Tears of a Fallen Star

Chapters

Ch1 The Unknown Colt
Ch2 The Exam
Ch3 Commander Bolt's Decision
Ch4 The Friendly Foe and the Eclipsed Nightmare
Ch5 Two Orphans, Celestia, and New Recruits
Ch6 Celestia's Stand and Forgotten Foes
Ch8 Confrontations between Nations
Ch9 The Bolt That Cleared The Mist
Ch10 The Fatal Funnel
Ch11 Wounded Spiritually, Physically, Emotionally
Ch12 A Murder in Cloudsdale's Shadow
Ch13 Past Wounds in Present Skies
Ch14 Who I Am
Ch15 My Home Front
Ch16 The Emotions of War
Ch17 True Pain
Ch18 Letter Fom a Mare in Love
Ch19 The Meeting to End a War
Ch20 By the Light of the Stars
Ch21 The Fallen Star
Ch22 A New Dawn
Ch7 Peace in Death, Love in War, and Good in Evil

Ch1 The Unknown Colt

Wind… that was the first sound he heard, the young colt opened his eyes but he was too weak to move. With his eyes open, he could see many stars above him, that’s when he realized he was lying on his back. Out the corner of his eye, he could see a blue mane, he was very weak so he struggled to move his head to see who that mane belonged to, it was a tall beautiful mare.

The mare noticed that he had woken up so she smiled at him and asked “Are you ok little colt?”
The young colt could only nod his head yes, he was still too weak to talk. The mare smiled and spoke again, “Congratulations my little pony, you just earned your cutie mark. You now know your special talent.”
The young colt looked at the mark that had recently appeared on his flank, it was a Black Star with lightning bolts stretching to each point from a cloud in the center.

The young colt didn’t understand what it was, not only that but he didn’t even know what a cutie mark was, or the idea of what it’s supposed to be. He looked back at the mare, she was still looking at him and smiling, and then she asked “Can you tell me what your name is young colt?”
The colt opened his mouth to talk but he didn’t say anything, not because he couldn’t talk, but because when he thought about what his name was, his mind drew up a total blank. In fact, he couldn’t think of anything. His name, where he’s from, where he had been, in fact everything before he opened his eyes and saw the stars, wasn’t in his mind anywhere. It’s as if he had just been born. The mare looked a little concerned “Is everything alright?”
The young colt looked at the mare and shook his head no. Then with his already weak body, exhausting itself even more with stressful thoughts, the colt fell asleep.

Time went by and the colt opened his eyes again, he was in a white room lying in a bed. Now that the colt had energy to move, he sat up but an incredible pain was fluctuating from his left wing. He turned his head to look at it. His wing had a bandage with a small block of wood attached. In other words, it was broken, but how did it break? The colt tried to think of where he was by looking at his surroundings. The room was a simple size; the sun was shining through the window on the other side so he had slept through the night. He also noticed a clipboard at the end of the bed. He picked it up and looked at the patient information that was attached. Other than a broken wing, everything on the sheet was simple. Male Colt, Black/yellow, Mane/tail, Star shaped Cutie Mark, but under name there was only one word, with two letters TB. The colt thought to himself “TB? That’s not my name. But what is my name?”

All of a sudden the door in the middle of the room opened, a stallion wearing armor that could only be mistaken for a guard walked in followed by a tall mare. This mare wasn’t the same as the one the colt had seen the night before. This mare had a rainbow colored mane. The mare smiled pleasantly as she spoke, “So this is the young colt that has Canterlot in an uproar, there are a lot of ponies talking about you, around here.”
The colt knew that this pony was important by the guard she came in here with, but he still had to ask. “Excuse me miss? Do you know where I am?”
The mare replied “Of course, how rude of me, my name is Princess Celestia of Equestria. And… I’d like to welcome you to Canterlot. May I ask your name little one?”
“My name is… um… TB… I think”
“You think? You mean you don’t know?”
The colt felt embarrassed, what kind of pony doesn’t know their own name? The colt replied, “I don’t know what my name is.”
Celestia felt bad for the colt “I… I see.”
The colt tried to change the subject fast “Do you know who that pretty mare was, that I saw last night?”
Celestia could only smile at that question “Pretty mare? You mean the one with the blue mane.”
“Yea she was very pretty, and nice.”

Celestia couldn’t help but giggle at the colt’s innocence, and then she replied “That was my younger sister Princess Luna. She would be here too, but right now she is speaking with residents of Cloudsdale to see if we can find your parents.”
“When will she be back?”
“It will probably be at night you see she raises the moon, and rules Equestria at night while I do the same during the day, only I raise the sun.”
The colt then asked, “Miss Princess Ma’am? Why does this paper say that my name is TB?”
“The doctors need a name if they are going to take care of you and since you were sleeping they decided to call you TB which stands for Thunder Bolt; it’s sort of a nick name for ponies that get injured by lightning.”
“Is that why I can’t remembered anything, I got struck by lightning?”
“Well that’s what doctors are trying to find out; it’s very unlikely that a pegasus gets injured by lightning. So do you mean to tell me that you don’t know anything about yourself?”

The colt felt embarrassed again, “I tried my hardest, but I can’t remember anything my name, my home, where I'm from, who my parents are, I don’t even know what happened last night. And what everypony else is talking about.”
While he said this, he stated to tear up. Princess Celestia thought to herself, then replied, “Don’t worry we will find your home and make things all better.”
The colt then asked “What is everypony saying about me anyway?”
Princess Celestia replied. “They are talking about the amazing pegasus who used a legendary ability in the Everfree Forest.”
“Legendary ability?”
“Yes, rumor has it that you preformed the Lightning Orb. It’s a technique so rare that it’s said the last pegasus to ever use it, was Commander Hurricane, himself. And they are also saying that your cutie mark was the result. A pegasus with a cutie mark for the Lightning Orb is destined for great things.”

Another guard walked into the room and whispered something into Celestia’s ear, and then the princess said with some concern in her voice, “I have to leave you now, I'm needed elsewhere. I hope you get well soon. Princess Luna and I will see you right after dusk.”
The colt had to ask, “Is everything OK?”
With the same amount of concern in here voice she replied “Oh its fine, I just have royal duties to attend to, that’s all.”

Princess Celestia left the room in sort of a hurry, then a doctor came in and started asking the colt a series of questions, most of which were about what he could remember of the night before. But everything before he woke up and saw the stars was a total blank. The whole day from that point on was a series of test; some were basic medical, testing the electric charge in his hoofs, measuring wingspan and power, which hurt with one wing broken. After that, there was a series of paper test, to show what he could remember. He easily remembered simple thing like moving, talking, and reading as much as he knew at his suspected age. However, complex things, names of cities, names of ponies, where he came from, where he was when he was found, even his age was a complete mystery to himself. Though out the whole testing procedure the doctors called him either Thunder Bolt, or Young Bolt, this just made the colt feel a little uneasy though.

By the time the doctors finished testing him, it was already dusk. The young colt looked out the window to see the stars but it was still too bright to see them yet. For some reason looking at them gave him comfort in this stressed environment. Then the moon slowly rose over the horizon, and with it the stars started to shine. When he saw this, it reminded him of what Princess Celestia said this morning, about how she and her sister Princess Luna raise the sun and the moon every day. It must be a great honor to be so important, but a colt with no memory of his past, is nothing compared to that.

A few minutes later Princess Celestia knocked on his door, “My little pony? Are you awake?” The colt looked at the door, "Yes, I'm awake."
The door opened and Princess Celestia and Princess Luna both entered. The colt was happy to see both of them but he was even happier to get a chance to speak with Princess Luna. Princess Luna stepped forward, “Are you feeling better little colt? I hear you have no memory of before the event, is this true?”
The colt lowered his head in shame, “No, I don’t remember anything. I was hoping you could tell me what happened when you found me.”

Princess Luna smile as she started to tell the story, “It started right after I raised the moon. I saw a blinding light that shined so fiercely that I could see it from Canterlot Castle. Taking a few guards, I decided to go and investigate the area. What we found was a crater of cinder and ash, and in the center of it, an unconscious colt. You were covered in scrapes and cuts, but your broken wing was the worst of your injuries. There was a static charge arcing off you, so I had to place you on the carriage using magic. Every pony who stepped into the crater was struck by the electricity stored in the ground. You slept most of the way but you woke up long enough for me to congratulate you on recently attaining your cutie mark.”

The colt looked out the window and spoke, “I remember that. I also remember lying on the carriage but I don’t remember anything before that.”
"Princess Celestia smiled, “I have some good news for you though. I sent a team of ponies to investigate what happened. With what they found and the test that took place today, we were able to tell what happened. But first I want to explain the Lightning Orb to you, have you ever heard of it?”

The colt looked back at Princess Celestia, “No, but you told me about it this morning, that it was a legendary trick or something like that.”
Princess Celestia smiled, “It’s not only a legendary trick, it’s very dangerous to use. Many ponies that have ever used it took so much energy in the process that they died from it.”
“They... died?”
“Yes, when a pegasus kicks a cloud with the intent to produce lightning, energy is transferred from their hooves into the cloud to produce an electric shock. That same energy is used in the Lightning Orb only instead of transferring it into a cloud, the energy is sent into the ground to heat up the moister in the area. That moister evaporates and becomes a small cloud instantly. The energy that heats up the moister then travels into the cloud through the evaporating water. When the cloud gets big enough, that same energy turns into very violent lightning shock that scatters in all directions destroying everything in a perfect sphere shape, except the user of course. However a technique like this uses so much energy, that most pegasus that have attempted it, died from exhaustion.”

The colt looked at the ground, “Is that why I lost my memory? Because it didn’t kill me?”
Princess Celestia replied “We believe so, you had enough energy to use such a technique but you didn’t have enough to leave there without a cost. Anyway now to what the team discovered. According to the way your wing was broken, you had to have fallen from a high altitude. Our guess is that you fell of a cloud and broke your wing falling into the Everfree Forest. That would also explain all the scrapes and cuts too.”
The colt was enthralled by the story. “Then what happened?”
Princess Celestia smiled and continued, “At some point in the Everfree Forest you got scared enough to use the Lightning Orb. We don’t know why, but the trees that once stood are nothing but chard stumps that are still sending off static electricity."
The colt asked, “Was anypony else around to see what happened?”

Princess Celestia turned to Princess Luna and asked “Would you like to tell the rest of the story?”
Luna replied “Ok, well… we think something like a creature living in the forest tried to attack you. And when a pony is afraid for his life, then out of desperation he can do things that he never thought possible. In your case, the Lightning Orb. I was just returning to the Canterlot Castle when I saw it. For a second I thought it was the sun rising too soon, but I found out it was something else, you were the only one in the area when we arrived so I believe there wasn’t anypony else around. Also I visited Cloudsdale this morning to see if anypony lost a colt, but nothing was reported so we don’t know who your parents are. But I do have good news for you; I set up a place for you to live when you get out of the hospital. You will be staying with my most trustworthy guard and commander; he has agreed to take you in till your home is found. Now about your name?”

The colt looked confused “My name?”
“Well of course, you need some kind of name until you remember who you are; I don’t think Thunder Bolt is the best choice.”
The colt thought to himself, “Well the doctors have been calling me thunder bolt all day but I don’t think that’s good at all.”
Princess Celestia spoke next, “Well it’s your choice little one, and you got the chance to choose your own name, so choose wisely.”

The colt looked out the window at the stars. “The stars always relax me and I’ve herd Thunder Bolt all day… OK I’ve decided on a name.”
Princess Luna Smiled, “OK, we will start from the beginning then. My Name Is Princess Luna of Equestria and what is your name.”
The Colt smiled and replied, “It’s a pleasure to meet you your majesty, my name is Star Bolt.”

Ch2 The Exam

The wind was calm today; hopefully it will go as planned. Star Bolt stood at the edge of a steep cliff looking into the distance. Thinking back it’s been almost five years since he first used the Lightning Orb and now that he is older, he believes fully that he can control it. His mentor Commander Mist stood behind him; “You can do it sparky, show them what your training has amounted to.”
Star Bolt looked back at Commander Mist, and nodded. Then he started to focus. After a short time of concentrating, he could feel a static charge in his hooves. Then he looked up, a small cloud formed above his head. This cloud grew larger and larger till it was about five feet across. Then Commander Mist yelled out, “It’s too big hold back!”
When Commander Mist yelled this, it surprised Star Bolt and broke his concentration. At that moment a bolt of lightning shoot out of the cloud strait up into the sky. Then the cloud dispersed. Star Bolt felt weak and dropped to a knee. His mentor ran to his side, “You ok sparky? Ya need a rest?”

Star Bolt could only shake his head in disappointment, “Five years of training, and it wasn’t even an orb, just a single bolt of lightning. Why can’t I control it yet?”
Commander Mist tried to calm him down, “listen sparky, five years ago Princess Luna asked me to look after a skinny weak looking colt who supposedly survived a Lightning Orb. Over the years, I trained you in everything I know, hoof to hoof combat, strategic flying, air to surface combat, surface to air combat, and even how to climb mountains without using your wings. In that time, I started to believe that you really did use the Lightning Orb, and just last week you were able to produce the cloud for it. Now today you had lightning in it, a single bolt, but lightning none-the-less. I believe that you do have what it takes to control it. All you need is a little more practice.”

Star Bolt stood back up, “Maybe you’re right, but I still don’t know. None of my memories ever returned to me, and nopony ever came to find me, so what makes you so sure that I was meant to use it in the first place?”
“Because of your cutie mark, there is no way that you received it by doing anything else, especially at a young age.”
Star Bolt looked into the distance at the Canterlot castle. “Well maybe I’ll try again later.”
Star Bolt turned around and saw Princess Luna watching him from a small hill. All he could do, was hid his face in shame as he trot passed her without a word. Princess Luna watched with concern as Star Bolt went by without so much as a second glance.

Commander Mist approached Princess Luna then bowed, “Your majesty, please forgive the colt for any disrespect. He is still young, naive, and determined.”
Princess Luna replied, “That’s ok commander, at least he has made progress in his attempts, I saw the lightning bolt.”
“Yes your majesty, he has made great progress, but I'm afraid he might give up too soon, he has gotten too obsess with trying to use the Lightning Orb for the entrance exam tomorrow. He believes it will guarantee him a position in the royal guard.”
Princess Luna smiled “It would be impressive, but its more than just ability that will pass that exam, confidence is key, as they say.”
“Perhaps your right your majesty I’ll give him a little room for now. He needs time to gather his thoughts.”
“Where is he going?”
Commander Mist smiled “Where else? The same place he always goes when he is feeling down.”
Princess Luna thought for a second “You mean the Thunder Grounds?”
“Yep, whenever he feels bad he goes there in hops that he can remember his past.”
Princess Luna looked at the sun, “It’s still mid-day I have time to try to cheer him up.”
Commander Mist could only smile “As you wish, your majesty.”

Back at the Thunder Grounds, Star Bolt looked into the crater, which sat in the middle of the Everfree Forest. Five years have passed and the land is still charged with static electricity, plants are just starting to grow back. But the crater is still easy to see. Princess Luna trotted up behind him and spoke, “Are you ok Star Bolt?”
Star Bolt was startled, he thought he was alone. But he hid his surprise and answered. “Yes your majesty, I only needed time to think for a little bit.”
Star Bolt turned around and looked at Luna with surprise, “Your Majesty! Where are your guards?”
Luna giggled, “I gave them the slip, and decided to come out here alone. Why? Is that a bad thing?”
Star Bolt said with hast, “Yes it is! Timber Wolves are out this time of year, what if you get attacked by one?”
Luna Smiled, “Then I’d have you to protect me.”
Star Bolt quickly looked away to hide his blushing face “Well… I… uh...”

Luna looked at Star Bolt, “You are trying to enter the royal guard exam tomorrow right? A royal guard has to be able to protect the Princess right?”
Star Bolt replied “Yea, but I don’t know if I'm ready yet. I haven’t even succeeded on controlling the Lightning Orb.”
Princess Luna looked into the crater, “How long has it been? A little more than five years now, right?”
Star Bolt looked at Luna “What?”
“It’s been five years since I found you here in this crater, this was the first place you used the Lightning Orb and since then you have grown into a strong stallion, but I think you focus too much on the Lightning Orb. If you start to doubt yourself now, than you will never achieve your goal.”
Star Bolt looked into the crater, “Your right your majesty, I need to slow down a bit.”
Princess Luna giggled; Star Bolt looked at here and asked “What’s so funny?”
Princess Luna stopped and smiled at Star Bolt, “I was just thinking, five years we’ve known each other, and you’re still referring to me as your majesty in informal times.”

Star Bolt blushed and asked in a nervous manner, “Well wh-what should I call you then?”
Princess Luna smiled and replied “When we are alone like this, you can call me Luna?”
Star Bolt was amazed at what she said, “Ok your maa… Luna.”
Luna laughed a little and commented, “See, that wasn’t so hard was it?”
Star Bolt laughed, “That’s easy for you to say, you’re not normal pony calling a Princess by her first name.”
They both shared a laughed and started trotting back to the castle.

They Arrived at Canterlot castle just as the sun started to set. Luna looked at Star Bolt and asked, “Would you like to see me raise the moon?”
Star Bolt couldn’t resist this chance, “Yes, I would like to see that very much.”
Then they both flew to a balcony on one of the tall towers, where Princess Celestia was already waiting. “Sister, I see you have been with Star Bolt this whole time. I was wondering where you went.”
Luna smiled, “Well, I was watching Star Bolt train for the royal guard exam.”
Celestia looked at Star Bolt, “Really, then I wish you luck on the exam. You will make a fine guard someday.”
Celestia looked back at Luna “Well sister, are you ready to begin the night.”
Luna nodded her head and walked out to the edge of the balcony. Just then her horn started to glow and she flew up into the air. The moon rose up in the background casting here shadow over Star Bolt.

Star Bolt looked in awe at the sight. This was the first time he had ever seen this. Then Luna landed back on the balcony, “How was that sister?”
Celestia smiled, “You were showing off a bit for the audience weren’t you?”
Luna started to blush and shouted “Tia! you show off every time you raise the sun for the summer sun ceremony, why can’t I do it just this once?”
Both Star Bolt and Celestia laughed at the blushing Luna. Then Star Bolt spoke “Well thank you for letting me see the moon rise with you your majesties, but I have to get back to my mentor. He should be returning from duty now.”
Princess Celestia looked at Star Bolt, “Of course, you go back and get some rest. The Royal Guard Exam is tomorrow, and you need your rest.”
Princess Luna spoke next “Take care of yourself and remember what I told you.”
Star Bolt agreed “I will, I can’t doubt myself now, I have a goal to reach.”
Star Bolt flew off the balcony and towards the building where he lived.

When he got there he walked in and saw his mentor relaxing in a chair. Commander Mist asked “So how did it go?”
Star Bolt looked at him, “How did what go?”
The commander smiled “Your talk with Princess Luna?”
Star Bolt looked away “Oh that, it went good, she gave me confidence to try my best tomorrow.”
“And?”
“And? And what? She told me that if I doubt myself then I’ll never achieve my goal.”
Commander Mist sighed, “You blew it… didn’t you?”
Star Bolt looked back at the commander, “What are you talking about?”
Commander Mist started walking away, “Go ahead and play dumb colt, but if ya keep blowing it like this then she will never know how ya feel. See ya tomorrow sparky.”
Star Bolt knew that his mentor was right. But what else could he do? She was a Princess and he is only a simple pegasus. Star Bolt got him some hay and went to sleep.

The next morning at the exam arena, Star Bolt stood in line with all the other participants. He seemed to be the only one nervous out of the group, but he remembered the princesses words and tried to keep himself confident. The arena was full with ponies from all over Canterlot, but Star Bolt didn’t want to think about that. He just wanted to remain focused; he has five opponents for this exam all he has to do is win the competition.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna walked to the podium on the side of the arena; there Princess Celestia announced the events. “Fillies and GeltleColts we are gathered here to hold a competition for these six devoted Stallions, each a fine example of bravery and loyalty that only Equestria can offer. And even though I would be proud to have all these stallions as my guards, I can only choose one. The exam will be split up into two events. One is an event of speed, each pony will go through the course designated for what kind of pony they are being pegasus, unicorn, or earth pony. The fastest of each will be placed into the final event of bravery; they will each face a small horde of dragons who have agreed to fight them. If more than one pony completes both of these tasks then they will face each other in overtime. In the overtime event they will face each other in hoof to hoof combat. If any challengers object to this then speak now…”

Princess Celestia gave the consistence a chance to object. but after a few second of silence, she continued, “Ok then let me explain the first event, each pony will start at the start line and race through each ring until they grab the flag that has their cutie mark on it. Then you will return to the start line before any other ponies make it back. And to let you each know, when you return with the flag you don’t have to go through the rings just return to the start line. Ok all contestants meet at the starting line for your pony type.”

Star Bolt flew up to the platform where one other pegasus was waiting to begin the race. The races between the unicorns and earth ponies went first, after the winners were chosen both Star Bolt and the other contestant lined up on the starting line. All he had to do was make it through the rings grab his flag and make it back before the other pegasus did. The Judge at the starting line gave them the ready, and then hit a bell starting the race.

Both Star Bolt and the other pegasus took off at the same pace for the first ring. With each ring they passed the other pegasus slowly took the lead and made it to the flags first. The cleaver pegasus tried to cheat by knocking Star Bolts flag off the pole. Star Bolt saw what happen but instead of complaining he charged downward to retrieve the flag. After catching the flag before it hit the ground Star Bolt raced back to the start line. The other pegasus was taunting Star Bolt by going half the speed that he went before he got the flag. This plan backfired however; Star Bolt reached the finish line one tenth of a second sooner than the other pegasus, winning the event and moving on to the next.

Princess Celestia announced the rules of the next event, “Each pony will face five dragons all at once. All you have to do is manage to neutralize at least one of the five dragons, to win the event. If the pony tried to leave the arena or loses consciousness then that pony will forfeit the event. The dragons have agreed to not fatally harm anypony however if an accident is to occur than we will not be held responsible. Are there any objections?”
Nopony spoke up so Princess Celestia continued talking “The first to face the dragons will be the unicorn, and then the earth pony, the pegasus will be the last to face the dragons.”

Luckily Star Bolt was going to be the last one to face the dragons; he had already worn himself out during the race so this will give him a chance to catch his breath. The unicorn entered the center of the arena. Just then five dragons flew in from the opening in the top of the arena. The dragons where moderately small but five of them will still be a good challenge. Just then the bell to begin rang. All five dragons started to circle the unicorn.

The unicorn was studying each dragon as it flew by but just then one of the dragons tried to shoot the unicorn with a fireball. The unicorn used magic to block it but while using magic another dragon charged him from behind. The unicorn tried to teleport but the dragon hit him first. The unicorn flew across the arena hitting the wall and landing unconscious on the arena floor. “Enough this match is over!”
Princess Celestia’s voice echoed throughout the arena. Star Bolt was amazed at what he just saw. The unicorn was tossed across the arena like a ragdoll and yet Star Bolt had to face the dragons soon.

Next up was the Earth pony. The pony approached the arena and waited for the bell. Once the bell rang the dragons went back to circling their opponent. Just like before one tried to shoot a fireball while another tried to charge him. The pony dodged both attacks and braced himself back in the middle of the arena. This time three dragons charged him from behind. The pony expected this; using both back hooves he kicked sand into their eyes, and then jumped out of the way. All three dragons colligated with each other knocking one of the three unconscious. The bell sounded to end the event and a few doctors went to wake up the unconscious dragon. Now it was Star Bolts turn to face them.

Star Bolt felt nervous as he entered the arena, he quickly started to think of a strategy, he needed a chance to try the Lightning Orb but that would be very difficult in this situation. The bell sounded to begin the event, and the dragons started to circle the arena. Star Bolt tried to read their actions but with five of them circling around him he had to take his eyes of one to watch another. One decided to shoot a fireball at him from behind, but Star Bolt dodged it by flying around it then he decided he had try using the Lightning Orb.

Star Bolt landed and quickly started to focus on channeling his energy into his hooves. It seemed to be working a small cloud appeared in the center of the arena but it was still too small. Just then a dragon tried to charge him for his right; Star Bolt dodged him and flew to another part of the arena, and continues focusing. The cloud was getting bigger but it was still too small. Then without noticing, a dragon charged from behind and knocked Star Bolt across the arena. Star Bolt was hurting but he knew he had to continue; he slowly lifted himself to his hooves and continued focusing on the clouds growth. It only needed one more foot in diameter.

One dragon fired a fireball at Star Bolt while another charged him. Star Bolt managed to dodge the fireball but he took a direct hit from the charging dragon. Star Bolt flew across the arena hitting the wall on the other side. Princess Celestia stood up “That’s enough.”
Star Bolt yelled “NO! I'm not done yet! I can still go.”
Princess Celestia looked at Luna who also looked concerned then said “Continue!”
Star Bolt struggled to get back on his feet then while he was focusing on the cloud he staggered to the center of the arena, directly under the cloud then he waited for the right time. Getting annoyed all five dragons charged him at once. Star Bolt waited one more second then decided, “NOW!”

The cloud in the center of the arena started shooting lightning in all directions stopping mere feet from the cheering audience. The dragons however where all hit by this cluster of lighting each one experience an electric shock that has never been experienced by a dragon before. When the lightning stopped all five dragons were lying in the center of the arena unconscious, Star Bolt was still standing but he felt very weak.

Princess Celestia, who was still shocked by what she had just seen, stood up to speak. “The event is over, the competitor won. I’ll allow a thirty minute rest time for the competitors before we begin the Overtime Event.”
Star Bolt staggered off the arena floor to Commander Mist on the side. “Way to go sparky, ya did it, but do you think you can face the last pony in the shape you’re in.”
Star Bolt looked off the arena at the podium where Princess Luna was sitting. He could see the concern on her face; this gave Star Bolt a little more confidence. Star Bolt looked at his mentor and spoke, “With every attack there’s an opening… right commander?”
Commander Mist smiled “You’re either crazy or dumb, but I like your determination. Watch his moves and his openings then you will end this quickly.”

Princess Celestia stood tall and announced, “The rest time is over, I’ll explain the rules to the final event. Both ponies will face each other in hoof to hoof combat. Just like the last event only one pony needs to be neutralized and the other pony wins. Are both competitors ready?”
The earth pony replies “Yes”
Star Bolt only gave her a nod yes.

Then the bell rang beginning the match. The earth pony started to taunt Star Bolt, “An amusing trick to defeat the dragons. But with that technique and the beating you took at the start, there is no way you can win against me, so why don’t you just give up now.”
Star Bolt could only reply with confidence, “You’re wasting your time. If you are too scared to charge me than just say so, and spare me a little speech about how you think you can beat me.”

The earth pony got angry at this comment, and charged. Star Bolt watched the pony’s attack and acted, when the pony was close enough Star Bolt using his wings through himself up into the air and landed all four hooves into the earth pony’s face. The pony flew back and rolled a number of times before stopping, and then he laid there without moving. Star Bolt stumbled to the other pony and looked at his unconscious face. Standing there he could only think to himself “I found the opening.”

Ch3 Commander Bolt's Decision

Star Bolt and Commander Mist both stood at attention outside the door waiting for their cue to enter; inside they could hear Princess Celestial giving here speech to the ponies of Canterlot. Commander Mist looked at Star Bolt, “Are ya ready for this Sparky?”
Star Bolt kept his stance and replied “Yes Commander, I am ready.”
Commander Mist smiled “Are ya sure because you look nervous.”
“No Sir, I am ready for this I am completely confident.”
The commander started to taunt him “Ya sound nervous too, ya sure you’re ready?”
Star Bolt started to get irritated, “No commander I'm not nervous, I'm fine I’ve been waiting for this honor almost nine years now, I’ll be fine.”
Commander Mist continued, “Ya know, one sign of being nervous is denial. Are ya in denial sparky?”
Star Bolt sighed, “Fine Commander I give up, I'm nervous, you happy now. I’ve never been so nervous in all my life, I’ll take the guards exam, and those dragons over this any day.”

Commander Mist smile and moved back to the position of attention, then replies, “Calm down sparky, I was only having a bit of fun. Ya know I was nervous when I became Commander of the guard too. All ya got to do is keep your composure and thank the Princess, then all it is, another ceremony where ponies congratulate you. A lot like the one last week when you rushed to get Luna’s carriage back to raise the moon on time. By the way, what was it that caused you two to be late again? I believe you said it was traffic, or some lizards or something like that.”
Star Bolt looked at Commander Mist “I told you a thousand times nothing happened, the princess wanted to see the great dragon migration, and one of the dragons from the entrance exam recognized me, and then he attack me. That’s all and furthermore I'm tired of you insinuating that Luna and I are involved in anything!”

Commander Mist didn’t respond instead he continued to look forward in the position of attention. Just then Star Bolt realized the door had already opened and everypony attending the ceremony was staring at him. Star Bolt had definitely embarrassed himself, so he just gave a quick and innocent smile, and then jumped back to the position of attention. Star Bolt and Commander Mist started marching down the aisle in perfect synchronization to a small mat where they both bowed before Princess Celestia, who was trying not to laugh during awkward silence that came after Star Bolts little outburst.

Princess Celestia looked at the two and announced, “Will the Royal Guard Star Bolt Please Step forward.”
Both ponies rose from their bow, then Star Bolt stepped forward as Commander Mist Stepped back, then they bowed once again. Princess Celestia the announced “Star Bolt the Pegasus, you joined the royal guard nine years ago During the Royal guard entrance exam. Since then, not only have you proven yourself in a manner of loyalty, but your dedication and skill has only given a good reputation to the royal guards and to all of Equestria.”
Princess Celestia raised her horn and taped both of Star Bolt’s shoulders while saying “So it gives me great pleasure in promoting you to the high position of commander, and herby awarding you the tittle of Commander Bolt.”

The crowed started to applause and Commander Bolt could only smile at his pride. Princess Celestia then continued the speech, “Arise Commander Bolt and if you have something to say then say it now.”
Commander Bolt stood up and turned around to the cheering audience, “I would just like to say, that this is a grate honor, I never did find out about my past but I'm proud of what my future will bring for this kingdom. Thank you your majesty and I will not fail you.”

The awards ceremony ended shortly after that, but both Commander Mist and Commander Bolt had to report to Princess Celestia shortly after. When they both entered her chamber, they both bowed, as Commander Mist asked, “Your majesty you wanted to see us?”
When they looked up, they notices that Princess Luna was also in the room, Princess Celestia tuned to the two, “Ah of course Commanders, we would like to discuss your positions here in the castle. Now that we have Commander Bolt here, you can finally go into retirement Commander Mist, and allow Commander Bolt to take your place.”
Commander Mist stood up and replied “Your majesty, I have been nothing but loyal to the Kingdome for many years, so with all due respect. I decline your offer and if I must step down from command then place me under Commander Bolt. I taught him everything I know, and he has gone beyond my abilities so I can’t think of a better leader then him…”

Commander Bolt stood up “No your majesty! I have worked under Commander Mist for almost nine years now, if anything I’ll be placed in ranks under his command.”
Celestia and Luna looked at each other and smiled, and then Princess Luna spoke “Your dedication and trust towards one another is inspiring. However since you both have the tittle of commander you can’t serve under each other.”
Princess Celestia then spoke “That is why my sister and I have decided to split the chain of command into two.”

Both commanders were confused, Commander Bolt then spoke, “Two, your majesty? I'm afraid I don’t understand.”
Princess Luna tried to explain, “Usually there is one commander and for the past fifteen years it has been Commander Mist. However at night the commander leaves duty to rest. So I have decided to make two commanders in charge. One for day and one for night, that way if I need assistance than I don’t have to wake the day commander and have him feeling tired the next day.”
Princess Celestia then added, “All we need to do is decide, who will take what position, day or night.”

Before anypony could say anything Commander Mist Spoke with grate hast, “I'll take the day shift, Commander Bolt will take the night.”
Commander Bolt looked at Commander Mist, “What?”
Immediately after that Princess Celestia spoke also with hast, “Done.”
Both Commander Bolt and Princess Luna looked at Princess Celestia and spoke at the same time, “What?”
Commander Mist without allowing anypony else to speak, continued, “Than it’s settled we will take our leave and Commander Bolt will report here at daybreak.”
Commander Bolt tried to speak up, “don’t I…”
Princess Celestia interrupted him “Than take your leave, and report here at daybreak in your night armor, Commander Bolt.”
Commander Bolt tried to comment but Commander Mist turned around, and dragged him out of the room with unicorn magic.

Commander Bolt was a little confused. After shutting the door he turned to Commander Mist and spoke, “What in Celestia’s name, are you doing?”
Commander Mist started trotting away and replied, “What? That? I was only giving you your chance, that’s all.”
Commander Bolt replied “Chance? What chance? What are you talking about?”
Commander Mist spoke as he was trotting away, “If you keep acting dumb then soon she will believe it and then she will never know how you feel.”

Commander Bolt knew exactly what Commander Mist meant, but he couldn’t stop convincing himself that a petty guard will never have a chance to be with a princess, especially one of such beauty.
Commander Bolt sighed as he trotted back to his quarters to prepare for the night. A few hours later, right as the sun began to set; Commander Bolt approached the Princess Celestia’s chambers. The door was already open and before he could knock out of respect Princess Luna spoke “Please come in commander we’ve been expecting you.”

Commander Bolt entered the room and bowed, “Commander Bolt, reporting for duty your majesty.”
Both Luna and Celestia stood in front of him; Celestia looked at Luna then spoke, “Well sister, it seems everything is in order here so I’ll take my leave, and get some rest.”
Luna turned to Celestia, “Of course sister, you get some sleep, and I’ll see you at dawn.”
Princess Celestia started to leave the room, but as she trotted by Commander Bolt, she whispered ever so softly to him “Good luck Commander.”
Commander Bolt turned around and watched in amassment as Celestia left the room. He could only think to himself “Is she and Commander Mist both in on this together? It would figure that senile old stallion trying something like this. I’ll have his head on a…”
Before he could finish that thought Princess Luna spoke “Star Bolt? Can you come here please?”

Commander Bolt rose from his bow and approached Princess Luna, “Yes your majesty?”
Princess Luna gave Commander Bolt a stare that only a disappointed mother would give a disobedient colt. Commander Bolt quickly corrected himself, “What I meant to say is, Yes Luna? Sorry, old habits and all.”
Luna laughed, “That’s ok, just remember, now that your commander you can call me Luna whenever you want. Either way your new duties as night commander begin tonight, first on the agenda, check the guard shifts to make sure every guard is present. Then report back here with the guards who pull my carriage, we will go on my nightly rounds through the kingdom. From there it’s all waiting for dawn. I usually like to walk through the Canterlot garden. Would you care to join me?”
Commander Bolt started to blush, “Uh… sure Luna It would be safer that way. I’ll go check the guards and return with the carriage pullers.”

After checking the guards Commander Bolt escorted Luna and here carriage through all the surrounding cities on Equestria. Then they walked through the garden together, this was the time that they got to discuss more than just royal duties. Princess Luna spoke about here competing against here sister as a little fillies, and Star Bolt got to talk about his royal guard training. It was Commander Bolts chance to tell her how he felt, but he let it slip by every time. This routine continued the same every night for a few months and the stories always passed the time. They talk about past event like, when Luna and Celestia defeated Discord together with the Elements of Harmony. Or when, Star Bolt discovered an unusual electric apple growing on the thunder grounds. The two couldn’t have become better friends towards one another but Star Bolt still had his feelings.

As time passed, Princess Luna started to change, here stories showed less enthusiasm and then she started to talk less. One night, Commander Bolt had to say something. “Luna? Is there something on your mind that is troubling you?”
Luna stopped trotting and looked back at Commander Bolt, “Am… am I... do you think… I'm a bad ruler?”
Commander Bolt was surprised; “Of course you’re not Luna! Your subjects love you, why would you think such a thing?”
Luna hid her face, “Because I’ve noticed… well look around. What do you see?”
Commander Bolt looked around and described their surroundings, “Well I see the Hedge labyrinth, I see the statue of Discord, I see the statue of victory, and other hedges in the garden.”

Luna continued, “What else?”
Commander Bolt looked around and was more detailed with his description; “I see a beautiful moon, elegant stars, the dew glistening off the grass, and all in all, a beautiful night.”
Princess Luna started to tear up, “And do you see anypony out enjoying it?”
Commander Bolt looked into the distance, and didn’t see anypony at all. But he didn’t want to tell Luna that, she was upset as is. Princess Luna looked at his face and could see the answer to her question. Then she continued as she started to cry, “Nopony likes my nights, they all don’t love me! I’ve been patient, thinking that maybe it’s just my imagination, but it seems like nopony appreciates what I do. I know that the moon can’t grow food or warm up the world as much as the sun, but I can’t do anything else, I can’t do what my sister can, I can’t fill the world with light. So ponies shun my night… and me. I'm a bad ruler aren’t I?”

Luna leaned forward and cried on Commander Bolts shoulder. Commander Bolt was thinking as fast as he could. Hearing Princess Luna cry like this was hurting him badly. He thought for a second then spoke, “Luna? You’re not a bad ruler. The reason you don’t see anypony out is because only under your peaceful moon, the ponies of Equestria can feel safe enough to rest when they are most defenseless. You give them comfort enough to drop their guard to sleep. That all there is to it, Besides would a bad ruler go investigate a flashing light in the Everfree Forest, or pick up an unconscious colt lying in an electrified crater? No! You saved my life that day and I can defend you from every dragon, timber wolf and even Cerberus himself and that would never repay how grateful I am for that.”

Commander Bolt gently pushed her back and wiped the tears from her face. Then continued “You’re not a bad ruler, the love your subjects give just isn’t as direct as they think. In fact I… well what I mean to say is… I… I lo…”
at that moment another guard galloped up. “Your majesty dawn is approaching.”

Princess Luna looked at the guard and wiped the rest of the tears from her face, “Oh yes, my apologies, I must’ve lost track of the time. Commander Bolt let us return to the castle.”
Commander Bolt couldn’t believe his luck; this was his chance, the perfect chance, and his only attempt at it. And he blew it… again. Commander Bolt started imagining him beating the life out of that guard, and then kicking and stomping him while he was on the ground.

Princess Luna looked back, and smiled, “Commander Bolt... thank you, I feel much better now that understand how everypony truly feels. I think I know how to handle this now. Let’s return to the castle sister awaits our return.”
Commander Bolt felt better that he could cheer up Princess Luna; he nodded his head and replied, “Of course, your majesty.”
They both returned to the balcony where Princess Celestia was waiting to raise the sun. When Princess Luna went to the balcony edge to lower the moon, Princess Celestia trotted up to Commander Bolt and asked very quietly. “How did it go today?”
Without even trying to play dumb Commander Bolt spoke, “Blew it… again.”
Princess Celestia laughed a little then replied, “Well, there is always tomorrow night. You’re free to go get some rest if you want, we will wait for Commander Mist here.”

Commander Bolt bowed and said, “Thank you your majesty.”
Then he turned around and trotted out the door. While going down the hall he passed Commander Mist who was on his way to begin his shift. Commander Mist spoke, “How is it going sparky?”
Without missing a beat or even stopping Commander Bolt replied, “Blew it again… gota try tomorrow.”
Commander Mist laughed a little as he went by, “Well, at least you’re not dumb today.”

The next night Commander Bolt approached just as the moon rose, while he was on his way to the balcony, he past Princess Celestia in the hall. She stopped to speak with Commander Bolt, “Good evening to you commander can I ask a favor from you?”
Commander Bolt Stopped and bowed, “Of course your majesty what do you need from me?”
Celestia got close to speak with Commander Bolt quietly, “Luna is acting very strange today, she seems to be either angry or irritated at something so can you please keep an eye on her, I don’t want here to do anything that might hurt herself.”
Commander Bolt replied “Of course, I won’t let anything happen that brings here any harm. You have my word.”

Princess Celestia smiled,” I knew I could count on you, I have business to take care of in Manehatten and I won’t return till dawn so the keep an eye on the castle, also.”
“Of course your majesty, leave everything to me. And have a safe journey.”
Princess Celestia continued down the hall and out the castle gates while Commander Bolt continued to the balcony. When he approached Princess Luna, he spoke, “Sorry if I was late, Princess Celestia was telling me about here trip to Manehatten tonight.”

Princess Luna spoke in an unusually serious way, “That quite alright commander go see to the guards shifts then return here.”
Commander Bolt felt uneasy; she never called him commander when they were alone before. He just put that thought to the back of his head and replied, “Yes, your majesty.”
Commander Bolt checked each checkpoint just as he did every night, but on his way back while he was trotting through the court yard, he heard a loud boom like lightning.

Commander Bolt looked up and saw a Black and Blue tornado coming off the balcony where Luna was waiting. Commander Bolt didn’t think he just acted, “I got to protect the princess!”
He took off from the courtyard and flew to the balcony, but no matter how hard he tried the winds were too strong. The tornado grabbed and threw him against a nearby tower. Hurt but not down, Commander Bolt flew towards the window below the balcony and raced up the stairs as fast as his hooves and wings together could take him. When he got to the door the tornado had vanished. Standing in front of him was a black and blue mare.

Commander Bolt Yelled at the mare with anger, “Hey!?! Who are you? And what have you done with Princess Luna!?!”
The dark mare looked at him and smiled but didn’t say anything. Commander Bolt didn’t like this at all; he yelled again, “did you hear me? I asked you a question and I expect an answer! Where is the princess? What have you done with her? WHERE IS LUNA!?!”

The mare continued to smile as she spoke “My, my, my, you really are devoted aren’t you Commander? But don’t you recognize your princess when you see her?”
Commander Bolt couldn’t believe what she just said; could this really be Princess Luna? She seems so sinister and evil, Luna was kind and graceful, this can’t be her, but he did feel a presence inside her, “Princess Luna?”
The mare smiled and nodded her head, “Actually I have grown tired of that name you can call me Nightmare Moon.”
“Nightmare Moon?”

Nightmare Moon looked off the balcony, and spoke, “I’ve waited long enough for Equestria to show its love for the night. So maybe they will love it more when the sun never rises again. And as for you commander I want you to decide, will you lead my army?”
Commander Bolt was confused, “What?”
Nightmare looked back at Commander Bolt, “Yes you have proven your loyalty numerous times, and I can’t think of a better leader for my troops than the great Commander Bolt, with every great ruler there is a grate army, and I want you to lead that army. Do you accept?

Commander Bolt has never had his feelings split up like this before, she is still Princess Luna, but she isn’t the Luna he fell in love with. Nightmare Moon is more powerful than him so saying no would be a death sentence, but saying yes is considered treason against Princess Celestia. Maybe if Luna is inside Nightmare Moon than maybe she could be free somehow, but how? A group of guards rushed into the room which their spears at the ready, “Commander! Stand back we can handle her.”
Commander Bolt yelled to them, “Lower your weapons and stand down, that’s an order

The guards looked at Commander Bolt in confusion, one guard spoke up, “But Commander she…”
Commander Bolt turned to the guards, “You dare disobey my orders, and point your spears towards your Princess!?!”
All the guards lowered their weapons and couldn’t believe what Commander Bolt said. Nightmare Moon asked “Then do you accept my offer?”
Commander Bot replied “Yes your majesty, I accept. I will lead your army to victory, for the night... and for my Princess.”
Nightmare Moon looked off the balcony and spoke, “Good, then with you by my side, tomorrows dawn, will be a dark one."

Ch4 The Friendly Foe and the Eclipsed Nightmare

The air was humid in the underground hut, the inside was dark but Commander Bolt and his officers could still make out the markings on the map. Commander Bolt turned to the officer on his left, “Lieutenant Stone, you and your Bow ponies will line up in the central trench,. Keep your aim high I don’t want ponies falling to friendly arrows.”
Lieutenant Stone replied, “Yes Commander!”
Commander Bolt turned to another officer, in front of him, “Captain Storm you lead your pegasi through the frontal assault and drop spears on them, but move fast, and make your flight path unpredictable. Celestial archers are some of the best, and Unicorns can throw spears at the same accuracy.”
Captain Storm Replied, “Of course, Commander, we will be careful.”

Then Commander Bolt turned to another Officer on his right. “Lieutenant Snow, that stunt you pulled the last time cost the lived of five of your pike ponies, disobeys my orders again and I’ll have your head! Now pay attention because you are the most important force for this battle, there is a trench on the eastern flank here, which goes underground. It will lead you to a hidden tunnel entrance on the other side of the Celestial Crusaders front line. I want you to take your pike ponies through that tunnel and drop their commander. If we wave his spear through there main force then they will no doubt surrender…”

At that moment a scout ran into the room, “Commander Bolt, we have news from the front! The Celestial forces approaching are being led by Commander Mist.”
Commander Bolt’s eyes lit up. “Are you sure? I mean are you absolutely positive?”
The scout nodded his head, “Yes Commander! We had three scouts confirm it, its Commander Mist.”
Commander Bolt thought to himself for a second, it’s been almost a year since he had last seen Commander Mist. It was before Nightmare Moons Coup-de-tat, before the Eternal Eclipse, and before Equestria became a world of darkness and war.

Commander Bolt started to remember the argument between Nightmare Moon and Celestia that night. Nightmare Moon refused to lower the moon so Celestia raised the sun without the moon leaving the sky. But Nightmare Moon wouldn’t stand for that. She moved the moon in front of the sun and formed an eclipse, an eclipse that has lasted every day from dawn till dusk. Now Equestria is dark at night and red during the day. Shortly after that, Nightmare Moon took refuge in the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters just outside of the Everfree forest. This is now our grate fortress, with a treacherous ravine and an unstoppable army guarding it, not one Celestial crusader ever made it to the castle before, at least not in chains.

Commander Bolt decided, “Lieutenant Snow, change in planes, your pike ponies will keep the rear and hold the line. I’ll lead the assault through the trench and face Commander Mist on the other side.”
Lieutenant Stone Spoke up, “Are you sure that’s wise Commander, at least let me face him with you.”
Commander Bolt looked at Lieutenant Stone, “No! This is my fight. He trained me, it is only right that he and I settle this on the battle field.”
Lieutenant Stone tried to speak up again, “But Sir I…”
Commander Bolt Interrupted, “Lieutenant, we need you and your archers here on the front. There isn’t a mare alive that can best you with a bow, so we need that skill here on the front, so please let me face this bitter old stallion on my own, besides it’s been a long time since my squad had the chance to fight, I wouldn’t want you and your bow ponies to take all the glory like last time.”

The lieutenant smiled, she knew that he could handle himself, so she agreed, “Don’t die Commander; we need you more than you think.”
Commander Bolt smiled, “I have no need to die yet, this war hasn’t…”
Just the screaming came from a soldier outside “CELESTIAL TROOPS SPOTTED!!!”
Commander Bolt and his officers quickly galloped outside. In the distance he could see spear tips on the horizon. Commander Bolt approached a lookout and asked, “Any sign of Pegisi troops?”
The scout turned to reply, “Not, yet Commander.”
“Good, report to Lieutenant Snow if any appear.”
“Yes Commander.”

Commander Bolt turned back to his officers, “You all know the battle plan, move the front wave to their position and hold the line. I want my pike ponies to follow me into the trench, Now Move!”
Commander Bolt and a hand full of soldiers ran into a nearby trench, and then they moved to a tunnel that was hidden in the brush. Each pony moved slowly through the cave, to try their best not to make any noises. The sound of metal on metal contact behind them was a good sign that the battle above had already begun. When Commander Bolt reached the end of the tunnel he moved first into the trench, to check the surroundings. He turned back to his troops and whispered, “Clear.”

All the ponies left the cave in a slow quiet manner, to try not to attract any attention. Then Commander Bolt moved down the trench till he reached a clearing. There he could see the back of the Celestial army, but there was no sign of Commander Mist. Then he heard a scream in pain behind him. Commander Bolt turned around just in time to watch one of his solders fall to the ground with a spear in his back. Commander looked above the tunnel entrance at the stallion that threw the spear.
“Ya got a lot of nerve coming here Sparky! Ya sure you ain’t lost?”

There standing above the tunnel entrance was Commander Mist and a few of his troops. Commander Bolt called out to him, “Stand down old stallion. You know even now you can’t win?”
Commander Mist only smiled then replied, “Commander Bolt! I am here to discuss your terms of surrender, if ya lay your weapons down now, I’ll see to it that you and your soldiers will not be harmed. However, if ya refuse to surrender you and your soldiers will die, here and now. Do ya except?”

Commander Bolt could only smile, “You know as well as I do that you shouldn’t surrender when you have the upper hand.”
Commander Mist chuckled, “I knew you were stubborn but you can’t be blind, I Kno…”
Commander Bolt interrupted, “Can you?”
Commander Mist was confused, “What?”
Then Commander Bolt yelled, “FLASH!!!”

All of Commander Bolt’s troops hid their eyes as Commander Bolt used an alternate version of the Lightning Orb. Only instead of producing lightning it produced an instantaneous blinding light that blinded all the Celestial troops. Immediately after the booming sound all of Commander Bolt’s troops charged Commander Mist and his soldiers. Before Commander Mist knew it, he was pinned on the ground with Commander Bolts hoof holding his head down by his horn.

Commander Bolt smiled in a cruel manner, “As you can see I have mastered all forms of the Lightning Orb. Now Commander, I would like to discuss the terms of your surrender.”
Commander Mist gave Commander Bolt a very angry stare, but Commander Bolt could tell what that stare meant. Commander Bolt jerked his hoof back from Commander Mist’s horn and right as he did a spear flew right across Commander Mists face missing his hoof by mere inches. With this diversion Commander Mist used both rear hooves to throw Commander Bolt off of him and back into the trench. Commander Bolt rushed to his feet and braced himself for an attack, but Commander Mist just stood at the top of the trench over him like a king over peasant.

Commander Mist was irritated now using his unicorn magic, he picked up spears that where lying on the ground from fallen troops, and had them hovering over his head in a threatening manner. Then he spoke, “Face it Sparky, you lost. Give up now.”
Commander Bolt tried to think of a strategy but he was cornered in the trench with no escape route, and his troops had taken their fight to another area, so he hesitated. To break the silence Commander Mist launched a spear at Commander Bolt digging it into the trench wall behind him, then he spoke, “Give it up Sparky, I don’t want to kill you, but I can’t let you continue protecting Nightmare Moon. What she is doing is wrong, and you know that. So why are you protecting her?”

Commander Bolt looked at Commander Mist and replied, “You think I don’t know that? You think I don’t see what she has become, and what she is doing to the ponies of Equestria? Do you, the stallion who raised and trained me, think I don’t know what happening here!?! I know what she’s doing; I know the ponies of Equestria are miserable. I KNOW SHE IS EVIL!”
Commander Mist yelled back, “Then why? Why are ya helping her? Why are ya doing this? Why are ya betraying Celestia, your Princess? WHY!?!”
Commander Bolt yelled back, “BECOUSE I LOVE HER!!!”
Commander Mist glared at Commander Bolt, “You love Nightmare Moon?”
Commander Bolt yelled back in anger, “NO! I LOVE LUNA!!! And if there is a way to bring Luna back I will find it, but I can’t do it if Nightmare Moon is my enemy so I’ll do whatever it takes to Stay Close to her!”

Commander Mist was surprised to hear Commander Bolt admit that he was in love with Luna, but this wasn’t the time to complement him, so he continued, “BY KILLIN? You would rather Kill Celestia’s troops, the ponies you fought beside, than to just get over some kind of… CRUSH!?!”
Commander Bolt couldn’t hold his temper anymore; with that last phrase in his mind he lost complete control of himself, “Crush? CRUSH! I'll kill anypony that stands between me and Luna’s freedom, EVEN YOU!”

Moving fast, Commander Bolt stretched his wing out, till it was touching the bottom of the spear that was stuck in the Trench wall behind him. Using his front hoof he pulled the back of the spear in a see-saw motion flinging it out of the trench and toward Commander Mist. Out of reflex Commander Mist block the incoming spear with one of his hovering spears, and threw another at Commander Bolt accidently taking off a chunk of his left ear. Commander Bolt Screamed in a combination of pain and anger unlike anything Commander Mist had ever heard before.

Commander Mist spoke to him calmly, “Sparky, I didn’t mean to do that, but you gave me no choice…”
Commander Bolt had lost complete control of himself and replied, “No, you had a choice, but not anymore.”
Commander Bolt anchored his hoofs into the ground and started to produce the cloud for the Lightning Orb. The cloud started to grow at a very fast rate, faster than anything he had produced before. Commander Mist tried to stop him by throwing the spears at him but as each spear got close a static discharge would make contact with the spear changing its course and burying it in the ground in front of Commander Bolt. Even the spear that carried the Celestial seal that belonged to Commander Mist himself didn’t come close to hitting its target.

Once the cloud grew to about six feet across, Commander Mist cried out, “It’s too big hold back!”
Commander Bolt hesitated, that comment, it was the same one he used when Star Bolt was training back before the guard exam. Commander Bolt started to think about that day, there is no way he could forget it. It was the day he got angry and went to the Thunder Grounds. It was also the first time he and Luna got to speak alone together. Then he started to think about what he was doing, Luna wouldn’t like this at all, in fact it would break her heart.

Commander Bolt looked at the cloud above his head. It had already grown eight feet across, it was too late. If he tried to stop it now the static stored inside would release and make no difference. Feeling terrible about what was happening Commander Bolt looked at Commander Mist and spoke, “I'm sorry Commander I can’t stop it.”
Commander Mist smiled calmly and dropped the remaining spears, “Its ok Sparky either way you found your opening.”

Commander Mist closed his eyes in acceptance. Commander Bolt tried to hold on to the power he had stored up but he couldn’t hold it anymore. The lightning stretched in all directions destroying everything in its path, the last thing Commander Bolt saw of Commander Mist was his shadow slowly vanishing inside the blinding light that followed. This particular Lightning Orb was so powerful that it stretched easily over Commander Bolt’s and Commander Mist’s still fighting troops.

When the dust settled Commander Bolt was on his knees in the middle of a crater. The trench was no longer visible. The trees in the area where charred and absolutely nothing of the nearby ponies remained other than their armor and metal weapon that lay in the sand and ash. Commander Bolt looked into the distance. Everything was quiet other than the sound of the front line battle that lay over the horizon. Commander Bolt couldn’t believe what he had just done. Not only did he kill his teacher, guardian and who he could consider his father. But he vaporized him and both their squads of soldiers.

Commander Bolt started to trot to the pile of armor that was sitting where Commander Mist was standing; before he got there he hit his hoof on something hard in a pile of sand. He brushed the sand away to reveal the gold colored Spear that only Celestial Generals carried. Commander Bolt picked it up and started to think to himself, “I just killed my mentor, my squad and all the troops in the rear side of their army. But I can still save the few in the front before they die.” Commander Bolt flew into the air as fast as he could with the spear till he reached the back of the remaining Celestial army.

The trooped in the rear of the army called out to the front “ITS COMMANDER BOLT, HES HERE!”
All the soldiers turned to him. Commander Bolt landed and held the spear up in the air so that the Celestial seal could be seen. The troops saw the spear, dropped their weapons, and bowed. This was a simple costume in the Celestial military, they weren’t bowing to the one who defeated their commander, but they were bowing in respect for their fallen commander, and to surrender the battle. Some of the lookout ponies fired a blue burning arrow into the sky to signal the front line and the pegisi to surrender.

Commander Bolt marched through the front line with the spear held up high. The sounds of screaming, rage, and metal on metal, dimed down all that could be herd was the moans and cries of the wounded. Luckily the Medical soldiers didn’t bow so they were able to reach wounded who were unreachable during the combat. When Commander Bolt reached the rear line where his officers waiting, he asked Lieutenant Snow, “Lieutenant, gather up all Celestial soldiers in an area near that bolder I want to address them all shortly.”
Lieutenant Snow replied “Yes Commander.”

Commander Bolt walked into the hut and sat the spear in the corner of the room. Then he stood staring at it. Lieutenant Stone walked into the room and placed a rag on the left side of his face, “Are you ok Commander? It looks like he took part of your ear off. Douse it hurt?”
Commander Bolt knew that Lieutenant Stone was trying to get his mind off of what happened so in appreciation he replied as kindly as he could, “Its fine Lieutenant, I’ve had worse. Can you give me a casualty report.” The Lieutenant looked down and replied. he medics are gathering the numbers now... but if I were to guess, about two hundred or so.”
Commander Bolt replied, “I see that the lowest we’ve had in weeks, who suffered the most loses?”
“Captain Storm lost the most, including himself…"

Commander Bolt couldn’t even look her in the eye, but he spoke, “He will be missed I'm going to address the remaining Celestial troops, continue tallying the total loses and I’ll meet you later Captain.”
She looked at him with concern, “Captain.”
Commander Bolt replied, “Of course you have done more than enough to prove yourself. You deserve this promotion.”
Captain Stone replied, "Thank you Commander I’ll gather the remaining soldiers and get a better count of the fallen.”
Captain Stone left the room; Commander Bolt took one last look at the spear, bandaged his ear and left the hut.

Commander Bolt flew to the top of a nearby bolder to address the remaining enemy force and announced, “Greetings to all of you. If you don’t know me already, I am Commander Bolt; I am the commanding general of Nightmare Moons army and second in command of the Nightmare Legion. I have gathered you all here because I want to give you a chance. I can turn you in, and have you either imprisoned or executed for fighting in the Celestial army. Or you can leave your weapons laying where they are, and return to Princess Celestia. It isn’t a wonderful offer but I'm making this in light that I believe we have all lost something important to us today. Some lost friends, family, limbs, wings, pride, hope, or even the reason to continue fighting. But I won’t take, your lives if you still have them. There is no reason to kill defeated ponies, so go back to your Princess, and tell her that I'm still fighting, and if she wants to take down Nightmare Moon then she will have to face me first. Now, go home.”

The entire crowd was speechless, nopony said anything as Commander Bolt left the front and started trotting back to the hut. On his way back Lieutenant Snow stopped him, “Commander you think it’s wise to just send them back like that. Celestia will only give them new weapons and send them back here for another fight.”

Commander Bolt stopped and looked at Lieutenant Snow, “When I was up there you know what I saw looking at Celestia’s army? I saw many types of ponies willing to give their life for Celestia. Pegasus, unicorns, earth ponies, mares, stallions, even some that I would still consider colts, and fillies, all of them willing to give everything they have, just to see the sun again. But while I was up there you know what I saw the most? Bandages, blood soaked bandages, like the one on my ear. I couldn’t pick one pony out that didn’t have some sort of injury on them. If I send them back only a few of them will return, Celestia will not send a wounded pony into battle, and if I turn them in, to Nightmare Moon, she will execute the wounded and try to corrupt those who can still fight. All of those things I mentioned up there, family, friends, limbs, wings, hope, and the will to fight. I lost a majority of those things today. And only one pony can change my decision, and she isn’t here so don’t test me today. Or you will go back with them, in chains. So, how clear am I?”

Lieutenant Snow was surprised that Commander Bolt snapped at him like that, of all the times Lieutenant Snow made him angry. This one was the worst, so he replied, “Cristal clear Sir.”
Commander Bolt went back into the hut and looked at the spear in the corner of the room. He started to remember everything from his colthood he started thinking about all the training he endured, all the hours put into making himself stronger, in hopes that one day he could protect Luna. Then he remembered Commander Mist’s advice, and ideas that helped him to control the Lightning orb, and his deceitful way of giving him a chance to tell Luna how he felt. But his thoughts where interrupted by a dark voice from behind him, “Did you ever think, you would be the one to silence that pitiful fool?”

Commander Bolt knew who was speaking so he turned around and bowed. Just then Nightmare Moon appeared form a dark blue fog that phased into the room from the cracks in the ceiling. Commander Bolt stood back up and spoke, “Your majesty what brings you to the battlefield?”
She smiled, “I just had to see how things were going I didn’t want to receive bad news from a pathetic scout, when I could receive it from my general himself. So… how did it go Commander?”
Commander Bolt replied, “It went a little bit south, they knew of the tunnel and set up an ambush for us.”
Nightmare Moon replied,” I see and how did you survive that ambush?” Commander Bolt replied, “I used the flash tactic but in the end it was a close battle. “

Nightmare Moon smiled,” I can see that, your ear is mangled, did Commander Mist do that?”
Commander Bolt looked back at the spear. “Yes, he did.”
Nightmare Moon replied, well it seems like your devotion towards each other faded a little more than you thought. Either way continues your defense; at this rate we will be ready to lead a strike on Canterlot next month.”

Commander Bolt was surprised, “Next month? Do we have the troops for an attempt like that?”
Nightmare Moon chuckled in a cruel way, “Not if you continue to vaporize them.”
With that said Nightmare Moon turned into the blue fog and phased back through the cracks in the ceiling. Commander Bolt became furious, how did she know that? And why would she taunt him like that? He tried to calm himself down by going outside for some fresh air. While he was outside Captain Stone approached him, “Commander we have the total number of deaths gathered up would you like to hear it?”

Despite how much he hated hearing the casualty report, he had to know there loses, so he replied, “Yes, How many dead.”
Caption Stone replied, “So far we’ve lost a total of one hundred seventy ponies, in that last battle. All we need is a count from the fifteen you took with you. How many did you lose?”
Commander Bolt lowered his head, “The total is one hundred eighty five then.”
Captain Stone thought for a second, then she understood knew what he meant but she didn’t want to say anything about it. So she only replied, “That’s the total fallen. We have two hundred ninety-six wounded but some of the wounded might not last till tomorrow.”

Commander Bolt looked toward the eclipse, it was already on the horizon soon the sun will go over the horizon and it will be the real night. Commander Bolt looked back at Captain Stone and spoke, “Set up camp and reports any changes in the morning. You and your troops need their rest. I'm going out to the Thunder Grounds, if anything bad comes up send for me.”
Captain Stone knew that he needed time to think so she agreed, “Yes sir.”

Commander Bolt went deep into the Everfree forest, after a short while he approached the Thunder Grounds, years ago, he always came here to relax and calm himself down, when he was in a bad mood. The static electricity from the very first Lightning Orb he ever made was still inside the plants in the area. In fact a new species of apple tree happen to grow out of this charged soil. The tree sat with beautiful apple blossoms glowing in the moon light. This was a comforting sight to Commander Bolt, he use to come here in hopes of returning his prior memories but after he joined the royal guard, he came here just to relax away from all the commotion.

Commander Bolt tried to relax but after a few minutes he felt a presents in the area. Somepony was there with him, but who? Commander Bolt knew that he was a target for Celestia’s army so instead of looking behind him, he just braced himself for an attack. Then he heard a voice, it was the same dark voice that he knew, only this time it sounded gentle. “Beautiful night, isn’t it Commander?”

Commander Bolt looked behind him, standing there was Nightmare Moon but the dark presents that Commander Bolt usually felt around her, wasn’t there. It didn’t even seem like Nightmare Moon to him. Commander Bolt jumped up and bowed, “Good evening your majesty”
Nightmare Moon didn’t acknowledge him, “Get up. There is no need for that.”
Commander Bolt stood back up and was very confused; she wasn’t her usual dark angry self. Commander Bolt had to ask, “Is everything alright your majesty? Do you need anything from me?”
Nightmare Moon glared at him, “Do I always need reason, for being in your presents?”

Commander Bolt quickly answers to avoid trouble, “No your majesty, all I meant was I didn’t expect to see you here, that’s all.”
Nightmare Moon looked at the tree that grew out of the crater, “I didn’t expect to see you here, Commander.”
Commander Bolt was a little confused, “Me your majesty?”
“Yes, I have been coming here numerous times lately, I don’t know why but this place seems special to me, somehow. It seems to make me feel better about this war.”

Commander Bolt couldn’t believe what he heard, why would Nightmare Moon like this place? Is it because she has faint memories of Luna’s life, and if so would that mean that Luna considers this place special, and if so why? But before Commander Bolt could ask, a large number of shooting stars started to fly overhead, and before their eyes, the apple blossoms magically turned into black apples. Both Commander Bolt and Nightmare Moon couldn’t believe what they just witnessed.

Commander Bolt trotted up to the tree and placed his hoof against it, it was warm and full of energy, however when he placed his hoof on the apple it was cold and powerless. Nightmare Moon looked at the apple, “It’s not time yet.”
Commander Bolt looked back, “What?”
Nightmare Moon explained “The apple isn’t ripe yet so you can’t eat it. Perhaps this is the reason I think this place is special, it would explain why I like to come here.”
Commander Bolt lowered his head in disappointment, “Yea that explains it.”

Nightmare Moon turned around, “Well I must return to the castle, by the way, Star Bolt?”
Commander Bolt looked back at Nightmare Moon, “Yes, your majesty?”
“This is the same place you were found…wasn’t it?”
Commander Bolt lowered his head, “Yes, you found me here… many years ago.”
Nightmare Moon replied “I thought so, that explains even more.”
Commander Bolt was confused, “Even more, your majesty?”
Nightmare Moon didn’t respond. She only phased into the cloud of blue mist and vanished into the forest. Commander Bolt turned back to the tree, “I wonder. Could she remember me, could Luna remember me? She did call me Star Bolt for the first time in a year, but if so douse that mean, that Luna actually cared about me?”

Ch5 Two Orphans, Celestia, and New Recruits

Commander Bolt stood at the summit of Dragon Mountain, overlooking Equestria. From here he could see everything, from the Everfree Forest; to the Mild West all the way back to Canterlot, even the battle ground near the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters was visible from here. While Commander Bolt looked at the battle field he noticed that it looked like there was actually a battle happening now. How? Why? A battle taking place while Commander Bolt stands on a mountain watching? Commander Bolt tries to open his wings to fly, but they don’t budge. He tries as hard as he can but his wings refuse to open, it’s as if they were held to his side with magic. Commander Bolt looks over the edge of the mountain but there is no way down, the edge is nothing but a straight drop.

Commander Bolt franticly tries to think of a way down, he doesn’t remember forming a battle plan, without that it could mean his army will fall. Just then Commander Bolt looks back at the battlefield. Something small and black just appeared and began to grow. Commander Bolt watches as it grows until he can identify it, “It’s a cloud but why and how did a cloud appear on the battle field? Douse somepony else know the Lightning Orb, and if so who?”
He watches as the cloud grows bigger and bigger, then he couldn’t believe his eyes, the cloud had already grown to the size of Canterlot. “Celestia, help us.”

Then the cloud started to discharge the Lightning Orb, Commander Bolt watched, as everything starting with the Everfree Forest and the Battlefield started to disintegrate. In an instant the Everfree forest burned into a cloud of ash, next the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters crumbled and fell. The sphere of lightning continued to grow destroying everything in sight, Commander Bolt could only watch in horror as Cloudsdale dispersed like a regular cloud and Canterlot crumbled into dist. Then he noticed, the Lightning Orb is still growing, and it’s about to hit Dragon Mountain. Commander Bolt tried again to open his wings, but they didn’t budge, whatever was holding them down is still in effect.

Commander Bolt started to feel the mountain crumble below his feet. When the Lightning Orb hit him Commander Bolt started to feel the intense pain of the Lightning Orb burning him. Then the pain stopped and he opened his eyes. He was lying on a cot in his hut on the battlefield; Commander Bolt sat up and felt the bandage on his ear. It’s been one week since that day, and in that time he has had the same nightmare three times. Commander Bolt looked into a mirror that sat next to Commander Mist’s spear in the corner of the room. What where these dreams trying to say, is it a premonition of the future, a result of guilt and regret, or was it something… more.

Commander Bolt heard a knock on the door, “Commander Bolt, this is Captain Stone Permission to enter sir.”
Commander Bolt looked at the door, “Granted.”
Captain Stone entered the room carrying a medical saddlebag, “The medic returned to the castle this morning, so I’ll be removing your bandage and stitches, I hope that’s ok.”
Commander Bolt sighed, “You like to take every chance you can to get me back, for the training I put you through. Don’t you?”
Captain Stone Smiled, “Oh? Don’t be a foul about it.”

Commander Bolt sat down in a chair, while Captain Stone started to remove the bandages. While he sat there Commander Bolt started to think about the dream and what it could mean, leaving a troubled look on his face. Captain Stone noticed this look and asked, “Can I ask you a personal question commander?”
Commander Bolt was a little concerned about what that question could be but if there is anypony left he can trust, it’s his most loyal officer so he replied, “Sure what would you like to know?”

Captain Stone replied, “Commander Mist trained you into a guard, didn’t he?”
Commander Bolt lowered his head, “Yes, many years ago I asked him to because I wanted to pay Princess Celestia and Princess Luna back for giving me a home.”
Captain Stone looked at him in confusion, “Giving you a home? You mean you were homeless at one time?”
“Well I was an orphan when I was a colt; they took me in, and took care of me when I was found on the Thunder Grounds with amnesia.”

Captain Stone was intrigued, “You were found, on the Thunder Grounds with amnesia? Did Princess Celestia try to find your parents?”
Commander Bolt looked at the spear in the corner of the room, “They did. We searched every neighboring city to the Everfree Forest. Cloudsdale seemed to be the only possible location, but nopony was missing a colt there, so they asked Commander Mist to take me in. He gave me a home, taught me how to defend myself, and taught me everything there was to know about being a royal guard.”

Captain Stone finished removing the final stich and asked, “And the Lightning Orb?”
Commander Bolt looked back at her, “No, the Lightning Orb can only be used by a Pegasus. He didn’t know anything about it, but he gave me the confidence in myself to master it.”
She smiled and sarcastically spoke, “Could you teach me?”
Commander Bolt knew she was joking but he couldn’t laugh about this subject… not anymore. He looked away and replied, “Why would you want to learn something… that brings death and pain to those around you.”

Captain Stone could see pain in his eyes, so she tried to change the subject, “The training he put you through. Was it the same that you gave me?”
Commander Bolt smiled, “No, yours was way worse. He was a unicorn teaching a pegasus to fight so he left out air to air combat, and flying through strong winds and rain, but he did make me climb a mountain without my wings once so be grateful I didn’t make you do that.”
Captain Stone got angry, “Commander! You did make me do that.”
Commander Bolt laughed, “Oh yea. I did, didn’t I? It was Lieutenant Snow that I didn’t do that to… but maybe I should have. Then he would be a better officer.”

Both of them laughed about that for a second the Commander Bolt asked, “Well you know about me now, how about you?”
Captain Stone was confused, “What?”
Commander Bolt continued, “Days after Nightmare Moon started this war, I recruited you out of Cloudsdale, but other than that I didn’t know anything about you, only that you were so determined to join.”
Captain Stone lowered her head, when Commander Bolt saw an unhappy look on her face he spoke, “If you don’t want to talk about it, it fine. I don’t want to open healed wounds.”
Captain Stone shook her head, “No its fine, it’s only fair that I tell you why I was so determined to be a soldier, anyway. I was also an orphan when I was a filly, my parent where killed by a dragon.”

Commander Bolt was shocked to hear this, “What? But why would a dragon attack your parents?”
She sighed “When I was a filly, we lived at the base of a mountain, something about my mother being an earth pony, and one day a dragon claim through wanting to came the mountain for himself so he lite the forest surrounding the mountain on fire to clear the land. When my parents and I got outside the burning house they told me to run as fast as I could till I got out of the forest. They were right behind me when I started to run but when I made it out of the forest, I was alone. I waited outside the forest for two days before anypony found me. It was a stallion from Cloudsdale; he sent a search party into the forest and found my parents dead. A tree fell on my mother, and my father died trying to get her out. From there they put me in an orphanage, I spent every day in that orphanage hoping to find a home but I was never adopted.”

Commander Bolt lowered his head, “I'm sorry to hear that, when I lost my parents I lost all memory of them so it’s like I never had them at all, but you not only new them, you have good memories of them and you remember who they were and what they did.”
Captain Stone looked at Commander Bolt and continued her story, “When they let me out of the orphanage I wanted to travel the world and maybe earn my cutie mark in the processes. So when I saw you and a few other guards recruiting for Nightmare Moon only a week after the Eclipse began. I knew that this was my chance to travel Equestria. That’s why I was so determined to get in.”

Commander Bolt thought to himself for a second, “That’s right; you were still a blank flank when we recruited you, and it was during your training that you earned your cutie mark on the bow. That’s why when you earned it I focused your training more on archery than anything else.”
Captain Stone continued, “While in training, I found out that you where the grate Commander Bolt, the one who could use the Lightning Orb and the right hoof of Nightmare Moon herself. I thought if anypony can give me confidence in my goal, then it’s you. And many of the other soldiers think so too.”
Star Bolt sighed, “Actually I…”

At that moment, a cry came from outside, “CELESTIAL TROOPS SPOTTED!”
Commander Bolt looked at Captain Stone, “Is my ear good?”
She replied, “Yes, but don’t strain it, you can still open the wound back up.”
They both galloped outside, to the lookout who was watching the horizon through a telescope. Commander Bolt asked, “What do you see?”
The lookout replied, “Celestial spears over the horizon, it’s a small force though, fifty or so troops.”
Commander Bolt was confused, “Fifty troops? That’s impossible they sent five hundred troops last time why would they only send fifty today?”
The lookout replied while he continued to watch, “I don’t know sir. Whatever it is, they look like they brought something big with them it might be a weapon or som…”

The lookout continued to watch, but his face went white. Commander Bolt was concerned, “What is it? Is it a weapon, what’s going on? Spit it out!”
The lookout looked at Commander Bolt, “Its Princess Celestia… She is here, on the battlefield sir.”
Commander Bolt quickly looked through the telescope, and on the horizon was Princess Celestia marching in the lead of her own troops. Commander Bolt couldn’t believe his eyes, why would Celestia be here, and why would she bring a force that small?

Then one of Celestia’s archers fired a signal arrow, first it was yellow, meaning that they will not attack, and then they fired a green arrow, meaning that they want both commanders to meet in the center of the battlefield. Commander Bolt looked at Captain Stone, “Go get Lieutenant Snow, we will meet her together.”
Captain Stone nodded her head and went to get the Lieutenant. Then Commander Bolt turned to the lookout, “Respond to the invitation, we will meet them in a few minutes.”
The Lookout fired a yellow arrow, then a green arrow in response, meaning that the request was accepted.

When Lieutenant Snow and Captain Stone returned, they met up with Commander Bolt and all three trotted to the center of the field, too meet Princess Celestia. When the two groups where together, Princess Celestia spoke first, “Commander Bolt, it’s been a long time, hasn’t it?”
Without any change in expression Commander Bolt replied, “Yes, it’s been one year now.”
When Commander Bolt finished speaking both Captain Stone and Lieutenant Snow bowed, but Commander Bolt stood his ground, this irritated one of Celestia’s guards. The guard spoke, “Show the proper respect for the princess! Bow, now!”
Princess Celestia raised her wing to signal the guard to stand down, then she spoke, “Commander Bolt, no doubt has a reason that prevents him from bowing. He isn’t one to disrespect anypony, friend or foe.”

Commander Bolt smiled, “Indeed I do your majesty, and if you look behind me you will see my army. The last time I counted we had seven hundred ninety-six, mares and stallions, all ready to give there life, because of the trust they have in me as their leader. They truly believe that through all the battles that we’ve fought and all the hardships we have endured, that I was the reason they survived. But they couldn’t be more wrong; they survived because they had confidence in themselves that was disguised as confidence in me. They had so much trust in me that they believe they can push mountains with me as their leader. But if I show even the slightest weakness in bowing to a foe, then they may lose their confidence and further risk themselves in future battles.”

Princess Celestia Smiled, “The morale of your soldiers is a fragile thing that can change the tide of battle. You haven’t changed commander, even after a year of fighting your putting others needs before your own. Commander Mist would be proud.”
Commander Bolt shook his head, “No, Commander Mist wouldn’t be proud, not of what I did.”
Princess Celestia lowered her head, “Commander Mist did his duty, as did you. He will be missed and you should stop beating yourself up over it. Infect I'm grateful of what you did afterwards, when Commander Mist fell, instead of capturing his army you released them back to me. That was a noble act that only a great leader could make. Thanks to you, those soldiers still live.”

Commander Bolt was flattered but he still was ashamed of himself, “I only did what I could to prevent more bloodshed. It was my way of honoring the late commander, by sparing his troops. It was the only thing I could do for him.”
Celestia looked Commander Bolt in the eye and replied, “Commander Bolt! Didn’t you notice that I came here with a small force today? That’s because after treating the injuries of all the troops you spared, these are the only ponies that can still fight, they pleaded to escort me here today to personally thank you for saving their lives.”

With that said, all of Princess Celestia’s guards bowed to Commander Bolt. Commander Bolt felt a little uncomfortable with this so he, quickly changed the subject, “Your Majesty, surly you came here for reasons other than thanking me for these troops lives, what exactly are you here for?”
Princess Celestia replied in a serious way, “I request an audience with my sister, in hopes that I can put a stop to this madness. Will you send for her?”
Commander Bolt agreed, “I can send out a messenger pony, and have a reply from her before the eclipse sets today. Anything else your majesty?”

Princess Celestia answered, “No, however I do believe this is a good time to discuss the rules of engagement for both our forces.”
Commander Bolt nodded, “I am to understand that you will pose no threat to our force at this time, in return we will do the same, so long that your force not show or make an attempt to harm ours. Do we have an agreement?”
Princess Celestia smiled, “I agree to the terms and will order all my ponies to stand down and reframe from harming any of your troops, but if you still want to increase your security than by all means do so.”
Commander Bolt replied, “No, I believe in your word, as always, and will treat this matter with ease. If the terms are accepted then I’ll bid you a farewell until we receive word from Nightmare Moon.”

Commander Bolt turned around with his officers and started to trot back to his line. Princess Celestia stopped him, “Oh Star Bolt, one more thing?”
Commander Bolt stopped but didn’t turn around, “Yes, your majesty?”
Princess Celestia spoke pleasantly, “It was nice to see you again, I'm glad to know that you’re still ok, despite your wounded ear.”
Commander Bolt still faced his line but replied, “Thank you Princess Celestia, it was nice to talk to you also.”
Princess Celestia Continued, “You’ve grown up since the last time I saw you, your more confident and noble to your word and troops. Can I ask how you grew up so much?”
Commander Bolt closed his eyes facing his troops still, “It was Luna that made me grow up so much, my trust in her and my goal to help her. That’s all there is to it.”
“Luna? Don’t you mean Nightmare Moon?”
Commander Bolt opened his eyes and with a serious face replied, “No, Luna.”

With that said Commander Bolt continued to his frontline without waiting for a reply from Princess Celestia. When he approached the line he turned to his officers, “Lieutenant Snow get your fasted pony to deliver the message to Nightmare Moon, whether it’s by land or air, this message takes top priority. Don’t screw this up.”
Lieutenant Snow replied, “Yes Sir.”
Commander Bolt turned to Captain Stone, “Captain, you pass the message to all the guards that nopony leaves our line, we will not interact with Celestia’s Forces at all, hostile or not. Anypony doing so will be charged with treason, and imprisoned for an unnecessary threat on allied troops.”
Captain Stone replied, “Yes Sir.”

Several hours passed, the eclipse had just set and the moon was rising before Nightmare Moon arrived to the front lines with a hoof full of fresh troops straight from training, “Where is my sister?”
Commander Bolt replied, “She is still on the field your majesty.”
Nightmare Moon replied, you will hold your ground here and allow me to speak with her alone, is that understood?”
Commander Bolt was disappointed that he couldn’t be part of the peace talk, but he hid his disappointment and replied. “Yes your majesty, I’ll brief the new troops and await your return.”

Commander Bolt approached the large group of troops and spoke so everypony could hear, “My name is Commander Star Bolt, as of today you are all under my command. I don’t know what your special abilities are, so I want you to split up in groups. First Medics, then Archers, next Pike Ponies, Finally Sword Ponies, afterwards I want all Sword Ponies, and Pike Ponies that are Pegasus to separate into your own group. But first thing is first if any of you officers, please step forth.”

A Pegasus and a unicorn separated themselves form the crowd and made their way to the front the first to speak was the Pegasus. “Commander Bolt, my name is Captain Callous, Drib; I am a Pegasus Pike pony, Sir.”
Commander Bolt thought to himself then spoke, “You’re from Manehattin aren’t you Callous? I recognize the name Drib; I remember seeing a shop with the same name last time I was there.”
Captain Drib responded, “Yes sir, that’s my parent’s seed shop.”
Commander Bolt asked, “Are you a fast flyer Captain?”
Captain Drib replied, “Yes sir, why?”
Commander Bolt smiled, “No reason.”

Commander Bolt approached the other officer and asked, “How about you little missy, name rank, combat skill, and if you want town of origin?”
The mare responded in a nervous manner, “S-sir, I mean Commander Bolt, sir. M-my name is Lieutenant Ardent Viscous, sir. I uh, I mean, I'm what you would probably consider a pike pony… or maybe a sword pony… an axe pony?...”
Commander Bolt looked over her shoulder at the large axe she had on her back, then he had to stop her, “Calm down Lieutenant, you have no reason to be nervous, I notice you carry an enormous axe, you’re the first and only axe pony in my ranks. So just calm down, relax, and start over.”
Lieutenant Viscous took a deep breath and this time spoke with a grate amount of confidence, “Commander Bolt, my name is Lieutenant Ardent Viscous, I'm an axe pony from Trottingham.”

Commander Bolt thought for a second then responded, “That explains a lot, Trottingham is so close to the Griffin Kingdom, you will find all sorts of soldiers there. Also I hear griffins have a temper when not approached properly, so that will explain how nervous you were. Either way you will be placed in command of the Pike Ponies, your axe will fit in perfectly.”
Lieutenant Viscous nodded her head, “Yes sir!”
Commander Bolt turned to Lieutenant Snow, “Snow you will no longer be in command of both pike and sword ponies. Now you will be only sword ponies, they will be disappointed to hear this, I bet.”
Commander Bolt smiled at this comment and a few new recites even laughed a bit. But Lieutenant Snow just replied, “Yes sir.”

Then Commander Bolt turned to Captain Drib, “Captain you will be in command of the Pegasus strike force. Keep them flying and keep them safe.”
Captain Drib smiled, “Thank you sir. I won’t fail you!”
At that moment, a large cloud started to form overhead covering the entire battlefield, all the officers looked at Commander Bolt with concern. When Commander Bolt realized everypony was looking at him he spoke, “What? It’s not me, this time.”
Everypony turned their head to the Princess Celestia and Nightmare Moon, who were still in the middle of the battlefield talking. From the expressions of Nightmare Moons face it was easy to see that her magic was producing the storm, their peace talk had escalated into an argument, and it was easy to see that it wasn’t going to end well. Captain Drib asked, “I wonder how it’s going?”
All the officers looked at Captain Drib, but it was Lieutenant Viscous who hit him on the back of the head for that remark.

Nightmare Moon finally had enough of the conversation and returned to Commander Bolt. Then she spoke with as much anger that was in her expression, “Commander Bolt! I’ll give them the night but tomorrow when the eclipse is at high noon. If they still remain on the field, then your orders are to attack and kill any, and everypony in sight. I will not be the made a fool of by the likes of my sister or her precious sun.”
Without giving Commander Bolt even a chance to respond, Nightmare Moon changed into her cloud of hays and floated into the distance. Commander Bolt was speechless; he was given orders to use a force of over eight hundred ponies to massacre fifty. Captain Stone approached Commander Bolt, “What are you going to do commander? Are we really going to fight such a small force, especially since they came for peace, not a battle?”

Commander Bolt was still speechless, Lieutenant Viscous asked, “What is your orders sir?”
All the officers waited around Commander Bolt praying for a response, finally he sighed then gave his orders, “Continue separating the new recruits into their companies, then get some rest. When the eclipse begins to rise in the morning, meet me in the command hut for a meeting.”
Captain Stone then asked, “What are we going to do sir?”
Commander Bolt sighed them answered, “Tomorrow at high noon, we are going to attack.”

Ch6 Celestia's Stand and Forgotten Foes

Noon, the eclipse just reached the center of the sky and Celestia stood at the center of the battle field with her fifty troops waiting for Commander Bolt’s next move. Commander Bolt stood at the top of the hill with his officers looking down into the battle field with disappointment. He was hoping that they would have left during the night but now he had no choice but to fight. A phoenix flew from Princess Celestia and landed in front of him, “Ah Philomena It’s been a while, do you have a message from Princess Celestia?”
Philomena nodded her head and dropped a scroll on the ground before flying back to princess Celestia. Commander Bolt looked at the scroll and unrolled it. The massage read,

“Dear Comman... Star Bolt

I know that you don’t want to do this, however orders are orders; also I couldn’t leave over the night because as I said yesterday, the morale of your soldiers is a fragile thing that can change the tide of battle. If I show even the slightest weakness in bowing to a foe, then they may lose their confidence and further risk themselves in future battles. I believe that second part was your words, not mine, but they stand true all the same. Yesterday after sister stormed off I sent a messenger back to Canterlot requesting reinforcements. Their commander will take my place on this battlefield, but until they arrive I will be your opponent. I only hope you make the right choice.
Sincerely, Princess Celestia of Equestria”

Commander Bolt didn’t want to think about that last line so he looked at Princess Celestia then spoke, “Captain Stone, Fire a signal arrow to commence the battle.”
Captain Stone fired a red arrow into the air to signal the start of the battle but neither side reacted. Celestia only stood at the lead of her troops watching Commander Bolt and his army from the center of the battlefield, no change in expression or change in stance. Commander Bolt wanted to give them one more chance for surrender. He turned and spoke to Captain Stone again, “Captain Stone, send them a warning arrow, and be sure to scare them with it.”

Captain Stone nodded her head and took a few steps forward in front of the formation, and then she stood up on her hind hooves, using her wings to keep her balance. She closed her eyes and raised her head up high. She could feel the wind in her mane, so she studied it; both the speed and its direction. She then opened her eyes, raised her bow, and drew it. She measured her distance carefully then released the arrow, sending it into the air with a faint whistling sound. Meanwhile on the other side of the battlefield Princess Celestia stood with confidence in front of her troops. She did notice Captain Stone launch the arrow but she knew that it was a nearly impossible to hit a target from that distance.

Just then an arrow, the same arrow that Captain Stone shot, went right over Princess Celestia’s Shoulder and completely cut the blade off a guards spear. When this happened the guard was startled and dropped the staff in fear. Every guard standing around him also took a step back in anxiety. Even Princess Celestia was tense about that shot, how could an archer make an impossible shot like that, and still have enough force in the arrow to completely cut through the spear staff. Princess Celestia muttered to herself, “That leader, that archer, and their army. They are truly a force to be reckoned with… A force to be feared.”
Celestia raised her head up high and spoke to her troops, “All soldiers at the ready! We will not fall to threats.”
With that said, all of Celestia’s troops pointed there spears forward toward Commander Bolt’s army.

After lowering her bow, Captain Stone turned to Commander Bolt and smiled with pride. Commander Bolt smiled back and spoke, “Beautiful shot as always Stone, I expected no less. But they still hold their ground. I didn’t want it to come to this, but we have no choice. Lieutenant Viscous, move your pike ponies forward, we will begin the assault, now.”
Lieutenant Viscous replied with disappointment, “Yes sir. All pike ponies MOVE OUT!”
Captain Stone galloped to Commander Bolt, “Commander, you can’t be serious, this is mass slaughter, why woul… how can you even think to make an order like this.”

Commander Bolt sighed, “Gem, you know why I'm giving this order, but I have no choice. If I let my pride stop me, then…”
At that moment the lookout interrupted “ENEMY REINFORCEMENTS SPOTTED! We have pegasi, pike ponies, and catapults on the horizon!”
Commander Bolt smiled and muttered to himself, “Thank Celestia.”
Captain Drib Stepped forward, “Permission to lead my force in, to drop enemy pegasi sir?”
Commander Bolt turned to Captain Drib and replied, “Granted, but focused your assault on their pegasi and there catapults and if you spot the replacement commander, notify me immediately!”
Captain Drib smiled, “Can do, sir. Let’s go ponies, time to clip some wings!”

Commander Bolt smiled as the Captain Drib and his formation took to the skies, “Be careful hot shot, I wouldn’t want all that enthusiasm to fall out there.”
The lookout yelled, “Red signal arrow fired from Celestial reinforcements, they have commenced their assault, sir.”
Commander Bolt looked toward the front lines and replied, “Very well, All Troops move forward! It’s time to hit them hard and fast. Captain Stone! Move your archers into the trench and provide cover fire! Lieutenant Snow, you will move your troops in with mine. We will focus on defending our archers while Lieutenant Viscous focuses on the front, and Captain Drib takes the skies. When the commander is spotted then we will move forward and rush him.”

When Celestia saw a signal arrow from the reinforcement she also felt relief, “All troops fall back and regroup with the reinforcement. I turn all command to the replacement commander!”
With that said all the ponies in her formation turned and galloped back to the reinforcement’s front, and then the reinforcements began their charge. First the Pegasus fronts met in the skies in a collision of feathers and flesh sending many pegasi falling to the ground. Then Lieutenant Viscous and her troops met the front line using her massive axe to cut down any and everypony in her way.

Commander Bolt continued his charge armed with only his shield and his determination. Then Lieutenant Snow cried out, “Celestial arrows! Everypony take cover!”
Commander Bolt looked up and saw the cloud of arrows approaching, thinking fast he ran to a nearby crater and covered himself with his shield. The sound of arrowheads piercing the earth around him, and battering into his shield reminded I'm of hail storms. Only there was the sound of screams from nearby ponies that didn’t get to cover in time. After the arrows stopped Commander Bolt looked around his shield and called, “CLEAR! Keep moving!”

All the ponies that were still able to get up and started moving forward. Meanwhile at the rear trench Captain Stone was standing up high feeling the wind, and then she called to her archers, “Two degrees west!”
She drew her bow and took aim at her target in the middle of the field then she called again, “Forty degrees up!”
She waited a few seconds for her archers to draw their bows then she called, “RELEASE!!!”
With that order every archer in her formation launched a barrage of arrows so massive it looked like a brown cloud just jumped into the sky from the trench.

Back at the front Commander Bolt could hear the arrows flying overhead so he slowed his charge so that he wouldn’t end up in the impact area. Up ahead of him he saw a horrifying sight of pegasus falling from the sky and the rain of arrows dropping every pony under them. He has seen this numerous times but he could never get us to such a sight. Then when he looked upward he noticed a number of enemy pegasus charging him and his troops. Commander Bolt stopped quickly and called out loud, “FLASH!!!”
His troops quickly shielded their eyes as Commander Bolt produced a Lightning Orb specifically used to create a blinding light. After the flash took place Commander Bolt opened his eyes in time to see a number of pegasus collide into the ground with no hesitation what so ever. One even hit the ground just a few feet in front of him.

With no time to check Commander Bolt just stabbed the pegasus with the blade portion of his shield and continued his assault. While moving forward he could see over the next hill, he had a perfect sight of the catapults, and Captain Viscous who was already hacking them away, cutting through them like a warm knife through butter. Then without notice a pike pony charged Commander Bolt from his left side, luckily Commander Bolt caught him in time to block the pike with his shield. Before the pike pony could swing again a spear cam flying out of the sky and landed into his back. When Commander Bolt looked up all he could see was Captain Drib diving out of the sky, pull his spear out of the pony’s back, and fly back into the cloud of smoke with a cocky smile on his face.

Celestia stood on the top of the hill watching the battle with nothing more than horror on her face, “Dear sister, why? Why all this violence? Why all this horror? Why all this death? Why drag a noble leader and friend like Star Bolt into this madness? Never in my life have I ever witnessed such revulsions even Discord couldn’t bring this much chaos.”
A tear rolled down her face, as her commander approached from behind, “Princess Celestia, I suggest you leave this to me and my troops. It isn’t safe here, please your majesty fall back and leave the battle ground.”
Princess Celestia closed her eyes with grate disappointment and replied, “Very well, I leave this in your capable hooves, be careful commander.”
With that said Princess Celestia turned around and flew away from the battlefield followed by a small number of troops for escort.

Back in the battle Commander Bolt was making his way forward until he herd Lieutenant Snow call out, “INCOMMING!!!”
Commander Bolt looked up in time to see a large bolder flying in his direction. Unlike the arrows this boulder kept flying despite the number of pegasi in the way. Commander Bolt knew his shield was useless against this so he started to run to avoid a direct impact. The boulder crashed into the ground behind him missing him by mere inches. The dust cloud created by the impact covered the area around Commander Bolt.

He couldn’t see anything, his troops, the enemy troop; he couldn’t even see the sky above him. he felt like he was all alone, only hearing the metal on metal of sword, pike, and shield, and the whistle of arrows and boulders flying overhead. Then he heard a completely different sound all together this was an angry shout from a charging sword pony, as he came running at Commander Bolt from the front. Thinking quickly Commander Bolt blocked the swing and stabbed the sword pony in the chest with the blade on his shield. Then he braced himself for another attack.

The dust started to clear up and he could see the front line, just then Captain Drib dropped out of the sky and landed next to Commander Bolt, “Sir I’ve spotted the Celestial Commander, it’s an earth carrying a sword, and don’t worry it isn’t Snow.”
Commander Bolt couldn’t help but smile at the joke but he replied seriously, “Where?”
Captain Drip pointed and replied “Back that way near a catapult.”
Commander Bolt turned in the direction he pointed, “Got it, clear my path I'm going after him.”
Captain Drib replied as he took to the skies “Got it sir.”

Commander Bolt made his way to the top of the hill where one of the catapults sat in ruins. Commander Bolt thought to himself as he galloped by, “Looks like Lieutenant Viscous already mad it here.”
Up ahead the Celestial Commander watched the battle with mixed feelings about its final outcome. All of a sudden he heard a scream of rage from his right. Lieutenant Viscous charged the commander and swung her axe at him, but before her axe made contact, the commander drew his sword and cut the axe blade of its handle. Lieutenant Viscous took a few steps back in distress, the commander smiled, “Looks like your useless without your special toy. Let me end it for you right now.”

The commander tried to take another swing but was blocked by a spear. Captain Drib dive from the sky, landed between the two and blocked the attack before the sword hit Lieutenant Viscous. Captain Drib glared at the commander with his spear still pressed against the sword and Spoke, “If you want to kill her, than you will have to go through me first.”
The commander smiled, “Gladly.”
The two pushed each other a way and started staring each other down, but then they were interrupted, “ENOUGH!”

Commander Bolt trotted toward them from the base of the hill. The Celestial Commander Spoke, “You don’t give me orders Bolt, you’re not that special.”
Commander Bolt rolled his eyes, “I'm not giving you orders. My orders are to my officers, Captain Drib!”
Captain Drib replied, “Yes Sir”
“Escort Lieutenant Viscous to the rear line, then continue the assault, the blue arrow will go up after we finish here.”
Captain Drib replied, “Yes sir!”
Captain Drib flew to Lieutenant Viscous and helped her up from the ground, “Its ok, Ardent we will go back together.”
Lieutenant Viscous gave him a relieved smile as the trotted up and over the hill.

Commander Bolt looked at the Celestial Commander with a little confusion, “You look familiar have we fought before.”
The Commander got irritated, “So the great Commander Bolt doesn’t even remember his very first opponent, exactly how many years after the exam did you get your title, eight, nine, and in that time did you even think once about the ponies that failed the exam? Did you even think that they tried there hardest and didn’t get the success they deserve? Of course not! You only cared about yourself, didn’t you?”

Commander Bolt thought for a second and replied, “You’re the stallion from the guard exam, the one I fought at the end. The same one who left himself open to my attack.”
This comment made the stallion even angrier, “Your little trick costs me my future!”
The commander charged and swung his sword, but Commander Bolt blocked with his shield. The commander swung again and again but every contacting swing was against Commander Bolt’s shield. Commander Bolt couldn’t help but think that this stallion is fast, but he is outmatched by skill. Finally Commander Bolt parried the sword and swung the shields blade toward the Celestial Commander’s throat, but the commander dodged the blade and jumped back to avoid fighting too close.

Commander Bolt smiled, “You’re pretty good but you still don’t have what it takes to beat me. If you surrender now then you will have a chance to face me when you’re more skilled.”
The Commander only got more irritated at the comment and charged again. Like before the commanders swings where fast but his technique was worse, he wasn’t fighting with skill anymore, his anger was controlling his moves. Commander Bolt continued blocking with his shield but he knew that the shield would eventually break. So he waited for an opening to swing back, then it came, when the Celestial Commander tried to stab instead of swinging his blade. Commander Bolt parried the blade outward but instead of bringing the blade of his shield into the Celestial Commander’s chest he only used the battered face of his shield to knock the air from his lungs.

The Celestial Commander took a few steps back and dropped to a knee, to catch his breath; “I don’t need pity from a traitor! You will regret sparing me.”
The commander tried to attack again but like the last few attempts, they failed Commander Bolt pushed him back and tried calming him down, “Why are you still so determined, I held your life in my hoof and I gave it back to you, do you think this is a wise choice? Fighting me, when I’ve already proved that I'm better than you?”

The Commander replied, “I won’t give up till I'm the best! I waited a year for that old stallion to fall of his high pedestal, and now that you’re the only one I hav…”
Commander Bolt interrupted, “Old Stallion? Do you mean Commander Mist?”
The Commander smiled, “Ha! That old relic? He was the only pony between me and the title of best soldier in the Celestial Crusaders. Now that he is gone I'm the best, and when I beat you I’ll be the best soldier in all Equestria.”
Commander Bolt was confused, “Whoa hold your horses, are you saying that you only want to be the best, and you didn’t follow Commander Mist because he was your leader?”

The Commander smiled, “Why would I follow an out-of-date stallion, when I can just wait for him to step down and give me his title. Besides you became commander for the same reason, you just got lucky enough that the princesses started this war, so you chose the side that he didn’t, automatically becoming the best in the Nightmare Legion.”
Commander Bolt was infuriated to a point that it took all of his concentration to prevent himself from using the Lightning Orb like he did on Commander Mist. Commander Bolt lost his temper, “YOU!!! PATHETIC WAST OF!!! You are not even a TENTH OF THE SOLDIER HE WAS!!!”

Commander Bolt swung the blade on his shied with enough force that the Celestial Commander lost his footing when he blocked it with his sword.
“YOU WILL NEVER BE THE BEST!!!”
Commander Bolt swung his shield in the opposite direction with the same amount of force, also knocking the Celestial Commander to the ground. Then he continued “YOU ARE A PATHETIC WAST OF LIFE!!!”
The Celestial Commander shuffled to his hooves, only to be knocked down again by another blocked attack from Commander Bolt’s Blade. Commander Bolt continued, “YOU WILL NOT BE THE BEST, INFACT YOU WILL NOT LIVE TO SEE TOMORROW!!!”

Commander Bolt made one more swing, shattering the already worn sword that the Celestial Commander held. When the sword broke under the intense force the pieces flew in all directions pushing the Celestial Commander back a little more till he was against a catapult that was behind him. Commander Bolt pressed him against the catapult, and pressed his blade against the Commanders throat. Then he spoke with fury in his voice, “Choose your next words carefully, for they will be your last.”

The Celestial Commander’s eyes, once full of rage, where now fill with horrifying terror and fear. He pleaded for his life, “NO! Please! STOP! I don’t want to die, not now, not today. Please don’t hurt me. I didn’t mean it. I take it all back, just please don’t kill me. PLEASE!!!”
Commander Bolt started to realize what he was doing, and despite all the anger he was feeling. He couldn’t cut the throat of an enemy that pleaded so pathetically. Commander Bolt lowered his blade and spoke, “You will take your army and leave. If I see you again, I’ll kill you. Now how clear am I?”
The Commander with tears rolling down his face replied, “Crystal… Commander Bolt. You’re crystal clear… Sir.”

Commander Bolt took his hoof off of the Celestial Commander’s chest. The Celestial Commander was completely lump from fear; he fell to his knees immediately then looked at the ground around him. Commander Bolt turned around and trotted to pick up the commanders broken lower half of his sword. All of a sudden Commander Bolt heard a shuffle on the ground behind him. The Celestial Commander grabbed a shard of his sword and charged Commander Bolt. Commander Bolt turned around and swung his blade, but he was too far, the blade went by without touching the charging commander. Commander Bolt knew that since he missed he didn’t have the time to recover from the swing, that the commander had the chance to stab him with the shard.

Right before the shard hit Commander Bolt’s chest, an arrow flew right over his shoulder and into the charging commander’s chest. Nailing him to the catapult behind him, and propping him up. Commander Bolt turned to look where the arrow came from, there at the top of the hill less than fifty feet away stood Captain Stone, bow still raise and an expression of anger on her face. “Sorry I'm late sir. I got caught up with a few obstacles on my way here.”
Commander Bolt smiled, “You know I can’t be mad at you when you’re fashionably late.”

Captain Stone picked up the Celestial Commanders sword grip on her way to meet Commander Bolt. Commander Bolt turned around to the Celestial Commander who was propped up against the catapult gasping for air. The commander looked at Commander Bolt and spoke, “S-so… you won after all. Well then be… D-done with it and k-kill me.”
Commander Bolt shook his head, “It’s not my decision anymore, it’s hers. Weather you live or die is now Captain Stone’s choice.”

Captain Stone trotted up to her wounded foe and spoke softly, “Please make your peace, I don’t want you to die with regret.”
The commander smiled, “Such a beautiful and noble pegasus, but I have nothing to say, so just do what you got to, and finish me.”
Captain Stone replied, “Very well.”
Captain Stone took the pointed end of the broken blade against the dying commander forehead and pressed as hard as she could till she herd the blade hit the wood on the catapult behind him. The commander closed his eyes and died.

Captain Stone pulled the broken blade from the commander’s face then pulled the arrow from his chest. As soon as the arrow was pulled, the corpse of the Celestial Commander fell to the ground. Captain Stone turned to Commander Bolt, “Here sir, you will need this part of the sword to stop this battle.”
Commander Bolt shook his head, “No, you killed the enemy commander, it’s only fair that you be the one to raise it up on the return.”
Captain Stone smiled but it was a bittersweet smile, she raised the broken sword up in the air and began the march back to the front. Just like the last battle, an archer sent up a blue flaming arrow, signaling the end of the fighting, and every pony, Celestial Crusader, Nightmare Legion, Fighting, or not, bowed in respect for the fallen commander.

When they arrived back at the camp Commander Bolt turned to his officers, “Gather you forces and count up the casualties, then report the numbers back to me.”
When Commander Bolt turned back he realized that Nightmare Moon was waiting for him at his hut. Captain Stone and Commander Bolt approached Nightmare Moon than bowed. Nightmare Moon spoke, “Why is this officer carrying the enemy commander’s sword, and not my commander?”

Commander Bolt replied, “Your majesty, she is the pony who killed the enemy commander so she has earned that right.”
Nightmare Moon turned her head to Captain stone, “What is your name filly?”
Captain Stone nervously answered, “C-Captain Stone, your majesty.”
Nightmare Moon replied, “I’ve heard of you in Commander Bolt’s reports, you’re an excellent solider, archer, and friend. I hope you do well in future battles.”
Captain Stone couldn’t help but blush at the this comment.

Nightmare Moon turned back to Commander Bolt, “What do you intend on doing with the prisoners Commander?”
Commander Bolt replied, “I was going to turn them into you, to see what you wanted done your majesty.”
Nightmare Moon replied, “Anypony who can still fight has a choice, either join our side or imprisonment. The wounded I want treated, if they can still fight after the wounds heal then they get the same choices. As for the wounded who will lose limbs or there ability to fight, I want them executed.”

Commander Bolt spoke, “Executed? But your majesty these ponies can no longer fight there is no reason to kill them…”
Nightmare Moon interrupted, “I don’t want them to take up space in my prison camps. I want them executed.”
“But your majesty surly we can find a place for them…”
Nightmare Moon was getting angry, “Are you questioning my orders?”
“No your majesty but…”
“You do now the penalty for disobeying my orders, don’t you Commander?”
“Yes but…”
“Then you WILL follow my orders and execute them!”
Commander Bolt looked at the ground and replied, “Your majesty, please. There has to be another way, those ponies lost a lot today. Please don’t make me take their lives too, please.”

Nightmare Moon’s anger slowly subsided and she sighed, “Fine, do with them as you please, but I still want some new recruits by the end of the day.”
Commander Bolt Replied, “Thank you, your majesty I’ll have numbers for you by morning.”
Nightmare Moon turned around and spoke, “Very good, I’ll take my leave. Oh… and Commander?”
Commander Bolt replied, “Yes your majesty?”
Nightmare Moon spoke with a serious voice, “Question my orders again, and I’ll kill you!”
With that said Nightmare Moon Turned into the cloud of fog and flew away into the distance. Without even giving Commander Bolt a chance to reply.

Ch8 Confrontations between Nations

The rain continued to fall, however Commander Bolt kept his focus on the Griffon Berserkers who were setting up a camp on the horizon. Captain Stone approached, “Commander. I have news from the Eastern Front.”
Commander Bolt turned to Captain Stone, “What’s the situation?”
Captain Stone replied, “They’re Zebra.”
Commander Bolt was confused, “Zebra? But what would an army of zebra be doing in Equestria? Do you have a count?”
Captain Stone nodded her head, “Approximately seven hundred sir, they’re setting up camp as we speak.”

Commander Bolt felt annoyed with the situation, “They match us in numbers and they plan to stay a while, this isn’t good. The griffons seem to be doing the same only there are five hundred of them.”
Captain Drib approached, “Commander, News from the Western front.”
Commander Bolt looked back at the griffon army and replied, “What are they? How many? And are they setting up camp?”
Captain Drib replied, “In that order sir, pony, about six hundred, and yes.”
Commander Bolt sighed, “Thank Celestia they aren’t dragon. Where is Lieutenant Viscous?”

Before Captain Drib could reply, Lieutenant Viscous and Lieutenant Snow trotted up, Lieutenant Viscous replied, “We are here sir, I just went to retrieve Lieutenant Snow from his Prisoner escort.”
Commander Bolt smiled, “Good to see you made it back in one piece Snow, I though you whe…”
Just then, the lookout yelled, “SIGNAL ARROW FROM THE GRIFFONS, SIR! YELLOW!”
Another lookout approached, “Sir, we have reports from Both East and West Fronts. Signal arrows went up: yellow, then green. They are asking for a meeting, sir.”
The lookout watching the griffon army yelled, “SIR! GREEN SIGNAL ARROW SPOTTED!!!”

Commander Bolt mumbled to himself, “A meeting of multiple commanders. Never attended one before, this should be fun.”
Captain Stone asked, “Sir? What should we do?”
Commander Bolt looked at her, “Signal them back that we accept and gather your weapons. I want all my officers with me on this.”
Lieutenant Viscous spoke up, “Commander Bolt, my axe hasn’t been repaired yet. What should I do?”
Commander Bolt replied “Use a pike for now; we can’t risk going out there unarmed. Besides my shield isn’t doing so well either, but I'm going out there whether I need it or not.”

Captain Stone sent a reply to the other armies and then each commander and a handful of Officers started making their way into the center of the battlefield. The rain made it very difficult to trot down the hill without slipping in the mud, especially since the broken swords, spears, arrows and shields still littered the ground from the battle that took place the day before. So trying not to slip and cut yourself was a challenge in itself. Nevertheless, the group made it to the bottom of the hill all the same without injuring themselves.

After the four commanders met, they stood and watched each other in an awkward silence that seemed to last forever. Finally, Commander Bolt broke the silence, “Well, I can’t say I'm glad to see you here, but I am glad you all haven’t attacked my camp yet. Since I currently hold the field, I’ll start things off and say tha…”
the Griffon Commander interrupted, “Why should such a puny pony start things off when I am the only commander here of a superior species?”
Commander Bolt was irritated, “Excuse me… griffon? But I don’t think you have the numbers to tell me otherwise.”

Lieutenant Viscous tried to warn Commander Bolt, “Uh sir? That’s not the best…”
the Griffon commander interrupted again, “You should listen to your officer Commander… If you know what’s good for you.”
Commander Bolt glared at the griffon commander and replied, “In most situations I would listen to my officers, however I don’t back down to any foe, especially an over confident griffon who is out of his league.”
The griffon got annoyed and started reaching for the spear on his back but before he gripped it, he froze in place and the expression of confidence in his face faded into fear.

Commander Bolt already knew why the griffon froze in place, so he turned his head until he could see Captain Stone out the corner of his eye. As he suspected Captain Stone stood with her bow drawn and an arrow pointing directly at the griffon commander’s head. Then Commander Bolt looked back at the griffon and smiled, “Careful griffon, by the time you draw your spear and point it at my head. Captain Stone will have already imbedded three arrows into yours.”
The other pony commander stepped forward, “Vell, if you boys are done playing around, maybe you can get to the real reason ve are here.”

Commander Bolt raised his wing to signal Captain Stone to lower her bow and replied, “Of course, how rude of me, if you like commander you can introduce yourself first.”
The other pony commander nodded her head and replied, “Thank you, my name is General Roza Neghvelskie, but you may refer to me as General Roza. I am the General of the Hooviet Union Army.”
The Griffon Commander Spoke next, “My name is Commander Alfarinn Orem; I'm the commander of the second griffon army in the Griffon Kingdom.”
Commander Bolt was next for introductions, “My name is Commander Star Bolt. I'm the commander of Nightmare Moon’s army and second in command of the Nightmare Legion.”
The zebra commander spoke next, “My name be Chief Jumb Rafi, and I am the leader of the Western Tribes of Zebrica.”

Commander Bolt nodded his head, “Alright then, now that we know each other I would like to ask why nations like Zebrica, The Hooviet Union, and the Griffon Kingdom, sent small armies to Equestria when the war going on is a civil war?”
Chief Rafi replied, “We received a request from Nightmare Moon to come and assist in the capturing of Canterlot.”
General Roza Agreed, “Ve also received vord that, our comrade Nightmare Moon needed help. She asked that ve send force of five hundred troops or more.”

Commander Bolt smiled and looked at Commander Orem, “Just like a griffon to send the bare minimum in numbers.”
Commander Orem sneered at Commander Bolt, “Be grateful his majesty the king even considered helping a rouge princess. We’ve better things to do than settle some sibling rivalry.”
Commander Bolt turned back to General Roza, “I appreciate the support especially since both the Hooviet Union and Zebrica are so far from Equestrian borders. However, I received no such word of reinforcements or assistance from Nightmare Moon. So I’ll accept no help from your armies until Nightmare Moon confirms what you say.”

General Roza objected, “Do you think it vise to deny assistance from such generosity? Didn’t you think…”
Chief Rafi interrupted, “Now now, this be a good decision, if no such information be passed down. However if you deny our help, could we still trade?”
Commander Bolt was confused, “Trade? What are you talking about?”
Chief Rafi explained, “We have traveled long and far, our food supply be low, and we hope to trade for ration of sorts.”
Commander Bolt looked at Captain Drib, “Captain? how are we on our food supply?”

Captain Drib Replied, “Our ration supply is a little more than moderate; we can spare some if needed sir.”
Commander Bolt turned back to Chief Rafi, “So that seems acceptable. However, what can you offer us in return?”
Chief Rafi smiled, “The Western tribes have the best herbalist and medicine pony that Zebrica can offer. We will supply medicine and help your wounded in return.”
Commander Bolt nodded his head, “That sounds like a good deal. We have many wounded from yesterday’s battle.”

One of General Roza’s officers spoke to Lieutenant Viscous, “Excuse me ma’am, but your pike wasn’t made for you was it?”
Lieutenant Viscous replied, “Um… n-no sir, it wasn’t. Well… you see… my weapon was destroyed in the last battle... h-how did you know that… by the way?”
General Roza’s officer was confused, “Did I say something wrong ma’am?”
Captain Drib Explained, “Sorry sir, she grew up close to the griffon kingdom, so she is a little shy when she meets new ponies.”

Commander Orem cleared his throat, “Well Bolt, it seems like your officers resemble their Commander a bit. Nevertheless, I'm getting annoyed of you and your soldiers making fun of my species.”
Commander Bolt Smiled at that comment, “It’s no joke griffon, that’s just the way she is.”
Then Captain Drib spoke to Lieutenant Viscous, “It’s ok Ardent, just be yourself.”
Lieutenant Viscous smiled, “Yes sir, my weapon was destroyed during the last battle, but how did you know that this spear wasn’t meant for me?”

General Roza laughed a little at the expression of complete confusion in her officer’s face, and then her officer replied, “I noticed because you were carrying that pike at the wrong stance. When you carry a pike your stance should be braced or straight at the ready. You carry that spear as if you were going to swing it, which is more of a swords pony, mace pony, or an axe pony stance.”
General Roza added, “No pony knows more about veapons than ponies of the Hooviet Union, if you like ve can trade using our black smiths to repair your broken or damaged veapons. How about it commander? vould you like use to repair your veapons?”

Commander Bolt replied “And what would you like in return?”
General Roza answered, “Ve are short on metal would you allow use to use the metal remains on this battlefield? I think it vould be better to ask you, since your army controls this field.”
Commander Bolt agreed, “That sounds like a good idea, we will allow your troops to search the field for any and all metal you wish to use, so long that you stay within the limits from our camp. If you or your troops wish to contact me or my troops, than use a green signal arrow and wait for a response. At no time should you or your troops enter my camp, unless we allow it.”

General Roza nodded her head, “Agreed an in return ve vill repair any veapons you and your soldiers need repaired. In addition, I have idea; vhen Nightmare Moon confirms our partnership. I propose ve share tips on our, armor. Your armor seems to be a little bulky, ve have mastered a special metal molding that increases the armors strength vhile it decreases it veight. Does this sound acceptable?”
Commander Bolt nodded his head, “We will cross that bridge when we come to it.”

Commander Orem looked at Commander Bolt and spoke with very little enthusiasm, “You expect me to trade with you now, don’t you?”
Commander Bolt replied, “That’s your choice entirely griffon, whether you need something from me or not, that is the decision of you and only you. Why? Did you need anything?”
Commander Orem Replied, “Unless you have any black powder, I don’t need anything from you”
“Black powder? What would you need something like that for?”

Commander Orem replied, “If you don’t have it, then you don’t need to know.”
Commander Bolt didn’t like that answer, but he figured for the time being that it wasn’t a big concern, “Fine for me. So commanders, does this conclude our meeting?”
Each commander nodded his or her head. Star Bolt continued, “All right then. In twenty minutes, we will gather a small number of soldiers, including one officer, to this location for the supply trade. Captain Snow can I trust you with this task?”

Captain Snow looked at Commander Bolt and smiled with pride, “Yes sir, I won’t let you down, and thank you sir.”
Commander Bolt smiled, “This concludes our meeting, and we will set camp boundaries to one hundred meters. At no time should any soldier, officer, or commander, break that boundary and approach another camp without first sending and receiving a signal arrow. I will send word to Nightmare Moon about this alliance and when I receive a response I’ll send a signal for another meeting.”

As the four commanders parted ways Star Bolt noticed that the rain had stopped and the eclipse was starting to show through the clouds, the battlefield was still a muddy mess that was very difficult to trot in, but the message to Nightmare Moon would get there within the day which would shorten the wait time for all of them. Captain Snow asked while they were returning to their camp, “Commander? Did you just promote me out there? Or was I just hearing things?”

Commander Bolt smiled, “You have been waiting for this a long time Snow, after supporting Stone through that last battle and successfully transporting prisoners to the prison and returning when three unknown armies are surrounding the camp, you not only proved your skill. Nevertheless, you have improved your integrity as of late. You deserve this promotion. Just don’t let me regret it.”
Captain Snow nodded his head, “Of course sir, thank you. Should I gather my ponies for the supply exchange?”
Commander Bolt replied, “Yes, take a small force and gather extra food for the trade, also I'm putting you in full command of this exchange so please don’t try something you would have done a week ago.”

Captain Snow Laughed, “No problem sir, I am a noble after all.”
Commander Bolt sighed, “That’s what I'm afraid of. Captain Drib?”
Captain Drib replied, “Yes sir?”
“Gather your three fastest pegasi and have them deliver the message to Nightmare Moon.”
Captain Drib was confused, “Three? Why three, sir?”
“Because if something goes wrong I don’t want the message to be lost. I don’t trust that griffon; something about him makes me… annoyed.”
Captain Drib laughed, “Don’t worry sir, griffon are strong, but they are nothing compared to my pegasi! Besides, I could take him in a sky fight any day." Do you think I should accompany the messengers?”

Commander Bolt smiled, “No, I want you to escort the zebra doctors when they tend to our wounded. I will allow them in our camp for that reason only, so long as they stay within your sight.”
Captain Drib replied, “Not a problem sir. I’ll stay glued to them like a Band-Aid.”
Commander Bolt shook his head at the joke, “Lieutenant Viscous? Can you please?”
Lieutenant Viscous smiled, “With pleasure sir.”
Lieutenant Viscous reach her hoof up and popped Captain Drib on the back of the head, “How was that commander?”

Commander Bolt smiled, “Thank you lieutenant, I also want you to see to the weaponry repairs, gather all the damaged weapons up and stay with them when you take them to the Hooviet Union Camp. Don’t forget to take my shield in too. I need it to be ready in case we get hit by a surprise attack from the Celestial Crusaders.”
Lieutenant Viscous nodded her head, “Consider it done commander.”

Captain Stone asked, “What should I do commander?”
Commander Bolt thought for a second, “Well since the rain stopped, why don’t we do some Lightning Orb practice.”
Captain Stone replied, “Ok sir, should I gather the clay breakaway arrows then?”
Commander Bolt replied, “Yes, and also gather the rubber tipped arrows; I want to practice direct deflecting too.”

Captain Stone was a little concerned, “Are you sure sir? remember what happened last time we tried that.”
Commander Bolt looked at Captain Stone, “I’ll be fine. I'm better at the Lightning Orb than I was last time. I can do it this time. Besides, it didn’t hurt that badly.”
Captain Stone smiled, “Sir you were unconscious for two days last time. I thought I killed you.”
The other officers tried not to laugh, while Commander Bolt replied, “Just do it! I’ll be fine.”
Captain Stone started to laugh, “Whatever you say sir… you’re the commander.”

Commander Bolt went to the training platform in the back of their camp, while the rest of his officers went to begin the tasks that they were assigned. It wasn’t long before Captain Stone arrived at the training grounds with the breakaway arrows and the rubber tipped arrows. She placed herself about one hundred feet from Commander Bolt and yelled to him, “You ready commander? Should I fire the breakaway arrows first?”
Commander Bolt replied, “Yep. I'm ready when you are captain!”
Captain Stone explained her plan, “Ok sir, I'm going launches one arrow first, and then I’ll launch two, then three! If you miss, even one then we will start over until you reach all in the third set! How does that sound!”

Commander Bolt braced his legs and formed the Lightning Orb cloud above his head while he answered, “That sounds good, launch the first when you’re ready!”
Captain Stone nodded her head and drew the first arrow aiming it into the air. She aimed carefully measuring the wind then released the arrow sending into the air. Commander Bolt watched the arrow carefully then he sent a bolt of lightning from the cloud shattering the arrow in midflight. Captain Stone yelled to commander bolt, “Looking good sir, watch how the lightning arcs in midair! You don’t want it to arc as it hit the target or you will miss completely!”

Commander Bolt kept his focus and replied, “Dually noted Stone, ready for the next set!”
Captain Stone picked up two breakaway arrows and strung drew her bow. She aimed at the same angle as before, and sent both arrows into the air at the same time. Just like before, Commander Bolt watched the arrows carefully and sent two bolts of lightning at them destroying both in midair at the same time. Captain Stone yelled, “Another hit sir, here comes the next set.”

Commander Bolt didn’t reply instead he just nodded his head and waited for the arrows to fly. Like before, Captain Stone drew her bow, same angle, and same direction, with three arrows. When the arrows where released Commander Bolt decided to try something new. Instead of sending, three bolts of lightning to each arrow. He sent on big bolt that split into three in midair, a few feet before shattering all three arrows. Captain Stone smiled, “Ok commander, now isn’t the time to be showing off!”

Commander Bolt shrugged his shoulders and smiled, “I just wanted to see if I could do it or not. Now let’s move into the direct deflecting, I think I can do it now.”
Captain Stone replied, “Are you sure sir? You don’t sound too confident about it.”
Commander Bolt got irritated, “JUST DO IT!!!”
Captain Stone shrugged her shoulders and sighed, “Ok sir, good luck with this one.”

Captain Stone took a rubber tipped arrow, drew her bow, aimed carefully at Commander Bolt’s forehead and released the arrow. Star Bolt sent a bolt of lightning straight at the arrow in an attempt to change its flight path. However, Captain Stone has a reputation of sending arrows faster and stronger than any average archer does, and the arrow was too fast for the lightning to make any difference, thus the arrow continued on its path. The Rubber tip of the arrow hit Commander Bolt directly in the forehead with enough force to send him flying back and landing a few feet from where he was previously standing.

Commander Bolt laid there in a daze for a few seconds before he realized what just happened. Captain Stone was expecting this, so with no concern in her voice she lowered her bow and called out, “Are you ok, Commander?”
Commander Bolt continued laying still and replied from the ground, “Let’s… take a little break… for now. We will continue training in about… an hour.”
Commander Bolt could hear laughing from the side of the training platform, when he turned his head to see who it was; he saw Captain Drib and a few zebra doctors laughing at him. Commander Bolt muttered to himself, “Well this is embarrassing.”

Captain Drib continued laughing while he called out to him, “Hey commander? If you want I can have a doctor take a look at you!”
Commander Bolt didn’t reply instead he formed a miniature Lightning Orb cloud that was about half a foot wide and sent a small bolt of lightning into Captain Drib’s chest. The bolt wasn’t dangerous but it did make Captain Drib fall over, with a tingly feeling as if his whole body except for his head fell asleep, “Wh-what w-was that-t…. for?”
Star Bolt continued lying on the ground but he did smile and replied, “Sorry Drib… reflex. Maybe you should have the doctors take a look at you.”

Captain Stone laughed at the sight of both Commander Bolt and Captain Drib lying on the ground. Then a lookout approached Commander Bolt, “Sir! The griffon commander is approaching the camp without sending a signal arrow.”
Commander Bolt sighed, “Thanks soldier, I’ll be there in a second.”
Commander Bolt rolled himself back on to his hooves and tried to keep his balance. The arrow hit to his head didn’t hurt anymore but it did leave him a little dizzy so he carefully made his way to Captain Stone and spoke, “Do you want to assist me in welcoming our friend to camp.”
Captain Stone smiled and replied, “Gladly sir.”

Commander Bolt and Captain Stone trotted towards the front of the camp leaving Captain Drib lying on the ground while the zebra doctors stood by still confused as to what just happened. Meanwhile at the front of the camp Commander Orem held one of the lookouts against the base of the tower by his throat. “WHAT DO YOU MEAN I CANT ENTER!!! You will let me in or I'll force my way in. I don’t take orders from a pony especially one with your rank.”

Just then, a rubber tipped arrow flew and hit Commander Orem’s talon making him drop the lookout, Commander Orem rubbed his talon and turned to the direction that the arrow came from. “Ah Commander Bolt, so good of you to finally embrace me with your presents.”
with Captain Stone standing next to him with her bow drawn and a real arrow at the ready, Commander bolt, spoke, “Captain Stone? How clear was I when I specifically said that if you want to approach my camp, you would need to send up a signal arrow and wait for a response?”

Captain Stone with her bow still drawn replied, “Crystal clear sir.”
Commander Bolt looked at the lookout, “Soldier did you see any signal arrow go up?”
The lookout took a step away from Commander Orem then he answered, “No sir, I didn’t.”
With increased sarcasm, Commander Bolt continued, “And more importantly, did you send any kind of response to any signal arrow you didn’t see.”
The lookout was confused for a second then he replied, “Uh… no sir. I didn’t.”

Commander Bolt looked at Commander Orem, “I didn’t think so. So what are we going to do about this… Griffon?”
Commander Orem became furious, “I’m here to see you and only you, my name is Commander Orem not griffon and you will treat me with the respect that my rank entitles me to! That’s one of the reasons I'm here, I'm tired of your attitude and I plan to fix it. You have done nothing but disrespected me and my race since we met and I'm sick of it.”
Commander Bolt became even more annoyed, “You called me an inferior species the moment we met. You started this fight. Besides, I have a bad history with griffon and I don’t plan to let any griffon disrespect me and get away with it.”

Commander Orem smiled, “Well we are about to settle this… predicament right now. I challenge you to a one on one battle for the command of both our armies.”
Commander Bolt noticed at this time that Commander Orem was wearing a special gauntlet that gave his talons metal claws and he had a small pouch on him too, with who knows what inside. In most cases, Commander Bolt would refuse but he was too angry to refuse this offer despite how dizzy he was after the rubber tipped arrow hit him in the head.

Commander Bolt replied, “Very well, if you want to die today, then let’s make it quick. I'm still expecting a reply from Nightmare Moon. We will meet on my training platform in five minutes, and you should better be ready for this!”
Commander Orem smiled, “Don’t count on it; you have never faced an opponent like me before. I guarantee that.”

Ch9 The Bolt That Cleared The Mist

“Are you ready for this Bolt?”
Commander Bolt tried to keep his focus on Commander Orem but his head still felt a little dizzy, “Cut the chatter and just begin already, I’ve got better things to do than deal with a griffon who has an attitude problem.”
Commander Orem laughed, “Well if you want to face me you might need a weapon first.”
Commander Bolt replied, “I don’t need one to take you on, besides, it’s being repaired right now, but just to be ready…”

Commander Bolt looked off to the side where Captain Drib was standing. “Captain Drib! There is a spear in the corner of my quarters, please go get it, but don’t give it to me until I ask for it later.”
When Commander Bolt looked back at Commander Orem, he realized that Orem had already begun his charge and was a few feet away. Luckily, Commander Bolt jumped into the sky and dodged the claws from Commander Orem’s Gauntlet. Commander Bolt hovered over Commander Orem for a few seconds, “That was a dirty trick griffon; I hope you didn’t waste your training on cheap shots like that.”

Commander Orem smiled, “Oh look the little pony can fly, how cute. I guess those wings aren’t just for show after all. Well looks like I have to pull out a few more of my tricks and see if I can clip those wings of yours.”
Commander Bolt landed a few feet away from Commander Orem and replied, “Then I'll have to deal with you before you try anything new.”
Commander Orem tried to charge again. He started to swing the gauntlet to try to hit Commander Bolt with the sharpened metal claws. Commander Bolt dodged each swing with ease but after a number of dodging the talons, he started to feel dizzy again. The next time Commander Orem tried a diagonal swing. Commander Bolt dodged to a lower stance and jumped out of Orem’s range of motion.

Commander Bolt jumped again to get a manageable distance between the two and he yelled, “FLASH!”
Commander Bolt tried to use the lower powered Lightning Orb but two seconds after the cloud appeared it dispersed with not so much as a spark. Commander Bolt watched the cloud disappear and was shocked, “What the…”
At that moment, Commander Orem had already closed the distance between the two and tried to catch Commander Bolt with the sharpened claws. Commander Bolt tried to dodge through a lower stance again but this time Commander Orem swung around and kicked him in the face with both of his back paws.

Commander Bolt flew through the air hitting the ground and rolling off the training platform. Commander Orem Laughed, “What was with the whole FLASH thing? Is that your catchphrase or something?”
Commander Bolt struggled to get to his feet and muttered to himself, “Why didn’t the Lightning Orb work, it’s never dispersed too soon like that before…”
Then he realized, the training before the duel and the fact that he was still dizzy from it was combining to break his concentration. Without a clear head gathering the moister into a cloud while keeping the lightning under control was very difficult to do. And the fact that he used a lot of energy during the training didn’t help his situation at all.

Commander Bolt stepped back on the training platform and braced himself for another attack. He knew that the Lightning Orb was useless in this fight so he decided to try looking for openings in Orem’s defense. Commander Orem charged again, like before Commander Bolt dodged his attacks while keeping his eye on Orem’s movement. Then he finally saw it, with the gauntlet on Commander Orem’s right talon, he left his left side open after he swung the claws to his right.

Commander Bolt continued to dodge the attacks until Commander Orem swung to his right again then he took his chance. When he dodged the attack, Commander Bolt ducked down and slid under Commander Orem on his back. Using all four hooves he pushed Orem up in the air then rolled backwards onto his hooves. With all the strength in his hooves and his wings, he pushed himself into the air and head-butts the griffon in his face. This didn’t help his dizziness any but it did stunned Commander Orem enough to roll over and kick him one more time in the face with both of his hind hooves.

Commander Orem hit the ground and rolled a few feet. Commander Bolt continued to hover in the air then spoke, “You’re too predictable griffon. You might want to change tactics.”
Orem sneered at Commander Bolt and replied, “Very well Bolt, then for once you can charge me, and show that this little pony does have courage.”
Commander Orem slowly opened the pouch on his side with his left talon and waited for a reply. Commander Bolt knew it was another trick so he landed back on the platform and readied himself for a charge, “If you say so.”

Commander Bolt didn’t know where to keep his guard up, the right talon had the sharp metal claws to watch out for while the left had something completely unknown in it. So he charged but readied himself to dodge anything that may happen. When he got close enough Commander Oren tried to hit him with the claws but Commander Bolt dodged the swing. Suddenly Commander Orem threw some kind of black sand into Commander Bolt’s face with his left talon. As soon as the dust hit him in the face, he knew what it was and jumped away from Commander Orem as quickly as he could.

Commander Orem scraped the metal claws on his gauntlet against the ground and created a spark that ignited the cloud of dust turning it into a cloud of fire and smoke. Luckily, the flames didn’t reach the dust that was still on Commander Bolts face. When he landed after jumping out of the way, he quickly brushed off the dust that was still on his face and sneered at Commander Oren, “black... powder… you used gun powder on me?.. You actually tried to burn me with GUN POWDER!?!”

Commander Orem smiled, “You actually dodged that attack without so much as a singed hair. It looks like you might survive this fight after all. But I can’t say you would want to live after what I do to you.”
Captain Stone yelled from the sideline, “Commander, Are you OK!?!”
Captain Drib also yelled out, “Sir, I have your spear. Do you need it?!”
Commander Bolt replied, “Don’t worry about me. I don’t need that just yet.”

Commander Bolt realized that most of the camp had gathered to watch the duel, but that still wasn’t a concern to him. With Orem using gunpowder as a weapon, he had to be careful not to get too close; otherwise, this fight will end quickly. Commander Orem charged this time with a horizontal swing but he also threw gunpowder with the slash. Then on his back swing, he ignited it just like the last time. Commander Bolt managed to dodge both the swing and the flames but he knew he couldn’t keep this up long.

Commander Bolt thought of a plan but it was very risky. It would depend on Commander Orem’s next move. Commander Bolt would have to open up his chest to try it, and that would give Orem the perfect chance to stab him with his gauntlet. However, it was the only move Commander Bolt could do, with fire coming at him after every swing, Commander Bolt had no opening to attack through, and it was a matter of time before the fire or claws would catch him. He knew that if he was going to pull this off, he had to time it perfectly. Too soon and the claws will go into his chest, but too late and he would be cooked on the spot.

Commander Bolt charged toward Commander Orem. When he got close enough Orem swung the claws in the same manner he has been, throwing the gunpowder in the air with the swing in an attempt to strike the claws on the ground with the backswing. After dodging, the claws Commander Bolt stood up on his back hooves with his wings stretched as far as his wingspan would allow, keeping his balance with his front hooves. When Commander Orem started his backswing, Commander Bolt flapped his wings with as much strength as he could.

The gust of air from Commander Bolt’s wings pushed the airborne gunpowder back onto Commander Orem’s face. Commander Orem saw what happened but it was too late to stop it. His gauntlet had already struck the ground and ignited the powder that was still in the air, and on his face. The next sound that was heard was an explosion followed by screams of agony. Commander Bolt was thrown a few feet by shockwave, but landed back on his hooves. Commander Orem was thrown of the training platform and landed on his back, while holding his face and screaming in pain.

Without missing a beat, Commander Bolt charged and pinned Commander Orem on the ground where he laid, using his rear hooves to hold down his wings and his front right hoof to hold his throat. Orem was strong enough to push Commander Bolt off him, but his body was in shock due to the unbearable pain on his face. Commander Orem swung his gauntlet in frustration but Commander Bolt was too close and caught his talon before it could make contact. Commander Bolt started beating Commander Orem’s talon against a stone that sat on the ground next to them. He continued hammering the top of the gauntlet against the stone, over and over, sending sparks up with each hit. Finally, the chain bracing on the top of the gauntlet broke and the gauntlet itself spit apart dropping the metal claws on the ground rendering the gauntlet unusable.

With Commander Orem’s weapon in ruin, and his face badly burned, he took his other talon of his wounds and looked Commander Bolt in the eye. The left side of his face was badly burned, and all the feathers on his right were singed, but the worst of it was his left Eye. The powder had not only gotten inside but when it ignited, his eye was completely destroyed. Using his one remaining eye Commander Orem glared at Commander Bolt, “You pathetic waste! Do you really think that you have the strength to strangle me?”

Commander Bolt replied calmly, “No, I don’t. But I don’t need it.”
Commander Bolt raised his head up without breaking eye contact and yelled, “Captain Drib! You can throw me that spear now!”
Caption drib flew up into the air then took aim, when he was ready; he threw the spear with the same deadly accuracy that he is known for. The spear flew through the air and lodged itself in the ground to the left of Commander Orem’s head.

Commander Orem turned his head to look at the spear with his right eye. As soon as Commander Orem saw the celestial seal on the spear, his face gave an expression of shock and fear. Commander Orem turned back to Commander Bolt and spoke, “You… you’re him… but how?”
Commander Bolt was a little confused but cautious, “What do you mean I'm him? What are you talking about?”
Commander Orem continued, “You’re the bolt… You’re the bolt every griffon talks about… The bolt that I only suspected was a fairy tale… The bolt that cleared the mist… The bolt that killed the hero… You’re him.”

Commander Bolt sighed, “Look I know you’re from the Griffon Kingdom , but around here, we speak Equestrian. So start making sense, or shut up!”
Commander Orem replied, “Where did you get that spear?”
Commander Bolt pulled the spear from the ground and placed the blade against Orem’s throat, “What’s it to you?”
Commander Orem answered in a cautious manner, “That spear belonged to a hero of the Griffon Kingdom, the only Pony to ever become famous there. I want to know, are you the bolt that killed him? Was it you that killed Chrome Mist?”

Commander Bolt wanted to lower his head but was too untrusting of Commander Orem to do so, “Yes, I killed him. He challenged me on the battlefield so I did what any good soldier would do. but why is he so well respected in the Griffon Kingdom?”
Commander Orem explained, “About five years ago there was a conflict in the Griffon Kingdom between the king and a bunch of rebels. This conflict was known as the Griffon Civil War. The rebels almost overran the capital city, until Commander Mist led a small force of thirty ponies into the fight and with his support he saved use all.”

Commander Bolt sighed, “You forgot the other part of that story.”
Commander Orem was confused, “Other part? There is no other part. Commander Mist was a hero!”
Commander Bolt shook his head, “Commander Mist was a hero and the best leader that Equestria has ever known, but do you know what happened after the war ended,? Or even what happened to the other ponies involved?”
Commander Orem replied, “No, but I'm certain they went home as heroes just like Commander Mist.”
“No we didn’t. When the war ended your king ordered use to leave the country. He told us we had one day to be back in Equestria or we would be deemed enemies of the Griffon Kingdom . He told us to leave with not so much as a congratulation, or a thanks for saving our feathers. He didn’t even give us anything for our act, Princess Celestia awarded us a medal afterwords, but your king only kicked us out. And to top it all off, only four of us returned. Four out of thirty.”

Commander Orem was shocked “Us? You mean you were there?”
Commander Bolt replied, “Yea. I was there, I was a major at the time but I was there either way. Commander Mist, Major Bolt, Sargent First Class Storm, and Sargent Snow, we were the only survivors out of thirty. Moreover, your king just ordered us to leave. You wonder why I dislike griffon. That’s why; they are ungrateful, arrogant, war hungry tyrants!”
Commander Orem got annoyed and tried to defend the king, “But his majesty was…”
“YOUR KING IS A COWARD! When he’s in the company of somepony stronger than him, he casts them out before they become a threat. He didn’t even recognize the ponies lost, in a civil war between griffons.”

Commander Orem was furious at Commander Bolts statement, but with him being pinned to the ground, losing an eye, and with a blade to his throat. He knew he couldn’t do anything about it. Therefore, he only replied, “So what do you want? Recognition? Do you truly deserve it knowing that you killed a pony that you once fought beside!?!”
Commander Bolt replied calmly, “No, I don’t want anything from you, your army, your king, or even your species. I don’t even want your life. All I want is for you to ether accept the alliance we are supposed to have or to take your army and leave Equestria. Your choice.”

Commander Bolt took the spear from Orem’s neck, tossed it aside, then calmly trotted from him. Commander Orem called out to Commander Bolt, “HEY!!! We aren’t finished yet Bolt!”
Commander Bolt kept trotting away while he replied, “Face it griffon! I beat you, unarmed, without the lightning orb, and when you had a weapon to fight with, and still you managed to break your weapon and lose your eye. You lost griffon, there is no need to continue.”
Commander Orem replied, “I DON’T CARE!!! This is a duel, which means this isn’t over until one of use is dead! Why else wo…”

Commander Orem was interrupted when a cloud of mist crept up behind him, wrapped itself around his neck and carried him off the ground. Then an eerie voice replied, “That can be arranged.”
Commander Bolt stopped in his tracks, and turned to look at Commander Orem, who was struggling for his life ten feet in the air. Then Commander Bolt looked at the source of the voice and bowed, “We have been expecting you your majesty, am I to guess you received my message?”

Nightmare Moon stood under Commander Orem using her mane to hang him in the air, and then she commented, “I see you made use of the time it took for me to arrive. In addition, I'm glad you showed this griffon his place, when it comes to my legion. However, I'm disappointed that you spared his life so easily. Have you lost your nerve to kill?”
Commander looked up at Commander Orem and replied, “No, I just didn’t want to waste the energy, if you want to kill him by all means do so.”

Nightmare Moon smiled, “Then I guess I should add him to my count.”
Nightmare started tightening her mane around Commander Orem’s neck. Commander Orem started to struggle more, fighting for his life, but before he lost consciousness, Commander Bolt realized something and spoke up, “Wait, do you know anything about griffons your majesty?”
Nightmare Moon loosened her grip and replied, “Not much, why do you ask commander?”
Commander Bolt replied,” I only know that griffons are stronger but slower than ponies. I don’t know anything about how they fight their basic tactics, the limits or their strength, or their basic flight abilities. So if his army does form an alliance with ours, than it would be better if the one who knows these things commands them. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Nightmare Moon sighed, “I suppose your right commander, but if he steps out of line again than you better deal with it.”
Nightmare Moon dropped Commander Orem from where he was hanging. When Commander Orem hit the ground, he started coughing and gasping for air, relieved that he was still alive. Commander Bolt trotted up to Commander Orem and with no expression he spoke, “Don’t worry your majesty, This griffon better enjoy his reflection, because if he steps out of line again, than he will never look in a mirror again, for fear of what he might see, when I finish with him. So… How clear am I griffon?”

Hearing Commander Bolt talk like this, sent chills up Commander Orem’s spine. Captain Stone, Captain Drib, all the ponies within hearing distance, and even Nightmare Moon were not only shocked, but a little afraid to hear him speak in such a dark and sinister manner. Commander Orem lowered his head in shame and replied, “I'm sorry commander, I should have known my place, and I will never step out of line again.”
Without any change in expression Commander Bolt called out. “This duel is over! Medics, see to this griffon’s injuries, he will continue command over the griffon king’s troops, and I over my own.”

As the pony and zebra medics rushed to Commander Orem’s aid, Commander Bolt approached Nightmare Moon, “So your majesty, are we really forming an alliance with Zebrica, The Hooviet Union, and The Griffon Kingdom?”
Nightmare Moon smiled, “We will need to if we are going to take Cloudsdale tomorrow.”
Commander Bolt was confused, “Cloudsdale? Tomorrow?!”
“I’ll explain it all when the commanders are assembled, send out the signal to meet with them.”
Commander Bolt replied “Yes you majesty, right away.”

Commander Bolt turned around and started trotting back to the front of the camp. As he was trotting both Captain Drib and Captain Stone started trotting with him. Captain Stone spoke first, “Are you ok commander? You’re not hurt are you?”
Commander Bolt smiled, “No I'm fine, thank you Stone. Captain Drib what’s the griffon’s status?”
Caption drib replied, “He has seen better day’s sir. His left Eye is completely destroyed and will have to be removed, his face is badly burned, and the medics think his right talon is sprained. Other than that he’s in good spirits.”

Commander Bolt smiled, “Good spirits, why would you say that?”
Captain Drib smiled, “He is using some very interesting words to describe you, I’d repeat them but Captain Stone is listening and I wouldn’t want to offend her.”
Captain Stone turned to Captain Drib, “Since when did you become such a gentlecolt!?!”
Captain Drib shrugged his shoulders, “It comes and goes.”
Commander Bolt smiled and shook his head, “Ah the officers I led, where would I be without you.”
Captain Stone laughed, “You probably be better off without Snow.”

The group shared a laugh and continued to the front of the camp. When they got there, Captain Stone sent the signal to meet, a green arrow. When the responses from the other nations where received, Nightmare Moon, Commander Bolt and Commander Orem went out to meet the other commanders. Commander Bolt’s officers were ordered to stay and continue with the trade agreements.
As they marched Commander Bolt looked at the Bandages on Commander Orem face, “So… what’s the damage?”
Commander Orem didn’t say anything he just kept his eye forward and marched along like nothing happened. Commander Bolt smiled and continued, “Ah the silent treatment, never thought I’d hear it from you. Oh well this just means that we well be better friend.”

When the four commanders plus Nightmare Moon met in the center of the battlefield, General Roza and Chief Rafi looked at Commander Orem’s face in horror. General Roza exploded, “VAT IS THE MEENING OF THIS!!!”
Commander Bolt calmly replied, “Just a disagreement amongst commanders, it has been sorted out and needs no further discussion.”
Chief Rafi tried to add, “But his face is…”
Commander Bolt interrupted, “It needs no further discussion!”
Commander Orem walked to the side of the group that faced his army then turned around, “Well your majesty? I believe you had something to tell us.”

Nightmare Moon nodded her head and replied, “Well my little ponies… and griffon. I believe we will be forming an alliance amongst each other. The basic rules to this alliance are, you will lead your troops and your troops alone, you will not move your troops until I or Commander Bolt allows it, and you will not harm another commanders troops.”
Chief Rafi stepped forward, “Will we be free to mix our troops amongst each other’s, I think it be best if we get to know one another.”

Nightmare Moon turned and looked back at Commander Bolt, “Well Commander is this acceptable?”
Commander Bolt thought to himself then replied, “It is, so long as we place boundaries to where soldiers of another nation can and can’t go. I don’t want to see any troops other than my own rummaging through our supply stock.”
Chief Rafi replied, “That be fair.”
Nightmare Moon started to speak again, “Now that we are at an alliance I suggest you all get acquainted and be ready to move out tomorrow.”

General Roza spoke up, “Tomorrow? Vhere are ve going tomorrow?”
Commander Bolt replied with little to no enthusiasm, “We will be taking control of Cloudsdale”
Chief Rafi Spoke up this time, “But why?”
Nightmare Moon replied, “This morning along with your message I received another from a spy I have in Cloudsdale. He told me that a large force of celestial troops arrived there to resupply and are on their way here. We will move in and destroy them without warning, and from there we will continue to Canterlot, and end his war once and for all.”

The four officers agreed and began setting the boundaries for allowing their troops to mingle amongst each other. Shortly after that, Nightmare Moon left the field and returned to the castle of the royal alicorn sisters. Then Commander Bolt returned to his troops and passed on the less than exciting news. Captain Stone was disappointed, “So we will go to Cloudsdale tomorrow?”
Commander Bolt could see the disappointment in her eyes and replied, “Yea, we will leave in the morning. Is something wrong?”
Captain Stone shook her head and replied, “No, I was just hoping I would never have to go back.”

Commander Bolt knew about her past, so he understood why she didn’t want to go back, “Are you ok with this Stone? You can always stay here if you want.”
She shook her head and smiled, “No, as a soldier I will follow the orders of my commander. Besides, you wouldn’t be trying to hog all the fun for yourself would you?”
Commander Bolt smiled back and replied, “Of course not. I wouldn’t hear the end of it if I did. Everypony take the rest of the day for personal time. You can go to the other armies if you want just report to me first. First Captain Drib, Lieutenant Viscous can you take what’s left of this gauntlet to General Roza? I wouldn’t want the griffon fighting unarmed later”
The two officers nodded and replied “Yes Sir.”
Commander Bolt continued, “Give it to him when she finishes the repairs. I think he has seen enough of me for one day.”

The two nodded and trotted off with the weapon. Then Captain Stone spoke up, “Sir? Is it all right that I ask General Roza about her expertise on arrows? I want to see if there is a specific type I should use.”
Commander Bolt nodded, “Sure, go have fun. I'll see you in the morning.”
Captain Stone asked, “You want to come too? I'm sure you can use a break.”
Commander Bolt shook his head, “No thank you, I’ve had a moderately long day, and so I'll rest here, then meet up with you later.”
Captain Stone shrugged her shoulders and replied, “Suit yourself.”
Then she trotted off toward the Hooviet Union camp.

Commander Bolt watched as all of his officers went to meet with the foreign armies. After about two hours, the eclipse set over the horizon and the moon began to rise. All the Officers and commanders gathered in the center of the battlefield and made a bonfire. There all nations, Equestrian, Griffon, Zebra, and Hooviet gathered and socialized long into the night. They told stories of Zebrica, The Hooviet Union, The Griffon Kingdom, and of Equestria. They told war stories of battles they survived. They even told each other about their lives before the war. Even Commander Orem with his pride in pieces, showed up for the festivities, he only refused to speak to Commander Bolt. It was one of the best times in Commander Bolt’s life since the war began. Nevertheless, by the time, the fire went out and the armies went into their camps to sleep. Commander Bolt couldn’t help but ask himself, “Will we be this close when it’s all over? Will my officers treat me the same once we take Canterlot? Will we still be friend?”

Ch10 The Fatal Funnel

The sky seemed cloudy today. Commander Bolt stood at the edge of a crater made by the Lightning Orb a week and a half ago. As he stood there, he could only play back this same event repeatedly in his mind. The words still echoed, “You would rather Kill Celestia’s troops, the ponies you fought beside, than to just get over some kind of… CRUSH!?!”
As the words echoed in his mind, he stared to doubt himself, “Is this really just a simple crush? Was this whole war for nothing? Or am I just too naive to see the truth?”
Commander Bolt was so focused on this thought that he didn’t hear Captain Stone approach him from behind.

“Um… Commander? The convoy is ready to move out.”
Commander Bolt, replied, “Thank you Stone. Did you bring the spear as I asked?”
Captain Stone held out the celestial spear, “Yes sir; General Roza’s troops just finished sharpening it for you. Do you plan to use it in the next battle?”
Commander Bolt shook his head, “No, I only want to bid a final farewell to the stallion I looked up to.”

Commander Bolt took the spear from Captain Stone and trotted to a pile of stones near the center of the crater. He placed this marker shortly after the battle had ended to mark the place where Commander Mist fell. The armor and weapons have long since been recovered but the stones remained untouched. Commander Bolt moved the stones out of the way until he could see the ground beneath them. Then using the point on the bottom if the spear, he Jammed it into the ground as deep as he could, so that it stuck out with the blade facing the sky.

Then he moved the stones back into place to brace the spear so it wouldn’t fall over. Commander Bolt took a few steps back but before anything else happened Captain Stone spoke up, “Wait, one more thing.”
She galloped up to the spear and removed her bandanna from her mane, and tied it to the top of the spear just below the blade. Commander Bolt asked, “Don’t you need that to hold your mane back when you fire arrows?”

She shook her head and replied. “I didn’t know Commander Mist, in fact I never seen a picture of him. However, the way you talk about him and the way you honor him even now when he was our enemy is more reason for me to respect him with a farewell gift. Besides you know that I wear a different color almost every day depending on how I feel, this is just one of many. A passionate red… I hope he likes this color.”
Commander Bolt couldn’t help but smile at the generosity that Captain Stone showed, “Thank you Gem, this means a lot to me.”

Captain Stone trotted up to Commander Bolt and stood next to him as they watched the red bandanna blow in the wind. They both slowly bowed in final respect for Commander Mist then the two turned around and started trotting back to the camp. When they returned to the camp, the other officers met them at the front of the convoy of wagons and troops. Captain Snow stepped forward and handed him his shield, “Commander all the soldiers are ready and awaiting orders to move out.”

Commander Bolt nodded his head, “And what about our guests?”
Captain Snow replied, “The other commanders are going to follow our lead, even Commander Orem suggested it.”
Commander Bolt smiled, “He plans to use us as a shield. Oh well… at least he is talking again. All right then prepare to move out! Stone, I want you to be in the skies watching our path. Let me know if you see any movement between here and Cloudsdale, the celestial army might meet us half way there.”

Captain Stone replied, “Yes sir.”
Commander Bolt Continued, “Captain Snow, you will be with me in the front. Drib, Viscous, you two will be in the rear of the convoy, if something happens that separates us I want you two to lead the ponies pulling the carts. We must keep track of our supplies. Captain Stone can you send up a signal arrow to notify the other commanders that we are moving out?”
Captain Stone replied as she pulled the arrow from her quiver, “Yes sir.”

As soon as the arrow went up, all four armies moved out in a convoy that seems to stretch for miles. After a short while of marching, the other commanders met Star Bolt at the front of his army. It has always been tradition that the lead army in a group of armies will lead convoys and that the commanders of all the armies will travel with the lead commander. Right away Chief Rafi tried to strike a conversation with Commander Bolt, “So my friend, what are your plans for after the war?”
Commander Bolt thought to himself for a little while and, trying to make a joke about the eternal night, he replied, “I guess the first thing I will do is buy a candle. But otherwise I haven’t planed that far ahead.”

General Roza commented, “A good leader alvays plans ahead, commander.”
Commander Bolt turned to Roza, “OK, so what are your plans general?”
“Vell that depends on the outcome of this var.”
“The outcome?”
General Roza continued, “If Nightmare Moon vins then I vould like to form an alliance vith the new Equestria. In hopes that she vill help us if ve ever get attacked by neighboring countries.”
“And if she fails?”
General Roza Smiled and winked at Commander Bolt, “Then I vill recruit you into our army. I'm certain you vould become a criminal driven to leave Equestria, if not banished. But I vould happily accept your transfer, your reputation alone is reason enough for me to allow it.”

Commander Bolt blushed and replied, “I appreciate the offer, but if Nightmare Moon falls I don’t plan to continue leading troops.”
Chief Rafi spoke next, “Well if all goes well then I hope you will join my council.”
“Council?”
“Yes, generals, commanders, leaders of all nation will be in my council to spread peace throughout the world. No fighting, no war, with every zebra, pony, griffon, and even the buffalo all working together there will be peace for all.”

Commander Bolt shook his head, “Though, I agree with the idea I don’t think it'll work out the way you hope.”
Chief Rafi didn’t like this comment, “Really, and why do you say that?”
Commander Bolt replied honestly, “Everypony has their own opinion. Some will agree with others, and others will deny the claims of some. This is the way the world works, and this is the reason this war is being fought.”

Chief Rafi thought to himself then replied, “What you say may be true, but I will still try.”
Commander Bolt smiled, “And that’s what you should do. But I'll tell you now I don’t want to be part of any council. No offence but I'm not into politics, I just follow orders.”
Chief Rafi nodded in acceptance, “Your choice be your choice. But it’s too bad; the great Commander Bolt with his ability to use the Lightning Orb would be an amazing addition to my council.”
Commander Orem replied to the comment sarcastically, “HA!”
Commander Bolt looked at Commander Orem out the corner of his eye, “Did you say something griffon?”

Commander Orem smiled, “Yesterday I fought you and I didn’t see one spark come from you or your precious Lightning Orb. It’s just a myth. Nopony can use it, especially not a worthless pegasus like you.”
Commander Bolt could only laugh at the comment, “Careful, if I remember correctly this worthless pegasus beat you yesterday. Besides I don’t need to prove anything to you. I'm here to lead my army, and nothing more.”
Commander Orem frowned and looked away in irritation; General Roza smiled and spoke, “So Orem, Vat vill your plans be after the var.”

Commander Orem replied, “I only wanted the chance to fight beside a real hero. When his majesty told me that Nightmare Moon needed troops and that her commander seemed legendary, I only assumed it was Commander Mist, but on my way here, I received word that Commander Mist fell to what could only be described as a bolt. I would have turned back but I would disgrace my name to return without a better reason. Therefore, my goal is to help you win this war and return to a hero’s welcome, that’s all.”
Commander Bolt didn’t like talking about Commander Mist so he tried to bring the conversation back to him, “My goal in this war is to help Nightmare Moon complete her goal, but I'm not entirely sure what I want to do afterwards.”

General Roza smiled, “Surely a stallion of your reputation has a mare vaiting for him back home?”
Commander Bolt blushed, “Well… I…”
General Roza continued, “Hm… there isn’t a special somepony vaiting for the return of the great Commander Bolt?”
Commander Bolt didn’t like the direction that this conversation was going, but he couldn’t think of how to change it and be subtle, “I… um… well… I do have a pony in mind but she… well…”
General Roza became intrigued, “You do? vell it seems like you’re unsure of yourself. Does she know how you feel?”

Commander Bolt gave up trying to change the conversation since it seemed like all the commanders and even Captain Snow had their attention on him. So he decided to answer the questions. “I… think she does but I honestly don’t know. I never told her how I feel.”
Commander Roza continued, “Do ve know who she is?”
Commander Bolt tried to hide his face but with the group, looking directly at him it was impossible. His face was already a beating red when he replied, “Well yea, you all know her.”

While this awkward conversation took place on the ground, Captain Stone was in the air looking ahead trying to see Cloudsdale but the cloud cover in the sky was too thick and she couldn’t see anything. Then something caught her eye, it seemed like a normal storm cloud but it was moving slightly faster than the other clouds. She continued to watch this same cloud wondering, why of all the clouds in the sky is this one moving faster? Her intuition kicked in as she pulled an arrow from her quiver and laid it across her bow at the ready. As she watched this cloud, she had a bad feeling about it so she looked around and found four more clouds doing the same thing, all of which were storm clouds.

Commander Bolt on the ground was trying as hard as he could to change the subject but with no luck, then he caught a break when he saw a narrow passing through cliffs ahead, he slowed the pace and spoke to Captain Snow, “Do you see what I see?”
Captain Snow Replied, “Indeed I do sir, a peasant would miss a bottle neck like that.”
Commander Bolt agreed, “You’re right, keep your guard up but don’t make a scene if there is a party waiting for us we don’t want to start it early.”
Captain Snow Replied, “Of course sir.”
Commander Orem’s expression showed that he was the only one of the other commanders who also noticed the quote-unquote fatal funnel in their path. Slowly he loosened the knot on his powder bag to make himself ready for anything.

Captain Stone continued to watch the approaching clouds very carefully. Then she caught a glimpse of what looked like a wing and a spear tip poking out of the edge of the closest cloud. She drew her bow keeping it pointed downward to make it seem like she didn’t see anything. Then moving quickly she pointed the bow at the cloud and released the arrow. Shortly after the arrow went into the cloud, she saw a pegasus fall out of the bottom, a pegasus wearing celestial armor. As she drew her second arrow she yelled as loud as she could “AMBUSH!!!!”

Commander Bolt, Captain Snow and the other officers slowly made their way through the small valley with little to no enthusiasm as the already narrow crossing became even narrower. After the shadow of the valley had covered Chief Rafi, and General Roza’s face, they too realized the danger of their path. Just then, the body of a dead pegasus fell from the sky and landed at Commander Bolt’s hooves, followed by the warning yelled by Captain Stone. As soon as her echoing call made its way into the valley a clouds of arrows quickly appeared overhead. Commander Bolt called out loud to the other commanders “TAKE COVER!!!”

All but Captain Snow, Commander Orem, and Commander Bolt took cover behind the first row of wagons. Commander Orem threw a talon full of gunpowder in the air and torched every arrow that was meant to hit him sending them to the ground in ashes. Commander Bolt and Captain Snow went to the edge of the valley and blocked incoming arrows with their shields. After the rain of arrows stopped, actual rainwater started to fall. Commander Orem got angry at this, with moister in the air he couldn’t create a spark to light the powder. “Fine! If pegasi want to play dirty than let’s play on their playground.”
Commander Orem opened his wings and took off into the sky.

Captain Stone continued firing arrows into the clouds, with each arrow either a pegasus fell from the cloud or a trickle of blood. Then one of the clouds shot a bolt of lightning out at her. She quickly dodged the first but she didn’t notice a second bolt coming from her right side. The lightning bolt hit her in the chest immediately causing her to drop her bow and lose consciousness. She started to fall as Commander Orem flew by her. He quickly turned around to catch her but when he turned around the Celestial pegasi sent another bolt of lightning into his back. He had no choice but to continue on his previous route but he couldn’t help but call to Commander Bolt to help Captain Stone before she hit the ground, “BOLT YOUR OFFICER NEEDS YOU!!! QUICKLY! CATCH HER!!!!”

Commander Bolt looked up to see what Orem was yelling about, when he saw Captain Stone falling from the sky he immediately reacted despite the second rain of arrows that was approaching. He looked back at Captain Snow and gave his order, “Snow! Hold the line and if you get the chance, move forward out of the valley.”
Then he looked over at General Roza and Chief Rafi who were taking cover behind the first wagon in the convoy, “General! Fall back and gather your troop! I want your army to rush through the canyon and take down anypony that stand in the way. Chief Rafi assists in the assault, but leave your medics to tend to the wounded and send one back to relay to the griffon army that their commander needs them in the skies!”
The leaders nodded their head and fell back to regroup their troops.

Commander Bolt took to the skies as fast as his wings could take him, as he was taking off the rain of arrows started to fall in his path. He used his shield to block most of them but a few managed to get close enough to leave cuts from the corner of the blades and the flights. After the wave of arrows passed, Commander Bolt increased his speed without worrying about his surroundings. When he finally caught Captain Stone, he immediately caught her and tried to make his way to a safe place where a zebra medic could look after her. Just then, one of the storm clouds fired a lightning bolt and hit Commander Bolt causing his wings to go numb.

Commander Bolt could still flap his wings but without feeling, he couldn’t steer or raise his altitude so he had no choice but to find a safe place to crash. He decided to choose a wagon in the center of the convoy that he hoped had tent tarps and bags in it. however, he didn’t know if it was the baggage wagon or the scrap metal wagon, which carried broken swords and shields. Commander Bolt Prayed as he moved himself between the wagon and Captain Stone to absorb the impact. After he was in position to absorb the impact he looked at Captain Stones face, she slowly opened her eyes and spoke still half-unconscious, “Star?…”

As he looked into her eyes, he felt something he couldn’t understand, some kind of feeling. However, before he could realize what it was their eye contact was interrupted by the crash of the two landing on the wagon and breaking the axle. Captain Stone who was now much more awake quickly sat up, “Commander? Are you OK?”
Commander Bolt still stunned by the impact lied there and replied, “Thank Celestia, I picked the right wagon.”
Captain Stone smiled and replied, “Lucky as usual right sir?”

Lieutenant Viscous saw the incident and galloped to their aid, “Commander! Stone! Are you two OK?”
Commander Bolt still lying on his back replied, “Yea I think so, do you know where Drib is?”
Lieutenant Viscous replied, “He’s fighting enemy pegasi in the sky right now.”
“Ok I guess I can forgive him then for not catching us then.”
Captain Stone laughed. She reached over him and grabbed a small cloth that was sticking out of a hole in wagons tarp. She pulled back her mane and tied the cloth as she would one of her bandannas. Commander Bolt looked at the color and asked. “Brown? What douse this color mean?”
She gave a sinister smile and replied, “Usually it would mean I'm feeling creative, but right now, I'm just unbelievably ticked off. Therefore, I'll be creative but it will be with my shots.”
Then after taking two steps, she fell to the ground.

Commander Bolt rushed to her side, “In your condition? I don’t think so. Viscous, take her to see a medic, I can’t let her continue in this condition.”
Captain Stone tried to object, “But Sir I…”
“No buts Captain, that’s a direct order.”
Captain Stone lowered her head as if she had said something wrong, when Commander Bolt saw this he tried to explain, “Stone in the time that I’ve known you, you have followed every order I have given without fail or complaint. I’ve had you climb mountains without using your wings, I’ve had you fire arrows into crowds just to get their attention, and I’ve even had you kill another pony at close range. Nevertheless, I'll never lead you into battle distorted just to see you die. So please don’t make me act like a commander would to a lower soldier, because you’re not just another solder in my eyes.”

Captain Stone looked up at Commander Bolt and blushed, “I… Understood sir, I'll stay here but you better not get in over your head.”
Chief Rafi trotted up after notifying the griffon army of the conflicts and suggested, “If you want I'll have my medic come look at her.”
Commander Bolt looked at Chief Rafi and replied, “That sounds like a good idea to me, do the griffons know about the ambush?”
Chief Rafi smiled and pointed to the sky, “See for yourself my friend.”

When Commander Bolt looked into the sky, he was amazed to see all five hundred griffon soldiers take to the sky at one. He has never had that many pegasi solders before so this was a remarkable sight; also, he could see Captain Drib and his solders returning from the front. When they landed Captain Drib reported, “Good to see you two safe and sound commanders, I heard about the incident a few seconds ago, good catch. The griffon soldiers are slowly taking control of the sky so I decided to see if I could be of use down on the ground.”

Commander Bolt nodded, “Good timing Drib take your pegasi and clear the cliffs on the top of the ravine, then once your finished assist the griffon’s troops. Viscous you and I will continue through the ravine and link up with Snow and Roza”
Captain Drib Smiled as he took to the sky with his pegasi troops, “Consider it done sir!”
Captain Stone tried speak next, “um… sir?”
Commander Bolt looked at her, “Yes?”
“I um… Just be careful sir.”
Commander Bolt smiled as he started to galloped into the ravine, “Stay safe Stone, and get patched up.”

Commander Bolt and Lieutenant Viscous ran through the ravine dodging all the wounded and dead falling with the rain from both conflicts in the sky and on the edges of the cliffs. When they finally reached Captain Snow, they saw him taking cover behind a large boulder at the opening of the other side of the ravine. When they took cover with him, Captain Snow turned to them and spoke, “Commander, you know it’s quite rude to keep a gentlecolt waiting… what took you so long?”
Commander Bolt Replied, “Can it Snow! Until I see you drop ten stories and land on your back with somepony in your arms, I don’t want to hear it. However, we can arrange the ten story drop if you wish to continue.”

Captain Snow smiled, “Maybe later sir, right now I believe we are trapped in this ravine.”
Commander Bolt Asked, “Trapped how?”
“There is a catapult on that hill waiting for us to continue, I broke off from the good general to gather some troops that fell behind and then that monstrosity caught us off guard and pinned us… or me down here.”
Commander Bolt continued, “You mentioned other troops, where are they?”
Without any change in expression Captain Snow replied, “A grim fate awaited them sir.”

Commander Bolt replied, “Grim? What exactly happened to them?”
Lieutenant Viscous taped Commander Bolt on the shoulder and pointed to their hooves, “Uh… Commander?”
Commander Bolt looked down and was horrified to see blood seeping out from under the very boulder they were taking cover behind, and mixing with the already setting water from the rain.
Captain Snow didn’t look at Commander Bolt but he could tell by the silence that it was no longer a mystery, so only replied, “A grim fate… need I say more?”
Commander Bolt looked over the boulder at the catapult and tried to think of a plan. He did think of one but it was crazy and very risky. He looked over at Viscous and asked, “Lieutenant? I know you’re good at stopping your axe swing but how is your magic with much heavier objects?”

Lieutenant Viscous looked at Commander Bolt in shock and replied, “Uh sir… with all due respect. You can take whatever crazy idea you’re thinking and shove it right up your…”
“No no, just hear my out Viscous, I'm going to get the catapults attention by standing on top of this boulder, when they fire at me I want you to slow the boulder down as much as possible while I get a clear shot with the Lightning Orb. I should be able to destroy it before it actually hits me but if you can slow it down enough it will give me a better chance. In the meantime Snow I want you to charge the catapult with as much speed as your hooves can give, don’t let up no matter what. If you can get to them before they load the next boulder than you can cut them down while we get out of this death trap. But move quickly, I suspect unicorn to be the loaders.”

Captain Snow and Lieutenant Viscous looked at each other with uneasy expressions, and then Snow confirmed, “So let me get this straight sir, because I believe I blacked out for a moment. You want to use Viscous’s magic to slow a boulders flight speed so you can destroy it, while I charge the catapult with no regard for my life.”
Commander Bolt shrugged his shoulders and replied, “Yea, that sounds about right.”
Viscous commented, “What if you can’t destroy it or I can’t slow it in time?”
With little change in expression Commander Bolt replied, “We die.”

Captain Snow laughed, “Well that makes it seem so much more pleasant, but I believe I'll pass on that idea.”
Lieutenant Viscous didn’t reply, but her expression showed that she agreed with Captain Snow. Commander Bolt explained, “This is a long shot but it’s a shot either way. Besides I'm a Pegasus I could leave you two here to face them alone but I'm not. I'll fight beside you or in front of you but I'll never leave you to fight alone.”

Captain Snow thought to himself for a second then replied, “Well this isn’t the first time I have carried out one of your less than rational plans, and I don’t expect it to be the last. So if you’re that confident, then I'll continue on your order sir.”
Lieutenant Viscous spoke with an uneasy tone, “This will be the first time I followed one of your crazy ideas, but you have my trust sir.”
Commander Bolt smiled and replied, “Then let’s give it a shot.”

Commander Bolt jumped to the top of the boulder that they were taking cover behind and started to create the cloud for the lighting orb. When the catapult spotters saw this they immediately released their projectile aimed straight for the confident commander, when this happened Captain Snow sprinted out of the ravine and strait for the catapult as fast as he could. As the boulder flew through the air, Lieutenant Viscous started to focused as much magic on the projectile as she could muster. However, the boulder continued at its velocity with little to no change in its flight path.

Using the Lightning Orb, Commander Bolt fired a bolt directly at the incoming boulder, but the bolt also lacked the punch that was needed. Instead of breaking the boulder only cracked up all around the surface. Though the bolt did slow the projectile greatly, it didn’t destroy it as hope. When Commander Bolt realized this he looked at Lieutenant Viscous and yelled at the top of his lungs, “VISCOUS!!! GET AWA!...”

The incoming projectile colligated with the boulder that Commander Bolt stood on less than a foot away from his front hooves. Both boulders immediately shattered sending shards of stone, sand, and rock into Commander Bolt’s body, leaving cuts, dent, and bruises all over him and his armor. The shockwave from the impact threw Commander Bolt into the air hitting the side of the cliff with an incredible force. Then Commander Bolt hit the ground landing in a mixed puddle of blood and rainwater. When Commander Bolt opened his eyes, he was looking at the mutilated face of one of the dead ponies that was lying under the boulder he was standing on. His hearing was muffled but he could hear cries from Viscous calling out to him. He tried to reply but his body was so dazed and weak he couldn’t even open his mouth. He could only lay there in a puddle of blood, next to the body of an unfortunate soul, as everything slowly went black.

Ch11 Wounded Spiritually, Physically, Emotionally

Commander Bolt once again stood at the summit of Dragon Mountain, completely irritated at his surroundings. Commander Bolt looked at Equestria just like always only this time he didn’t pay attention to what he usually does. “I KNOW THIS DREAM!!! I’ve had it numerous times since Mist died! Who are you? Why are you showing me the same dog and pony show every night? ANSWER ME!!!”

As Commander Bolt wanted, he got an answer from behind. However, the voice that replied sends a string of emotion through his very soul, first shock then fear. The voice answered, “Getting a little irritated aren’t ya… Sparky.”
“M… Mist?”
Commander Bolt turned around as quickly as he could but Commander Mist wasn’t there, instead it was his spear, sticking out of the ground with Captain Stone’s bandanna still blowing in the wind. Commander Bolt approached the spear and asked himself, “But what does it mean, I’ve had the same dream every night since he died, why? What is it supposed to…”

The voice interrupted him, but this time it came from the direction he was just facing “Turn around and see what it means!”
When Commander Bolt turned around again, this time it was night, and Equestria was in complete ruins. The Everfree Forest was a chard field. Cloudsdale was lying across the ground in ruins. In addition, Canterlot, the great city of Equestria was a burning city of embers. The moon had a particular glow about it, as if the sun never again would rise. As Commander Bolt stared at the horror of the new Equestria, and asked, “What happened?”
The voice answered in a less than amused manner, “You happened! ya won the war. Yay. Good for you, sparky.”
Commander Bolt tried to defend himself, “But I didn’t…”

The voice came from above this time, “Your little crush is going to be the death of Equestria. What was it you said, the day you became commander?”
Commander Bolt’s voice from that day echoed around him “I never did find out about my past but I'm proud of what my future will bring for this kingdom. Thank you your majesty and I will not fail you.”
The voice continued, “Funny how things change sparky, or is this the future you had in mind? Is this what you truly wanted? To kill many, and bring the rest of the kingdom to misery”
Commander Bolt lowers his head in shame, “What do you want me to do commander? How can I prevent this?”

The voice replied, “I'm not your commander… not anymore. You already decided that a long time ago. Anyway if ya want to prevent this future then ya only have to know when you have lost, and give up.”
Commander Bolt replied with a little more irritation, “What do you mean give up? Years ago you taught me that giving up is only used when you can’t win, but every attack has an opening, so how can I give up when there is always a way to win?”

The voice came from behind him again, “Come on sparky, ya know that ya can’t always win. Do you even know how ya got here in the first place? Think colt! Use that head of yours; you’ll know when to give up when ya finally feel real pain!”
Commander Bolt lowered his head and replied in anger, “Real pain? You want me to feel real pain! How about watching as Equestria is shrouded in darkness under an eclipse that I defend, or being told not to admit something to the mare I love that I have been trying to tell her my entire known life, or killing the only stallion, I looked up to. I’ve felt pain before, and this scratch on my ear does nothing but reminds me of it every day! And you tell me that this isn’t the pain I will feel?”

A strong wind blew from behind Commander Bolt making him turn around to see what was causing it. As he looked toward the spear, he watched as an unidentifiable silhouette of a pony shrouded in mist appeared in front of him, and spoke, “When ya stare death in the face and it doesn’t even faze ya, then that’s when ya know that ya felt true pain.”
Commander Bolt was confused, “Stare death in the face? What do you mean?”

The silhouette trotted closer to Commander Bolt, becoming more recognizable with each step. However, when Commander Bolt was able to make out the silhouette’s appearance he took a few steps back in complete horror and fear. The pony standing in front of him was the mutilated pony that he lost consciousness next to, the dead corpse that was crushed beneath a boulder. Commander Bolt took a few steps back in fear but without paying attention to the ledge he slipped off with his hind hooves and fell half way off the edge holding himself up with his front hooves. While he hung there for life, he tried to open his wings but like the other dreams, he had no such luck.

The standing corps trotted closer, “You see sparky, when you look into the eyes of death your real fear becomes apparent. I hope you remember this lesson; it may save your life one day. Commander Bolt! You are dismissed!”
The ghoul stomped his hoof on the ground, causing the edge of the cliff to crumble beneath him. The portion of the cliff that Commander Bolt was holding on to crumbled and broke away causing him to fall. As he fell, images started to pass before his eyes, he saw Nightmare Moon strangling a celestial soldier. He saw a burning tower crumble and fall on top of him. He saw a filly and her foal cower in fear, in the corner of a room. He saw Captain Snow drop his sword in shock, Captain Drib fall from the sky, a single tear drop from Captain Stone’s eye, and Lieutenant Viscous raising her axe to him.

After the images passed, his body spontaneously burst into a pink flame, the flame burned him in a most agonizing way only further increasing his fear and agony, when Commander Bolt looked to the ground he could see Commander Mists spear with the bandanna waiting for him at the bottom. Despite the pain he was feeling from the fire, he tried as hard as he could to change his path but it was no use. No matter what he tried, his final destination was the tip of that blade.

The very moment the blade touched his chest, Commander Bolt opened his eyes and sat up as quickly as he could. Sweat poured down his face, and his heart was beating rapidly as he tried to catch his breath. Commander Bolt knew it was a dream, he knew it wasn’t real; he knew that despite of what happened in that nightmare, it wouldn’t really hurt him, he knew it the whole time. But his fear was still almost too much to bear, he had never been that afraid in his entire life, and it all was a dream. After a few seconds of catching his breath, his side started to hurt so he lay back down and looked around the room. Wherever he was, he knew that it was some kind of tent, nothing like he or his soldiers use but it was a tent either way.

Commander Bolt decided the tent had to be Zebrican, the designs on the tent posts matched those on Chief Rafi’s spear so it seemed to be obvious. As he looked around, he also noticed that it was night, the air was very humid, it was dark and he could hear crickets chirping outside the tent. His armor and shield were sitting at the foot of his bed battered and bruised, all except for the blade on his shield; he could guess that was General Roza’s doing, while he was unconscious. However, what really caught his attention was when he looked to his left. In a chair to his left slept Captain Stone, no doubt waiting for him to wake up. When he saw her there, he couldn’t help but feel guilty, the last thing she told him was to be careful yet here he was in a medic tent with cuts, bruises, and possibly broken bones, and the dried tears on her face didn’t help his guilt either. So he just quietly put out the candle that was sitting on the nightstand next to him and tried to go to back sleep with hopes that the nightmare wouldn’t return.

The next morning Commander Bolt woke to the sound of arguing and bickering between Captain Snow and Commander Orem, “Griffon, with our ability to fly will always stand out in the battlefield over an earth pony! We control the skies, and have eyes to see long distances so we are the superior solders!”
Captain Snow replied, “Surly you jest, griffon are barbaric humming birds! We earth ponies are civilized enough to not only read the lay of the land but we also fight without the worry of an attack from below so we have more focus with our actions. In addition, we are the better when it comes to warfare.”

Commander Bolt looked around the room and realized they were alone so he just sat back and watch the show. Then while the argument carried on, Chief Rafi entered the room and saw Commander Bolt sitting up, “Ah, commander my friend, it’s good to see that you still live.”
With the argument still carrying on Commander Bolt replied, “It’s good to still live Chief, exactly how long has this argument been going on?”
“Oh about an hour or so, I finally just decided to sit back and watch, it entertains me now.”
Commander Bolt smiled and replied, “Hey chief, watch this.”

Commander Bolt raised his voice so Captain Snow and Commander Orem could hear, “HEY!”
The two stopped their arguing and looked at Commander Bolt while he continued, “You know Pegasi are like earth ponies with wings so not only do we know how to read the horizons but we also control the skies and the weather it produces. So naturally we are the better soldiers.”
Captain Snow and Commander Orem looked at each other then back at Commander Bolt, and then they both replied in perfect synchronization, “YOU STAY OUT OF THIS!”

Chief Rafi laughed as the two went back to arguing, Commander Bolt shook his head and asked Chief Rafi, “So what’s the word on my condition? My side is killing me.”
Chief Rafi replied, “As it should, you broke a rib in addition to the other cut and bruises. Your lucky friend, death didn’t meet you this time.”
Commander Bolt smiled, “Well… if I were lucky then my plan would have worked, and I wouldn’t have had the chance to meet death. By the way, is Lieutenant Viscous all right? She didn’t get hurt did she?”

Chief Rafi’s expression changed to a more serious one, “She be fine, nothing but bumps and bruises, but your officers need some encouragement from their commander.”
Commander Bolt asked, “Why is something…”
Commander Orem interrupted, “Be grateful Bolt, if it wasn’t for me the battle wouldn’t have ended the way it did. The celestial commander was a pegasus hiding in the clouds like a coward, but he didn’t see me coming. He was dead before he even turned around. Ha, he was a truly pathetic pony, but not like you. Taking on a catapult like that, either you’re crazy or you got guts, and anypony who was crazy wouldn’t have survived that ordeal. So, as much as I hate to say it, and I really do, you got my respect commander.”

Commander Bolt replied, “That’s fine griffon but right now I want to know the status of my soldiers so can you keep it down fo…”
This time Captain Snow interrupted, “You’re talking about the others right sir? Viscous, Drib, and Stone?
“Yea, can you tell me what’s going on Snow?”
Captain Snow lowered his head, “None of them are in the best of spirits sir. Viscous is in a terrible state of depression, Drib is downright angry at you, and poor Stone is traumatized.”

At that time, Lieutenant Viscous and Captain Drib entered the room. Captain Drib stood at the doorway with an angry expression on his face while Viscous approached Commander Bolt with her head hung down in shame. Commander Bolt looked at her and spoke in a joyful manner to try to cheer her up, “Ah Viscous it good to see you well and safe. I was worried my act of momentary stupidity got you hurt.”
Lieutenant Viscous looked up at Commander Bolt and spoke with great worry in her voice, “I'm… I’m sorry sir… if you want to demote me than I understand… I’m really sorry sir. I… I truly am.”
Commander Bolt asked with the same joyful tone, “What are you talking about? You did nothing worth being sorry about.”

Lieutenant Viscous replied, “But I couldn’t stop the boulder. My magic wasn’t strong enough and because of that, you nearly died.”
Commander Bolt spoke seriously this time, “Lieutenant if anything, I owe you my life. The boulder hit in front of me, it’s that reason that I'm alive. If you didn’t use your magic, it would have hit me directly. You don’t have to be sorry about anything. I’m sorry for putting you at risk like that, especially since I didn’t know the full extent of your magic. If you want me to punish you then your punishment is to go to your quarters and get some rest. You had a long day yesterday and you deserve a break.”

Lieutenant Viscous was relieved to hear this but she still had to correct Commander Bolt on one thing, “Uh commander? The battle was two days ago.”
Commander Bolt continued to smile despite the amazement in his mind, “Seriously? Two days ago… Um… Right.”
She nodded her head, “Yes sir, you’ve been unconscious for two days.”
Commander Bolt mudded to himself, “Well that isn’t very good for our progress then, is it?”
Then he replied to Viscous, “Well then rest for all the worry you had since then. I feel terrible about that and I’m grateful you came out of the incident without a scratch.”
Viscous smiled in relief, “Thank you commander and I'm glad you made it out alive too.”

Commander Bolt turned to Captain Drib, “I suppose you’re angry at me for putting Viscous through that risk right?”
Captain Drib replied, “YOU’RE DAN…”
Lieutenant Viscous interrupted him, “Callous!”
Captain Drib lowered his voice and corrected himself, “You’re darn right I am.”
Commander Bolt stood up and trotted up to Captain Drib and stood in front of him, “Well I already said that I'm truly sorry, but if you won’t accept my apology then what will you accept?”
Captain Drib replied, “Your apology, and this.”

Without warning, Captain Drib reached out and punched Commander Bolt in the face, knocking him to the ground. When Chief Rafi tried to help him up, he refused the help and picked himself up off the ground on his own, then he stood up straight in front of Captain Drib, “I deserve that, so are we even now?”
Captain Drib couldn’t help but laugh at Commander Bolt, “Commander, I just can’t stay mad at somepony who is crazy enough to take on a griffon unarmed, challenge a boulder from a catapult, and then take a punch that he feels he deserved from his subordinate without so much as an angry expression on his face. Ha and all in one week too. You and me? We’re even, just don’t do anything that stupid again or I'll have to do more than just punch you once.”

Commander Bolt smiled, “Good to hear. Do you know where Stone is?”
Everypony in the room lowered their head in hesitation to answer that question. Even Commander Orem didn’t want to talk about her situation. Finally, Lieutenant Viscous replied, “Uh sir, you might want to know what happened when we found you in the ravine. You see we didn’t find you until about thirty minutes after incident you were lying in the center of an area where rocks and boulders blocked you from our view.”
Captain Snow continued, “After I rushed and took control of the catapult, Viscous galloped to me saying something about you missing after getting hit by the catapult, so we both went back to the area but we couldn’t find you.”

Chief Rafi continued the story, “After my medic told me that your archer was safe to fight, I accompanied her through the ravine but when we ran into your officers we decided to join the search, she found you first but it was not a happy discovery.”
Viscous continued again, “She found you lying in a puddle of blood next to a pony that had been completely crushed from head to tail. She immediately assumed the worst and went hysterical. She refused to go near your body, because she feared that the same boulder killed you like the pony next to you. She broke out in tears and even fell to the ground crying; I had never seen misery like that before. It took both myself and Chief Rafi to get her back to the convoy. About five minutes later the blue arrow went up and the battle had ended. It was after that when we finally got your body back to camp.”

Commander Bolt looked at the floor in guilt. He didn’t expect that she would act like this if something where to happen to him. He only had one more question to ask before he would go to look for her, “Did anypony inform Nightmare Moon about my condition?”
Commander Orem stepped forward “Myself and a few of my solders returned just this morning from delivering the message.”
“And? How did she respond?”
Commander Orem answered, “She only told use that when you wake up, we will continue to Cloudsdale and notify her when we get there.”
“That’s it?”
“That’s it.”

Commander Bolt couldn’t help but feel disappointed that she didn’t react differently; the old Luna would at least send a message to get rest, or even come and see him. Nevertheless, Nightmare Moon didn’t even flinch at the thought. He only nodded his head and replied, “Then give the order to start packing up. We still have to get to Cloudsdale and we need to make up for lost time. While you do that I'm going to see if Captain Stone is alright.”

After Commander Bolt left the tent, he noticed General Roza giving instructions to some of her blacksmith’s. She noticed him trotting up to her and spoke, “Commander Bolt, it’s good to see you alive and vell, but shouldn’t you be getting your rest?”
“Actually I'm looking for Captain Stone. Do you know where she is?”
“She is at the top of the cliff near the entrance to the ravine, she needs you to talk vith her.”
Commander Bolt lowered his head, “Yea… I know… thank you general. If you could, get your troops ready to move out, I would like to reach Cloudsdale by nightfall.”
General Roza asked, “Vhy so soon commander? Shouldn’t you give yourself time to recover?”
Commander Bolt answered as he trotted away, “Orders from higher, I would like to rest but it seems Nightmare Moon wants to take Cloudsdale first.”

As Commander Bolt approached the cliff, he could see Captain Stone standing at the top wearing a grey bandanna. He didn’t know what this color meant but he knew it wasn’t a good color if this is the first time he had seen it. Commander Bolt flew to the top of the cliff and approached her from behind, “Gem? Are you ok?”
Without turning around Captain Stone replied with an angry tone, “Why are you fighting this war Star? We all have our reason for fighting with you, but through it all I never asked you because I respected your privacy… because I respected you, but I want to know. Why?”

Commander Bolt replied, “I have a goal I want to reach, but so long as this war is going on, I can’t put my focus into that goal. Once this war ends I can concentrate on achiev…”
“And do you think dying will help you achieve that goal!”
Commander Bolt was shocked to hear Captain Snow snap at him like that, “Gem you know I put my soldiers first that’s why I was at the most risk when I attempted the idea. As long as you and the others are safe than you can continue the fight without me.”

Commander Bolt could see tears falling from her face even though she wouldn’t turn around to talk to him, “You’re wrong commander, if you die then it’s all over for us too. Imprisonment, banishment or execution, this is the best-case scenario for each of us if we lose a battle. And we will lose if you die, not to mention the thought of losing a good leader and friend. If you die you wouldn’t be the only one affected, if you die I don’t know what I…”
Captain Stone stopped herself from talking, and then turned around to face Commander Bolt, and then she continued to lecture him through her tears, “You’re not fighting this war alone you know. We are all here, if one of use needs help than we all will help, if one of us gets lost we’re all lost, and if one of us gets hurt w…”
Commander Bolt interrupted her “We are all hurting right now! Gem I'm…”

Captain Stone interrupted this time only her crying could be heard in her words, “Do you know what I thought when I found you!?! I… I thought it had already ended, I thought that the war was now over, that not only did our time together as soldiers end but our time together period. I… I wasn’t strong enough to handle that thought. I couldn’t even stand after landing on the ground. I just couldn’t… I…”
Captain Stone hung her head down; her crying overwhelmed her to a point where she couldn’t speak.

Commander Bolt was surprised that she cared this much about him, he couldn’t believe the dedication she showed, then he thought about how she was an orphan and how he was the first friend she made after she left the orphanage. He could understand most of her feelings. He had the same feelings when Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Commander Mist took him in as a colt with no past.

Commander Bolt tried thinking of a way to cheer her up then he had an idea. Commander Bolt raised his head up and stood straight as if he was talking to a superior officer. Then he spoke with a serious tone, “Captain Stone, I understand your concerns and I have come up with a solution to your problems.”
Captain Stone looked at him with a still sad but confused expression, then he continued, “At your earliest convenience, I want you to retrieve some rubber tipped arrows and we will practice some direct deflecting training till your heart’s content, I will even attempt this blindfolded if you see fit. I know you always seemed concerned when the arrow hit me in the face, but you were always laughing on the inside.”

Captain Stone’s expression stayed un-amused for a few seconds but that slowly changed to a smile then laughter, Commander Bolt’s serious look also changed to a smile then he continued with a more comforting voice, “Gem, I truly am sorry and if there is anything I can do to make it up to you, then let me know.”
Captain Stone smiled and wiped the tears from her face. “Well there is one thing. When the war ends, I want you to come with me.”

Commander Bolt blushed and replied “Well… I… uh…”
Captain Stone blushed and tried to correct herself, “No, I mean I want you to come with me to the place where my parents died. I want to show you where my old house used to sit and where I would play when I was a little filly. I also want you to honor them one last time, just like we did Commander Mist, as their only daughter I think I owe it to them.”
Commander Bolt understood and replied, “Done! We will go see them as soon as the war ends, now let’s get back to the camp. It’s almost time to move out and I really need something to stop the pain on my side.”
Captain Stone smiled and replied, “You big foal, that what you get for trying to show off.”

The two laughed and flew back to the camp where the three commanders and the other officers were waiting for instruction, General Roza approached Commander Bolt, winked at him, then spoke, “I see the two of you have already made up, it looks like the rest of our journey vill be… a little more interesting, eh commander?”
Commander Bolt asked, “And what’s that supposed to mean general?”
General Roza turned around without answering the question. Commander Bolt looked at Captain Stone who blushed and shrugged her shoulders at the comment. Chief Rafi Approached Commander Bolt and handed him a flask, “Drink this friend; it will help heal the rib faster.”
Commander Bolt asked, “What is it?”

Chief Rafi shrugged his shoulders and replied, “I don’t know, but it will heal the wound in less than a day, and it tastes like something you would scrape off the bottom of your hoof.”
Commander Bolt didn’t know if he should drink it or toss it but out of trust he drank it. The taste was terrible but his side started to feel better. Then he noticed it not only felt better it had gone completely numb. Then his hooves went numb and he fell to the ground. Captain Stone rushed and helped him up, “What was that!?!”
Chief Rafi replied with a smile, “A side effect; it will pass in a few seconds.”
Commander Bolt got back on his feet and the numb feeling went away. “Uh thanks?”
Commander Orem patted him on the head, “Oh he’ll be fine Stone. He can take anything you can dish out. In fact he is starting to resemble the hero that Mist was.”
Commander Bolt who was annoyed with Commander Orem’s talon being on his head replied,
“Griffon, if you don’t remove your talon from my head, then I'll remove your other eye with my bare hoof.”
Commander Orem quickly removed his talon and backed away from Commander Bolt.

Commander Bolt gathered the others around to brief them on the movement, “OK commanders you will fall in just like the movement from the last position. Only this time I want you to select one of your officers to guard the supplies incase we are attacked again. The commanders nodded their heads and went to brief their officers on the plan. Commander Bolt then looked at his officers. Drib, Stone you two take to the skies for surveillance, the sky is clear today so you should be able to see Cloudsdale from here. Snow, Viscous you two will be at the front with me and the other commanders. I believe I owe each of you some kind of thanks… or sorry so I won’t make you guard anymore. We will move together as a team or not at all. So, how clear am I!?!”
Each officer looked at one another and smiled, then they all replied in perfect synchronization “CRYSTAL SIR!!!”

Captain Drib took to the sky to try to spot Cloudsdale while Captain Stone fired a signal arrow to signal the other commanders to move out. Drib called down to Commander Bolt, “Sir, I see Cloudsdale. It’s a clear flat path all the way there. No armies or cover to be seen… uh wait a second. Sir I’ve never been to Cloudsdale before, what exactly sits beneath the city in its shadow?”
Commander Bolt answered, “Well before the city was moved a few years ago it was over a portion of the Everfree forest but something caused the weather to act on its own there so the city moved to its current location. I hear there is a cemetery below it now. Why?”
Captain Drib replied, “Just wondering I see something in the shadows but I guess that’s just the tombstones. Other than that, the way is clear, on you order sir.”
Commander Bolt nodded his head and called out, “SOLDI… EVERYPONY!!! MOVE OUT!!”

Ch12 A Murder in Cloudsdale's Shadow

The cloud lost its charge and dispersed as Commander Bolt dropped to a knee to catch his breath. Shortly after, he looked around to see that all the celestial soldiers in the area were unconscious. Then he muttered to himself, “This is the second Lightning Orb since this battle began, I can’t keep this pace, at this rate I'll pass out before too long.”
At that moment, Captain Drib approached from the sky, “Sir the celestial commander has been found, General Roza is fighting him as we speak.”

Commander Bolt stood back up “Good, then we will buy her time to end the battle, where are the others?”
“Stone is in the rear firing arrows at long rang, Viscous and Snow are nearby fighting celestial pike and sword ponies. I think Commander Orem is still protecting Stone and I don’t know where Chief Rafi is.”
Commander Bolt nodded his head, “Contact Snow and Viscous and have them assault that hill with the catapult if we can take it we can use it.”
Captain Drib smirked then replied, “let’s not have a repeat of last time shall we?”
Commander Bolt smiled and replied, “Well with all these tombstones running around, I'm afraid we don’t have the time for an encore.”
Captain Drib sighed, “Sir I told you already, I was two and a half miles away when I said that, and they were in the shadow of a city. It wasn’t easy to tell what it was.”

Commander Bolt smiled as he began to gallop toward the catapult, “I don’t care if you call them dandelions. I would like to know if they are holding spears or not. Now deliver the message then help Roza.”
Captain Drib Replied as he flew off “Got it, Sir.”
As Commander Bolt galloped forward, he noticed a group of pegasi diving toward him. He didn’t know if any allied troops were nearby or not, so he called his warning just in case, “FLASH!!!”
Commander Bolt closed his eyes and used the Lightning Orb to create the harmless yet blinding light. When he opened his eyes, most of the pegasi hit the ground at full speed. However, one was continuing his charge with no effect from the Lightning Orb.

Commander Bolt dodged the spear blade from the diving pegasus and rolled to ready himself for the next attack. The enemy pegasus turned to him and spoke, “Your little trick won’t work with me a second time commander. You used that on me almost a week ago at the battlefield near the Palace of the royal alicorn sisters.”
Commander Bolt smiled, “Then I'll have to show you a new trick.”
When the pegasus tried to dive a second time, a spear came out of nowhere and hit him in the throat causing him to hit the ground in front of Commander Bolt. Then Chief Rafi sprinted towards the fallen pegasus, jumped on top of him, pulls the spear out, and stabbed him again, this time in the head.

Commander Bolt just stood there in amazement. Chief Rafi looked at him and smiled, “You do not think I became chief, just giving advice all day, did you?”
Commander Bolt smiled, “So that’s a zebra’s way to fight… I'm impressed.”
Chief Rafi Replied, “My friend, I am only one, wait until you see all of us fight.”
Chief Rafi turned around and threw his spear at a pegasus who was regaining consciousness from hitting the ground earlier. Then Commander Bolt could hear the whistle of arrows approaching from behind so as he looked up he called to chief Rafi, “TAKE COVER!!!”

Chief Rafi quickly picked up the enemy pegasus’ shield and kneeled down behind the body while raising the shield to block the incoming arrows while Commander Bolt used his own shield. As the rain of arrows hit the ground he could hear the screams of the pegasi who were still alive on the ground around them, Commander Bolt felt sorry that they had to go so suddenly and without warning, but that’s as the ways of war. When the arrows stopped falling Commander Bolt called to Chief Rafi again, “Chief! Go back and tell Stone to disperse her long rang line. Tell her that we have advanced too far, and she needs to focus on direct targets from here on.”

Chief Rafi smiled, “No problem friend, I will tell her to help you out here.”
Commander Bolt replied, “No, just have her move forward, she doesn’t need to join me out here.”
Chief Rafi grabbed his spear then started galloping away, “She will be with you momentarily friend, just continue forward and she will join you soon.”
Commander Bolt tried to stop him to tell him not to send Captain Stone but Chief Rafi was too fast for him to reply. Commander Bolt mutters to himself, “Ever since the ravine incident, all the commanders have been acting strange, first Roza and her comment before leaving, then Orem volunteering to stay behind to quote unquote watch over my archer, then Rafi storming off to get Stone to come to me. Why are the commanders acting so strange?”

Commander Bolt decided to forget about it, a focus on the battle at hoof. As he made his way to the hill where the catapult was sitting, on the way met up with Lieutenant Viscous who was already cutting down troops with her massive axe. Using the blade on his shield, he stabbed a pike pony that was facing Viscous then called to her, “Viscous any sign of Snow?”
Viscous’ mind was too focus on her magic for her to reply, so Commander Bolt just continued forward till he reached the catapult.

When he got to it, the catapult launched a boulder clear over his head into the distance. Commander Bolt then jumped and flew as fast as he could barely a foot off the ground until he buried the blade of his shield into the unicorn who was reloading the catapult. The pony near the firing lever drew his bow and sent an arrow towards Commander Bolt. Luckily, the arrow hit his armor at an odd angle, ricocheting it into the ground and leaving behind a deep scratch on his already bruised armor. Commander Bolt charged the already terrified archer and with one swing cut his bow in half.

The archer with an arrow already in his other hoof tried to stab Commander Bolt. However, with Commander Bolt backswing, his throat was cut and he fell to the ground dead. The last pony in the catapult crew threw his spare and shield to the ground and yell, “I SURRENDER!!!”
Commander Bolt looked at him with a stare that sent a chill down his spine and replied, “THEN RUN!!!”
Without hesitation, the soldier turned around and galloped away as fast as he could. Commander shook his head and mumbled to himself, “Why would a soldier like that even think to step onto a battlefield?”

Captain Snow and Lieutenant Viscous galloped up to the catapult, Captain Snow smiled, “Exceptional work sir, looks like you took the catapult this time.”
Commander Bolt nodded his head, “No mistakes this time. Snow, you keep the enemy off us, Viscous you and I will turn this catapult around and fire it at their lines.”
Viscous asked, “Uh, sir? Where should we aim it?”
Before Commander Bolt could answer, he heard a faint whistle in the air then Captain Snow called out, “TAKE COVER!!!”

Commander Bolt looked up and saw a rain of arrows approaching. He and Snow quickly took cover behind their shields while Viscous used the catapult and her massive axe blade. As the arrows rained down Commander Bolt shouted to Lieutenant Viscous, “WE HAVE OUR TARGET!!! Once the arrows stop, immediately help me push the catapult so that it aims at the archers lines!”
When the arrows stopped falling, Lieutenant Viscous dug her axe into the ground and used a combination of her magic and her brute strength to push the back of the catapult while Commander Bolt pushed the front.

Once the catapult was facing the right direction, Lieutenant Viscous used her magic to place a boulder on the platform. Then she turned to Commander Bolt, “Uh, commander? You know how to use this, right?”
Commander Bolt smiled and replied, “Sure I do… I think.”
Viscous replied, “You think? What do you me…”
“FIRE!!!”
Without trying to finish her sentence Lieutenant Viscous took her axe and hit the rotary wheel as hard as she could cutting both the chain and the wheel in half.

The platform containing the boulder flew upward with incredible speed and power sending the boulder hurling through the air knocking down everything and everypony in its flight path. Commander Bolt, Lieutenant Viscous, and Captain Snow all watched the boulder as it crashed into the celestial archers main line and rolled over the center like a sponge removing dirt from the countertop. Only this left behind an even bigger mess than before. Captain Snow commented, “Superb shot sir, not bad for your first time even touching a catapult.”
Lieutenant Viscous commented, “I should've guessed he was just winging it. Oh well, at least it went better than the last time we dealt with a catapult.”
Commander Bolt looked at the catapult and gave a somewhat sinister smile, “I need to get me one of these.”

Snow looked up and shouted, “Commander! There’s the signal arrow!”
Commander Bolt looked to the skies saw the blue signal arrow signifying the battles end. Captain Snow sheathed his sword and commented, “Leave it to the good General to finish what she starts.”
Captain Stone flew up from the rear line and approached Commander Bolt, “Sir? Chief Rafi told me that you needed my help out here, but I guess I'm too late right.”
Commander Bolt slung his shield, sighed, and mumbled to himself, “That annoying striped…”
Then he replied to Captain Stone, “It was a misunderstanding all I asked was to break your long rang line, and he took it out of context. But since you’re here why don’t we all go meet General Roza on her way back.”

The group put away their weapons and began trotting towards the front of the celestial army’s line. On the way, they met up with Commander Orem, Chief Rafi and Captain Drib, and then they saw General Roza trotting up with another pony following close behind in chains. She approached Commander Bolt with a smile on her face, “Nice of you to join us commander, I vas thinking you got hurt again.”
Commander Bolt smiled, “Not this time; I merely kept them busy for you. Is that the celestial commander with you?”
Roza looked at the chained soldier and replied, “Yes. Once his spear broke he had no reason to continue fighting, so I graciously accepted his surrender.”
The Celestial commander looked at Commander Bolt and nodded his head, “Commander Bolt, I can’t say it’s good to see you well, but I don’t wish any real tragedy upon you.

Commander Bolt replied with a serious expression, “The feeling is mutual, have we met before? You seem familiar somehow.”
The chained commander replied, “I was second in command the day you killed Commander Mist, you sent the rest of his troops plus myself back unarmed that day. I have to say, I owe you my life. You could have killed me and the rest that day but you showed us mercy.”
Commander Bolt shook his head, “No, I only set the example for my… our troops. Anypony who has lost, and refuses to fight in battle, will not be killed in battle. Commander Mist understood this but I was too blinded by my emotions to see it before his death. This battle will end the same way. You and your troops will be striped of your armor and weapons and sent home where you belong.”

The celestial commander smiled, “Thank you commander, what Mist said about you was true after all. There is good in you. My troops will happily throw their weapons down, and leave quietly. It looks like I owe you my life again. If you ever find yourself in Cloudsdale again, look me up, I'll buy you a drink. Or better yet, you can meet me there tonight and save us both the wait.”
Commander Bolt nodded his head, “I just might do that.”

The group turned around and continued trotting back to the Nightmare Legions front line. When they got there, they notice that Nightmare Moon was standing and waiting for them. She approached Commander Bolt and with sarcasm, she spoke, “Congratulations on our latest victory commander. But I'm afraid I don’t know the stallion that seems to be following you back. You know the one wearing the chains.”
The Celestial commander stepped forward then bowed, “Your majesty my name is comma…”
“Excuse me commander, but I believe I was waiting for a reply from my commander, not you.”
The Celestial Commander stepped back in nervousness, while Commander Bolt answered the question, “Your majesty this is the commander of the celestial army we fought today. He realized he couldn’t win so he surrendered the battle.”

Nightmare Moon gave him an unappreciative stare and asked, “And why is he in chains?”
Commander Bolt tried to answer, “Well you majesty I thou…”
Nightmare Moon looked at the celestial commander and spoke before Commander Bolt could finish, “You! How long did you serve my sister?”
The celestial commander replied “About 5 years your maje..”
“And in that time how many of my… Commander Bolt’s soldiers have you killed?”
“To be honest your majesty I don…”
“And you commanded this army during this particular battle, how many of our soldiers did your army kill today?”
“Well… I…”
“Do you plan to take responsibility for their lives?”
“I.. um…”

Nightmare Moon turned to Commander Bolt and gave him an order, “Commander, this soldier has killed many of your troops, because of that I want you to make an example of him and execute him, now!”
Commander Bolt wasn’t surprised Nightmare Moon would say something like this, but he didn’t want to kill a defeated pony so he tried to stand up for him, “You majesty this pony has agreed to lay down his weapons and surrender, I can’t in any way kill a pony who isn’t willing to fight back.”

Nightmare Moon gave Commander Bolt an unamused stare then she replied with a crooked smile, “Very well, then I'll Kill him.”
While the conversation was happening nopony noticed that a portion on Nightmare Moons mane had snuck behind the chained commander, and as soon as she had finished her sentence, the mane wrapped around the commanders throat and lifted him high in the air. The celestial commander struggled with all his strength to get free but no matter how hard he tried; Nightmare Moons grip was too strong. Commander Bolt tried to reason with Nightmare Moon, “Your majesty, please! This pony has given up the fight! There is no reason to kill him!”

With an uninterested expression Nightmare Moon replied, “This pony has taken many lives and he must answer for them all.”
Commander Bolt could hear the struggling sound of Nightmare Moons grip tightening around the celestial commander throat, so he continued his plea, “But this pony shouldn’t pay for the lives with his own, he should be given the chance to find another way!”
Nightmare Moon glared at Commander Bolt “There is no other way; we are behind in our schedule as is. Your little vacation at the ravine made sure of that.”

Commander Bolt didn’t like the comment but he knew he had no time to defend himself, “Your majesty I'm begging you spare this pony’s life! Nopony deserves to die like this!”
Nightmare Moon replied with anger in her voice, “Listen to yourself! You are the Great Commander Bolt! You are the only pony in the world who wields the Lightning Orb. You are feared throughout all of Equestria, and you are begging to spare the life of a pony whose life isn’t yours to spare? This pony’s life in in my hoof so I will decide what happens to it.”
“PLEASE NIGHTMARE MOON ST…”

At that moment, a loud cracking sound was heard followed by dead silence. The celestial commander, whose body was struggling for life went completely limp, as his eyes dilated. Commander Bolt was completely stunned, Nightmare Moon didn’t just kill another soldier on a battlefield she just murdered an innocent in cold blood. Nightmare Moon lowered the dead commander enough to look into his still open eyes, and then she smiled with the crooked smile that only a monster could make, “The deed is done.”

Commander Bolt looked around at the rest of the soldiers who watched the whole thing. All he could see was mixed emotions of fear, sadness, anxiety, and anger. While he looked around, he didn’t notice that Nightmare Moon had turned to face him, “Commander! Since you were so worried about this solders fate, I'll leave you to dispose of his body. I think that the rest of the ponies here would like a demonstration in exactly how powerful you really are.”
Commander Bolt was confused, “What are you talking about your majesty? How should I do that?”

Nightmare Moon looked at a nearby hill and replied, “I heard that the Lightning Orb used to kill your mentor completely turned him to dust, I want to see this. Take this body over to that hill and reassert yourself as a fearsome and strong leader. Show these solders and your officers who you are.”
With that, said Nightmare Moon tossed the dead commanders body at Commander Bolt knocking him to the ground. Commander Bolt cringed at the pain he felt from his broken rib, but he picked himself of the ground all the same.

Nightmare Moon stared at him with an inpatient expression, “I'm waiting commander, show me that you can still perform the Lightning Orb.”
Commander Bolt didn’t like it one bit, but he knew his orders so despite the pain he tried using his wing to lift the body onto his back. Captain Stone could see the pain in the expression on his face, so she tried to galloped over to help but Nightmare Moon stopped her, “Um… excuse me mare? What do you think you’re doing?”
Captain Stone replied “Your majesty I was going to hel…”
Nightmare Moon interrupted Stone in a disrespectful tone, “Did your commander ask for your help?”
“N-no but…”
“Did I give any instruction to help your commander?”
Captain Stone lowered her head, “No, your maj…”
“Then you will step back, and allow your commander to follow the orders he has been given. Is that understood!?!”

Commander Bolt looked at the worried expression on Stones face, smiled, and spoke softly, “I'm fine Gem, don’t worry about me.”
Captain Stone smiled and nodded her head, as she did this, Nightmare Moon saw the expression on both their faces and mumble to herself, “Well well, this is unexpected.”
Then she raised her voice again, “Commander Bolt, you may continue.”
Commander Bolt trotted to the top of the hill carrying the body of the fallen leader, feeling pain with each passing step. Then when he got to the top of the hill, he dropped the body so that everypony watching could see the event.

While looking down at the body he could only feel terrible for accepting the soldiers offer for a drink earlier. He reached over, closed the soldier’s still opened eyes, and stepped back. The pain in his side grew as he channeled his energy into the ground. When the cloud appeared above his head, he could only feel the pain and his fatigue from the Lightning Orbs used earlier in the day setting in. The cloud grew to its required size and sent out the amazingly powerful Lightning Orb that vaporize everything not made of metal. After the blinding light dimmed and the cloud dispersed Commander Bolt stood there in front of a pile of scorched armor. However, his body had reached his limit and without going to a knee first, he fell onto his side.

All his officers and even the three commanders took a step forward then stopped knowing that Nightmare Moon wouldn’t allow them to help there weakened leader. Nightmare Moon looked at the worried expressions on all their faces and sighed, “Fine! Go help him.”
Without hesitation, the five ponies, zebra, and griffon raced to Commander Bolt’s side and helped him onto his hooves. Nightmare Moon flew to the group and stood in front of Commander Bolt. Feeling weak Commander Bolt looked up at her and made perfect eye contact. Nightmare Moon looked at him with disgust and said only one word, “Pathetic.”

Nightmare Moon turned into her cloud of mist then flew away through the crowd and out of sight. That one word was the only thing she said before leaving, and it echoed in Commander Bolt’s mind. The more he thought about it the more furious he became, so much in fact that he couldn’t hold a straight face. He lowered his head to hide his fury and took a couple of deep breaths before he stood up and looked around. Everypony, zebra and griffon had their eyes on him while he stood there in the blacked part of the hill.

Commander Bolt sighed, and with a serious expression, he turned to his group and gave his orders. “General Roza I'll leave you to decide what to do with the survivors of the Celestial Crusaders. Griffon take to the sky and search for any other survivors who need medical assistance, Rafi have our medics look after the wounded, injury takes priority not uniform. If a celestial soldier is about to die but a nightmare soldier has a broken wing then see to the celestial soldier first. Drib, Snow, Stone, and Viscous I want you to assist the other commanders in any way possible, I… need some time alone so if anything comes up that requires my attention then send for me. I'll be looking through the supply carts in the rear line, so we can start planning our next move. So, how clear am I?”
The group all hesitated with concern before replying, but they all replied, “Crystal sir.”

Commander Bolt started trotting through the soldiers who were taking their guidance from Roza’s officers. As he made his way back to the line, he could feel the eyes of many ponies watching him trot but he ignored this feeling and kept going. When he made it to the first supply wagon, he was feeling a lot of pain on his side so he unslung his shield and sat down to rest. While he sat there, that word started to echo in his mind again, “Pathetic… pathetic… pathetic.”
Each time he heard the word being repeated in his head it only made him angrier. Finally the last time the word echoed in his head he repeated in in a fit of pure rage, “PATHETIC!!!”

When he yelled that word out loud Commander Bolt stuck the tip of the blade on his shield into the side of the wagon, burying it deep and holding in place. Then a voice came from behind him, “Really sir, must you be so barbaric, the wagon didn’t have anything to do with what just happen.”
Commander Bolt let his shield go and lowered his hoof leaving it stuck in the side of the wagon, and then he replied, “Sorry you had to see me like this Snow. But aren’t you supposed to be helping General Roza like I told you to.”

Captain Snow trotted over and pulled the shield from the cart, “Of course, but you understand me sir, I follow the instructions that further benefit myself, and my honor. Beside I’ve seen that antagonism in your eyes before, and I believe the last time I saw it, you placed your blade against the good commander’s throat.”
Commander Bolt turned to Snow and took his shield back, “That was different, I was young, naive, Inexperienced, and I was also a major then. A lot has changed since the Griffon Civil War now that I'm a commander I'm not supposed to show my frustration to my soldiers.”
Captain Snow replied, “That is true, but do remember sir, I was present for the first time you lost your temper and this time, you had good reason to feel troubled. I disliked taking instruction from an inexperienced cub in a crown all the same. However, like every good soldier I followed my orders.”

Commander Bolt looked at him with curiosity and asked, “And what would you do in a situation such as this. She made me look like a fool in front of my troops, their confidence in me has been tarnished and now there is a good chance they won’t appreciate my order anymore. So as far as I'm concerned they…”
Captain Snow interrupted him, “Is that really what this is about sir? You looking like a fool in front of your subordinates, because if I'm not mistaken it was the last battle that you demoralized yourself in. and that didn’t seem to trouble you the least, did it sir? What is it really about?”

Commander Bolt thought to himself for a bit, he knew that it wasn’t about looking like a fool, it was more about the cruelty that Nightmare Moon showed today. Killing a beaten stallion in cold blood, making him despite his injury disintegrate the body, then final calling him pathetic after using too much energy. This wasn’t the Nightmare Moon he saw a few nights ago, this wasn’t the small glimpse of Luna that made herself known at the thunder grounds. This was the wicked mare of darkness that Equestria feared and hated. Commander Bolt lowered his head and replied, “I… can’t say.”

Captain Snow got annoyed, “If you’re not going to dignify me with an answer then at least divulge me of this information, does it have any relation with the unbridled gossip that went around amongst the guards more than a year ago? You know the rumor that spoke of you… and Princess Luna?”
Commander Bolt lowered his head, “Yea… it does.”
Captain Snow mumbled to himself very quietly, “Poor Stone.”
Commander Bolt didn’t hear what Snow said but he did see Snow talk so he asked, “What was that?”
Captain Snow replied, “That’s all I need to know sir, we don’t need to say another word about this.”

Chief Rafi galloped up and handed Commander Bolt a vile, “Here ya go friend, another batch of that medicine to help your rib.”
Commander Bolt took the vile and asked, “Did you get the name of it this time?”
Chief Rafi replied “Nope but if all goes well then your wound will be healed by tomorrow.”
Commander Bolt smiled “Well at least that thought will help me through the taste. How are things going with the survivors?”
Chief Rafi smiled, “They have been rounded up, and executed.”
“WHAT!?!”
Chief Rafi started to laugh, “Just a little joke my friend.”
Commander Bolt frowned at Chief Rafi, “That wasn’t very funny you know.”
Chief Rafi replied, “Sorry commander. I felt you needed a little joke to help you feel better. The survivors were gathered, striped of their weapons, and will be sent home before nightfall.”

Commander Bolt looked at Cloudsdale hovering overhead then he replied, “Send the survivors who are from Cloudsdale and anypony who has severe injuries home right now, then get Captain Stone, Captain Drib and the griffin to gather a small number of troops. Before nightfall, I want to have a talk with the mayor of Cloudsdale. Oh and one more thing we seriously need to talk about your sense of humor.”

Ch13 Past Wounds in Present Skies

Empty, the streets didn’t have a single soul on them. Commander Bolt continued trotting down the street as if nothing was wrong. However, Commander Orem and Captain Drib felt uneasy about walking an empty street of a usually crowded city, while Captain Stone felt uneasy about being in Cloudsdale in general. Commander Orem taped Commander Bolt’s armor. “Is this a normal way for pegasi to greet griffon?”
Commander Bolt shook his head, “No, but this is a normal way for pegasi to greet soldiers who fought a battle just below their homes. To be honest, I expected them to greet us a little differently.”

Captain Drib looked at Commander Bolt, “Really? How so sir?”
Commander Bolt replied with a serious face, “I expected them to attack us somehow; we did just send the surviving celestial soldiers who are from Cloudsdale back here an hour ago, there should be somepony wanting revenge for the loss, or at least the commander’s death. However, so far we have yet to see anypony, not even a foal whose curiosity made him disobey his parents and watch us from the porch of their home.”
Commander Orem added, “And you made us come up here unarmed? You could at least give the troops that are with us a shield.”
Commander Bolt looked back at Orem and replied, “Griffon this is a negotiation for trade, not a demand. We will show up in a peaceful manner to let them know that we mean no harm to anypony here.”

Commander Orem replied, “Well I still don’t like it. it’s way too quiet around here, I mean do you even know where you’re going? This city is bigger than it looks from the surface.”
Commander Bolt sighed, “Yes, I know where I'm going, I may have been raised in Canterlot but I’ve been to this city more times than I can remember.”
Captain Drib called to Captain Stone behind him, “Hey Stone didn’t you say you were from Cloudsdale? …… Stone?”

Captain Drib turned around and saw that Captain Stone was no longer following the group, Instead she stood at the end of the street staring at an old abandoned building. Captain Drib nudged Commander Bolt and pointed at Captain Stone. Commander Bolt stopped, turned around, and called to her, “Captain Stone? Is everything alright?”
She didn’t answer, she just stood there looking at the old building with a little anger in her eyes. Commander Bolt turned around and trotted to her, when he got there he took a closer look at the building that she was looking at. It was easy to tell that it had just recently been abandoned, but why was Stone so interested in a building such as this.

Commander Bolt looked at Captain Stone and asked, “Gem, what’s the matter?”
Without looking away from the building she replied in anger, “They closed it down and boarded it up… I'm glad. I wish they had burned this place to the ground. Or better yet, dropped it from the sky!”
Commander Bolt was surprised to hear her talk like this, the anger in her voice was way beyond when she yelled at him at the ravine. This was a deep hatred that was only spoken calmly. The kind of hatred that could be dangerous if not handled delicately. Commander Bolt looked at the building and spoke, “This was the orphanage you went to… wasn’t it?”
Captain Stone didn’t reply she only nodded her head.

Commander Bolt, Turned to her and spoke, “We are on our way to Cloudsdale City Hall, then we will go to the cloud production plant. When you’re ready, you can meet use at one of these places. If we finish first we will come back here for you before we go back to the camp. So just, take all the time you need.”
Once again, Captain Stone didn’t react with anything more than a nod.
Commander Bolt put his hoof on her shoulder and repeated himself, “Gem, take all the time you need, we won’t go back to camp without you.”
Captain Stone looked at Commander Bolt and smiled, “Thank you, Star.”

Commander Bolt continued trotting down the street towards city hall, while he trotted he couldn’t help but think, “There was that feeling again, it’s so familiar but I don’t know what it is or where I felt it before.”
He decided that for the time being it wasn’t important. As he continued, Commander Orem nudged him in the shoulder, “So Commander, what was that all about?”
Commander Bolt replied, “That was a problem that is none of your concern; let’s just focus on the task at hoof, she just needs a little time to herself, that’s all.”

Commander Orem gave him a funny look, looked over at Captain Drib who shrugged his shoulders then looked back at Commander Bolt and replied, “Commander I knew you were a lot of things, strong, brave, loyal, a little crazy, but I didn’t know your where so slow. Don’t you see that she is in Lo…”
Captain Drib interrupted, “Oh, look sir! City Hall, well we better go see the mayor.”
Commander Bolt gave Captain Drib a suspicious look and replied, “Okaaay… then let’s go see him.”
While Commander Bolt trotted through the door Captain Drib popped Orem on the back of the head as if he was about to say something wrong.

The group entered the building but before they approached the mayor’s office Commander Bolt turned to the others and spoke, “You all stay out here. I’d rather speak to the mayor alone.”
Captain Drib replied, “Are you sure sir? We can always go in to help if need be.” Commander Bolt laughed, “No, it won’t be needed. The last time I saw him he was terrified of me just because I was in the Nightmare Legion. I just don’t want to scare him to death with all of the soldiers approaching him all at once.”
As Commander Bolt opened the door Commander Orem looked at Captain Drib, “So what do you want to do till he’s done?”

Commander Bolt entered the office and closed the door behind him, “How are you doing mayor, sorry if this is a bad time but I have matter to discuss with you.”
The mayor very nervously stepped out from his desk and replied, “N-no don’t be r-ridiculous, this is a p-perfect time, w-we don’t get too many visits from the great C-Commander Bolt. Umm, so… w-what is it you plan to do with my city?”

Commander Bolt casually trotted to a chair and sat down, “What are you talking about? You’re acting as if I stormed the city and captured everypony at spear point. Calm down, you’ll notice the both me and the soldiers that are with me are unarmed right? This is a friendly meeting between an army with a request and a mayor with the resources to fulfill that said request. And don’t worry I don’t expect help for free.”
The mayor trotted behind his desk and sat down, then he asked, “W-what do mean by r-request? Exactly what do you want from m-me?”

Commander Bolt sighed then spoke, “First off I want you to calm down and stop talking to me like your captor. Secondly, I would like to make a weather request for the next few days, and third I would like to organize a trade with your local markets.”
The mayor took a deep breath to calm himself down then he asked , “Weather requests?”
Commander Bolt replied, “Yes I want you to hold off any weather between here and Canterlot for the next week.”
“Um Mr. Bol... uh Commander? We can guarantee no rain, but clouds take time to disperse so we can’t guarantee clear skies.”
Commander Bolt nodded his head, “That sounds acceptable I plan to leave a hoof full of soldiers with you anyway to see that you keep your side of the agreement.”

The mayor asked, “You said an agreement but I fail to see what’s in it for us?”
Commander Bolt smiled at his cleverness, “For this trade I will not allow any of my soldiers to enter or spend the night in Cloudsdale unless they are residents and have property that they or their family own here, and even then, I will not allow them to bring any weapons into the city.”
The mayor didn’t like this trade but he wasn’t willing to argue with The Commander Bolt, so he just nodded his head in agreement then asked, “What was the other request? Something about a trade?”
Commander Bolt Continued, “Yes, I have accumulated a very large number of weapons, armor, and scrap metal that is unneeded. So I would like you to assist in organizing a trade with venders nearby so we can receive food for our troops.”

The mayor looked outside and replied, “Well I guess that will be an easy enough thing to do… but it’s getting dark out so it will have to wait till tomorrow. Is that okay commander?”
Commander Bolt looked at the clock in the corner of the room and replied, “Well this day did seem very long, I guess it is time for me and my officers to go back, so yes that is acceptable. However the troops that are currently with me are not only resident of Cloudsdale but I'm giving them orders to set up parameters in the cloud production plant so they can guarantee your part of this deal.”
Once again the mayor felt uneasy about the decision but he knew that if he tried to argue it could be bad for the ponies of Cloudsdale, so he just replied, “Agreed I guess I'll see you and your supplied at the market place tomorrow morning, will you need directions?”
Commander Bolt stood up and trotted towards the door while he replied, “I’ve been to this city numerous times before, you know that.”

The mayor nervously replied, “Oh y-yes, how could I forget you were here a little over a year ago recruiting soldiers weren’t you?”
Commander Bolt stopped at the door then turned around, “Yea but Cloudsdale only had one recruit for me that day.”
“Ah yes that young filly, how is she by the way. I hope she is doing well.”
Commander Bolt smiled, “Yes she happens to be my most trusted officer.”
Then his expression went from joyful to dead serious, “By the way have you discovered anything yet about our last discussion?”
The mayor lowered his head, “No, we still found no info about them, don’t you think you should just let the past go, and move on?”
Commander Bolt turned around and opened the door, before he left the room he replied, “If I was one to just let the past go, then I wouldn’t be in this war anymore. Good evening Mr. Mayor, I'll see you at dawn.”

When Commander Bolt reached the lobby where his soldiers were, he noticed that Commander Orem and Captain Drib where having a push up competition with their wings, while the other troops cheered on the sidelines placing bets. Commander Bolt lowered, and rubbed his forehead, sighed then spoke, “Oh my officers, where would I be without them?”
Commander Bolt trotted up to Commander Orem and asked, “So griffon, how many you got so far?”
Commander Orem replied, “About one hundred twelve, why?”
Commander Bolt deviously smiled, “No reason.”
Commander Bolt waited until Orem was all the way up then he kicked his wing-making fall flat on the ground, then he commented, “Ops, looks like you lost. Now let’s go! I'm leaving the last task to you two, let’s discuss it outside.”

Commander Bolt trotted outside with his small squad of pegasi then he lined each of them up in a formation, then he explained, “This is your mission soldiers! You will go with Commander Orem and Captain Drib to the cloud production plant; there you will set up a post to prevent any clouds from leaving here on their way to Canterlot. While you are there, you can watch the battle in Canterlot. Then after the battle, only one of two things will happen. Ether the sun will rise the next morning without the moon… or it will not rise at all. Despite what happens this is your final order from me, when the battle ends your orders are to sell your armor and your weapons and never speak of your loyalty to the Nightmare Legion!”

Every pony in the formation to include both Commander Orem and Captain Drib where shocked at what Commander Bolt just said. Captain, Griffon, I expect to see you two back at the camp once you give them a position to guard.”
When Commander Bolt turned around to trot away one of the pegasi soldiers stopped him, “SIR! May I ask why you don’t want use to return? If Nightmare Moon should secede wouldn’t she need her soldiers to rebuild Equestria?”
Commander Bolt turned his head and replied, “She would, but I don’t want to put anymore through her tyranny than I already have to. So for your sake and your family’s safety, you will follow this order and dismiss yourself from my command once the battle ends, how clear am I?”
The single soldier lowered his head in disappointment, “Crystal sir.”
Commander Bolt raised his voice so the formation could hear, “HOW CLEAR AM I!!!”
The formation replied “CRYSTAL SIR!!!”

Captain Drib trotted to Commander Bolt and asked, “Sir, do you think this is the best choice? I mean, what if Nightmare Moon should…?”
“She won’t! If she asks they died in combat. Besides, I cannot leave them to the same fate as that commander. Take them to the cloud production plant then return to the camp. I'm going to see how Stone is doing, then I'll meet you there.”
Captain Drib nodded his head and then turned to direct the troop.

Meanwhile Commander Bolt started back to the orphanage. While on his way, he couldn’t help but feel like somepony was watching him, he causally looked around but he couldn’t see anypony around so he just continued then he herd some king of ruckus going on at a building nearby. When he looked, he saw an old pub on the center of the block. Inside he could hear all sorts of merriment, probably from the celestial soldiers who were released earlier in the day. Commander Bolt approached the building and looked at the door for a few seconds. Finally, he reached into a pocket that sat just behind his armor on his chest and pulled out two bits. He looked at the bits for a few more seconds then he sat them on the top step of the pub entrance and continued on his path to the orphanage. As he trotted away leaving behind the bits he mumbled to himself, “This drink is on me, commander.”

When he approached the orphanage, there was no sign of Captain Stone so he decided that she must have gone inside. As he went inside, he had a large string of déjà vu, he could tell that he’s been here before but he couldn’t tell when, or why. Then it all became perfectly clear when he turned the corner into a room and saw Captain Stone sitting in the corner looking down at the floor with a depressed look on her face.

He had been here before, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna had brought him here when he was a colt to try to find out if anypony had reported a missing colt. And when he looked around the corner into this same room he saw a sad filly sitting in the corner wearing a white bandanna. When she looked up at him, he smiled. Right after that, she smiled back. Then Princess Luna called to him because they were leaving. It was only a brief moment but he felt happy to see such a sad filly smile back through her sadness.

Commander Bolt trotted to Captain Stone and noticed that she was looking ad some drawings that where carved into the wood on the floor. Then he tried comforting her, “Gem are you ok?”
Without looking up she replied, “I'm… I'm… fine sir. I'm just… fine.”
“What are those drawings on the floor? They look like ponies.”
Her tears started to get thicker as she replied, “These are… were my friends when I was a little filly. Whenever I felt bad or unhappy I would talk to them. They didn’t mind that I wore a bandanna all the time, or that I didn’t want to play games with the other foals. They were always right here letting me know that I wasn’t alone, that other ponies needed me too.”

While Commander Bolt looked at the drawings, he could see her tears hitting the ground near them so using his normal method of cheering her up. He spoke to the drawing, “Well guys my name is Star Bolt, I'm one of Gems new friend, and I’d hate to break up your little reunion, but I believe that there is a goal I must complete and I can’t do it without Gem’s help. You could say I need her help for this.”
Commander Bolt looked at Captain Stone and smiled, “That is, if she is willing to help a big foal, like me.”
Captain Stone looked up at Commander Bolt trying not to giggle at his comment, and then after she couldn’t hold it in any more, she jumped up and wrapped her hooves around Commander Bolt, hugging him as hard as she could. And with tears rolling down her face she spoke with great joy, “Thank you Star Bolt since I left here, since I have been fighting with you, my life has been much better. Thank you Star, thank you so much.”

Commander Bolt hugged her back and was happy to see her smile after coming so close to her unhappy past. Then he noticed that one particular carving on the floor greatly resembled what he looked like when he was a colt. He immediately assumed that she remembered him and was hiding it because she felt embarrassed, so he didn’t mention it at all. Instead he spoke, “Let’s go back to the camp. We need to gather the soldiers who live in Cloudsdale so they can be with their families tonight.”
The two left the orphanage together and as they started down the road, Captain Stone turned around and looked back one last time. Commander Bolt asked, “Are you sure you’re ok Gem?”
She smiled, “Yea, I'm just fine.”

The two continued back, but Star Bolt still felt like somepony was still following them, but since they had nothing to hide, he ignored it. Finally, they reached the lower platform that dropped off into the main camp below. Captain Stone opened her wings and dove off the platform falling a few feet before raising her wings into a graceful gliding flight. Commander Bolt opened his wings to do the same but before he dove off the ledge, a voice called out to him, “Sir! Um… excuse me sir! Can I speak with you a second?”
Commander Bolt turned around and lowered his wings, as an old mare approached him. This mare seemed very suspicious, she wore a cloak with a hood to cover most of her body, and the hood casted a shadow over most of her face. Since she asked politely, he decided to answer politely, “Yes ma’am, what can I help you with?”

The mare seemed uneasy about talking to him but she still spoke to him in a polite and kind manner, “I… I was wondering if you happen to be Commander Star Bolt of the Nightmare Legion?”
Commander Bolt answered, “Yes I am ma’am, is there something you need form me?”
The mare reached under her wing and pulled out a package wrapped in brown paper and tied with thread, “Please, it would make me feel content if you would take this, and keep it with you... Please.”
Commander Bolt reached for the package and took it from her, “May I ask what it is?”
“The mare smiled with a tear rolling down her face, “It’s a gift… from somepony who cares about you very much, and wishes the best for your future.”

As the mare said that, Captain Stone flew back and landed next to Commander Bolt, “Star what’s taking you?”
Before Commander Bolt replied to the question, the mare spoke, “Why hello there miss, I like your bandanna it brings out the color of her eyes.”
Captain Stone smiled, “Oh, uh thank you miss I prefer a different color than an uneasy yellow though. May I ask your name?”
The mare smiled and looked over at Commander Bolt, “She is beautiful and kind, you better make her happy, I'll be praying for the two of you.”
Commander Bolt blushed and tried to reply, “Wait… I… uh… I mean…”
Before he could say one complete sentence, the mare had turned around and started trotting away without answering Captain Stone’s question.

Commander Bolt trying to hide his blushing face looked down to examine the package. the wrapping was very common and the way it was shaped gave it the appearance of a book of some kind, but who would give him anything. Was that mare the one who was giving the gift, or was she just a delivery mare? Then what bothered him a little more was that tear that rolled down her face when she was explaining whom the gift was from. Why was she cying? He couldn’t help but wonder who that mare was, her voice wasn’t familiar but she spoke like she was very close to him.

Captain Stone who was also trying to hide her blushing face asked, “What was it she gave you?”
Commander Bolt replied, “Let’s get to the surface first, then we can take a look.”
Captain Stone nodded her head, than using the same grace as before she dove off the edge of the platform. Commander Bolt looked in the direction that the mare trotted off in and thought to himself, “Why did she seem so… never mind.”
He turned around raised his wings and dove off the balcony in a gliding manner until he reached the surface.

Shortly after he landed, Captain Snow approached Commander Bolt and handed him his shield, “Good to see you didn’t run into trouble, am I to believe the agreement went as planned?”
Commander Bolt replied, “Yea, we will trade the weapons and armor tomorrow at dawn. Has Captain Drib or the griffin returned yet?”
“No sir, do you think that misfortune could have befallen them?”
Commander Bolt looked at the city, “No even if the ponies of that city had the courage to fight, they wouldn’t get very far. The only thing I found troubling about that place is the kindly old mare’s hiding in the shad…”
Just then, Commander Bolt remembered the package that the mare had left for him and he pulled it out so he could open it, as he removed the wrapping he found that it wasn’t a book, but a thick picture Frame.

Commander Bolt turned it around to study the picture that was in the frame. As soon as he saw it, his eyes grew wide and his face went pail as he dropped the picture in shock. Breaking the glass as it hit the ground. Then he spoke, “B-but how… how is it even possible?... Was she?… could she be?...”
Captain Stone picked up the picture to see what it was that terrified Commander Bolt so. As she looked at the picture she smiled, “Aww, look sir, it’s you as a colt. You were so adora ….”
Just then she noticed something about the photo that was very important, the very reason it terrified Commander Bolt.

With an expression of shock, she looked up at Commander Bolt and tried to speak clearly, “S-sir, this photo of you is… well I-it… at this time… sir, in this photo you have no cutie mark… this was taken before you lost your memory... before you used the lightning orb. Does that mean that she… that mare was… your…”
Commander Bolt looked up at the platform that they were standing on and he said the only word on his mind, the only word that could properly finish Captain Stone’s sentence, “Mother?”

Ch14 Who I Am

“Commander… Commander?... COMMANDER!?!”
Commander Bolt snapped out of it and replied, “Oh! Uh... Yea, Mr. Mayor what is it?”
The mayor repeated himself, while holding a piece of paper, “I was just asking you, do you agree with these numbers?”
Commander Bolt took the sheet of paper and looked over it, then he looked at the shop owner, “This seems a little low, you have to take in account that each usable weapon has been refurbished by Hooviet Union blacksmiths. Don’t you think you should add an extra three thousand bits?”
The shop owner laughed, “Well commander, it looks like you got a keen eye. I figured since you look like you got a lot on your mind, that you wouldn’t catch it.”
Commander Bolt smiled, “I may be a stallion of war, but I know when fair is fair.”
The shop owner smiled, “I guess you’re right, so the grand total is twenty-six thousand bits?”
“Yep.”
“Sold! It was a pleasure doing business with you commander.”
“Likewise.”

Commander Bolt turned to the mayor and spoke, “Now that we have the credit down, the deal is you get thirty percent so I'll let you do the number and then I'll meet you over near the grocers in about an hour, is that ok with you.?”
The mayor was surprised, “Thirty? This morning you said twenty.”
Commander Bolt smiled, “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. The shop owners wouldn’t even talk to me without your help, so it’s a little gift from the Nightmare Legion. Now if you will excuse me, I'm going to check on the status at the cloud production plant. I'll see you in an hour.”

As Commander Bolt trotted to the cloud production plant he noticed that a lot of the residents of Cloudsdale were a little more comfortable to leave their homes and wander the street. Of course, he still got the nervous stares form them, but at least they felt better about going outside while he was in town. While he was trotting, his focus wasn’t on anything other than what happened the night before not just confronting his mother, but the feelings he had felt for Captain Stone. He knew he felt this for a long time but he couldn’t think about what it was, let alone what it could mean. These thoughts only confused and frustrated him. Balancing this frustration with the stress of organizing this trade and the preparations for the next battle only added to his troubles.

Just then, he heard an explosion coming from the surface. Commander Bolt rushed to the edge of the city and looked down. Just outside the camp, was a crater with smoke still barreling out of it. Commander Bolt flew down as fast as he could then landed outside the crater near a group of Commander Orem’s griffon. Then he called out, “What in Luna’s name is going on here!”
One of the griffons stepped forward, “It was my fault commander, there was problem with the fuse length, so it went off too soon.”
Commander Bolt was confused, “Fuse length? What are you talking about, went off too soon? What exactly are you griffon doing here?”

Just then, Commander Orem landed near the group, “What happened? What’s with all the commotion?”
The griffon soldier turned to Commander Orem, “Sir, a mistake with the fuse length sir, an accident that will be taking care of immediately.”
Commander Orem replied, “See that you do.”
Commander Bolt turned to Orem, “Griffon! What is this all about!?!”
Commander Orem replied, “Just a weaponry test, nothing to worry about commander.”
Commander Bolt looked at the outside of the crater and noticed a lining of both feathers and blood. Then he replied, “It doesn’t look like something I shouldn’t worry about. Explain yourself, and this weapon!”

Commander Orem pulled an object from his pouch that looked similar to a ball with a candle, then he explained, “This is the griffon kingdoms’ latest weapon, it’s called a grenade.”
“Grenade?”
“Yea it’s a new weapon using the same powder I used on you during our duel. All you have to do is light this little fuse here, throw it at the enemy then, KABOOM! Quick, easy, and to the point.”
Commander Bolt gave him an unamused look, “And what about that griffon that just went… kaboom?”
“Well, accidents happen that’s why we are testing it.”
Commander Bold didn’t want to deal with more frustration so he replied, “What the griffon carry into battle is your business entirely, but I'll warn you now! If I see any of my soldiers carrying that thing into battle, I'll have your head! You got that?”
Commander Orem replied as he flew off, “As you wish. Who am I to arm a hero’s troops anyway? I'll return to my duties with the rest of my soldiers. I’d suggest you do the same.”

Commander Bolt was not only frustrated but he was very annoyed with what Orem said, “Suggest? SUGGEST? Griffon you don’t need to suggest anything to me! YOU SHOULD JU...”
“Commander?”
Commander Bolt turned around and replied to the soft voice that came from behind, “WHAT!?!?”
Lieutenant Viscous jumped back in fear, while General Roza gave him a look of great disappointment. Then Commander Bolt realized his unnecessary outburst, so he cleared his throat and spoke again, “Uh I mean, what do you need from me ladies? Sorry about the outburst, rough morning and all. What do you two need me for?”
General Roza and Lieutenant Viscous looked at each other, nodded their heads then looked back at Commander Bolt. Roza spoke first, “Commander, can ve speak vith you for a second… in private?”
Commander Bolt didn’t like where this was going, but being a good leader meant listening to your soldiers so he replied, “Sure… lead the way ladies.”

The three trotted far from the camp to a small area of flat grass. There Lieutenant Viscous and General Roza, paced back and forth leaving Commander Bolt sitting there, like a young foal waiting to get disciplined for something he did wrong. Then Roza turned to him and spoke, “First of all ve need to know your plans for after the var, and this time no excuses, ve know you have to have something planed, so spill it!”
Commander Bolt did have a plan for after the war, his plan was to find a way to return Luna, but it could be dangerous for anypony other than himself to know that. So he only replied, “I can’t tell you.”
“You can’t tell us? Or you von’t tell us?”
Commander Bolt looked Roza in the eye with the most serious face he could make then replied, “I can’t tell you.”

General Roza could see in his eyes that it was for their own protection, so she continued, “Very vell, then you can tell us your opinion on Captain Stone.”
“Stone? Why do you nee…”
Lieutenant Viscous interrupted him “Please sir, just answer the question. In your own words, how would you describe Captain Stone?”
Commander Bolt didn’t know what this was about but he still answered, “Stone is loyal, strong, accurate with her b…”
Viscous sighed and interrupted, “For Celestia’s sake! Describe her as herself, NOT as a soldier!”

Commander Bolt started over, “Well she is smart, kind, funny, strong willed… dedicated… optimistic…”
As Commander Bolt continues naming off words, he started to realize, not only is every word he named positive, but he was naming off more than he though. As he continued, a sweat smile slowly formed on both Lieutenant Viscous and General Roza’s faces. Commander Bolt finished, “…kindhearted… doesn’t like to burden others despite her troubles… likes to smile in the gentle way when we are felling troubled… and… and… I think that’s it…”
Commander Bolt was trapped in thought over everything he said, as he pondered Viscous and Roza continues to smile. Viscous looked at Roza and whispered, “I think he does feel the same way, we should just let him take it from here.”

General Roza nodded her head then turned to Commander Bolt, “That’s all ve vanted to know Commander, thank you for your time.”
Looking pleased with themselves, Lieutenant Viscous and General Roza started trotting back to the camp until Roza stopped one more time, “Oh and commander? Vhatever you have planned for after the var, keep this in mind. Stone cares about you more than you think, so please don’t do anything that vill endanger yourself. It vould break her heart, remember that, for her sake.”

Star Bolt heard everything Roza had told him but he didnt react to it, he was focusing on many things right now, first he was wondering how he could mention all those great things about Captain Stone without hesitating between any of them. Then he started to wonder, “Am… am I falling in…”
He shook his head and laughed, “No, no, no, it’s not possible; I'm here for Luna, nothing more. I fought for the last year to save Luna, not to fall in love on the battlefield, ha ha what were you thinking Star?”
After talking to himself for a few minutes, he thought that he has fully convinced himself that he wasn’t falling for Captain Stone, so he began trotting back to the camp completely forgetting what he was doing in Cloudsdale to begin with.

As Commander Bolt made his way back he kept mumbling to himself, “It’s for Luna, not Gem, I fought to bring Luna back not to fall in love with…”
“COMMANDER BOLT!”
This was the worst possible time for him to hear that voice, Commander Bolt looked up where the voice came from, then he replied “Ge… uh Capt… uh… Stone what is it?… What do you need?...”
Captain Stone landed in front of him, “Sir the mayor is ex… Uh are you ok sir your face is beat red?”
Commander Bolt looked away to hide his face and replied, “Well… I… uh… I… came out here to… uh blow off some steam… and uh... Yea it’s been a long day. And uh still no word about my mother… and all… so I had to calm myself down.”

Captain Stone was a little confused but she knew it wasn’t her business so she replied, “Well… Okay… Anyway, the mayor has been waiting for you next to the grocers. He says he was supposed to meet you there almost an hour ago.”
“Oh yea that right I lost track of time while I was out here uh… blowing of steam. I'll get back to him as soon as I can thank you Gem.”
Captain Stone was suspicious, “Are you sure you’re ok sir? Do you want me to get one of the zebra medics?”

Commander Bolt, who’s blushing finally faded, looked back at her and smiled, “No, I'm fine thank you, have you heard any word on your search?”
Captain Stone looked disappointed, “No, nopony knows anypony whose description matches that mare we saw yesterday. It’s like she never existed.”
Commander Bolt sighed, “Oh well, if you want you can stop. I can try again after the resupply is finished. In the mean time you can either see to your archers, or get some rest, you deserve it.”
Captain Stone smiled and replied, “Thank you sir, I will.”

Captain Stone returned to the camp while Commander Bolt flew back to Cloudsdale. As soon as he had landed on the first platform, he felt an unmistakable feeling that somepony was watching him. It wasn’t like yesterday, this time it was more than one, and it felt like somepony was hunting him rather than just watching him. Commander Bolt started to feel that he should have brought his shield, but he wanted to uphold his part of the agreement and not enter the city armed. Therefore, he continued casually trotting to meet the mayor, while keeping his guard up.

When he finally met up with the mayor, the mayor asked, “Uh… commander? What exactly kept you? What was that explosion I heard? Is everything ok?”
Commander Bolt smiled and replied, “Its fine Mr. Mayor the explosion was an accident down on the surface so you and your citizens have nothing to fear. So let’s get down to business here.”
The day seemed to pass very slowly for Commander Bolt, not just, because he was annoyed with tallying the supply count, but because the whole day he knew he was still being watched. He decided that whoever it was that was watching him, would show themselves once he was alone.

As the supply exchange came to a close, Commander Bolt decided to let the mayor take his leave, “Well Mr. Mayor this is the last time I'll see you, tomorrow we will move out toward Canterlot and I don’t intend on stopping by before we move out, so this is goodbye.”
The mayor asked, “Are you going to look for your mother, commander? It’s been over twelve years and you are still trying to find your past. What is it you want to know?”
Commander Bolt started trotting away as he replied, “I want to know, where I'm from, and who I should be, that’s all. Good-bye mayor, I'll see you after the war.”
The mayor smiled, “Farwell… Commander Star Bolt.”

Instead of going back to the camp Commander Bolt went to the highest platform in the city where construction for a coliseum was taking place. As the moon rose, Commander Bolt looked into the distance and could see the lights of Canterlot. While he stood there, he felt the presence of his observers closing in on him. Without making a scene he spoke, “It’s a little late to take a stroll in this part of town, but then again you ex-soldiers don’t seem to be the evening strolling type.”
Commander Bolt turned around to see two Pegasi standing there with less than friendly expressions on their faces. One pegasus stepped forward, “You must be the great Commander Bolt, you don’t know me but you won’t live long enough to remember my name, GET HIM!!!”

At that moment, a third pegasus charged him from behind after flying up from under the city. However, Commander Bolt was expecting this, so he waited until the pegasus was close enough then he jumped into the air dodging the charging enemy. Then while over his attacker, he used all four hooves to kick down onto the pegasus’ face knocking I'm out instantly. After landing Commander Bolt smiled, “That was too easy, when are you going to take this ambush seriously?”

One of the other pegasi drew a sword and charged forward. When the pegasus got close enough, Commander Bolt shifted his body low and to the right, dodging the horizontal swing. While he was there, Commander Bolt opened his wing between the sword pony’s front hooves and jerked his body back to the left tripping the pony and knocking him to the ground. Before the pony could get up, Commander Bolt reared up and dropped his front hooves right on the attackers face, either knocking him out or killing him, which ever it was Commander Bolt didn’t know, and didn’t care. He looked at the remaining Pony and spoke, “I know you! You’re the coward that ran from me during the last battle. Come to finish what you started? I could pick up this sword, but I think I'll fight you without it.”

The enemy soldier was infuriated and charged with his spear held forward. Commander Bolt waited until he was close enough like the others but instead of dodging and counter attacking, he just dodged the first attack then readied himself for a second. The pony with the spear quickly turned around with his back to the ledge then charged again. Before he got close enough, Commander Orem dropped from the sky without notice, and threw a talon full of powder all over the attacking pony. Then using Commander Bolt’s own armor as a solid surface, Commander Orem scraped his claws creating a spark and setting the enemy pony into a ball of flames.

The attacker screamed at the top of his lungs swinging his spear around in a horrifying view of pain and torture. Commander Orem watched with no change in expression however Commander Bolt couldn’t help but look away as the enemy flung his spear out of his hooves and continued jerking all parts of his body around in a feeble attempt to put out the fire or at least stop the pain. Finally, the screams became too much for Commander Bolt to handle, so he charged forward and pushed the burning pony off the ledge of the platform flying upward to avoid being burned himself. Then he watched as the screaming ball of fire was silenced upon hitting the ground, with no attempt of flying, gliding or even slowing the fall. Commander Bolt stared at the burning remains of the cowardly pony as his outer perimeter guards rushed over to investigate. All he could feel was pity for the poor soul, as he mumbled, “Shouldn’t have returned to the battle my friend.”

Commander Bolt landed next to Commander Orem then spoke, “Thanks, Orem I didn’t need it, but I appreciate the help.”
Commander Orem smiled, “Anything for a future hero!”
Commander Bolt smiled but then he saw somepony standing at the edge of the steps leading to the platform they were on. He could only watch as the unidentified Mare from the night before stood there staring at him with great disappointment and sadness. Commander Bolt knew exactly what she was thinking, but he knew what he had done, what he was, and the life he chose. He could only see how she was going to accept it, but… she didn’t. The mare only shook her head, turned around, and trotted back into the city with no words, and no positive feelings in her actions.

Commander Orem looked at the mare as she trotted off and asked, “Who was that commander?”
With a serious face he replied, “A forgotten memory.”
Commander Bolt turned around, trotted to the edge of the platform, and opened his wings, “Let’s return to the camp Orem. The others are expecting us.”
Commander Orem walked next to him and asked, “Are you ok Bolt?”
“Of course I am, why wouldn’t I be? Now cut the chatter, and let’s get back.”
Commander Bolt dove off the ledge and curved around flying up under the city. Orem stood there thinking to himself; he knew well that Commander Bolt was lying out his feathers, he has never called Commander Orem by his name, it was always griffin. Nevertheless, when it came to the maters of emotional stress, he knew he couldn’t help, so Orem just kept his mouth shut and dove off the edge right behind the denial filled pegasus.

When the two made it back to camp, they saw the Rest of their group waiting around a small fire, as Commander Bolt landed Captain Drib spoke, “Ok so who would Commander Bolt be?”
Captain Stone started to think, “Hm… Who would the commander be?”
Commander Bolt was very confused, “Uh… I missed something important, didn’t I?”
Captain Drib Trotted up close to Commander Bolt, put his arm around his shoulder and spoke quietly, “Stone was telling us about how you cheered her up last night, you dog. So as she talked we started explaining how she does have a family, It’s all of us. I’d be the older brother, Viscous the older sister, Snow the rich and snobby cousin, and what about you?”
Commander Bolts face turned red as he replied quietly, “Look, nothing happened. She was feeling down and I cheered her up, That’s it. Whatever you got going through that twisted mind of yours, I'm guaranteeing you, it didn…”
Captain Drib sarcastically interrupted, “Yea, yea, you’re a saint and we all know it… but what would you be in this family of ours?”

Commander Bolt thought for a second and then replied, “Well I guess I would be the fath…”
Captain Snow interrupted, “THE UNCLE! You would make an exceptional uncle.”
“What!?!”
Captain Stone agreed, “You would sir! You be perfect for an uncle. I’ve never had one, but I'm certain he would be able to give good advice like you do sir.”
Commander Bolt tried to get a word in, “Wait! How would I be considered an unc…”
Commander Orem interrupted, “I had a crazy uncle when I was just a cub. Poor fool though he could kill a dragon from the inside by letting the dragon eat him first… it didn’t end well though. Turns out dragons chew their food.”
Commander Bolt looked at Orem with a blank stare, “Um… thanks for the moral support griffon… it really helps… so what roll would you be pray tell?”
“Oh, I’d be a crazy cousin who can’t keep himself out of fights.”
Captain Stone laughed, “That’s so true!”

Chief Rafi spoke next, “Do me now, who would I be?”
Stone started to think, “Hmm… Maybe the dad because of the advice you give, and Roza would be the mom!”
General Roza replied, “If you vould think I'm the mother because I'm older than the two of you, than your crazy. I vould best serve as an older much more beautiful sister.”
Commander Bolt couldn’t help but feel disappointed that he wasn’t the dad because she said he gives good advice too, but she was happy with the game that was being played, so he didn’t care too much.
The group talked and laughed into the night until one by one they all went to get some sleep. Finally Chief Rafi and Commander Bolt where the only two left next to the fire. Chief Rafi asked, “So my friend, I notice you have been acting differently tonight, I cannot tell if it is good or bad. Do you care to tell about it?”
Commander Bolt sighed, “Sorry chief, it’s a little personal. I'm having a hard time understanding it myself.”
Chief Rafi replied, “Hm.. there is an old question that we ask often in Zebrica, it is, nescio quid agitur”
“Hm, sounds very exotic. What does it mean?”
“I don’t know.”

Commander Bolt gave him a strange look, “Uh… I fail to see how this is… supposed to help me chief.”
Chief Rafi smiled, “Yes, let me ask you, how do you find the answer if you do not understand the question. The same goes with a problem. You cannot solve a problem without first understanding it, it is impossible, and it is a waste of effort. So my friend, don’t focus on a solution, focus on the problem. Once you understand it than you can solve it.”
Commander Bolt replied, “Hmm… Solve the question, then the problem… I have to remember that. Hey, Stone was right you do give good advice… dad.”
Chief Rafi replied as he trotted off to his tent, “Glad to be of help… uncle Bolt.”

Chief Rafi went off to get some sleep, leaving Commander Bolt there alone next to the fire. He reached into the pocket under his armored and pulled out the picture of himself that he received the night before. He studied every part of the picture, from the Cloudsdale city hall in the background, to the smile on his face for the camera, all the way back to the empty spot on his flank.
“I had heard, you met your mother last night… how was she?”
Without turning around he replied, “She was very kind… and polite. But…”
“But?”
“She couldn’t accept the life I live now.”
“You could change you know, go back to the way you were before.”
“No, that’s impossible now. I still have no memory of my life back then, beside we started this war together, it only right that we finish it together. By the way your majesty, how is that spy of yours? Is he alright? Did I pass your little test?”

Nightmare Moon trotted up next to Commander Bolt and replied, “He will live, I appreciate that you went easy on him, and didn’t kill him like the others. By-the-way how did you know he was my spy?”
Star Bolt looked up at nightmare moon and replied, “I didn’t at first, it was after the third pony died that I noticed, he was one of your messengers that delivered messages from you, before you started going to the battle fields yourself, he just got lucky. But I have to ask why did you test me like that?”
Nightmare Moon sighed, “After that situation in the last battle, then the meeting with your mother. I wanted to see if your emotions would affect your ability to fight. I also wanted to test your loyalty, I can’t help but feel that you have gone… astray, as of yet.”
Commander Bolt smiled, “No, I’ve just been tired lately. I’ve had some dreams that are rather… disturbing. But last night I had no dream and I’ll have plenty of time to rest after the war ends tomorrow.”

Nightmare moon smiled, “Very well, tomorrow you will meet up with my personal army, most of them are new and have never been on a battlefield before, but they are all loyal, and very excited to fight under the great Commander Bolt.”
Commander Bolt asked, “About how many will I add to my ranks?”
“Five hundred soldiers, three catapults, and two battering rams.”
Commander Bolt was shocked, “Five hundred, plus catapults and battering rams!?!”
Nightmare Moon continued, “They should be able to get you into the castle, from there I'll leave you to finish off my sister.”
With a heavy heart Commander Bolt replied, “Yes your majesty… I understand.”
Nightmare Moon turned around and started trotting away, “Good, then I'll see you when our forces meet tomorrow afternoon.”

Commander Bolt spoke up before Nightmare Moon left, “Wait your majesty, my soldiers and I were talking earlier and I was just curious. What will your plan be after the war ends?”
Nightmare Moon didn’t respond, instead she turned into her cloud of mist and faded away into the darkness. Commander Bolt was annoyed that he didn’t get answer, so he turned his attention back on the picture, then he stepped closer to the fire… and threw the photograph in. as the photo burned he mumbled to himself, “Looks like I found who I'm supposed to be after all. My name is… Commander Star Bolt I fight to protect my princess, and my Family.”
He continued to watch the picture burn, his focused was on the blank flank, he watched as it turned from gray, to black then as it crumbled into the flame.

Ch15 My Home Front

“Please sister! Please stop this before it gets out of hoof. Think of the subjects, the kingdom… thinks about Star Bolt.”
Mentioning Commander Bolt only irritated her further, Nightmare Moon blushed as she replied, “You know my demands dear sister, and if you don’t surrender your control over the sun, then we will continue with our plan. We will attack Canterlot!”
Princess Celestia looked at Commander Bolt and continued her plea, “Star Bolt? Please, you can’t do this, I know you. You’re not this kind of stallion. Please try to talk some sense into her.”
Commander Bolt lowered his head and replied with a heavy heart, “I… you know what is needed… I'm sorry but, unless you surrender now, I'll have to give the order to move forward. The choice is yours your majesty.”
Princess Celestial convincingly replied, “Is it?...”

Commander Bolt looked up at Princess Celestia, but before he could say anything, Nightmare Moon spoke, “That’s enough! If you will not step down then we will strike you down. Prepare for battle! Come commander.”
Nightmare Moon turned around in irritation and started trotting back to the Nightmare Legion’s front line. As Commander Bolt turned around he spoke, “I'm sorry your majesty, I'll do everything in my power to see that no civilians are harmed, but this battle is going to take place, and this war… will be ending soon.”
Princess Celestia didn’t reply, she only lowered her head in disappointment, as Commander Bolt trotted off to catch up with Nightmare Moon. While trotting back Commander Bolt overheard Nightmare Moon muttering to herself, “How dare she make me look like a fool, and how dare she try to use my feelings against me. She will pay for this, she and all the ponies of Equestria will know the beauty of my nights.”

When the two got back to the line, Nightmare Moon Turned to Commander Bolt and spoke, “Gather your officers and the other commanders then meet me in the bunker. I want you to give them the battle plan that you told me this morning. Explain it in full detail, not only is it a perfect plan, but even I don’t see how it can fail.”
Commander Bolt replied as Nightmare Moon trotted away, “Yes your majesty.”
Commander Bolt turned around and saw all of his officers already standing behind him awaiting orders, “Well, this saves me the time and effort. Snow, Viscous, Drib, Go notify the other commanders to meet me in the bunker immediately, the battle will commence after the briefing. Stone, Stand by… I need to talk to you about something.”
All the officers nodded their heads and replied, “Yes sir.”
Then all of them went to carry out their orders except for Captain Stone who stood by.

Commander Bolt turned around and watched as Princess Celestia entered the gates of Canterlot and a large mass of troops came out and made formations outside the gate. Captain Stone stepped closer, “Sir, are we really going to attack Canterlot?”
Commander Bolt continued watching as the gate closed behind Princess Celestia, “Gem, I want you to promise me something, but I want you to promise me first, before I tell you what it is.”
Captain Stone was concerned by the tone of his voice, “How can I make a promise if I don…”
Commander Bolt turned around and interrupted her, “If you truly trust me, then you will promise me.”
Captain Stone didn't like where the conversation was going, but she did trust him, so she replied, “Ok Star, I trust you. Whatever it is that you want me to do, I'll do it.”

Commander Bolt smiled then turned back to Canterlot, “When this battle ends and you see the blue arrow go up, I want you to leave, remove your armor, drop your bow, and never fall into my ranks again.”
Captain Stone felt very concerned almost enough to tear up, “What?... What are you saying?...”
Commander Bolt turned and looked at her with a serious expression, “When this battle end, I want you to leave here and go to Dragon Mountain then wait. I made a promise to you, and I intent to keep it. but I can’t let you get caught up in the mess that will follow the end of this war. I can’t do that to my family… I can’t do that to you. That is why I want you to leave after this battle ends. Wait for me at Dragon Mountain, if I do not come for you within a week, then go and start a new life. A life away from war, a life away from fighting, away from the Nightmare Legion, Nightmare Moon, and away from this army.”

Captain Stone couldn't believe what she was being told, she looked at him and asked, “What do you int…”
“You told me back at the ravine… you’re not strong enough to see me fall in battle? Are you strong enough to be the one who launches that arrow at me? I saw the pain in your eyes that day, I… I can’t put you through that pain, not again. That is why you have to leave. I will meet you at the mountain… if you will wait for me?”

Captain Stone lowered her head and tried not to cry at the mix of concern and relief that she was feeling, and then she looked up at him and smiled, “Of course I'll wait for you, even if you leave me waiting for much longer than a week. I'll wait forever if that’s what it takes.”
Commander Bolt also held his tears back as he replied, “Thank you Gem, I don’t think I could have made it this far without you. Go pass the message on to the others. If anypony wants to stay they are more than welcome to but I’d rather see them leave, than to stay here under that monster.”
Captain Stone nodded her head, “Thank you Sir, I'll tell them right away.”

As Stone trotted off Commander Bolt couldn’t help but feel like he should have told her that he was starting to fall for her, but since he was still unsure himself he figured it was best to wait for now. He looked over the open field in front of the Canterlot city wall and sighed, “This was the field I learned to fly in, where Luna and I would sneak away from her guards and play tag in, the field that I did countless hours of back breaking training with Mist. This is… was my home.”
Commander Bolt decided to take this time to observe the enemy soldiers, who were taking up battle formations in front of the city gates. Each formation was either Pike or sword pony while the archers stood on the walls and the catapults sat behind the wall. A very simple yet basic tactic, he could tell that whoever was commanding them was a rookie officer at best.

Time went by and all the officers and commanders met Commander Bolt and Nightmare Moon in the freshly dug bunker. The smell of fresh soil and damp dirt filled the room, as Commander Bolt started the briefing of the battle plan, “OK first things first, what is the most protected part of the city wall?”
Viscous answered, “Uh… The gate?”
Commander Bolt continued, “Exactly! Nevertheless, they won’t expect this. Roza, Viscous, you and your troops will take the rams and move on to the city gate while Orem and Drib cover you from the skies. However you two are only decoys, Rafi you will take your warrior zebra and make your way around to the west wing of the city, there you will set up a small barricade of that new toy that the griffon are playing with. What was it called again Orem? A granape or something like that?”

Commander Orem shook his head and sighed, “A grenade, sir?”
Commander Bolt nodded, “Right… that. According to your chemist they’re small but if we line them in a specific way along this wall and set them off all at once, it should bring the wall down.”
Captain Stone spoke, “But wouldn’t lighting them all at once be dangerous for Rafi and his Zebra?”
“That’s where you will come in. You, your archers, Snow, and his troops will stay with me and Nightmare Moon here at the rear lines, and when we spot Rafi retreating from the wall you will launch a flaming arrow at the line of grenades. That’s why Rafi will also carry a barrel of gun powder, so he can connect the fuses and give you a larger target. That’s a long distance to shoot an arrow accurately, can you do it?”

Captain Stone sighed, “Sir, you planed this the whole time, then you have the guile to ask me if I could do it, long after you expected me to?”
“You can’t?”
Captain Stone smiled, “Oh I can! I just hoped you would have enough confidence in me, not to ask.”
Commander Bolt Smiled, “My mistake, anyway after the arrow makes contact the explosion of each grenade at the same time should be enough to bring that portion of the wall down. If not then we will fire the catapult at that part of the wall to finish the job. Once the wall falls, Stone, Snow, you and your troops will join me as we meet Rafi and enter the city through the destroyed wall. Then we will clear the city of all enemy troops leading to the main gate.”

General Roza spoke up, “Commander once the vall falls should ve move through the opening?”
Commander Bolt replied, “No, you and Viscous will continue your assault on the main gate. If you happen to breach the wall before we reach the other side then make your way to the inner castle gate and begin using the ram to break that gate down. If we reach, the gate before you make it through then we will open it for you. Once we all reunite on the other side, we will neutralize the enemy catapults and move through the castle wall and into the castle itself. I have only one concern throughout this whole battle. When moving through the city, you will allow any and all civilian evacuation through the alleys.”

Commander Orem asked, “Commander Bolt? Will we still have soldiers in the alleys to prevent ourselves from being surrounded?”
Commander Bolt Replied in a serious tone, “Orem while this operation is happening you and Captain Drib will be in the skies covering both troops from pegasi, archers, and catapults, so you don’t need to worry about that. However, we will have a few troops to guard the alleys and assist in escorting civilians to safety. However, if I see any soldier from any of your ranks, do any direct harm, to any civilian ponies of any kind. I personally will charge you with treason and execute you where you stand! We are not murderers, we are soldiers, and we will not harm anypony who isn’t willing to fight back! How clear am I?”
Everypony wasn’t surprised by Commander Bolt’s threat, they knew well that he didn’t want to attack Canterlot in the first place so with Nightmare Moon excluded they replied, “Crystal Sir!”

Nightmare Moon continued to listen to the plan quietly without reacting to any of the instruction given; Commander Bolt knew that there was something weighing down on her mind… something heavy. Nevertheless, he didn’t know what it was, so he just ignored her silence and continued, “After the second gate is opened we wi…”
At that moment, a Hooviet Union soldier galloped into the room and approached General Roza, “My General! Celestial Crusaders have begun their advance, vhat shall ve do!?!”
Everypony in the bunker immediately looked at Commander Bolt for their instructions. He sighed before answering the soldier’s question, “All soldiers to arms! Move to your positions and await further orders! We will meet at the castle’s gate and go over the rest of the plan then! MOVE OUT!!!”

Once they got outside the bunker Commander Bolt wasted no time in giving orders, “Captain Stone, send out the signal to begin the battle. Drib, Orem gather your troops and prepare to take off. Viscous, Rosa begin your assault, protect the rams until they reach the gate. Rafi take your Zebra and begin moving into position. Once you reach the wall, place the grenades, then retreat past the river and wait for the fireworks. Snow, hold your position here I'm counting on you to protect Stone and her archers.”
Captain Snow winked, “You have my solemn oath sir, she will be well protected.”

Commander Bolt smiled, but this comment slightly irritated Nightmare Moon, “Uh… Commander? What is it that you suggest I do?”
Commander Bolt was a little surprised to hear Nightmare Moon ask for advice, “Your majesty, you can do whatever you please, I’d suggest for your safety, you should stay in the rear here with me for now, but whatever you choose is entirely up to you. Just please, don’t do anything to risk yourself.”
Nightmare Moon replied, “Very well, this will be the first battle I attend, so I'll look towards you for both advice… and protection. Don’t let me down commander.”

Commander Bolt nodded his head and looked towards Canterlot, “ALL CATAPULTS FIRE!!!”
After that order all three catapults launched their heavy boulders into the skies towards Canterlot, one hit the city wall directly putting a gash in it, and knocking a few ponies off the top. The second hit right in the middle of an enemy formation rolling over a number of troops before resting on top of the soldiers in the back of the formation. The third hit the top of the city wall bouncing into the city, and taking down a few buildings. After that, all three teams firing the catapults cheered. Commander Bolt yelled at them, “This battle isn’t over yet! Reload and continue firing!”

Caption Stone looked forward and yelled, “COMMANDER!!! We have incoming!”
Commander Bolt looked toward the city to see three boulders returning to them from behind the wall. One hit an open part of the field, and buried itself without any harm to any soldiers, the second hit the ground and rolled into one of the catapults destroying it, and the third hit dead center onto Viscous’ formation of pike ponies missing her by mere feet.

Commander Bolt turned to Orem and Drib, “You two know what to do! Take to the skies and focus on archers, the catapults, and keep an eye out for pegasi too. If you use your grenades in the city, try to avoid civilian casualties.”
Commander Orem with pride in his voice turned to his griffon and spoke, “You heard him soldiers! We are fighting with a future legend! Griffon will speak of this day for centuries to come so don’t let Commander Bolt down! TO VICTORY!!!”
After his speech, Commander Orem let out a mighty roar that only a griffon could make. His formation also roared in response to the speech. Commander Bolt knew this tactic from the Griffon Civil War; it was mainly used to intimidate the enemy before a great battle.

Captain Drib shook his head at the roaring griffon formation, “Humph… Show offs.”
Then he turned to his formation, “TIME TO CLIPS SOME WINGS!!!”
The formation cheered as Captain Drib turned around and took to the skies, followed closely by his pegasi, Commander Orem, and his griffons. As they approached the city, both formations split into multiple groups some started to attack the ponies on the city wall. Some griffons started dropping grenades into the city. While the rest started to hunt archers and the catapult teams. Commander Bolt thought it a little odd that with all the chaos taking place in the city, he has yet to see a formation of Pegasi.

Commander Bolt looked over at Captain Stone who was measuring the wind for her troops. With his feelings now clearer to him, Commander Bolt couldn’t help but admire the grace that Captain Stone showed while standing on her hind hooves with her wings open, measuring the wind with the movement her mane. After getting her wind speed she called it to her archers, “Ten degrees West!...”
she drew her bow and measured the distance then she raised her aim and called it too, “Thirty Five Degrees Up!... and…. RELEASE!!!”
A cloud of Blue appeared over the battlefield as the rain of arrows flew from Captain Stone’s formation, and made contact with the first major formation in the front lines. Captain Stone lowered her bow as her archers continued firing arrows. When she looked over at Commander Bolt and noticed him watching her, she smiled and blushed.

Nightmare Moon, who was standing right next to Commander Bolt, noticed this and Spoke, “Commander, explain to me why you’re looking at your archers, when the battle is so plainly in front of you?”
Commander Bolt quickly looked forward and blushed as he replied, “My apologies your majesty, just observing my archers and their accuracy.”
With a very annoyed tone she replied, “Well, maybe you can do a little more observing after the battle. For now the ponies in the front lined need your attention.”
Commander Bolt didn’t reply to this comment because he started to realize something strange about the enemies’ movements.

The second enemy formation on the front line stopped moving all together and the third was now overlapping them, which is very strange since the second formation appears to be sword’s ponies. Commander Bolt didn’t like this one bit, so he started to pay more attention to where the enemy formations where located on the battlefield. Meanwhile at the front line General Roza and Lieutenant Viscous collided with the few ponies that where left in the first enemy formation. As they fought General Roza being the first to push through the front line, was close enough to see the enemies’ real plan. She turned and yelled to Viscous, “Lieutenant!!! The second formation are archers, their veapons are decoys! Quickly alert our comrades!!!”

Lieutenant Viscous pulled her axe from a dead crusader’s armor and tried to wave back at Snow’s formation behind her, but with all the enemy soldiers around her, she couldn’t get a chance to signal him. Back at the rear, Captain Snow could see that Lieutenant Viscous was trying to say something so he called back to Commander Bolt, “Sir, something is wrong Viscous is trying to tell us something. Should I move up to support her?”
Commander Bolt replied, “I agree something isn’t right here. Move up and support her, but when the wall falls I'll need you to move in with me, we need all our troops to storm the city.”

Captain Snow moved his formation forward to assist Viscous while Commander Bolt started skimming the horizon looking for signs of what could be an ambush, and then he spotted it. A small pegasi formation that snuck around behind them started diving from high altitude towards Nightmare Moon and Commander Bolt. He called out as he unslung his shield and readied it for an attack, “AMBUSH! UP HIGH!!!”
Nightmare Moon turned around and looked up at the enemy pegasi, and then she looked toward a pile of spears that lay against the bunker.

As Commander Bolt readied himself to dodge an attack, a cloud of arrows from Stone’s archers hit the diving formation from the side. Now instead of diving, most of them where falling. He didn’t bother looking where the arrows came from. Instead, he kept his eye on the one pony who managed to make it out of the cloud unharmed. However, before the pony got close enough to attack, six spears came flying out of all different directions completely and mercilessly skewering the pegasus and stopping him instantly in the air. Commander Bolt looked out the corner of is eye at Nightmare Moon. She stood staring at him unamused of what she had just done, and then using her magic she pulled all the spears out at once, and watched as the lifeless corps fell to the ground in front of them. Commander Bolt approached the corps to verify the kill then he turned around and hesitated as he spoke to Nightmare Moon, “Um… Well done your majesty. Its… good to see that you kno…”

“COMMANDER LOOK OUT!!!!”
After hearing Captains Stones call Commander Bolt looked up realized that while they had their backs turned to the rear, the group of disguise archers had fired a cloud of arrows at them leaving them, little-to-no time to take cover. Without thinking, Commander Bolt sprinted to Nightmare Moon, “LOOKOUT!!!”
Once he got between Nightmare Moon and the cloud of arrows, he focused all of his energy to the cloud that just appeared above his head. All of a sudden, multiple bolts shoot out in all directions hitting every single arrow meant for him and Nightmare Moon, throwing the arrows off target and creating a ring of arrows on the ground surrounding them both. While this was happening Nightmare Moon watched in awe as the lightning seem to engulf her, although not one bolt got even close enough to shock her in the tiniest way.

After the Lightning Orb cloud dispersed, Commander Bolt dropped to a knee to catch his breath; he has deflected arrows before, but never so many, and all at once, especially when they were directed towards him. Nightmare Moon couldn’t believe it, nopony has ever put themselves in such risk for her, at least… not since she became Nightmare Moon. Commander Bolt finally caught his breath, so he stood up and spoke, “I hope you’re ok your majesty, that was a close call, wasn’t it?”
Nightmare Moon tried to act unimpressed, “A very foolish act… but… I appreciate it nonetheless. Th-thank you Star Bolt.”

Commander Bolt smiled, “You trust my advice and my protection, remember. The least I can do is respect that trust and do what I can to up hold it. Beside we started this war together, we should at least finish it together.”
Nightmare Moon smiled pleasantly, “Nevertheless, you have my thanks.”
Commander Bolt returned that smile, but he felt troubled. He jumped in front of the arrows by reflex and nothing more. He didn’t understand it at all, he knew she wasn’t Luna anymore, so why did he do such a thing. He couldn’t help but feel that there was more to it than he could understand.

At the front, Chief Rafi and his Zebra finally made it to the river near the western portion of the wall where they were supposed to set the grenades for the plan. Half of the zebra tied the bag of grenades to their spears and threw them over the river to keep them from getting wet. The other half kept their spears for protection; nevertheless, they made it to the wall without being spotted by any Celestial troops. When they reached the other side of the river Rafi turned to his soldiers, “Ok brothers, we will set the grenades along this wall like I told you then when we finish, we will start to spread the gu…”
A guard for the top of the wall called out, “ITS THEM!!! THE NIGHTMARE LEGION IS ATTACKING THE WESTERN WA…”
before the guard could finish his sentence, Chief Rafi had already sent a spear into his face but it was too late. Celestial archers quickly rushed to that part of the wall and started to shoot arrows at them.

Chief Rafi called to his zebra, “Half of you set the grenades, everyzebra else fight back with all you can! We must protect our brothers!”
As the archers tried to attack the zebra, Chief Rafi and his soldiers put up a good resistance, until everything on top of the wall went silent. The zebra waited for something… anything to happen but the ponies on top of the wall weren’t in sight. All of a sudden, Captain Drib and a few of his pegasi looked down at the zebra from on top of the wall, “Hey Rafi, you done… yet? I'm ready to see more of Canterlot.”
Chief Rafi Smiled, “Hold you horses friend, be patient then we will both trot down the street, ok?”
Captain Drib smiled, “Well, can you hurry it up? We seem to be late for the better part of our welcome party, and the party hosts aren’t taking it very well.”

As soon as the grenades were set, Captain Drib, Chief Rafi, and the rest of their troops retreated from the wall and made their way across the river. On the other front General Roza, Captain Snow and Lieutenant Viscous just finished off the last of the disguised archers and started moving across the bridge to the main gate. As the battle continued, Commander Bolt stood next to Nightmare Moon and watched as his troops approached the gate, by this time Canterlot looked like it was burning from the inside out. The continued catapult and grenade attacks started taking its toll on the homes and buildings inside the city. As Commander Bolt watched, he felt nothing but regret.

Nightmare Moon could see the regret in his eyes so she tried to cheered him up, “Soon Commander, this war will end, and you will have a peaceful life once again… by my side.”
Commander Bolt continued looking at the city as he replied, “But at what cost?”
Before Nightmare Moon could reply, Captain Stone called out to him, “COMMANDER! Chief Rafi has fallen back from the wall! Should I fire the arrow?”

Commander Bolt turned to Captain Stone and nodded his head, “Good eye Stone, Fire when ready.”
Captain Stone nodded her head and pulled out one of her arrows that was wrapped with a thick cloth. Then she looked at one of her archers who happened to be a unicorn, “Sergeant, may I trouble you for some help?”
The archer lowered his bow and replied, “Yes Ma’am!”
The archer focused his magic on the arrow, until it spontaneously bursts into flame. Then she replied as she closed her eyes and started measuring the wind, “Thank you sergeant, return to firing at the remaining celestial formations.”
After she said that, she had already calculated her shot, so she drew her bow and aimed very carefully, this target was further than normal, almost a hundred meters further than the spear she hit on the other battlefield a week ago. She very carefully changed her sight picture to compensate for wind then she released the arrow into the sky.

On the other side of the battlefield Chief Rafi, Captain Drib, and both their soldiers tried to fight off the celestial soldiers who were quickly closing in. As Chief Rafi was fighting, he spotted a Celestial pegasus charging him from the other side of the wall. Chief Rafi braced himself for impact, but right as the pegasus was crossing over the wall, A burning arrow hit him in his side, completely piercing his armor as it dug into the base of his wing. The pegasus fell and landed on the barrel of gun powder, But it appeared that the flame was out. Captain Drib who witnessed the whole thing, landed next to Chief Rafi, “Wow, I never thought I would see that day that Stone would miss a shot… I guess she isn’t so grea…”

At that exact moment, the feathers on the celestial pegasus’ wings started to singe from the heated arrow and caught fire, setting off the gunpowder, the grenades, and causing the wall to explode in an unbelievable force for both the Celestial Crusaders, and the Nightmare Legion to witness. The force of the explosion was so great, that the massive chunk of wall was thrown into the city, and crumbled into the brick that made it.

The shockwave from the explosion tossed everypony in the area to the ground including Drib, Rafi, and their troops. The shockwave was also big enough to shake the ground where Commander Bolt was standing. After the dust cleared, Chief Rafi and Captain Drib picked themselves off the ground, and looked at the rubble that was once an impenetrable wall. Captain Drib Smiled and spoke sarcastically, “You know what the worst part of this is? We will never know if that was her true intention in the first place.”
Chief Rafi laughed, “Well friend, if we decide to ask her, I will let you do the talking.”

In the rear, Captain Snow immediately reacted to the explosion, “ALL ARCHERS! Ready your equipment to move out, on Commander Bolts orders!”
Commander Bolt looked over at Nightmare Moon and asked, “Will you be joining us inside your majesty or will you stay here with the wounded?”
Nightmare Moon sighed, “I'll wait here, and there is no need to waste you efforts to keep me safe in there, so I'll be waiting for you here when you get back.”

As Captain Stone approached Commander Bolt replied, “As you wish your majesty, Captain Stone, Send your fastest pegasus to retrieve Captain Snow, and tell him to meet use at the western… uh the new gate, and then once we all are there we will move into the city. This battle just got more interesting.”
Captain Stone nodded her head, “Yes Sir!”
Before they trotted off, Nightmare Moon stopped them, “Commander?”
Commander Bolt stopped and looked back at Nightmare Moon, “Yes your majesty?”
Nightmare Moon continued with concern in her voice, “Come back alive… I… uh… Just… come back alive Commander… That’s an order.”
Commander Bolt didn’t understand what was on her mind but he knew his order so he replied, “Yes your majesty. I'll be back after we end the war, Once and for all.”

Ch16 The Emotions of War

“YOUR MAJESTY! The Nightmare Legion, they…”
“I know, they broke through the western wall and are making their way through the city.”
Princess Celestia sighed in worry as she looked at the destroyed wall from the tower balcony, “Please commander, don’t make me do this. I don’t want to use them, not on you… not on Luna.”
The Celestial Commander stepped forward to try to understand her mumbling, “Your majesty?”
Princess Celestia replied, “It’s nothing, gather your forces on the main road and attack the advancing enemy in the city. Also, have the catapult teams abandon their posts. The enemies are no longer in front of us; they are on top of us. After that I want you to go home and get your family, I don’t want to leave them in harm’s way.”

The Commander nodded his head, “Yes your majesty, but uh…”
“Yes? What is it?”
“With all due respect your majesty I suggest you evacuate the castle… for your safety, of course.”
Princess Celestia gave the guard an irritated look, “My duty is to my subjects, if they are staying here than I will too.”
The guard nodded his head, “Yes your majesty but can you at least stand back from the balcony I hear they have an experienced, yet unpredictable archer in their ranks.”

Princess Celestia Looked back off the balcony at the city, “Yes, I remember her, but it’s been a long time since that battle, I wonder, is that mare is still there by his side?”
At that moment, an arrow flew over her shoulder and dug itself into the pillar supporting the doorway.
Princess Celestia glanced at the arrow then looked back at the city, “Hmm, I guess so, but will she be enough to end this quickly?”
The Celestial Commander stepped forward after realizing what just happened, “Your majesty! Please step aw…”
“I'm fine commander, go see to your duties that’s an order.”
The Celestial Commander bowed as he stepped back “Yes your majesty, as you wish.”
Princess Celestia turned her attention back to the city without noticing a small note tied to the arrow.

Captain Stone stood on a large chunk of the wall with her bow still raised, as she lowered it she mumbled to herself, “Please your majesty, read the letter, before it’s too late.”
Commander Bolt saw Captain Stone looking towards the castle, “Stone, we need to get moving, that castle won’t get any closer by just staring at it.”
Captain Stone nodded her head and jumped down from the broken wall. At that time, Captain Snow trotted up with Chief Rafi and Captain Drib. Commander Bolt looked at them and started explaining the next phase of the plan, “Ok, now that we are here this is what’s next. We need to make our way to Mane Street, that road that connects the city gate with the castle gate. There are three roads to take to get there, but to prevent ourselves from getting surrounded, we will split up. Rafi, Stone, take your troops down the road leading through the market district. I hope your zebra can protect my archers, Rafi.”

Chief Rafi Smiled, “My brothers and I can take down anypony on the ground with ease. I hope your archers will protect us from the skies.”
Captain Stone sarcastically looked at the huge gap in the wall behind them, and then looked back at Rafi with a smug smile on her face, “I think we can hold our own, don’t you?”
Commander Bolt shook his head with a smile, “Ok then, Snow I want you to split your troops In two groups, some will go with me while you take the rest through the slums. I'll need your speed to take down the catapult teams that are set up down this road.”

Captain Snow Sighed, “Really sir, the slums? But it’s so unrefined, so primitive and not to mention unsanitary. To be seen trotting down those streets, it would be an embarrassment to my family name.”
Commander Bolt sighed, “Snow other than Rafi and his zebra you’re the fastest amongst us. I'll need you to eliminate the catapult teams before they finish off our troops outside the wall. Besides, this road leads directly to the intersection near the city gate. I'll need you to open the gate for Roza and Viscous when you get there.”
Captain Snow disappointedly nodded his head, “Agreed sir, I'll open the door for our lovely ladies, what sort of gentlecolt would I be if I couldn’t do that much?”

Commander Bolt nodded his head, “Good, then I'll take the other half of your troops and go down the residential area. Remember to post guards at each alley, only civilian ponies are allowed down there and if any pony is wearing armor, carrying a weapon, or tries to attack you, they are deemed enemy soldiers and will be treated as such, understood. However, any pony who refuses to fight back whether they wear armor or not will be escorted out of the city. We will save as many ponies as possible.”

Captain Drib stepped forward, “Sir? Are you sure, we should split up? The city isn’t like the battlefield outside the wall you won’t have a good field of view from the ground, why don’t you join me in the skies?”
Commander Bolt looked at Drib with a serious face, “If my soldiers will fight in the dirt then I will too, besides you know I'm not comfortable fighting in the skies, especially with a shield that has a small blade attached, I prefer close quarters. But I will rely on you to be our eyes, watch for any major movements especially near the castle gate, in fact when each of you reach Mane Street, I want you to travel south and secure the city gate. Once it’s open I want you to unite back into a mass army and assault the castle gate to the north. We will hit them hard and with everything we have, to finish this once and for all. Now let’s move!”

The groups split into their predetermined groups and began moving down their roads. Outside the city gate, Lieutenant Viscous was cutting away at the gate while General Roza protected their battering ram from pegasi pike ponies. Up above archers and unicorns continued to send down spears and arrows that hammered the already damaged battering ram. All of a sudden, the arrows and spears stopped flying but there was a loud sound of scraping followed by screams of horror coming from the top of the gate. Burning ponies fell from the top of the wall only to have their screams silenced as they hit the ground. Those who survived the drop were immediately silence by Roza’s scythe.

On top of the wall, Commander Orem was using his powder throwing ability to burn any pony or projectile that got close to him. Even the unicorns with their magic couldn’t stop the flames from spreading over their bodies. Commander Orem looked into the distance toward the castle gate and saw the Celestial Forces that were leaving the castle gate but he knew that they would have to face Commander Bolt so he roared the same mighty roar from the start of the battle, the enemy soldiers around him took a step back in fear. Commander Orem smiled, “Face me ponies, and I'll show you the power of a griffon.”

Commander Orem charged down the wall cutting away at everypony he could with the metal claws, leaving a trail of gunpowder behind him, then he tossed a few grenades backwards and striked the claws on the ground igniting the gunpowder and the grenades. The explosion wasn’t even enough to do any damage to the wall but it tossed all the surviving ponies off the wall with ease. So he turned around and continued his assault, focusing on covering Lieutenant Viscous and General Roza from enemies attacking from above.

Commander Bolt trotted down the street with his guard up, with each passing alley he put two of his solders on guard with the same instruction as before. After a while, he looked down the center of the street to see a curve in the road with a tower directly in front of him. just the sight of this tower gave Commander Bolt a bad felling, he spoke to the troops following him as he continued down the street, “Keep your eyes open and your wits about you, soldiers.”
After a while they crossed into the shadow of the tower then they saw a group of enemy pike ponies charging down the street towards them.

Commander Bolt called to his soldiers, “BRACE YOURSELVES!!!”
Then at the last second he hears a familiar whistle. Out of simple reflex, he held his shield overhead as a barrage of arrows came raining down from the top of the tower. Feeling the pounding of the arrows hitting the shield didn’t drown out the screams of the ponies around him, but the sound of what came next did. At that moment a boulder came flying over the city hitting the base of the tower, causing it to rock as the bottom started to crumble. Commander Bolt already knew that the tower was going to fall and that’s its destination was right below his hooves.

Commander Bolt and the remaining soldiers turned and tried to run but it was no use the tower was falling too fast and they were too close to out run its path. Thinking quick Commander Bolt moved his shield over his face and used it to crash through a window on the closest house. Leaving no hesitation for the falling tower to hit the ground behind him and fill the streets and the room with dust. When Commander Bolt went through the window, he hit a bookshelf knocking everything off of it and dropping his shield in the process. After that, he stood up and looked around. The room seemed empty but there was dust blocking everything that was a foot away from his face, so he couldn’t be sure.

Commander Bolt dusted himself off and reached down to pick up his shield; before he had a full grip on his shield, he heard a whimper behind him. He picked up the shield and turned around to see where the sound came from. On the other side of the room cowering in the corner, was a mare and her young colt. Commander Bolt dusted off his shield and turned to tell them that he wasn’t going to hurt them but before he could speak, another voice broke the silence, “Get away from them!”
Commander Bolt looked towards the door to see a Celestial pike pony standing there with is spear pointed directly at him. The soldier repeated himself, “I said, GET AWAY FROM THEM! NOW!!!”

Commander Bolt had absolutely no intention on harming the mare or her young colt but he wasn’t going to stand there and let another soldier order him around like he was a peon. Commander Bolt raised his shield and replied, “If you want to keep your head, you will lower your weapon and stand down.”
The guard replied in anger “NEVER!”
The soldier charged forward with his spear pointed at Commander Bolt but this was too easy for him to block. Commander Bolt swung his shield upward, hitting the spear blade, throwing it up and causing it to stick in the ceiling. Before the enemy soldier could react, Commander Bolt turned around and kicked him with both rear hooves in the face knocking the spear out of his hooves and throwing him into the wall.

As Commander Bolt approached the stunned soldier, he could hear the spear fall to the ground and echo through the room. The celestial soldier tried to get to his feet but it was too late, Commander Bolt pinned him against the wall and put the blade to his throat, “Do you give up?”
the celestial soldier looked him in the eye and replied, “Do whatever you want but spare this family. They did nothing wrong.”
Commander Bolt ignored the plea, instead he looked down at the insignia on the soldier’s armor, “So, you’re the Celestial Commander, right? Tell me when were you going to attack my troops if we didn’t arrive this morning?”

Instead of answering the solders face went white with worry, then an angry yet brave voice spoke out, “You leave my daddy alone!”
Commander Bolt turned his head just slightly to see the Celestial commander’s spear being held by the young colt, who was using every ounce of strength just to hold the weapon up. Commander Bolt couldn’t help but smile at the colts bravery, but the Celestial commander took this smile the wrong way, “Commander please! The colt doesn’t know what he is doing. He is young and naive please don’t take it out on him he’s just a foal, please I beg of you spare him! I'm the one you want! please!”

Commander Bolt looked at the worried father and winked, “Don’t worry he will be fine.”
Without looking back at the colt, Commander Bolt swung his shield at the spear knocking it to the side. The weight of the spear alone was too much for the young colt to handle. The spear flew out of the young colt’s hooves, making him take a few steps back in fear. When the celestial commander saw this, he tried to get free, but Commander Bolt put the blade back against his throat so he stopped struggling.
The Celestial Commander continued his plea, “Please commander, I don’t care if you kill me but don’t hurt the colt, he is only trying to protect his family, he didn’t mean it. Please… don’t kill him, don’t kill my son.”

Commander Bolt had no intention on harming the colt or the mare at all, but he knew if he did, this plea would be all it would take to change his mind. Commander Bolt lowered his weapon down to the strap to the celestial commander’s armor, then he cut it and watched the armor drop to the floor. Commander Bolt looked the confused commander in the eye, and spoke as if he were giving an order, “Commander, you are dismissed!”
Without warning, he swung the face of his shield and bashed the celestial commander in the side of his head knocking him unconscious, and then he let him drop to the floor.

The young colt wanted so badly to rush to his father’s side, but he was too afraid to get any closer to Commander Bolt, so he held his ground trying not to show fear. Commander Bolt looked at the colt while he slung his shield, “Little stallion, do you want to help your father?”
The colt was too scared to reply so he just nodded his head yes. Commander Bolt continued, “Then help your mother take him into the alley. When you see some of my soldiers, tell them that you are civilians trying to flee the city to safety. So long that you approach them without his armor or weapons, they will allow you to leave unharmed. And don’t mention that he is a soldier, ok?”
The young colt was still afraid but he was able to ask, “I thought you were the bad pony, why are you letting us go?”
Commander Bolt only smiled as he trotted to the door, looked to see if the coast was clear, and left without an answer.

Back at the City gate Viscous Axe just broke through the massive door allowing for a few griffons to land and set a grenade inside the huge hole left by the mare’s heavy axe. After lighting the fuse, General Roza galloped away from the gate yelling to the troops nearby, “EVERYPONY TAKE COVER!”
All soldiers near the gate, to include the ram team moved clear from the gate to prevent themselves from getting caught in the explosion. As soon as the grenade went off the door was pushed open enough for a number of troops to climb through. Unfortunately, the first battering ram was also destroyed in the explosion so the ram teams joined up with Lieutenant Viscous and her remaining troops.

General Roza and her troops were the first to make it through the gate. She turned to her troops, “All soldiers fan out and continue to the castle gate! Lieutenant Viscous, vill you join me in vaiting for the commander?”
as Viscous claimed through the damaged gate she replied, “Uh general, shouldn’t we both continue to the gate… wait how will we know where to find the comman…”
“I'll help you find him, my little ponies, I need the exercise anyway.”

Commander Orem landed behind Lieutenant Viscous as General Roza replied, “Very good Commander, then I hope you vill let him know that ve vill vait for him at the castle gate.”
Lieutenant Viscous asked before continuing down the street, “Commander Orem, can you check on Captain Drib while you’re at it? I'm worried about him, so can you do that for me, please?”
Commander Orem smiled, “For a polite mare like you. I'll guarantee your stallion will be safe the next time you see him.”

As Commander Orem took off into the skies Captain Snow and his troop made it to the gate, “Sorry I'm late, you would not believe the traffic I ran into on the way here, simply barbaric, and the scenery was horrid at best. I never want to be caught dead in the slums ever again.”
Lieutenant Viscous shook her head, “You wimp. Do you know where everypony else is?”
Captain Snow shrugged his shoulder, “Last I saw the good commander was making his way down the residential district, our Zebrican ally was accompanying dear Stone through the market street and your faithful suitor was in the sky. Need I say more?”

Lieutenant Viscous turns to continue up Mane Street, “No that’s fine, but we definitely need to make you less civilized. You’re getting harder to understand every day.”
Captain Snow followed her and her troops up the street and he replied, “My dear, we need to make you more civilized.”
“Are you talking back there Snow?”
“Who me? Preposterous, I would never.”
Lieutenant Viscous smiled as she kept galloping, “I didn’t think so.”

On another part of the city, Commander Bolt looked up the dust-covered street. Even though he could hear sword on sword fighting and explosions in the distance, the street was dead, deserted and quiet. The swords, pikes, shields and bows sat propped up in the rubble, like tombstones to those who were ether on the tower when it fell, or crushed below it. Commander Bolt lowered his head in shame, “This war… these dead ponies… this senseless violence… it needs to end, today. this empty place is in my opinion a wasteland where ponies like me will spend the rest of eternity after we die… Tartarus. It must end tod…”
“Commander Bolt!”

Three soldiers came stumbling through the dust, one seemed fine, he was carrying a celestial crusader who survived the tower incident, while the third was limping. The one who was fine spoke, “Commander, we captured this celestial crusader who survived the wreckage, what should we do with him?.”
Commander Bolt looked down at the celestial soldier and asked, “What’s your name soldier?”
The soldier glared at Commander Bolt with intense anger, “Oh, so The Great Commander Bolt has the decency to talk to a pathetic peasant like me huh?... its because of you this happened… the explosions… I… I can still hear them. I… can still hear them screaming… running… falling… and dying… they are gone, they… they are dead.”

The celestial soldier started to cry as Commander Bolt turned to the wounded soldier, “This soldier is traumatized, what injury do you have?”
The wounded soldier replied, “When the tower fell I…”
“COMMANDER! DID YOU HEAR ME!?! THERE DEAD!?! ITS YOUR FAULT THEY ARE DEAD DON’T YOU GET IT!?!”
Commander Bolt turned back to the celestial soldier, “Soldier, calm down we all have lost friends toda…”
“Friends? FRIENDS!?! MY WIFE!!! MY DAUGHTER!!! I LOST MORE THAN JUST FRIENDS BOLT!!! I… I lost… I LOST EVERYTHING!!!”

Commander Bolt was speechless; he had no idea what to say about this. He knew that this war had taken a toll on the city and its ponies but he didn’t think that one would be standing in front of him. He turned to the wounded soldier and spoke. “Take him back to the camp then once he is seen by the medics release him. He isn’t a threat to us anymore.”
The Celestial soldier yelled as Commander Bolt, “WHAT ARE YOU DOING, YOU COWARD! Are you too afraid to face me, or is it that you just don’t care! Is that it! My family is dead, and a pampered commander of the Nightmare Legion just doesn’t care about the ranting of a peasant, does he? If you let me live I'll spend the rest of my life hunting you down and making you suffer. YOU HEAR ME!?! I'll watch as everything you care about burns in front of you, then I'll kill you, nice and slow! Why? Because you’re a coward, YOU HEAR ME! A PATHETIC, TREACHEROUS, COWARD!!!”

Commander Bolt grew tired of the soldier’s outbursts so without any hesitation, he drew his unready soldiers sword from its sheath, then he trotted towards the Celestial Crusader. The soldier watched his movements and continues ranting, “So the commander has a short fuse, does he? Now he is tired of being insulted so he is going to kill the one doing the insulting isn’t he? Your true colors shine brighter than any sun commander; I’d expect that from a coward like you!”
Commander Bolt raised the sword up and stabbed the blade into the ground between them, then he stood there staring at him with less than an amused expression on his face.

The celestial soldier was confused, “What? Why didn’t you kill me? I don’t have anything left, why not take my life and be done with me? I… I don’t need pity. I especially don’t need it from the likes of you. Kill me! just kill me and be done with it already.”
Commander Bolt spoke in a serious tone, “You want two things to happen, right? To make me watch as everything I care about burned in front of me, and to kill me slowly right? Look around, the city is burning, the buildings are crumbling to the ground, and soon I will attempt to kill the mare that I always looked up to… looks like your first goal has been met, all you have to do is decide when and how you will complete your second goal. I'm sorry for your wife and daughter. Truly I am, but I can’t stop now that I came this far. If you want to kill me then all I can do is wish you luck, but don’t think it will be an easy task. Besides, you shouldn’t just give up your life like this. A beautiful princess once told me, if you start to doubt yourself now, than you will never reach your goal, so make your choice.”

Commander Bolt looked at the other two soldiers and spoke, “Go back to the camp and get looked at by a medic. When you’re done you will stay and guard Nightmare Moon. You two have seen enough of this battle.”
the unharmed soldier pointed at the celestial soldier and replied, “What do we do with him?”
Commander Bolt replied as he trotted away, “Leave him, he has lost all will to fight, and I wouldn’t doubt that he lost his will to live too. What he does from this point on… is his decision.”
Commander Bolt trotted through the rubble passing what’s left of the tower and leaving his two soldiers to their orders, while also leaving the speechless stallion on his knees in the middle of the street staring at the sword, broken and alone.

Shortly after passing the tower Commander Bolt reached Mane Street and started making his way towards the southern gate, “Commander!”
Commander Bolt looked up as Commander Orem landed in front of him, “It’s a good thing I found you Commander, general… uh, the hooviet general and your axemare have already passed here. You will find them at the gate to the north; also I have a troubled feeling about this.”
Commander Bolt sighed, “OK, first off you really need to start remembering everyponies names, second what is it that has a mighty griffon troubled?”

Commander Orem continued, “Sir, it’s about our numbers, since the battle began I have lost all contact with my griffon. The ponies that took the gate also suffered heavy losses. Then there are the remaining soldiers who are still fighting. Less than half of our starting force is neutralized, dead, or missing. I don’t like this one bit sir.”
Commander Bolt thought to himself for a second, then he replied, “Our catapult teams are still active, we have captured more than half of the celestial forces, and we killed the rest. This battle was a long shot to begin with. Once we corner them in the castle then we will have control of the situation, until then continue to push forward, I will not give the order to fall back unless our situation doesn’t get any better after we clear the castle wall. If you’re that concerned then feel free to search for some of your griffon, but know that I'll need your support inside the castle once we break down the door. Is that understood?”

Commander Orem nodded his head, “Yes sir!”
Commander Orem flew off to search for his soldiers. Commander Bolt continued up Mane Street toward the castle gate while he was traveling he started to think about what happened on that last street he went through, “That commander, his colt, and that stallion. Each one feeling every emotion there is in battle, fear, anger, worry, courage, confusion, fury, and sorrow. No matter if, you’re fighting on one side, the other side, or just caught in the middle. We all feel it, the emotions brought on by battle… and not one of them even comes close to happiness, and to make matters worse, our numbers are dropping I must end this as quickly as possible. I don’t know how much more of this I can take.”

At the castle gate General Roza, Lieutenant Viscous, and their last ram began hammering away at the gate with Captain Snow, Chief Rafi and Captain Stone providing cover from the remaining ground forces and the celestial pegasi who are attacking from all directions. Captain Stone carefully chose her targets as she fought; only aiming for charging pegasi or officers. Captain Stone drew her bow aimed and fired, “Three.”
She drew another arrow and aimed at a pegasus directly overhead, after she released it she counted again, “Two”
just then a unicorn grabbed her with his magic and pinned her against a wall. Captain Stone struggled as hard as she could but it was no use, she couldn’t move. The unicorn drew his sword and was about to stab her before a spear came out of nowhere and hit the unicorn in the side knocking him to the ground and stopping his spell.

When the spells effect faded Captain Stone quickly pulled the last arrow from her quiver and fired it directly at the unicorn, the force of the arrow at this range caused it to go directly through the unicorn’s chest sending it into the ground below him. Stone lowered her bow and tried to catch her breath as she spoke, “One. that was my last arrow, Thanks for the help Chief, you saved my skin there.”
Chief Rafi Trotted up to the dead unicorn and pulled his spear form the fallen soldiers side, “No problem friend, anything to be of assistance. By the way have you seen the commander yet?”
Captain Stone looked around and saw Commander Bolt as he came around the corner of the street. Then he stopped where he was and stared at the castle.

Commandeer Bolt looked at the balcony of one of the towers, there he could Princess Celestia staring back at him with disappointment in her expression, the same disappointment that his mother gave him in Cloudsdale. Commander Bolt mumbled to himself, “I'm sorry princess, but I have to do reach my goal, I only hope that I can, without losing more than I had…”
“Commander!”
“Glad you could make it”
“So rude to keep us waiting sir.”
“Ve have almost breached the vall.”
“What took you, friend?”
Commander Bolt looked back as Stone, Viscous, Snow, Roza and Rafi as they approached him, “Sorry I ran into some unexpected trouble along the way, do you know where Drib is?”

Captain Viscous replied, “I saw him fly overhead a second ago, but I don’t know where he…”
At that moment a boulder came crashing down onto the house next to them sending a large wooden beam flipping through the air, as Commander Bolt wathced the beam he noticed something in its path, “DRIB! LOOK OUT!!!!”
Captain Drib wasn’t paying attention to his surroundings instead; he was watching enemy movement on the ground when he heard the warning. When he noticed his incoming hazard, it was too late for him to dodge it. Out of reflex he tried to block the beam with his spear as if he where blocking a sword but it made absolutely no difference, what’s so ever.

The Dual Bladed spear broke into two pieces as the large wooden beam colligated with Captain Drib in midflight, throwing him to the ground, but where ever he landed was on the other side of the buildings a few blocks to the east so it was impossible to tell if he was ok or not. Lieutenant Viscous panicked, “CALLOUS!!!”
Commander Bolt stopped her as she tried to sprint towards where Captain Drib Fell, “Viscous! Wait!”
“Sorry sir, but no! I got to help Coll…”
“I said wait! I'm going too! The rest of you will continue breaking down the gate. When you get through, storm the castle, and capture Princess Celestia… Alive!”

Captain Snow and Captain Stone stepped forward, “NO SIR!”
“No?”
Captain Snow explained, “Sir, Captain Drib is a good colleague with barbaric yet charismatic qualities that I can only respect. If you are going after him then I will be your sword… as it were.”
Captain Stone continued, “And you know that I can’t leave you alone for five minutes without lecturing you, on how to not get yourself killed, so you can expect me to lend you my arrows… if I had any left that is…”
Captain Stone felt a little embarrassed about the comment until General Roza spoke up, “If arrows if vat you need than vait a second. SOLDIER!!!”

A hooviet soldier rushed from the battering ram to General Roza, “Yes, my General!”
“Are you an archer?”
“No my General, but my corporal is.”
“Bring me his arrows, at vonce”
“Yes, my General!”
The soldier galloped to the ram crew and returned with a quiver of arrows. General Roza took the arrows and handed them to Stone who placed them into her quiver, “As you can see, ve hooviets stay prepared.”
Captain Stone smiled, “Will you join us?”
General Roza spoke as she and Chief Rafi shook their heads, “No, ve need to continue taking the castle. Ve vill have it ready for you vonce you catch up vith us.”
Commander Bolt smiled, “Then let’s go get Drib. If we hurry then we will be back before the castle gate falls.”

Ch17 True Pain

Princess Celestia stood and watched as the castle gate crumbled and General Roza and her troops stormed the front castle garden. Princess Celestia turned to her guard and spoke, “Line your archers at the castle doors. If the enemy soldiers break through then fire on them.”
“YOUR MAJESTY!!! LOOK OUT!!!”
At that moment Commander Orem landed on the edge of the balcony and smiled, “You must be the pony princess that I’ve heard so much about. Are you willing to surrender, or should I kill you now?”

Princess Celestia glared at the intimidating griffon and replied, “You have some nerve to threaten me so lightly, why is the griffon king supporting the Nightmare Legion?”
“Beats me, his majesty said something about, helping the dog with a loose chain. But I digress. I may be going over Commander Bolt’s authority by doing this, but he wants this war to end today with as few casualties as possible, so either surrender now, or prepare to become one of the few casualties. Your choice, princess.”
“OVER MY DEAD BODY!!!”

The guard in the room charged towards Commander Orem and swung his sword at him. Commander Orem blocked the attack with the outside of his gauntlet and threw a talon full of gunpowder in his face. The guard didn’t know what it was so he ignored the powder and attacked again. This time, to prevent himself from creating a spark, Commander Orem dodged the attack and using his open talon, he grabbed the guard by the throat. The guard tried to swing his sword again but Commander Orem grabbed the sword with the gauntlet and pulled it out of the guards hoof, throwing it off the balcony. Then he tossed a little more gunpowder on the guard’s body to coat his armor even more.

Commander Orem smiled, “I admire your dedication to your princess, but it isn’t very wise for an earth pony to attack a griffon on a balcony.”
The guard struggled as he replied, “Disrespectful trash! I'm willing to give my life to protect the princess.”
“And so you shall.”
Commander Orem used his gauntlet to grab the earth pony by his chest, and tossed him off the balcony scraping the pony’s armor and igniting him as he fell from the tower.

Commander Orem watched the falling pony until he hit the ground then he turned to Princess Celestia, “So where were w….”
While Commander Orem’s back was turned, Princess Celestia used her magic to toss a table from the center of the room knocking Commander Orem off the edge of the balcony. As Orem fell, he tried to fly but Princess Celestia continued using her magic to push him down with the table until he hit the ground.
Commander Orem picked himself up off the ground and glared at Princess Celestia, who was glaring back at him from the balcony, “Alright princess, it’s over now!”

Commander Orem opened his wings then cringed at an intense pain he felt on his right wing. Commander Orem looked at his wing and saw that it was double jointed, “Broken, that pathetic pony broke my wing!”
Commander Orem looked back at Princess Celestia and smiled, “Well played, these ponies are much tougher than I expected.”
Chief Rafi galloped up and spoke, “Commander, are you ok? I just saw you fall from that tower.”
Commander Orem replied, “Are any of your medics in the city, I need to splint my wing then I'll be fine to continue the battle.”
Chief Rafi replied, “What about your weapon?”

Commander Orem looked at his gauntlet and realized the support ring in top was broken and most of the gauntlets parts where lying on the ground. He sighed, “I guess I'll have to fall back now. This is the second time I was beaten by a pony.”
Commander Orem looked at Chief Rafi and continued, “Chief will you support me back to the camp? I'm at a disadvantage right now.”
Chief Rafi Smiled, “Of course friend. Glad you could join us on the ground for once.”

Back further into the city Commander Bolt, Captain Stone, Captain Snow and Lieutenant Viscous were galloping down a street with many large houses, while they ran Stone had to ask, “Commander you’re from Canterlot right? Exactly what is this part of the city?”
Commander Bolt yelled back, this is the noble district, anypony whose anypony lived here.”
Captain Stone yelled back to Snow, “Hey Snow, did you live here…”
there was no answer. Captain Stone turned her head and saw Captain Snow staring with horror at one of the mansions. Captain Stone stopped and yelled to Commander Bolt, “COMMANDER, WAIT!”

Commander Bolt stopped galloping and turned around to see what was happening, “Snow! What’s going on?!”
Viscous stopped and yelled, “Snow, we don’t have time for your sh…”
“Calm down Viscous, I'll go see what the problem is.”
Commander Bolt approached Captain Snow, “Snow? What is it?”
Commander Bolt looked at the mansion that had captured Snows attention. The three-story manor was slowly burning, the third story had already collapsed onto the second, and in front of the mansion were a number of dead ponies who looked like they were servants, who tried and failed to run away to safety from the explosions. Commander Bolt looked at the plaque on the gate, it read, “Property of Frances Snow Junior and Son”

Commander Bolt felt terrible to lead him down the path that his home sat on during this battle. He looked back at Captain Snow and spoke, “Frances I…”
Before Commander Bolt could finish his sentence, Captain Snow dropped his sword where he stood and began trotting back the gate. As he was trotting back, he started unhooking the straps to his armor letting it fall to the ground behind him until he wasn’t wearing anything, even his sheath and sword for which he valued more than anything, was left on the streets of Canterlot. Captain Snow continued trotting away without a word, or a change in expression. Commander Bolt didn’t stop him, he didn’t even say anything to him, he just turned back to Captain Stone and spoke, “Let’s go, Drib needs us.”
Captain Stone replied, “But what abou…”
“He’s lost to us… I'm not going to force him to continue… not after this… Let’s continue before something happens to Drib too.”
Viscous waited patiently as Commander Bolt and Captain Stone caught up to her then the three continued to the site that they saw Captain Drib Fall.

Back at the Castle, Princess Celestia looked at her burning city in tears, “Why… why would you do this to your home dear sister, why would you force the ponies to suffer in this manner. Star Bolt… why are you allowing this madness to continue… why… why would…”
A guard approached her from behind, “Your majesty! Enemy forces are almost through the castle doors! I highly suggest you evacuate the castle! Please your majesty… I don’t want to witness you falling to the enemy… Please!”
Princess Celestia continued facing the city and closed her eyes, and with tears running down her face, she spoke, “I have no choice, I have to use the elements. I'm sorry Star Bolt; you leave me with no other options.”

Princess Celestia Opened her eyes and turned to her guard, “Are the archers in place?”
The Guard replied, “Yes your majesty, all archers are lined in the main hall as you ordered, if they want to get anywhere close to here they have to enter that hall.”
Princess Celestia changer her tone and expression but her tears still fell as she replied, “Good, don’t let anypony through. I'll join you in a few minutes, I have to retrieve something first.”
The guard asked, “What is it that you are going to get your majesty?”
Princess Celestia trotted past her guard as she replied, “I'm going to get the Elements of Harmony. It’s time to put a stop to this, once and for all.”

Back in the city, Commander Bolt and the other officers could hear screams of pain as they approached the area where Captain Drib fell. Their first reaction to the screams was of course to sprint to the building that it was coming from. Lying outside under a bunch of lumber that had fallen on him as he hit the ground was no other then Captain Drib, screaming in pain. As the burning lumber pinned the right side of his body down, Commander Bolt wasted no time, “Viscous! Pull that lumber off him! Stone help me drag him away from the fire!”
Viscous used her magic to lift the heavy lumber while both Commander Bolt and Captain Stone dragged him from the wreckage. After Viscous put the lumber back down, she looked at Captain Drib and gasped, “Dear Celestia, No.”

Commander Bolt looked at Drib and was horrified. In his wing was a sharpened piece of lumber that not only pierced his wing but it was still burning. Captain Drib tried to talk between screams, “I'm… s-sorry commander… I'm sorry… I… I could, I'm… sorry Ardent. I'm falling… right I…”
Viscous was terrified, “WHAT IS HE SAYING!!! WHAT IS GOING ON!!! WHAT SHOULD…”
Commander Bolt interrupted her, “Viscous Calm Down! He is in shock! Quickly, Stone hold down the right side of his wing, I'll hold down the left. Viscous when I count to three, pull the steak out, how clear am I?”
Viscous replied, “Crystal sir!”

Commander Bolt approached a nearby building, reached through the broken window and pulled out a part of the curtain. Then he returned to Drib and held down the left part of his right wing, “OK, one… two… THREE!!!”
Vicious used her magic to pull the burning steak out of Dribs wing and as soon as it was out Commander Bolt quickly wrapped his wing with the curtain he pulled from the nearby building. While Commander Bolt was tying the knot on the makeshift bandage, Drib grabbed his hoof, “We lost sir, we lost… this battle is over. We… we won’t…”
Commander Bolt looked him in the eye and spoke with a serious tone, “Drib, calm down, this isn’t the time to call it quits, you’re still alive so make better of it. That’s an order.”

Captain Drib looked him in the eye and replied, “Why do you make it so hard to hate you?”
Commander Bolt smiled then turned to Lieutenant Viscous, “Viscous, I'm certain I don’t have to explain what I want you to do now.”
Lieutenant Viscous smiled, “Yes sir, I'll take him back to the camp and see that he gets patched up. Then I'll return to supp…”
“No! You will stay with him. His spirits will be high as long as you are in view. Stay by his side, he wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Lieutenant Viscous smiled then put Drib on her back using her magic, “I understand sir… thank you.”
Captain Drib looked at Commander Bolt and spoke, “It was an honor fighting beside you Commander. Thank you for putting up with a joker like me.”
Commander Bolt Smiled, “It was an honor to call you friend, hot shot. I'll see you after the war ends.”
Captain Drib smiled, while Lieutenant Viscous trotted away carrying him. As she continued down the street, she turned her head and spoke softly to Captain Drib. “Now, it’s my turn to protect you, Callous.”

Captain Stone and Commander Bolt galloped back to the castle gate, as she galloped Captain Stone noticed that there was something troubling Commander Bolt, so she spoke up, “Its ok sir.”
Commander Bolt replied as he continued on his path, “What? What are you talking about Stone?”
She continued, “I know that you’re worried about Drib, but don’t. Viscous can handle herself and as long as she is with him than she will have no problem making it back to camp.”
Commander Bolt falsely agreed, “Of course they will be, thanks Stone, I feel a little better about it now.”

Captain Stone smiled thinking that she cheered him up, but she was far from it. It wasn’t what happened to Captain Drib alone that worried him, it’s what was going to happen next. He remembered that this situation, along with the rest had appeared to him in the dream with Commander Mist. First Nightmare Moon strangling the Celestial Commander at the battle under Cloudsdale, then the tower falling towards him in the residential district. Next were the mare and her colt cowering in the corner of the room at the Celestial Commanders home, and then Drib falling from the sky. Finally, Captain Snow dropping his sword in horror. He knew what was going to happen next but he couldn’t remember which order it would be in. all he could think about was that at one point Viscous was going to raise her axe to him and possibly attack him, or something would happen to make Stone cry, but what would that something be?

The thought of the upcoming events only made him feel more worried than before, so he tried to put it to the back of his mind, “Stone, do you think we will win this battle?”
Captain Stone smiled and replied, “Of course we will. Why? Do you doubt yourself?”
Commander Bolt replied “Well sometimes I think…”
She tried to make a colt sounding voice as she interrupted, “When you doubt yourself, you only guarantee your failure.”
Commander Bolt looked back at her, “What was that?”
She giggled, “That was the phrase you told me a long time ago when you showed me how to draw a bow for the first time. Remember?”
Commander Bolt smiled, “How could I forget we got out there than you completely out showed me, I got to admit, I was impre…”
“SIR! WHAT’S GOING ON THERE!?!”
Commander Bolt looked forward to see Hooviet, zebra, and Nightmare forces retreating from the castle gate up ahead. Commander Bolt mumbled to himself, “What in Celestia's name?”

Commander Bolt stopped a retreating Hooviet soldier, “YOU, why are you retreating? Where is General Roza?”
The soldier replied with fear in his eyes, “Commandant, My General… She is dead!”
“Dead?”
“Yes Commandant, dead. Vhen ve entered the castle, the Celestial Crusaders vaited for us to enter the main hall, then they hit us vith a storm of arrows. My general… vas hit four times before she fell, but she vas the only von of us, to kill von of the enemy archers before she fell. She vas a true leader.”
Commander Bolt lowered his head, “Roza… I'm sorry I didn’t make it back in time.”

The soldier continued, “Then Princess Celestia came out of novear and used some kind of magical veapon on us.”
“Vea… Weapon?”
“Yes commandant, veapon, it didn’t kill anypony but every time she hit a pony vith it, it vould either knock then unconscious or trap them in a magical barrier. Either vay, ve have no vay of fighting it. vith my General gone, Ve will follow your order commandant. Vhat should ve do?”
Commander Bolt lowered his head to think about it. The only thing he knew of that was capable of such power, was the Elements of Harmony… but would she really use it?

Captain Stone stepped forward, “Commander, whatever you decide… I'll follow you. No matter what.”
Commander Bolt looked into her eyes, he hesitated a few more seconds then looked away, and gave his order, “Stone… send up the arrow for a full scale retreat, I want all soldiers, Griffon, Zebra, Hooviet, and Nightmare to fall back and retreat immediately.”
Captain Stone replied, “Sir, Are you sure you wa…”
“JUST DO IT… Stone… just send the arrow.”
Captain Stone jumped back when Commander Bolt snapped at her; he usually never did that, especially to her, of all ponies. She replied. “Yes sir.”

Captain Stone, shuffled through the arrows that Roza gave her then pulled one out with an orange cloth tied to it, and then she trotted to a burning building and used the fire to light the arrow. Once the cloth caught fire the cloth turned the fire into an orange color, then she turned and fired the arrow into the sky. Once that signal went up it was official, the Nightmare Legion and its support, was retreating from Canterlot. Back at the camp Nightmare Moon was watching the wounded soldiers and civilians leaving the city, and then she turned to Chief Rafi who was assisting his medics as they bandaged up Captain Drib, “How is he chief?”

Chief Rafi Looked at Nightmare Moon and replied, “It does not look good Majesty, his burns be too deep to help and his wing, too damaged. We can save him, but at a price.”
Nightmare Moon nodded her head, “I see.”
Then she looked over at Lieutenant Viscous who was sitting close to him with tears in her eyes, “You there! Mare. Are you in love with this colt?”
Lieutenant Viscous didn’t hesitate at all, “Yes your majesty, I love him and I'll stay by his side until the end.”
Nightmare Moon was a little offended at the tone that Viscous replied with, but she understood what it felt like to have a strong bond with another so without showing any emotion she replied, “Then stay by his side and see that he gets better.”

Lieutenant Viscous looked back at Nightmare Moon with surprise, “Uh… thank you your maj…”
“SIGNAL ARROW SPOTTED!!!”
Nightmare Moon turned around, smiled and called to the lookout, “It’s about time, I was gettin…”
When Nightmare Moon saw the color of the arrow, she became confused she knew what the blue arrow meant; it was the end of the battle. However, she had never seen the orange arrow before. She turned to the lookout who was watching the arrow through a telescope, “What is the meaning of this!?! Isn’t that arrow supposed to be blue? Why is it orange? What does orange mean?”
The lookout hesitated as he replied, “Your majesty… it means retreat.”
“Are the Celestial Crusaders retreating?”
“No your majesty… that arrows flight was red; it was a hooviet arrow meaning that our forces are retreating.”

Nightmare Moon’s eyes started to glow in intense rage, “WHAT!!! WHY ARE WE RETREATING!?!”
The lookout was too scared to answer, so Nightmare Moon looked at the forces that were exiting the city. Then she grew worried, “Where is Commander Bolt? Does anypony see him?”
As she watched the city she became more worried with every soldier who left that wasn’t accompanying Commander Bolt, finally she turned to Commander Orem who was standing behind her, “Commander! Fly into the sky and retrieve Commander Bolt.”
“But your majesty, my wing is broken, I can’t fly.”
Nightmare Moon sneered at Commander Orem, “Useless griffon!”
She turned around and looked at the ponies around her, all were either to injured to fly or couldn’t fly to begin with. She turned back the to the city then spoke aloud, “Soldiers! We will wait for our commander’s return before we attempt to retreat from this point. If the blue arrow appears before Commander Bolt does, then and only then will we leave these grounds.”

Back in the city, Commander Bolt and Captain Stone tried to direct soldiers and civilians alike to a safe passage out of the city. Commander Bolt was talking to one of the zebra medics, “Are all the wounded out of the castle?”
“All we could find commander, the rest were captured by Celestial Crusaders.”
Commander Bolt sighed, “You did all you could, go join your brothers back at the camp.”
“Yes, Commander.”
Captain Stone quickly moved beside Commander Bolt and pointed “Commander, I think it’s time to go.”

Commander Bolt looked behind them and saw Princess Celestia approaching with a large number of archers; Princess Celestia was wearing some kind of strange crown that was giving off a pinkish light. As Princess Celestia continued, the crown shot off a pink beam that Commander Bolt was barely able to dodge, “Let’s go Stone, we can’t face her with that, quickly!”
Both Captain Stone and Commander Bolt jumped into the air and tried to fly out of the city all the while they were dodging both the beams from the crown, and the arrows from the archers. They serpentine threw the air trying their best to avoid each arrow.

After they flew a few blocks away from where Celestia and her archers were standing Commander Bolt Herd a faint cry, the sound alone sent an unbelievable amount of worry through his chest, he turned his head to see Captain Stone falling to the ground, “NO!!! GEM!!!”
Commander Bolt quickly flew as fast as he could to catch her but she had already landed on a small fruit stand in the market district. Commander Bolt landed and sprinted to her side as fast as he could, “GEM! Oh no… no… no… Gem… are you alright!?! Say something!?!”
Captain Stone slowly opened her eyes and spoke very faintly, “I… I fell…”

Commander Bolt looked at her side with increasing worry, “Gem… no…”
Right below her left wing was an arrow that hit her as she was flying. He had often dealt with arrow wounds, so he treated it as best as he could by breaking off the tip so that it was flush with her body then he tried moving her to scoop her onto his back with his wings. While he did this, Gem Stone tried to hold in her cries of pain as she spoke, “How… How does it look commander?”
Commander Bolt replied, “Its fine Gem, it makes you look distanced... don’t worry you will be back on your hooves in no time.”
As Commander Bolt rolled her onto his beck she replied, “Sir, you are by far the worst liar I have ever met, but I appreciate your sympathy… you should go on without me, comman…”
“Star Bolt… you of all ponies know my name, so I would appreciate it if you called me by it.”
Gem Stone smiled as she put her hooves around his neck to hold herself on his back, “Star Bolt, then that’s who you really are then… Star Bolt.”

Commander Bolt could hear Celestial troops closing in, so he went into the alley as quickly and as carefully as he could trying not to make Gems wound worse. As he traveled Gem Stone asked, “Com… Star, do you remember the first time we met?”
Commander Bolt replied as he continued moving, “Which one? There was the time you tried to make me look stupid in front of the crowd in Cloudsdale, or the time I first saw you in that orphanage when we were both foals. Is that the one you were asking about?”
Gem Stone Smiled, “So you do remember… I'm glad. Do… do you think if you stayed there… do… you think we would have been… friends.”

Commander Bolt tried to hide his tears as he replied to the question, “To be honest I often thought about that too. I never went to school, I was home schooled, so I never made any friends when I was little but, I think that we would have been inseparable. In fact I think for the longest time afterwards… even though I didn’t know you… you were my friend. You were the only other foal who smiled at me when I was little, even if it was because I smiled at you first.”
Commander Bolt could feel her grip around his neck tighten as she replied, “I'm… I'm so happy... I'm… I'm just… so happy you agree with me… I… I wish things could have been different back then… I really do… I wish… with all my heart.”

Commander Bolt continued trying not to show the tears running down his face despite Gem’s tears resting on his back, “I wish things could have been different too. I made many terrible decisions in the past year that have caused nothing but harm to those around me, and I wish that I could change that but I don’t think there is any way I could make it up to the ponies of Equestria.”
Gem Stone nudged him, “There has got to be something you’re… proud of in the past year.”
Commander Bolt smiled and turned his head to see her out the corner of his eye, “I'm proud of you… helping you receive your Cutie Mark, showing you that the world isn’t as cold as you made it out to be.”

Gem Stone blushed and smiled, “Very smooth Mr. Commander… but a little cheesy too.”
Commander Bolt smiled despite the tears rolling down his face, “Can’t blame a colt for trying… right.”
They came to the end of the alley so Commander Bolt looked very carefully into the street. He could see the damaged city wall on the other side of the plaza so he carefully looked around. The coast seemed clear so he continued as carefully as he could.as he was trotting Gem Stone told him, “Star… I'm… I'm feeling a little…”
Gems grip around his neck loosened until she finally rolled off his back and on to the ground. Commander Bolt immediately turned around and checked on her, “Gem! Oh no… Please Just hold on a little longer we are almost there, just a little further than we will be in the clear, but please… just hold out a little longer.”

Gem Stone opened her eyes only half way then she replied, “I… I can’t… I…”
Commander Bolt dragged her body until she was in the shadow of the fountain in the center of the plaza, then he rushed over to grab what was left of the glass from a street lamp. Using the curve in the glass like a bowl, he scooped up some water, then he sat beside her and helped her up to drink from it. After she drank it she spoke to him, “Star… go. Go and leave me here. I'm only slowing you down.”
Commander Bolt replied as he started to tear up again, “Unless you come with me, I'm staying right here with you.”

Gem Stone tried to convince him, “Star… You’re the commander of the Nightmare Legion’s armies; they need you more than I do. They can’t continue without a Commander.”
Commander Bolt looked her in the eyes as tears rolled down his face, “You’re my most trustworthy soldier, friend, and more, and a stallion can’t continue without a mare… I… I can’t continue without you… I… I love you Gem. It took me a war to figure it out… but, I love you with all my heart.”
Gem Stones face gave the biggest smile of relief and affection that Commander Bolt had ever seen, “I'm… I… I'm happy you feel that way… I Love you too, form the day I realized who you really were. I have always loved you. I wish things could have been better, but I won’t make it out of this Star…”

The tears ran down Commander Bolts face as he interrupted her, “No Gem... this isn’t your last fight… your too strong for that… you’re going to make it out of here I promise… this isn’t how it’s going to end… this can’t be… I… I won’t accept it… I can’t accept it… you’re not leaving me now… you can’t I… I…”
Gem Stone Reached up and wiped the tears from his face, “You big foal.”
Gem put her hoof over his shoulder, pulled herself up, and kissed him. This was a kiss of true love, a kiss that was meant only for those who were meant for each other.

During this kiss, Commander Bolt closed his eyes and could see the way his life should have been, he saw himself waking up in the Everfree Forest right after the Lightning Orb. He saw himself being sent to an orphanage in Cloudsdale. He could see himself making friends with a lonely filly who was also an outcast. He could see himself leaving that orphanage with that filly by his side years later. Then he could he him spending the rest of his life with that mare, without regret, and completely happy. However, that happiness started to fade as Gem’s grip around his shoulder loosened and she slowly pulled away from that kiss.

Commander Bolt opened his eyes in time to see the blue in her eyes as they closed, “I… Love… You… Star Bol…”
After her eyes closed for the last time, a lone tear rolled out of her left eye and down the side of her face, as her hoof went limp and fell off his shoulder. Commander Bolt held her close to him and started to cry out, “No… no… Gem no.. NO! GEM!!!”
He sat there crying his eyes out in the shadow of that fountain, holding onto the mare he loved with all his might as if it could bring her back to him. “It… it wasn’t supposed to end like this. Why… how… why did it have to be this way… why did she have to leave!!! Why does this always happen to me!!! Why… why… Gem…”
“DON’T MOVE!!!”

Commander Bolt opened his eyes and looked up. Standing in front of him was a Celestial crusader with a spear pointed directly at his face. Commander Bolt looked around and realized that he was surrounded from all sided by Pike ponies, Swords ponies, Archers end even Pegasi hovering over him. The pike pony spoke again, “Commander Bolt of the Nightmare Legion, I hereby place you under arrest, for high treason, the countless deaths of innocence, and your crimes against Princess Celestia! How do you Comply?”
Commander Bolt felt an unbelievable amount of pure rage from the likes of which he has never felt before.

The Crusader Repeated himself, “HOW DO YOU COMPLY!?!”
All of a sudden, a lightning orb cloud appeared above his head causing the Celestial crusaders to back up in worry. “ENOUGH!!!”
The guards stepped out of the way to allow Princes Celestia to approach Commander Bolt. After seeing the princess, Commander Bolt calmed himself down and the cloud dispersed without a spark. Princess Celestia looked at Gem’s body and spoke, “Your archer… is she?”
Commander Bolt looked down at Gem’s face and replied, “She was the best archer in Equestria, and my most trustworthy soldier but now she is just another example of my mistakes. If it wasn’t for me, Gem, Mist, Roza, and even Storm… they would all be safe, but no… every pony I cared about, is taken away from me in time, it started with Luna and ended with Gem Stone.”

Princess Celestia continued, “Did you love her?”
Commander Bolt didn’t reply he just nodded his head yes. Princess Celestia lowered head and replied, “It must truly be painful to loss the one you love in your own hooves.”
Commander Bolt realized something, “Truly painful… true pain. He was right; it would take true pain to make me understand... but… Why did she have to suffer for that pain though? Why did it cost the life of one so pure?”
Princess Celestia didn’t hear his mumbling, so she continued, “Commander, haven’t you lost enough, please end this now.”
“You’re right your Majesty, I didn’t have a hope in winning this war from the start, my own selfishness was hiding Gem’s love from my eyes the whole time. Your Majesty, I want to offer my surrender. However, there will be two conditions to this.”

Princess Celestia replied, “Not that you’re in the position to be making conditions, but I'll follow them regardless. Name them.”
“One, you will treat all prisoners of the Nightmare Legion, to exclude myself, as I treated members of the Celestial Crusaders, you will remove their armor and their weapons and release them to return home.”
Princess Celestia replied, “And two?”
Commander Bolt looked down at Gem’s Face then continued, “Two, I want you to honor any of my officers who have fallen, to include the foreign commanders. I would like them to be honored for their sacrifice and loyalty to their cause… whether you agreed with it or not. These are my only conditions. Afterwards, I don’t care what happens to me. As far as I'm concerned… I'm already dead.”

Princess Celestia was surprised to hear him say this; Commander Bolt has always been one to put himself in harm’s way to complete his goal. However, to give himself up so easily was almost unheard of. She nodded her head and replied, “I accept the terms and I promise as a princess of the Kingdom of Equestria. No harm will come to your captured soldiers and the leaders of your armies will be honored for their dedication to their commander.”
Commander Bolt gently laid Gem Stone down on the ground and trotted away from her. Then he stood still in the open as six celestial soldiers rushed him and pinned him to the ground.

All six Celestial Crusaders held Commander Bolt to the ground as if he was putting up a fight, but Commander Bolt just laid there and allowed them to chain his hooves without so much as a flinch. Princess Celestia turned to an archer, “Send up the signal, this battle is over.” The archer looked through his arrows but couldn’t find a signal arrow so he trotted over to Gem Stone’s body and pulled off her bandanna. As he wrapped the bandanna around the arrow. Commander Bolt glared at him, “If you think… for one second… that you’re going!.. to light that on fire!!! THEN I'll KILL YOU!!! WHERE YOU STAND!!!!”

The archer dropped the arrow in fear, when Princess Celestial saw this she used her unicorn magic to pick up the arrow, remove the bandanna, place the bandana in front of Commander Bolt, and light the arrow on fire with a spell that made the flame blue. “There, use this.”
The archer took the arrow fired it into the air, then Princess Celestia looked down at Commander Bolt who was still pined to the ground and spoke, “Take care of that bandanna, commander, something so special should b…”
“My name isn’t commander, the ponies that called me by that name are the only ponies that mattered to me… my name is, and will always be Star Bolt. I would appreciate it, if you called me by my real name…”
Princess Celestia replied as she turned around and began trotting back to the castle, “As you wish… Star Bolt.”

Outside the castle, tension was high and it got worse when the lookout yelled, “SIGNAL ARROW SPOTTED!!! ITS BLUE!!! COMMANDER STAR BOLT HAS FALLEN!!!”
After that phrase echoed through the battlefield, the entire Nightmare front line went deathly quiet, as most of the ponies either bowed or lowered their heads in full respect for their commander.
Nightmare Moon lowered her head only to hide a tears that were rolling down her face, “No… Star Bolt.”
Lieutenant Viscous approached Nightmare Moon, “Your orders… your majesty?”
Nightmare Moon raised her head up high and turned around, “Commander Bolt may have fallen… but we still live! Everypony fall back to the Palace of the Royal Alicorn Sisters, we must regroup and request more reinforcements!”

All the Nightmare Legion soldiers started packing as quickly as they could to leave the battlefield in a mass retreat. As Viscous was using her magic to put Captain Drib on a medical wagon, Nightmare Moon approached her. “I hope you’re as devoted to me as you are your stallion, I'll send out for reinforcements and I'll report any reply to you… commander.”
Viscous was shocked to hear this, she lowered her head and mumbled, “I... I don’t want this… how am I ever supposed to live up to Commander Bolt’s reputation.”
After she said that Chief Rafi, Commander Orem and three griffon approached her. She spoke first, “If you’re wanting orders from me then don’t. I can’t lead you like Commander Bolt could.”

Chief Rafi shook his head, “No friend, we are only hear to say farewell.”
“What?”
Commander Orem spoke, “Commander Bold is gone, and my guess is that he is dead. These griffons are the last of my soldiers, all four of us are wounded, and if I learned anything from Commander Bolt, it’s that the wellbeing of your soldiers is very important, so I won’t send them into battle. It’s time for us to go back home, and report to the king… this war… it’s over.”

Chief Rafi, continued, “A few of my medics wanted nothing more than to stay with the Nightmare Legion but I must return to my homeland with those who have lost their will to fight. My brothers are hurting and I can’t let them suffer. We wish you the best of luck, and we hope that fortune will smile on you. Farewell… My friend.”
Commander Orem smiled, “Goodbye young commander, try not to get yourself killed.”
As Commander Orem and chief Rafi trotted away from Viscous, she started to tear up. “It’s all over now. There is no surviving, it’s all over.”
A small group of zebra approached Viscous and spoke. “Ma’am we are the zebra who decided to stay and continue supporting the Nightmare Legion, what are our orders?”
Commander Viscous replied, “Fall in with our other medics, and see to loading up the wounded as quickly as possible. We must get back to the palace; Princess Celestia will be meeting us there soon.”

Ch18 Letter Fom a Mare in Love

The sound of a rusty slide echoed through the dreary dungeon as a guard opened the iron door behind Star Bolt, “The Princess would like a word with you! Get up and follow me!”
Star Bolt sat staring at the pink bandanna that belonged to the mare he loved without even acknowledging the guard’s presence. The guard repeated himself, “Did you hear me you piece of treacherous trash? I SAID GET UP AN…”
“I heard you plain as day, but if the princess wants to see me, then she knows where to find me.”

The guard got angry, “Listen to me you pathetic worm! When I TELL YOU TO…”
without turning his head Star Bolt yelled back, “YOU LISTEN TO ME SERGEANT!!! If you think that, you have the strength or skill to face me, then be my guest and try. But I'll warn you now, I’ve faced many different enemies ranging from pony, griffon, and even dragon and you are not the least bit intimidating as they are, so I would highly suggest you go tell the princess what I told you!... before you get hurt.”

As angry as the guard was at the response, he knew that Star Bolt was right. Even if he tried, he couldn’t stand up and win against a skilled soldier like the great Commander Bolt. So he just slammed the door and locked it. Star Bolt continued looking at the bandanna and started to think to himself, “Why don’t they just execute me and get it over with. I'm done… I… I have nothing more to fight for… nopony to protect.”
Upstairs Princess Celestia just finished reading a note she found on an arrow. She wiped the tears from her eyes and spoke to her commander who was listening while was reading it aloud, “If that isn’t love then I don’t know what is… I wish it didn’t have to end the way it did. I… I don’t think I can ever make it up to him.”

The Celestial Commander Replied, “We all didn’t notice the note until it was too late, it’s not your fault your majesty.”
Princess Celestia gave him a serious look, “Commander, can I ask you something?”
The Celestial Commander replied, “Yes your majesty, what is it?”
“Do you think Commander Bolt is… a bad pony?”
“What do you mean your majesty?”
“You’ve met him before, does he seem like the kind of pony who you would describe as… evil?”

The Commander lowered his head, “I don’t think that he is evil per say… only that he has made the wrong choices. Like all soldiers, he just followed the orders of his princess. I wonder why he chose to fight for her to begin with.”
Princess Celestia mumbled to herself, “He only followed his heart, poor stallion.”
“What was that your majesty?”
Princess Celestia replied “Oh… uh, nothing just… thinking out loud. Why would you say that he isn’t bad, after all the things he did?”
The commander replied, “This last battle destroyed more than half the buildings in Canterlot, but we had only five percent of the total population killed in the chaos. And on top of that, I'm the leader of your military forces, and he spared me and my family when I fought him in my home. He isn’t a monster, or an evil pony… but the rest of Equestria thinks that. And even if you explained his actions, no pony is going to treat him differently.”

Princess Celestia turned to the arrow that the note was tied to, “And yet, he sits in a cell waiting for his sentence which he already assumes… and accepts as a death sentence. Death is too cruel a sentence, and I really don’t want to banish him from Equestria, this is his home after all. I know he can change if given the opportunity so life imprisonment is also too cruel. What would you suggest his sentence be?”
The commander replied, “I'm not sure your majesty, the mare he loves is dead, he had to call his army to retreat, and his army was defeated for the first time since this war began. Life hasn’t been too fair to him, and it seems like it won’t get any better either.”
Princess Celestia lowered her head, “Regardless, I can’t let him go unpunished, the ponies of Equestria wouldn’t ac…”

A guard entered the room and stood at attention in front on the commander, “Sir! The prisoner is being uncooperative; he is refusing to see the princess unless she is willing to go to him, sir.”
Princess Celestia Smiled and shook her head, “He may have lost his will to live, but his pride stays the same as always. You go see him commander, I'll be down there shortly I would like to think over his situation before I see him.”

The Celestial Commander bowed and backed out of the room, “As you wish your majesty.”
Back in the cell, Star Bolt sat staring at the bandanna. He could hear Gem Stone’s last word as they continuously echoed in his head, “I… love… you… Star Bol…”
He mumbled to himself, “She… she actually loved me? But why? She was always by my side… following every order I gave… with nothing more than a smile on her face… I… I didn’t deserve her love… she deserved better than me. I wish things cou…”

All of a sudden, he heard the iron clasp on the door behind him unlock. Star Bolt didn’t turn around to look at the door, he didn’t care who it was or why they were there. He sat there with no concern as he heard the door open and shut, then he could hear a sword being pulled from its sheath. Star Bolt didn’t react to the sound, he only sat thinking about the promise he made to Gem Stone, the one he would never be able to keep now. Slowly his guest laid the tip of the swords blade on the ground and began trotting around him grinding the blade in an intimidating manner until he made his way around Star Bolt stopping in front of him.

Star Bolt looked up and spoke, “Good to see you didn’t kill yourself.”
The guard stood in front of Star Bolt and smiled, “How does it feel Bolt? To lose everything you cared about. To climb to the top of a mountain of corpses then to fall from that height. Can you tell me that… hum… HOW DOES IT FEEL!!!”
Even though the Guard yelled directly in his face, Star Bolt didn’t flinch, cringe, or change any expression on his face at all. He only replied, “I see you still have that sword I left you. I though you would use it to end your life or leave it there in the street.”

The guard shook his head and sheathed his sword, “You left me there in that dust filled street, staring into my reflection on this sword. You gave this to me telling me to finish my goal, right. Well I'm here, and now that you lost everything else, I'm going to take your life next. Then both my wife and daughter will be able to rest in peace.”
Stat Bolt looked the soldier in the eye and spoke, “Spare me your speech, and do what you came to do. I’ve got no reason to stop you… not anymore.”

The guard reared back and punched Star Bolt as hard as he could knocking him to the ground then he spoke, “Nah ah ah… remember I said I would do this slowly, I want to enjoy watching you suffer.”
Star Bolt didn’t move, he only laid there on the ground as the soldier began kicking and punching him. With each kick Star Bolt didn’t move, he didn’t counter, block, or even flinch as the guard continuously beat the life out of him. The guard spoke, “Why aren’t you fighting back? Is the great Commander Bolt giving up so easily? Is he this pathetic without his soldiers fighting his battles for him?”

Star Bolt didn’t reply he only continued taking every punch and kick without even raising his guard, the pain was bad, but it was nothing compared to what he felt in the plaza. Finally, the guard,s punches and kicks lost their sting and the guard broke out in tears, “Why?... why won’t you fight back?... why won’t you let me have the revenge I wanted so willingly to risk my life for?... I… I can’t enjoy beating the life out of somepony who won’t fight back?... is… is this your way of showing me pity? Is this your way of making fun of me? FIGHT BACK! At least block me once, do something… LET ME ENJOY THIS!!!”

Star Bolt continued lying on the ground while he replied, “Every punch and kick you have given me so far… I deserve. You can beat me to death with your bare hooves, and it still wouldn’t be what I deserve. I’ve done nothing but hurt the ponies of Equestria for my own selfish reasons. What right do I have to defend myself anymore? Continue beating the life out of me, or draw that sword and finish me. It would make a good story to tell friends that you killed the commander of the Nightmare Legion… with a sword bearing its crest.”

With that said, Star Bolt closed his eyes hoping the soldier would take his advice. With tears in his eyes, the soldier drew the sword and raised it high above his head, “Fine then lets end our suffering right here and righ…”
Suddenly the cell door flew open and a number of guards rushed into the room and pinned the sorrow-filled soldier against the wall. Star Bolt opened his eyes to see Gem’s bandanna lying in front of him, inside the group of guards who were trying to subdue the struggling soldier. As he reached for it, his hoof was stepped on numerous times but he didn’t care, Star Bolt reached and pulled the bandanna toward him until it was against his chest. After the guards hauled the struggling soldier away, the Celestial Commander approached Star Bolt and spoke, “You ok Bolt?”

Star Bolt sat up and replied, “Well, I'm not dead if that’s what you’re asking.”
The Commander helped Star Bolt to his hooves and spoke, “Sorry if I'm a little late, when the guards outside your window told me what was happening, I rushed here as soon as I could.”
Star Bolt looked at the commander, “Guards?”

The Commander laughed, “Of course, you’re the great Commander Bolt, I wouldn’t think of putting you in a cell without a little extra security.”
Star Bolt shook his head and changed the subject, “How’s that colt of yours?”
The Commander smiled, “Thanks to you, he is a lot more confident in himself even though his mother is still a little shaken up about it.”
Star Bolt smiled, “That’s good to hear, I'm glad to see that your family made it out alive.”

The Celestial Commanders expression became serious as he looked Star Bolt in the eye, “Thank you Star Bolt, I… I didn’t expect you to spare me, or my family. Especially when my son held that spear to you. All I can say is thank you… I had never been so worried in my entire life. And I…”
Star Bolt shook his head and smiled, “That son of yours is reckless, crazy, and doesn’t think things through very well… but he has a good heart and is very determined to protect his family. Thank you for raising such a brave foal. It makes me happy to see that one so young is willing to stand up to me for the right reasons. Please… don’t let his heart lead him astray; I don’t want him to make the same mistake that I have.”

The Commander became confused, “What do you mean by letting his heart lead him astray?”
Star Bolt replied, “When was little I trained because I wanted to prot…”
Just then Princess Celestia entered the cell, “I apologies for the wait I… Star Bolt! What happened to you?”
Star Bolt immediately assumed she meant the bruises on his face so he sarcastically answered, “My apologies your majesty, I didn’t get any sleep last night. I didn’t feel like getting lectured.”
Princess Celestia very concerningly looked at her Commander who added, “A survivor from the battle yesterday came in and attacked Mr. Bolt, luckily we got here before any permanent damage was done.”
Star Bolt added, “Don’t worry… I didn’t kill him… wait, Mr. Bolt? Don’t call me that.”

Princess Celestia asked, “Do you need to see a doctor?”
Star Bolt replied, “Why? So he can make sure I'm one hundred percent healthy while I trot to the gallows? Or will you be using some other form of execution?”
Princess Celestia’s expression went from concerned to disappointed, “Oh Star Bolt, what happened to you? You went from confident and optimistic to…”
“Brocken and pathetic? I lost somepony very dear to me, and now that she is gone, I don’t think I'll be able to survive another fight. Not without her smile to drive me forward.”
Princess Celestia sighed as she used her magic to hold a letter in front of her face, and began to read,

“Dear Princess Celestia
you and I have never officially met but my name is Captain Gem Stone of the Nightmare Legion, I'm the archer who not only sent this message to you, but I also was the one who fired a warning arrow at you and your troops about a week and a half ago. I'm sending you this message in hopes that you will help Commander Bolt. This war has only deepened the pain in his heart and it has been a long time since I’ve seen him actually smile without any worries. The last time was when he was training me back then I hated him more than anypony alive, but as I fought alongside him I began to love him more and more with each passing day.”
Star Bolt looked up at Princess Celestia, “What is…”

“This morning he told me something that terrifies me, he told me to leave… to desert the Nightmare Legion following this battle. He said it was for my safety. I don’t know what he is planning but I remember he always mentioned something about a goal that he has, and if he is talking about something like this then I think he is about to put himself in terrible danger.”
“Stop.”

“So please your majesty, I'm not telling you to surrender but I want you to please try something that can help him. You see, I love him with all my heart and I trust him with my life, which is why I don’t want to ask what he is going to do. However, I don’t want to see him suffer either. Every time we go into battle, he gives orders with such confidence but he can’t hide the pain in his eyes. I want to see him smile without pain, without worry, and without regret.”
“Please, stop reading!”

“So your majesty I ~~eplo...~~ beg of you, to do everything in your power to help him complete his goal and keep him safe. I want to return the favor for all that he has done for me. He gave me confidence, helped me get my cutie mark, he even showed me that the world isn’t as cruel as I grew up believing, he showed me that I have a family after all and showed me what it feels like to fall in love. I love him with every fiber of my being and I only want him to complete his goal safely. Even if he doesn’t have the same feelings for me, I only want to see him happy.”
“FOR LIFE’S SAKE! STOP READING!!!”

“I hope you read this in time and I hope you can help. This war isn’t just hurting him, its hurting us all. Please will you help him? Don’t take this as a request from an enemy or a soldier, take this as a plea from a mare who is in love. And FYI he isn’t as terrible as other ponies say, he just gets carried away sometimes. I hope that one day we can be friends, I would very much like that.
Sincerely
Captain, Gem Stone
Commanding Officer, Nightmare Archers”

Princess Celestia lowered the letter, wiped the tears from her eyes and looked over at Star Bolt who was hanging his head down low with tears dropping from his face, “Why… why did she have too care that much… for me? Why didn’t she focus more on something other than my problems… she didn’t care if I loved her back and yet she still gave everything she could to help me. How could I have been so stupid? I fought for the last year to free Luna and spend the rest of my life with her, and Gem tried to help me accomplish that goal? I'm nothing but a pathetic waste of life. I didn’t deserve her, I don’t deserve Luna either. I don’t even deserve to be breathing.”

Princess Celestia lowered her head. “Since this was her last request I wanted to ask you something.”
Star Bolt replied, “Her last request? But… why would she waste it on… wait.”
Star Bolt looked at Princess Celestia, “Celestia? Is there a way to bring back Luna?”
The tone of Star Bolt’s voice made Princess Celestia feel uneasy to answer, “Well I believe…”
“It’s a simple yes or no question. Is there a way to bring Luna back?”
Star Bolt’s tone started to make all the guards in the cell nervous, the commander tried to warn him, “Careful Bolt, try to remember who you’re talking t...”
“THIS DOESN’T CONCERN YOU COMMANDER!!!”

The guards in the room took a step back in worry, as Star Bolt looked back at Princess Celestia with fire in his eyes, “Well… is there?”
Princess Celestia looked away as she answered, “Yes… there is but I don’t th…”
“Tell me… I don’t care what it is, I'll do whatever it takes. With or without your help. So tell me… TELL ME!!!”
The Celestial Commander drew his sword as all the guards in the room pointed their spears at Star Bolt. Princess Celestia looked into his eyes; she had never seen such fire and determination. It was as if the darkness in Luna’s heart had corrupted him too. Nevertheless, she knew this fire was driven by love and loss. So she answered him, “The Elements of Harmony, they have the power to bring Luna back.”

Star Bolt calmed himself down a little, “The elements? So… that means you have to do it then… doesn’t it?”
Princess Celestia continued, “There is a problem though, the power of the Elements of Harmony originate from there wielder, and how much of each element the user has. I can do many things with the elements but I'm not certain that I can free Luna with them. That kind of power demands a lot, and I don’t know if I can do it.”
Star Bolt sighed, “To make an attempt you need to get through my army right?”
Princess Celestia replied, “Soon we will set out for The Castle of the Royal Alicorn Sisters, to face Nightmare Moon, I would like you to join us. With your help we can go through your armies without a fight, without… sacrificing more lives. Will you help us?”

Star Bolt hesitated for a second then answered, “If I help you then I need something in return, but I'm going to need assurance that it will be done, I want more than just your word that this will happen. I need your guarantee.”
The Celestial Commander lowered his sword, “Bolt, you’re not in a position to be making any form of demand I know you have history with Luna but do you thi…”
Princess Celestia interrupted him, “Its ok commander, I would like to hear this request before I agree to anything though. What is it that you want?”

Star Bolt continued, “I want to see Luna… that is all. I just want to see with my own two eyes that my goal has been completed. Afterwards you can do whatever you want with me, imprisonment, banishment, execution, I don’t care. All I want to do is to see Luna one last time. If you give me your word, that this will happen then I'll do everything in my power to make sure you get to Nightmare Moon unharmed.”
Princess Celestia hesitated, I told you I don’t know if I have the power to free Luna, so I can’t make that promise.”
“That’s all I want. That’s the only way we can end this war without any further deaths. It’s your call your majesty, otherwise I'll gladly wait for my execution.”

Princess Celestia wanted to end this war more than anypony, to include Star Bolt but she didn’t want to make a promise to him that couldn’t be kept. It went against every form of integrity that she held. So she thought to herself for a few seconds then she lowered her head and sighed, “So you want to see her one more time to tell her your feelings… right?”
“No… I just want to see that my goal has been complete. Gem Stone sacrificed everything to help me complete it. The only way I can pay her back is by completing it… for her.”
Princess Celestia decided what her options were and then she replied, “Ok, you have my word that you will see her again, but I want you to be prepared. If the elements can’t bring her back than there will be another option for the both of you but you may not like it.”

Star Bolt looked her in the eye and replied, “If I get to see her again, then I don’t care. Whatever it takes. That’s all I want.”
Princess Celestia sighed, “Then prepare to depart we will leave within the hour. Commander, get Star Bolt some armor so he can pre…”
“No, if I'm traveling with you then I'll travel as a member of the Nightmare Legion I will wear my armor, and carry my shield. That is the only way I will go with you, and the only way I will approach my soldiers.”
Princess Celestia turned to leave the cell, “Very well, commander have his shield ready and meet me at the castle doors in twenty minutes, we will depart Canterlot in thirty, that should give use time to reach Cloudsdale before nightfall. Until then Star Bolt I suggest you prepare for the journey.”
After Princess Celestia left the room, the commander turned to follow her but Star Bolt stopped him, “Commander? Is there any word on my officers, have any been captured or found dead? I need to know.”

The Celestial Commander replied, “Only two, the Hooviet general, and your archer Captain Stone.”
Star Bolt picked up the chest plate of his armor and put Gem’s bandanna in the inside pocket, “Thank you, that’s all I wanted to know… I'll see you in twenty minutes.”
After putting on his armor, Star Bolt looked at his reflection in the mirror and focused on the scar on his ear, “No more… I can’t let anymore suffer for my actions or goals. Storm, Mist, Snow, Drib, Viscous, Roza, Gem… It’s time to finish what I started. I only hope the elements can do what she says they can. I wonder, what was it that made Luna’s heart become so corrupt, she told me herself that night, that I made her feel better so why…”

Star Bolt heard the cell door unlock and the commander entered the cell and handed Star Bolt his shield, are you ready Bolt?”
Star Bolt took his shield, slung it, and replied, “As I'll ever be, and by the way… that’s Commander Bolt.”
“Commander? I thought that you wh…”
“A lot has changed in the past hour; it looks like the world prefers Commander Bolt over Star Bolt anyway.”
The Celestial Commander smiled, “Whatever you say. Let’s go, the princess is waiting for us.”

When the two reached the main hall, Commander Bolt was amazed to see that all the bodies left over by the battle where laying along the walls and covered by a tarp that symbolized what nation the fallen hailed from. Green for Zebrica, red for the Hooviet Union, brown for the Griffon Kingdoms, navy for the Nightmare Legion, and gold for the Celestial Crusaders. While they trotted through the hall Commander Bolt asked, “Which one of these casualties is General Roza of the Hooviet Union?”
The Celestial Commander replied, “The Hooviet General and your mare are sitting in a special place next to the city gate along with the other officers of the last battle.”
The two continued until they reached the castle doors where Princess Celestia was waiting, “Are you ready Star Bolt?”
Commander Bolt replied, “Commander, and yes I'm ready your majesty.”
“Very well, Commander. Then let us continue.”

When the Castle Door opened, the front garden was exactly like the main hall inside. Everywhere you looked was a body covered in a tarp almost completely covering the grass, and leaving only a path to trot through on the road. As they continued Princess Celestia Spoke to Commander Bolt, “I'll warn you now commander, the ponies of Canterlot won’t be throwing you a farewell party, so please be patient with them, I don’t want you to hurt anypony.”
Commander Bolt Replied, “Don’t worry your majesty; I'll take whatever they have to throw at me. Besides, it’s not like I don’t deserve it. After all the things I’ve done to them, they just might rip me into pieces… literally.”

Princess Celestia replied as they approached the gate, “As long as you know.”
Once the gate opened, all along the road, was a line of bodies and on the other side of the bodies were angry ponies who were yelling and cursing as the party made their way done Mane Street. Commander Bolt tried as hard as he could to ignore the angry mob but their continuous yelling and screaming couldn’t be completely blocked out, “TRAITOR!!! TYRANT!!! WHY ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR CELL!?! WHAT GIVES YOU THE RIGHT TO HURT OTHERS?!?”

After a few blocks of trotting, Commander Bolt could see an open area in front to the city gate, as he got closer he realized that there were two caskets sitting there, one had a tarp that was red with a gray strip and and three red stars, General Roza’s cutie mark. While the other’s tarp was navy with a tannish stripe and an arrow sticking out of a diamond, Gem Stone’s Cutie Mark. As Star Bolt approached Gem’s casket he placed his hoof on it and closed his eyes, he could hear the angry cries of the civilians behind him yelling, “MONSTER!!! MURDERER!!! WARMONGER!!!”

As he stood there hearing these cries, Commander Bolt started to tear up as one of the guards trotted up next to him, “They are right you know, she would still be alive if you had just given up before it began, but you didn’t, did you? You continued fighting and killing all for your pathetic reputation. So I ask you, who are you to take another life for any reason, huh.”
The guard tuned around and began trotting away from Commander Bolt, as he opened his eyes and turned his head slightly, “Who am I you ask? I was born in Cloudsdale; I lost my memory when I was young…”

A small cloud appeared above Commander Bolt’s head, the guards all felt uneasy as Commander Bolt turned around and continued talking as he began trotting closer to the guard, “I was found in the Everfree forest by Princess Luna, and raised as a soldier by Commander Mist.”
As he got closer to the guard, the cloud stated getting bigger and the guard was beginning to become terrified, stepping backward while Commander Bolt got closer. The Celestial Commander called out, “Commander, calm down, he didn’t mean it.”
“ I became a royal guard by using the lightning orb to drop a number of dragons. I am one of few who fought and survived the Griffon Civil War. I climbed to the rank of Commander, then became Nightmare Moon’s right hoof spreading her power across Equestria with her armies at my command.”

The five archers who were set up on the city gate saw the commotion and drew their bows aiming directly at Commander Bolt, the terrified guard was now against the a building with nowhere to run as Commander Bolt trotted closer. Princess Celestia called out this time, “Commander! That is enough! Stand down!”
Star Bolt continued, “I killed the very stallion that I always looked up to as a father, then I united the armies of four nations and lead an attack on the most beautiful city this kingdom had to offer. I… I fell in love with a mare who gave literally everything she had for me, then I watched her die in my hooves. So you have the nerve to ask me who I think am? You have the gall to blame me for her death! YOU HAVE THE TESTINAL FORTITUDE TO CALL ME PATHETIC!!! DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM!?!”
Princess Celestia yelled out to him. “STAR BOLT STOP!!!”
At that moment two things happened at once, the archer on the city gate released their arrows and the Lightning Orb cloud gave off a blinding light that momentarily blinded everypony watching the event. When its effect finally wore off Commander Bolt had, the guard pinned against the wall with his blade against the guard’s throat. Almost immediately all the other guards started to rush Commander Bolt with an intent to kill him, but before they got close enough, Princess Celestia yelled out, “ENOUGH!!! Soldiers! STAND DOWN! That goes for you too Commander Bolt!”

As Commander Bolt lowered his weapon he spoke quietly to the terrified soldier, “My name… is Commander Star Bolt, commanding officer of the Nightmare Army, and second in command of the Nightmare Legion. You would be wise to remember that.”
As Commander Bolt trotted away, the guard fell to the ground with a sigh of relief. Princess Celestia looked over at the area he was standing before the flash and saw that all five arrows hit their mark he just wasn’t standing there when they hit. As Commander Bolt slung his shield, he looked over at Princess Celestia and spoke, “Sorry for ignoring your instruction your majesty, but he needed to be taught a valuable lesson.”
“And… what lesson would that be?”
“Never forget who you’re talking to… or who I am.”

Ch19 The Meeting to End a War

As Princess Celestia stood next to Commander Bolt, she too bowed in respect to the small memorial. One by one, the soldiers who were accompanying them started to bow in respect for the fallen Commander. When they rose, Princess Celestia asked Commander Bolt, “What does the red cloth stand for?”
Commander Bolt replied, “Passion, it was a gift from Gem Stone. She… she liked to wear a color that would symbolize her mood for the day’s events. That day we were setting off for Cloudsdale. I guess she was feeling passionate that day.”
“What does pink mean then?”
Commander Bolt lowered his head, “Pink… was her favorite color, she wore it when she wanted to look her best… or when the day was going to hold a special occasion. I guess she was expecting us to win that battle in Canterlot. She had too much confidence in her commander.”

Before Princess Celestia could try to cheer him up, the Celestial Commander approached, “Your majesty? We’ve spotted the nightmare front. How would you suggest we continue?”
Commander Bolt turned to the Celestial Commander, “Where are they?”
The Celestial Commander replied, “Over the next hill about a quarter mile from here.”
Commander Bolt spoke as he trotted away, “Direct your troops as needed your majesty, I'm going to see mine.”
The Celestial Commander called out to him as he trotted off, “If you approach them before sending a signal, they’ll attack you.”
Commander Bolt called back, “Then let them come!”

Before Commander Bolt was passed the group of soldiers, two pike ponies blocked his path. Commander Bolt Glared at them and spoke, “Step aside.”
The Celestial Commander called out, “Commander Bolt, calm down there is no need to rush off and risk yourself like this. If you wait a second we can…”
“With all due respect, commander, I don’t follow the orders of you… or your princess. The deal is that I help you get to Nightmare Moon without any further conflict. If you want to, then sit here and cower. But I'm not afraid of my army, and showing them otherwise would only decrease our chances of peacefully resolving this issue. So for Luna’s sake I’d advise your soldiers to step aside before they get hurt.”
The Celestial Commander Sighed, “Fine then go, we will be right behind you.”

The Celestial Commander turned to Princess Celestia, “Your majesty? I don’t like this one bit. Ever since we left Canterlot, he has been acting reckless and arrogant. I don’t think I trust him anymore, I think if he continues like this, he will risk all our lives.”
Princess Celestia nodded her head, “He has been acting differently, but his values stay the same. Still I'm worried, if the Elements of Harmony should fail, then we may have to fight him after all. Until then, be patient… he doesn’t mean any harm, he has only acting out of desperation. He has nothing left except my word. I hope he is prepared for what could happen.”
The Celestial Commander nodded his head, “If you trust him your majesty, then I'll do my best to do the same.”
As the Celestial Commander trotted off, Princess Celestia turned to the spear and spoke, “Commander Mist, Please watch over him, Star Bolt is in a bad place right now and he needs guidance from both you and that archer. I only hope he doesn’t try anything too reckless.”

In the Nightmare Camp, a lookout was standing next to a Zebrican Officer, as he spotted Commander Bolt, “Sir! Soldier spotted on the horizon!”
The officer replied, “Soldier? Or soldiers? How many and what nation?”
The lookout replied, “so far only one sir, it looks like a Nightmare soldier but he is still too far to identify.”
All of a sudden the lookout was shocked when he realized who it was, “SIR!!! IT’S COMMANDER BOLT! COMMANDER BOLT IS ALIVE AND APPROACHING!!!”
After calling that out a large number of soldiers started to gather at the front of the camp. The Zebrican offices called to his soldiers, “Send out a signal for a meeting, I want an archer and a medic to accompany me as I go out to meet him.”
A few seconds later the lookout called again, “Celestial Crusaders spotted! And it looks like… PRINCESS CELESTIA IS WITH THEM!!! Repeat, Princess Celestia, Commander Bolt and Celestial Crusaders are approaching!!!”
The Zebrican officer was confused, “I wonder… why would Commander Bolt be traveling with the enemy princess? Let us go meet him.”

Once the Zebrican Officer had gathered a small number of forces, he met Commander Bolt in the center of the field. Commander Bolt wasted no time on getting down to business, “Who is leading these soldiers?”
The Zebrican Officer replied, “Commander, how relieved we are to see you safe, my name is Chief Tatum. Chief Rafi put me in charge of the remaining Zebrican forces. Currently I am the highest ranking officer with these troops.”
Before Commander Bolt could continue, Princess Celestia approached the two, “May I address your soldiers? I would like to explain my reasons for accompanying Commander Bolt.”
Chief Tatum ignored Princess Celestia and continued talking to Commander Bolt, “Why are you with the enemy princess, commander? Are you her prisoner, or have you joined her?”

Commander Bolt spoke with a serious expression, “Princess Celestia and I have made an agreement that we must discuss with the rest of my troops but first I would like to know where Nightmare Moon is?”
The Chief replied, “She and Commander Viscous are back at the castle.”
“Commander?”
“Yes she was promoted to commander, following the battle at Canterlot.”
Commander Bolt could only assume the worst has happened to Captain Drib since he would be second in command by rank, but this wasn’t the time to discuss that so Commander Bolt continued with the matter at hoof, “Chief, I want you to allow Princess Celestia and her commander to pass. As for the rest of her army they will stay behind in a safe distance as part of an armistice agreement.”

The Celestial Commander looked at Commander Bolt, “Agreement? The Princess agreed to no such thing.”
Commander Bolt turned to the Celestial Commander and spoke, “The Princess has no choice in this matter. I will gladly escort you and her to Nightmare Moon for this meeting, but I will not allow an entire army to pass my ranks or to approach the Castle with absolutely no resistance. This doesn’t change anything, all this means, is that this meeting between the royal sisters, will be either a fair truce… or a fair duel.”
Chief Tatum spoke next, “Meeting?”
Commander Bolt trotted past him and replied, “The Princess and I will explain the agreement with the rest of my soldiers… unless you refuse to relinquish command, in which case I will view you as hostile and act accordingly. So… which is it?”
Chief Tatum nervously replied, “Oh... uh... of course I'll step down to you commander, I'm not about to challenge you, Brother Rafi wouldn’t forgive me if I tried.”

As the two groups trotted back to the Nightmare front Commander Bolt had to ask, “Hey chief, where is Chief Rafi? I’d figure he’d be in charge.”
“Brother Rafi… he and the rest of our brothers went back to the homeland, in the last battle everypony, zebra and griffon got hurt, whether they bled or not. So brother Rafi lead our brethren home, while I and a few others stayed behind.”
Commander Bolt understood the analogy completely, “I see did Orem do the same?”
“Yes, he traveled home too, I heard about Captain Snow from Commander Viscous and I know about General Roza but what happened to Captain Stone?”
It took every ounce of strength for Commander Bolt to reply without tearing up, “She.. Well… Like you said, everypony got hurt, and… she… she didn’t hurt long.”
Chief Tatum understood what Commander Bolt meant so he didn’t reply, he only continued trotting until they made it back to the Nightmare front.

After they made it to the Nightmare camp, Chief Tatum Yelled to the soldiers, “SOLDIERS, FATE HAS GUIDED OUR GREAT COMMANDER BACK TO US, AND WITH A MESSAGE THAT WE SHOULD ALL LISTEN TO!”
Commander Bolt yelled to his soldiers, “Two days ago we all lost something, whether it be a limb, a friend, a home or even our pride. Canterlot was the center of suffering for us all. Well, I'm here to make that right! With me I brought Princess Celestia who will explain our current situation.”
Princess Celestia stepped forward and tried to speak but the soldiers started to yell and criticize her, just like the citizens of Canterlot did to Commander Bolt, “WHY ARE YOU HERE!?! WHO ARE YOU TO TALK TO US LIKE THIS!?! WHAT MAKES YOUR CAUSE SO SPECIAL!?! WHY SHOULD WE LISTEN TO YOU!?!”
As the Nightmare soldiers continued yelling Princess Celestia had a hard time trying to speak so that she could be understood, “We are here… to… attempted to um… discuss… terms of peace… between…”

Commander Bolt waited to see if the princess could calm them down but after a few minutes of waiting he became inpatient, using the lightning orb he sent a large bolt of lightning into the sky that branched off looking similar to a tree. Once the bolt was gone and the cloud dispersed, nopony not even Princess Celestia was making a sound. Commander Bolt flew into the air and called out to his soldiers, “If you won’t listen to her, then you will listen to me. The princess and I have talked it over, and we have decided, that this war shouldn’t be decided with the deaths of soldiers. It will be decided, by the princesses who rule them. I will accompany Princess Celestia to speak with Nightmare Moon; this will be a meeting of peace so only her commander will accompany us. These peace talks will end in two ways, either the end of the war, through negotiation… or the end by duel. Regardless I'm giving you your orders now. All of you will hold your ground here. At no time, will you ever move forward towards the Celestial Crusaders ranks, as they will hold their position where they sit. Once this meeting is finished you will receive further orders, though I can’t say for certain they will be from me.”

Without explanation of his last remark, Commander Bolt landed and began making his way through the ranks, “Shall we, Princess?”
Before Princess Celestia could reply a small group of archers blocked his path, “Commander… we have to ask… is there any word from Captain Stone? We… heard some… things from the archer that accompanied Chief Tatum when he went out to meet you. is… is she really gone?”
Commander Bolt replied, she will always be by my side… whether I see her or not. She is dead… but she will always be with me. As she wanted to be.”
The archers looked at each other and nodded their heads, “Then we will join you too, it was her loyalty to you that gave us confidence in your orders, if you will allow it we will go with you to the castle.”
Commander Bolt smiled, “NO!”
“No?”
Commander Bolt continued trotting, “I won’t lose any more soldiers, If you truly respected Gem as your Captain… then you will stay here… as ordered.”
The soldiers didn’t argue. without objection, they stood at attention and answered in an official way, “Yes, Commander!”

Princess Celestia was a little surprised to see how Commander Bolt addressed his soldiers; he explained the situation so confidently that no pony questioned any part of it at all. He must have gathered a lot of trust from his soldiers for them to accept his return and his sudden change in actions. she was truly impressed. As they continued through the Nightmare camp The Celestial Commander Spoke, “Commander Bolt, is it wise to approach the castle so… casually?”
Commander Bolt replied, “It isn’t, but I saw a Pegasus messenger leave the camp before I told them the situation so they will be expecting us… If all goes well then this meeting will begin as soon as we arrive.”
“And if it doesn’t?”
Star Bolt looked up at the eclipse as it started to set. “Then the castle will seem very noisy tonight.”

A short time had passed before the group approached the Stone bridge that allows ponies to cross the ravine. As they started across Commander Bolt felt uneasy, the castle was right ahead but something was amiss, Commander Bolt turned back to the two, “Stop for a second.”
He flew into the air and studied the castle. Meanwhile on the ground the Celestial Commander called to him, “What is it commander? Is something wrong?”
Commander Bolt landed and looked at the Celestial Commander, “Do you see something wrong with the castle from here?”
The commander looked at the castle and realized something, “Where are the guards? It looks deserted.”
Commander Bolt replied, “It’s not, the guards that are usually patrolling the area aren’t there but at the castle door I can see two waiting for us. Just keep your guard up… this seems way too easy.”

As the group approached the castle doors, the guards stepped to the side and opened the doors without a single word. Commander Bolt stopped and looked at one of the guards expecting him to say something but they just stood there staring forward as if he was invisible. Commander Bolt shook his head and continued forward leading the group into the castle. All along the main lobby leading to the throne room, where pike ponies all standing at attention, and all ignoring Commander Bolt and the rest of the group. As the group moved forward, the Celestial Commander became skeptic and spoke silently to the princess, “Your majesty? I don’t like this one bit. It seems like a trap to me…”
Commander Bolt overheard the commander’s concern and replied, “Haven’t you ever heard the old saying? A spotted trap is a useful opportunity.”

Commander Bolt stopped and looked at the soldiers carefully, “These ponies are Lieutenant Viscous’ troops…”
“That’s commander!”
Commander Bolt looked forward as Commander Viscous trotted to the center of the lobby, “It’s good to see you sir, but why are you with Princess Celestia?”
Commander Bolt smiled, “She and I have made an agreement. I'm happy to see that you made it out alive, but if you're commander, then does that mean that Drib is…”
“Dead? No, he is alive… but… but he…”
Commander Bolt could see the pain in her eyes as she tried to talk, “Viscous? What happened to him… what happened to Captain Drib?”
She started to cry as she answered, “It’s… it’s his wing… the burns were so bad that… that they… had to take it… they had to remove his wing… they amputated it… he… he will never fly again. did you hear me! THAY HAD TO REMOVE HIS WING FROM HIS BODY! Why! flying was his life… his talent… why did they…”

As Viscous’ crying echoed through the hall, Commander Bolt lowered his head, “Hot shot… no.”
Commander Viscous used her magic to help her lift the heavy axe and point it forward at Commander Bolt, “WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO FOR HIM!!! YOU TELL ME THAT!!! WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW!!!”
Commander Bolt tried to calm her down, “Commander, lower your weapon and go to him. he needs yo…”
“NO!!! Now that I'm commander I can’t go… Not until I fulfill my duty!”
“What?”
She gripped the axe as if she was going to charge, “Stand down Commander! You’re not going any further unless you get through me!”
At that moment, all the pike ponies in the room pointed their spears at the group while the Celestial Commander drew his sword and braced himself for a fight. Commander Bolt unslung his shield and readied himself, “You can’t beat me Viscous, I don’t want to hurt you. please lower your weapon and stand down. Drib needs you and I don’t want to take more from him than he has already lost. I don’t want anypony to go through that kind of pain.”

Commander Viscous got angry, “WHAT DO YOU CARE! I'm all alone now… I'm the last of the Nightmare Officers! Roza is dead, Rafi and Orem went back to their countries, Callous can no longer fight or fly, you abandon us, and nopony knows where in Equestria Snow or Stone are! I'm al…”
“VISCOUS, GEM IS DEAD!!!”
The sound of her axe echoed through the lobby as Viscous’ spell that held it up dispersed due to her shock. When the axe crashed to the floor it left indentation that held the blade in position as she replied to the horrible news, “G-Gem is Dead?... but… how… why… what happ…”
Commander Bolt lowered his head and replied, “She… She died while we were trying to escape from Canterlot… after we signaled the retreat. She died in my arms, I couldn’t leave her there, I knew she wasn’t going to make it as soon as I saw the wound, but I didn’t want to leave her side… that’s why I didn’t come back, that’s why I abandoned you. Would you have left Drib… knowing that he wasn’t going to make it? I doubt it. Viscous, I told her how I felt before she died, and now I will never know what it’s like… to spend the rest of your life with the pony you love, But you can. Lower your axe, go to Drib, leave this place with him, and enjoy the rest of your life. I watched my family fall around me; don’t tell me to kill the last one. Please… I don’t think I can handle that.”

Commander Viscous had tears rolling down her face as she looked at the blade on her axe, it had buried itself deep enough that when she let go of it, it stayed in place. She wiped the tears from her eyes as she called to Princess Celestia, “Your Majesty? If I surrender now, what will happen to me and Callous, will we be imprisoned?”
Princess Celestia Smiled, “The agreement for the Nightmare Legions surrender in Canterlot was that everypony who laid down their weapons would be pardoned for their actions and will be free to live their lives without punishment. I hope you live your life wisely… with the stallion you love.”
Viscous nodded her head then she looked back at Commander Bolt, “Commander, I… I'm… sorry. I can see why she fell in love with you now, I see why they both were in love with you.”
Commander Bolt was confused, “Both?”

Viscous trotted up to Commander Bolt and hugged him, “Thank you Star Bolt… for everything. Callous and I won’t forget you, in fact we will see you after this war settles down a bit, ok?”
Commander Bolt smiled, “You take care of him Ardent, and don’t ever be afraid to talk to new ponies, as long as he is with you, you don’t need to be afraid.”
Viscous stopped hugging him, smiled, and called out to her soldiers, “EVERYPONY LAY DOWN YOUR SPEARS AND LEAVE THE CASTLE IMMEDIATELY, BY THE ORDER OF YOUR COMMANDER!!!”
All the guards looked at each other, then one by one they dropped their spears and left out the castle doors, Viscous smiled at Commander Bolt and spoke, “Remember what Gem used to say. Don’t die, I don’t know what your agreement with the princess is, but I don’t want you to kill yourself. Be careful Star Bolt.”

Viscous smiled then left to get Captain Drib ready to leave. The Celestial Commander sheathed his sword then approached Commander Bolt, “I envy you commander, to surround yourself with such loyal and trustworthy officers is a rare thing.”
Commander Bolt replied, “No, they aren’t loyal and trustworthy officers, they are my family, and they have suffered enough. You realize that now the only pony left to face is Nightmare Moon Right?... I hope you’re ready.”
Princess Celestia replied for her commander, “We are ready, and don’t think I forgot our deal, I promise with my very life, you will see Luna again.”

Commander Bolt continued leading the group to the throne room, when he reached the door he gently pushed it opened and saw Nightmare Moon standing next to the throne with an unamused expression on her face, “Well, well, I’ve known you for your entire known life and yet you continue to surprise me commander. I'm happy to see you alive and well, but it pains me to see that you betrayed me.”
Commander Bolt approached the throne and bowed, “Your majesty, yes I am alive and safe, however I have not, and will never betray the Nightmare Legion. I have only escorted Princess Celestia here, so that she may have one more attempt at negotiating peace between you two.”
“You don’t seem injured, at any rate, your armor shows little signs of a fight or struggle, infect by appearance, you seem to have surrendered in Canterlot without a fight. Why is that?”
Commander Bolt raised his head, “I had no choice your majesty, not only was I alone but I…”
Nightmare Moon grabbed him by the throat and raised him into the air with her magic, “I don’t want to hear your excuses commander, I just want to see results, thus far you have proven yourself useful, but lately you have showed me that you are nothing but a pathetic comm…”
Princess Celestia stepped forward, “Sister! Don’t blame him for his actions, I'm the one who convinced him to do this. I want this war to end. I don’t want to see anypony else suffer for this ridiculous disagreement between the two of us. Please will you agree to my offer of peace?”

Nightmare Moon shook her head, “Dear sweet sister, you’ve always known what’s best. No matter what you have always been there to lead me in the right direction. In fact, the only time I was able to make my own choice was when I decided to bring Star Bolt back from the Everfree forest. and when I think about it… that was the first time I ever felt appreciation from anypony for anything I ever did for Equestria, so if this is my decision too, then I expect someday this two will be appreciated…”
“Sister no…”
“And I Expect that when the ponies of Equestria realize the error in their ways then they will finally understand the beauty that is the night…”
“Please Sister don’t…”
“And in order for the ponies to realize that error they must first see the beauty that is my night!”
“LUNA, SISTER THIS ISN’T THE WAY…”
“So beg and plead all you want dear older sister! But you and the ponies of Equestria WILL NEVER SEE THE LIGHT OF THE SUN AGAIN!!!”

Nightmare Moon tossed Commander Bolt to the side then she fired a dark beam from her horn at Princess Celestia. Celestia jumped back dodging the beam then using the Elements of Harmony she fired a beam back, which was blocked when Nightmare Moon used the throne behind her as a shield. As the two sisters continues fighting Commander Bolt laid on the ground with many different thought going through his mind. Part of him wanted to help Nightmare Moon and fight off Princess Celestia. While another wanted to help Princess Celestia and return Luna. Instead of doing either, he just laid there with Nightmare Moon’s words going through his mind, mainly the one word that has been used to describe him as of late, “Pathetic.”
The Celestia Commander galloped up to him, “Commander! Are you OK? Get up quickly we have to help Princess Celestia!”
Commander Bolt sat up, “No, this fight is between the two of them we can’t get involved.”

Princess Celestia continued trying to hit Nightmare Moon with the Elements of Harmony but no matter how much she tried, Nightmare Moon would phase through the beam by turning herself into mist, or she would use her magic on an object in the room to block it. Princess Celestia flew into the air trying to get around behind Nightmare Moon, “Sister your reign of terror must end, you must give up before you hurt somepony you care about.”
Nightmare Moon became infuriated, “STOP TRYING TO USE MY FEELINGS AGAINST ME!!!”
Using her magic, Nightmare Moon grabbed one of the pillars holding a part of the ceiling up and tossed it at Princess Celestia. The pillar did hit the airborne princess but luckily, it was only a graze, and no real injury came out of it. But what Nightmare Moon didn’t realize, is that the portion of the ceiling that the pillar held up was right above the spectating commanders.

Commander Bolt notices a large chunk of the roof falling into the room from above. Thinking fast he placed both hooves against the Celestial Commander’s body and pushed him out of harm’s way. However, when he also tried to flee, the debris fell on top of him covering the area in a cloud of dust. The Celestia Commander shuffled to his hooves and called out, “COMMANDER STAR BOLT!!!”
Hearing this, Nightmare Moon paused and looked at the cloud of dust, “Star Bolt? Are you…”
Before she could finish her sentence, Nightmare Moon was hit directly in the back by the Elements of Harmony encasing her in a magical barrier. Trying to free herself, Nightmare Moon tried punching, kicking and hitting the barrier with a magic beam from her horn, but it was no use, the barrier was made by the very elements used to turn Discord into stone.

After the dust settled, Commander Bolt pulled himself out of the rubble. He had numerous gashes and damage to both his armor and shield but other than a few cuts and bruises he was perfectly fine. When he looked over at Nightmare Moon he felt anxious, was this the moment he was waiting for, his chance to see Luna again? Princess Celestia landed next to the barrier and focused everything she could into the elements of harmony, then she fired a beam that went through the magical barrier and hit Nightmare Moon in the chest. Though the beam knocked her down, it didn’t affect her in any other way. Nightmare moon stood back up and laughed, “Oh my… it would seem that you don’t have the power to change my heart back to the way it was. Perhaps without me, you can’t use the elements to their full potential… it’s a pity isn’t it? What will you do now dear sweet sister?”

Princess Celestia looked over at Commander Bolt who was watching in suspense, then she sighed and mumbled to herself, “I’m sorry, but I must do this.”
Nightmare moon didn’t hear what Celestia said, “What was that? Speak up.”
Princess Celestia looked Nightmare Moon in the eye and spoke with a serious tone, “Princess Luna, you allowed darkness to corrupt your heart and turn you into a wicked mare of darkness. Then you forced the moon into the sky to block out the light of the sun and bring forth continuous darkness. For this I am forced to banish you to the darkest depths of the very moon you control, this shall be your prison. Do you have anything to say before I carry this out?”

Nightmare Moon looked over at Commander Bolt and smiled in an affectionate way, “Good bye Star Bolt, I… I'm glad you stayed by my side through this war.”
Commander Bolt yelled out, “NO!!! You can’t do this! She doesn’t deserve this! Celestia Stop!”
Princess Celestia fired a beam of light from the Elements of Harmony that hit the barrier setting it into a pink flame that gave it the appearance of a pink fireball. Commander Bolt charged toward the burning barrier trying to prevent anything else from happening, but before he got close enough the fireball shot through the ceiling and continued flying through the air until it hit the moon, which was the only thing in the sky. Instantly the surface of the moon turned into a fire red and began scattering all over the surface leaving deep patches of fire on the surface. Commander Bolt watched in in tears as his only chance of seeing Luna burned, upon the surface of the moon.

Commander Bolt dropped to his knees and closed his eyes, “she… she is gone… now… I have noth…”
Commander Bolt felt a strange combination of sadness, depression, and relentless fury. He stood back up and glared at Princess Celestia who had her back to both Commander Bolt and the moon, “YOU! I’LL KILL YOU!!!”
Commander Bolt flew through the air as he unslung his shield and secured it to his hoof. As he swung the blade, the Celestial Commander blocked it before it made contact with Princess Celestia. The Celestial Commander tried to calm him down, “Commander! Cease this immediately, she had no choice it’s not her fault, she did everyth…”
“SHUT UP!!!”

Star Bolt swung his body around and kicked the Celestial Commander in the side of the face and knocking him to the ground, “I AM NO LONGER A COMMANDER!!! My name is Star Bolt. And I WILL NOT BE MADE A FOOL OFF!!!”
Before the Celestial Commander could get back on his hooves, Star Bolt used his shield to bash him upside his face knocking him unconscious. Then he turned to Princess Celestia but before he could attack her she called out in a low, deep, rage filled voice that caused him to pause, “…how dare you…”
The tone of her voice sent a chill up his spine, “What?”

Princess Celestia turned around to face him, her face had tears rolling down it, but the anger on her face put Star Bolt in a state of fear, “How dare you… who do you think you are? You don’t get it do you? She… she was my sister… she was my best friend and the one pony who I could go to for help. She was the one pony I cared about more than anything else in this world! In addition, you talk to me as if I did this without even the slightest bit of remorse. JUST WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!!!”
Star Bolt lowered his head in shame, “We… we had an agreement, you gave me your word and now I'll never see Luna. She will nev…”
“Are you ready Star Bolt?”
Star Bolt looked back up at her, “What did you say?”
Princess Celestia looked at Star Bolt with an unamused expression, “Your punishment, are you ready? This war is over and it is time for you to accept responsibility for your actions… Are you ready to do that?”

Star Bolt lowered his head, slung his shield, and chucked a bit, “Great things.”
Princess Celestia didn’t reply but she gave him a look of curiosity so he spoke again, “When we first met you told me that a pegasus with a cutie mark for using the lightning orb was destined for great things… funny I bet you weren’t expecting this, were you?”
Star Bolt turned around and trotted towards the hole in the ceiling to take one last look at the moon. by this time the surface was no longer red but there was an image of an alicorn on it. He could only smile and turn back to Princess Celestia. I'm ready your majesty, do what you want, today Commander Bolt dies.”
Princess Celestia replied, “A star can only see when it shines… but it can hear so much more. Remember this lesson Star Bolt it will make things more bearable as time goes by.”
“What?”

All of a sudden, a beam of light shot out of the Elements of Harmony and went straight towards Star Bolt. Before it hit him, it split into six different colored lights that began to spiral around him like a tornado. Star Bolt could only assume each light would eventually skewer him like a spear. Therefore, he closed his eyes in acceptance. Finally, all the light colligated with him causing him to spontaneously burst into pink flames. The feeling of the fire against his skin was incredibly painful, but he tried as hard as he could to deal with it, knowing that he deserved every bit of it. Finally, he shot into the sky as if a catapult had launched him. He had never been so afraid in his life, as he flew into the sky with incredible speeds.

Outside the castle, Ardent Viscous was pulling a cart with Callous Drib laying on it as he looked into the sky he spoke, “Ardent… ARDENT… look, look at that. What is it?”
Ardent stopped trotting and looked at the pink fireball as it crashed through the roof of the castle and into the sky, “Is that? No it’s got to be something else, let’s keep going Callous we need to get to a town before sunrise... it feels weird saying that.”
As she started pulling the cart again, Callous mumbled to himself, “Good to see you sir. And good luck.”

Further away Frances Snow the Third was sitting on a hill watching as the imprint of an alicorn on the moon began to darken, and then he saw a second fireball take to the sky, he thought to himself, “Commander… truly a position of significance. I suppose I'm not qualified for such nobility … but the greatest honor was to know a pony who was… Sir, you have my dearest sentiments.”

Outside of Trottingham a griffon soldier called out, “Commander! There is another one!”
Commander Orem looked toward the sky, “This one is smaller than the last but it doesn’t look like it’s going to hit the moon… wait that can’t be.”
The griffon soldier looked at Commander Orem, “Sir? What is it?”
Commander Orem replied and he bowed his head, “A hero… one that I fought aside in a glorious battle, I don’t know why that princess did this, but she won’t get away with it.”

Near the coast, Chief Rafi was sitting on a ship that had just left port when he saw the first fireball. When he saw the second he bowed his head and spoke,
“The Star flies high, in flames of fear,
but it’s not over, not now nor here.
I will help you in days, far off from now,
though I don’t know when, or even how.
Be at peace, until one day soon,
when we see the real end, of Nightmare Moon.”
The zebra standing next to him asked, “Chief Rafi? What are you talking about brother?”
Chief Rafi turned to his soldier, “I was only making a promise to a good friend, May good fortune smile upon him in the future.”

Star Bolt’s heart raced as he flew into the sky, by passing the moon entirely, as he continued flying far into the darkness of the night, he started to think to himself, “Is this death? Is this the pain and fear that they went through? I can’t imagine putting any of them through this agony, Storm… Mist… Roza… Gem… I’m sorry; I can never make it up to you, not now, not ever.”
Finally, the feeling of flight, and the pain from the flames around him vanished. Star Bolt opened his eyes and looked around there was nothing there. All he could see was an endless abyss of black in all directions. It appears that this was his fate; this was now and forever, his prison

Ch20 By the Light of the Stars

“Hello?... Can anypony hear me!... HELLO!?!”
There was no reply. The only thing that could be heard was silence, while the only thing that could be seen was darkness. Star Bolt started wondering why he couldn’t feel his burns from the flames that surrounded him. when he tried to look at his body, he couldn’t see it. it was as if his body was destroyed and his soul was all that remained. He started to think to himself, “this punishment… its much worse than death, there is no way I could ever exist in this place and keep my sanity… suicide isn’t even an option here. Princess Celestia… she did this to me… she made a deal then lied to me. it was all her. I swear if I ever find a way out I'll spend the rest of my life plotting her death. She will suffer for thi…”

“Star Bolt?...”
Star Bolt heard a familiar voice, he looked around but he couldn’t see anypony anywhere, “That voice… it sounded like Princess Celestia. But where is…”
the voice echoed again, “Stars can only see when they shine, what can you see?...”
Star Bolt started to think about her words, “Stars can only see when they shine… they only shine at night, does that mean…”
As Star Bolt started to think about Equestria, he started to see a light in front of him. the light grew larger and larger until he could see all of Equestria, as if he was looking down from the sky.

Star Bolt started to focus on a set area then that area got closer and closer to him as if he was landing there. Now, he was looking at the doors of the castle of the alicorn sisters. There Princess Celestia stood next to her commander calling out to him, “Star Bolt, I don’t know if you can hear me or see me, but if you can I hope you pay attention to what I'm going to tell you. You are imprisoned in the light of the very stars you used to look upon. Though this is your prison, you can see the world and the universe around you at will. However, you will never be able to react to anypony or anything, they cannot hear you, see you, or even know your presence. Nevertheless, you can look on the world and see how it continues any time the stars shine. Meaning you can only see Equestria at night. In addition, because the light of the stars is eternal, so is your life. I know you must be infuriated with me right now, and you have every right to be. Nevertheless, this was the best punishment I could think of. One day you will see Princess Luna again, and then your goal will be complete. Until then I will personally see to it that your Officers and their families are taken care of. This is my gift to you. I'm sorry, I truly am.”

A Celestial messenger landed next to the princess and spoke, “Your majesty, the nightmare Legion’s soldiers have laid down their weapons and dispersed… this war is officially over.”
Hearing this words Star Bolt turned his attention away from that area, he didn’t want to look at her right now, “That… That… Princess. She thinks that this will change anything she lied to me. She used me and she thinks that she can make it right by just saying sorry? This war is over… but at what cost, Storm, Mist, Roza, and Gem are dead. Drib lost his wing, Orem his eye. Snow lost everything to his name. Rafi lost a great number of soldiers. Canterlot is almost entirely in ruins, there are countless widows, orphans, homeless, and entire families lost, all because nopony appreciated the night. What a glorious victory for Equestria… and the only change is that the sun will rise tomorrow. Moreover, I will never be able to see it. This isn’t over not by a long shot. I will never forgive Princess Celestia. Not after what she did to me.”

Star Bolt spent the rest of his night watching as his armies dispersed and Canterlot began celebrating the end of the war. A few days had passed and he began watching over each of his officers. Eventually Frances Snow gathered his pride and went back to his home, only to find royal guards waiting for him. They informed him that his family had passed long before the battle began, his father of natural causes, his mother of an accident during a strong storm, leaving his estate in the care of his servants who patiently awaited his return. Now that he had returned, he had a plan to make up for all the wrong he had done while fighting for the nightmare legion. Therefore, he set up a meeting with Princess Celestia herself, to discuss a matter of his family.

Miles away in Trottingham, Callous Drib, and Ardent Viscous had an unexpected visit from Princess Celestia; this visit was about an event that would take place the next night. At first, the two didn’t want to have anything to do with her but after hearing that Frances Snow was involved, the two couldn’t refuse. One night later, the group and a number of friends and guests gathered outside of a brand new monument that was placed at the base of Dragon Mountain on the very site that a cabin once stood more than ten years ago. Shortly after the sun set Star Bolt found the group and observed the event from his prison above. Princess Celestia stepped out in front of the weeping public and spoke, “Fillies, Gentlecolts, Friends, and family members alike. We are all gathered outside this grand statue to honor the very mare who has been buried here. I myself didn’t know this mare, but the voice of her family and a message she sent has only shown me that this mare was not only loved by many. She was loved by all who knew her. Therefore, we honor her tonight so that she can be viewed by her family and by the stallion, she loved deeply. Rest in peace, Captain Gem Stone.”

Most of the crowd was in tears as Princess Celestia stepped down and Frances Snow stepped up, “I recently experienced the pain of losing family, but one more member doesn’t make it any better, dear sweet Gem Stone… was the smile of our group. Her optimism kept us moving forward and kept us confident, despite the unruly orders our commander gave us. For this I split my family fortune into four ways, one quarter to Mr. Callous Drib, one quarter to Ms. Ardent Viscous, one quarter to myself and the rest was used to create and preserve this statue honoring Ms. Gem Stone. Rest in peace my dear. Thank you.”

Ardent was too broken up to speak, so instead Callous decided to approach, “Gem Stone wasn’t the best flyer, the best fighter, or even the bravest of us. However, she could handle a bow better than any pony alive, and she had more confidence in our commander than he himself had, which made all the difference. I will never again feel the wind in my mane, feel the texture of a cloud, or even view a sunrise from a high altitude. However, I would take off my other wing, if it would bring Gem back for just one more day. She was the heart of this group and when that heart broke, that’s when the nightmare legion’s defeat was decided. Commander if you can hear us, see us or whatever. We will miss you both because we were here for each other… we were a real family. I was hoping to be your best colt when you two got married, but I see that it will never happen. Good Bye little sister, your arrow will continue to hit our hearts, whether you can still fire them or not.”
Callous drib wiped the tears from his face and stepped down as the nearby guards gave a ceremonial salute that was only given to heroes of Equestria.

Star Bolt couldn’t watch anymore. He would have given anything, just so he could cry anything to relieve the pain in his heart. Shortly after the ceremony, the vision faded from his face as the sun rose and the statue vanished from his sight. With this day long passed, life in Equestria began to calm down for the officers of the Nightmare Legion and for the Commanders of the other nations as well. Chief Rafi Returned to his homeland and began that council he spoke so highly of. As years went by, he started gathering representatives from all over the world, to include Germaneigh, the Griffon Kingdoms, the Hooviet Union, and many others. However, like Star Bolt had warned him before, the leaders of nations change along with the times. One of his closest friends, a general of the Xian Empire climbed up the ranks and became the second chair in Chief Rafi’s council.

One terrible day, the poor general had a heart attack that took his life, and left his army in the control of his son. Alost immediately the son tried to make extreme changes in the council that mainly involved starting wars between neutral nations who refused to join the council. For this, Chief Rafi denied the naive general of his position and authority, and banished him from the council. Not long after the general invaded Zebrica and focused his entire military strength on the western tribes. Though his wife and sons made it out of Zebrica safely, Chief Rafi was unable to save himself. He and the rest of the western tribes of Zebrica were killed fighting an unwinnable war against an enemy who refused to take prisoners. Star Bolt felt terrible, of all the times for him to be right it had to be now. It is unknown where Chief Rafi’s family had fled to, but wherever they went, Star Bolt wished them the best of luck.

In the Hooviet Union, The soldiers who returned brought back the body of the General Roza Neghvelskie. Upon their return, they were each given a medal of valor for their great sacrifice to assist an allied nation. however their general had accumulated so much respect amongst her troops that on the day of her funeral, each and every soldier attending the funeral, placed their recently earned medal atop her caskets to show their respect to their fallen leader. It was this action by her soldiers, which gave her the title of the most respected general the Hooviet Union had ever seen. From that day forward, nearly every mission briefing held the story of how she fearlessly charged into the main lobby of the Canterlot Castle and managed to kill one of the enemy soldiers before finally falling to enemy arrows. Her courage, strength, wisdom, and sacrifice alone gave the entire country a role model, not just for soldiers, but mares and fillies everywhere. Star Bolt was somewhat pleased with this, she was a great leader and a good friend, and he wanted her to be remembered for that.

In the Griffon Kingdoms Commander Orem and his surviving group were welcomed back as heroes. Commander Orem smiled with pride claiming that their survival was only because they were led by a great pony and hero. Not long after his return, the king requested a special audience with Commander Orem. It was there that he was promoted to commander of the first griffon army. Almost immediately, he started gathering a select number of soldiers that he personally chose by name to be in a special training session that he himself hosted. When asked about this he kept out details, saying that it was to regain the honor of a fallen friend. Even the griffon king was kept out of the loop when regarding Commander Orem’s special training.

As time went by, the soldiers he selected grew greater in numbers and this alone concerned the king. Using bribery, he had one of Orem’s closes soldiers explain in details the purpose for this selected group of soldiers. It seemed that Commander Orem had gathered the best of the best, in hopes to build a fighting force strong; enough to launch a surprise attack on Canterlot so that he may reclaim the honor that he and Commander Bolt both lost that horrible day. The griffon king liked this plan, however in fear of angering the nation that defeated the Nightmare Legion and Nightmare Moon.

The king immediately had Commander Orem captured and held trial for acts of treason and an attempt to overthrow the crown, for which his sentence was death. Though the second crime was highly exaggerated, the king felt he needed to add more to his crimes so that his subjects wouldn’t be angered when he had to execute a hero. On the day of his sentence his wings where striped to his body as he was taken to the gallows. When the king asked him to speak his final words, Commander Orem looked the king in the eye and said only two words with a pleased smile on his face, “You coward.”
That day Commander Alfrinn Orem was executed as both a hero and a traitor to the Griffon Kingdoms, and from then on, he was both praised and despised by all griffon who knew his story.

Frances Snow the third was forever shunned by his fellow nobles due to his involvement in the Nightmare Crusade. Therefore, he sold the ruble that used to be his families estate and changed his name to Frances Rich. Then he set out to find his true calling in Stalliongrad teaching ponies the art of fencing. It was here that he met the mare of his dreams and fell in love. Shortly after his twin sons were born, he felt that his life was finally complete, and for the first time since the war ended, he felt truly happy. On occasion when he felt troubled, he would sit outside his home talking to himself. It was as if he knew that Star Bolt would be listening.

Callous Drib and Ardent Viscous both traveled to Fillydelthia together. Though they were shunned for being part of the nightmare legion, they managed to get a job at Captain Storms Blacksmith shop that was currently run by his wife and daughter. Ardent quickly picked up blacksmithing, when she found that swinging a hammer was similar to swinging an axe. However, Callous slipped into a deep state of depression. He had a hard time believing that a pegasus who couldn’t fly could ever have a chance at a happy life, so he closed himself from the rest of the world, and slowly he even became more distant from Ardent, the very mare that he loved. Finally, Ardent couldn’t take it anymore, so she made him a gift using her newfound blacksmithing abilities. She made him a false wing that didn’t give him any ability to fly, but it did give him confidence in leaving his home from time to time. Shortly after that he popped the question and made Ardent his wife. It wasn’t long before the newlywed couple became a mother and father to a young filly as well.

Every year Ardent, Callous, And Frances Rich would gather near Gem Stones statue right after sunset on the anniversary of the war’s end. This was a tradition that they each held dear to themselves, though the war left them with bad memories and a terrible reputation. They each couldn’t imagine a life without the memories the war gave them, the determination, courage, motivation, kindness and mercy shown by their commander, gave them all hope even now, years after the war’s end. They would each sit near Gem’s statue and reminisce about the changes since the war, and so that their commander could hear too, they refused to show up any time before sunset. They wanted every member of their family to be involved in the festivities. However as years went by, time started taking its toll on the group.

Frances Rich slowly developed Alzheimer’s disease and in time, he started to forget about even his own family. However, of all the thing he started to forget. He would always tell stories of his adventures with the Great Commander Bolt and the Nightmare Legion, leaving no detail left out and telling it as if it happened moments ago. One night after telling the story to his and the Drib’s grandchildren he ended it for the first time with, “And thanks to our commander, we lived happily ever after.”
That very night the veteran passed away in his sleep, taking with him the memories of a noble soldier with whom he fought beside and respected amongst all others. As Star Bolt looked down on him, he could only think to himself, “Goodbye old friend, you were an exceptional soldier.”

While watching his daughter teach a group of young pegasus to fly, Callous had a small episode and collapsed, that night he was pronounced dead, due to a severe heart attack. It completely caught everypony off guard but despite the pain, she felt, Ardent continued her life with her head held high and her troubles behind her. However, like the rest it wasn’t long before the years took their toll on her as well. The very last night of their usual gathering outside Gem’s statue was the last time Star Bolt ever saw her. That night she came there with her granddaughter but she trotted up to the statue alone and started talking, “Commander Bolt? I don’t know if you can hear me or not but I wanted to say something to you if that is ok. It has been sixty-seven years since that day and now, just like I was back then… I am alone. This time I'm happy though. We fought a good fight and we created memories that none of us could ever forget, whether it was the catapult incident where you nearly killed yourself, or the campfire under Cloudsdale when we talked about being a family. And even that terrible battle when we all ran into the fire and arrows with one goal, to kill or capture Princess Celestia. I know I must sound like an old bat when I say this but I just wanted to say, thank you. I never got to see you after the war like I said I would, and I don’t think I will now. But I still wanted to tell you… thanks.”

At that moment the young pegasus trotted up to Ardent, “Uh… granny Drib? Who are you talking to?”
Ardent looked back at the little filly and smiled, “I'm talking to the pony who was my commander a long time ago. Do you remember those stories your Uncle Rich used to tell you?”
The young filly smiled, “Oh, so that was the pony he talked about? The one who could make lighting?”
Ardent smiled at her innocence and continued, “Yep, he was the most stubborn, crazy and clueless pony we ever knew. Nevertheless, thanks to the pony on this statue, we could feel easy knowing that he meant well. Would you like to hear one of the stories, I may not look it, but I know the stories just like your Uncle Rich did.”
“How about when you, Uncle Rich and Commander Bolt took on that catapult? That’s my favorite one.”
Ardent sat down in front of the statue and started telling the story to the young Pegasus. Star Bolt listened as Ardent told her little pony the story of his mistake that almost costs the lives of all three of them. But as he listened, he couldn’t help but think, that brave commander she spoke of was him. the young filly seemed to love the story and never once showed any sign of being bored or even tired. When the story ended Ardent trotted off with here granddaughter and later that year she too passed away of natural causes. Now Star Bolt was truly and entirely alone in this world.

The days seemed to bleed into the years, as Star Bolt found it harder and harder to keep himself occupied. Every year on the same day he would see Gems statue as he did when the rest of his family was around but this left him with the rest of the year to do Celestia knows what. He tried watching over his officers families, but each one had multiple foals, who themselves had multiple foals, so keeping track was just too difficult to do. Not to mention he never knew any of them so he had very little interest in keeping track, despite who their grandparents where. With each passing night, he could only think about his life. The choices he made, the ponies he befriended, the enemies he fought, the mare that he loved, and then… there were the princesses. One who stole his heart, before having hers corrupted. Then another who used him to get close to her sister only to trap them both forever. He thought about how much he wanted to age. He watched everypony he knew grow old and die while he himself felt the same as he did the day the war ended. He now knew that being immortal was a curse, just like the lighting orb. but now he traded one curse for another. He often prayed for death, as this lengthen time of imprisonment started to corrupt is mind, slowly dragging him into a state of insanity. But one day he witnessed something that no pony has ever seen this closely before. He watched the death of a star. The blinding supernova sparked something inside him. it made him curious, and it was this curiosity that pulled him back from his dark thoughts.

With each passing year, he started watching actions in the rest of the universe. As the years turned into centuries, he started to gather wisdom, in the way the universe works. He started to understand how the simplest of arguments could turn into a full-fledged war. He began to understand that even the simplest of life forms can create a large impact on the world around it. And he understood that though some actions can speak louder than words most of those actions originate due to words spoken. Most of all, he noticed that everything worked in either a cycle or a pattern. Life, actions, seasons, and even the movements of the moons, planets and stars… or at least most of the stars. Deep in space, he noticed one particular star that wasn’t moving in a cycle like the others, this star wasn’t as predictable as the rest. Instead of traveling with the flow like the rest, it seemed to be going in an entirely different direction. Star Bolt thought this was just a coincidence at first. He thought that it could be a star that was doomed to collide with another. Nevertheless, his opinion changed when he saw two more stars acting the same, then a forth star nearly a century later.

Star Bolt was almost completely confused, something like this doesn’t just happen by accident, there had to be some purpose for it. As he watched their movements, he discovered a lot of things, first off, the stares weren’t travailing with the rest, but they were synchronized with each other, meaning they were going to the same place. Second, they seemed to move the fastest when it was the night before the summer solstice, which happened to be the longest day of the year for Equestria. Third, and probably the most important, their destination seemed to have something to do with the moons position in a few centuries, but what douse it mean. He didn’t understand their actions at all, despite how much knowledge he attained within the past four hundred years. He only knew one thing was certain, it would involve the moon somehow, and if the moon was involved, then so was nightmare moon. So day by day, he continued to study their actions, and their involvement with the moon.

Ch21 The Fallen Star

“The Summer Sun Celebration, we used to just call it the summer solstice but it seems that Princess Celestia had decided to turn it into some kind of celebration… I wonder if it’s an ego thing. Either way this is the day that the stars should unite with the moon… I wonder what will happen.”
Star Bolt watched the ponies of Equestria as they were getting everything ready for the celebration in a town called Ponyville. He had seen the stars as they journeyed across galaxies, only so they could meet here tomorrow night. He didn’t know what would happen, would they destroy the moon, the planet or would it do something else. All he did know, was that it was going to happen, and it was going to happen on the same night as The Summer Sun Celebration.

Star Bolt spent the rest of the night watching the Thunder Grounds, the crater, the zap apple tree and the surrounding area seemed the same. Star Bolt thought to himself, “It has been a little longer than a thousand years now. In fact, tomorrow will mark one thousand years and one week. I have watched as my family continued their lives and eventually died. I have seen nations rise and fall, towns founded then abandon. And this is just a trickle compared to the lives I’ve seen come and go. Whatever happens tomorrow, I have a really bad feeling about it. Something tells me that things will not end well.”
All of a sudden while watching the Thunder Grounds a mysterious pony wearing a cloak trotted up to the tree. As the figure got closer she put her hood down revealing that it wasn’t a pony at all, It was a zebra.

The zebra trotted around the tree examining every part of it. but she never stepped into the crater itself, which was a smart move. The Lightning Orb that created that very crater was more than one thousand fifteen years old, but the ground still held enough energy to shock anypony who got close. That is, anypony other than a pegasus. The zebra stopped circling the crater then she closed her eyes and muttered something to herself. Star Bolt tried all he could to understand what she was saying, but whatever it was, it was in Zebrican so to him it was just gibberish. She stopped speaking in her language then she looked straight up. Star Bolt felt very nervous about this, it was as if she was looking straight at him, as if she could actually see him. after staring in his direction for a few seconds, she smiled, put her hood back on, and trotted off into the forest.

Star Bolt couldn’t help but think to himself, Who was she? It’s been centuries since he last seen any zebra in Equestria, so why was she there and was she really looking at him? or did he just happen to be observing her from the direction of something else. Whatever it was, she had interest in the thunder grounds, or at least its origin. After pondering over the situation for a few second, everything started to go black as it always did when the sun began to rise. So Star Bolt just decided to rest until the next night when the stars would begin whatever it was they were meant to do.

The next night, Star Bolt watched closely as each star made its final approach to the moon. they weren’t very large for stars in fact he wouldn’t even call them stars, more like small burning moons but they turned out to be much more than that. Each one lined itself up in a row right behind the moon then one by one, starting from the back to the front; the stars began to merge together. Star Bolt had never seen two stars touch without destroying themselves before, but he continued to watch with curiosity. After the four stars had combined, the one remaining star slowly merged itself with the dark side of the moon, and then as the final bit of light vanished within the moon, there was a moment of hesitation as the Indention of an alicorn vanished from the moons surface.

All of a sudden, a Black light that was almost impossible to see shot from the surface of the moon hitting him directly. The dark light turned into a black flame that surrounded his body and began to burn him just like the pink flame emitted from the Elements of Harmony, that he felt a millennium ago. As the flames burned him, he noticed that his body started to reappear, first the tip of his hooves then his chest and finally ending on his wings and tail. The armor he was wearing as well as the shield he carried was all there to include the damage that they both sustained before his sentence. It was as if he never left in the first place. After his body was completely visible again, he immediately shot from the sky straight down to Equestria. As he flew he felt the same fear as he did the last time, the only difference was that he felt excited too. However, his excitement quickly faded when he heard an evil laugh coming from beside him. When he turned to look in the direction he could see another black fireball falling next to him. he couldn’t see who it was, but he didn’t need to, he knew who it was. Star Bolt looked forward again and as the ground came closer and closer, he closed his eyes and braced himself for impact. Though he never felt himself hit the ground, he started to feel grass on his face as he heard a familiar voice.

“Ah we are back commander; finally, back to reclaim my kingdom.”
Star Bolt opened his eyes; he was lying on top of a grassy hill next to a lone tree. As he sat up he looked around, he noticed that he was in a field that was just outside the Everfree Forest, the same field that he fought so many battles on more than a thousand years ago, and standing at the edge of the hill, was Nightmare Moon. She looked back at him and smiled, “It’s good to see you in good health commander. I hope you’ve enjoyed your rest; it’s time to start gathering soldiers. Tell me, which town has the weakest loyalty to my sister? Since you could look over Equestria I'm certain you would know.”
Star Bolt lowered his head and thought to himself for a second then he looked back at Nightmare Moon and replied with a serious expression, “I believe Stalliongrad has the weakest loyalty, however there are two cities that are fairly new, so I'm unsure whether or not they are loyal to Celestia.”

With Nightmare Moon looking at the closest town in the distance, Star Bolt slowly unslung his shield as she replied, “Hmm… I suppose you should start with the large cities first, I think I'll take care of this little town, if I'm not mistaken this is where my sweet older sister was going to hold her Summer Sun Party or whatever she calls it. so I guess I'll leave the new recruits up t…”
While Nightmare Moon was talking, Star Bolt had charged at her with fire in his eyes, but right as he swung his blade, Nightmare Moon caught him out of the corner of her eye. He could have sworn he made contact with her, but she phased through his blade in a cloud of mist then reappeared beside him. As Star Bolt tried to catch her with his backswing, Nightmare Moon used her magic to grab him and toss him against the lone tree that he charged at her from. She smiled and spoke; “Now this is unexpected. The commander that I trusted with my very life turning his blade on me? so you did betray me that day, didn’t you.”

Star Bolt smiled, “no I didn’t betray you that day, it wasn’t until now that I decided to betray you. You seek to start the war that ruined my life one thousand years ago? Not under my watch.”
“So you joined my sister then?”
“No, I fight for no princess. As soon as I kill you, I'll go after your sister. She betrayed me, she broke our agreement then imprisoned me in the star’s light.”
Nightmare Moon was curious, “Agreement? So you made a deal then.”
Star Bolt glared at her with unbridled fury, “It doesn’t matter anymore all that matters is that you DIE!!!”
Star Bolt charged her again and just like the last time she dodged the attack and used her magic to toss him against a boulder lying to the bottom of the hill. Star Bolt quickly jumped to his hooved and charged a third time, when he swung his shield like earlier she phased through it as a cloud of mist, but then when she reappeared behind him, he kicked her in the chest with both hooves knocking her back a few feet. When she regained her balance, he was already swinging his blade again, so she stomped the ground, which sent a small puller of earth upward hitting him in the face and knocking him into the air and back a few feet.

Star Bolt jumped back on his hooves and spoke as he wiped the blood from his face, “You’re too predictable Nightmare Moon, But I'm not!”
Star Bolt focused his energy and created the cloud for the Lightning Orb. Nightmare Moon used her magic to incase the cloud in a barrier so that when the lightning was released it wouldn’t hurt her. However, Star Bolt out smarted her again. Instead of a bolt of lightning, he used the flash ability to momentarily blind her. While she couldn’t see he charged her again.

Nightmare Moon retrieved her sight just as Star Bolt swung his shield, when she tried to dodge the attack, she moved too late. Star Bolt was close enough to put a deep gash in her chest plate. In a fit of rage she grabbed him with her magic, bashed him against the boulder, and then tossed him against the tree. Then she lifted him in the air by his thought. Star Bolt tried to use the Lightning Orb again but it was no use, without his hooves touching the ground, he couldn’t evaporate moister to create the cloud. Nightmare Moon was now enraged, she tightened her grip around his throat as she spoke “ENOUGH OF THIS!! If you choose to betray me now, then you must have a reason why. I gave you a title worthy of respect, I made you into the most feared pony in Equestria, why betray me now? After everything I did for you!”

Star Bolt stared into her eyes with the kind of fury that even made her nervous, “You… you want to know why I be… trayed you? Why I decided to no longer follow you orders?! WHY I WILL SPEND EVERY CONTINUING BREATH TRYING TO KILL YOU!! IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT TO KNOW!?!...”
Nightmare Moon loosened her grip then replied with a calming voice, “Why, Tell me.”
Star Bolt continued, “Fine, I'll tell you… you used me like a tool. You knew my feelings for Luna and what I would do for her and you used it against me… against Equestria. You acted as if Luna was still in your heart, and like she could hear and see me. You acted like she was still inside you to get to my feelings for her and use me to do your bidding. But I know now she is dead, she is no longer in your heart because you killed her a long time ago. I loved her with every fiber of my being and you used my love for her, to toy with me like some… puppet. Do you know what it’s like, to watch the world crumble around you and ignore it so that you can hope to get what you want? Only to come to the horrible realization that what you want no longer exist? You have been doing it to me during that entire war. I loved her and literally killed for her, but I know that she will nev…”

Star Bolt froze in shock, as he was silenced when Nightmare Moon leaned in and kissed him. He didn’t understand it, was this a dream, some kind of spell to cloud his mind? What could have possessed her to do something like this? What was it that she was trying to say? When she stopped, she looked into his eyes and spoke, “I wasn’t toying with you, all those times I seemed like I was using you, I did to get closer to you. I went to the Thunder Grounds that night because I felt like that place was special to you and I, I trotted through the battlefield because I wanted to talk with you again, like we used to do in the Canterlot garden. I even overlooked your actions under Cloudsdale, and after the battle at Canterlot, because… I love you. Both before and after the war began, I had feelings for you and…
“Then why?…”
“Why?”

Star Bolt started to tear up, “If you loved me before the war then why did you become Nightmare Moon? I told you why the ponies slept during your nights, and you said that you felt better about the situation, so why? Why did the darkness take control of your heart, why did you become Nightmare Moon? if you loved me, then why didn’t you trust my words? Why didn’t you accept what I told you?”
Nightmare Moon lowered her head as she replied, “Because it was you who told me.”
“What? What do you mean?”
“I… I’ve always known how you felt, ever since you were a little foal, I’ve known about your feelings for me. and I knew that if there was a day that I was ever feeling bad, a day when there was pain in my heart for any reason that you would say whatever you could to ease that pain. You would say anything so that you would never have to see me cry… whether it was the truth or not. I trusted you with my very life but I knew you would lie if it would stop my tears. That night, when you were about to tell me how you felt before we were interrupted, I realized that what you said could have been the truth… or a small lie to make me feel better, so I told my sister about what was troubling me and she told me that I should focus on the good things about it. she said nothing about the ponies laying their trust on the safety of my night, or that they felt protected when I was ruling the night. It’s this reason that I knew you only told me that to make me feel better. But never the less, I felt moved that you would say something like that for my feelings. And it’s this reason I'm giving you a second chance, Star Bolt, will you be my commander and rule my armies as we reclaim Equestria in the name of the Nightmare Legion?”

Star Bolt looked at the ground in shame, he couldn’t believe what he heard he could only mumble to himself, “It… it was me.”
“Well Star?”
“It was all my doing… the ponies suffered because of me.”
“Will you be my commander?”
“The sun was covered in an eclipse all because of what I said, one year of pain and suffering all because I tried to comfort the pony I loved.”
“There is still a chance to save yourself you know… to make it all right.”
“I did this… I started a war, I.. I’m responsible for their deaths, all of them. The fighting, the bloodshed, it’s all because of me.”
Nightmare Moon tried to get through to him, “Commander? Will you join me? A simple yes or no will suffice.”

Star Bolt thought to himself for a second then he looked up and stared at her directly in the eye as he said with a serious tone, “Nightmare Moon. I want you to kill me... right here and right now. I don’t care if its slow and painful or quick and painless, I only want you to kill me.”
Nightmare Moon was shocked to hear him say that but she hid it from her face, “Is that your decision then? To die here and now instead of serving me?”
Star Bolt kept his expression as he replied, “Yes, I have caused the pain and suffering that was the Nightmare Crusade. So it is only fair that I pay the ultimate price for the actions I'm responsible for.”
Nightmare Moon sighed, “Very well if you want to die than I have no choice but to answer your plea”

Nightmare Moon still held Star Bolt in the air with her magic as she reached out and touched the lone tree with her hoof. The tree instantly shattered into a billion pieces as if it was made of glass, leaving behind a perfectly made wooden spear. She then picked up the spear and held it to his face. Star Bolt continued looking her in the eye with his serious look, at no time did his expression change, it was as if his eyes were penetrating her very soul. She had never seen such seriousness in a pony’s eyes before. This wasn’t the stare of a pony merely accepting death, this was the look of a pony pleading for death… a pony who welcomed it. She pulled the spear back and braced herself to jolt it forward into his head, but she hesitated. Something was stopping her, she couldn’t strike forward with the spear as easily as she though.

Nightmare Moon lowered her spear and took a deep breath trying to clear her thoughts and ready herself, then she brought the spear back to its earlier position in front of his face. She pulled the spear back again, but the results were the same. Despite the irritation, he gave her, despite the betrayal and his request for death… She couldn’t do it. she still had feelings for him, feelings that was preventing her from killing him face to face like this. She even tried closing her eyes and striking forward, but like the last few attempts, she couldn’t kill him. Star Bolt saw the indecision in her eyes so he tried to anger her, “What’s the matter Nightmare Moon? I'm only a pathetic commander who chose to betray his princess. Can’t you finish me?”
Nightmare Moon thought to herself for a second then she finally decided how she could do it.

Nightmare Moon flew into the sky still crying both Star Bolt and the Spear then using all the strength she had, she tossed Star Bolt as far and as hard as she could. Star Bolt closed his eyes as he flew through the air, with no concern for his life he didn’t try to fly at all, or even slow his speed. He only waited until he hit the top of a tree in the middle of the Everfree Forest. After hitting the tree, he landed on a sturdy enough branch that held him high off the ground. He stood up on the branch and started to check his body to see if he broke anything but then he heard a familiar sound, out of reflex he raised his shield to protect himself. The Wooden spear flew at him with so much speed and force that it pierced his shield, His shoulder, and stuck into the tree behind him pinning him between his shield and the tree. Star Bolt screamed in agony for a few seconds, then he saw Nightmare Moon flying above him in the sky, “You had your chance commander, now you will be displayed here for all the ponies to see. You are an example of what happens when you stand against me.”

Star Bolt Looked up at her and replied, “Y-you w-will… not use... my corpse as a tool too… I’d rather be eaten by t-timberw-wolves.”
Star Bolt grabbed the spear by its staff, then using his hind hooves and his wings he pushed against the tree until the wooden blade broke off inside the tree. As soon and the spear blade was broken, Star Bolt fell to the ground below, hitting every branch on the way down, all the while making the spear staff that was still sticking out both sided of his body, worsen his wound. Nightmare Moon was both horrified and worried about the wounded stallion, as she watched him hit the ground and lie there without moving. She rushed down to his side, then she kneeled down and spoke with tears running down her face, “Why Star Bolt? I gave you a chance to live. I wanted you to stay with me a while longer. I wanted you to be by my side while we both ruled Equestria as the keepers of the night… but instead you chose death? I could have given you anything and everything you could ever hope for… why would you give up such an offer? Especially just to die a horrible death. Why?”

Trying to talk through the pain, Star Bolt replied, “I-I died a long time ag-go. It didn’t t-take long for m-me to see that… we could nev-never win that w-war… and if I c-caused it all, th-then I deserved to d-die. I g-guess this w-was how it was sup-supposed to end. Go and st-start… your war, I-I won’t… be a p-part of it this t-time.”
Nightmare Moon stood back up and sighed, “Then this is goodbye Star Bolt… we won’t meet each other again. This, I am certain.”
Nightmare Moon turned around and turned into her cloud of mist leaving behind the tears that were on her face as they fell to the ground. Star Bolt replied, “G-Good ridden.”

Star Bolt tried to pick himself up but it was impossible, the wounds were too bad and he had already lost too much blood. He reached for the spear and tried to pull it out of his body but he was too weak to do that too. When he tried to look at his wound, he couldn’t see anything because of the shield that was nailed to his chest by the spear, locking his right hoof behind it. He started to feel dizzy as he laid in a pool of his own blood, “So… th-this is what death feels l-like… I… have waited for so l-long for this d-day. But I… I…”

At that moment, as his vision started to fade, he could see a silhouette galloping towards him. As the silhouette got closer, he was able to identify it. It was the zebra from the night before, as she got closer to him she started to open her saddle bag,
“Hold on my friend this isn’t you fate,
I won’t let you die, I'm not too late,
My name is Zecora, I'm a friend and that’s true.
Now lay back, relax, I'm here to help you.”
Star Bolt replied as he started to loss consciousness, “B-but how did you f-find me… there is n-no… way you coul…”
Star Bolt’s blood loss had caught up with him as he lost consciousness.

Ch22 A New Dawn

Stars, that’s what he saw when he opened his eyes, Star Bolt looked into the sky as he laid on his back in a field. He noticed the pain on his shoulder was gone so he immediately assumed he was dead. He continued looking at the sky and mumbled to himself, “I… I'm responsible. It was me, I started this war, I brought the eclipse upon everypony. It’s my fault; they all died because of me, because I couldn’t see that, the mare I loved wasn’t the one giving me orders, she was the one taking my orders all along. I deserve this; I deserve to die withou…”
Star Bolt went silent when he felt somepony’s hoof slowly grip his, “Don’t talk like that commander, you know as well as I do, that you only did what you saw was the right choice. Even if it caused this much trouble, you fought to the bitter end, and never gave up… unless you plan to start now.”

Star Bolt smiled as a tear started to roll down his face, then he looked to his right, at the pony whose voice could never be forgotten, “I know you will always try to cheer me up Gem, but this time, I don’t think anything will. I… I'm done. I can’t continue fighting if it only brings more pain to others.”
Gem Stone smiled and shook her head, “You’re such a big foal, you always did what you thought was right only to help your army or us. However, you never thought once about helping yourself. You need to stop thinking about others for once and start thinking about what you want.”

Star Bolt looked a Gem Stone, then he closed his eyes in shame, “Gem… the reason I fought this war was for my selfishness. I wanted to free Princess Luna because I was in…”
“Love with her… I know, but did you want to free her to be with her? Or did you just want to free her so she could be free? You fought because you wanted to break her heart from the darkness, not because you wanted to be with her. See, that wasn’t selfish at all. You have always fought so that others can be happy. You started that when you asked to be trained before you joined the royal guard, and from there you spent your entire life trying to help somepony else, the princesses’, your army, nightmare moon, and many others. Now, there are no others, no army, officers, or rulers. So now, you need to help yourself, you need to stop living for others and start living for yourself or at least try to live your own life.”

Star Bolt looked into her eyes, but how? Now that I'm dead how can I…”
“You’re not dead, Zecora is helping you now.”
“Zecora? You mean that Zebra I saw? But I had a spear through my body, how could she possibly…”
“Chief Rafi”
“Rafi? What’s he got to do with Anyth…”
Gemstone sighed, “You really are slow aren’t you? Chief Rafi is her ancestor; he has been wanting to help you since the day you left. So, he sent her a vision to find you, and she knows more about medical potions than anyzebra in the world. In fact, she already saved you. All you have to do is wake up. but before you do I need to let you know, you are about to make a choice that will decide your future I just want to let you know that no matter your choice, I’ll always follow you. no matter what.”

Star Bolt smiled, “Thank you Gem, as usual you found a way to cheer me up.”
Gem Stone smiled as a tear rolled down her face, “One more thing, that promise you made to me in Canterlot… I'm still waiting.”
Star Bolt started to think, “Promise? What promi…”
While looking at Gem Stone a bright light shined from over the horizon behind her, so Star Bolt closed his eyes to shield it, but when he opened his eyes, he was looking at a ceiling above him. The pain in his chest was back bur it seemed like it wasn’t as bad as before.

Star Bolt looked around the room at the décor, everything around him seemed somewhat creepy, but he recognized it as the basic appearance of a zebra’s home. Then he looked to his right and saw the zebra that lived here, she was just finishing the stiches on his wound when Star Bolt spoke to her. “Your name is Zecora, right?”
Zecora smiled and nodded her head, “It’s nice to meet a warrior, so strong and so bold, you faced many foes, or so I was told,
You don’t know me nor I know you, but an ancestors words, ring loud and true.
for one hour I worked, I did all I could, to save your life, as my ancestor would.
you’ve been sleeping for half the time that I had, but you need your rest, your wounds were quite bad.”

Star Bolt smiled and sat up, “Thank you Zecora, but I feel fine now. Do you know where you put my armor and shield? I would like to check the damage.”
Zecora pointed to the set of armor and the matching shield that sat on a chair in the corner of the room. When Star Bolt approached it, he started checking the armor for damage, then he checked the pockets, “Hmm… three bits... Barely enough for a simple meal, and…”
When Star Bolt checked the pocket that was behind his chest plate, he was shocked. Gem’s bandana, the one she wore the day she died was still there, one thousand years and it still looked new, aside from a small stain of blood in the corner from his shoulder wound. Star Bolt held it close to his chest and spoke to himself, “Gem… I'm sorry, I have to be selfless for a little while longer. I can’t let this happen again.”

When Zecora saw the pain in his eyes she started to turn away to give him a moment, but Star Bolt reached out and put his hoof on her shoulder, “Zecora I thank you for your kindness, but I have to go, I must find Nightmare Moon and stop her from repeating history. I can’t let her start a second war.”
Zecora lowered her head in worry, “If that’s your goal, then I'll help all I can, to stop Nightmare Moon, and her evil plan.
She’ll be at the ruins that hold harmony, the old dark castle, deep in the Everfree.
You know of this place, when you felt betrayed, the dark old castle where your judgment was made.
But warn you I must, for I will not deny, if you fight, with your wounds… you will die.”

Star Bolt picked up his shield. He studied the hole that was on its face. One inch to the left then it would have gone through his arm too. However, that didn’t matter now. The blade was still sharp, so as long as he didn’t block anything he would be fine. Leaving his armor on the ground he slung the shield and started for the door, before he left he turned around and hugged Zecora, “Thank you… not only have you saved my life, but you pointed me in the right direction. It has been a long time since I had a friend, and even though you were only fulfilling your ancestors wish, I still owe you my life. As your ancestor Chief Rafi would say, I hope good fortune will smile upon you.”

Zecora didn’t expect Star Bolt to hug her; she blushed a little as she replied, “A friend… to you? I'm embarrassed to say, you’re my first friend in many a day,
now go and be safe for this night will soon, be the last night we hear from Nightmare Moon.”
Star Bolt smiled as he trotted out the door and flew into the sky as fast as his wing would allow while ignoring his injury. Zecora trotted to the door and watched as he flew away, “Good luck my friend, for this is your night, to change your past and make everything right.
You have one more choice, to lead strong and proud, or to exile yourself, and blend in with a crowd.
So I leave you now, to decide your task, will you run away… or end it, at last.”

Star Bolt flew through the air as fast as he could toward the castle of the alicorn sisters, as he flew he started thinking about everything he has gone through during the last war. he couldn’t believe all the things that had happened throughout his life. As he thought about it, he started to realize Gem Stone was right, every risk he took could have ended with his death, but they were all to encourage his soldiers, protect his family, or to free Luna. At no time did he ever do anything that benefitted himself only. He mumbled to himself, “This is my last act of selflessness. I must stop this war from starting then I have a debt to pay to Princess Celestia.”

After a while of flying, Star Bolt approached the castle of the alicorn sisters. When he came to land just outside the ruins his wound started acting up, making his front hooves go limp as he tried to land, after hitting the ground and rolling for a few feet, he picked himself off the ground and checked his stitches to see if they reopened. Luckily, they didn’t but he knew that if a fight was waiting for him then he would be in trouble. Suddenly he heard a scream from the remains of an old tower followed by a light that shined out the windows. The scream sounded exactly like Nightmare Moon, but to make thing even worse, the light he saw, he recognized as light emitted from the Elements of Harmony.

Star Bolt didn’t like this one bit, but before he could react, a blinding light came from behind him, when he turned to look at what it was, he couldn’t believe his eyes. It was the sun. It had been more than one thousand years since he witnessed a sunrise. As he watched the sun come over the horizon, he saw something else that made him feel uneasy. Princess Celestia was flying overhead towards the tower that the elemental light shined from. Star Bolt quickly took cover to hide from her view, then he thought to himself, “If she didn’t use the Elements, then who did? Either way this is my chance to end her too, without the Element of Harmony, she’s weak.”

Star Bolt knew that the fastest way to that tower was through the main lobby of the old castle. As he made his way through the lobby, he noticed that everything looked different, while at the same time, it looked the same. As he trotted by the old pillars, he could see the banners hanging over the pike ponies heads as they watched Star Bolt and his group approach the throne room. Then he saw the gash in the floor where Viscous’ shock caused her spell to vanish making her heavy axe hit the floor. He started hearing her cried in the back of his mind, “WHAT DO YOU CARE! I'm all alone now… I'm the last of the Nightmare Officers!”
Star Bolt sighed, “It seems like a bad dream, one that I can never wake up form as lo…”

Suddenly Star Bolt started to hear voices coming from the doorway ahead, he quickly took cover behind a pillar and watched as a Pink earth pony, and a unicorn who he could only describe as elegance with four hooves trotted into the lobby, the pink pony hopped along chanting, “We’re going to paaarty, we’re going to paaarty.”
Then the Unicorn spoke, “You know Pinkie, I would prefer a little beauty sleep after a long night like this one, but I suppose I could go for one more soirée before getting some rest, this is a special occasion after all.”
Star Bolt thought to himself, “Who are these ponies? And what does she mean by special occasion?”

Next two pegasi entered the room, one with a rainbow colored mane and the other with a long pink mane. The pony with the rainbow mane spoke first, “You know Fluttershy, you were a lot braver than I expected you to be, did you find any special courage in this adventure of ours?”
Fluttershy replied, “Oh… I uh… I didn’t notice at all, maybe… I did find some bravery through all this… I bet I coul…”
A small shard of glass fell from a nearby window and made a very small crashing sound, Fluttershy yelped then quickly rushed and hid behind the rainbow maned pony. The pony only sighed, “Uh… I guess you didn’t find any courage this time after all.”
Hearing Fluttershy yelp kind of brought a smile to Star Bolt’s face, not because of her being afraid of something so small as glass, but because it made her seem very cute, in an adorable kind of way.
He noticed that they all were wearing a charm around their neck; this charm had to be a piece of the Elements of Harmony, so he could only assume they were split into each element and they were carried by different ponies now… Meaning that Princess Celestia didn’t wield them all anymore.

Then two more ponies, an earth pony wearing a hat, and a purple unicorn entered the room, following Princess Celestia. Star Bolt thought that this was the perfect chance, with the elements split up and the first four ponies already out of the room he could catch her off guard and kill her before she had a chance to react. Star Bolt unslung his shield, secured it to his arm and listened while he waited for her to pass the pillar he hid behind. The purple unicorn spoke to Princess Celestia, “So you planed me and my new friends to do this from the very start your majesty?”
Princess Celestia smiled, “Of course Twilight Sparkle, this plan has been in the works for centuries but I didn’t decide I would pass the task to you until I saw the magic you possessed, I knew that with your skills you would find the perfect friends to help complete this task for me. I'm so proud of you… and your friends.”

As soon as Princess Celestia passed the pillar he was hiding behind, Star Bolt thought to himself, “This is it; it’s time to make her pay for the pain and suffering I endured for the past millennium, and for using me to get close to Nightmare Moon all those centuries ago.”
Star Bolt took one step out from behind the pillar to charge. But as he did, the earth pony turned back to the door they entered from and called out, “Come on, princess! I know it’s been a while, but your subjects will be pleased as peaches to see that ya returned safe and sound.”
Star Bolt quickly jumped back behind the pillar and looked at the door with curiosity, “Princess?”

Star Bolt froze in complete shock, he couldn’t believe his eyes, there standing in the doorway with a somewhat nervous expression on her face, was Princess Luna of Equestria. The real Luna, the Luna that saved him as a foal, gave him confidence during the royal guard exam, the Luna he spent every night talking with in the Canterlot garden, and the same Luna who he spent a year in darkness trying to bring back.

Princess Luna looked around the room as she slowly made her way through the lobby. “Luna!!”
This word rang over and over in his mind, but Star Bolt didn’t open his mouth to say it. He wanted more than anything to call out to her, but he stayed quiet. He wanted nothing more than to run to her, but he stayed put where he was. Instead, he kept himself hidden behind the pillar, hoping the she wouldn’t see him. After everything he has been through, everypony he killed, every home he burned, and every city that has fallen to him. He couldn’t confront the one pony that he did it all for. He couldn’t approach Princess Luna… not anymore… Why? He couldn’t understand it, his feelings for her started to return as soon as he saw her, but for some unknown reason he felt like things would be better if she didn’t know he was there.

As Princess Celestia and the other two ponies left the lobby Star Bolt watched as Princess Luna approached the door, right before she reached the door Star Bolt spoke softly, “Welcome home… Luna.”
Princess Luna froze in her tracks, then she slowly turned her head in the direction that she though she heard a voice come from. She looked around but she didn’t see anypony from where she was standing. Princess Luna turned around as started trotting closer to the pillars to investigate but as she did, Princess Celestia called to her from outside, “Sister are you coming to greet your Subjects? What’s taking you so long? Is there something wrong?”
Princess Luna smiled and shook her head, “No it’s nothing, I just thought I heard somepony, that’s all.”
As Luna turned around and trotted towards the door, Star Bolt came out from behind the pillar and watched her trot out of the door, the room… and his life. He sighed as he watched her leave then he turned around and continued towards the tower.

As Star Bolt entered the old tower, he could feel the magic of the elements still present in the room, he could only think, this power left a trail that was as easy to feel as the electricity at the Thunder Grounds… perhaps this too was a curse, but one with a much better price. Thank Celestia I don’t bear this one too.”
As Star Bolt trotted towards the window he caught a gimps of The Alicorn Sisters leaving on a carriage pulled by pegasi soldiers. As they flew into the distance as he spoke quietly to himself, Celestia… you kept your promise and fulfilled your part of the agreement, you won’t get any trouble from me. Goodbye Luna your nights will always be beautiful in my eyes. But I won’t be with you to tell you just how beautiful they really are.”

When Star Bolt turned around he kicked something on the ground next to his hooves, taking a closer look he realized that it was some kind of armor, but he didn’t know who it belonged to until he saw the deep gash that he left in it the last time he saw Nightmare Moon. As he looked at the armor, he felt a strange combination of accomplishment, regret, and pity. He was happy to see that she got what she deserved, but he felt bad that he couldn’t free Luna himself. Also he felt a little sorry for her, maybe he has some kind of feelings for her, or maybe he felt sorry for her that she loved him and tried to kill him. but something inside him made him feel bad so he removed his shield and looked at the hole in it, “She hit me in the shoulder when she could have easily hit me in the heart… she couldn’t kill me, at least not knowingly. She really did love me… but I could never return my feeling, not after losing what I have. The war was my fault, but I still fought it for this… Monster.”

Star Bolt took one last look at the shield then he propped it up against the ruined armor that sat on the floor. As he turned around leaving the shield there, he said one word, the same word that angered him. The word that was used by Nightmare Moon to describe him from time to time, “Pathetic”
Star Bolt trotted out of the castle without looking back.

Epilogue

It had been four days since he saw the sunrise, and in that time, Star Bolt traded his armor to Zecora for a cloak, a saddlebag and a short sword that she personally made for him, he then decided to set off on his own. The sun was just setting as Star Bolt slowly trotted closer and closer to Dragon Mountain. After wandering through the woods for a while, he finally approached a small gate with a lock on it. However, the lock made no difference, the rusty gate was so worn that Star Bolt only had to push against it before it fell to the ground in rust covered scraps. After he passed, the gate he made his way deeper and deeper into the forest until he reached a vine-covered statue that sat in a small clearing.

As he looked upon this old statue, he started to have flashbacks of when it was new. He looked around the area and could see the mourning friends and soldiers who attended the memorial service. He could see Ardent crying her eyes out, while Callous gave his speech. He could hear the sound of the guards drawing their swords and raising them to salute. Star Bolt took the hood of his cloak off his head and looked at the statue very closely it had been more than a thousand years and Princess Celestia kept it standing and even refurbished it a few times. Now here it sat, lost in time and lost in memories of those who were there.

Star Bolt drew his sword and started cutting away on the vines that covered the statue, being very careful not to damage the statue itself. He continued cutting away at each vine without even touching any part of the stone that made the statue, using perfect precision and accuracy that he only used during combat more than a millennium ago. When he finished he landed and cut away the last vine that covered the inscription, then he stepped back to take a good look, “It looks just like her, even now after one thousand years, this statue looks exactly like her.”
Star Bolt pulled the pink bandanna from his saddle bag and laid it on the bottom pedestal where that statue stood.

Star Bolt looked down at the inscription and began to read, “Here lies, Captain Gem Stone, The last soldier to fall during the Nightmare Crusade at the Battle of Canterlot. She was born into a tragedy and lived in misery, but despite all she lived through, she still found reason to smile. She was proof that every Gem Stone shines its brightest, when it’s in the light of a Star. A good friend, a wonderful sister, and the love of her commander’s life. She, her arrows and her loyalty will shine forever, as her memory will never fade. The loyal, the beautiful, the strong, the Gem of the Nightmare Legion.”

After reading the statue, Star Bolt wiped the tears from his eyes and smiled, “Well Gem… I know I'm late but here I am. I made a promise and I kept it, I told you I would meet you here, and… well you know what they say… better late than never… right?... I miss you. There isn’t anything else I can say, but I miss you, with all my heart. It looks like after all these years… er centuries. I finally completed my goal. And now you can rest easy. I'm done killing, I'm done fighting battles for others. Now it’s time I fight my own battles, to find my own path, and my own home. It looks like this big foal can finally put his past behind him.”

A voice called out from behind Star Bolt, “This area is restricted to all who don’t have direct permission from Princess Celestia! Why are you here?”
thinking fast Star Bolt put his hood back over his head and turned his head slightly to look at the pony who was talking to him. when he saw who it was he felt uneasy. It was a royal guard, and not just any, this guard happened to be a commander. Star Bolt gripped the sword under his cloak as he replied, “I apologize, I'm just a wanderer who lost the road and found this place by mistake. I didn’t know it was off limits.”

The Commander continued, “This place isn’t near any roads! Either you have been traveling a long time off the road, or you’re lying to me, which is it?”
Star Bolt kept a hold of his sword as he replied, “You caught me, I heard storied of a statue of what was referred to me as the Gem of the Nightmare Legion so I got curious and decided to take a look myself. I didn’t mean any harm.”
The commander looked at Star Bolt with curious expression, “And why would you care about some old statue?”
“The stories I’ve heard seems quite interesting, I'm certain you yourself have heard about it before. Haven’t you?”
The Commander Smiled, “Yea my old superiors used to tell me that she was traitor, an archer who did nothing but brought shame to Equestria. But you should expect that from any wicked mare who could ever fall in love with the great Commander Bolt.”

Star Bolt’s fury started to make him tremble in intense rage, in fact, he was so angry he didn’t even realize that he had drawn the sword halfway from its sheath as if he was going to strike the commander when he dropped his guard. Then the commander continued, “However.”
“However?”
The commander smiled in a more peaceful way, “Princess Celestia told us the real story about her, She was a beautiful mare who wanted nothing more than to be by her commander’s side, both on and off the battlefield. She fought bravely and with honor for both sides, only to be stricken down in a terrible way during the Battle of Canterlot. It was her death that caused Commander Bolt of the Nightmare legion to surrender that day. She still holds the record for longest arrow accurately fired, and she is the example used when training archers even today. A great soldier and from what I hear, a noble soul. Her commander must have been one of great skill to train such a pony…”

Star Bolt interrupted the commander “No, he wasn’t, her commander gave her an order and she followed it like any soldier, but it was his selfishness and corruption that hid her love from his eyes. She did everything she could to keep his spirits up, she loved him with all her heart and he didn’t even realize it until it was too late. She didn’t deserve to die the way she did, and he didn’t deserve her love. But that didn’t stop her. She fought until the end and literally devoted her life to him.”

The celestial commander replied, “Wow, we never heard the story from that perspective before, well either way she is still an important role model for the archers of this kingdom.”
Star Bolt sighed, “Well commander, when you’re right your right, I'll go ahead and take my leave, sorry if my curiosity broke any rules or anything, I just wanted to see this statue. That’s all.”
As Star Bolt turned around and started trotting into the forest, the commander spoke up, “She misses you, you know.”
Star Bolt tuned to look back at the celestial commander, “What did you say?”

The commander replied, “Princess Luna, she still misses you. Every night she trots through the Canterlot garden… alone, refusing to allow anypony to trot with her. She used to visit the Thunder Grounds every night, but she always broke out in tears so she stopped to ease the pain in her heart. She thinks that she killed you in the Everfree Forest. She continues to blame herself for your death. So, are you going to let her carry that kind of pain on her conscience?”
Star Bolt took off his hood and looked at the commander, “If there is anything I’ve learned in one thousand years, it’s that when somepony you care about dies, you will eventually get over them.”
The Commander replied, “If that’s true then why are you here? Why did you come to this statue?”
Star Bolt didn’t answer instead he turned around and started trotting into the forest.

The Commander Called out to him, “Commander Bo…”
“SHUT UP!!!... my name is Star Bolt… Commander Bolt died a few days ago… in the Everfree Forest.”
The commander Sighed, “Do you know what the last phrase in the royal guard creed is? We will guard the royal sisters with our very life, from every sing…”
“Single form of pain or strife.”
Star Bolt thought about those words for a couple of seconds then he realized what the commander meant. Acting as fast as he could he drew his sword and blocked a swing from the commanders broad sword. The commander spoke, “It’s my duty to prevent any pain from disrupting the royal sisters’ lives, so I'll bring you in and prove to Princess Luna that she shouldn’t blame herself for anything.”

Star Bolt pushed the commander back and replied, “You forget commander… I’m out of your league!”
“WE’LL SEE ABOUT THAT!!!”
When the commander charged, again Star Bolt flapped his left wing to throw dust into the air. The commander swung his sword through the dust but hit nothing, and then Star Bolt moved in to the commanders lower left and punched the commander in his throat with his right hoof. When the commander dropped to a knee to catch his breath, Star Bolt kicked him in the face knocking him onto his back. The commander tried to shuffle to his hooves but before he had the chance, Star Bolt already had his sword against the commander’s neck. The commander looked into his eyes and spoke, “So this is your choice then, you’re willing to let her suffer?”
Star Bolt replied, “I'm willing to let go of my past. Things would be better off if I didn’t exist, Equestria doesn’t need ponies like comm…”
“Dad?”

Star Bolt looked in the direction the voice came from, and saw a grey pegasus standing near Gem’s statue. Star Bolt mumbled to himself. “Déjà vu,”
Thinking fast he smiled, sheathed his sword and stepped back, then he held out his hoof to the commander and spoke, “Very good commander, your training has improved but you might want to work on your defense, you leave your lower left wide open after you swing, that’s how I beat you.”
The commander immediately realized what Star Bolt was doing, so he played along, “Maybe I didn’t expect you to play so dirty, throwing dust into my face? That’s low… even for you.”
“All is fair in love and war commander. I thought you would realize that by now.”

The Young Pegasus was confused, “Uh… dad, what’s going on here?”
The commander looked at his son, “Oh Icarus, I was just having a spar with an old friend from my training days, this is Mr…”
Star Bolt quickly spoke up, “Wanderer… I have no more need of a name now that I'm retired so wanderer is fine.”
The gray pegasus paid no mind to his curiosity and just replied, “Okay, well dad, moms looking for you?”
The commander replied, “Alright Icarus, I'll be there in a few minutes.”
As the young pegasus trotted away Star Bolt looked at the commander, “Your son?”
The commander smiled, “Yep, I’ve been telling him your story for years, it’s actually given him a little confidence.”
“My story?”
“The Great Commander Bolt and his armies, the soldier of soldiers. Princess Celestia has told use of your battles many times, before… you know you’re a legend in the royal guard. So… Mr. wanderer, what will you do now, if you won’t return to Canterlot?”
Star Bolt put his hood back on, “I'll just keep on wandering, there got to be a place for me somewhere out there.”

The commander smiled, “I saw the markings of your sword sheath, as well as the mark on your blade, those are… cutie marks, right?”
Star Bolt smiled, “Keep your family protected commander, I always keep mine close to me in my own way.”
“Is that so… well then I will wish you luck in your travels, and I'll let you know, Princess Celestia thinks you’re still alive and it won’t be long before she sends a search party after you.”
Star Bolt smiled as he trotted away, “Well it’s safe to say my travels will be anything but boring.”
Star Bolt continued into the woods and vanished from the commander’s sight.

The rumors of Commander Bolt’s return spread like wild fire. Some say he was only a myth and never existed. Some say he did exist but he was killed a thousand years ago, some say he died at the hooves of Nightmare Moon, while others say he still Wanders Equestria today. Princess Celestia believing that he is alive has sent countless search parties after him. Only to have battered, beaten, and bruised soldiers return. Princess Luna never could decide if she believed he was alive or not. Nevertheless, one thing was certain, she never forgave herself for the way she treated Star Bolt while she was Nightmare Moon.

Star Bolt still wanders from city to city in Equestria. He has even traveled as far as the Griffon Kingdoms, though he always tries to avoid Canterlot. He has taken odd jobs for money as a weather stallion, a bodyguard, and a self-defense teacher. However, when anypony gets suspicious of his past, or when royal guards start snooping around, he packs up and leaves, searching for that one place where he can truly belong. Searching for a place where a fallen star can live his own life.

Author's Note

Next story in the series: The Wandering Star

Ch7 Peace in Death, Love in War, and Good in Evil

“Commander Bolt, its Captain Stone. Permission to enter your quarters, sir?”
Commander Bolt dunked his sharpening stone into a bowl of water then answered. “Granted.”
Captain Stone entered the hut, “Commander I came to report that Lieutenant Snow has just left with the Prisoners to the main prison on the center of the Everfree Forest.”
Commander Bolt continued sharpening the blade on his shield and replied, “Thank you for the report, how are the wounded?”
Captain Stone lowered her head, “Of the total we had earlier, six more died an hour ago, three will die within the next few hours, and its estimated ten more will be lost before tomorrow morning.”

Commander Bolt lowered his head, “I see, please prey for those ten. I hate seeing bad thing happen to my troops.”
Captain Stone spoke softly, “Praying won’t help them sir, the medics did everything possible, but with no luck.”
Commander Bolt sat his shield on the floor next to him and looked at Commander Mist’s spear, sitting in the corner of the room, “No, I meant. Pray that they go in their sleep… without pain, without fear.”
Trying to change the subject Captain Stone asked, “How is your ear sir?” Commander Bolt looked back at Captain Stone but he didn’t answer the question, he just stared at her quietly until she looked up at him, Then she quickly looked away.

Commander Bolt sighed, “Captain Stone, what’s on your mind?”
Captain Stone looked at Commander Bolt, “Nothing… sir… it’s just…”
Commander Bolt started trotting towards Captain Stone, “You have been quiet since the battle ended, and I know you enough to know that you have a hard time talking about problem that concern only you. So please, as your friend you need to tell me what’s on your mind.”
Captain Stone sighed and took a seat, “It’s about that commander that w… I killed this afternoon.”
Commander Bolt nodded, “I see. This was the first time you killed a pony face to face isn’t it?”

Captain Stone continued, “Not only that but he seemed so clam… so accepting of death, and when I told him to make his peace, what he said was also spoken as if he didn’t even care that he was going to die.”
Commander Bolt asked, “What was it that he said? You were close enough to hear it clearer than I could.”
Captain Stone blushed as she repeated the phrase, “Such a beautiful and noble pegasus, but I have nothing to say, so just do what you got to, and finish me. That all he said, no pleading, no final farewell, he just called me beautiful and accepted death.”

Commander Bolt put his hoof on Captain Stone’s shoulder and replied, “That was the peace he needed to make.”
Captain Stone was confused “What?”
Commander Bolt explained, “Everypony whether they know it or not, always seeks one thing in their life, love.”
“Love? I don’t understand, what’s that got to do with it?”
“At one time he must’ve fallen in love with a mare but couldn’t tell her how he felt, so he told her through you.”
“Me?”
“Yes, he never could tell her how he felt so… and I know it sounds foolish, but he told you while pretending you where the mare he was in love with.”

Captain Stone thought to herself, “It does make sense but in actuality why would he tell me and feel content, when the mare he was in love with still doesn’t know how he felt.”
Commander Bolt thought about it for a second, “Maybe he was in shock, or maybe he didn’t care about that. Nevertheless, wouldn’t you want to tell somepony you love how you felt before you die?”
Captain Stone looked at the ground and thought for a second, “I suppose it makes since, when you look at it like that, but it doesn’t seem right, all he said was that I was beautiful. He didn’t tell me he loved me or anything like that.”

Commander Bolt close his eyes and replied, “To a stallion in love… that all you need to say to be content… to accept death, sometimes a stallion can’t even get the courage to say that much, despite the dangers he puts himself in.”
Commander Bolt tried to hide his face, in his mind he was talking about his feelings for Luna. After a brief silence, Captain Stone spoke up, “Commander?”
Commander Bolt turned and looked at her, “Yes?”
Captain Stone looked at the ground and tried to say what was on her mind, “The thing is… well I… I wanted to say that I…”

Captain Stone continued to hesitate but finally she sighed, looked at Commander Bolt and peacefully smiled, “Thank you for explaining it to me sir. I guess it’s hard to understand a stallions mind in a situation such as that.”
Commander Bolt smiled, he knew that there was still something on her mind but that peaceful smile was proof enough that she wasn’t worried about it. So, he replied, “Your welcome Gem, I'm glad to see that you’re feeling better, now go get some rest. The eclipse is setting and the moon will soon rise, and we’ve had a long day”

Captain Stone turned around but before she left the room, she spoke, “That’s the second time today that you’ve called me by my first name. Thank you sir it makes me feel like I'm not just your officer. It makes me feel like I'm your friend.”
Commander Bolt replied, “Of course you’re a friend, you and the other officers are the only ponies I trust anymore, even Snow. However, don’t get used to me calling you by your first name, both times where accidental, and unless I allow it, I’ll ask that you don’t call me by mine.”

Captain Stone smiled, “I understand completely… Star.”
Before Commander Bolt could respond, Captain Stone exited the hut and went to her quarters. Commander Bolt shook his head, “Sometimes I can’t help but think she is out to get me.”
Commander Bolt turned around and picked up his shield. He looked at all the dents, scuffs and even found a few places where arrow tips went through the layer of metal coating the blade. The rime keeping the blade inside was beaten and falling off, not to mention the blade itself looked as if he had beaten a rock against it without hesitation.
Commander Bolt sighed, “These repairs will take a while.”

Commander Bolt sat the shield down and went outside. On the horizon, he could see the Eclipse slowly setting. “Commander Bolt, can I speak with you for a second?”
Commander Bolt looked to his right and saw Captain Drib standing next to him, “Oh! Captain Drib, I didn’t notice you there. What would you like to talk about?”
Captain Drib looked at the battlefield, “I was wondering of you think it’s possible that in harsh times like this, somepony can fall in love with another.”
Commander Bolt smiled, “I'm flattered, but I think I'm out of your league.”
Captain Drib got annoyed, “Sir I'm serious.”

Commander Bolt laughed, “Calm down drib, I was only joking. I know who you’re talking about and I think that it is possible.”
Captain Drib blushed, “What? How did you… who told y…”
Commander Bolt laughed again, “Hold your horses, it wasn’t hard to see. You dropped out of the sky to save her life and you stayed by her side on the way back from the front line. That’s love my friend, it doesn’t come any stronger, and to be honest, I think she likes you too.”
Captain Drib replied “Really? Did she tell you that? Wait, we are talking about Viscous right?”

Commander Bolt smiled “Of course we are! I think you should tell her how you feel.”
Captain Drib sighed, “I don’t know sir, what if she doesn’t feel the same way? What if she turns me down without any way of showing how much I care?”
Commander Bolt looked back towards the battlefield, “Captain Stone and I had a similar conversation a few minutes ago. So try asking yourself this question. What if your next battle was your last? What if you or Viscous died in the next attack? Would you rather die knowing whether you had a chance to be happy? Or would you die never knowing the truth? You already proved your love to her; you dove out of the sky and blocked the killing blow from the celestial commander’s sword. You chose to guard her on the ground when you’re much stronger in the air. Tell her how you feel, her answer might surprise you.”

Captain Drib smiled, “Thank you sir, I wasn’t expecting such advice from the great Commander Bolt.”
Commander Bolt smiled, “The reputation isn’t what a commander strives for. It’s the wellbeing of his troops and his friends. Today you and Viscous both proved yourselves as dependable and strong leaders. This may have been our first battle together but you have my trust. Now go see her. You two are relieved from duty for the night. I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow morning.”
“Yes Commander. Thank you.”
Captain Drib trotted off into the camp, while Commander Bolt looked into the distance as the moon rose over the horizon. Something was drawing him to the battlefield for some reason; he couldn’t decide what it was. But it was like somepony, or something was calling to him.

Commander Bolt approached the lookout and asked, “Soldier, is there anything on the battlefield?”
the lookout skim through the battlefield and replied, “No sir, I don’t see anything. Did you sir?”
Commander Bolt thought to himself, the feeling was still there, he felt like he had to go out there for an important reason. He looked at the lookout and spoke, “Watch over the area, I'm going out there to scout.”
the lookout replied, “Sir? Do you think that’s wise? Why not send myself or another out. This doesn’t seem to be the duties of the commander, what if something happens?”
Commander Bolt looked down the battlefield, “I appreciate the concern but this is something I got to find out myself, so I’ll go alone.”

The lookout nodded his head, “Understood sir; I’ll keep an eye out for anything suspicious from here. Be careful commander.”
Commander Bolt turned and started trotting down the hill into the battlefield. Shortly after the battle ended a small group of troops gathered all the wounded and dead off the field, but they left behind pegasi feathers, puddles of blood and even a few blood soaked weapons. As Commander Bolt went further into the battlefield he noticed that there where hundreds of spears, arrows, shields, swords, and other items that where dropped amongst the carnage. The remains of the catapults also had arrows and spears sticking out of them. As he looked into the night, he couldn’t help but think that all the spears, swords, and shields resembled tombstones in a cemetery. In fact, at night this whole battlefield looked exactly like a very large Canterlot cemetery.

As the smell of blood and mud filled the air, Commander Bolt could only think, “This is the smell of Death.”
The further he went in, the more guilty he felt for the lost lives. Everypony that confronted him in combat met a terrible end and the fact that his army can hold so much power is sometimes scary to him. after a wile of trotting, he reached the hill that the Celestial commander met his end. The scars in the destroyed catapult and the commander’s blood remained fresh on the wood. This was the place that he felt he was being called too, but there isn’t anything here. a small glow on the other side of a shield caught his eye. Commander looked on the other side and found a smoldering arrow and a small pile of ash.

Commander Bolt was confused to find an arrow still burning long after the battle had ended. But then the pile of ash started to spin and mold itself together. In a bright flash, the pile of ash turned into a phoenix. Commander Bolt was surprised, “Philomena, I thought you left with Princess Celestia hours ago.”
Philomena turned to Commander Bolt and hissed at him. Commander Bolt took a few steps back to avoid being attacked, “Calm down Philomena, it me Star Bolt; you know I won’t hurt you.”
Philomena continued hissing then she jumped into the air in a ball of fire then flew off towards Canterlot.

Commander Bolt watched as Philomena flew into the distance. “It’s hard for animals to understand what we do, isn’t it?”
A dark voice came from behind Commander Bolt. Reacting quickly he picks up the shield in front of him and turns to brace himself for an attack. Nightmare Moon looked down at him spoke, “hold your horses Commander, I'm not an enemy. But I do admire your ability to react quickly.”

Commander Bolt placed the shield back on the ground, “Your majesty? Was it you that was calling me?”
Nightmare Moon looked over Commander Bolt head at Philomena and replied. “I did, I wish to speak with you. It was only coincidence, that Philomena was still out here. She had an arrow in her wing. Unfortunately, she wouldn’t trust me so she refused to allow me to help. After a while she finally bled to death, then like all phoenixes, she caught fire and rose from the ashes unharmed.”

Commander Bolt looked back toward Philomena, “It must be confusing for her, one day I'm feeding and taking care of her then the next I'm trying to kill her owner. Sometimes I wonder if we seem terrifying to the animals of this world.”
Nightmare Moon looked at Commander Bolt and replied, “I'm certain we do?”
Commander Bolt then turned back to Nightmare Moon, “Well, your majesty? Why did you summon me here?”
Nightmare Moon thought for a second, “I just wanted to talk to you.”
Commander Bolt felt confused, “Is there something you want to talk to me about?”

Nightmare Moon softly smiled, “Anything you would like to talk to me about will be fine.”
Commander Bolt was very confused now, in many situations he would feel like she was trying to get him to confess to something, but the softness of here smile said otherwise. Finally, Commander Bolt asked, “You just want to talk?”
Nightmare Moon nodded her head, “Yes, last night I started to think about the days before this war, and I found out that, the one thing I looked forward to every night was the conversations we us to have. It made me feel… happy, it seemed special to me somehow... I know this sound absurd to you commander, but I would like to talk with you as we did beck then.”

Commander Bolt couldn’t believe what he was hearing, but by the look on Nightmare Moons face, he could tell that she was serious. Commander Bolt replied with a smile, “Of course your majesty, I miss those nights too. What should we talk about then?”
Nightmare Moon smiled in a gentle way, “Why don’t you tell me about your officers. Stone I know, but the loudmouth, the pampered prince, the axe mare. Can you tell me about them?”
The Commander Bolt was shocked to see such a gentle smile on Nightmare Moons face, in fact for a few second; he could swear he was looking at Luna’s smile.

Commander Bolt started to tell Nightmare Moon about his officers, he told of Captain Stone’s Past, Lieutenant Snow’s lineage and attitude, he even told about Captain Drib’s affection for Lieutenant Viscous. They talked well into the night but before they decided to part ways Commander Bolt Stopped her, “Your majesty?”
Nightmare Moon Replied, “Yes, Star Bolt?”
Commander Bolt looked at the ground, “I… have wanted to tell you something for a long time now. Actually… I’ve wanted to tell you this for a number of years.”

Nightmare Moon closed her eyes and replied, “I know what you’re about to say… but It’s not the best thing to say right now... I'm sorry Star Bolt but this isn’t the time to tell me, please be patient… you can wait a little bit longer, can’t you?”
Commander Bolt hid his face to prevent Nightmare Moon from seeing his eyes tear up, “Of course your majesty, I… I can wait a little longer.”
Nightmare Moon turned around and replied, “If it’s any consolation though, I had a wonderful night and I hope we can do this again sometime… Good night Star Bolt.”
with that said, Nightmare Moon turned into the cloud of mist and flew into the darkness of the night.

Commander Bolt watched as she flew into the distance, and with a tear rolling down his cheek, he could only say, “I had a wonderful night too, good night… Luna.”
Commander Bolt Wiped away his tears and trot back to the camp. A lookout met him as he approached, “Is everything ok commander? I saw Nightmare Moon out there with you. Did she give you any good news?”
Commander Bolt walked by him and replied, “I went out there for recon, and you didn’t see anypony else. So… how Clear am I?”
The lookout nodded his head and replied, “Crystal sir.”
“Good.”
Commander Bolt went back to his quarters and went to sleep.

Commander Bolt had the same nightmare that he had since Commander Mist died. It was always the same dream, he was standing on a Dragon mountain looking down upon Equestria, and then the lightning orb cloud appears and starts to destroy everything within view. Commander Bolt woke to the sound of thunder. It surprised him at first but then he realized it was raining outside. Commander Bolt sat up and wiped his eyes, “What do these nightmares mean? And why…”

Just then, the lookout yelled “INCOMMING SOLDIERS, FROM THE NORTH!!!”
Commander Bolt picked up his still damaged shield and ran outside. He and the other officers approached the lookout at the same time. Then Commander Bolt asked, “What do you see soldier?”
The lookout replied, “Sir! I see multiple Soldiers coming in from the sky to the north.”
Captain Drib asked, “Celestial Pegasi?”
“No sir, Griffon Berserkers”
Commander Bolt was confused, “Griffon? But why…”

At that moment another lookout yelled, “SIR! SOLDIORS EMERGING FROM THE EVERFREE FOREST, TO THE WEST!!!”
Commander Bolt was confused, “What! Are they…”
The next Lookout yelled, “SIR, SOILDERS APPROCHING FROM THE EAST!!! WE ARE SURROUNDED!!!”
Commander Bolt couldn’t take it anymore, “ALL SOILDERS TO ARMS!!! If they are here for a fight then we will not disappoint them.”
Commander Bolt the approached his Officers, “Gather information from all the lookouts and report back to me immediately, we will need to know who we are dealing with.”