The School of Canterlot High.
From her peaceful past, it was a place of learning, of understanding, of friendship. No matter how tall or short, big or small a student is, said student was readying to achieve their dreams.
But now...
It is a warring and bloody fortress, being sieged by the very students that once roam its halls freely.
And it was beautiful in your eyes.
You, your Iron Onslaughts and allies, as well as Sunset's forces, besieged the School turned Fortress at Dusk. When the sun started to fall for the night, that was when the full might of the Rainboom Rebellion charged headfirst with one plan:
Reclaim the school! End the Sirens' Rule!
The first wave was bloody and costly for the unprepared Loyalists, not getting a change to arm themselves for the battle. Thrall forces were scattered and sent into chaos, sending waves after waves of them at the entrance of Canterlot High to halt Sunset's forces. But you and your legion of Iron Rebels broke through the eastern defences and had a perimeter established within the fortress.
You remembered how this place was so calm and relaxing. Now, even from the smoke, the bodies, the blood and the screams clouding your vision. You could see how much has changed from the last couple of years you were here as a student as well as a prisoner.
Banners of the Three-headed sea serpent were placed on early every walls, those that weren't had frames or statures of the Sirens in all their 'glory'. Where lockers once stood was replaced with dozens of weapons made or found by Loyalists, said Loyalists were using those very weapons against the rebels as their wielders took cover or had their heads blown off by your Revolver. Your Ironbolts were leading the assault and weren't gonna leave your side as you pushed through numerous hordes of traitors and scums. Strangely enough, although your heart and spirit was pumping with vengeance and justice. You could still feel that doubt of losing this battle, after all the last time you were here, your original team did not make it through their interrogation and torture alive. That hasn't left your mind as you snapped a Loyalist's neck with your iron gauntlet. So much blood and death were sacrificed for the good of the Rebellion, so much that you lost count after the Third Battle Of Town Centre or merely the times at the frontline.
But now it was nearly over.
And you got a parting gift for the Ringleader of the Sirens.
A gift you cannot wait to give to her incoming defeat.
You and your best rebels were at the door of the Sirens' Thrones, which the room was built by your enslaved people. A platoon of the I.O.B allies were holding the line behind you, making sure no Loyalists comes running in to save their overlords.
"Alright, listen up!" You shouted at your rebels, as the sounds of gunshots, explosions and barks of orders were nearly deafening. "This is the moment we all have been waiting for since the dawn of this Rebellion! Once this door is open, I want all of you to shoot every single Loyalist Scum you see, no matter if they are fighting or surrendering!"
"Sir, yes Sir!" Your rebels shouted back loyally.
"Once they're all dead, round up the Sirens! You WILL not execute them yet! We will first capture this room and then claim their heads for all to see! Do you understand?! No executions until the room is cleared of Loyalists!"
"Sir! Yes Sir!"
"Sugarcoat!" You called Sugarcoat as she loaded her shotgun, readying herself for your order. "Blast the lock off!"
"With pleasure!" She wickedly grinned. She aimed at the door's lock and opened fire, making the door open wide for the group.
"Let's move, move move!" Indigo Zap rallied the group as you all poured in and start firing your weapons.
The front row of Loyalists was slaughtered with ease, not getting enough time to react to all of this. The second row had some moments to react, even managed to fight back. But with no covers and the element of surprise on your side, they were no match for you and your rebels. Some remaining Loyalists lowered their weapons and held their hands up as they surrendered....Which didn't help them as they joined their dead comrades.
Once the last Loyalist was shot down, you took the moment to see what's ahead.
The room was dull, oddly enough. Plain walls with only a few paintings here and there, a red carpet leading towards the location of the throne. However, there wasn't just one, but three thrones. Each with their own uniqueness as well as the colours of the three overlords. But other than that, it was dull and plain, like no one gave a care for the artwork. Mostly likely theory is that this place was built by mindless slaves, not free minded artists.
But that was not your focus, far from it. For the first time since your captivity within your lonesome cell, you spotted the Dazzlings.
The three Sirens sat on their thrones, watching their loyal subjects getting slaughtered by you and your rebels. Aria watched with surprise and shock, you guessed her defence plan was supposed to be faultless. Glad to see you disproved that theory, as she leaned forward in disbelief from your assault. Sonata on the other hand, watched you with actual fear from your brute onslaught of dozens of Loyalists and hundreds more from the last four years of warfare. She had both hands covering her mouth, must of screamed in fright when your rebels poured into the Throne Room. But the one you had your eyes on was staring back at you, however instead of her eyes filled with hatred like yours, hers had nothing but lust and joy. Was she enjoying this? Adagio had her legs crossed and hands resting on her throne's armrests, smiling sinisterly as you finished executing a surrendered Loyalist with your Revolver. She wasn't moved nor shocked by your sudden entrance, as if she was waiting for this moment for decades. It sure felt like decades since you last saw her, but the pain of starvation and interrogation always felt like it happened yesterday.
But now. Now it is time to end this once and for all, no matter what happens next.
"Cover the exit!" You barked at your rebels as you marched towards the Sirens, reloading your revolver as you kept your eyes on Adagio.
As you got closer to the overlords, you recount all the horror that has happened thanks to their regime:
Murder.
Slavery.
War crimes.
Indoctrination.
And the two you hate personally:
Torture.
And Bribery.
These and more were committed by the Siren Empire and by the look of Adagio's face, she regrets nothing and enjoyed it for a long time. No more, she will pay and that payment will be her blood. That you can promise, to all those who follows you, those who died for you and those for remain a slave to this witch and her sisters.
With each step you took towards them, Aria leaned back onto her throne whereas Sonata got coward as you got closer. Only Adagio remained the same, unlike your blood and ammo.
But finally, after four years of brutal and constant challenges and survival. It all paid off to be a few feet near them with your pistol at the ready as you narrowed your eyes as the orange Siren smiled.
"Welcome back, Rowland" Adagio greeted you friendly as she winks at you. "Or should I call you, Iron Warlord?"
"Doesn't matter what you call me" You chuckled darkly. "It will be your last. I will consider it your last speech before I send you to whatever you foul beasts go to when you have a bullet in your heads!"
"Oh, so authoritarian" Aria said as she folded her arms. "I like that"
"Shut your trap, witch! Or I'll snap it in two!"
"Kinda like what you did to Flash?"
"No, unlike him, you won't get a clean death!"
Adagio giggled at your threat. "My my, you have changed a lot. You are truly a general we need in our army, and a king I need by my side"
You snarled as you loaded your revolver and aimed it at the siren's head. "Not in this lifetime or any!"
"W-wait!" Sonata cried, tears of dread started to pour down her cheeks from your coldness and sternness. "W-what if we surrender, eh? Will we a-at least-"
"Did you see what I did to your 'subjects', witch!?" You growled at Sonata, which made her burst into even more tears as she cried. "There won't be any surrenders! Only gravestones!"
You placed your gun onto Adagio's head and looked deep into her eyes with nothing but hatred, coldness and justice.
She smirked at you. "Perfection at its finest. A shame it has to end like this"
"I would of made my last words more memorable"
Time to end this as you were about to pull the trigger.
*Boom*
Suddenly, the western wall of the Throne room exploded, making you and your soon-to-be dead Sirens look left as smokes engulfed the whole western side of the room. Your rebels hurried up to aid you as they pointed their weapons at the smokes, holding their ground for whatever comes through.
As you stared into the smoke, something knocked your revolver out of your hand. At first your mind thought it was the Sirens taking the weapon, that was until you heard that gunshot. Someone shot the gun out of your hand.
As the smoke died down. You, your rebels and the Sirens saw who blew up the wall and shot your gun out of your hand.
The Rainboom. Namely the leaders of the Rebellion, the founder and rebels with the Red Sun on their chests. This angered you as you saw it was none other than Sunset herself that shot your gun out of your hand with her own pistol, preventing your justified execution of the Sirens.
Your mind began rushing on how they managed to get through the thralls, how Sunset had perfect aim and why fate is seeming to side with her. Your rebels didn't lowered their weapons as Sunset headed towards you.
"Their punishment is not for you alone to decide" Sunset answered strongly and surely as she stood next to you.
"And your voice matters?!" You angrily snapped at Sunset as you picked up your revolver. "I won't let you interfere with this-"
"That is not your place, Rowland" Sunset interrupted you as she looked at Adagio. "Adagio Dazzle! You, your sisters and the remnants of your surrendered Loyalists are under arrest for the countless lives lost in this conflict and your tyrannical regime! Step down, and we will show you mercy!"
"What?!!" You bellowed in protest. "You would allow them to have mercy?! Like they did to the others?! Like Flitter and Cloudchaser?! Roseluck and her sisters?! Hell, even Derpy and children like Sweetie Bell?!"
"We will step down" Adagio agreed to Sunset's demand as she got up from her throne along with her sisters. "I know what'll be the outcome, it's just all about when it will happen"
"Girls, take them away. They will be put on trial at Spire HQ" Sunset called to her friends as they quickly headed towards the Sirens and took them away before you could do anything.
Your brain was on fire with rage and hatred. It was so powerful that your vision was only focused on Sunset as your rebels slowly moved back as they could see your eyes filled with a glare unlike anything they ever saw.
As the Rainboom leaders left with the Sirens and Sunset turned to face you. You suddenly grabbed Sunset by her neck and pulled her nearer to your face.
"Now you listen to me and you will listen to me well!" You growled, not giving a damn on the consequences of your action. "Those Sirens are going to die! All that stands between me and them is now you, so let me make this crystal clear: Stand in my way and you will follow the same fate as theirs!"
After that, you threw Sunset to the floor and ordered your rebels to move out.
She wants to give them a trial, you will gladly make it one for the history books!
Within the Base, hundreds of rebels argued with one another, hundreds more outside as they couldn't fit in the overpacked warehouse. There was a circle made in the middle of the arguing rebels, this is where this 'Trial' shall take place. When news of the Sirens' defeat reached the Base, everyone cheered and celebrated. But when it was found out that they weren't executed like you promised to your loyal people, their cheers stopped to be replaced with this argumentative shouts and anger. Can't say you blame them, you were the one that wanted this so that Sunset could drop this stupid idea. Sadly it did nothing, so you'll play this game until the end.
In this circle was you and Sunset, having personal desks filled with reports from what the Sirens have done. You sat on the right, with your Ironbolts and rebels standing in their armour as behind them your loyal people shouted at the other side. That side had Sunset sitting at her desk with her friends behind her and Red Sun rebels shouting back at your side. Standing in the top region of the circle was Twilight Sparkle, who was acting judge and trying to get both sides quiet by slamming her hammer onto her rebel-made judge desk.
"Order! Order!" Twilight yelled loudly, trying to calm everyone down so that this pointless trial can begin. "There will be order in here! Like right now, immediately right now!"
Slowly, though painfully, the rebels did quietly stop their shouting and arguing statement. Twilight regained her strength as she cleaned her glasses. You didn't mind having Twilight as the judge, seeing that she hasn't really taken a side and always stayed neutral. So when she was offered to be the judge, you did not have a problem and encouraged her to do so.
Soon Twilight put on her glasses and cleared her throat. "Alright, now that everyone is quiet we can begin the session. As you all know, this is the trial to decide the punishment of the Sirens Adagio, Aria and Sonata. When they enter the circle, no one shall talk unless asked otherwise you will be removed from the trial. Sunset Shimmer and Rowland Weaver will make their opening cases. Rowland, you may start"
You nodded your head at Twilight as you got up from your desk. "Thank you Twilight"
You walked in the middle of the circle before beginning your opening statement. "Freedom. That was what the rebellion's basic core was, freedom from the Siren Empire and freedom from their mind's indoctrination from the Sirens' haunting lyrics. I know in this very room, most of you were either enthralled or felt the lyrics invading your minds to make you loyal to a regime without your own freedom of choice. the opposition next to me claims that we mustn't drop to their level. What level? The level that outright enslaved this city and the very world? The one that made us build or fight in the name of our overlords? Or the level that tortured and executed hundreds of us from not respecting their rule over our minds? How many friends have you lost? How many brothers and sisters have died to save you?
Which is why I stand here this day. I stand before you all as a man who have faced hell and fought it in the name of justice. All of you know my tale of torture and defiance, on how I was hanged by chains, forced to be beaten, starved and bribed by the very Sirens who killed our people. When I returned, I knew that we mustn't fail or fall. So I fought with many of you, some of which lost more than I. So my stand here is to honour those who died believing in my tales and my sense of justice. Today, you all have that honour! You have my weapon in your hands, aiming it at the very Sirens that brought all of this death and pain with them! All you have to do is pull the trigger and all of our friends, family and lovers' deaths will be avenged! End the Sirens, end them today! Let us finally leave the frontline and be reminded on the very meaning of Peace and Rest!"
Your speech was attacked with cheers and applauds from surprisingly both sides, mainly to your side but a few on Sunset's. You headed back to your desk and sat down, feeling your back getting patted by Indigo Zap and Sunny Flare.
"Thank you, Rowland" Twilight smiled as she looked at Sunset. "Sunset, your response?"
Sunset nodded at Sunset as she got up and stood where you just stood, looking at everyone before speaking:
"Indeed, freedom is what this Rebellion believed in. But hope was its mentor and all of us believed in hope, hope for that very freedom to come back and regain its place in our hearts and minds. I hoped that me and my friends could defeat the Dazzlings at the Battle of the Bands. I hoped that the Rainboom Rebellion would overcome the Sirens' tyrannical rule with people like Rowland Weaver here. But after the first year came, I noticed so many of us changing into something we aren't. Some of us craved the ideal of vengeance more than hope or freedom. Some of us wanted to kill Loyalists because in their eyes, they weren't human nor friends, forgetting their past lives with them and how their friendship began with each other in classes than on the battlefield. Some of us fought because they wanted to, they had their freedom back. But they abandon hope, forsaking it for the promise of what? More deaths? More war? More friends being slaughtered by their own for their past allegiances?
Which is why I stand here before you all, offering the very thing that created this rebellion: Hope. I hope you can see through your pains, through your loses and mournings. I hope you all can see your past selves and be reminded that this new you isn't your true selves. Can we bring back the very thing that made us ourselves? Can we hope for a better tomorrow? I'm not saying we should forgive the Sirens, but I'm not also saying we should give up hope on them. Which is why we should imprison them, to make them learn what they have done to us and hopefully, reopen their true selves, not the ones we all hate this day."
Sunset looked at you and stared deep into your eyes. "I hope they can overcome their evil and we can put down our hatred to allow our old selves their freedom....Just like you offered your hope to me when I did the very same thing"
Just like your speech, Sunset was attacked with cheers and applauds on both sides. Most from her side, but a few on yours. Sunset gave a weak smile at you before heading back to her desk and sitting down, with Applejack ruffling up her hair friendly.
"Thank you Sunset" Twilight smiled as she slammed her hammer onto her desk. "The court is in session and the trial has began. Bring in the Supreme Commander of the Siren Loyalist Army! Bring in Aria Blaze!"
Aria Blaze, once a ruthless ruler and commander. Now just a girl in chains, guarded by four rebels, two Red Suns and two Iron Onslaughts.
She was in front of everyone, sitting on a chair that was brought out for her. Her eyes held no emotions and when they do, it is either hatred or boredom.
You and Sunset looked at her as Twilight spoke. "Aria Blaze. You are charged with crimes against the Rebellion and the entire world. These crimes includes: Slavery, Torture, Terrorism, Forced Prostitution and Manslaughter to name a few. What say you in your defence?"
Aria snorted in disproval. "Nothing, just doing what I do best"
Some gasps and venomous whispers could be heard from both sides as you glared daggers at her.
"So be it" Twilight sighed. "Sunset, you may begin your statement"
Sunset leaned forward, placing both hands onto her desk. "Aria. Out of all these crimes, did you do this willingly?"
Aria looked at Sunset coldly. "What can of question is that?"
"The one that might save your life"
"Of course I did them willingly! I'm no slave! I did those things because I wanted to and I had the whole world in me and my sisters's hands. Why ask me such a stupid question?"
"Because we have several reports telling in great details that some Loyalists we captured committed crimes out of fear and-"
"Objection!" You shouted, slamming your gauntlet fist onto your desk. "I have dealt with Loyalists, more so than you and I hold many other reports telling me that every single one of them enjoyed committing these crimes out of lust and power. The ones you captured are either lying to save their skin or just wanting some bad attention!"
"Hmm, interesting" Twilight nodded her head as she listened to you greatly. "I have read a report about Loyalists capturing the rebel team of Crimson Scarf. The Loyalist forces were led by Lighting Dust, if my memory is correct"
"Indeed, your honour" You concurred as you held the very report Twilight was talking about. "The Crimson Scarf had a total of sixty-eight members within their ranks. It stated here in this very report that Captain Roseluck and her sisters surrendered due to overwhelming numbers. The Loyalists rounded up the rebels and executed them one by one willingly before finishing off the Flower Sisters. Tell me Aria, was this all out of fear or was it all apart of your order?"
Aria chuckled darkly. "Oh yeah, Lighting Dust. Heh, she called it the Flower Massacre and yes it was all committed in my name. We didn't need disloyal servants, they were too weak and frail"
"But that wasn't the worse thing you did, wasn't it?"
"What you mean?" Sunset asked.
"I have a witness waiting outside that felt the crudity of Aria's merciless treatment of even her own slaves" You said sternly as you look at Twilight. "Permission to call forth one Apple Bloom, your honour?"
"Granted" Twilight agreed as she slammed her hammer. "Bring forth Apple Bloom!"
In a few moments, you saw rebels moving out of the way for one of your rebels to carry in a frightened Apple Bloom. She looked so frail and scared that she hid her face from the public. Her legs were so thin, you could mistake them as simply pale sticks fallen from a dying ash tree.
The rebel that was carrying her gently placed Apple Bloom next to Twilight, on a soft chair with a pillow for the child's poorly back. Apple Bloom looked at the rebel, who was telling her it's okay, before she looked at everyone else. You briefly looked over to Apple Bloom's elder sister, who had her eyes filled with tears. Good, one point for Justice than Hope already.
You looked at Apple Bloom. "Apple Bloom. I know it is hard enough to think about it, but I need you to tell everybody what Aria did to you and your best friend: Sweetie Bell"
Apple Bloom stayed silent, looking at you with frighten eyes and shaky hands. Her state was horrible for all to see.
But finally, she spoke though weakly. "I...I was imprisoned, enthralled by the Sirens' lyrics. I could see everything around me, but I couldn't talk, only move my body when I was ordered and worked day and night without any water or food till my job was done"
"What was your job?" You asked gently.
"To...To b-build that throne room for the Sirens"
"Apple Bloom, could you tell us what happened to Sweetie Bell please? I know it's hard, but we must hear your words"
Apple Bloom lowered her head. "It happened in the morning, where me and Sweetie Bell were forced to be servants to the Sirens as we offered them drinks. Aria was b-beating down a rebel who refused to be enslaved, who was telling them that you and the Iron Onslaughts would free us all and bring them to justice. B-But this only enraged Aria as she grabbed a gun from one of them Loyalists and aimed it at Sweetie Bell, shouting that if the rebel doesn't summit to her, she...She would kill her"
"What then, Apple Bloom?"
"Rowland stop this!" Sunset cried out in sadness from Apple Bloom's story and condition. "She has been through a lot!"
"Which is why I need her to tell us what happened next" You growled at Sunset before returning to Apple Bloom. "Go on, take your time"
"The r-rebel did as she was told, summiting to A-Aria and allowing them lyrics into her mind which turned her into....into one of us. I was screaming at the back of my mind, saying 'don't hurt my friend' and 'please leave us be'. But that was in my head and Aria..."
Apple Bloom started to cry. "Aria just shot Sweetie Bell, forsaking her own threat and killed her right there in front of me! No one, not even the Loyalists, cared for my friend's murder as they dragged her away, never to be seen again!"
The rebel that brought her in hugged her, as the crying kid just cried and cried in the rebel's shoulder. You turned to face Sunset and all that support her stance.
"See right there?!" You yelled at them with anger and pity for Apple Bloom's pain. Sweetie bell was only a child and Aria didn't care. "Do you see what Aria is?! She's a damn Child-Murderer! And you want her to be imprisoned?! No! That thing should have a bullet in her head and a blunt one at that!"
Everyone went dead silent, only Apple Bloom's crying and the rebel's sad caring voice could be heard in the warehouse. Sunset looked defeated, even though she wanted to say something to help her case. Behind her, Applejack was holding Rarity in a loving embrace, seeing how she lost her sister to Aria, who was just sitting there unmoved from all of this.
With that, Twilight sighed sadly. "Sunset, do you have anything else to say?"
Sunset just looked at you with sorrowed eyes as you looked back with anger. "No, your honour"
"Then can I have everyone's attention. All those in favour of imprisonment of Aria Blaze, raise your hand"
Not a single hand was raised, only rebels glaring at each other to see who would raise their hand for this monster.
"All those for execution?"
Your face lit up with joy and victory as nearly everyone raised their hands, even members of the Rainboom raised their hands although with sadden faces.
"The vote for Execution outweighs the vote for Imprisonment" Twilight said as your two rebels grabbed Aria but her arms and picked her up from her chair harshly. "Aria Blaze, you have been found guilty and with the vote from the Rebellion, it has decided that you shall be executed by a firing squad tomorrow morning at eight. Whatever awaits for you, it is not on this reality. Case closed"
With the slam of her hammer, Aria was sent away with now some emotions of worry in her eyes. Oh how it brought a smile on your face to see that witch being dragged away, knowing that soon justice shall be served.
"Now, bring in the next Siren. Bring in Sonata Dusk!"
Sonata Dusk, once ruler and restless slaver. Now a shaking girl wearing prison clothes, guarded by the same four rebels as before.
Sitting in the middle, she looked terrified and seemed to have bloodshot eyes, most likely from her crying all the time. Those crocodile tears were not fooling you nor your rebels as you watched her with the same hatred as her sisters.
Twilight looked down at the Siren. "Sonata Dusk. You are charged with crimes against the Rebellion and the entire world. These crimes includes: Slavery, Terrorism, illegal uses of Chemical and Military Weapons and the Forced Slave Dealing with fanatic Loyalists to name a few. What say you in your defence?"
Sonata, in her silence, looked at the rebels and Sunset before focusing her gaze on you with apologetic eyes. "I'm sorry for what I have done. I know that my words cannot bring back all the pain everyone here has suffered from, some more than others. But, I want you all to know that whatever punishment you all will set for me....I won't resist nor complain, seeing what my sisters and I have done to all, I wouldn't blame you"
There were a few whispers here and there from Sonata's speech, some sounded apologetic and pitiful. You on the other hand, despite Sonata's sad gaze, your blood still pumped with the same hatred and justice, wanting to see this overlord suffer the same treatment as her sister.
Sonata lowered her head as Twilight nodded her head. "Very well. Rowland, you may begin your statement"
You didn't even bother to confirm with Twilight as you began you questions harshly. "Since when have you cared for our people, Sonata? Last time I saw you, you were bribing me with food for my thin weaken and beaten body in exchange for my submission to the your regime and its baleful lyrics?"
"Well" Sonata started sadly. "After seeing you refusing to eat rather than submit, it made me thought about the others. You know, your original team memb-"
"Stay to the point!" You angrily growled as you slammed your gauntlet fist onto the table, remembering too well of the faces of your original team that has all perished to their torture! "Why the change of heart?!"
Startled by your burst of anger, Sonata went on. "Then, after that sudden quick attack at Canterlot High, I began to wonder if what we were doing was right. I mean at first it was all nice and dandy, until I saw so many emotionless faces from the slaves and the pure loyalty of my own soldiers that I questioned myself even more"
"Since when did you changed your mind, Sonata?" Sunset asked friendly, much to your iron snarl of disapproval. "What finally made you realise that what you and your sisters were doing was wrong?"
Sonata looked at Sunset. "It was when I heard about Rowland that I began seeing what we did was wrong"
"What?" Sunset and you both said together before Sunset spoke again. "What did you hear?"
"How ruthless he was to Aria's forces. How he led his forces in and left no prisoners, killing everyone that was loyal to me and my sisters. I knew then what we did to him was wrong, seeing how he was acting much like a Loy-"
You stood up from your chair in such rage it made your Ironbolts jumped in fright. "Do not try to cover your crimes with my duty and actions, witch!"
Sunset stood up in defence for Sonata. How dare she! "Rowland thi-"
"Objection, your honour!" You called for Twilight. "Clearly Sonata is trying to point the blame onto me so that her crimes can look like justified actions in this court and thus tampering with her crocodile tears to make this case go in her favour!"
"Objection!" Sunset counterattacked your objection with one of her own. "While I understand Rowland's anger, I feel it is misplaced to the bigger picture and is allowing his emotions to overcloud his rational calmer mind!"
Twilight slammed her hammer to get some order between you and Sunset. "I will take a more neutral ground: Rowland, you will allow Sonata to answer Sunset's questions for the reminder of her case while Sonata, you will answer Sunset's questions without bringing up members of the court to provoke emotional and mental outbursts"
You grunted as you waved your arms up in the air in rightful irritation before sitting back down and watched Sunset sorting herself out before too sitting back down to continue with her questions.
"Sonata, please continue"
"When I began seeing what...A commander and said commander's forces were doing across the city, attacking bases, defeating Aria's forces and using ruthless methods of winning their battles. I then realised all the people that were under me and my sisters' spell. How everyone wasn't normal and how they were just lifeless husks, rather than the ones that were fighting against us. I wanted to reason with my sisters, but all I got was putdowns and silences, they didn't want to listen nor negotiate with the Rebellion to stop this bloodshed. But now, seeing how some acts towards me, I doubt it would go well for both sides"
Sunset nodded as she listened whilst you shook your head, not believing this beast's words. You know her, a torturer and one that supports her sisters and her regime. Why would she throw it all away for the promise of forgiveness? It's illogical and only fools would fall for her words.
"So you were forced to watch as your sisters committed these horrible atrocities against us? Not being able to stop it in fear of risking your own life and the lives under your rule?" Sunset asked with some pity for this former slaver of your people.
"I was the weakest link in the whole thing. They never took me seriously and were more focused in crushing the rebellion rather than stopping more lives being lost to the war"
Sunset smiled at Sonata as she looked at Twilight. "No more questions, your honour"
Twilight acknowledged this as she looked at you. "Rowland, do you have anything to say?"
You folded your arms. "I have already made my case, she's a slaver and separating her from her sisters' crimes does not forgives hers and the lives lost in this whole conflict to get her off her throne"
"Then can I have everyone's attention" Twilight called as she looked at everyone. "All those who favour of Execution, raise your hands"
You and your forces raised your hands. You looked around and saw a lot but couldn't tell how many voted on Sonata's Execution.
"All those for Imprisonment?"
As hands began to rise, you counted each hand you saw. You counted carefully, not wanting to miscount one hand and-
"The vote for Imprisonment outweighs the vote for Execution" Twilight said out loud, making your inner rage boiled to the point of becoming steam of uncontrollable fury as Sunset's rebels grabbed Sonata by her arms. "Sonata Dusk, you have been found guilty and with the vote from the Rebellion, it has decided that you shall be imprisoned for your crimes. Any hope for release will need to be held in another court to decide if you have served your time. But for the moment, you will be locked up for most of your life until you have served your time or before age beats you to it. Case closed"
With the slam of Twilight's hammer, Sonata was taking away with some hope shining out of her eyes. This is injustice! How dare the rebellion spare her life! Have they not know the total lives lost to her regime?! The many dog tags you carry with you?! The graves that you have filled with fallen heroes and friends?! This is injustice and Sunset was at the head of it!
As your blood boils, you felt Indigo's hand resting on your right shoulder, wanting to know your order. You gave her a dismissive wave of your gauntlet hand, although Sonata should die, she wasn't as serious as the last one. One you must NOT lose to. One you must put a bullet in her head.
"Now, bring in the head of the Siren Empire and causer of this whole war. Bring out Adagio Dazzle!"
This you must win.
Finally, the one you mustn't allow Sunset to win was sitting in the middle of the circle. Adagio's expression remained the same during the Siege of Canterlot: Smirking and showing great entertainment from the rebellion's blight and fight against her empire. She had her legs crossed and her hands resting on her lap, wearing prisoner clothes and yet still had her hair fancy and neat for her judgement.
You watched Adagio with the same glare as before. Before Sunset stopped your execution and before this whole trial began, awaiting the moment you could finally end this once and for all with the justice you and your forces deserves. Whereas Sunset just looked at the siren with somewhat hatred, but only for her crimes and not herself. Your mind could not understand why Sunset was acting all merciful, maybe it her nature?
Or maybe, it's because of her secret of this 'Equestria' Adagio mentioned and how Sunset is its native?
Perhaps. But your thoughts was cut short when the Twilight spoke out.
"Adagio Dazzle. You are charged for all acts committed in your name, or by those with whom you have allied" Twilight announced as she looked down at Adagio with a emotionless stare. "Murder. Forcible transfer of population. Enforced disappearance of individuals, including rebel and loyalist alike. Enslavement. The killing of prisoners. Torture. Terrorism. Forced Prostitution. Illegal uses of Chemical and Military Weapons. Forced Slave Dealing with fanatic Loyalists and wanton destructions of any individuals or objects that opposed your empire. What say you to these charges, Adagio Dazzle?"
There was a moment of silence from Adagio, a silence that was chilling to all that didn't experience her personality and cruelty...Unlike yourself. But the silence ended with a quick chuckle.
"Am I that liked already?" Adagio chuckled. "To already have a standing ovation of what makes me a great role modal? This will be even more entertaining than Sonata's pleas for peace and Aria's spoiled outbursts. I shall not say that I am innocent, for I claim no shame. Nor will I say am guilty, for that denotes shame. So jesters, hit me with your best jokes for I do love comedies and the joy of laughter"
Your shouts of hatred and disgust from Adagio's speech was but a whisper to even louder shouts from both sides. No matter what allegiances one held in their mind, they all agreed that this was an insult as they shouted, barked, yelled and cried in anger, rage and hatred as Twilight tried to restore order and Adagio chuckling even more to this act. But on the plus side, it was a boom for your statement and the vote for execution. No doubt that thanks to Adagio's speech and just how prideful and self-centred she was, would only help your case in ending her reign for good.
So as the crowd quiet down over time with Twilight's shouts for order. You were ready to begin your plan you decided with your Ironbolts. A plan to win this trial for yourself.
"Your honour" You called for Twilight, once the base was quiet enough for her to hear you. "I feel that if we continue with allowing Adagio to speak, it would start more argumentative yells like this or even worse a shootout over the contexts of words and insults. Which is why I request that for this case, Adagio keeps her witch mouth shut"
Some of rebels cheered and clapped in agreement whereas others remained silent.
"And how will this help the defendant when questions are required, Rowland?" Twilight asked as she looked at you with a raise of her right eyebrow.
"Simple. Instead of asking my questions to Adagio for her atrocities, I will ask them to Sunset, seeing that she wants to give these murderers second chances. Sunset too can ask her questions to me about why we shouldn't execute Adagio and rather put her behind bars. This way, your honour, will keep Adagio from causing chaos within this trial and also keep the peace between rebels"
Twilight pondered on your idea, thinking carefully and clearly. As she does this, you turned your gaze towards the location of Sunset. She was sitting there, watching you with unsure eyes as she looked clueless in what you are planning. So to put her at ease, you gave her a short smile. Not one of friendliness, but one with some respect to not raise concerns or trickery.
"Very well" Twilight said loudly, grabbing your attention. "I shall allow this request. Rowland and Sunset shall answer their questions truthfully and surely, each with the understanding that these questions must be based around Adagio's actions and crimes. Any questions that doesn't hold meaning with this trial, the respectable individual can deny the questions without harming their case or statement. You may begin when you are ready"
You and Sunset both got up from your chairs and headed towards one another. Adagio was pulled back to the edge, being watched by the four rebels as you and Sunset stood in the middle with rebels on both sides watching carefully, knowing this would be the biggest decision for years to come.
As you looked into Sunset's eyes, you began the case. "Sunset, why should we spare this demon? The same demon that allowed the murder of children as examples to those who rebel? The same one that enslaved the entire population of our city and the world? And the same demon that tortured hundreds of us, sometimes killing off a man's entire team through heartless actions and hunger?"
"Because it won't bring back the ones we lost" Sunset answered bluntly though truthfully, looking at you with that same concern for your wellbeing during the time you two talked in the postoffice. "Tell me Rowland, will shooting Adagio bring back people like Flitter and Cloudchaser? Will it put bring back sisters like Sweetie Bell? Will it bring back the many faces that was once apart of a commander's team like the one you led before your captive?"
Your eyes twitched at this jab of your past team, the one you were with before your horrid torture within your lonesome cell.
"Killing her will only add more pain and lust for those who wished for it" Sunset continued on, never minding your inner rage and past memories of your last team's demise. "It will only separate us even more. It will spread until there are no more people to even judge anymore. Rowland, this mad idea, this scary belief that executing someone will bring back all the people we have lost and ending that pain of losing someone is just not gonna work. It will not mend the pain, only infect it with madness and extreme ideals of executions to even merely crimes like Theft"
"I'm not talking about Theft here, Sunset Shimmer" You spoke strongly and sternly, not allowing her to take the moral high ground. "This is about doing what needs to be right, about doing what must be done. I won't allow the lives of hundreds of our brave men and women to die in vain, knowing that their murderers' ringleaders is alive and eating cooked meals behind bars. You talk about hope, well I don't see hope in Adagio do you? All I see in her is a desire to conquer and a lust for control. And she won't stop here, she will continue behind bars, with Loyalist Remnants carrying out her wishes like the loyal mutts they are. Sunset they have hope in you. The Loyalists hopes that you will spare Adagio so that their fight against us will not be for nothing, knowing that their queen is just resting her head within some cell just waiting for her forces to break her out"
"And what about those who can change? What if one loyalist comes up to you and surrenders, seeing the error in his way? Are you going to execute him just like Adagio? Not even giving that chance of Hope? The chance of changing back to the person they once were?"
"A Chance? Sunset, any loyalist that comes up to me are either dead inside or mad as they had their chance and they chose to ally with the ones that sees them as nothing more than loyal minions or willing slaves. Anyone that allies with the Sirens forsook their past selves you keep mentioning and crying about. There isn't any redemption, only justice and that justice is a bullet they used on us. It's called equal payment, so far you want Adagio to not pay for crimes but pat her on the back as she spends her whole life being guarded and looked after by the very people that she wanted as zombie slaves"
"Then what about me?" Sunset asked as she took a step towards you.
This caught you off guard. "What?"
"What about me? Does you or any of us remember the time I tried to enslave Canterlot High?" Sunset went on as she looked at not only you but all of rebels. "I wanted to enslave the entire school and everyone inside it to do my bidding. I even made two boys -MY loyalists- into powerful beings with my new powers mainly for their loyalty to me. But with the help of my new true friends, I realised that through my rage and lust of power, I wasn't myself. They helped me, they gave me a chance like everyone in here did, like YOU did Rowland. Because you believed that there was hope in me, that I could change and be myself again. So tell me Rowland, did you wanted me executed for my crimes? Believed that I was but a demon that needed justice? No. The Rowland I knew forgave me, was one of the first in fact to forgive me for my crimes. The Rowland I knew told me that so long as there was hope in me and that I understood what I did was wrong, there was no harm done between him and me. And that Rowland I knew stood beside me in class, in chemistry, in hideouts, in rebellions and in the promise of hope. So tell me, Rowland. Why do you want to execute Adagio where you could not to me? Why can't you give her a chance, just like you did for me?"
"Because you didn't murdered an innocent person!" You growled at Sunset as you took a step forward. You would say more, but the words you want to say would only harm your case.
Sunset moved her head closer to yours, just a few inches from touching noses. "But I did enslave an entire school, just like Adagio"
And just like that, you two just stood there, staring into each others's eyes. Sunset held bravery and defiance like yours, the only different is that in hers she was still trying to offer a hand in friendship whereas your held a mental gun and aiming it at her belly. You will not allow Adagio to escape her punishment, this is the promise you made to your followers and you are damned if you will let it be broken from the likes of Sunset.
But her words. Her words spoke some kind of truth in them. You cannot really remember much of your past besides this war and your torture. But, were you really like what Sunset claim you were? Did you forgave her for her crimes during the prom? Did you spent time with her, helping her with that hopeful chance she's protecting today? It seemed like a lie to you, but your inner self was starting to believe it to be true. Could you have changed over the years of rebelling and surviving? Or is this another trick to lower your guard and for Sunset to steal this case from you.
But after awhile, Sunset moved away from you and looked at Twilight. "I'm done with my questioning, your honour"
You shook your head a bit before nodding at Twilight. "Same here with me"
"Then can I have everyone's attention please" Twilight said clearer and louder than before. Or was it just you and your mental civil war that is raging in your mind from Sunset's talk about your past life? "All those who favour Imprisonment, raise your hand"
You didn't look around to see who raised their hands. You just stared at Twilight as your mind raged on.
"All those for Execution?"
Somehow, your body just froze with internal arguments as to where you should raise your hand or not. It was so strange and so hard, one side of you wanted to raise your hand whilst the other demanded you to remain neutral. But your iron stance and the promises you held in your heart won your mental civil war as you raised your gauntlet hand along with all those who supports execution.
"Hmm, it would seem we are in a voting impasse" Twilight sighed worriedly, much to your surprise. "Which means the final vote comes down to me as acting judge"
Twilight closed her eyes to think about the choices she has. You on the other hand leaned forward, not wanting to hope. But hoping wildly, honestly, anyway.
Then Twilight opened her eyes. "The vote for Execution....Is outweighed by the Vote of Imprisonment"
And like that, the Hope you had in your heart. The Promises you made to living, dying and mourning faces:
Was shattered and slaughtered like the former team you ran before your captive. You didn't move, you didn't speak and for some moments, you didn't even breathe. You just turned your head to look at Adagio -smiling normally like nothing just happened- and saw two Red Sun Rebels holding both of her arms tightly. Your hearing went numb, all you could hear is your own heartbeats and the ghostly screams, cries and voices of fallen rebel martyrs outshouting Twilight's voice and her sentence. You saw Adagio being taken away, looking so happy that she will be spared and just live the rest of her days behind bars. You faintly heard the hammer being slammed as dozens of rebels started to head out, some with faces of hope or faces of disappointment.
In the corner of your eyes, you could see Sunset looking at you with at first a happy face. But when she saw your face, it dropped to a face of shock, guilt and even sorrow. She knew just by looking at your face that something was wrong and knew that this was something unbearable for your condition and state of mind. She knew too well not to say something to you in this state. So she left you behind as she and the Rainboom headed out with concern and worried looks for you.
But your mind was slowly regaining itself. Once it does, you raised your head and made a hand gesture to your second-in-command. You couldn't see the responds, but coming into your vision the Ironbolts left the base one by one.
Once they were gone, you noticed that you were the last one inside the circle. You, Rowland Weaver. The Unbreakable Rebel. The Iron Warlord of the Iron Onslaught Battalion.
Was all on your own in this lonesome circle, just like the time you were in your lonesome cell being tortured by the Dazzlings and knowing that in that lonesome cell. Your former team died in that hellish place, with its demons responsible for their deaths.
And you couldn't save them.
Just like you did today with all the dead men and women you promised you would bring justice to their killers.
But you made that hand gesture.
Because you are a man of your word.
A few minutes has passed and you were still in the base, sitting at your desk with a new report from Sour Sweet in your hands. But you weren't reading it, you were just holding it for someone.
You sat in complete silence, with only the odd sounds of engines getting started up and the sounds of Molotov Cocktails being thrown and made as the training grounds was only a few feet away from the whole base. But that too was drowned out by your daydreaming of wondering and thinking about what will happen.
But.
You woke up by the sounds of footsteps, by the merest of seconds of said footsteps, no more than one being were heading to your lonesome desk. A person you called for.
You shook your head and looked to where the footsteps were coming from. You saw the person you called:
Sunset Shimmer.
She looked at you worriedly which you cannot blame since you wanted the Sirens dead and the fact that was outvoted made your call for her suspicious. But as expected and predicted, she arrived and slowly headed towards you. She reached your desk with an unsure stance and a worry stare in her eyes.
"You called me, Rowland?" Sunset said with those worry eyes as she looked at you.
You sighed heavily before speaking. "Sunset, I hav-"
"Before you begin what you're about say" Sunset interrupted you with a raise of a hand as she came closer to you and sat on your desk. She too sighed as she gathered her thoughts. "Look, Rowland. What just happened and how I jumped onto you with a one sided question. I want to say sorry"
"Why?"
"It was the wrong thing to do to you. You...You've been through a lot of terrible things and saw some many sights that would make even Rainbow Dash cry about. For me to just tell you what I did and how you stood by my side during the times before the Battle of the Bands. It was a bad move and when I saw your face after Twilight's vote on imprisoning Adagio, I... I fear for the worse"
This grabbed your attention. "What do you mean?"
Sunset looked deep into your eyes. In fact, this eye contact felt so deep, that it felt like your souls were connecting like magic, like something beyond this world kind of magic.
"I feared I lost the Rowland I knew and cared for during our time in chemistry" Sunset confessed. "I thought the person I spent time with was gone, replaced with someone I would never agree with nor trust. I know this sounds wrong, but just seeing that face you had, it almost made me lose hope in myself. I don't want to lose you, Rowland. You were there for me for the years after the prom. We stayed together, we worked together, we laughed together and we fought together. I knew with you by my side during the early days of our Rebellion, I knew we could win. I never doubted us, I never doubted you and when I heard you got captured, I cried for you and even prayed for your wellbeing as we liberated you from that wicked place"
Sunset's eyes began to water, with some tears rolling down her cheeks with you watching them with a slowly breaking stern face. You rarely saw Sunset cry and when she does, it's quite hard for anyone to keep a straight face.
"Rowland. I don't want to lose you, you have done so much for so little, I feel like I have been failing you ever since you took command of the I.O.B and fought in the frontline. Without you, I doubt I could ever save everyone from the Dazzlings. Without you, I wouldn't of been forgiven by the other students and given another chance to change into my true self. Rowland...I need you, now more than ever"
You don't know what to say. How Sunset was just exposing her emotions and feelings about you was strange and unnerving to your veteran mind. She's holding out that same brunch of peace, of reunification with the Rainboom Rebellion. She's still keeping that hope of you abandoning this crusade of Justice you set for yourself. And she's still seeing you as a troubled minded person who is on the brink of insanity.
Perhaps she is right. Or perhaps not. For the first time during your campaigns against the Siren Empire, you don't have a clear plan of action, only minor theories and ideas on what to do next. Which is why you called her here.
To complete one of those minor theories. This one, the most logical to your mind.
"Here" You spoke sternly though friendly to Sunset as you handed her your report in your hands. "Read this"
"What is it?" Sunset asked as she opened the report.
"An invasion against us" You answered, this time with your iconic stern iron voice as this is a serious matter.
"What?!" Sunset replied back with a sudden gasp as she read through the report as you got up from your chair.
"The war is over to Rebellion, but some Loyalists doesn't see that. A Loyalist Remnant known as the Royal Covenant has been spotted mobilising their forces to attack Canterlot High from the North-West of the city. With barely enough rebel forces guarding the school, we need to mobilise reinforcements to defend Canterlot High"
Sunset got up as well from this news. "Then we must gather everyone to help with defendin-"
"We can't"
"Why?"
"Because that very report you have in your hands is from Sour Sweet's scouts. Another Loyalist Remnant, the Outcast Confederacy, has been sighted heading right here toward Spire HQ. If we send everyone to defend CHS, we will be leaving the people here defenceless"
"So what are we going to do?"
"What you are going to do" You said as you got closer to Sunset and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Is gather up your forces and go defend Canterlot High. Take Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy and the Red Sun Rebels, the rest can stay here with me and the Iron Onslaughts. Send your best, we will not allow these Loyalists to take this base so long as I still draw breath. You have my word, no one will harm the free people of Canterlot so long as I'm still fighting"
Sunset's tears was turned from worry to happiness as she suddenly hugged you tightly. You were taken aback by this, not sure what to do. So you slowly though awkwardly hug back, much to Sunset's giggles. She already knew you didn't know what to do form this sudden embrace.
So she stopped her hug....To give a long loving kiss on your cheek, again much to your sudden awkwardness.
"My Rowland from Canterlot is finally back" Sunset smiled at you with the wideness smile you have ever seen as tears rolled down her cheeks. She then quickly rushed out to reassemble her rebels to defend Canterlot High.
As she does this, you watched her with mixed feelings. You watched her as you raised your right hand up to where she kissed you and rubbed it softly.
But then you rubbed it off with your left gauntlet hand and headed towards the exit of the base. But not where Sunset left, but rather:
The exit nearest to the prisons, where your real enemies truly are.
The prisons, also known as the Bunker was where all prisoners of war, traitors and criminals resided. Unlike the Siren Empire's Cells, these cells were more humane and for those whose crimes are not too serious, were given a cell with a window to get some sunlight rather than complete darkness. However, the prisons were not as small as the Cells back at Canterlot High and not as plenty, seeing that not a lot of people comes here and those who do are mainly petty thieves or drunken fools. But tonight, they are homed to the surrendered loyalists and their rulers and they would have some sunlight if the darken clouds of rain wasn't blocking the sun. The sounds of raindrops hitting the roofs were gentle and harmonic to your wartime ears.
Like the calm before the storm, it has a good beginning for a coming play of action, duty:
And Justice.
You entered the Bunker with a clear mind and a goal you will see completed. Although the moment you just had with Sunset still lingered in the back of your mind, you suppressed it and mentally told it to stay in its place as you walked through the Bunker.
As you walked, you looked to the right, seeing one of the Bunker's cells and saw what's inside it. You saw the Loyalist Thunderlane, captured at Canterlot High along with his overlords during the Rebellion's siege of the empire's capital. His armour was once the symbol of oppression, of tyrannical rule, of enslavement and he was apart of it all. Worse, he watched it willingly and had no doubt or shame for his allegiance to creatures who tortured hundreds of innocents. He sat there with his back against the wall...
With a bullet in between his eyes.
As you walked past Thunderlane's cell and continued with your journey through the Bunker. You saw that he was not the only one. Dozens more followed the same fate, some looked painless whereas others were not. To you, this was fine and fair. These people and all who still follows the Siren Empire, will suffer the same execution. The only difference is that it will be public and instead of trials, there will be nooses and cheers.
You kept on walking until the Bunker split in two different ways. You headed to the left where the one that was responsible for all those deaths was waiting for you, with more confirmed kills to add to the dead list.
That person was Indigo Zap.
That hand gesture back at the trial was all apart of your plan if Adagio gets imprisonment. As much as you care for your people and the old ways of voting, matters like this should not be dictated by morals and weak philosophies. Beasts like the Sirens must have cold hard justice like that of Iron. It shouldn't have a soul or emotion, only facts and logics. If one truly believes in moral judgement, they should not be allow to become judges and stay out of justiciar's duties.
As you approached Indigo, you noticed something odd about her. Instead of standing straight and true like the second-in-command she is, she was tensed and had the face of shock, confusion and the biggest of all: Fear. The kind of fear you would get...When you failed a job.
"Indigo, what is it?" You sternly asked her as you got closer to her. "Have you exterminated them?"
Indigo didn't respond, nor even acknowledged your very existence as she kept that facial expression of hers. So you looked at the cell she was looking at.
The cell of the Sirens. But where there should be three corpses:
There was only an empty clean cell.
Gasping in disbelief and denial. You rushed inside the cell and looked left and right quickly, not wanting to believe what your eyes were showing you. The beds were neat and clean, like it was just made a few minutes ago and it was showing off how lazy and how lacking the rebel wardens were when they were suppose to keep watch of the prisoners.
But something caught your eyes, something that didn't belong in the Sirens' cell.
A note.
You picked it up and began reading it furiously. What it said, made you want to kill someone:
'Better luck next time, Rowly.
Love,
Adagio xxx'
Your blood boiled, your lungs pumped hot air through your body. Your gauntlet hand closed into a fist, your eyes filled with a rage that only something unholy can muster.
Adagio.
Aria.
Sonata.
The entire Dazzlings, has escaped your justice!
All because of that damn, unneeded lot of crap Sunset called a Trial!
You dropped the note and stomped out of the cell, only to have your gauntlet hand grab Indigo by the neck and slamming her onto the opposite wall with the strength to shatter bones. Indigo's stance and face changed from fear of failure.
To fear of you as she gasped for air.
"Where are they Indigo!?" You bellowed angrily at Indigo, pushing more force onto her neck to cut off her windpipe. "Start speaking before I start strangling the info out of your dying corpse!"
"I...I don't know, Sir!" Indigo gasped, he hands vainly tried to free herself as her eyes rolled back. "I found....Found the cell empty when I....When I started shooting down the loyalists as ordered! P...Please, I didn't mean to fail you!"
You watched as Indigo was slowly losing consciousness. The sight of this finally satisfied your uncontrollable rage burning your mind and thoughts. You left her go as she flopped to the floor, gasping freely for air and holding her neck with one of her hands gently.
"Get the Iron Onslaught Battalion and our allies to the training grounds, fully ready for combat!" You ordered your gasping lieutenant, not bothering to check if she was needing medical aid as you stormed towards the location of the training grounds.
"I am done with this whole fucking Rebellion!"
The rain continued to fall gently like snowdrops on a winter's night. It was accompanied by the distance sound of music, jolly and happy tunes from acoustic instruments. Although the rain seemed off for the musical tunes, said tunes should mostly be played in more joyful day than a cloudily raining one. But you are just nitpicking that, something to cool your rational thoughts.
As you opened the door that faces the training grounds with a mighty slam.
The training grounds was just a flat area of dirt people use to train themselves with weapons, vehicles and other means. On the east, there was the many transportations like trucks, jeeps and motorbikes parked and waiting to be awaken by divers or racing fanatics. To the west, you saw a large bulk of your rebels, geared up and listening to the musicians's melodies that sang throughout the training grounds. You spotted the rest of your Ironbolts among the rebels, looking at the musicians or any rebel that seemed out of placed. To the north, you saw the firing area, named after the burnt grounds thanks to the daily cocktails thrown at it. A table full of cocktails was on the other side, along with the two Rainboom leaders: Rarity and Pinkie Pie.
However, thanks to your loud entrance. Everyone's eyes were on you, seeing you like this was so rare, many just took it as simple rumours and nothing more. But now those rumours seemed a bit true.
Your gaze however, was at Rarity and Pinkie Pie. You looked at them sternly, thinking on what you are going to do and how to do it.
After making your mind. You looked at everyone else, changing your expression just a bit. "Everyone...Order yourselves a round! Because Justice has been served!"
Your rebels bellowed with cheers and shouts, accompanied by the musicians's instruments. More rebels joined the cheer as others clapped their hands, including Rarity and Pinkie Pie, naive to what you were thinking.
"What was I thinking giving Adagio a swift death?" You chuckled as you walked through the training grounds with claps and cheers from the rebels. "I mean if I did that, then it wouldn't bring true justice. Slow, annoy and stuck in a cell for the rest of her life. I mean, it's worse than death, which makes it all better"
As your rebels walked towards you. You walked past the clapping Rarity and Pinkie Pie and looked at the burnt grounds. Then you turned to face them with the table in between you.
"However" You said to yourself, though loud enough to get the attention of the two girls. "I'm still a bit concern about her getting out with the help of the Loyalist Remnants scattered across the city. They are still a threat to us, even in their small state"
"Oh don't worry about them, darling" Rarity smiled to you with Pinkie nodding her head in agreement. "I mean, without her and the other Sirens, they'll be less organised"
"Yeah, like Rainbow's closet!" Pinkie laughed. Her joke made your rebels laugh along with her.
"Ha, yeah!" You laughed as well with a wide grin. "You're right! They are just unorganised groups of misfits now"
"Exactly!" Rarity concurred. "They're now just useless, harmless ruffians"
"Ruffians? Hmm." You said as you picked up a molotov cocktail, removing its cloth. "Say, let's just say that this bottle is one useless, harmless Loyalist Remnant"
You then threw the bottle on the ground, smashing right in front of Rarity as the liquid slips all over her lower body.
"Did that hurt you?" You asked her, chuckling to yourself.
"Eh, no" Rarity answer as she looked at her wet clothes. "Although I will need to dry these now"
"Well, let's add two more remnants into this" You chuckled as you did the same thing, but with two bottles, throwing one of them near Pinkie and the other in the middle of the girls. Liquids were all over both of the girls and the solid underneath their feet. "How about now?"
"Are you kidding me?" Pinkie giggled at this with your rebels laughing at the two girls.
"Okay, okay" You chuckled once more, this time more slowly as you draw out your revolver. "Now let's add an Escaped Adagio to the remnants"
You aimed at the wet solid and fire a bullet at it, igniting the entire ground on fire. The flames quickly reached to Rarity and Pinkie Pie, having their bodies covered in the same flammable liquids. Their screams echoed through the training grounds as they tried their best to put out the uncontrollable fire that were devouring their clothes and skins. Your rebels watched in horror and shocked, seeing two of the Rebellion's leaders caught on fire by their own Iron Warlord.
"Not to mention her sisters" You growled as you aimed again and fired two more bullets at the girls, one for each. They fell to the floor, still burning as fire covered their entire bodies. You watched them burn as you walked around their corpses and looked at your shocked faced rebels.
"This right here is the same thing that'll happen to all of us now Adagio and her sisters are freed once more!" You bellowed at your rebels with your iconic strong iron voice, showing them all that your sense of Justice has not been snuffed out by the trial. The Rebels looked at each other, hearing the news that the Sirens themselves are now out from their cell and most likely halfway to the nearest Loyalist Remnant outpost.
"They have escaped with help from the inside, meaning that this Rebellion has loyalist sympathisers within our ranks! Tell me, where are the bulk of Sunset's followers?! Why aren't they with us as I speak?! You know why, Iron Onslaughts?! Because they were ones that helped those sympathisers by making this damn Trial in the first place! We almost put an end to the Siren Empire and brought Justice to all our fallen brothers and sisters! We almost put an end to these Loyalists and we almost had peace! But Sunset and her ideals of Hope has betrayed us! They halted our justice and halted our peace! Now they are gone! They have fled to none other than Canterlot High itself! To rebuild their own Empire with Sunset as their Empress! Just like she almost did at the very Prom she became a demon! Don't you see, my friends and allies?! We were tools and fools to a bigger game! We weren't fighting for freedom, hope or justice! We were fighting for a new successor to the Siren's Throne! And the person that wanted it more was our beloved Sunset Shimmer!"
Your speech ended with you slamming your gauntlet fist onto your armoured chest. It was not only to show your harden spirit to your rebels. But to throw out any mixed feelings for Sunset, now knowing that because of this trial, more lives will be lost to a new war you have to face alone.
Your Iron Onslaught Rebels and allies looked at each other, betrayal was written on all their faces. Faces that turned from horror of seeing two leaders burning alive, to faces of feeling disloyal and forsaken by the founder of the Rainboom Rebellion. But out of the group, Sugarcoat stepped forward to look at you.
"What do we do now, Rowland?" Sugarcoat asked you, seeming confused and overwhelmed to all of this like the rest.
You looked at her for a moment before looking back at the rest.
"Now! We head to Canterlot High again to destroy our Betrayer and her own Red Sun Loyalists!" You ordered your rebels as you raised your iron fist in the air. "For Iron and Fist...!"
As soon as you shouted that. Every single rebel raised either their fist, weapon or both in the air and bellowed back:
"Will bring us Justice!!!
Author's Note
Holy moly, this is a very long one-shot. But it was needed.....Probably. 
