The Equestrian Civil War

Celestia felt the rocking of numerous explosions from the underground room she was in. She was strategizing with Shining Armor when the rocking disturbed them.

“What was that?” Shining Armor asked.

“I don’t know.” Celestia turned towards the door, and said, “But I’m going to find out.”

She walked out of the room, and to where the others were being kept so that they could be evacuated. Once she came to a window, she was shocked.

Canterlot was almost completely leveled. Celestia was dumbfounded, and tears flowed from her eyes. She cried the city that grew to prosperity during her reign, gone in a single night. She raised the sun, and the destruction was more apparent. Most of the city was completely leveled, while some parts of the city were still standing but heavily damaged. Yet other parts of the city were only damaged partially. Still, it would take years to rebuild the city.

“How could this happen?” She asked, but nopony answered.

“This,” she said, “Is not an act of terrorism; this is an act of war. Shining Armor, I want a full mobilization of the Royal Equestrian Army. I also want our Defensive Readiness Status at the highest level. Shoot down any unidentified planes.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Shining Armor said, “Right away.”

“And when we reach it,” she said, “I want Stalliongrad razed to the ground. Leave no building standing. Luna will pay miserably for this.”

She walked away. Celestia could not stand to look at the ruins anymore. Anger was boiling inside her. She needed to be alone.

Fluttershy watched as Princess Celestia stormed off. She couldn’t help it, but she found that Celestia wanting to raze Stalliongrad, the Jewel of the East, to the ground was uncalled for. More and more, she sympathized with Luna. The severe punishments that Celestia passed down on her were unbearable. Suddenly, she felt a drawing to Stalliongrad, to Luna.

Fluttershy could not stand to be loyal to Celestia any longer. There was a changing of the guard, the passing of the old ways. Fluttershy silently pledged allegiance to Princess Luna and the New Lunar Republic. But she knew that she couldn’t leave alone. She needed her friends to come with her.

She felt that she would ask those who weren’t so close to Celestia. That immediately threw out Twilight. She also disqualified Rainbow Dash, because she would always be loyal to Celestia. She was then left with three opportunities: Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Applejack.

“Rarity,” Fluttershy said, “Can I ask you something in private?”

“Of course Fluttershy,” Rarity said. She followed Fluttershy, and they walked into a secluded area of the room.

Fluttershy drew a deep breath, and asked Rarity her question.

“Rarity,” she began, “What will we do with this war?”

“I don’t know, Fluttershy.” Rarity said, “But I think Celestia wanting to raze Stalliongrad to the ground is a bit unwarranted. I think this especially since it is the Jewel of the East.”
“

I know Rarity.” Fluttershy replied, “I’ve been thinking the same thing.”

“And what Luna said was a teeny bit true.” She said, “I mean, you don’t see any Zebras or Griffons here in Canterlot, or anywhere for that matter.”

“Yes,” Fluttershy said, “But, Rarity, I think I may side with Luna.”

“Do you know what you are saying?” Rarity said, “We are in Canterlot after all!”

“I’m sorry,” Fluttershy ducked her head, “But I don’t think it’s fair, especially since we waged war with the Zebras for almost no reason at all.”

“That is true,” Rarity concurred. “But, I think it might be a little extreme to come out and say ‘I’m with Luna.’”

“But,” Fluttershy said, “How about we sneak away to Stalliongrad? I’m sure Luna has recruiters everywhere.”

“I know, but,” Rarity paused nervously, “But how can we be sure that Luna will win?”

“I’m not saying Luna will win.” Fluttershy swallowed, but said, “I’m saying that Celestia is a bigot and that Luna will change Equestria for the better.”

Rarity sighed, and looked at Fluttershy, saying, “Fluttershy, you know that I will always be there for you. But this, this is a little extreme! Siding with the rebels is something that will be branded on you for life! What if Luna loses? Everypony would look at us and wonder if we would continue the fight. They wouldn’t think of anything other than ‘rebel’ when they think of Fluttershy.”

“It’s worth the risk,” Fluttershy held her head up high, “For standing up in what I believe in.”

“I guess you’ve got a point.” Rarity sighed, “Alright, I guess I’m with you, Fluttershy.” Fluttershy smiled, and hugged Rarity. “But we have to get somepony else to come with us.”

Fluttershy let go, and said, “I think the most likely to come with us are Applejack and Pinkie Pie.”

“I would prefer we recruit Applejack.” Rarity said, looking towards Pinkie Pie. “After all, she would take this seriously.”

Fluttershy nodded, “Then Applejack it is.”
***

Nightmare Moon stepped out of the jet, and onto the Stalliongrad runway. It was cool, with a brisk breeze blowing through. There were no planes on the runway, but Nightmare Moon could hear fighter jets flying sorties in the distance.
She was greeted by two red Earth Ponies, who escorted her inside a limousine.

Once she climbed inside, she was greeted by Thunder Roller and Loyal Shadow. There were noticeable bags under their eyes, and they looked dead tired. But still, they had manila folders labeled “CLASSIFIED,” and handed them to Nightmare Moon.

“What are these?” She asked, opening one.

“Order 24 went according to plan, Princess Luna.” Loyal Shadow said. “Canterlot is all but destroyed. But the castle escaped any major damage though. Princess Celestia lives.”

“No matter,” Nightmare Moon scanned through satellite photos of the destroyed Canterlot. “This is enough to show that Celestia can’t protect anypony but herself.”

“Yes,” Thunder Roller said, “And comrade, I have reports from St Ponysburg and Damarescus. Our forces are pushing back Equestrian resistance. Their army is disorganized and confused.”

Nightmare Moon opened that manila folder, and cycled through the photos. One showed a destroyed REA tank, while others showed Republican soldiers raising the flag over small villages and towns.

“Might I ask how many are joining our cause?” Nightmare Moon looked up, “We cannot fight a war without soldiers.”

“Ah, yes,” Shadow readjusted his reading glasses, “We have sleeper agents everywhere in Equestria. All sympathizers are being herded here to Stalliongrad. Our numbers grow stronger every day. There have actually been uprisings in Vanhoofer and Mexicolt City led by these sleeper agents.”

“And they are doing well, I hope?” Nightmare Moon asked. The limousine was moving out of the airport, and was heading to the Governor’s Palace, which would for now be Nightmare Moon’s residence. New Lunar Republican flags were flying across the city, and Loyalist shops and homes were burnt and destroyed. It made her feel good that so many were blindly following her; they would be very useful soon.

“Da,” Thunder said, “The uprisings are very successful. The REA detachments there are having trouble identifying Loyalists from Republicans, which gives us a large advantage.”

The limousine pulled up to the Palace. A brown Pegasus opened the door for Nightmare Moon, and saluted her as she walked out. She merely nodded as she walked inside and was being briefed by Republican generals.

She opened the door to her office, and sat down at the desk.

“Now, gentlecolts,” she said, “I want a full report on our victories and defeats across the front.”

“Princess Luna,” a blue Earth Pony saluted, “My name is General Royal Charmer, from Nipponi. Our forces in the area of Nipponi and Marelaysia are facing continued resistance from REA divisions in the area. Though the resistance is mounting, we are pushing them back.”

“Good,” Nightmare Moon looked to a map of Equestria, and pinned the Marelaysian jungles. “Now, what of our gains in St. Ponysburg, have we made progress?”

“Da,” Thunder Roller said, “The REA forces in the area are being pushed back by Republican divisions. We are expected to have taken St. Ponysburg in three weeks at most. They are crumbling, and we keep pushing the offensives.”

As news of victories and defeats in the East reached Nightmare Moon’s ears, she knew what she needed to win this war. The war would be decided by victories in the fields of Equestria, yes, but she needed something else to tip the scales in her favor.

“Hand me intelligence files on residents of Ponyville.” She said, and was handed a folder. She fingered through them, and dragged out six files.

“These six mares,” she said, “Need to be rallied into our cause. They are known as the holders of the Spirits of the Elements of Harmony. I need to know where they are, and have them all contacted by our sleeper agents.

“I know this might not be possible,” she said, “Especially with these two. Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash, who are considered the two most powerful of the six. Twilight is the faithful student of Celestia, and Rainbow Dash embodies the Spirit of Loyalty. But the other four can be swayed into our grasp.”

“But how can we be sure that these six mares from Ponyville will win the war?” Shadow asked.

“Because,” Nightmare Moon replied, “They may not be active military, but they ended the plague. They have immense power, and can be the stopping power we need to abdicate Celestia. I want them to come to us willingly, gentlecolts. They have the power to eliminate our war efforts. At the very least, I want them divided.”

They nodded. Nightmare Moon listened to more reports, and dismissed them. She turned her chair around, and stood up. She walked to the large window behind her, and looked out to Stalliongrad. The beautiful Sarcidano River turned in and out through the city, and glistened in the pale sunlight.

Nightmare Moon looked on her Capital, and smiled. This was to be known as the City of Perpetual Night soon.
***

When the Mane 6 arrived back in Ponyville, Rarity and Fluttershy had yet to speak to either Applejack or Pinkie Pie. They still had to choose the right wording, and plan a route to Stalliongrad, over two and a half thousand miles away. Once they had stepped off the station, everypony was greeted by the residents of Ponyville.

“Oh, thank Celestia you’re all alive!” The Mayor said, “When we heard Canterlot was destroyed, we thought the worst.”

“Well, we got a little roughed up.” Rainbow Dash said, motioning towards the bandages on her head and back. “But we’re fine.”

“That’s good.” The Mayor said. “Now, REA soldiers will be stationed here now. We want to be kind to them; they are protecting us from those horrid rebels.”

“We’ll be fine, Mayor.” Twilight smiled, “Thanks for the concern.”

The Mayor nodded, and walked off. The crowd dispersed, and the Mane 6 went to the bakery, and Pinkie Pie got them cupcakes on the house.

While they were eating, Rarity and Fluttershy motioned for Applejack to sit down with them. Applejack complied, and sat down at a table inside the shop.

“What’s the matter y’all?” Applejack asked as she sat down.

“Well, Applejack,” Rarity looked around to see if she wouldn’t be heard, and said, “Fluttershy and I have been thinking that maybe Luna isn’t really wrong in revolting against Celestia.”

“Do y’all know what y’all are talking about?” Applejack asked, “This isn’t right, this is…”

“Applejack,” Rarity said, “We’ve already decided we’re going to Stalliongrad. It’s up to you if you want to come with us. Think about it, has Celestia really been honest to us? Applejack, you’re the Element of Honesty for crying out loud!”

“Well,” Applejack glanced to her side. They did have a point. Celestia never really told them anything about anything. Especially with the wars against the Zebras and Griffons, she only told them that they had attacked Equestrian border outposts. But she never saw the funerals for these dead “soldiers.”

“Ya do have a point.” Applejack looked around, and said, “Alright. Ah guess Ah will come with y’all to Stalliongrad. Ah really wouldn’t be honest to myself if Ah didn’t come with y’all.”

“There you go,” Rarity said. “I guess three is enough. Now, when should we leave?”

“Ah heard there are ponies around here that can get us there.” Applejack said, “It’ll just be a matter of finding ‘em.”

“I’ve heard that too.” Fluttershy said, “But who could they be?”

“Ah don’t know.” Applejack said, “Y’all have any ideas how to find ‘em?”

“No,” Rarity sighed, “Fluttershy and I hadn’t thought of this.”

“Maybe I can help.”

All three snapped their heads behind them, where a black-coated Unicorn sat down a table behind them. He had a green mane, and a moustache covering most of his upper mouth. His piercing green eyes could sway anypony, and his expression was one of many secrets.

“So you want to join Luna, eh?” He asked, “I can get you to Stalliongrad.”

“But how can we be sure ya won’t kill us?” Applejack questioned.

“You can,” he said, “Because I am a Republic sleeper agent. My name is Tuxedo Masquerade, and I was born in St. Ponysburg. She sent me here to recruit some of you. Are you all whose coming?”

“Yes,” Rarity said elegantly, “The others were, uncooperative.”

“Alright then,” Masquerade looked around and said, “Meet me at the train station at three o’clock this morning. Don’t be late.”

He then got up, and walked out of the cake shop. Fluttershy watched him go. Something about him was mysterious, but he seemed honest. Nopony says they are a sleeper agent, right?

She looked over to Twilight and the others she was leaving behind. She hoped that when Luna won, that they would be spared. She wouldn’t live with herself if they died in the war. She looked longingly at them, wishing they could come with her. But she knew they couldn’t.

But still, her heart yearned for their companionship, especially Rainbow Dash. She was oblivious to Fluttershy’s plans, but still, Fluttershy wished she could come with her. Looking at her almost made Fluttershy regret stowing away to Stalliongrad, but Fluttershy had to. Everypony needed equality in Equestria, and Luna would be the one to make it so.

She looked at the cupcake in front of her, and said, “I’m not really that hungry.”

“Are you okay, Fluttershy?” Twilight walked over, and sat next to her. “You seem sad, is everything alright?”

“Oh, yes, Twilight.” Fluttershy responded sheepishly, “Everything’s fine.”

“Are you sure?” Twilight prodded, “You don’t look alright.”

“I’m sure.” She responded, “Just thinking about Canterlot.”

“That’s behind us, Fluttershy.” Twilight put her hand on Fluttershy’s shoulder, and said, “Look, you know that all of us can help you. All you need to do is ask.”

“But,” Fluttershy said, “I’ve been thinking, what should Celestia do with Luna? Will she banish her to the moon for another 1000 years?”

“I don’t know.” Twilight said reassuringly, “But you shouldn’t think about Luna. We need to stay together.”

“Alright,” Fluttershy responded quietly, “Thanks, Twilight.”

Twilight smiled, and walked back to her table. Fluttershy got up, and left the cake shop.

She flew home; tears flowing down her face. Once she got into her home, she flew to her bed, and cried like a foal. She didn’t want to leave her friends, but she had to. She had to save Equestria from Celestia. But the burden was too much for her. The very thought of meeting her friends on the battlefield and having to kill them pulled her apart inside.
She hoped, she prayed that she wouldn’t have to kill her friends.

Fluttershy, for the first time in her life, hoped that somepony else would have to kill her own friends.

Tell me what you think! This chapter was mostly for build-up for the next few chapters which will mostly be combat-oriented. Thank you so much for all of you who have favorite and commented on this! It inspires me to write more, and to make my story more appealing for others. Thank you so much for the comments on how to improve my story; I am really trying to make this story work for you! Next chapter: Fluttershy, Rarity and Applejack arrive in Stalliongrad, but how long until their friends back in Ponyville find out? Find out in the next chapter!