Lunar Spartan

Aniketos placed back on his helmet, leaving off his blue cloak for better mobility as he knew that something was to happen. Being prepared to fight did not leave a good feeling in him, knowing well enough that this could be a big misunderstanding and he is simply coming to conclusions too quickly. He raised up his shield, leaving his dory alone for he would not need it.

“Ani,” Luna spoke, gaining his attention. “Do you recall the tale I had spoken to you about two years ago?”

He nodded, knowing about the curse that she carried in her. “Aye,” he softly said, “Is it becoming too much now?”

“No, not yet.” She sat down on the soft rug. “I just wanted to know, if the creature came out from me, would you attack me?”

He sighed. “I would not be able to. Even if I am a Spartan, I am still just a man, a stallion. I have the ability to have such weakening emotions in me in this world, but only for you and for our children. Even if I had no choice, I would not be able to bring myself to do such acts towards you.” He went on both knees and leaned his head near hers. “My life is yours. Attacking you would only cause more damage than good.”

Luna nodded. “I’m sorry for asking. I was only concerned of what you may do if I lost control.”

Aniketos stood back up. “Meditate then. Only this time think of those around you that you love, and those who love you back. If harmony truly works in this world, then for sure this will put down the ghost until we find a spell to rid of such thing.” He started to walk towards the door, opening it slightly and noticing Celestia and a few guards down the hallway growing closer.

“Are you not going to stay?” Asked Luna.

“Meditation requires absolute focus. I would only be causing more harm than good.” He walked back to her and gave her a kiss. “Soundproof the room while you do. I will be outside when you are sure that you are done.”

Luna placed a hoof on his chest, noticing how fast it was beating. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”

Aniketos only smirked to her. “Was thinking of having another child.”

This only made her laugh. “Isn’t two enough already?”

“With you, my princess, never,” he said, kissing her once more before standing back up. He walked out of the room, closing the door behind him. “I will always love you, my Selene.”

Luna smile grew, knowing how rare it was when he spoke such words. “And I the same, my Spartan.”

Aniketos locked the door and closed it, noticing the magic forming around the doors assuring that no sound was going through into the room. He turned around and stood seeing both Celestia and a few guards standing still as well. “Your highness, I had thought you would be over at the Griffon Kingdom by now.”

“There had been a sudden change in my schedule which needed mandatory attention,” she said. “Is my sister in there? Can I see her?”

The spartan shook his head. “Aye she’s in, but you cannot see her right now.”

Celestia knew how concerned he was. “Ani, I promise you I will not do anything to my own sister. I know well enough that you know of what had occurred in the morning.”

“A law in which prohibits you and her from having a marriage unless it is from the same royal ranking. Aye, I know.” Aniketos pulled out his kopis. “I also know of the charges set if one was to break it. To be placed in a special prison built by your parents to hold such as yourself, while the other is formally executed.”

“You know well enough that I would not do such thing!” Celestia yelled out. “You know me Ani, trust me that I will not do harm.”

“I do trust you, but I cannot allow you to arrest her at the moment,” he replied. “She is currently fighting her own demons inside which requires all of her focus if she is to overcome such.”

Her guards started to slowly inch forward. One retreating in the opposite direction to most likely gain more support. “Do not bring this to bloodshed Ani. Haven’t we seen enough in our life?”

“My vow is to the princess of the night, to protect from those that may cause her harm. While this is law, it is also treason in my view to dethrone her highness.” He brought his shield over, his kopis pointing towards the guards. “You will need to get past me before you touch her.”

Instantly, all guards charged forward without Celestia’s command, their spears thrusting forward towards the defending Spartan. He managed to block two of the three spears, the third one grazing his helmet. With a quick adjust, he slashed down towards one of the guard’s leg making his target collapse. He bashed the other with his shield, the blade of his kopis coming in contact with the one beside. All collapsed on the floor, wounded but not dead. Quickly the princess of the sun magically pulled them back, magically placing her armor on and slashing down towards him with her own blade. More guards came in all three directions, halting in place watching their highness fight with now an enemy to Equestria.

Towards the outside of the castle, a lone lunar guard rushed over to the barracks, dodging those around him and entering a tent where the few commanders stood around a table. All watched the pony breathe heavily, one approaching him. “What is it lad?”

“Celestia...her guards...attacking her highness...” He breathed out.

“What!?” the commander yelled out.

“The Spartan is defending on his own...”

“Quickly! Call all to arms! Our highness is in danger!”

The bells around rung out, all of Luna’s guards arming up and rushing towards the castle. To the doors, two of Celestia’s guards took notice of the swarm of Luna’s guards, rushing to get the doors closed but to no avail succeeding. Both were slain while the lunar guards continued to charge forward. Housemaids, servants, and much more rushed into rooms to not play part in being a victim, allowing both guards to clash uninterrupted.

For our highness of the night, one side called out. For our highness of the sun, another shouted back, the clash of spears and swords, wings and magic being used to the full potential as if both sides were back on the battlefields facing against Sombra. An alliance of both moon and sun, now enemies to reign supreme in the tilting of time. Both under a false idea that one wants to overthrow the other.

Aniketos pushed back Celestia with his shield, this time using deadly force against those who face him. A guard on the left being slashed on the neck, the one on the right meeting the sharp edge of his shield, a never-ending fight in order to not allow anyone to enter the doors. His mind fell silent, his ears hearing a marching pattern on ground and his eyes returning him to the Battle of Thermopylae. All were not ponies anymore, but Persians attempting to break through the line of Spartans. Again he clashed with his blade, his kopis slashing left and right, his shield blocking any attempts to his life and using it as a weapon when possible.

“Your highness!” A guard called out, Celestia turning to see a hoof pointing towards the other end of the hall, seeing much of the lunar guard clashing with her own.

“Oh no...” she breathed out, not intending for this to grow beyond what was originally supposed to be a discussion. She further understood Aniketos words, that even if it was law, in his eyes, a lunar guard, it was still treason. Now there was no chance in going back knowing well enough this was bound to happen.

*****

Astra’s ears twitched hearing an explosion far towards the castle. Turning around, she saw black smoke rising from there, alarmed that something horrible was happening. She wished to return, but she had another objective to complete. Having a carriage latched onto her, she carried both children of Luna’s which were still asleep. A sigh came from her mouth and she continued forward through the forest. Farther away from any risk of harm that may come to her and the children. Right now her plan was to escape far east towards the Griffon Kingdom, and hopefully gain secret asylum there so she can go further east through their lands.

“Is there any sign of them?” A pony called out, making Astra’s heartbeat raise.

“No sign of them sir. Where do you think they went?”

“Can’t be too far, Ink Scroll did say they should be in this direction.”

Ink Scroll, Astra thought. There was no way Celestia would betray her by telling her politician where she would be. It not mattered to her for she knew she would be caught if she didn’t rid of such threats. Unhooking herself from the carriage, she gently moved Deimos till he awoke. “Hmm, Astra…?”

She hushed him. “Deimos I’m going to need you to protect your sister okay.” She pulled out a dagger and handed it to him.

“What’s wrong? Where’s mother and father?” He asked.

“They’re back at the castle handling something important, but right now I need you to stay quiet and protect Selena from any harm. Do you understand?”

Deimos nodded. “I am a Spartan. I will defend my sister with my life.”

“Good,” Astra smiled, “Stay here, I will return after I rid of those that wish to harm you. If I don’t return within five minutes, run away from here with Selena.”

From there she rushed into the bushes, watching the patrol slowly creep forward looking for her and the children. She jumped up and flapped her bat-wings into the trees, startling the guards. All around questioned what that was, Astra keeping her breath calm and steady. In a few seconds she shot down and struck a guard with her other dagger before entering another bush. The others turned around and rushed over to their now dead comrade. All circled around, each guard facing the outside direction to assure that whoever is responsible is seen. It worked, seeing a dagger quickly stab through the neck of another guard, while she herself back-hoofed another. She dodged a thrust of the spear, stealing it from the guard and quickly thrusting through his chest. A close call came from behind, feeling a cut on her hind leg as she jumped away into another bush. The lone guard kept ready, looking around frantically for the bat-pony until he stopped, feeling her hooves around his head. She listened to his neck crack, letting the body collapse. “Tch, the guards really are soft,” she said, walking her way back, pulling her dagger back out from the body and sheathing it.

She then heard a scream, Selena’s scream. Her eyes widening and her hooves quickly running towards the carriage. Once she arrived, she saw the carriage flipped over. She feared the worst. “Deimos! Selena!” She called out, walking towards the carriage. She then saw Selena with her arms hugging her legs. “Oh thank goodness,” she hugged her with her wing. “Where is your brother?”

She pointed, “He went that way, somepony followed him after Deimos hurt him.”

Astra looked over to the direction. “I will be back Selena. I am going to get your brother.” She watched the little girl nod and she walked over through the bushes. Selena was right, there were droplets of blood on the leaves and ground. She quickly followed it before it ended towards a now dead guard. The blade was stabbed through the neck multiple times and left there. She pulled it out and sheathed it, seeing Deimos sitting under a tree. “Deimos,” she called to him, seeing him raise his head revealing a slash on the right side of his eye. Luckily he was not blinded.

“I killed him Astra, just like my father would.” He started speaking. “But it is not the same as stabbing sand. This felt more...”

“Shh, I understand what you are feeling.” She helped him up. “This is only the first steps on becoming a true warrior, just like your father. It is hard at first when taking a life not of your own. Remember this day, for it will help you.”

Deimos nodded. “Only for defense right? I do not wish to do acts like this without reason other than to protect.”

“Yes, that is fine.” She looked over, not hearing anymore ponies anymore. What she did hear was clashing of blades.

“Will father be alright?” Deimos asked.

At this point she wasn’t sure. “Yes, he is a Spartan after all. Come, we need to keep moving.”

Again it was silent as Astra pulled the carriage through the forest with Deimos and Selena sitting idle not knowing where they were going. Deimos moved forward a bit, “So where are we going?”

“The Griffon Kingdom. As you seen it, we’re not safe here anymore. And since your father is a savior to them, they may guarantee safety,” she said.

Deimos nodded, sitting back down not fully understanding why all of this was happening. However, he knew that protecting both Selena and Astra from further harm will be his life mission until he can return home to his mother and father. Today, he will sob, but from then on then, he will be strong. Maybe even stronger than his father.

*****

“Enough!” Celestia yelled out, making Aniketos magically fly out from the castle, crashing through the windows and landing hard onto the lawn. She followed pursuit, landing only inches from him with her blade thrusting downward.

Aniketos quickly moved away, losing his helmet to her blade as it stabbed through it. It was too damaged anyway having been in constant attack. He had lost his shield from being suddenly thrown, now only leaving him with his kopis. Blood ran down from his nose due to the impact, the cuts on his arms due to the spears starting to get through. He never thought the lunar guards would come to his aid, however he believed it was for the wrong reason. They managed to get through in defense of Luna’s room before he was taken away from there. He fell on one knee for a moment, standing back up to keep his composure. He already knew he would not be able to continue further, his prime now faded in age.

“Aniketos,” Celestia called out.

“Celestia,” he replied. “Before our friendship grew, wilted, and then grew again. Now here we are fighting each other, wilting ever so quickly.”

“If only you allowed me to see my sister-”

“You know well enough I cannot allow you to do such!” He stood straight. “Even if I had, this civil conflict would have occurred anyway. I felt it was destined to occur,” he readied himself again, “And I’m destined to die. For it is my Spartan way to die in battle.”

Celestia sighed, wishing not to be the villain in this. In someway she felt she was in the wrong, allowing herself to succumb in doing rash acts instead of standing her ground. It was now too late. “I have failed you Aniketos. But for Equestria, I must do what will keep harmony in place.” She readied herself too.

He nodded, his memories flashing through his eyes of since being here to now. “I know. I’ve always known what must be done.”

She charged forward, screaming with her blade ready to strike. Aniketos doing the same, sprinting forward. Both their blades collided, blocking each others strikes left and right. Celestia managing to use a magical bolt to hit one of his legs. He screamed out, his right leg wanting to give out but he relentlessly continued to fight, rolling around and cutting her leg with his leg. She backed up, remembering that his blade is able to kill her and Luna if used against her. Her eyes connected to his, seeing him breathing heavily as he continued to strike with all he had. Again she shot him, this time in the chest making him stutter back. He again fell on one knee, his vision growing blurry, yet clearer as he saw Sparta in the distance. His eyes looked confused, but he walked forward through the fields.

Celestia looked in awe, seeing the Spartan be in his fighting stance, his eyes looking faint and lifeless. Her heart ached, but knew what must be done. She rushed forward, slashing down and again fighting Aniketos who was on his last strength. Eventually, his blade collapsed onto the ground, her blade stabbing through his breastplate and into his chest where his heart was. From there he stood, staring towards her in her tearful eyes, yet for him he was at the gates of Sparta. There he saw his brothers and his king, waving and smiling to him as he approached. He was back in his regular spartan armor, the red cloak flowing with the wind. He paused and looked back towards where Equestria was.

From there, he lied down, Celestia making sure he didn’t collapse hard. “You are now free, Aniketos. The nightmares, all of it, over. Go home.”

Aniketos stared, smirking while lowering his head. “Good-bye Selene. We will meet again.” He turned around, and continued walking towards Sparta.

Celestia sighed, magically closing his eyes while mourning that in the end it had to come to this bloodshed. However, something didn’t felt right as she felt much of dark magic growing rapidly.

*****

Luna continued to meditate, keeping herself calm and collected as she searched through her mind looking for peace within herself. Along with her, the ghost floated by her. “Whatever you may be trying to do will not work,” Luna said, opening a door which only lead to more.

“You know very well you need my strength to be as strong as you are. Sealing me away will not work as I will escape once more,” it replied.

“And I will continue to do as such to keep you from escaping.”

Luna stopped herself, feeling an odd feeling within her chest. She was not able to define what it was, and it soon concerned her. She looked towards the ghost, noticing that it had the same reaction. “You felt it too?” Luna spoke.

“Something is off, as if a balance was broken from this world.”

“For once I agree with what you are saying.” Luna decided it was time to end her meditation. “I will rid of you once I figure what this feeling is.”

Back into her chambers, she opened her eyes, the feeling still remaining there as she stood up. Her heart was racing for a reason she could not describe. Maybe she needed Aniketos to be by her side like he has before. It was weird that he decided not to. Lowing her magical barrier, she instantly heard the clashes of swords around her. “What in Tartarus?” She said, walking to her window, her eyes widening to see flames around the castle along with both her and her sister’s guards clashing against one another.

Quickly she rushed out of her room, gagging almost once she saw the dead bodies of both sides on the ground. Why was this happening? What could have caused such thing to occur? She walked through the hallways, avoiding the bodies as she took her step. Ani! She thought, her heart starting to beat faster as she started to run in search of him. He knew something was to occur and did not wish for her to know. She started to worry as the unknown feeling grew once she approached the shattered windows. From there she jumped out and onto the grass, trotting to see more bodies around. She then approached the corner of the castle, seeing that both Aniketos and Celestia were there in the distance. She grew relieved, however, the feeling she felt soon was understood as she watched her love collapse onto the ground from her sister’s blade.

Her heart was not just broken. It was betrayed. The love of her life stolen by the one she trusted most. Her stomach felt sick, and her eyes continued to tear. Her sadness soon succumbed into rage, her magic and the ghost’s combining into two. You will pay. You will all pay!

Celestia looked up into the sky which was rapidly growing dark by the moon blocking her sun. There she saw her sister transforming from how she was to now a dark entity. “Oh no, please not you,” she said, staring towards a tearful dark alicorn of the night.

“You have stolen something dear from me, sister! And now once I rid of you, the night will last forever!” Luna, no, Nightmare Moon yelled out, her magic growing ever so powerful.