project. Did you tell him?”

“I believe I was under strict orders not to mention anything,” Golden Cross said with a forced smile.

“Ah, well, it couldn’t hurt to tell your son. Your father has spent the last few months working on a project for renewable energy. Imagine a source of energy that is not only reusable but safer and cleaner for the environment!”

Heart looked over at his father. “And where would it be used exactly?”

“Mostly machinery and forms of transportation,” Golden Heart said. “Currently our trains use coal, but imagine a fuel source that’s purely magic-based. It can be used but we’ll never run out of resources. Of course, some are not happy about this due to the risk of jobs being lost.”

“Bah, what are a few hundred jobs if we can keep the environment healthy?” Perdere laughed.

“You said Special Weapons Director?” Heart asked.

“Yes, I know it sounds somewhat intimidating but we have to stay one step ahead of Equestria,” Perdere said, his look now serious. “The king doesn’t like to admit it, but we’re currently in a stalemate of sorts. He believes we can push our way to Canterlot but I don’t think we have the current horsepower. With our forces to the west and east-”

“East?” Golden Cross suddenly interrupted. “What do you mean east?”

“Ah, a mere slip of the-”

“You’re not telling me His Highness is looking at Griffinstone is he!?”

Perdere sighed in defeat. “It was something brought up, that’s all I heard. I can understand being upset-”

“I hope that’s all it is,” Golden Cross growled. Purple Heart was surprised to see his father getting riled up. “We can’t pull off an Eastern Front, especially not at this time.”

“Agreed. Still, I tend to speak to the king a lot so I can certainly try to dissuade him if the thought becomes tempting.” Perdere finished off his wine. “Well, it was good to see you again Cross, and also nice to meet you Purple Heart. I know you will serve the Imperial Army well.” He then nodded and walked off to another large group of ponies.

Heart looked at his father. “Renewable energy huh?”

“It’s more impressive than it sounds,” Golden Heart said. “Our group technically works under the SWG but I’m more the supervisor than Perdere is.”

“Dare I ask what weapons are being built?”

“All I can answer is classified.”

“I figured as much. I’m going to get some fresh air real quick.”

He then walked off towards the balcony outside. The somewhat frigid air was welcoming for once. Heart looked up at the night sky. It may very well be the last time he’d see the stars, at least from this setting. It wouldn’t be long before he was deployed again to the front lines, most likely into a hot zone.

“It’s calming, is it not? Strange to think we spend so much of our time during the day that we don’t get to see enough of what’s in the sky at night.”

“There are plenty who are too focused on what’s in front of them to see what’s above,” Heart replied, still staring up.

“Ah…perhaps you’re right. Those are wise words coming from a soldier such as yourself.” Heart looked over and froze, for he quickly recognized the pony addressing him.

The crystal unicorn had a pale, light grayish arctic blue mane with a grayish heliotrope coat. She stared at him with a slight smile on her face as his knees buckled slightly. Heart quickly bowed, for the mare was none other than Empress Radiant Hope. “Your Majesty, forgive my rudeness…”

Radiant lifted her hoof in a calming manner. “Do not worry, you were not. In fact, it was rude of me to interrupt your thoughts.”

Of all the ponies here, he never expected he would be honored by her grace. Radiant Hope was someone more heard of than seen. Officially, she was married to the King and how she earned her current title, although some dispute that. More so, she was a foalhood friend of the king as well.

“Well, if it’s you Your Grace, I can’t possibly complain,” he said with a smile. “I just needed some air is all.”

“Oh yes…your first time at a ball?”

“Indeed.”

“After I became Empress…I have to admit I was somewhat terrified of an event like this. Normally in the palace I had my privacy and could turn others away if I needed to. But here, now, I don’t have that luxury.”

“You feel intimidated by your own guests?”

“Not quite the right word…I only fear what they may say. Of course, if I wanted to, I could make them fear me and one false word would…well you get the idea.”

Heart had the feeling she was trying to make light of it all and yet he felt slightly nervous now. “Well, as royalty you should be respected.”

“You are kind…oh I’m terribly sorry, I never even asked your name.”

“Purple Heart Your Highness. Er, Sergeant.”

“I want you to know that I am very thankful for all that you and your comrades do. Despite everything, every loss hits me as hard as it would a family.”

“We serve to protect. And I thank you for telling me that.”

“But there’s one other thing…patriotism is a great value, but is it the same if you’re fighting for something you don’t believe in?”

“I beg your pardon?”

Radiant shook her head. “My apologies. I’m thinking out loud again. I’m afraid I must go speak to my other loyal subjects but…this was nice. I felt as if I could be more of myself around you without being judged. Thank you again Sergeant Heart.”

She then turned and left, leaving a rather confused Purple Heart behind.