And Ever We Fight On

In the Crystal Empire it was almost always cold. In the short summers it had, it was mild at best. In the overly long winters, it was way below freezing levels. But the crystal ponies had been able to endure this type of climate for centuries. However, right now they wanted to be anywhere but here.

It was no secret the crystal ponies had been enslaved to work, but even more alarming was the fact that the unicorns, at least the rich or those in the military, had been exempted. King Sombra no doubt believed in unicorn supremacy and his ideologies trickled down to the upper and middle classes. It is how it was before and after a thousand years.

But not everyone relished the idea. Sombra’s closest followers had no issue spitting venom about earth ponies or pegasi and most others were merely...uncomfortable with the idea. But the King's word was law and all had to obey.

Purple Heart was one of those ponies. His father, Golden Cross, was one of the top generals in the military, which put their family along the ranks of the rich and top brass. But Purple Heart was no spoiled pony, he already finished his first tour, just returning only a few days ago from the campaign in Vanhoover. Of course, it was only a matter of time before he was called again.

He was currently in the dining room eating breakfast while his father was reading the morning paper which mostly consisted of details of the war front. He was, true to his name, purple with a blue mane and his cutie mark consisted of a hollowed out heart. “It seems the media is downplaying the events of Vanhoover,” Golden Cross said. He was white with a yellow mane and his cutie mark matched his name as well. “They say, 'The Imperial Army was on the verge of victory in Vanhoover but was called back upon orders of the King. Equestrian forces were spared for the moment…’”

Purple Heart couldn't help but snort. “Well they were half right. Truth is we just couldn't take the city.” He then sighed. “I'm sure the higher ups were furious.”

“Oh, hooves were pointed, that's for sure,” Golden Cross replied, sipping his morning tea. “Truth is, the whole thing was handled poorly. They predicted Vanhoover would have light defenses at best and then you're all facing artillery fire. To be honest, you're probably lucky to be alive.”

Purple Heart couldn't help but think back to those last days. They had the Equestrians outnumbered but we're getting decimated by artillery defenses and advancing tanks. But they couldn't retreat, they were so close. He was only a sergeant so he was with the other soldiers, the ones brainwashed by Sombra himself. For his first tour, it was an absolute nightmare.

“Is everything alright sir?” Purple Heart suddenly woke from his thoughts and looked over at Cherry Blossom, a crystal pony that was currently in service of his family. She was white with a light pink mane and her cutie mark was a small white flower. “Do you need more tea?”

“Oh...no I'm fine Cherry thank you.” He then smiled. “And seriously, you don't have to call me sir.”

“She can't help it son,” Golden Cross said. “She just wants to be proper. You should eat as well Cherry, it is your cooking after all.”

“Thank you.” Cherry Blossom then sat down and ate as well. She was about the same age as Purple Heart and before she came to this household she was destined a miserable life in the mines like many others. However, Golden Cross had seen her and since she had no parents he asked to take her in.

Many families had servants, some were treated well, others the complete opposite. Both Golden Cross and his son wanted Cherry to feel as if she were family and while she cooked and cleaned, she was treated with absolute respect, including been given the guest room to sleep in.

“So...it's true then?” Purple Heart then asked. “They're pushing towards Canterlot?”

“That's what I heard,” Golden Cross said, putting down the paper. “Sombra's getting antsy I imagine.”

“It's only been six months though.”

“It's not that simple. Even if we take Canterlot, the war won't end until we capture all the princesses. There's a lot of territory in the south...and I don't need to explain the potential concerns if Celestia manages an alliance with the other races. A three front war with Equestria, Yakyakistan and Griffinstone would be our downfall.”

“King Sombra wouldn't seriously try to take over the East? We don't have that many troops to spare!” Purple Heart argued.

“Not now, but if Equestria falls…” He then glanced over at Cherry Blossom and looked guilty. “Anyway...lets change the subject. Since you're currently on leave what will you now?”

“Hmm... I dunno...I guess I could always keep Cherry company while I'm here.”

Cherry suddenly started blushing and looked at him. “T-That's not necessary sir.”

“Well she has been rather lonely since she can't leave the house by herself,” Golden Cross stated. “Maybe the two of you could go out and explore the city.”

“Is that wise?” Purple Heart asked. “I mean, if somepony got the wrong idea…”

“They won't but if they do you have every right to protect her,” Golden Cross said. He then got up. “Well, I better head off now. Another day with the top brass.”

“Have a good day sir,” Cherry bowed her head.

“Thank you.” He then looked to Purple Heart. “If anything comes up, let me know immediately.”

Purple Heart nodded before his father left. It was quiet at the table for a few moments before Cherry spoke. “You know you don't have to worry about me.”

“I know, but we're friends and we look after one another,” Purple Heart grinned. “Besides, I only met you a few weeks before I left.”

“If I may ask...is it as they say? The war?”

He was silent for a moment. “Honestly? Most thought it would be over already. The Equestrians have held out better than we expected and because of that they've been able to mass-produce ships and weapons.” He then got up and put his plate in the sink. “Here, I can help you clean up.”

“Oh no no that's not necessary!” Cherry objected.

“I know, but I still want to help.” He smiled and even though Cherry frowned she couldn't help but smile back.

They compromised that Purple Heart would do the drying. “You and your father have been so good to me,” Cherry then said. “If only the others were so fortunate…”

It was silent for a moment before Purple Heart said, “If you could escape to Canterlot...would you?”

The question must've caught her off guard for she dropped the pan back into the sink. “I...um…”

“It's not a trick question.” Although now that he thought about it, how many times were others asked that question and beaten if they replied yes. “Oh...sorry...just forget I asked that.”

There was another awkward silence before Cherry said, “Actually...if I could...I would.”

“Oh?”

“Yes...but only if you and your father join me.”

If only it were that simple. No one was allowed to leave unless you had the right papers, or if you were going out on deployment. Apparently everyone was so paranoid about defectors they weren't taking any chances.

“That...may not be able to work unfortunately.”

“Then I will stay with you until the very end,” Cherry said as she finished washing. “Hmm...now what else is there to do…?”

“Cherry Blossom, you really need to relax once in a while,” Purple Heart said. “I think we should heed Father's advice.”

“G-Going out?” Cherry asked. “I don't know…”

“You'll be safe...besides it's actually a nice day out.” He then put a hoof on her shoulder. “I'll protect you.”

Cherry suddenly blushed again. “Well...maybe if you put me on a leash you won't attract any attention,” she said somewhat bitterly. She then smiled apologetically. “But if you insist…” Purple Heart chuckled. “What... what's so funny?”

“It's kinda nice to see you be yourself for once,” Purple Heart said as he got his coat. “Hmm...you need something too.” He went through the closet and then pulled out a grayish blue coat. “This should do.”

Cherry gasped slightly. “But that's-!”

“I know.” The coat belonged to his mother, who died almost a year ago. Cherry never got to meet her but had heard much of her from Golden Cross: she was a kind mare with a big heart and unlike many of the unicorn mares she was openly opposed to the crystal ponies being enslaved and subjugated as lesser beings. “We would be a greater country, and a greater role model to the world, if we all worked together toward a common goal,” she had told her husband and son one time. Naturally, she was avoided by most families, although she had her own circles just like her husband. Unfortunately, she left the world too soon due to illness; a condition that ultimately had no cure.

“She would've liked you a lot Cherry so I don't think she would mind you wearing this. I think the color goes with your mane to be honest.”

Cherry sighed. “Alright…” She then put on the coat and it seemed to fit her just right. “Well...shall we go?”

It actually was quite pleasant outside, the temperature being slightly warmer than usual, although in the next few months that would change dramatically. There were plenty of ponies out which was usual this time of day as the markets were quite busy. There was a park near Purple Heart's home that he wanted to show Cherry.

While the area near the palace had a more forbidding aura to it, here it felt more peaceful, as the Crystal Empire should feel. There were fillies and colts playing with one another as their parents chatted with one another pleasantly. It was like there wasn't a war to speak of.

Cherry stared at the foals playing sadly, mostly because they were all unicorns. “It seems unfair,” she said. “They get to play and do things freely wile other foals are stuck inside labor camps.” She then looked to Purple Heart. “Doesn't it bother you that you're fighting an enemy that believes in equality for all?”

For obvious reasons, her words stung. Purple Heart had heard plenty of adjectives for the Equestrians while he was in boot camp but he never quite believed what his instructors said. However, in his first battle he never ended up killing a single enemy, but they came close to killing him plenty of times. He had felt ashamed and useless at the time but now he felt ashamed that he would've been willing to kill someone who was only fighting to keep their freedom. But on the other hand, if the roles were reversed, he couldn't see himself killing an enemy who was merely brainwashed to fight for a king they never would support, although it seemed the Equestrians knew that and were willing to kill them regardless.

“Being in a war and having a general as your father, there's no way I could object to being in the army,” he finally said. “But despite my objections to the war, I still need to follow orders.”

Cherry then looked guilty. “I'm sorry...I have no right to question you like this...I know you're a good pony inside.” She then giggled. “I should be thankful instead for your kindness and generosity since I rarely get to come out here. It may seem different now but it's still home to me.”

They spent the next few hours going around the city. Purple Heart tried not to bring any attention to himself which would consequentially bring attention to Cherry but it seemed most just ignored her. There was a stand that was selling corn fritters and Cherry couldn't contain herself and almost begged Purple Heart to get some. They ended up eating corn fritters before heading home and relaxed the rest of the day.

In the evening, Golden Cross returned home and was quickly greeted by Cherry who was already starting on dinner, much to his relief. He looked tired but managed to have a pleasant chat with her.

“It seems the other generals are more worried about the yaks than I thought,” he told his son. “The yaks thrive in the winter, that's no secret and Sombra thinks they'll try to start a counterattack, which explains why he wants Equestria out of the fight as soon as possible.”

“They'd still need help from the griffins and as far as we know they're staying out of the fight,” Purple Heart stated.

“For now,” Golden Cross replied. “If Sombra attacks the east, he may very well cause the Griffin tribes to finally unite. They're a lot worse than pegasi that's for sure.”

“Have you ever met a pegasus sir?” Cherry asked.

The general chuckled. “Technically speaking, it was over a thousand years ago, but I knew some in my foalhood. While it's not true for all, they have the stereotype of being overly cocky, but they get it done when it counts. I never had an issue with them. Never met a Griffin though...would be interesting to meet them as long as they don't try to claw my eyes out.” He then cleared his throat. “I'm not sure if I told you but the King is throwing a ball tomorrow night and both you and I have been invited.”

“Me?” Purple Heart asked. “I understand you having to be there but I'm nopony important.”

“It's traditional for family to attend as well. Think of it as an opportunity to climb up the social ladder.”

“Too bad I don't have a date…” Purple Heart muttered.

“You never know who you'll meet there…”

“I think it would be a wonderful experience,” Cherry smiled as she set the table. “Dinner is about ready.”

Over dinner, the three of them discussed more on certain topics but Purple Heart couldn't help but notice that his father seemed slightly uncomfortable, and Golden Cross was not a pony who got shaken up easily.

He knew something and knowing the circumstances, it could be bad for Equestria.