A Dark Eclipse

War is like love. It always finds a way.

Chapter Three: Let’s split up, Gang!

A large pyre was set up in the middle of the small clearing as the surviving soldiers burned the bodies of their comrades and enemies alike. The group looked on sadly as they saw the fire calmly devour the bodies of the ponies that had died in this pointless battle. Once the adrenaline died down Rainbow Dash was quieter than usual, watching the flames and the bodies carefully. Applejack cantered over to her and sat down putting a hoof around her neck.

“What’s bothering ya’, RD? Ah know a troubled soul when Ah see one.” Rainbow Dash leaned into Applejack, trembling lightly even though the warmth from the fire kept everyone warm.

“During the fight…I just imagined they were all Gryphons…It was so easy killing them if I just put feathers and beaks on them…Am I really that callous? That all I have to do to kill somepony without a thought is just imagine they’re a Gryphon?” Applejack stroked the rainbow mane and sighed.

“The war took a toll on all of us…This one will be no different.” Rainbow Dash trembled harder from the orange mares truthful words. As the two had some alone time the sergeant approached the rest of the group.

“Hello Elements. It’s good to see everyone made it out alive. It was a pretty bad fight.” He looked fatigued as his eyes drooped slightly and bags were clearly outlined underneath his eye. He looked like he was just ready to give up on life, but held on by just a thread. Twilight saw that in all the veterans of the Gryphon War. The back of her mind wondered if that was what she looked like to people now.

“Yes…I’m happy we all made it back without any physical injuries…I’m just sorry the same couldn’t be said for everypony,” Rarity said looking back at the pyre.

“It’s a shame,” the sergeant muttered. “But that is to be discussed after all this nonsense is over. We’ve heard reports that the entire Eastern Border of the Lunar Republic has been attacked. Thankfully most of the attacks were repelled and the few that weren’t were brought down by the Pegasi that were called in from Nebula. The Lunar Republic is safe for now and we need to get you ponies to Nebula. I’m sure President Luna will be happy to see you. We have a truck coming to pick you up. It’ll arrive in about an hour.” He then smiled and saluted them. “It has been an honor to see you mares and bucks. And I’m glad you picked our side.” With that he cantered off taking care of other business. Spike and Big Mac went off to find their stuff they had dropped off during the battle and all the pets were sleeping soundly by the fire. Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Twilight sat in a circle staring solemnly at each other.

“Well girls…We need a plan. We could stay in Nebula the entire war. You know Luna would allow it. We could be spared from the trauma of another war…to be honest, a big part of me wants to do that. I hated being out there. Watching other ponies die. And this time…This time both sides will be ponies. No more shields, no more closing our eyes. We’ll be out there…” Twilight shuddered. “And blood will be on our hooves.” The group stayed silent as they thought over the terrible choices. Allow ponies to die for them? Or kill other ponies to save the lives of the innocent and de-throne a terrible tyrant. All of them occasionally glanced at Rainbow, an all too real example that showed the turmoil one would end up going through after killing another ponybeing. Pinkie was the first to speak up.

“I think that we should go out there and help Luna take Canterlot! Everypony has a right to be free and party! Under Celestia neither of those freedoms would be given!” Twilight had a look of momentary shock before it faded into a proud smile. Sometimes she could forget how intelligent Pinkie could be under that crazy exterior.

“Ummm…I think…I should go with the army…You know…To help with the injured,” Fluttershy said meekly. “But I don’t want to fight! Oh no…I don’t think I can hold a gun.”

“Well, I know Rainbow Dash wouldn’t leave the fight…conflicted as she is.”

“But whatever shall we do about Sweetie Bell, Scootaloo, Applebloom, and the pets? We can’t just leave them in Nebula! Who knows of the dreadful trouble those Crusaders could get themselves into!”

“You do have a point Rarity…Do you think Cheerilee is still there? I know I hate to leave the kids and pets on her on the first visit we’ve given to her in Nebula, but we’ve got little choice.”

“Perhaps Luna will give us an answer. Being…president and all I’m sure she will be happy to find someone willing to take them in.” Rarity made a face as she forcefully made herself replace the title Princess with President.

“Well…” Twilight sighed and pawed the ground nervously. “It’s decided then. We all go into this war. For the good of ponykind.”

“Ya’ll know me and RD are coming along,” Applejack said as she and Rainbow joined in the group. Rarity and Pinkie scooted aside to give the two space.

“Yea…Both of us are in. No way are we going to leave you girls hanging! We’re all in this together, right?” Rainbow Dash asked, looking around, finding comfort in her friends’ faces.

“Of course, Rainbow. All for one and one for all yes?” Twilight asked with a giggle.

“Yea! We can be Harmonic Musketeers!” Pinkie gleefully cried out.

“Pinkie…” The group groaned, but Pinkie just giggled, oblivious or ignoring the groups protest to the name. The sergeant walked up to the group and smiled at the peace, however temporary, they had found.

“Elements. Not that I would like to ruin this little circle of yours, but the truck is here. Have a safe ride and may the stars light your path.” The mares responded in kind and followed a courier who guided them towards the truck. Rainbow Dash stopped before the sergeant and gave him a salute and also took off the saddle.

“This belongs to you Sarge.” The sergeant grinned and took the saddle from Rainbow Dash letting it sit unlatched on his back.

“Go out and kick some ass out there. Make those Imperium Guards fear the rainbow!”

“If they don’t already,” Rainbow chuckled. The sergeant and Rainbow shared another salute and quick hoof-bump before Rainbow ran off to join her friends in the truck.

The sergeant watched her vanish into the dark and sighed as he stared up into the starry sky. “May Luna and the Stars watch over them.”

Rainbow hopped into the truck and the courier signaled everything was ready, sending it driving off into the night. The pets were on the laps of their owners sleeping peacefully despite the jostling of the truck. Applebloom, Sweetie Bell, and Scootaloo rested near the front of the truck. Twilight yawned loudly spreading it to the others as well.

“We should catch some sleep girls. Who knows when we’ll get another good night’s rest.” They all nodded and quickly each let sleep claim them. All except Rainbow Dash, as she laid against Applejack staring up into the green canvas covering the truck.

“I don’t know if I can kill more ponies…But they are depending on me to do it…Even Lil’ Miss Rarity could do it! Buck up Rainbow! You can do this. You know it.” But even as Rainbow Dash fell asleep a frown was still found on her face and all the others as the truck rumbled down the road.

           Luna stared up into the sky as she strained to bring the moon down and bring the sun up at the same time. Celestia had abandoned her duties and Luna had to bring the sun and moon up, for the other nations did not know of the war about to take place and she would rather tell them on her own terms. To control the sun was not too different from controlling the moon, however something felt off as she gripped the burning star. A bright, hot flame seemed to burn her as if though the sun itself was rejecting her, seeking out its true wielder. But Luna refused to give in and soon she had the sun up, though everypony wouldn’t be able to miss its odd position in the sky, Luna had more pressing matters to attend.

“Just one of the hardships that I shall face...” Luna murmured, before someone tapped her leg.

“Miss Luna? I do believe that you have an appointment with…The Elements of Harmony!” A little colt said with large, circular glasses sitting slightly askew on his face. Luna smiled, forgetting some of her worries as she took in the good news and the little colt, excited to see the heroes who had saved ponykind from many horrors.

“Indeed Façade. Would you like to join me to meet them?”

“Of course!”

“Then let us go. I’m sure they are very anxious to understand what is happening out there.”

           Twilight groaned as the light hit her face through the window. She slowly creaked open her eyes as the cogs in her mind slowly started to warm up for the day.

Alright…On  a fancy bed in a very large room…soldiers must have moved us from the truck while we were sleeping…Which means we’ve made it to Nebula! This woke up Twilight as she opened her eyes wide to take in the room.

It seemed to be made out as a sleeping quarters just for them as each bed her friends slept on was personalized to each individual.  Rainbow Dash was sleeping happily on a cloud bed, with Scootaloo on the bed as well, while her own bed had a small reading lamp coming out of the headboard. Twilight found that interesting and was about to explore more before someone knocked on the door. She walked over and opened the door expecting a maid checking up on them. What she got, however, was the President of the nation she was currently in and an exiled princess.

“Hello Twilight Sparkle, it’s been quite a while.” Luna said with a tired smile on her face.

“Pri-President Luna!” Twilight caught herself at the last moment. “We weren’t expecting a visit so early!” A snore from Applejack proved that point.

“No need to fret, Twilight Sparkle. I’ve cleared up my morning just so I can catch you mares up to speed; however I would appreciate it if your friends were to awaken quickly.”

Twilight nodded and went around the beds poking her friends awake. Most of them made noises of annoyance until they caught sight of the regal princess of the night looking out of the window at the very end of the room. In a few minutes all of the mares had awoken and the children had scampered off to explore the hotel, dragging along Luna’s assistant as well.

“Applebloom! Ya be careful now ya hear?”

“Shush Applejack. I’m sure they will be fine. They’ve grown up now. I think they can handle being in a hotel,” Rarity whispered. Applejack looked back at the door and sighed, turning back to Luna as Twilight spoke up.

“So do you wish to talk about the war, President Luna?” Twilight asked. Luna looked out through the window, staring as her city rose with the sun she had struggled to raise, before turning to the Elements of Harmony who were patiently awaiting her words.

“Elements of Harmony, you have come to the nation in which I lead for protection and I do understand this, however you also understand that this nation is under attack by the Solar Imperium...by my sister. She has transformed into a monster--a monster most similar to Nightmare Moon--and now wishes to rule all of Equestria yet again and keep the sun forever in the sky to symbolize her eternal rule.

“This I am trying to prevent with all the strength I, and the people I lead, can muster. And even with all this at stake I give in to the fact that neither I nor the Senate has sovereignty over you. So I give you the choice, my little ponies: you will always be allowed to stay in Nebula and no pony will think any lesser of you, for you have already gone through the horrors of the Gryphon Wars. Or you may fight with the Lunar Republic and try to right the world once more.” She stared into the eyes of each mare as she concluded her speech.

Twilight took a deep breath before speaking, “President Luna...none of us could sit back and watch the world destroy itself. We are the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, and so we must attempt to make the world right again.”

The rest of them nodded their heads, affirming that Twilight spoke for all of them. Luna visibly relaxed and she let out a sigh of relief.

“That is the best news I’ve heard in a very long time! It is clear you have turned the favor of victory in this war towards us. Come with me to the Night House. We have so much to discuss.” Luna walked towards the door, ducking her head slightly as she exited the rooms. “And do not worry about your pets. I will make sure only the best of care is given to them. You have my word.”

Applejack and Big Mac went over and patted Winona lightly as she slept. Twilight smiled at Owlowicious who hooted his goodbyes to both Twilight and Spike. Opal was already awake and seemed to scowl at losing her owner, only to be replaced by a possible simpleton, but Rarity knew the cat would behave. Rainbow looked at Tank who nodded extremely slowly towards her. Rainbow beamed and rubbed the tortoise’s head before joining the group outside the room. Fluttershy was the last to leave as she was arguing with her stubborn bunny.

“Angel...You have to stay. I don’t think you’d like it...out there...” Fluttershy shuddered slightly thinking of the battle she would have to witness. But Angel was having none of it and stamped his foot, not letting up an inch. Fluttershy sighed and bowed, letting Angel hop onto Fluttershy’s back. “I’m sorry President Luna...Angel won’t give up when he’s like this,” Fluttershy said meekly.

“It is perfectly alright, Fluttershy, it is his choice,” Luna said a little awkwardly as she eyed the odd duo.

They all left the room, but Pinkie looked back as if staring at someone and winked when a small crocodile could barely be seen as it swam through her hair.

“Do not worry about your sisters,” Luna added in as they walked into the lobby. “I’m sure my assistant will do everything he can to keep them in check...”

“Where are we going?!” Facade yelled indignantly as he was dragged along by Applebloom.

“We’re exploring! CUITE MARK CRUSADERS EXPLORERS!” they all screamed at once, causing Facade to flinch and wail with despair as he was dragged ever deeper into the hotel.

“And if not, the guards will protect them as well.” Luna said as she heard an eerie wail echo throughout the hotel.

           As the mares exited the hotel they finally caught a look of the city and realized how different the Lunar Republic really was. The buildings were huge. Those of Canterlot couldn’t compare to the power and magnitude of the buildings within the Lunar Republic. Massive spires could be seen piercing the clouds with wide smokestacks just underneath them chugging out black clouds that the group had never seen before. Pegasi darted through the air, destroying the black clouds as they formed keeping the sky blue with only natural clouds moving lazily through the sky. The smaller buildings next to them seemed gray and monotonous, but if any of them peeked inside the windows most of them contained mysterious wonders never seen. But as most of them looked inside the buildings, Rarity was curiously examining the pedestrians.

Their clothing was unlike anything she had ever seen before. Some of the more rugged looking stallions wore a saddle that covered most of the body with pockets, allowing them to easily grab anything they needed. They wore strange things on their hooves that she couldn’t fathom the use for and goggles on top of their head.

Those that seemed more sophisticated to her eyes wore a garment similar enough to the tuxedos used in Canterlot, exposing their cutie mark unlike the saddle, but came in variations of the color brown or tan and seemed much less loose fitting. They also wore the same odd garments on their feet and had a nice brown or copper color top hat with goggles on them as well.

Oddly enough no mares could be found on the streets. Rarity was about to speak up, but before she could question Luna on the culture of Nebula, the group stopped in front of a large building. It was painted black, as if they were trying to hide it, but its size made it hard to miss. It wasn’t like the tall spires that decorated the city, but the fact it was on a raised hill forced it to be easily detectable from the ground. The building was surrounded by equally black fences and even with the sun raised, one would have to squint to see the Night Guard flitting around the building.

Luna approached the main gate, which stood at her height and looked quite menacing with sharpened spikes and odd decorations scattered about. The largest of these were two fear inducing Gryphons, standing there with quiet menace, a gun sticking out of each mouth. A few moments passed before Twilight spoke up.

“Luna? What are we-Gah!” Twilight gasped as several Night Guard Unicorns suddenly materialized around the group. The others let out cries of shock as well and huddled together. Luna looked back and giggled at their reactions.

“Come now, Elements! You wouldn’t think I’d just go out alone when the Solar Imperium is knocking at my doorstep do you?” The Night Guard kept a stoic face as all of their horns glowed at once--giving the group passage as the gate opened. As the group of NIght Guards and the Elements, tagged along by Spike and Big Mac, walked in, the gate behind them slammed shut. As they walked forward a large rune could be seen on the ground. Luna led the way to stand on top of it while the five Night Guard got into position.

“Hey! I know this! It’s a rune created by Star Swirl the Bearded!”

“Indeed, Twilight Sparkle! This rune here was created so I could get to any room in time of crisis. We do not have time to walk through the length of the Night House. The generals already await us,” she said, closing with an irritated sigh. Twilight frowned at the change of tone, but decided to not ask the question as it would surely be answered shortly. The Night Guard’s horns flared and in a moment they were all teleported away to the war room with the Night Guard remaining behind.

           The group was deposited into a rather large room. It had no windows, with only several light bulbs producing an eerie illumination in the room.  In the center of the room sat an electronic map of the Solar Imperium and her neighbors. Currently, miniature electronic versions of ponies clashed at the borders between. The green electronics however, were not the first thing to draw the group’s attention. Five ponies surrounded the map: two pegasi, two earth ponies, and one unicorn.  And all of them stared eagerly at the group.

“Ah! President Luna. So glad you could finally make it to your war meeting.” The unicorn bowed, but his sneer was evident and his condescending tone even more obvious.  Princess Luna’s face stayed neutral as she led the group to the table.

“Silence CrossSwords. Collecting the Elements of Harmony took a little longer than expected,” Luna said as she situated herself at one end of the table, facing down CrossSwords. The Elements waited patiently--excluding certain rainbow colored pegasus--as Luna and the Generals got to work. A dark green earth pony looked at the map and was the first to speak.  His voice was deep and powerful, easily catching the attention of the entire room.

“It is clear that an assault must be made. The Solar Imperium would easily win any war of attrition. Our resources are increasingly finite. Unicorn power is not.”

“It’s fine and all to suggest an attack, Stone Wall. But where? Our border defenses are holding, but for how long? We need a way to draw the Imperium Air Force away from the main battlefield. They are the main danger here. Keep them occupied and we could win this,” said a short pegasus.  He had a sandy colored mane cut in a military style that went well with his light brown body

“Oh really, Sand Wing? And how do we keep them occupied? A pitched battle won’t do any good and we don’t have the resources to wage a guerrilla warfare long enough for the Army to reach Canterlot!” the other Pegasi exclaimed. He was a bright yellow, with a sharp, lightning bolt-styled white mane.

“President Luna? You look like you have a plan,” Stone Wall said, deflecting the honest concerns. All of the other generals looked up to see Luna concentrating carefully on the map.

“I do, General Stone Wall. Sand Wing. Do you think it is possible…to invade Cloudsdale?” An audible gasp came from Rainbow Dash and even the two pegasi looked uncomfortable at the mention of the city. “General?” Luna repeated a bit more sternly.

“Well uh…Due to the situation that Cloudsdale is in…”

“The brink of civil war?” Luna questioned.

“Yes,” Sand Wing confirmed. “Cloudsdale was always a more independent location. But it still technically belongs to the Solar Imperium and is one of their main production facilities…by attacking it we should be able to draw away their entire Air Force! And with the majority of the population aiding us, we will stand a fighting chance!”

“We still have a problem,” The electric-maned general declared.

“What would that be, Volteer?” Stone Wall asked.

“I’m not saying that the Army is weak, but we don’t have enough ponypower. Maybe for the initial push, but in time the invasion will slow to a crawl. We just don’t have enough ponies to support the entire invasion. Not with the Air Force and Marines gone and a good number of the Armored divisions left to guard the borders.”

The Generals and Luna slumped slightly at that. It was a good overall plan, but that truly was the last nail in the coffin for it.

“President Luna! If I might make a suggestion,” Rarity said as she came forward. The unicorn eyed her with disdain, but the others were stunned from surprise.

“Of course, Rarity,” Luna said after a moment of silence.

“Well! I would imagine with Celestia no longer upholding her duty of rising the sun, I assume it naturally falls to you?” Luna nodded. “Then I know the perfect way to get more soldiers! Ask the other nations! If Celestia is being so irresponsible as to no longer raise the sun, I’m positive the other nations will come to our side, as that affects them as well.”

There was more stunned silence, but this time it was due to the sheer amazement everypony felt at the brilliance in those words.

“She’s absolutely right!” CrossSwords exclaimed. “The others should be mobilizing their militaries to defend their own borders! If we send an ambassador to discuss the details, I’m sure they would be willing.”

“It seems we have our plan then. Hold the Air Force’s attention at Cloudsdale while invading and adding external forces to our military,” Volteer said with a grin.

“But wait! What do we do with them? What exactly can they-” Stone Wall was cut off as Rainbow Dash rushed to his face and snarled.

“We can fight. That’s what we can do. We can do our duty unlike you slimy armchair generals!” Rainbow Dash thrashed around as Twilight magically floated her back and forcibly closed her mouth. Luna had a look of amusement on her face, but erased it as she spoke.

“Rainbow Dash has something of a point, Stone Wall. They are capable warriors. But it would be a waste to keep them all on one front. We must use their talents wisely, lest we waste some of our most valuable ponies. Rainbow Dash. You will be sent with the Air Force to capture Cloudsdale. Rarity. You will be our main ambassador to the other races. Spike will accompany you on the trip. His ability to send messages instantly back to us will be invaluable during negotiations. And the rest of you will go with the invading force.”

Spike grinned at the news, but quickly concealed it when Rarity looked his way, acting as a professional should in her eyes.

“Miss Luna, if I may, I’d rather go with Rainbow Dash.”

“What for?!” Rainbow Dash blurted out then blushed lightly as Applejack turned to her.

“It seems to me that ya be mighty lonely if’n ya didn’t know anyone on them ships,” Applejack said with a smile. “Ya need a friend to be there with ya.” Rainbow Dash blushed lightly and Applejack a small hug. Applejack started to return the gesture, but both were rudely disrupted by Cross Swords.

“Yes, yes, Friendship and all that. But we have a war to win here! The Air Force will be leaving soon and I’m certain the Army is in the late stages of their own preparation by now. We have a lot to do ladies. Get to it!” he snapped before teleporting away.

“As rudely as he said it, you girls are in a bit of a hurry,” Luna said in an apologetic voice. “Now come! Let’s meet the commander of the Air Force.”

  Note:

       Hey! I’m not dead! Who knew?! This will not be my average update time. I just got sidetracked a bit and I aplogize for that. But I’m up and running again! Hope you enjoyed!