Lunar Spartan

The snow rained down from the uncontrolled clouds, covering those who were proud and loyal to their beloved king now freezing while they forcefully worked, bounded by chains that would only be broken if one were to lose their life. Up into the chambers of the king, he watched down to those working and those in armor march away to now be the one in the defensive. Upon failing to take over Equestria, Yakyakistan, and out of all nations, the Griffon Kingdom, all three threaten the survival of what he built, he controlled. His power as king of the known world has failed.

He growled and walked away back inside, using his magic to throw over the dead commander's body over the balcony, staring down at the last surviving and new commander of the remaining army that was built. "So…what is the status of our battle strategy so far Commander Quartz," he asked.

The commander gulped. "W-we have built up enough troops to initiate our counter-offensive south."

Sombra looked at him. "Only south?" He moved closer. "Why not our neighbors from the north-west or those damned Griffons…"

"The scouts have said that-" The tip of the rapier was pointed towards his neck, making his heartrate spike up. "…that there is no movement from either side. The only ones making movement are those of Equestria."

"Hmm," Sombra hummed, making his dory vanish as he turned around, "Then that means our counter-offensive may be able to turn the ties in our favor." He looked back to Quartz. "Prepare the troops to march, and ready our little 'pet'…"

Quartz's ears drooped. "Y-you don't mean-"

"I do mean it! Go! Now!" Sombra yelled out.

"Y-yes my king!"

Sombra watched him run out from his chambers, leaving him alone. Or so he thought. "I did not expect you to be alive after our battle…" He turned around and faced the mirror, seeing the one he stole the body and magic from, looking unsatisfied. "I guess you can say I had a 'weak spot'."

"Your rien of terror will be destroyed once both princesses bring the war to you," replied his reflection.

"Yes I suppose so. But I will make sure that they both perish under my hoof after I regain the power that was lost."

His reflection shook his head. "You really believe your plan will succeed? I have already explained to you in the past that it will not work."

Sombra laughed, "The plan was a success! All I had around me did not share the same ideals and risked the downfall of this glorious empire."

"They were not to blame as it was your orders that broke the plan you have made. Now you will be punished once captured, and hopefully dead."

"Ha-ha-ha! And you will for sure join me to my journey to Tartarus!"

"A necessary sacrifice, just like before…" His reflection stared down towards the king. "I was aware you weren't going to harm Celestia in the beginning…"

Sombra ceased laughing, looking down back to the mirror. "Silence…"

"You may have my body, but the love and heart it has for her has never vanished, giving you pain than anything else in your conquest…"

"I said silence you ghost!"

"And while I am just a reflection, I know that when you fight her, you will never be able to harm my princess."

"Silence!" Sombra yelled, using a magic bolt to damage the mirror, watching it shatter with the pieces falling onto the ground.

"You may be in control, but remember, you will never destroy what is destined to come. Including your downfall…"

Across the Crystal Mountains, Equestrian forces remained in their campsites inches away from crossing the Empire's border. Much of the ponies had high morale to win this war against those that wished to destroy what they cared for. Along with hearing news about the Griffon's victory over the Empire, all were for sure going to do the same once their princesses give the order and finally return home from such disharmony that was brought to them. Most that were in their walking path saluted the two princesses, both in their armor and acknowledging those in their direction. Celestia had returned from the southern border of Equestria after the Windigos were successfully halted in their tracks and disappearing the day the Griffons won. There is much less discord in the known world, other than what the ponies will go through for the final time. Her armor did not look like there was much damage to it, other than a few marks as there was no need for violence, a blessing she gladly accepted, while in contrast with her sister's armor which was damaged all over, the coloring even fading from some spots. She grew concerned for her noticing the similar lifeless eyes Aniketos has all the time, and a frown that did not go away. She was never like this when they had to fight the Griffons, but before then both would not participate in the fight, instead supervising it from a safe area.

"Lulu?" Celestia spoke up. "Are you faring well?"

Luna did not hear her sister speak to her, not hearing anything around her in general. Her ears, her mind, was already occupied by some disturbance in her. The wind blowing hard and the echoes of swords being swung and making contact with both the opposite blade or flesh. All ceased when her sister spoke up louder, breaking her unknown focus to give attention to Celestia. "Apologies Tia, I was daydreaming."

"I was asking if you were okay? You seemed distant from everypony," said Celestia.

"I suppose I am tired. I was not able to sleep these past days due to sudden ambushes from Sombra's forces." She turned left into her tent, lying down on her stomach once she was comfortable.

"Is that all that is bothering you? There must be more than just lack of sleep." Celestia join her, lying down as well across from her. "It is alright if you miss him, such emotions are natural."

"I guess you're right. I would have expected him to be back from the Griffon Kingdom once everything there had finished. But it has been a few days after it all and he is nowhere to be found."

"Luna…"

"W-what if something happened to him? What if he got hurt in battle and was not able to move?" Luna started to breathe faster. "W-what if he died in battle!? I do not think I would be able to cope with the death of somepony I wish to be with!"

"Luna calm yourself." Celestia said. "I've never seen you react in such a way before, it is almost like you are some other pony."

"Well I," she started, "I never had such emotions like this before. It is strong like the steel I wear, or maybe even stronger." She rested her head down. "I just, do not wish to lose this feeling." Her eyes looked towards her sister, having forgot that she had the similar emotions before everything turned dark in the nation. "Sorry Tia, I do not think you'd wish to hear this from me."

"Do not worry, I understand completely," said Celestia. In saying so she watched a smile form on her sister's lips, but for only a moment before disappearing. "So what is your plan once everything has been settled?"

"He wishes to marry me," Luna replied.

Her sister blinked before replying. "M-marry?"

"Aye, marry."

"My, my, so immediate after both of you declared your feelings for one another. Is there a reason why?"

Luna thought back months ago when she went over to his home, the gift he gave her in case he fell in battle, and the passion that was released twice from both of them before their separation. His rough yet soft hands running down her body, his lips on hers while their tongues danced, his toned yet scarred body that made her his with the stamina that was never expected to come.

Celestia noticed Luna smiling again, a bit of drool hanging from her mouth. "Luna? Are you alright?"

Again she returned back into reality, facing her sister. "Ah, yes, I am fine." She cleared her throat, pushing away her imagination. She knew telling Celestia that she had fornication it would make her concerned for the fact that both he and her are both different races, along with traditional values that would come into question. "To answer your question, it is a custom to marry early in his world of Sparta so the Spartan population can continue to rein. He has true intention to want to marry me because of love and not just to have foals."

"I'm curious if it would be even possible to have foals from him."

"I do not think it would be possible since we both are difference races."

"You will just have to try when the time comes," Celestia winked.

"T-Tia!" Luna yelled out, embarrassed from hearing her say that.

"But before anything of the sort can happen, there are a few problems that would have to be solved."

Luna nodded, understanding that even if she wanted to be wed, she could not for the laws require those of royalty to be married to those of same rank or higher. Aniketos was nothing of the sort, being only nothing but a warrior from another world. He was still part of the Lunar Guard, but nothing more would help in making something such as this come true, especially when it is somepony that isn't even a pony. "There is nothing we can do about it. Foolish of I to grow excited for something that is beyond impossible."

"Now do not speak like that, there may be a chance it may come true," spoke Celestia.

"How, sister? Unless it is done in secret, there is no chance at all."

"Exactly. Wed in secret."

Luna raised an eyebrow. "I am surprised you support such illegal idea."

"Well, most laws are meant to be broken," winked Celestia.

The two laughed together, something the was needed dearly in a world that came crashing down into disharmony. Not even the chaos that Discord had brought upon Equestria in the past would match what Sombra had started. But as always, the righteousness and pure harmony will soon triumph once more and will bring an end to this costly war.

"Your highnesses," one of the Guards entered, "There is something approaching the campsite."

Both Celestia and Luna stood and walked out of the tent with the guard, leading them to what he had told them about. There was a gather of ponies, mostly the Lunar Guard that remained awake, all watching in front of them of who was approaching. All made way for their princesses, letting the two be up front to see who it was. Celestia was about to speak, but already Luna was quickly in a gallop. All the ponies watched as the princess of the night charge forward towards their greatest ally.

Luna jumped up and tackled the Spartan onto the snowy ground, her lips making contact with his own. "My Spartan! My Ani!" Luna cheerfully shouted out, tears of joy coming from her eyes.

"Aye, yes," Aniketos coughed out, not expecting to be struck down so hard. "I guess you have missed me dearly."

"Thou hast nay idea of how much mine heart hath struggled waiting for thou." She sniffled a bit, her eyes staring into his. "I feared every minute of your safety, wishing for assurance that you are okay and our love not fading with this war. And here you are, back to me, a part of me that has stayed with you."

Aniketos chuckled a bit, making Luna have a slight pout. He brushed away the tears she had, pulling her close, a first of him showing any compassion so freely. "All you needed to say was 'I missed you too'."

"Fool, embarrassing me in such a way. It is thy fault I have grown weak when our love comes together like this." Luna moved off him and stood back up, watching him stand as well.

From there, he examined her and the armor she wore, all battle-damaged and worn from the many battles she had participated in and some bandage wraps around her legs. A large gash on her helmet was very noticeable, seeing that she came close to being struck when she had dodged said attack. The damage she received concerned him, not about how much physical harm she had received, but her sanity going through it all. She was a princess of course, not having to participate in almost any combat, but for this one which had to be the most violent in their history had no choice but to fight. He knelt in one knee, and pulled her close into a hug, hearing her squeak from the sudden closeness that is rare for him to share.

"I have feared for your life as well, praying to the gods to protect you from death instead of my own." He pulled her tightly closer. "Seeing you in this state, I suppose you understand what it is like to be in the front of the massacre."

"I do, but it will never compare to your life of always fighting and drawing blood."

He lifted her up in his arms, carrying her as he started to move forward towards everypony. "Let us end this war and return home," he said, feeling her snuggle more into his arms. He looked forward, seeing much of the guards standing and cheering that he had returned. In the mix of it all, he saw Celestia with a bittersweet smile, in armor as well but not relating to the rest.

"Celestia," he spoke.

"Welcome back Aniketos, I've heard about your success with the Griffons," she said.

"Aye, they are much like barbarians but taught me well in offensive tactics."

Celestia nodded, brushing her hoof along the snow which Aniketos noticed. "Ani…"

"No need to apologize, your highness. I understand." He smirked, seeing her smile in return. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe Luna and I need to catch up on what was missed in our time."

"Tent is all the way down to the left," said Celestia.

He nodded and walked forward, continuing to carry her as he reached the tent. Inside, he placed her down and removed his cloak, lying down and sighing out once he grew comfortable. Luna walked out from his sight, removing her armor one by one until she had nothing on her. She returned to him, her breathing hardening as her cheeks were slightly red.

Aniketos saw her, raising an eyebrow and laughing when he realized what she wanted to do. "Do you need something?"

"You. I need you," she said.

He got onto his knees and moved his mouth close to her ear. "And what do you desire most, your highness."

His hot breath made her shiver, making her hot in certain areas. "Do not make me say it," she huffed out.

"Say what? I do not know what thou speak of." He noticed a magical barrier surround the tent, making him laugh again, only this time in a more daring tone. He stood up and backed away from the princess and opened his arms. "Come take what you wish. Let out what was held back." Quickly, Luna charged forward and tackled him to the ground, furiously kissing him as she magically removed his armor and others that he wore under. She was pushed off, making her grow angry as she saw him motion his hand to her to 'attack' with the same look she had. She yelled out and charged again, this time he catching her and spinning her around to be on her back this time.

Both Aniketos and Luna walked out from the tent, all in their armor, and noticing the sun still in the sky. He saw it angled a bit, showing it was growing closer to the late afternoon. With the two now relieved of whatever was in them, both walked towards the other tent which had both Celestia, Steel Wing, and Green Oak standing next to the table which had a map of their location. They both stopped talking when they saw the two entering.

"Ah, Lulu, I was about to come get you," Celestia smiled.

"We had finished catching up and figured we come here to see any updates," said Luna.

Aniketos shook his head and walked up to the table. "What is the current situation here?"

"Sombra has gathered as much troops as he can to use as a counter-attack to our march forward. Most being recruits or those forced to fight." Steel Wing explained. "He has only brought up 15,000 troops to make an attempt to push us back."

"The fool. And what is our count?"

"More than 75,000." Green Oak spoke out. "We have attempted to negotiate with King Sombra for his surrender, but there was no luck. We now will fight until an unconditional surrender is met."

"Also our scouts report that King Sombra himself is going to participate in the fight," said Steel Wing.

Celestia turned to Luna and Aniketos. "We all agreed to mobilize the troops and push forward into the Crystal Empire."

The Spartan nodded. "Aye. I will be in the front lines and lead the assault."

"Are you sure Aniketos? You had just gotten back from the Griffon Kingdom." Steel Wing questioned.

"Aye I am sure. A Spartan is never finished until the war ends."

The old stallion nodded, not saying anymore. For Celestia and Luna, they remained silent as well knowing that there was no possible way he would stay out of this fight. They were in favor of his participation as all heard a loud distant roar coming from the mountains. All of them rushed out from the tent, seeing the Crystal army being mobilized before they were prepared. What was worse was along with Sombra himself, he was riding on a large black dragon. Rain clouds began to form in the sky, hiding Celestia's sun and bringing forth the rain that would join in on this final assault instead of the snow that was here. Aniketos did not hesitate and charged forward drawing his kopis, Luna joining as well with her own sword. "Guards! Prepare for battle!" Celestia yelled out, seeing many rush out and charge forward along with the Spartan. Steel Wing rushed towards the catapults, Green Oak towards the cannons, and assisted on bring them forward and in range of the enemies that came rushing.

Sombra laughed loudly as he pointed his rapier towards the disorganized Equestrian Army. This was to be his time to take back what he had lost and get rid of the ones that pose a threat. Seeing both the Spartan and the princess of the night charging forward along with the guards, he signaled to his dragon to attack on their position. With a large breath in, the dragon roared out and breathed out the fire that rained down.

In impact, the ground shook and exploded high, the force pushing and knocking down everypony that was around the strong fire while killing those that was met by the fire. Aniketos was thrown into the air and landed hard onto the now muddy ground, remaining unconscious for a moment before awaking with a sharp sound coming from his ears. He slowly got onto his knees, trying to regain his focus, looking at his muddy hands and forearms while the water from the rain dripped off his nose. Looking to his left, he saw his helmet missing a piece that would cover his right cheek. With his shaky hands, he placed his helmet back on and looked up, seeing the dragon roar out fire as the catapults fired toward it along with the cannons, looking as if nothing was able to damage it. With himself returning to the battle, his ears cleared up and was able to hear all around him, the clashing of blade and the cries of stallions. He picked up his kopis and stood back up, seeing Luna beginning to be surrounded as she too was trying to regain her focus. "No… No!" He charged towards her, throwing his kopis towards one of the crystals that was about to strike her down. Within his reach, grabbed one of the spears and struck it towards another Crystal pony through the neck. Using his arms, he dodged a spear going towards him and moved behind his next target, snapping its neck and letting it collapse onto the ground. He pulled out his kopis from the already dead body and screamed out loudly towards Sombra and the dragon.

Finally regaining her composure, Luna watched Aniketos charge forward towards the dragon. "Wait! Aniketos!" Damned fool! She took flight and charged towards him, catching him and lifting him off the ground and into the air. "You need to strike the head you idiot!"

"That was my plan! Watch out!" Aniketos yelled out, Luna adjusting her flight to dodge both a fireball from the catapult and the fire breath from the dragon. "Pull me up and let go!"

"What!? Are you mad!?" Luna yelled out, growing closer to Sombra and the dragon.

"I need enough force to strike the head! Pull up!" Aniketos explained, seeing the ground become farther away. Within range that he believed, he shook himself off from Luna's grasp and fell through the air, gripping his kopis tightly he yelled out as he came down the dragon's head hard with his kopis being driven fully inside to the hilt, making the dragon yell out and Sombra wide-eyed.

"You bastard!" Sombra yelled, driving his rapier through the arm of Aniketos.

He yelled out and gripped the rapier, pulling the king towards him. "You are going to die King!" He pulled him off the already falling dragon and watched him fall to his death while he held onto his kopis tight. With a large crash and a minor earthquake, the battle ceased immediately, the remaining Crystal army seeing both their King and the dragon fallen. That wasn't the case as Sombra slowly stood up off the ground, seeing his remaining army surrendering. Sombra grinded his teeth and magically teleported away from the fight. Aniketos forcefully pulled out his kopis and sheathed it, seeing that the battle already ended. This wasn't the end he knew, for he saw Luna bringing his shield towards him.

"We need to end this," Luna spoke, magically handing Aniketos his shield.

"I'm aware." He looked towards the army which was busy gathering the new prisoners-of-war. "Can you teleport us to his castle?"

Luna nodded. "We're within distance to mark his end."