Chapter 1: The Battle of Canterlot
Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there were two regal sisters who ruled together and created harmony for all the land. To do this, the eldest used her unicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn. The younger, brought out the moon to begin the night.
Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their Kingdom and their subjects, all for different types of ponies…
One day, they all disappeared WITHOUT A TRACE!!!!!!!!!
BOOM!
BOOM!
BOOM!
BOOM!
CRASH!!
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War was raging in Equestria. It had come without warning. The Solar Empire had decided that enough was enough with the rebellious New Lunar Republic and only a large scale conflict could determine the legitimate nation.
7 years ago, before the war, the Changeling Kingdom was acquired as a territory of the Royal Kingdom of Equestria by Princess Celestia. This officially marked the beginning of the Solar Empire. Princess Luna, Celestia’s sister, did not approve of the annexation as the two of them did not discuss the pros and cons before Celestia made her move. Luna did not believe in acquiring territories. She believed that all nations deserved the right to govern themselves and not be dominated by a foreign power.
Nonetheless, Luna did not want to pick a fight with her sister about it as doing so would upset the balance and cause major unrest in the land. So, she went along with it and actually found it quite profitable for the both of them. The two sisters fed off the changelings’ natural resources and they were forced to pay heavy taxes to the two sisters. Luna was fine with her sister’s methods until she payed a visit to the Changeling Kingdom where she found that the endless taxes and loss of natural resources were negatively impacting the changelings’ way of life. King Thorax, who was allowed to remain on the changeling throne as puppet ruler, explained to Luna that because of the taxation, unemployment and homelessness had increased, as well as rising dissatisfaction within the populace, who wished to return to the days of self-government.
Shortly after the visit, Luna confronted Celestia and found out from her that while she was away on the visit, Celestia has started devoting the Empire to the making of weapons and the building of walls, as well as creating laws mandating a species hierarchy in which wealthy, elite unicorn ponies were the master race and all other pony races, as well as non-ponies were inferior. Luna was not happy about this and resentment towards her sister grew until the final straw broke the bond between them when Celestia officially legalized slavery and the sending of non-ponies and creatures to concentration camps and/or plantations.
Following that, Luna dissolved all ties to her sister and with the help of a dissatisfied group of ponies known as the Eclipse, split off from the Empire and proclaimed the New Lunar Republic, a democratic republic that prioritized racial and species equality as well as the right to self-government and the right to life, liberty, and property. Luna was elected unanimously as the first President and she drafted the Declaration of Secession and Rebellion, a document that declared the Republic’s independence from the imperial monarchy. Celestia, now the self-declared Empress of the Empire, tolerated the Republic up until she discovered that a concentration camp had been liberated by the Republic. Celestia then decided that enough was enough and declared war on the Republic with Luna retaliating with a mutual declaration of war.
For a full 7 years, the Equestrian Civil War had torn apart the lives of ponies, whose friendships and relationships were shattered due to allegiances. Husbands and wives were separated as the stallions were drafted into either the Solar Imperial Army or the Lunar Republican Army, which was mostly comprised of Luna’s elite force of batponies known as the Night Guard. While the New Lunar Republic was more industrially and technologically advanced, the Solar Empire was stronger in numbers and in fighting tactics. Now, the Republic was engaged in a siege of Canterlot. The Lunar Republican Army’s ground invasion had broken into the city and airships were flying overhead. Captain Celeano and her pirate bird crew were handling the bombing and aerial strikes from their pirate airship, that had the rainbow sails on the sides shaped like bird wings, as the Solar Imperials were pushed back.
Leading the assault was a batpony stallion known respectably as General Hawk Nightwing of the First Legion and known familiarly as Hawk. He had been drafted into the army 6 years ago and had risen up in rank to become the highest level of general. He was commanding the ground forces to continue the attack. His military comrades shot blaster bolts at the Imperial Guards who fell dead to the floor.
“Leave not one murdering Imperial standing!” Hawk shouted orders to his comrades, “Take no prisoners, kill them all! The sooner we march on the palace, the sooner we can extract Celestia’s weapon!” They saluted him and continued the attack. A pegasus Imperial Guard stallion attempted to shoot him from behind, but Hawk sensed it and whirled around, using his spear to deflect the bullet at the Imperial, who fell dead at his hooves.
The tanks were rolling in. His close friend, Lieutenant General Owl, was leading the tank assault. The reason why the Republic was besieging Canterlot was because Princess Luna had heard rumors from Imperial defectors that the Empire had a secret weapon to end the war with in their favor. She had no idea what the weapon even was, but she immediately ordered an attack on Canterlot to find the weapon and take it back to the Republic capital of Cantropolis, which was a city modeled exactly like Canterlot and an industrial center where the Lunar Court Senate, the legislature of the Republic, was stationed in the city square.
Finally, after fighting their way through and dealing with some unfortunate civilian casualties, Hawk and the First Legion reached the Imperial Palace where they shot a cannonball from the commanding tank that blew the doors right open.
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Within the slave barracks located in the Imperial Palace, a young light pink hippogriff slave named Silverstream was cleaning the bathrooms as ordered by her owner, Empress Celestia. She was getting the Clorox out of the cupboards when all of a sudden, a massive explosion shook the entire palace and knocked her off her claws. Silver was scared. The siege had been going on for about 4 days and the Republic was getting close.
She was only 5 years old when the war started and she was abducted from her home of Seaquestria and Mount Aris, ruled by the brave and majestic leader called Queen Novo. Imperial forces had somehow managed to invade Seaquestria and the leader of the invasion, General Swordpoint, had promised Novo that the troops would withdraw if she would sell her daughter Princess Skystar to the Empire. Novo had refused, but offered to sell out her niece (Silverstream) instead. This was partly because Swordpoint had tempted Novo with the promises of owning a portion of the Crystal Empire land. So Silverstream was taken away despite the best efforts of her family to stop the sellout.
Now, 7 years later and at the age of 12, Silver still remembered the day she was taken. It would remain in her mind forever. Her own aunt had sold her out. Now she had been beaten and tortured ever since she had first become Empress Celestia’s slave. She missed her home and wanted to see her family again. She wanted to know what it was like to be loved again.
A guard came into the bathrooms, interrupting her thoughts. She looked at him and he looked at her back. He gave her a condescending stare and said, “You better have cleaned my stall, slave, or I’ll report to the Empress that you are not doing your job.”
Silverstream nodded, “I understand. I…think I cleaned it…”
“You think?!” The guard demanded, “You THINK?!” He went up to her and kicked her with his right hoof. She cried out in pain, whimpering, “Well you better be sure you did, you incompetent little brat!”
He went into the stall and Silverstream sighed. She went out of the bathrooms and towards the throne room where she saw Empress Celestia talking with General Shining Armor.
“The rebels have entered the castle,” Shining Armor told Celestia, “They’re on their way here right now. They want the slave!”
“What use could Silverstream possibly offer to their cause?” Empress Celestia scoffed, “She’s literally worth nothing.”
“They think that she’s your secret weapon,” Shining Armor explained, “They know of your plans.”
Empress Celestia shook her head, “No, General. They don’t. If they did, they wouldn’t launch this fool’s errand. They’re right to suspect that Silverstream has a role to play as she is what keeps Novo and the hippogriffs from acting against me. As long as I have her here, they can’t do anything as I can kill her in an instant. And then…” Celestia’s smile grew wide, “Her blood will be on Novo’s claws. What an unfortunate burden to live with.” She fixed Shining with a hard stare, “By the way…go fetch Silverstream and bring her here.”
“Yes, Your Excellency.” Shining Armor saluted her and went to fetch Silver. Seeing him come, Silverstream ducked and slowly crept to her bedroom when Shining caught her. He brought her over to Celestia.
Trembling, Silverstream bowed to her mistress.
“Sneaking away again?” Empress Celestia shook her head, “You undesirable races never learn.” She stood up, grabbed a rope from a table beside the throne, and whipped Silver with it.
She cried out in pain and begged for forgiveness. Celestia laughed heartily, “Get over it. I would’ve thought you’d be used to it by now. You disappoint me, slave.”
“Please, Mistress…” Silverstream pleaded, “Please don’t whip me again…”
“Then polish my right hoof. I’ve been outside earlier before the siege and it’s filthy. CLEAN IT!!” Celestia ordered her.
“Yes ma’am…” Silverstream obeyed and began polishing it with a wet wipe she had gotten from the bathrooms.
All of a sudden, there was another explosion that knocked Silverstream off her claws. The double doors burst open and a group of batponies stormed in.
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Hawk stared at the light pink hippogriff in front of Celestia condescendingly. He glared at Owl, “This is the weapon?! A slave?! Luna must be losing her mind. She can’t possibly provide any use to us.”
Owl shrugged, “Luna’s our superior. We gotta follow her orders.”
“Then follow her orders we shall,” Hawk replied, “Against my better judgement that is. Go! Grab her!”
The young hippogriff tried to run, a look of terror on her face. Celestia’s horn lit up yellow, “THAT’S MY SLAVE!! SILVERSTREAM’S MINE!! YOU WILL NOT TAKE HER FROM ME!!!”
“In the name of the Lunar Court Senate of the Republic,” Hawk stated, “You are under arrest, Celestia, for crimes against the natural rights of the citizens and the oppression of your subjects.”
“You’ll have to catch me first.” Celestia goaded them.
A big fight ensued in which all the guards charged at Celestia, who instantly pushed them back with her magic. Owl managed to grab Silverstream, who made no attempt to resist him.
Hawk was surprised by Silverstream’s lack of resistance, but he had no time to dwell on it. Celestia charged at him and he instantly ordered a retreat. Hawk and Owl, along with the other batponies, took out a circular device and pressed a red button that caused them all, including Silverstream, to teleport.
Author's Note
This is the original story. The start to it at least. Please enjoy and feel free to leave feedback in the comments because it really helps me as an author. Thank you.
Chapter 2: At the New Lunar Republic/Senate Meeting.
Hawk and his army reappeared in the industrial city of Cantropolis, the capital of the New Lunar Republic.
When Luna had split up to form the new nation, Hawk was one of the founders of the city. It was modeled exactly like Canterlot, only with a large Capitol Building-like structure in the place of the castle, which served as the Lunar Court Senate. The Lunar Court Senate was the supreme legislature of the Republic, and it was also where the President lived. The current President was Princess Luna herself as the country was too busy with the war to hold nationwide elections. He had extreme pride in his country and would do anything to defend it. The Republic was modeled after the United States of America all the way in the Human Territories and shared many similarities, down to the Constitution itself.
“W-where are we going?” a soft voice asked him, interrupting him from his thoughts.
Hawk looked to his left. Silverstream was looking up at him, her big violet eyes worried.
“That’s none of your business.” Hawk told her firmly, “We’re going to get you taken care of. That’s all you need to know.”
Silverstream nodded. Hawk noted how she barely spoke and made no move to resist the other guards, who were leading her. He was interested in her species and knew of Hippogriffia’s reputation as a great power. But he didn’t think she had any use to the Lunar war effort due to her being a servant of the Empire. So if she couldn’t help the country, then she was of no use to him.
They passed by a few townsponies, who stared at them both curiously and worriedly, seeing them tow a prisoner in chains. Military parades were not common around the center of the town.
They continued on until they reached the Lunar Court Senate. The guards there instantly let them come in as they were from the military.
Inside the Senate chambers, there were about several hundred stallions on the pods, debating endlessly with each other. Hawk was not worried as had learned to block out the bureaucratic bickering years ago whenever he entered the Senate. At the middle of it all was Princess Luna herself, looking like she hadn’t slept in days. But her voice was as authoritative as ever, using the Royal Canterlot Voice to conduct the meetings.
They headed down the ramp. Hawk was about halfway down when Luna noticed them.
“Ah,” Princess Luna said, “I see the mission was a success? Come. We can talk in my private chambers.”
Hawk told his comrades to wait there and took Silverstream with him, the two following Luna out of the main chambers and into a small bedroom with a TV.
Hawk had a serious bone to pick with Luna, “With all due respect, Princess, this is the secret weapon of the Empire?! A slave?! This is who we needed to retrieve?!”
Silverstream heard that and tears come to her eyes, although Hawk didn’t notice.
“You misunderstand her importance,” Princess Luna explained, “I’ve known that my sister had a slave for the longest time, and I know she can help the Republic.” She called Silverstream over, “Come, child. It’s okay. I won’t hurt you.”
Silverstream looked uncertain, but cautiously approached Luna, “Y…you’re…n-not going to hurt me, r-right…?”
“No, I won’t.” Luna assured her, “Now just hold still while I unlock those chains.” Her horn lit up a royal blue and the chains unlocked.
Hawk tensed, preparing to grab Silverstream should she try to run. But Silver stayed there as she was told.
“Y-you’re…you’re not evil…” Silver spoke softly, “M-Mistress always said you were evil…but…you’re not evil…a-are you…?”
Princess Luna shook her head, “My sister is the true evil one. She has filled your mind with lies and deception while keeping you down. Not any longer. You’re free now.”
“Oh so we are just letting her go?” Hawk asked, “Princess, she was Celestia’s personal slave. No doubt she’s going to run back and tell Sunbutt what she’s discovered here. We can’t just let her run free.”
“She doesn’t belong here.” Princess Luna told him, “She has a family back home in Hippogriffia who misses her dearly. I will find some way to contact Novo. You have a point that we can’t let her run back to the Empire and tell Tia about what’s happening here, however…” She thought about it, “She can serve some purpose in the meantime though. While I sort this out, she’ll stay with you.”
Hawk was shocked. He shook his head, “What?! No. No. No. No. I can’t take care of her. I am far too busy.”
Princess Luna sighed. She faced him, “Hawk, you are a brilliant soldier and an exemplary patriot. But you’ve lost your sense of being a part of a family again. Ever since your parents died two years ago-“
“We don’t talk about that.” Hawk was instantly on the defensive. Whenever the subject of his parents’ death come up, he tended to avoid it. His parents, Echo and Lightning, were senior members of the Armed Forces who had encouraged him from an early age to one day serve alongside them in the Equestrian Army. When Equestria split into the Empire and the Republic, Hawk, having been brought up as loyal to Luna, declared his allegiance to Luna along with his parents. They fought together for many years until the Fourth Battle of Canterlot in which they were brutally massacred by the Solar Imperial Army. The battle was a devastating loss for the Lunar Republican Army and since then, Hawk had changed a lot. From then on, he had vowed to avenge his parents by winning the war for the Republic, putting aside any personal feelings and devoting his life to his country.
“Hawk,” Princess Luna said firmly, “This is not an option. I feel that raising Silverstream will be good for you. Tell you what: I’ll give you three weeks with her. If you can’t handle her, then I will take matters from there. If you like taking care of her, you may keep her until I am able to contact the hippogriffs. Just try this for me, Hawk. I will grant you temporary paid leave from the military to accomplish this task. This is a direct order from your commander. Understood?”
Reluctantly, Hawk nodded. “I understand. But know that she is just a distraction and nothing more. Let’s go, Silverstream.”
Silver followed Hawk out of Luna’s private quarters and out of the Senate.
Once they were gone, Luna sighed deeply. She knew how important winning the war was to Hawk. She hoped she had made the right decision.
Silverstream was worried, but she tried not to show her fear. She knew that Hawk didn’t want her and she was used to it.
As she walked with him down the streets, she caught him occasionally glancing at her with disdain. Each time he glared at her, it frightened her. She had a feeling that she was going from one bad home to another.
“I’m sorry…” she told him.
Hawk glanced at her, “I’m sure you are. Just keep moving. We’re almost there.” They continued on and on until they reached the outskirts of the city, where they found an old rundown looking cottage.
“That’s my house.” Hawk told her. Hawk opened the door and they went inside. The cottage was bigger on the inside, but not by much. The kitchen and the living room were in the same area, the walls were painted brown, and there were two silver couches in front of a large TV. There was a brown staircase that led upstairs.
Silverstream was amazed by it. It was not luxurious by any means, but it was better than the slave barracks back in the castle.
“What are you standing around there for?” Hawk asked her, “Go explore.”
Silverstream nodded again, touring the house. She went upstairs and found the bedroom. The walls were painted brown once again and there was a large bed beside a large window. She climbed on it and it was comfy. She felt everything, the pillows, the blankets, the rugs…They felt real. Not like her bed back at the castle which was as hard as a rock and extremely small. She had to share it with other slaves who constantly picked on her.
She saw many interesting pictures on the wall and the one that caught her attention was one of three batponies in military uniform, smiling for the camera. She was curious about it. She went back downstairs and asked him what it was.
At this, Hawk’s blank expression turned into anger. “That’s none of your business. I hope you didn’t touch it.”
Silverstream shook her head, “N-no. I-I was just c-curious…”
“Curiosity gets you nowhere.” Hawk told her harshly, “You’ll get over it. Now leave me alone.”
Trembling slightly, Silverstream nodded, “O-okay. Sorry I bothered you.” She walked away and Hawk sighed.
Silverstream wasn’t welcome and he wanted to make sure the hippogriff knew it. This was an assignment, not an obligation. No, not even an assignment. A distraction was what it was. He could be out fighting battles at the moment, sieging Canterlot at ending the war. That was where he belonged. On the front lines. Not at home where he could do nothing to stop Celestia’s heinous war crimes.
“You’re a distraction.” Hawk muttered, “Nothing else.”
Hearing him, Silverstream turned around on her way to the two sofas. “What?”
“Nothing!!” Hawk yelled.
Silverstream hurriedly ran off in terror, laying down on the black living room couch to the right and beginning to cry.
Hawk heard her sobbing and was snapped out of his rage. He walked over and tried to lift her head up the way his parents used to do for him, but Silver sat up and backed away, shaking her head.
Hawk sighed again and looked out the window. This was going to be a long night.
