Flame of the Sun

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Epilogue
Chapter Four

Prologue

Equestria, August 9th, 1502.

Field Marshal Shining Armor
Mi Amore St., Crystal Palace District, 11437
Crystal Empire

Princess Celestia
Daylight Plaza, Canterlot, 10021
Equestria

Dearest Princess,

A status report was filed early this morning from the armed forces of the Crystal Empire's Royal Policing Unit. As requested, information regarding the movements of hostile nations is entailed below. As a foreword, I would like to advise strict caution in the handling of this situation, as the information below is greatly disturbing. I do not wish to question your authority, but I realize as much as anypony that this is not the kind of war we are used to.

On Starlight's movements:

No notable activity has been traced. Some believe that Starlight has died, other's believe she has relocated to a safe haven in the Griffish Isles. All that can be said is that we are keeping heavy surveillance on both areas.

On Griffonstone movements:

The Griffons have taken over the Guto River, Griffonst Station, and Sugar Maple Grove. They are quickly industrializing the aforementioned regions, and waging a two-front war against Trotslvania and the Bugbear Territory both of which have Equestrian Troops fighting alongside them left over from diplomatic efforts. Further information is unavailable, as any surveillance has been redirected or fired upon by Griffonian forces. It appears that they are developing a navy within the east side of the Celestial Sea. Any possibilities upon their further movements are purely conjecture. It is advised that we fortify Eastern Equestria for a possible naval invasion from Griffonstone.

On Changeling movements:

Local militias spotted Changeling movements between Vanhoover, Galloping Gorge, and Stratusburg. Rumors have spread entailing their possible presence in the Smokey Mountains and White Tail Woods. Two convoys were raided with no survivors fifteen miles southeast of Sire's Hollow. Medical teams noted that all corpses discovered were laced with unidentified Changeling material. When removed, the corpses were unidentifiable, missing their hearts, which were later found in a separate cocoon. Autopsy reports showed that the removal of the hearts were COD for all corpses with the exception of one, who died of shock. A letter, written in Changeling tongue, is still being translated in it's entirety, but thus far contains the words "fall, soon, inevitable". We believe this is a threat of further action, and maybe a declaration of war upon Equestria. In response, troops have been lined up at the bordering counties within Equestria, and focused around the borders of large cities prone to assault.

As your Field Marshal, I must express my concern for our nation. As your friend, however, I must advise you to stay on your hooves and expect the worst. I hate to say this, I really do, but the Elements of Harmony may not be enough this time. Princess Cadence is willing to consult with you on further action.

As for your request on Luna's absence, I'm afraid she is still missing. We've seen no trace of her since she left a week ago, and our dispatches are still searching all of Equestria for her. We share your grief, and hope to find her soon.

Cordially,
Field Marshal Shining Armor

Celestia placed the paper down slowly, taking a deep breath as she made effort to restrain herself from trembling. She wasn't certain as to whether it was anger, fear, grief, or all three. It didn't matter, however. All that mattered was her little ponies. She thought of her sister, she questioned silently why Luna would leave at such a time. Was she overwhelmed? Was she running away? Could she not bare the responsibility? Was Equestria not reason enough to make a sacrifice? How could she do such a thing?

Celestia had thought like this before in the weeks prior, and always stopped herself. 'It is okay, she is much younger and fearful', she would think to herself. 'She hasn't the experience to deal with war, and while I haven't such experience myself, it is solely my responsibility to ensure the safety of Equestria'. However, this time was different. This time, ponies had died, and Luna was still missing. Butchered like insects, by the stinking filth of an insect hivemind no less. How disgusting, she thought, that Luna would leave while her ponies suffered.

The Princess began to think of herself, and felt disgust. She got up from her throne, and gazed upon the sun that she had risen that day. The beautiful light of day, brought upon by her alone. That beautiful light, however, was the same light that revealed her mistakes. As she was lost in thought, she heard a knocking at the door.

"Oh. . .come in," she said softly, staring still to the great nation she harbored. A loud creak rung out through the throne room as the hoofsteps of another alicorn approached her.

"Princess Celestia," the alicorn, Twilight Sparkle, said with a tone of despair in her voice, "Shining told me about the—"

"Twilight," Celestia said suddenly. Twilight looked up to her.

"Yes, Princess?"

"How long have I promoted friendship and harmony to Equestria?" Celestia asked. Twilight thought for a moment.

"For thousands of years," Twilight said, "the Magic of Friendship is the defining value of Equestria."

Celestia remained silent for a moment. Long enough to drive Twilight to a worried impatience.

"Why do you ask, Princess?" she asked cautiously. Celestia turned to Twilight with tears in her eyes.

"Thousands of years, to lead to this, an unprepared army, a sheltered people, and an underpowered military," Celestia said, choking on her words as she forced herself to admit, "I have led my ponies astray, and I know not what to do. I have failed."

"Princess, you haven't f—"

"I have, Twilight!" Celestia shouted, causing Twilight to wince in fear, "I have failed each and every one of you, I have failed myself, I have failed the Crystal Empire, I have failed Equestria. I may as well have failed the world as we know it! Who is going to stop the Changelings from tearing out more hearts?! Who is going to cease the advances of the land-greedy leeches of Griffonstone?! Can harmony bring back to life those that died suffering?! No! Harmony has died, Twilight, Equestria is already lost!"

Twilight wanted to console her Princess, but was stunned with fear and unable to move as she noticed a fire in Celestia's eyes burning so brightly that the tears within them had vaporized. Instead of trails of glistening water, from her eyes came what looked like thin steam. Celestia noticed the fear in her student, and reflected it in an expression of sorrow as the fire remained.

"I don't believe there is any going back now, Twilight," Celestia said woefully, "please, leave my quarters, and know that whatever happens, I loved you beyond the stars as one of my own. My prized student, you do not need to see me like this. Please, see the guard outside and have him escort you to a room on the far side of the castle."

Twilight nodded, holding back her tears. She wanted to stop Celestia, but she knew she couldn't. She knew in a time like this, there was only one way out. Celestia was never wrong, she thought, Celestia always had a reason. Today, that reason was drastic enough to bring a long-buried ideation to light. Twilight shared her pain, and did as she said.

As the doors closed, Celestia turned to face her throne. She shook her head, before seeing a vision of herself clothed in flame sitting upon the very throne Celestia herself had sat upon for over a thousand years. She looked up to the vision, straightening her face and taking a deep breath as she braced for what was to come.

"Will it hurt?" Celestia asked. The vision chuckled.

"Yes."

Celestia turned to the door one more time, huffing as her expression turned to that of one determined to sacrifice.

"Good."

It was only moments after Twilight had left the main hall that she heard the most horrific sound she might have ever encountered in her life. Fearful, dreadful, gut-wrenching. A prolonged scream of pain crossed with a ferocious roar of fury. It's might shook the very foundation of the castle, and was heard across the entire city of Canterlot. Such a sound of terror would have been remembered as the sounding of the Empire's Fury. Confusion reigned for a moment across the castle until every equine had realized what had happened. Their fear quickly turned to hope, as they came to know it as the sound of their salvation, the sound of Equestrian victory. In their hearts, it was clear to them that harmony would not stop the evils around them. It would take power and fear stricken in the hearts of those who bestowed hatred upon them to secure the safety of Equestrian stallions, mares, foals, and fillies.

Several guards made their way to the gates of the throne room, which were now blazing with the holy flames of the sun, burning so hot that if any drew near, they would have been burned alive in an instant. Twilight quickly followed, stepping in the center of the room as guards held up magical shields to resist the overwhelming heat that had begun to melt the surrounding architecture. Twilight guarded herself as well as the screaming stopped. All of them watched in a mix of fear and confusion, yet anxious for what was to come. Many knew that the day would come, but few truly believed it. To see it happen was something beyond their very imaginations.

After a moment of absolute silence, excepting the crackling of the solar flames, the doors unlatched and opened. The guards stood back in awe and fear of the creature that stepped out. A large alicorn, adorned in armor crafted from pure solar magic, containing the heat of a sun-laden mane. Eyes of orange, with slitted pupils and glowing yellow irises. Her crown was as the sun itself, glowing with a power beyond imagination, yet merely a piece of what the alicorn herself truly was. As she stepped forward, the flames around her calmed and the heat vanished.

"Guards," a fear-striking and powerful voice spoke, "remove your shields, for you are safe under my guiding hoof."

The guards did as she commanded, bowing immediately to her. Twilight looked at what was Celestia, knowing not what to say. The alicorn simply grinned with teeth sharp enough to feel as if they were cutting through the very eyes of the beholder.

"Twilight, my star pupil," the alicorn said, "have no fear, please gather the press. I wish to speak to my country."

Twilight nodded, looking upon the alicorn for a moment before turning around and trotting away. The alicorn sighed, walking past the guards and towards the main hall of the castle.

"At ease, stallions," she said, "I wish to speak with Mi Amore Cadenza three hours from now, please arrange that."

"As you wish, your Highness!" the commanding officer said, leaving with the rest of the guards in tow.

The alicorn looked up at the ornate ceiling of the castle, adorned with the symbol of the sun on her hinds. She smiled a great smile, and sighed a great sigh. As if a burden were lifted from her back, she felt her wings had grown larger. She turned to a maid, who was paralyzed in the corner from fear.

"Have no fear, royal maid," she said softly, causing the maid to lose her tenseness, "tell me, how does the name, 'Daybreaker', sound?"

Thousands of equines gathered around the Canterlot Plaza, waiting for the appearance of their Princess at the great castle stage from which she addressed her nation in times of crisis, celebration, and other important events. It had been nearly half an hour since they gathered, but rather than impatience, there was anticipation. Anticipation of what was to come. The scream, the shaking, the rumors of fire like the sun in the halls of the castle. The equines didn't know what to expect.

Questions began to arise. What happened to the Princess? Is Celestia okay? Are we declaring war? Further than that, many speculations followed. Perhaps the Princess was finally fed up with it. Maybe it's a notification of a wartime draft. The Princess is angry, she's going to retaliate with the Elements of Harmony! Many thoughts of 'what if' arose, but none amounted to the truth. After the tolling of a great bell, the doors opened and the equines felt immediately the presence of a power so incomprehensible, it could only be described as godlike. To their awe, the alicorn stepped out onto the great castle stage. Immediately the crowds were silenced, beholding the sight of the ponified sun among their midst. The absolute leader of Equestria, the unsurmountable power of the sun itself.

"My little ponies," her voice boomed without the use of any magic or technology, "today we experience the loss of thirty-six soldiers to the childish assaults of the Changeling Hive. We experience the loss of forty-seven soldiers in battles waged against the leeching griffons, but we will not mourn them!"

Gasps among the crowd could be heard at what seemed such a callous statement, before the alicorn continued.

"I cannot allow that we trash the memory of such bravery in sorrow and sadness, instead, let us be enraged! Let us manifest our fury against the enemy for daring to trespass upon our sacred harmony! For far too long, we have wished for and expected the good of the world. No more shall we cower under the guise of harmony against such atrocious enemies, for I, Daybreaker, declare today: war upon the Changeling Hive! War upon the Griffonstone regime! War upon all who challenge our might and order! For all of ponykind, for all of the new Solar Empire!"

Banners unfurled over the Equestrian flags upon the castle's walls, adorned in the Flame of the Sun. They burned brightly for all of the equines to see, a display of power, a display of beauty, a display of eternal light. The crowd cheered in response. The fear and sorrow in their hearts quickly turning to devotion against the enemies. A hunger for righteous warfare they knew not that they had, now awakened within them in the fires of loyalty to the Solar Empire. What fear they had of their Princess—nay, Empress—had vanished. Under such power, and such authority, they knew they were under absolute protection that was insurmountable and uncompromising. The Empress smiled to the masses as she continued.

"Today, my little ponies, we begin a new path towards harmony. Love to one another, and hate for the enemy! We have given chance after chance, we have tried and tried again for times immeasurable to develop peace through diplomacy, but our hearts have been rejected! Torn out, and shot upon by the vicious powers of the East and West! No more shall my little ponies suffer for my mistakes of assuming the best in those capable of such atrocious things. Today marks the beginning of a blazing fury directed towards those who threaten us, who oppose us, who wish to haunt us! Today marks the beginning of the everlasting Empire of the Flame of the Sun! Rejoice, my little ponies, for through your loyalty, and through my power, we will be unstoppable!"

Another roar of cheers and applause rang from the crowd. Twilight simply watched as such a drastic change came so quickly. Though, the more she thought about it, the more she understood that this was no immediate change. What she saw in the ponies around her was not a brainwashing, nor a controlling of mind—nay, it was a desire harbored deep within their hearts, waiting to be set ablaze by the holy empress. Twilight knew that all of the lessons she learned of friendship still held true, but this was not about friends and family, this was about protecting those friends and family from a force so evil it would take a matching power to stop it. At that moment, she began to think more about what Celestia—what Daybreaker was saying, and she believed it was true. She ran quickly through the crowd and back into the castle. She knew she had to speak to Daybreaker, to work with her in any way she could for the greater good of her nation.

"Empress, that was a magnificent speech," a guard said as Daybreaker returned to the main hall of the castle. She smiled, facing forward still as she walked.

"Your praise is pleasure to my ears, Commander Daylight," she said, "please, have a rest, for I am feeling rather kind today."

"As you wish, Empress," Daylight said, trotting away. Walking by him was Twilight, who approached Daybreaker quickly. The Empress turned to face Twilight with a smile.

"You're in a hurry, my star pupil," she said, "what is the matter?"

"Cel. . .ah. . .Daybreaker," Twilight started. Daybreaker laughed heartily.

"Oh Twilight," she said, regaining her composure, "I'm sure that's going to take a while to get used to. Now tell me, what is troubling you?"

"I wish to help you, P. . .Empress," Twilight replied. Daybreaker chuckled slightly, but returned to an idle smile, "I don't think I can do so like this."

"Well, I think I have just the solution for that," Daybreaker said, leading her to the throne room, "I have a meeting with Cadence in an hour from now, perhaps you can accompany me as my. . .Inquisitor."

It was a transformation not so painful as her own, yet just as monumental. Daybreaker smiled at the new alicorn that had stepped into the place of Twilight. No longer a mere student of friendship, no longer a mere pupil, but a true princess. It was, what Daybreaker believed, her first grown-up decision. An evolution of maturity for Twilight that made her, in Daybreaker's eyes, a near equal. Daybreaker felt compassion for the equine that stepped into her throne room, and pride for the one that stepped out. She smiled gleefully, as the new alicorn rose from the grave of the old one, looking up to her Empress with respect and determination.

"Arise, Sunrise Sparkle, and see the world as I do," Daybreaker said, "it is time for you to learn a new set of lessons, lessons about what happens when friendship is tragically no longer an option."

"Yes, my liege," Sunrise said with a professional tone that was alien to even herself. The intimidation that rang from her voice was absolutely unheard of, second only to Daybreaker herself. This pleased the Empress greatly, for she knew that today was the day the Solar Empire was guaranteed its next millennia. With the most intelligent equine she knew, alongside herself, and the equines ready to join the fight, there was nothing that could stop the Empire. Nothing that could stop Harmony through Order. Nothing that could stop Peace through Power.

"Some day, you will have the Flame of the Sun coursing through your veins as it does mine," Daybreaker said, leading Sunrise out of the throne room, "but for now, you must learn the ways of the new Empire. Be patient, Sunrise, for there is much to come in due time."

"It will be as you foresee it, my liege," Sunrise replied. Daybreaker nearly asked Sunrise to call her by name, but she was beginning to enjoy the respect she was receiving. It was far more than what she had ever gotten from her little ponies. She began to see herself as not only the empress of her little ponies, but as their loving mother. Everything was playing out well, and it was only a matter of time before the enemy tasted the fury of the Solar Empire.

"The Sun is Light," she thought to herself, considering the new vision she had given her nation.

"The Sun is War," she thought further, envisioning the destruction of those who harmed the ponies she loved so dearly.

"The Sun is Beauty," she thought finally, beholding the future of a victorious Solar Empire across all of Equus.

She smiled brightly, what a nice motto! She figured she would keep it.

Author's Note

I've been wanting to write this for quite a while now. I really want to push the limits of my writing here and go for something a lot bigger than usual. Please, tell me what you think, and feel free to point out any errors.

Chapter One

Griffish Isles, August 5th, 1502.

"You realize the risks we endure by taking you in, correct?"

"Yes."

"And you realize that at any moment, we have the capability to terminate you, correct?"

"Yes."

"Furthermore, you understand that if Equestrian military forces become to pressing, we may have to surrender you, correct?"

"I don't believe that will be necessary."

"And why would you think that?"

"Because I know ponies, and ponies know me. I also have interests in line with Griffonstone if all else fails."

"In that case, I really hope you know what you're doing, Starlight."

"I really hope you do, too, Nova."

Equestria, August 9th, 1502.

Daybreaker rode within the interior of a carriage alongside Sunrise lead by a force of thirty-six royal guards. The carriage itself was large to accommodate Daybreaker's height, and clothed in radiant décor that doubled as impenetrable armor. Colors of white, orange, red, and gold shrouded the carriage in a beautiful array of spectacular designs signifying the eternal sun. The guards themselves were equipped with a new armor of similar design, with emblems of the Solar Empire's new icon at the center of their appearance. While their bodies could surely not handle the solar blood, the armor could, and Daybreaker had plenty to spare. Of course, upon the death of any soldier wearing this armor, their body would be immediately destroyed along with the armor surrounding it. A new method of respectful burial to the fallen in which brave warriors were rightfully returned to the sun that gave them life.

Daybreaker understood that it would take a while longer to arrive by carriage than by train or by portal, but that was fine to her. Travel by carriage meant closeness with her little ponies, it meant safety to every equine who watched it pass. A little extra time for thinking and rest is something she figured she would need anyway. She looked at Sunrise, who appeared deep in thought.

"Sunrise," she said, causing Sunrise to direct her attention to the Empress, "what plagues your mind?"

"Nothing plagues my mind, my liege," Sunrise said, "I'm just thinking about the future in an attempt to prepare. I must admit, however, that I am grossly unfamiliar with what thought process I should assume."

"It will come with time, my dear Inquisitor," Daybreaker said, "relax for now, this is a time for rest and easy thoughts. No need to cause harm to yourself by way of confusion, simply allow things to be as they are. You are intelligent, the most intelligent pony I know, you will learn quickly I assure you. Remember, patience is your best friend in times like these."

Sunrise nodded, giving a small sigh before smiling. It wasn't long that she could maintain that smile, however, as the carriage came to a sudden stop as some shouting came from outside. Daybreaker turned to look out the window.

"We should be brushing past the Galloping Gorge by now, why have we stopped?" Sunrise asked. Daybreaker held up a hoof of silence.

"Stay inside, Sunrise," Daybreaker said, "there was word of Changeling activity in this region. I will observe it myself."

With that, the Empress exited the carriage and stepped outside. Most of the guards were in a defensive formation, while two were investigating a corpse up ahead in the middle of the road. The Empress walked towards the body and observed it. It was surely equine, and upon further observation...

"I can assume she. . ." the guard speaking held back his stomach as he turned away from the corpse, ". . .was twelve."

The corpse was not simply slain, but was skinned in the most gruesome fashion. The word animal carved into it's side. The only way to judge the age was by it's size, as any other identifying traits were no longer recognizable. Daybreaker didn't want to know whether or not the filly was alive during that, but she assumed the worst before closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. The stench of rot was present, and she knew the filly was not killed that day.

Sunrise leaned out of the carriage to see the filly's remains from a distance, covering her mouth with an expression of fearful disgust, tears falling from her eyes more suddenly than she thought even possible. Without a moment longer, Daybreaker spoke quietly.

"From the sun you were made, to the sun you will return," she said softly, "I am sorry, my little pony. I was not there for you."

She lit her horn, causing the corpse to burn immediately as it's ashes flowed freely in the wind. As she did so, the guards readied their weapons quickly as a party of five Changelings had stepped out of the forest and into the road. Their faces were stained with wicked smiles, and Daybreaker knew upon seeing them that they were the culprits. She at least believed as much, she didn't particularly care whether or not it was one of them, two of them, or some Changeling she was not yet aware of. After all, they would be extinct by the time she was done regardless.

"Step away and maintain the carriage," Daybreaker said softly to her guards, "I will deal with this."

The guards nodded, trotting back and joining formation with the other troops. Sunrise watched quietly from the carriage as the Empress walked towards the Changelings. They hissed in response, before a few of them began to cackle.

"Enough playing, she's vulnerable," one said, "kill her!"

One of the Changelings lit it's horn, firing a bolt of hivemagic at the Empress. What they witnessed next was something absolutely unheard of, something that cemented the fact that they might have been dealing with the ruler of Equestria, but surely not Celestia. The party stepped back in confused horror.

"H-how is that possible?" one said.

"You can't. . .you can't just. . ." another spoke.

The sharpness of Daybreaker's teeth allowed them to transfer a small amount of magic energy similar to her horn. Their structure was similar, therefore it was theoretically possible to perform minor spells, though none too powerful. Regardless, it put on a display of power to the Changelings that, had their deaths not been guaranteed the moment Daybreaker discovered that filly, they would have remembered. When the Changeling fired upon Daybreaker, she, with a viscious snarl, caught the magic with her mouth, biting onto it and eating it.

Without another word, she lit her horn, flattening a Changeling into the ground at such a speed that it's body was shredded well beyond recognition, now a greenish stain to drain into the earth by the next rainfall. Before they could retaliate, she fired a blast of force magic towards them, causing them to stumble, before darting towards them at a sound-breaking speed. Her horn lit once more, as three of the remaining four Changelings' faces were surrounded in flame, burning only the surface of their skin while they died suffocating on the smoke of their own flesh. The last Changeling fired another bolt, which Daybreaker caught once more, chewing down on with an air-shattering thunder. As he charged his horn again, the Empress leaned down and bit through his horn, tearing it off.

The Changeling screamed in agony as the Empress looked down upon him.

"I smell the blood on your body," she said to him grimly, "perhaps those sounds your making are the same ones you enjoyed when your tormented one of my subjects to death to make a silly statement. Nay, your screams are nothing compared to the brave cries of that filly, but that of a dying bug. A parasite upon the world, using it's vocal chords the way there were naturally designed. You were made to scream."

As she said this, she lit her horn, causing a searing pain to pierce the Changeling's side. Burnt onto it's skin was the word 'insect'. Her horn flashed again for reasons unknown before she levitated the Changeling and hurled him thousands of miles away. After that, the carriage drew near once more as the commanding officer of that unit approached her.

"My empress, what should we do with these corpses?" he asked. Daybreaker smiled.

"1-14, 1-12, 1-18, and 1-4, I want you to stay behind and call reinforcements," she said, "escort these dead parasites to the field outside of the Wandering Woods and have them impaled."

"What of the one you, ahem, threw?" he inquired further. Daybreaker chuckled to herself.

"That was a gift from me to Chrysalis. I hope my aim was good enough."

Changeling Hive, August 9th, 1502.

"Those are the reports for today, your highness," a voice spoke, which could only be described as sour and scratchy. It was a Changeling Mindcarrier, specialized Changeling troops with magic that allowed the Hivemind to flourish at a greater distance. Their loyalty was considered absolute, unwavering, and unchangeable. Stories and rumors among the hive said that they could even resist the strongest mind-control because of it. Militarily, the functioned as Generals, Field Marshalls, or Commanding Officers depending on their magical abilities.

Queen Chrysalis, the sole ruler of the Changeling Hive, sat upon her throne impatiently as she listened to the report. It was honestly quite a bore to her, but her advisors suggested that she play things strategically, so as not to have another embarrassment likened to the Canterlot wedding. She wasn't much of a strategist, she simply enjoyed feeding and killing. There was nothing else that brought her joy in the world. Equestria was a fun target, but one that became more annoying by the day. Yet, she had made things more interesting for herself by allowing her hive to enact "messages" by any means they wished, preferably violent ones. She sighed.

"I figured you would go on for longer, today was actually shorter than usual," she muttered nonchalantly as she played with her hair, "I'm not sure if I should be angry with you for having a less informative report, or pleased with you for having a less lengthy one to bore me with. Though I suppose I did ask you to do it, oh well."

Before the Mindcarrier could respond, the wall of her castle burst apart causing the armed Changelings nearby to charge their horns and prepare their weapons. Chrysalis became suddenly alert, jumping from her throne and slowly approaching the creature that managed to make it's way through. She lit her horn briefly, realizing that his body was physically protected from the force of the collision by some magic she had never seen before. Furthermore, it seemed there was another active spell inside of his body that she couldn't figure out. She read the burns across his skin.

"Insect, hmm," Chrysalis pondered aloud, "I wonder what that—"

Before she could continue, the Changeling on the ground began to moan loudly in agony before he began to choke on something. After a moment, the greenish blood within his veins began to spew from the openings of his face while it appeared his chest deflated.

"Is that. . ?" Chrysalis mused, before she noticed something exiting his oral cavity. The Changelings nearby stepped back in confusion as they all noticed that what was coming from the dead bug's mouth was it's own lungs. Chrysalis would have been disgusted if she wasn't so amused by the creativity of whoever had enacted such a violent death upon the small insect. To her delight, however, an orb burnt through the left lung of the creature and hovered in the air.

"Auditory magic," Chrysalis thought aloud once more, "that's interesting. Let's see who did the dirty deed."

She lit her horn, activating the small orb as it appeared to open up with flames encircling it. Chrysalis figured it might have been something from Tartarus at first, but it made no sense for Tartarus to interfere with the Undersky. The Undersky was what the Changeling's called it, anyway, as in their theology the sky was the border between the Eternal Hive and the breeding ground. Being nothing more than a breeding ground, it was not important to give it it's own name per se, just a place "under the sky". Chrysalis, of course, didn't buy into the Changeling's religious practices, she just invented them to keep them in line easier. Her chain of thought about this was broken, however, as the message began to play.

"Hello Chrysalis, I see you've butchered one of my fillies, and I've sent you this gift to return the favor. I figured because your troops ripped out the hearts of my stallions, I'd do the same with yours. But alas, while I searched for one, I couldn't find it. I hope his lungs will do, after all, they've stolen Equine oxygen for long enough without paying their due. Also, check up with the press. I know your technology is lacking, but it wouldn't hurt to get outside of your wasp nest for a while to see the beautiful sun, would it? See you soon, Chryssi."

"By the gods," Chrysalis said with a grin on her face so wide she truly thought she had ran out of face to have it, "now this. . .THIS is what I wanted! Have it your way, Celestia! If you want to play dirty, I'll play dirty! Hahaha!"

She danced around the throne room, unable to contain her joy. Finally, a war worth fighting! How perfect, how brilliant, how wonderful, how fated! The boring Equestria of Harmony, now resorting to unspeakable violence in retaliation! This is the blood she wanted, she didn't even care to win now, she just wanted to watch the nation break apart.

"Miiiiiindcarrier~!" she sung gleefully, "Issue a message to the hive, we are officially at war with Equestria~!"

Chrysalis continued to dance, taking one of her Changeling guards and giving them a quick but passionate kiss before falling into her seat like a tired out child after playtime. She hadn't had this much joy since tricking Shining Armor into having sex with her as Princess Cadence. She was certain he still felt guilty about that, and she just loved the thought of it. Loved it so much she could almost feed from it, but of course that was impossible.

"Oh, and please," Chrysalis said with a playful look of disgust as she shoed her hoof towards the corpse, "get rid of the dead bug."

Two of the Changeling guards nodded, tossing the bug back out of the hole along with it's ousted lungs.

Crystal Empire, August 9th, 1502.

"She's taking longer than expected, what if she was attacked by Changelings?" Cadence said, prancing back and forth with a visible look of stress on her face. Shining Armor sighed loudly as he sat in a chair within the throne room, which was positioned closely to the throne itself. It wasn't his designated chair beside the throne, but it was a very comfortable one anyway.

"Calm down Cadence," he reassured, "even if she were attacked by Changeling's there's no way they would be able to defeat her without at least fifty of them."

"But there could have been fifty! Or a hundred! Or-or three hundred!" Cadence said, "Oooh! Damnit why do I worry so much!"

She walked over to Shining and laid her head over his neck with a pouting expression. Shining simply chuckled and turned his head to nuzzle her gently before giving her a quick kiss. She smiled, getting up and turning towards the door.

The whole room was ethereal in appearance, lit only with love magic gathered from the Crystal Heart beneath the castle structure. The reflections of the Crystals that made up the castle allowed the light to travel evenly throughout the entire structure. While not reflective as a calm pond or mirror, it was just enough to refract the little bits of light in such a way that looking towards the room at any angle was like looking into the night sky. This structure had been around for a long time, and it was honestly a mystery even to Cadence as to how it truly came to be. The story that the Crystal Empire settled with was that one day, long ago, the ground was seeded with a magic crystal that grew into a civilization, and gave birth to the first crystal ponies. It sounded bogus, but it was fun to teach the children who would eventually grow up to accept the fact that nopony really knew what in Tartarus actually happened, but that it did and they live there peacefully now.

"Is it getting warmer in here?" Cadence asked suddenly, "I thought I told you to keep the temperature at—"

Before she could continue, there was a knocking at the door. She sighed, lighting her horn to open it. A strange light shone from behind the door, and Cadence froze as she saw Daybreaker walk in with Sunrise at her side, along with four accompanying guards adorned in an armor she hadn't seen before. Shining Armor got up, almost in wife-defense mode as he looked upon the transformed Celestia and Twilight in confusion.

"Celestia? Twilight?" Cadence said, before Daybreaker chuckled and shook her head.

"Word must travel slowly, I'll have to work on that," she said softly, "Empress Daybreaker, and this is Sunrise Sparkle."

"By the gods. . .what have you done?" Shining Armor said defensively, walking towards Daybreaker before she held her hoof.

"I've done what is necessary, Shining," Daybreaker said in a rougher tone, "and need I remind you that there is one goddess in this realm, and you are graced with the privilege to look upon her. Now enough chit-chat, I believe we have a meeting concerning Changeling activity, which, by the way, I have dealt with in the Galloping Gorge region. A twelve-year-old filly was skinned alive with the word 'animal' carved into her flesh. I'd like to inform you, Field Marshall, that while Changelings may be hard to detect, a filly's screams are not. This is unacceptable."

"Uh. . .yes. . .your highness," Shining said, standing down and stepping back. Cadence shook her head quickly.

"Wh. . .skinned?" she said suddenly, "what are you talking about, there's no way that—"

"I returned her to the sun myself!" Daybreaker shouted with a booming voice, causing the couple to jump, "and I've slain the Changelings in a likened manner which they deserved. Now with that settled, I'd like to discuss more important things, like how we can prevent that from happening again. Have I made myself clear?"

Cadence nodded nervously. She was expecting to meet with Celestia today, not this. . .thing that took her over. It was freaking her out, she wasn't so keen on the idea of a god-complexed Celestia, though it wasn't all that far-fetched all things considered. Still, it worried her greatly—though voicing those worries would not have been all that wise a course of action. Cadence took a deep breath, before taking a seat at a table within the room surrounded by several chairs. She held her hoof out, gesturing towards the vacant ones.

"Well then, Empress," she said with a deep breath, "have yourself a seat and let's get down to business."

The guards remained stationed at the door as Sunrise and Daybreaker took their seats, Shining along with them. Daybreaker lit her horn, displaying a map of magic upon the empty table with borders of heatless flame. As she would explain locations and scenarios, the map would light up in the spots she referenced to provide further clarity.

"Our guards are currently stationed across the borders of the east and west, focused more densely around populated areas with surveillance on Starlight's cave and the Griffith Isles. While the Changeling threat remains the priority, we also have troops engaging in warfare against Griffonstone in the southern Burbear Territory and northwestern Trotslyvania. The Trotslyvanians have been a phenomenal trade partner, while Bugbear Territory remains a great area for natural resources. Neither of these can be lost to Griffonstone, but Bugbear Territory is the priority. What troops do you have to spare?"

"Not many, if I'm being absolutely honest," Cadence said, "we've doubled up our security and sent our spare troops out to reinforce the Equestrian Frontline Defense, the only way we could get more troops is. . ."

". . .A wartime draft," Shining Armor said with a frustrated sigh, "good luck getting the harmonious equines to agree to that."

"As a matter of fact, I last saw a report 85,000 citizens had signed up willingly to join the Imperial Army in Canterlot, Ponyville, and Cloudsdale," Daybreaker proudly pointed out, "after we have employed propaganda around Vanhoover, Las Pegasus, and—"

"Propaganda?!" Shining said suddenly, "what do you take the citizens for, animals?"

Before Daybreaker could speak, Sunrise spoke up. Mostly in fear of what rage that comment would have brought to the Empress.

"Field Marshal, please," she said softly, "do not interrupt the Empress."

"Twilight, surely you can't be—"

"ENOUGH!" Sunrise shouted, slamming her hooves on the table and earning Shining's silence, "You will address me as Sunrise Sparkle, am I understood, Field Marshal?!"

Shining wasn't sure what to think, gritting his teeth and breathing deeply as he glared at Daybreaker who was settling back in her seat with a small but visible smile.

"Yes, Inquisitor," he finally replied, before siting back in his chair.

"Thank you," Sunrise said with a smile, sitting back as well as she looked towards Daybreaker, "you may continue, my liege."

Daybreaker couldn't help but to show a grin, which was very obviously noticed by both Shining and Cadence. Shining was lost in his own thought about what was happening, and against all of his mental capacity he couldn't reason around what would have caused this. He almost believed it was worse than the entire issue of the Changelings and the Griffons altogether, but gods forbid he have a dissenting opinion now. He might as well go along with it and hope it blows over after the war.

Cadence on the other hand was putting her confusion aside for sake of trying to solve the issues at hand. While she was quite a worrier, she knew how to get to the important things when needed, and right now it was desperately needed. She knew there would be time to ask questions later, but right now they had a war to fight, and with how Celestia was acting, it would be of no surprise to Cadence if Celestia had already made a public declaration of war.

"As I was saying," Daybreaker continued, "with propaganda employed within those regions, we will have numbers beyond our wildest imaginations. By the way, I had brief thoughts of using a love spell to promote breeding so that we would have our numbers reinforced, but I knew that would be unfeasibly cruel, Field Marshall, just to assure you that I am not absolutely devoid of morality because of wartime actions."

"Well, it's not really a bad idea. . ." Cadence said, before Shining looked at her with an expression of disappointed shock, "what? There's nothing wrong with a little procreation, isn't that what I exist for?"

"Do you even hear yourself Cadence?!" Shining said, "do you have even the faintest idea what you're implying?"

"Now's not the time to question me dear," Cadence muttered with a huff, "you didn't even set our magical thermostat correctly."

"Well I'm sorry," Shining said sarcastically, "but I didn't anticipate the SUN to walk into our palace today."

"Oh, stop it," Daybreaker said, waving a hoof with a chuckle, "I might have your head for such a direct compliment."

Shining crossed his forelegs and sat back, turning away with a frown. Cadence shook her head, before getting up from her seat.

"I believe we have a plan, then," Cadence said with a smile, "have some copies of your poster material sent to our post offices and I'll send out a royal order to put them up across the empire. Crystal ponies make phenomenal fighters."

"Perfect," Daybreaker said with a smile as she and Sunrise got up from their seats, "then I and my Inquisitor will be off to attend to other matters. I trust you will do well with your leadership here as you always have, my dear Cadence."

Cadence smiled, though it was a bit of a fake one. She wasn't so intent on sending her citizens off to war, but it was a necessary action. After all, Celestia, or Daybreaker, was always right. She always had a reason. Shining didn't think so, however. He felt as if his warning had been absolutely ignored by Celestia, letting herself go to this beast like this. He didn't even want to think about what she might have done with the Changelings she encountered. Deep down, however, he couldn't imagine that he would have been any less cruel given the circumstances. Daybreaker walked out, Sunrise following behind at a small distance.

"Sunrise," Shining said, "come back here when you're able, we need to talk."

"When I have time, brother," Sunrise said, before continuing out of the room.

As the doors closed, Shining turned to Cadence, who was busy writing out executive orders on a few papers.

"Cadence," he said quietly, "what in Tartarus is happening?"

"War, Shining," she said with a tone of slight dismay, "war is happening. We never asked for it, yet here we are, having to fight for our continued freedom against two powerful enemies. One technologically superior, one crueler than our worst nightmares. At some point, we have to realize that Harmony isn't enough to halt evil. We've just gotta bite our tongues and make sure we win. That's what you always say, right?"

"Yeah," Shining muttered, "but I'm starting to think I was wrong."

Griffonstone, August 10th, 1502.

King Taurus III sat within his office in a very modern-looking building, adorned with fake bushes clothed in lights which were plugged into the wall. The control of electricity was discovered five years prior after some early technological models were shipped from Manehattan as part of an old trade deal before Taurus took the throne. It was about a year ago when his father passed away at age 89, allowing him to take leadership of the country at age 26. There was quite a disparity between the age of father and son, but that was merely due to the fact that lady griffons had no issue with an age gap if that gap was relevant to marrying a king. That being said, his mother was alive for six months before she attempted to seize control of the nation. This was with futility, of course, resulting in Taurus having her executed publicly as a message to those who wished to take advantage of a King for sake of unearned power.

Looking through his reports for the week, he began to grow tired of the boring news. Statistics, logistics, and all the like. Stacks and stacks of paper delivered to him by military superiors that he would never read further than a brief skim, but his time something caught his eye. A report from a Spy within the Equestrian border by the name of Slyphiani. There was a USB drive—made in Manehattan—enclosed with a note that read, The prophecy of the old myth may have just came true. Please watch.. Taurus thought to himself for a moment as to what this could have meant, as he wasn't up-to-date. . .or down-to-date with the old myths of their region. He popped open a laptop, manufactured in Griffonstone with Manehattan blueprints, and plugged in the drive to watch the video on it.

His eyes grew wide as he realized which prophecy Slyphiani was talking about, immediately grabbing the phone on his desk and dialing the number of his Executive Commanding Officer.

"Hello?"

"This is King Taurus III, we have an urgent situation. Alert all of our Administrative Division to come to the Taurus Manor immediately."

"Yes sir! May I ask, what exactly is wrong?"

"The Eternal Sun has risen."

"No, no it can't be. Does that mean. . .?"

"Yes. We will be preparing the Nightmare soon."

"She still resists, what if Celestia finds out?"

"She will not find out. Now do as I told you, time is not to waste!"

Chapter Two

Equestria, August 12th, 1502

Canterlot truly was the epitome of architectural beauty. While the Changelings specialized in large and efficient architecture, and the Griffons in technologically-advanced architecture, the Equestrian's prided themselves in a variety of eye-pleasing structures that were almost beautiful enough to make an enemy at least feel bad for destroying them. Canterlot, however, was an astounding, ethereal beauty. A city laden with impossible structures, as hands opened to the great sky above. The constructions made from the finest, sturdiest, and most perfect materials that most would consider impossible to find in such number. Perhaps by magic, or by the hard, hard work of the resilient elder earth ponies who built it millennia ago under the old alicorn rule. It was a place that had survived since the ancient times, and the cleanest area within the entirety of the Equus continent.

Sunrise Sparkle sat quietly within her quarters, studying books from war strategy to species psychology. While she was used to reading, and enjoyed it quite a lot, she frankly found the contents of the book she read to be disturbing and callous. 'The enemy oft expects a frontal assault, yet few foresee the use of diplomatic pressure to condition the masses towards revolt'. Similar such deceptive tactics were entailed within the strategic books, while clinical breakdowns of the generalized species-specific weaknesses were entailed in the psychological books. She paused for a moment to take a rest, seeing as she was admittedly overwhelmed by the nature of these things and moreso why she was studying them in the first place.

At this moment, she heard a knock on the door behind her. Giving a small sigh, she got up from her desk to open it. To her surprise, an old friend stood at the door, one she hadn't seen in months' time. A yellow coat with a blazing red and gold mane, smiling to see her.

"I like what you've done with your hair, Twi," she said, "would you mind if I come in?"

"Ah, Sunset, I wasn't expecting you to come at such a time," she said with a nervous laugh, "and, please, call me Sunrise Sparkle."

Sunset quirked a brow, walking in and shaking off the odd name change to admire the beauty of Sunrise's room.

"I finally found some time to see Equestria again," Sunset said, standing on her hinds and stretching out before returning to all fours, "I noticed the flag has changed, and by the way, where is Celestia?"

"Daybreaker," Sunrise corrected, though she understood Sunset would have had no idea, "the Empress is in a meeting with diplomats from Zebrabwe and Halflinger Grove. I believe she's organizing counterattack against Griffonstone and the Changeling Hive simultaneously."

"Oh, that's. . ." Sunset paused for a minute. Surely it wasn't what she thought it was, so she decided to change the subject, "where is Starlight, by the way? I've been trying to send her letters, but she hasn't replied."

"In hiding," Sunrise answered coldly, sitting back down at her desk to read as she spoke, "she attempted to issue a communist uprising, and she is now wanted by Equestrian law enforcement. Some believe she may be holed up in the Griffish Isles, but the Empress has little concern for finding her until the existing threats are neutralized."

"Oh no," Sunset replied, "I'm sure the Elements of Harmony can fix that!"

Sunrise was silent for a moment, before shaking her head as she lit her horn and began to write notes. Sunset started to have a remarkably uncomfortable feeling from all of this. Twilight—or Sunrise—was acting so. . .callous. It was unorthodox to say the least. She opened her mouth to pry further, but Sunrise quickly answered her impending question.

"I am having a meeting with the Elements today," Sunrise said suddenly, "aside that, when the criminal is found, she will likely be executed."

"Wh-what?" Sunset spoke with a shocked stutter, "What do you mean executed?!"

"I mean killed," Sunrise said, turning to Sunset, "you waited too long, and now you've come not to Equestria, but the Solar Empire. Harmony is established through order, peace through power, and the light of truth comes only from the sun."

"Twilight, what are you—" Sunset said, before feeling a towering presence behind her.

"Now now, Sunset," Daybreaker said softly, "there is no need to be worked up."

"Oh, Celestia, you're—" Sunset stopped as she turned around, before jumping back and letting out a yelp in fear of what she saw. Whatever that was, it wasn't Celestia, not by any stretch of the imagination. What she was looking at was clearly a monster.

"Come with me, Sunset," Daybreaker said with a sigh and a smile, "we have much to talk about."

Griffish Isles, August 12th, 1502

Starlight sat quietly within her room of an underground bunker. While she was not particularly friends with the Griffons she resided with, she had worked with them diplomatically in the past before being outcast by Equestrian society for her revolutionary ideals. The Griffons in the isles, however, had already shared a similar ideology. This was, of course, because they were numbered merely around 14,000, a small number to work with. Even they believed that trying to promote such an ideology to an entire continent was ludicrous, but Starlight had helped them so much with Equestrian resources to allow them to make the most of their small islands. This included as well the larger piece of land south of Trottingham, which was evacuated by Equestrian authorities given it's proximity to Griffonstone territory.

She had a plan, she had a big plan. In fact, it was a great plan. The only issue was that she didn't have a lot of details in her plan. It frustrated her trying to meticulously nail down each and every detail, she'd rather work on the fly and see how things go. At the same time, she knew there had to be compromise, as this wasn't like the small village she ruled over for that short time, and even that was ruined for lack of a backup plan. She scrambled through a few papers, trying to think of how to manage a resistance well enough against Equestrian rule, before the lead Griffon, Nova, stepped into the room.

"You look busy, Starlight," she said sarcastically, sitting down beside the equine. While Starlight was not friends with the Griffons per se, she had warmed up to Nova rather quickly in the time due to her charismatic demeanor. Starlight could almost tell Nova was only there to be entertained, rather than to be involved, but still she was supportive in some kind of hope that maybe Starlight was truly capable of all that she claimed.

"Same old, same old," Starlight replied with a sigh, "but I think I might have my head wrapped around something I can go with."

"You think?" Nova said with a chuckle, "well, we just got intel from our observer party. It seems Equestrian politics have changed. Or, should I say, the New Solar Empire."

Starlight sat back, before letting out an exaggerated groan of frustration. Quickly, however, she recovered, suddenly moving forward to look at her notes. She began to laugh, smiling so bright she almost looked crazy. Nova, expecting no less, simply smiled in response herself. Starlight was a very colorful figure, to say the least. She was definitely a pony worth keeping around for sake of adding a bit of spice to life.

"So you're telling me Equestria has become a supremacist state," Starlight mused, "which means that there are definitely harmonists loyal to the crown, but not to the ideology. What better opportunity to promote equality than to ponies under tyranny! Nova, do you know what this means?!"

She turned to grab Nova, who was taken aback by the sudden contact, but remained still as she looked at Starlight with a more surprised expression. Starlight, of course, smiling still.

"This is the opportunity! To bring down the sun and rinse the world in red!" Starlight said excitedly, "Loyalty to the crown is bound to be fragmented, which means all it will take is a bit of propaganda here and there, and some quiet connections in the places the Empire doesn't surveil! This administration has to be new and sudden, which means that they're still reorganizing. Listen, we need to start organizing ourselves, get the word out, equality and. . .harmony! Yes. Equality and harmony await!"

"Give me one reason we should risk so much to help you, even if your plan sounds admittedly good," Nova said. Starlight thought for a moment and turned away before offering a grin as she darted her eyes back towards Nova.

"Because I don't need all of Equestrian land, I just want a part of it. Don't you Griffons need a little bit of, hmm. . .breathing room?" Starlight said with a wink. Nova looked down for a moment, before smiling again.

"You're right," she said, "if we act fast enough, the two of us could take the Empire on from beneath while they fight the greater powers. Daybreaker can't have her eyes everywhere."

"That's the spirit!" Starlight said, giving Nova a tight hug before jumping up, "I'll get working on the posters, you organize your griffons. Give me numbers and we can work from there."

"As you say, Ms. Glimmer," Nova said as she gave a bow with a playful chuckle. As she left, Starlight turned to her desk and began to sketch upon some pieces of blank paper.

"The revolution isn't dead, 'Daybreaker'," Starlight said with a malicious grin, "it's resurrecting."

Hailberg, August 12th, 1502

Chrysalis approached massive gates, built into a wall constructed of pinewood that seemed to be enchanted by some ancient runic magic that she herself was very unfamiliar with. She held her foreleg up to the wide open gate, a small shock traveling through her as she made contact with a barrier. After a small grunt, she frowned, turning to her guards.

"Weapons down, stand firm," she muttered, before a couple of armed moose approached the gates. Chrysalis gave the best smile she could, which was not easy, before continuing to speak, "Hello Hailbergans, I am Queen Chrysalis, and I—"

"We know who you are, and we're not interested," a moose said firmly. It was surely a northern accent, but not Canterlotan by any stretch. It was a much rougher, sharper accent, akin to the Scotsmen of the human world one might say. Chrysalis frowned.

"Perhaps you should hear me out," she said, before the moose at the gate directed their spears towards her.

"You will leave or be executed!" another moose shouted. Chrysalis was grinding her teeth in frustration, what was the point of this 'diplomacy'? She sighed softly, turning her head backwards.

"Don't say I didn't try to be kind about it," she said.

The moose prepared to attack before noticing that the white planes of snow throughout the Taiga Range started to turn black, and thousands upon thousands of green lights illuminated the area. It was not for long, however, as they all flashed, launching into the air. Pausing in the sky, they suddenly plummeted towards Hailberg at a remarkable speed. Before the moose could react, Chrysalis blasted through the magic barrier with nothing more than a concise beam from her horn.

"RAAAAID!" one of the moose shouted, before being torn apart by a few of the Changelings at Chrysalis' guard. Before the other could retaliate, Chrysalis herself fired a beam of hivemagic towards him, leaving a hole in his body as he fell to the ground. Chrysalis simply walked, as her Changelings stormed the country by both magic artillery and physical invasion. Fortunately for the Changelings, their combat magic was naturally adapted towards avoiding their own. Despite all of the chaos, no Changeling would ever manage to harm another, only the enemy.

The Queen watched as they approached the greater, though archaic, cities of Hailberg, which were mostly tents and small structures with the exception of a massive antlered tree that served as the capital structure. To Chrysalis, the destruction was beautiful, and the screams of children like music to her ears. It had been so long since she had truly engaged in the brutal warfare she enjoyed—the Elements always got in the way. Now that they were no longer being used, she was able to act freely because the Solar Empire didn't care about the isolationist countries. It was free land, and free food for her Changelings.

One might say that Changelings could only feed by morphing and being loved by another, but that is merely a luxury meal. Chrysalis knew the most efficient way to feed her hive was by raiding other villages and countries, as the love energy that abounded in families was amplified by the fear and despair caused by their loss. The more violently their lives were taken, the more love they were able to harness in the form of love-bound agony. Chaos was truly the best way to feed, if only Discord were still in the Undersky realm to see it. Though he left long before Griffonstone had began to make it's strides against the eastern continent.

Another barrage of hivemagic blasts showered Hailberg, the large tree now shrouded in green flame with pitch-black smoke rising and shrouding the sun. Chrysalis chuckled to herself as she experienced the pleasurable feeling of shrouding Daybreaker's sun in the smoke of demise. As the blackened clouds grew thicker, and the smell of iron and burning sap filled the air, the sky became lit with the green shroud that was only known from the ancient tales of the Changeling raids centuries ago. Chrysalis felt a feeling she hadn't experienced in a very long time: national pride.

"Changelings!" she shouted with a loud and booming voice, "witness the power of your Hive! Take no prisoners! These lands are ours!"

Thousands of shrieking voices gave a cry of battle, rushing into Hailberg mercilessly. The moose could only watch as their lives fell apart forever. Their magic was out of date, they had weapons that were no more effective against a Changeling than they were against the sun itself, only used for hunting smaller animals that interfered with their crops. Their training was useless, and their lives where wholly-founded on a Moose-only culture, where no outsiders were permitted whatsoever. This was no war, Chrysalis would think to herself, this was a slaughter, and she loved it.

At this point, she realized that she had done nothing but break a barrier and kill one moose. How silly, she was so caught up in the ecstasy of unstoppable death that she forgot to truly participate in it. She opened her wings, flying towards the top of the tree where the King was, but before she flew too closely, she noticed a few Changelings being shocked to death by another, stronger magic shield. She groaned, it must have been recently-employed as the tree was already burning, and there were a few Changelings inside that were so small in number they were being picked off one at a time by some of the armored moose. Though, armored was a bit of a stretch, given what silly rags of leather they were wearing.

Chrysalis scanned the tree for a weakness, as it seemed the magic was more concentrated and therefore far more potent than the barrier that extended across the country. She looked up, laughing to herself loudly as she noticed how obvious the source was. The massive antlers at the top of the tree, of course! She flew upwards, firing a concentrated blast of hivemagic towards it, causing it to crack.

Inside the tree, the royal family had gathered in the most fortified room they could manage. Several moose, male, female, and child, were gathered together, numbering about 14. The King stood in front of his crying children as his wife tried to console them. He closed his eyes as the door was blasted open, revealing their doom. The King gave a final cry, charging at Chrysalis, but unable to even make contact as she flashed her horn causing his legs to fall off as if they were sliced apart. His face hit the floor as he gave a loud shout of pain.

"You filthy bug!" he screamed, "you kill the defenseless because you enjoy it! The gods will have you tormented for eternity! Damn you! Damn you! Da—"

Chrysalis lifted the moose by his antler, lighting her horn and tearing out his tongue.

"I do this to feed my children," she said with an annoyed grunt as the moose continued to make whatever noise he was capable to compensate for the unworldly pain, "and because I enjoy it."

Chrysalis chuckled as she looked at the rest of the family, intentionally keeping the King alive as she motioned for four more Changelings to approach.

"Make it brutal," she said, "this King has more love in him than I've seen in a while, we could be fed for weeks on him alone."

She stepped outside, a pausing for a moment to listen to the shrieks of the family one more time, before jumping out of the tree. She knew that Hailberg would make a great spot for an expanded hive, and while it was not as entertaining as usual given the lack of resistance, it was surely the more love than what she fed on from Shining Armor. She chuckled.

"How does that marriage even last?"

Equestria, August 12th, 1502

At least the tea was nice, Sunset thought, though the conversation was far from enjoyable. The words of Daybreaker were that of a warmongering goddess, not of the harmony-loving Alicorn she once knew. For a long time, she felt bad for turning against Celestia way back then, but now she was greatly-conflicted. Daybreaker was evil, pure and simple. There was no justifying the judgements she now made concerning Equestria, and even less the judgements concerning non-equine lands. If it wasn't ponies, then it was numbers. At some point, she questioned if Daybreaker even felt compassion for the ponies anymore, or if it was just a ruse for power. Daybreaker could sense the trouble in Sunset's mind, and decided to attempt consolation.

"Sunset, I don't expect you to just buy into this suddenly," she said, "take some time to process it. I know your home is the human world now, but Equestria was where you were born, and the way things have become must be despairing."

"It's not that, Empress Daybreaker," Sunset said, more coldly than usual, which Daybreaker noticed very quickly, "You've. . ."

Sunset paused, not sure what would come of what she was about to say. Daybreaker patiently waited with a smile, but Sunset knew the kindness wouldn't last long. Alas, if she were not to speak up now, Sunset thought, then she would have to live with having done nothing. She looked Daybreaker in the eyes with a disappointed look. Her heart was pounding, but she couldn't let it stop her from speaking what she believed was the truth.

"You've gone absolutely mad," she said, "you have no compassion, and you're going to bring destruction to this entire plane."

"Is that so?" Daybreaker said, her smile turning into a malicious grin, "in that case, what will you do about it?"

"I can't do anything about it," Sunset admitted, "but I won't be staying here to watch it. I'm going back to the human world."

Sunset got up, but was forced back into her seat by Daybreaker's magic. Sunset looked at Daybreaker with an expression of shock as two guards walked into the room.

"It's done, your highness," one said. Daybreaker chuckled.

"Good, have it disposed of, then," she said softly, "we don't need any more intruders."

The guards bowed, leaving the room quickly and back towards the upper levels of the castle. Sunset could only imagine the plethora of things Daybreaker may have been talking about, but one thought gave her an unbearable despair.

"What did you do?" Sunset asked suddenly, Daybreaker dropped her smile as she looked into Sunset's eyes with fire in her own.

"You will be staying here to watch," Daybreaker said grimly, "and I will not have the human world interfering any further with my plans. I owe a debt to the Empire that I intend to pay in full, and I will not have your over-compassionate silliness trespassing on my plans."

"You're a monster!" Sunset shouted. Before she could say anymore, Sunrise had entered the room, dressed in a new suit of armor personalized to her appearance. While baring still the symbol of the Empire, it's colors were of a deep violet and crimson, blended with intimidating beauty.

"I should have known," Sunrise said as she gave a hateful look to Sunset Shimmer, "your very name implies the willingness to uproot the Empire. I was hoping it wasn't true, but it seems you were unable to make the decision necessary to secure the future of ponykind."

"Twilight! I—"

Sunrise fired a beam of magic at Sunset, causing her to fall to the ground. She was not dead, but she was surely not conscious either. Sunrise was breathing heavily as Daybreaker turned to her in a look of surprise which quickly turned to a prideful smile. She walked up to Sunrise, leaning her head down and nuzzling her gently.

"You're growing up very quickly, my dear Sunrise," she said gently, "now, you must calm down, you are having a meeting soon."

Sunrise took a deep breath, closing her eyes and exhaling gently. Her straight face broke slowly into a relaxed smile.

"It felt good," she said quietly. Daybreaker simply chuckled.

"It does, doesn't it?"

Griffonstone, August 12th, 1502

The Taurus Manor was a rather large structure. Nothing compared to the castles of the Solar Empire, nor to the skyscrapers of Manehattan, but a large structure nonetheless. Outside of it was an illustrious garden, though consisting primarily of artificial plants that need only be 'watered' with electrical power. A few large air filtration units kept the area smelling nicer than the rest of the industrialized country, which was okay for the citizens because they were taught that the smell of smog was 'the aroma of progress'. They weren't currently aware of the reason their stamina wasn't what it used to be, but that was also okay, because King Taurus didn't really care.

Within the Taurus Manor was among the most beautiful interior architecture that Griffonstone's greatest builders and engineers could manage, which was nothing short of a bragging right, by the way. The illustrious manor was the envy of the eastern continent, and the symbol of power to the entirely of Griffonstone. It was no castle, but it was a modern 'reinvention' of royal housing, as they called it. Past all of the spare rooms of décor, grand pianos, red carpets, curtains, and gold-plated railings, the upper rooms were more personalized to the residents within. Typically for top generals to reside as temporary for long-term trips to communicate with the King. However, there was one very plain room which consisted of a large table, a few overhead lights, and several cushioned chairs.

Taurus sat quietly within his chair at the table as his top advisors began to enter the room. All of them had flown by themselves towards the capital building, but with their strict military organization it was no surprise that they arrived at the same time. As they gathered, Taurus snapped his talons as two servants brought in coffee, prepared in perfect timing to pitch-perfect detail as to the personal preferences of the officers present. One officer gave a soft applause with a chuckle.

"You certainly know how to treat your officials, my King," he said. Taurus smiled in response.

"As I would be treated, so are the loyal," Taurus said, "even if they prefer cappuccino with a list of preparations so stupid it's almost it's own recipe."

"More like a Griffoness coffee shop order," one of the other officers said, elbowing an officer beside him as a bit of laughter was spread about the table.

"Now, now, Field Marshal Garreth," Taurus said, "we know General Typhoon's order wasn't that complex."

A bit more laughter was spread before they regained their composure. Taurus grabbed a remote, pointing towards a projector mounted to the ceiling and turning it on as a white screen rolled downwards. One of the servants who brought in the coffee had stayed behind to close the doors and cut the lights as the room was illuminated by the light of the projection. On it was a map of the nearby land, along with a few slides with information concerning that which Taurus was briefing them on.

"We have had our laughs," the King said, "but, as I woefully admit, times have become more serious. News has recently come in that the Equine-inhabited lands formerly known as Equestria are now called the Solar Empire. As prophecy foretold, Celestia is no more. The sun walks among us, fellow Gryphons, and her name is Empress Daybreaker."

No one was laughing anymore, as the video played of Daybreaker's first speech to the new Empire. A few of the officers even trembled at the sight of the unfurling banners. They expected Equestria to stay with the old, and that when Griffonstone had enough land, Equestria would have been an easy target. However, this was far from the case. Now they were dealing with a true leader, not a false monarch that whined when people didn't get along. Taurus continued.

"As you can see, Empress Daybreaker has already declared war upon us and the Changelings. While we have never liked the Changelings, we have never had conflicting interests with them, either. Their focus is the Solar Empire, and I believe we might perhaps be able to strike a deal through alliance."

One of the officers began to speak in objection before Taurus held up his talon.

"Allow me to finish. I understand that this is a preposterous request, and I despise those love-leeching parasites more than Daybreaker herself, but I believe that desperate times call for desperate measures. Furthermore, if we are divided, we must admit to ourselves that the Solar Empire is nearly guaranteed a victory. We shall deal with the Changelings ourselves after the war. After all, our technology is far superior to theirs, they merely have numbers which will be dwindled by the Solar Empire's army. We'll be receiving more information from Slyphiani soon enough, as of now I believe one of you has gathered information as well."

Field Marshal Garreth raised his talon. Taurus nodded, sitting back as the lights were cut back on and the projector turned off.

"Intel from a spy within Trottingham's evacuation zone denotes an equine among the Griffish Isles," Garreth started, "her name is Starlight Glimmer, and she is an escaped criminal guilty of promoting communistic ideology within Equestria. While the gryphons residing in the isles remain silent about her intentions, we believe she may be conspiring against the Solar Empire with the help of those aforementioned."

"I would advise that we consult with her, she may be a valuable asset," Typhoon added. Taurus pondered for a moment.

"No," he said, "not now, at least. Let's keep an eye on her and see what she does. Promoting communism would leave a bad taste in my mouth, but allowing it to flourish to the dismantling of the Solar Empire seems a wise course of action."

The gryphon officers all nodded, looking to each other and carrying on brief discussions before looking back towards Taurus, who got up. He reached under the table and took out a laptop, opening it and typing in a password before turning it around. As the OS launched, a camera feed could be seen loading on to the screen. When it did, the officers present became visibly uncomfortable. Some readjusting their ties, others taking a handkerchief to their brows and sipping heavily on their coffee.

On the feed was Princess Luna, hung from her forelegs and restrained like a dead animal. She was alive, but not by much.

"H-how did. . ." Garreth stuttered as he trembled, "that's not possible!"

"Oh, it is," Taurus said with a wicked smile, "Alicorn magic is powerful, but technology is unstoppable."

"What kind of demonic technology could we possible possess to best an alicorn?" another officer asked.

"There is no such thing as 'demonic technology', Archaeus," Taurus said dismissively, "but to answer your question, it's the same technology employed in our newest weapon models, which I shall have the pleasure of disclosing to you now."

Taurus looked to the servant standing by the door and nodded. The servant left before quickly returning with an alien-looking rifle, walking towards Taurus before cautiously handing him the weapon. Taurus held the weapon over his shoulder with one talon.

"What. . .is that?" Garreth asked staring at the strange weapon with awe.

"This?" Taurus asked, holding the weapon up with a chuckle, "this is victory, Garreth."

Chapter Three

Author's Note

Reminder that I am composing an OST to this story, which you can find linked in it's description! :pinkiehappy:

Chapter Three

Equestria, August 12, 1502

Ponyville had not changed much, with the exception of old Equestrian banners being replaced with the New Solar Empire's flag. Though, it seemed so different. The atmosphere was so despairing, Sunrise thought. She shook her head, the carriage ride was long enough getting there and thinking of how terrible things were just made it longer. She recalled Daybreaker's words, calming herself down and putting a smile on her face.

After a while, the carriage stopped and she opened the door to reveal her castle, which had been locked up the past couple of days in her absence. She smiled to the stallions pulling the carriage as she walked out, before using her magic to unlock the doors of her castle and walking in. Her friends would be arriving at any point in time, so she had to be quick to prepare the meeting table. It wouldn't have been for another thirty minutes, of course, but Twilight knew her friends. If she was around, they would waste no time to be around as well.

As she had thought, it only took five minutes after her arrival for the first of them to arrive. It was Applejack; always early, the honest worker was. Sunrise gave a smile, and was met with one, as well as the confused look she was so used to by now.

"What'd ya do with your mane, Twilight?" Applejack asked. Sunrise chuckled.

"The name is Sunrise," she said softly, "and I figured I liked the color red. Take a seat, Applejack."

"Well, color me confused," Applejack said, taking a seat at the table at the throne labeled with her cutiemark, "but I don't remember you ever talkin'bout a name change. I guess you're really takin' after the new Empress Daybreaker. Speakin' of, weren't you worried about that a while back?"

"I was," Sunrise replied, "but she would defeat Nightmare Moon with nothing more than a sharp glare. There is no need for me to worry about it, especially with it having already been done."

"Woah now Sunrise, dear," Applejack said cautiously, "there's no need to be talkin' like that, is there?"

"You're still so kind and hopeful," Sunrise replied, "and I share the sentiment. I wish there were no need for violence, but alas here we are. Hearts being torn out of our soldiers, fillies being skinned alive, and diplomats being shot to death. There has to be a response."

"I s'pose," Applejack said, "just not like this."

Before Sunrise could offer a response, the other four came in. Rainbow Dash flying, Rarity and Fluttershy walking, and Pinkie bouncing. As usual. They all took a seat at their respective thrones, greeting Applejack before turning to Sunrise and giving those looks again. Before they could mention it, Sunrise held up her hoof.

"Before you ask any more of the questions I've heard a thousand times already," Sunrise said, "my name is Sunrise Sparkle. I am Lady Inquisitor to Empress Daybreaker. Now that this is out of the way, we have more important matters to discuss."

"Oooh, are the Elements of Harmony needed again?" Pinkie asked with excitement.

"Awesome," Rainbow Dash followed up, "we get to blast rainbows at the Changelings again!"

"Mayhaps we could find Starlight as well and help her find her way again," Rarity said, brushing her mane magic and a hairbrush.

"That would be nice," Fluttershy said softly, "we don't want to lose any friends."

"No," Sunrise said sternly. The five friends looked in confusion towards her, with the exception of Applejack, who was facing down as she was afraid she already had an idea of what Sunrise was going to say. Before any objections, Sunrise continued, "the Elements of Harmony have been decommissioned. By next week, they will be reassembled into a single artifact possessed solely by the Empress."

"What!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, "you mean we're just giving the Elements away to Celestia?"

"I am giving the Elements to Empress Daybreaker," Sunrise corrected, "it is no longer our right to possess such power."

"It never was our right, darling," Rarity objected, "but our destiny! Do you not remember—"

"I remember," Sunrise said, "by the Empress, I remember every single disembarkation we made to issue the salvation of friendship across the three continents. I remember every time you were all there for me, and every time I was there for all of you. But those memories cannot halt what needs to be done, yet, being that you are my friends, I offer you a choice."

"A choice of what, Sunrise?" Applejack asked with worry in her voice, "what could you be doing that we wouldn't stay at your side with?"

"If you choose to stay by my side," Sunrise explained, "then your first effort will be to seek out Starlight Glimmer and have her taken to me."

"Alright!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed with a grin, "we're still rescuing friendships!"

"No we are not," Sunrise retorted grimly, "I will be interrogating her before she is executed in Canterlot, along with any of her conspirators."

There was a deafening silence across the room. All of them, even Applejack, all seemed to stop thinking as the word executed came from the muzzle of Princess Twilight Sparkle herself. The Princess of Friendship, suggesting—nay, demanding execution?

"That's crazy!" Pinkie suddenly exclaimed, "we can't just. . .k-k—we can't just do that!"

"Yeah!" Rainbow Dash seconded, "since when did we start killing ponies?"

"Since never," Sunrise reassured, "but that is your option. Either you join me today in doing what is necessary, or you leave, and forsake my guarantee of your safety."

"Is that a threat, Twilight?" Applejack asked. Sunrise shot a glare towards her.

"Sunrise," she said through gritted teeth. Applejack honestly felt fear, but more than that, she felt sorrow and disappointment.

"You'll always be Twilight to me," Applejack said woefully.

"Then I will always be dead to you," Sunrise replied, "now, make your decision here and now, all of you!"

That silence again, it almost hurt their ears. The equines thought for several moments about it. Execution was not something they were willing to do by any means, but to forsake Twilight? The more they thought, the more they began to question if Twilight was even there anymore.

"We've been through so much," Fluttershy said, holding back tears, "would you really just leave us if we didn't decide to kill a pony?"

"I have known the Empress longer," Sunrise replied coldly. Fluttershy couldn't stop her tears.

"No, no I won't do it!" she cried out, "I won't kill for anypony, it's wrong!"

"Me either!" Rainbow Dash said, "I'm out!"

"This is bad. . ." Pinkie said quietly, her mane beginning to fall straight, "I don't think. . ."

"I refuse this offer," Rarity said, "killing is absolutely out of the question."

Sunrise looked at Applejack, who was staring at the table still.

"And you, Applejack?" Sunrise asked, "which side of history do you wish to be on?"

Applejack turned to Sunrise with a stern expression, leaning forward before speaking clearly and confidently.

"The side of Friendship, Sunrise," she said, "the side you've left!"

The five friends all got up, walking out without a word further. Sunrise sat back in her throne. This meeting could not have gone any worse, she thought, but it was a necessary learning experience. Friends who would not support the Empire, she thought, were friends not worth having. After several minutes, when she knew they had left the building, she lit her horn, firing a bolt of magic, which split into five parts and removed the cutiemark labels from the thrones surrounding the table. She lit her horn again, changing the label on her own throne to match the new cutiemark on her hinds. With a sigh, she faced the door to see a concerned Spike standing with some cupcakes.

"Twilight. . ?" Spike said quietly, "is everything alright?"

"Come here, Spike," Sunrise said softly, "I need you for something."

"Oh, uh, of course!" Spike replied, jogging over to her and putting the six cupcakes on the table before facing Sunrise, "what is it?"

Sunrise gave him a tight hug, before weeping greatly. Spike was unsure of what to do, but he hugged her back as she continued to cry. He said not another word, but let her get everything out as he knew this wasn't a small argument, but a final goodbye. He didn't agree with Twilight, but he loved her, and he wouldn't have left her for all the bits in the world. If she needed a friend, even if she turned evil, he would be there because she was always there for him.

Half an hour had passed, and Sunrise had started to calm down. Her sobbing had turned to light sniffles, and she kept a tight embrace around Spike. Finally, he decided it was time to speak.

"Well, I brought six cupcakes," he said, "but I suppose that's more for you, right?"

"More for us," Sunrise replied with a chuckle, still sniffling a bit, "I'll be returning to Canterlot soon, you'll be coming with me."

"Wow, really?" Spike said with awe as they finally let go of one another, "but who will take care of the castle?"

"Ponies who are paid to do it," Sunrise said, smiling a bit, "but I believe Empress Daybreaker will have no issue with you coming along."

"Aw, thanks Twilight," he said, giving her another hug.

"Oh, and call me Sunrise Sparkle," she said, patting his head.

"Yes ma'am, Sunrise Sparkle!" Spike said with a salute, warranting another soft laugh from Sunrise.

What a wonderful friend Spike was.

Crystal Empire, August 19, 1502

Shining Armor sat at a desk, It'd been a week since Daybreaker graced he and his wife with her presence, and it wasn't bothering him any less now than it was the moment she walked in. He believed in war, of course. He knew friendship and harmony wasn't going to win, but Daybreaker wasn't matching military power, she was matching cruelty. He knew within his heart that such a thing was worlds apart from what Celestia would ever do, but at the same time he felt partially responsible. It was his letter, he knew, that caused her to change. Maybe there was a better way to break the news, maybe he could have lied, or maybe he could have told her in person and it would have been easier. Worse, he thought Twilight would be able to stop her from doing anything silly which is why he told his sister in the first place, but it seems the opposite happened.

Within a week, Celestia had already formed alliances with Zebrabwe and the Kirin Grove. While the Eastern Lair was disinterested in joining the war as they thought 'no gryphon was stupid enough to invade them, they would need alicorn magic to even attempt it', they were willing to be trade partners and facilitate equine military movement throughout their lands as they 'didn't want to have to make an example of the gryphons'. Trotslyvania was close to falling, standing on it's last brave hooves as Griffonstone's onslaught continued. Bugbear Territory, however, was holding up well, and close to pushing back against the Griffonst Station. In the meantime, Griffonstone had setup intramountainous camps within the Himallamas, killing a majority of the adult male llamas of the region and putting the rest to work as slaves. Male, female, or child, it didn't matter to the Gryphons.

Shining Armor began to notice something, every one of the great factions, including the Solar Empire, were supremacist states. With no care for a race other than their own, all others were mere insects or animals. For the Changelings, he understood, as they were parasites by definition. However, hearing Daybreaker's response on the raiding of Hailberg was extremely disheartening. Her comments on the Zebras were positive, but political. It seemed she had no interest in how well they fared, only that they kept the Changelings at bay long enough for her to reorganize the Empire's Front Line Assault. He couldn't forget the words she spoke of the moose.

"Those isolated suffer the consequences of their own ignorance, a responsibility spared of me and my little ponies. Good riddance to them."

This would have been expected of her new persona, but what bothered Shining Armor more than that was that Daybreaker was aware of exactly what happened. In fact, all of the Solar Empire was, as the Changeling strategy involved making public every bit of their cruelty to the finest detail, invoking fear into the hearts of innocent families so to increase their love for feeding later. Rather than feel that matching cruelty was a never-ending cascade of hatred, the Solar Empire roared with applause at yet another charismatic hatemongering speech of Daybreaker's. Most of the Empire, if not all of it, shared the same indifference for what happened with the moose, and it made Shining sick to his stomach.

With a few passing moments of these troubling thoughts, Cadence opened the door to Shining's office. He groaned.

"Honey," he said with a forehoof to his face, "it doesn't hurt to knock."

"It doesn't hurt to have some coffee, either," Cadence said with a disapproving grunt, placing a tray on Shining's desk, "the least you could do is see what I'm doing before you fuss at me."

"I'm sorry sweetie," he muttered, quickly grabbing the coffee and drinking it. It burnt his tongue, but he was too frustrated to even tell, "all of this is stressful."

"Oh I know," Cadence said, nuzzling his neck softly, "that's why I made your coffee just the way you like it. Two tablespoons of sugar and a shot of milk."

Shining chuckled softly. Not once did he ever think he made a mistake marrying that mare, though several times he believed she made a mistake marrying him. He questioned her recent actions, and he didn't agree with many of them. She had not only played directly into Daybreaker's hooves, but had gone further in casting a breeding spell across the Crystal Empire. She gave a speech shortly after encouraging the crystal ponies to procreate for the 'new Solar Empire', promising greatness and protection under Daybreaker's 'holy rule'. With impatience for the arrival of Solar Empire propaganda, she had actually produced her own, earning the admiration of Daybreaker of course.

'Two empires to protect the world, will you be a part?'

'Crystal miners are the fuel of the Empire's resources, be a part of your great nation for 17.25 bits/hr!'

'The homely mother is the heart of the war, stay strong and support the fight!'

'Changelings infect the lands, will you be one of the heroes on cleanup?'

It gave him a headache just to think back at how well-made they were. It almost inspired him, and he hated it. Still, regardless of how ill-thought her actions were, he still loved his wife. Cadence quirked her head at him.

"Deep in thought again, even with coffee?" she asked with a smile. Shining looked up at her with a smile, yet one of concern and sorrow.

"Cadence, I love you," he said, "I don't agree with anything you're doing at all, but I love you."

"Oh Shiny," Cadence replied with a sigh, kissing Shining on the cheek, "I love you, too. I don't really agree with what I'm doing either but I don't think I have a choice, I don't think we have a choice. Whether that's because of Daybreaker's retaliation or because of the simple fact of war I don't even want to figure out."

Shining thought about that for a moment. 'I don't think we have a choice'. He'd be damned if he didn't have a choice, and that's when he got an idea. He finished his coffee, getting up from his desk.

"You keep being a good leader," Shining said reassuringly, "I think I'm going to go be one myself."

Cadence smiled, though she wasn't sure what it meant. Regardless, Shining stepped out of the room, gathering a few short traveling supplies before using his magic to call a small convoy to his location after exiting the palace.

"We're dispatching from the Crystal Empire," he said quietly through the small orb, "Northwest to Yakyakistan, I have a proposal for them."

North Polar Lair, August 20, 1502

The Polar Leader was taking a leisurely walk outside of the lair, admiring the vast scenery of the Frozen North's mountains. A well-deserved rest after another fruitful hunt with the Icebreaker's Party, a band of their most well-trained agents which included the Polar Leader himself. While he was officially titled the 'Polar Leader', he was referred to as 'Great President Arthur Patton'. The Icebreaker's Party had not engaged in warfare for a long time, but to sooth their need for a fight, they would hunt Ampitheres roaming the deeper valleys, and if they wanted a small challenge, an occasional Hydra. These creatures were simply monsters with no intelligence, but they did make delicious meals for the Polar Bears, and quite large ones at that.

Polar Bears were known for their overwhelming strength, endurance, and resolve. They held a someone national honor to their lands, taken from the Ampitheres and Hydras long ago by the first brave settlers who drove them out of their very own lair. Now, just waifs and strays for Polar Bears to feed from when they got tired of fish. Arthur had quite a lot of pride concerning not only himself, but his home. While they were not a strictly-authoritarian state, they existed under absolute rule that was simply indifferent to the actions of the bears beneath. All of the Polar Bears loved their lands, and allowing them absolute freedom to flourish, or even fight with one another, was in the best interest of all of them. Another point of pride, he would think to himself, that harsh leadership isn't necessary to keep a Polar Bear in order, they keep themselves in order and deal with their own problems without whining to government. It was an admirable quality, he believed.

However, rather than experience his full leisure, he saw a bright light in the sky, which soon landed fifteen feet from him. An equine bathed in fire, standing just outside of the lair. He wasn't fearful of the sight, just confused as he had not seen an equine around since. . .well, forever.

"You look like Celestia," he mused, crossing his forelegs, as most Polar Bears walked on their hinds, "but you have a little more fire, and a little less rainbow."

"Arthur, you never fail to amuse me," Daybreaker said with a hearty laugh, "I am Empress Daybreaker, and I'd like to made a proposal."

"Is this about the Trinational War?" Arthur said with a quirked brow.

"For being nearly isolated in the north, you Polar Bears do know how to keep an eye on things," Daybreaker replied as a note of praise, "yes, it is. I hear you are hungry for war, I figured I could offer you an alliance with the Empire with a bit of extra incentive."

"And what might that be?" Arthur questioned further. Daybreaker chuckled.

"Resources to expand your infrastructure across the Frozen North, and perhaps. . ." Daybreaker leaned forward with almost a look of seduction, "Yakyakistan."

Arthur's eyes lit up. While the Polar Bears were mighty—with internal magic similar to Earth Ponies but far more resilient—even with their strength, Yayyakistan territory was too deep within the mountains. Polar Bears might have been strong, but they weren't able to traverse tall, jagged mountains. Furthermore, they, like any species, were not invulnerable to very sharp spikes of ice within the valleys of the Frozen North just west of Mount Everhoof. In fact, they weren't capable of traveling to the Equus continent's southern regions due to those very same mountains blocking the Frozen North just past the hills of Stratusburg lest they traveled by beach, which was far too warm in that region for Polar Bears to handle without strenuous effort.

While the land and infrastructure help was nice, the greatest of Daybreaker's phenomenal proposition was the conquering of the Yaks. The Yaks were similarly powerful in their physique to the Polar Bears, but far more distasteful in their pride. While Arthur and his Polar Bears had pride in their accomplishments, the Yaks had pride in their circumstances, and liked to rub that in everyone's face the best they could. There was longstanding conflict between the Polar Bears and the Yaks, though the Yaks were just as capable of crossing the 'Arms of Everhoof' as the Polar Bears were. Mostly an insult to national pride between the two. Arthur also knew that the Yaks did not get along with Equestria very well, and surely wouldn't get along with the Solar Empire.

"Empress Daybreaker," Arthur said with a grin, "the Polar Bears would be delighted to take up this offer. In fact, I believe a celebration is in order. Gather your nobles tomorrow and we will prepare the Grand Hall of the lair for a great celebration."

"A remarkable offer," Daybreaker said with a smile, "I will be sure to have such arranged by 18:00 tomorrow."

Hailberg, August 20, 1502

It didn't take long to create a new hive within Hailberg. While their technology was lacking, the Changeling work ethic was unmatched by even the most powerful countries. It may have taken the Solar Empire several months to build the equivalent of a capital building, while it would take Griffonstone nearly two months. Yet, the Changelings were able to accomplish the same in merely five days, and prepare it in two. There was one issue, however, that being that water existed. Chrysalis had never really needed a navy, but now that she realized the best vantage points were by way of sea, she figured it would be the next big project for her children. This was fine, of course, as after raiding Hailberg, to say her children were well-fed would be an understatement.

"Mindcarrier," she said, sitting upon a newly-fashioned throne within the hive as the Greater Mindcarrier walked up to her, "we need a navy."

The Mindcarrier paused for a moment. Mindcarriers were organized by Greater, Great, and Lessers. Greater Mindcarriers functioned specifically as commanders over legion groups which numbered around 60,000. Great Mindcarriers functioned as commanders over individual legions, which numbered around 5,000 to 15,000. Lesser Mindcarriers served as commanders over armies between 500 to 1,000 troops. Beyond that, the Changelings were self-sufficient to lead smaller parties and groups during battle. The Mindcarriers shared the collective intelligence of the hive, there was nothing one knew that another didn't.

"My Queen, if I may ask," the Mindcarrier asked, "what is a navy?"

Chrysalis smacked her own face with a hoof. She just cast a spell to update the hive intelligence. Something she had to do to disperse information evenly among her colonies. If she had information she didn't want going to the hive, such as, perhaps, her private practices, it would be filtered away from the update. If there was information she didn't think necessary at the time to update to the hive intelligence, such as what a navy was or how to make one, then it would likewise be filtered out. She sighed, patting her little Mindcarrier on the head.

"Silly bug," she said with a sigh, "I'll have some blueprints and information updated here in a moment, so don't you worry."

She rose from her throne, walking into a large room within the new hive structure that glowed with an aura of neon green. This room, being as important as it was, was directly connected to the throne room of their respective Hives. Within was a great, green, orb-like and self-sustained concentration of hivemagic that flowed through the hive structure. It wasn't so simple as it sounded, as during the construction of a hive, the veins must be created by hivemagic from the material that created the structure itself—a mixture of Changeling saliva, mud, and crushed rock. While hivemagic was involved in the base material, existing within the Changeling's saliva as a digestive agent used solely for the purpose of construction to chemi-magically alter the structure, the concentrated hive magic transformed the material into an almost living vein to carry and disperse information throughout the hive. This information would travel to Greater Mindcarriers, then to Great Mindcarriers, then to Lesser Mindcarriers before finally reaching every individual Changeling within a span of five seconds.

Chrysalis lit her horn, closing her eyes and envisioning her future naval force. Ships constructed of the same material, with cannons used to harness hive magic similarly to their horns. This magic was not always stronger than unicorn magic, though the comparison wasn't quite so far. Unicorns have magical strength based on their physique and knowledge, while hivemagic is based on consumed love. Chrysalis was an exception, of course, as the Queen was capable of much more potent magic as a result of not only her base form, but likewise of the amount of love she had eaten herself.

With a flash, greenish light like flowing hair spread from the tip of her horn and was drawn in to the large orb, which glowed brightly as the information was dispersed throughout the hive in less than a second before traveling beyond and even to the other hive. It may have seemed an issue that two separate hive intelligence structures existed, but in fact one worked as backup to another and vice versa. Chrysalis smiled, walking back to her throne.

"Mindcarrier," she said again, "I need a navy."

The Mindcarrier nodded, lighting his horn with a bright flash, acting as a 'ping' to disperse the information in a likened manner to the aforementioned.

"The Changeling Hive, Vesalipolis, a naval power," Chrysalis said to herself softly, chuckling, "I like the sound of that."

Yakyakistan, August 21, 1502

"Sir, if I may ask, what exactly are we doing in Yakyakistan again?"

Solar Blaze, a general stationed within the Crystal Empire directly from the Solar Empire as part of the newly-instated policy entitled the 'Dual Empirical Upbringing Act' which offered limited free usage of Solar and Crystal assets for the support of one another, was rather confused as to why such an esteemed Field Marshall of the Empire's army requested a convoy to Yakyakistan of all places. Solar Blaze did not know Shining Armor very well, in fact, he wasn't much of a talker regardless. He just liked to do his job, which is why Empress Daybreaker thought fondly of him enough to delegate authority over organization of Solar forces within the Crystal dominion directly to him. Because of this, of course, he was the best option for Shining to call upon, but only resourcefully. It was rather risky to have called him, but Shining didn't have too many options to go with.

Shining let out a sigh. How in Tartarus was he going to answer this one? He couldn't just tell the General, 'We're conspiring against the Empire, don't tell Empress Daybreaker'.

"A diplomatic effort," he finally answered, "I don't want to deal with the Yaks, but I believe it will make for a. . .uh. . .pleasant surprise. Daybreaker wants all the resources she can get for an army, right? I'm just doing my part."

"You must have not heard, then," General Blaze said, turning to the window of their carriage. Shining quirked a brow before Blaze continued, "Empress Daybreaker has already organized an alliance with the Polar Bears, I doubt the Yaks will want anything to do with us after they've figured that out."

Damnit. Shining was between a rock and a hard place, now. How in the world was he supposed to convince the general that what he was doing was for the Empire and not to dismantle it later? He gritted his teeth with tightly shut eyes as he tried to think through the migraine he was getting.

"Then call it a subversion tactic, whatever," he said, losing his patience, "whatever the case, we'll get information on the Yaks that will server the Empire. Is that good enough?"

"You seem a bit. . .irritated," Solar Blaze pointed out, turning his eyes to Shining, "is there something you're not telling me?"

"Nothing that you need to know!" Shining shouted, slamming his hoof against the wall of the carriage, "just be quiet and do your damn job."

Solar Blaze widened his eyes a bit and gazed towards the window again. He didn't particularly care about what his orders were, just that he followed them. Though, his curiosity did begin to fester as he pondered the various possibilities. Shining seemed to be hardened by service in the Royal Guard, but that hardening was only as thick as a True Harmonist could manage. True Harmonist being the name of a newly-rising group of traditionalist Equestrians who disagreed with the Empire's decisions. Their numbers were so few, however, that they were hardly considered a threat by Daybreaker. However, with someone positioned so highly favoring the traditionalist outlook. . .

The carriage came to a sudden stop before the left door opened.

"We are here, sir," a guard said. Shining quickly left the carriage and stepped outside.

"I'll deal with this alone, you keep guard of the carriage," he ordered, "and by the Gods if something tries to attack you, slaughter it."

He approached the gates, whatever came next would surely make him a traitor.

Chapter Five

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter Six

Equestria, October 1, 1502

"Empress Daybreaker, Royal Investigators have gathered information on the Thestrals as you wished, here's the information you wished to review."

"Hmm, interesting. 'On Nightmare Night, the Lunar Queen shall return in her black-laden fury.' Sounds like cultic nonsense, but I wouldn't put it past Luna to fall into her childish ways again."

"If I might suggest, perhaps she may wish to join you, Empress."

"Oh, oh no. You and I both know that isn't going to happen."

Bugbear Territory, October 31, 1502

The battle of Griffonst Station had been almost perfectly quiet for the past week, now. The firepower of the Gryphons held back any of the Solar Empire's advances, while the Solar Empire's magical superiority held back any of the Gryphonian advances. There was an unspoken ceasefire, as commanders on both sides were at a loss of how to counter-strategize one another. Each idea was met with a plethora of speculated failures more probable than the intended success. Furthermore, both sides were constantly worried that the other would figure out a way to best them first, causing stress across both sides of the battlefield. Many of the soldiers felt it was a useless endeavor until the Solar Empire could manage a counter-strategy from the Empress herself, some felt even that wouldn't win the war. After all, if it did, why not have come here already?

However, as things felt lost, a party of soldiers armored in the Empire's latest Solar Blood Suits arrived on the edge of the fallback line in the Bugbear Territory. With them was Lady Inquisitor Sunrise Sparkle, who many soldiers believed was simply a diplomat. The mere expression on her face changed many minds as she approached, stepping up to the general who had managed to hold the territory for this long.

"Lady Inquisitor," the general said with a tone of relief, "we thought all was lost! I'm so glad you—"

Sunrise's piercing eyes alone gave him a gross discomfort. Something about her was off. Uncanny, to say the least, but he hadn't the strength to continue speaking as he felt his hope drain away only to be replaced with an unspeakable dread. She looked at him as if he were worthless. There was nothing but contempt in her wretched eyes. Sunrise shot quick glance towards the field, then back to the general, looking him up and down for a moment before scoffing.

"I didn't know the Empire was employing politicians to fight," she muttered, before raising her voice to a reprimanding tone, "if we wanted somepony to waste time making important decisions, we would have made a congress!"

She lifted a weapon with her magic, thrusting it into his chest.

"Lady Inquisitor. . ?" he said with confusion.

"You're dismissed as a general, and I don't trust you to use your horn alone," Sunrise said, "go to the front lines."

He attempted to protest, but before he could speak a word, Sunrise lit her horn and threw him into towards the trenches. She cleared her throat loudly, getting the attention of the soldiers.

"Soldiers!" she shouted, "if you're not familiar with me, then you have been living under a rock larger than the intellect you've supposedly been trained to have. Regardless, if any of you do not know, I am Lady Inquisitor Sunrise Sparkle. I am now acting as your Commanding Officer. We are taking Griffonst Station today, so ready your weapons!"

A loud hurrah was given by the soldiers, who were admittedly motivated by the confidence of the Lady Inquisitor. Within a short span of time, she had reorganized the trenches and readied them with a new battle plan that would steamroll the gryphons inhabiting the station and push their front line back to the Guto River. She had a plan for Gryphonian snipers holed up in the northern Himallamas as well.

Foaledo, October 31, 1502

Starlight and Sunset were far ahead of the five friends and Nova, seeming to chat away as if they'd known each other forever. A few times, Starlight would laugh and bump into Sunset, to which she would reply with a laugh. None of the five knew what was going on, and Nova, having seen it all, was more irritated than anything.

"Okay, ice-breaker," Rainbow Dash said, "what in the hay is going on with those two?"

"I remember a while back Twilight had mentioned Sunset having taken Starlight to the human world," Rarity replied, "maybe they just. . .clicked?"

"Seems like more than clickin' to me," Applejack said with a chuckle.

"Euh, they're obviously trying to fuck," Nova interrupted with a tone of disapproval, "isn't there anything else to talk about?"

"Sure!" Rainbow Dash said, shooting a glare at Nova, "why don't we talk about what Starlight Glimmer is doing in the Hayseed Swamps with a bunch of gryphons?"

Nova glared back at Dash, who seemed way too confident in herself. 'Everyone' knew the Elements of Harmony, but Nova was a bit unfamiliar with them herself. Though she started to make a few connections with who Rainbow Dash was before she gave a grin.

"You're a friend of Gilda, aren't you?" she asked. Rainbow Dash dropped her prideful expression to show an almost hopeful, yet likewise doubtful one.

"Yeah, I haven't seen her in a long time, though," Dash replied. Nova chuckled.

"She's stationed in Foaledo as part of the reconstruction crew," Nova said, "maybe if you don't try asking questions you don't need the answers to, I can arrange for you two to meet. After all, construction isn't really her forte and she could use something more. . .entertaining."

Rainbow Dash was silent. She had doubts about Nova, and surely didn't trust her; however, on the off-chance that Nova was correct, seeing Gilda again would have been a great way to cheer her up. It had been a very long time since she saw her old friend, and she feared Gilda would have been drafted into battle. Of course, she didn't know about the way the gryphons treated their ladies in Griffonstone.

A few moments later, they had finally reached the Foaledo gates. Upon seeing Starlight ahead of the group, with Nova behind them, the gryphons and even some Saddle Arabian equines opened the gates. They were all armed with some strange, old gryphonian weaponry. Like rifles, but with containers of bullets loaded into them just in front of the triggers which were designed for talons mostly. There were, however, a few variants of these weapons for the Saddle Arabs which were designed to be used with hooves. The trigger mechanism was altered significantly, but most of the rest of the weapon stayed the same.

It was intimidating, to say the least, but the party carried on through the gates beneath the prying glares of the armed militia nonetheless. Eventually, Starlight led them to perhaps the most well-decorated place in all of Foaledo. A restaurant and bar to serve as a rest spot for off-duty gryphons and equines alike, who seemed to get along remarkably well. They were entirely different people in this setting, of course. Welcoming, hearty, laughing and jeering at one another, a few fights breaking out that were no more than light punches and bruises with several laughs. It was a strange place to the five girls, but Starlight and Sunset seemed unaffected by the oddity, raising only more questions.

Rainbow Dash had noticed that Nova stayed behind to speak to a gryphon guarding the door, who nodded before opening his wings and flying off. She walked inside after them as they found a table. Starlight turned to the five friends, and Nova, smiling brightly.

"With Nova here, you will be treated as any other," Starlight reassured, "if you don't mind, I have some catching-up to do with your Sunset Shimmer, I'll bring her back in a jiffy, I promise~!"

Before any could protest, Starlight chuckled and started to walk towards a staircase. Sunset turned back, smiling and giving a shrug before following. Rainbow Dash went to say something after the two were out of sight before a very familiar voice called out to her.

"Rainbow Dash you bitch!" the voice called, diverting the attention of the restaurant to the front doors. Dash turned, smiling as she saw the one and only Gilda, who was armed to the beak with weapons. She ran over to Rainbow Dash and gave her a rough but playful punch.

"Gilda! What happened to you!?" Rainbow Dash asked with a tone of awe. Gilda puffed out her chest.

"Became a mercenary," she spoke pridefully, "turns out your old buddy Starlight liked King Taurus' ideas just as much as I did, ZERO. So she convinced me along with most of the gryphons you see here to join her little 'commune of the Isles'."

She leaned in as the ponies and gryphons of the bar returned to their banter, now littered with comments here and there about Gilda. From what could be told of them, they were overwhelmingly-positive remarks—especially from the male gryphons.

"I heard some shit went down with Twilight," Gilda said, with a more serious tone, "everything alright with you guys?"

"Don't get me started on the whole 'Solar Empire' thing Celestia is doing now," Rarity said disappointedly, "she's singlehoofedly wrecked everything."

"It was retaliatory," Applejack reminded her, "don't forget that. Nopony's in the right here."

"I don't think any pony has to be," Gilda said, "no one at all has to be right in a world like this. They just have to win."

The girls frowned at such a remark, but they knew it was essentially true. If they wanted to bring back friendship, they would have to 'win'. Nice words and magic weren't going to work anymore—at least not alone. There had to be a change, and they believed it was possible without taking the dangerous route that Daybreaker had. Without taking the route Twilight had.

Griffonst Station, October 31, 1502

"I'm telling you, Slyphani," a gryphonian soldier said, "they haven't made a move in weeks. We should just, I dunno, blitzkrieg the shit out of them or something."

"There's reasons you're not a general," Slyphani muttered.

"You're not a General either, just a glorified lackey," the soldier said defensively. Slyphani simply chuckled.

"That means I have far less a chance of being killed than you do, little gryphon," he replied with a smile as he faced the battlefield, "besides, until King Taurus gets back to the generals with his plan, we'll be fine. The snipers in the Himallamas are surrounded by the innocent slave workers, I don't believe even the Empire has the audacity to fire upon them."

The smiled he had shortly faded, however, as he heard loud marching from the other side of the field. The gryphons readied their weapons, a few the commanding officers raising their talons to signal a hold fire. A purple barrier of magic appeared, at first appearing to be a single spell, before they saw several lit horns from unicorn troops. As the troops suddenly stopped, sustaining what appeared to be concentrated magical shields, the gryphons looked on in confusion. There had been no order to fire, so they simply stood still, trying to understand what was going on. Shortly after, they heard a loud chant.

"THE SUN IS LIGHT!"

"The sun is light!"

"THE SUN IS WAR!"

"The sun is war!"

"THE SUN IS BEAUTY!"

"The sun is beauty!"

After that, several bolts of magic flew towards the occupied Himallamas, blasting out chunks of mountain and revealing nested Gryphonian snipers along with a few slave workers who were shredded to pieces by the crossfire. The gryphons all turned to their commanders, who frantically gathered their bearings.

"FIRE! FIIIRE!" they screamed in a mix of fear and rage.

The gryphonian mana-rifles could not, however, penetrate the concentrated shields as the Empire marched forward, repeating their chant endlessly and pushing forward without ceasing. From behind them came several bolts of artillery magic which swung slowly over the battlefield before plummeting down at an outrageous speed and blowing up upon contact with the ground. Within moments, the battlefield was clothed in Gryphon blood and entrails. The artillery was not only explosive, but flammable and corrosive. The gryphons who survived the initial blasts witnessed their feathers being eaten away by a flame that couldn't be put out, burning through their skin and causing an immediate sickness that killed them in mere moments. Those who didn't die laid helplessly upon the ground, suffering until another blast of artillery gave them the grace of death.

"What the fuck is this magic?!" a soldier screamed, before a blast flew into his chest and turned it quickly into a bloodied paste. Slyphani took notice of the fact that the bolts were not capable of tearing completely through a victim when concentrated in that manner, as opposed to the artillery magic. Regardless of this, upon witnessing the loss of hundreds of troops in less than five minutes, the gryphons hastily issued retreat. As they ran, the Solar Empire's army gave a roar as they rushed forward, firing rifles and bolts of lethal magic at the soldiers, picking off the fleeing gryphons by the dozens.

"This. . ." Slyphani said slowly as he stood back, "this is outrageous."

"SLYPHANI!" one of the soldiers shouted. The spy turned to see a bolt of magic, attempting to dart out of the way but missing his opportunity by only a moment as the blast grazed his eye, scalding it shut. He let out a scream, falling to the ground. Soldiers ran by as he spotted with the eye remaining another unicorn's blast being fired at him. The soldier that had warned him was still attempting to fire upon the Empire's soldiers, close enough that Slyphani was able to grab the soldier and use him as a meat shield. The magic managed to bore a hole into the confused soldier's chest, causing what was left of his melted organs to fall out as Slyphani dropped him to the ground. The spy scoffed, opening his wings and darting into the air with a speed that allowed him to escape the battlefield quickly—or so he thought, as by slim chance a rogue shot hit his wing, tearing it from the bone simply by force and causing him to plummet towards the Himallamas with a pained cry.

A roar of victory sounded from the soldiers of the Empire as they charged further into the Griffonst Station, the frontline unicorns dispelling their shields and adding to the barrage of magic fire. It didn't take long before the gryphons, what few of them were left, had retreated beyond the Guto River into bunkers set up along the north Griffonstone border. The soldiers of the Empire cheered again as they secured the land, ceasing their fire as the Gryphons were no longer in sight. After a while of seeing no Gryphonian response, the soldiers began to celebrate.

"All hail Empress Daybreaker!" a soldier shouted, the rest followed suite, repeating as well the praise to their ruler. A lot of cheering ensued shortly after, as the soldiers began to pillage the area for alcoholic beverages stored by the gryphons. To their fortune, they found plenty. Sunrise smirked.

"What a bunch of delightful idiots," she said to herself with a grin. She turned back to leave the area before a soldier caught her attention.

"Lady Inquisitor!" he said. An orange stallion with blue hair she recognized from the Royal Guard.

"My my," Sunrise said with a smile as she turned to him, "Flash Sentry! It's been a while, hasn't it?"

The stallion smiled. He had gotten along with Twilight remarkably well in the past, but with the war going and such, wasn't able to make anything fruitful of it. He felt now that it was far too late for any of that, but still felt the need to remark on her phenomenal strategy.

"It has, you go by Sunrise now, don't you?" he asked. She chuckled.

"Somepony got it right, finally."

"That was a genius strategy you employed there."

"Oh, I've just been doing a little bit of reading, that's all."

"Haven't changed too much then."

Sunrise gave a grin. What a strange feeling she had now, he seemed so nice. She recalled a few brief conversations with him, and a time he had asked her to dinner but she had left on a long trip to 'solve a friendship problem'. How silly, she thought. She figured, maybe, being an Empress and all, she could fix that. However, before she could talk too much, she noticed nighttime was befalling the station.

"Ah, nighttime," Sunrise said with a sigh, before noticing a strangely-stern expression on Flash's face as he looked at the sky, "Flash, what are you looking at?"

"Lady Inquisitor," he said slowly, "it's 16:00 right now."

Sunrise turned around to face the sky as well. Her heart sank into her stomach, as what sight she beheld was fearsome beyond comprehension. It almost gave her a sense of dizziness as she heard the soldiers fall silent of their victory parade. The sky had darkened, something massive began to block the sun. The early nightfall, Sunrise thought, the unending night. . .

"It's a Solar Eclipse. . ." she said weakly.

Griffonstone, October 31, 1502

"Gods damn you, just kill me already you overgrown winch," Taurus muttered, coughing up a bit of blood as he laid behind his throne. It was fifteen minutes before the battle began that he had initiated to release of Nightmare Moon, and now he was staring her in the eyes from the floor of his throne room within the mansion—a mess of which was made as the Nightmare sought him out just prior. The King's wings were laying on another side of the room, and each digit of his talons had been snapped backwards. His beak was cracked, one of his eyes swollen, and several bones throughout his body fractured.

"I am a goddess," Nightmare Moon said proudly, "and you are a pretentious mortal hellbent on maintaining an unearned stranglehold on power."

"And?" he coughed, "I gave you the power you have now! I ordained it, and this is how you repay me?!"

Nightmare Moon thought to herself for a moment. It'd been a couple of months since she had last seen Equestria, she didn't know much about what was going on but thus far she heard nothing good. Not that she particularly cared, she only sought her children, the last hope for peace and goodness in a world so cruel. In her heart, she could feel the warmth of the many Thestral's awaiting her arrival, and in her mind she could hear their dreams of desperate prayer to her under the cruelty of the unyielding Flame of the Sun. She had far more important matters to attend to, but Taurus had a point. He had awoken this power within her once more after all of the brutal torment and humiliation she suffered at his talons. She truly needed to repay him.

"No, I have something else in mind," she answered, lighting her horn. Taurus felt an odd sensation in his stomach, then a sudden stabbing pain as the royal attire he was wearing began to stretch.

"Agh. . .what. . .what are you—?" he coughed out, before suddenly screaming as the skin of his stomach began to tear slowly. After a certain point, he was unable to make a sound from the amount of blood that had made it's way to his esophagus. Nothing but loud gurgling as the viscous, red liquid started pouring from his beak. Taurus' eyes rolled back into his head forcefully before his entrails were torn violently from his body with the sound of a loud pop. Within moments, he was dead, laying in a pool of his own viscera. Nightmare Moon chuckled.

"It's a good thing for you that you're not as strong as your words," she jeered, turning around as she dropped the piece of organ to the floor, "else you might have endured such agony for a length of time befitting of your over-compensatory ego."

She walked out of Taurus' throne room, which she felt to be cheap and pathetic. The architecture was so bright; it was a pain for her eyes to behold. The Nightmare looked around, seeing all the dead servants who had been torn apart from the limbs as a result of her first seeking the location of that coward of a former King hiding behind his throne. Such impotence, she thought, that they believed technology could keep them safe from the wrath of ancient blood. However, there was some technology they had that she figured she might use when building her very own empire—or tearing down any in her way.

Yet, these thoughts were for much later. The Nightmare fired a beam of magic through the roof, flying out gracefully after the rubble had fallen. As she gained her distance, she turned around, lighting her horn and demolishing the entire structure with a single blast. She chuckled, turning her head towards the incessant star of the sky.

"Prisoner no more, Daybreaker," she said, spreading out her wings as she continued to hover, "behold the power of nightfall!"

She spread her hooves, lighting her horn as the moon rose slowly in front of the sun. She knew Celestia would have noticed, but she was certain Daybreaker would have acted immediately.

Griffonst Station, October 31, 1502

It was only a moment before an air-shattering sound was heard echoing through the darkened sky followed by a loud crash upon the ground directly behind Sunrise and Flash. The two turned slowly, seeing every Solar Empire soldier paralyzed in fear before beholding for themselves the Nightmare standing in front of them.

"Hello, Twilight Sparkle," she said with a grin. A roar came from the Gryphons a they began to charge forward before Nightmare Moon turned around and fired a beam of magic towards them, killing nearly three hundred soldiers in one fell swoop. She cleared her throat as she turned around once more.

"Nightmare Moon, you're. . ." Sunrise said quietly. The Nightmare chuckled.

"Please, don't be so brittle," the Nightmare taunted, "I know what happened here was your doing. Where did all of that bravery go? All of that malice? All of that hatred? I can still smell burning flesh, Twilight. Tell me, what is your name now? Daybreaker would have changed it I know."

Sunrise was silent. She felt that she might die if she said the wrong thing, but before she could speak, Flash spoke up.

"Her name is Lady Inquisitor Sunrise Sparkle," he said, "and maybe you should take care before killing her. Not only does that make her a martyr, but the Empress will more than likely kill you within a moment's notice. From wherever you came, and I assume the gryphons had something to do with it, you aren't strong enough to take on the Empress—even if you could wipe out a few hundred gryphons. The Empress could wipe out the planet if she wished, so it's best to tread lightly."

Sunrise turned to Flash with an expression of worry. His composure, his confidence, it was as if he had no fear of the Nightmare whatsoever. Furthermore, as if he knew precisely what he was saying. She hadn't the time to consider her feelings in the moment, nor the focus. She just wondered if that was enough to have him killed in her stead.

"Oh?" the Nightmare replied, quirking a brow, "who said I was going to kill her? My, my. You really are quite brave, and I do like that. You are as loyal to your Empress as my Thestrals are to me, it does spark an idea in my mind. . .however!"

The Queen of Darkness turned around, pacing across the battlefield slowly as she observed all of the fear-paralyzed soldiers. They had just watched her slay an army of hundreds with a single spell, and despite what Flash Sentry said, the eclipse had obscured their vision. A strange and uncanny darkness clothed the land, disorienting to all who were present. They had every right to fear without their Empress physically present to protect them from the most powerful enemy.

"I wish to speak to Empress Daybreaker," the Nightmare continued, "I have no quarrel with 'Lady inquisitor Sunrise Sparkle', nor any of these soldiers so long as they know their place amongst an Ancient."

There was a sudden thundering from the sky as the moon shifted slightly to the right and the sun to the left. On the side of the battlefield that Nightmare Moon stood was darkness as night, while on the side opposite was brightness as day. In that shining light, a great flash appeared as an encircling fire was revealed in it's place before dying down. Atop a now-charred ground stood Empress Daybreaker, who stared at Nightmare Moon with a look of contempt.

"You wished to see me?" the Empress spoke coldly. The Nightmare smiled.

"I don't believe we've met, Daybreaker," she said with a chuckle, "how are your children faring under the unyielding daylight?"

"Better than ever, no thanks to your cowardice," Daybreaker replied with a snarl. The Nightmare's smile faded as she met the Empress with a likened expression of hatred.

"And what of my children?"

"They cry out to you in blasphemy to the Flame of the Sun, acting as rebellious children. I would have had them punished if I hadn't greater concerns to the east and west of my nation."

"Ah, I see. My apologies for their erratic behavior, they had no leader to teach them the art of war. However, seeing as Equestria is now your country, I suppose this bewitched land shall become mine."

"That's not how this works, you'll be met with the same fire and fury."

"I was going to say the same to you, but don't we have greater problems with the Changeling Hive? After all, I have just killed one of your enemies. The least you can do is offer some thanks."

Daybreaker quirked a brow as Nightmare Moon lit her horn, showing a magical image of Taurus' dead body. As it faded, Daybreaker scoffed.

"So you killed a gryphon," Daybreaker muttered, "I would have wished to do that myself."

"I assure you," the Nightmare replied, "I had more reason than you to kill him. Now, I offer you a proposition, will you hear my sayings?"

"Go on."

"Chrysalis, as I understand, has grown her hive to numbers even your Empire cannot manage. I've read gryphon reports, their intelligence is vast, and they've noted the Changelings now have a fully-functional navy and intend to invade surrounding countries while you are preoccupied with the front. Queen Chrysalis has also allied with the Southwest Lair, enemies that can handle your Solar Flame. I believe it is in the best interest that we form a temporary alliance—"

"OUTRAGEOUS!" Daybreaker shouted, her voice booming across the mountains. Nightmare Moon raised her brows mockingly as she gave a grin.

"You would take on the whole of the Changeling army that outnumbers you a hundredfold?" the Nightmare pointed out, "do you see it to be a worthwhile endeavor, endangering your little ponies and my precious Thestrals for the sake of spite? You might think they will see you weak for taking such an offer, but how weak shall you appear when defeated?"

Daybreaker wanted to rip the alicorn in half, but Nightmare Moon was right. Hivemagic was capable of overriding her ancient blood, by some unholy means. Especially in such a concentration, approaching Chrysalis herself would have been suicide in this state. She had focused too much on the inside of the Empire, rebuilding it nearly from scratch, and the Changelings had become far too powerful to adequately handle. Even with the help of the Polar Bears, it was likely that if the war was won, it would have been with more casualties than it may have been worth. The Empress closed her eyes, sighing softly.

"Damn you," she said quietly, before opening her eyes and darting them towards the Nightmare in a furious glare, "but you are right."

The Nightmare laughed heartily as she opened her wings and hovered upwards a few feet.

"Then let us convene tomorrow and create a war plan, dear Sister!" she cried with malicious joy, "let our cruelty abound, night and day, against the Changeling enemy! And let my children return to me, on this darkened side of the world. I shall clear the way for them, all of our enemies shall be vanquished, and then we shall see which of us is better to lead this world into an age of endless beauty!"

She darted upwards into the sky with resounding laughter before rolling backwards, flying eastbound and out of sight. The Empress gritted her teeth before turning to Sunrise.

"Return to the Crystal Empire, Sunrise. I will call upon you tomorrow when we convene with Nightmare Moon," she said softly, before raising her voice to address the soldiers, "brave warriors! Establish an encampment in this position! It will be used to work with the armies of the night as we destroy the Changeling enemy!"

"Empress Daybreaker," Sunrise said as the soldiers began to prepare the station. The Empress turned to Sunrise with a blank face, as while Daybreaker was incapable of smiling, she did not want to address her faithful inquisitor with the wrath she felt towards Nightmare Moon in this moment, "I wish to bring Flash to the Empire. He made a remarkable effort today and—"

"You may," the Empress said, turning to approach a few soldiers to assist with the encampment. Flash turned to Sunrise in confusion, who gave a sigh of relief.

"Lady Inquisitor?" Flash asked in confusion. Sunrise shook her head.

"Call me Sunrise," she said, "I never made it to dinner, did I?"

"Well, I'm sure it was—"

"Hush hush, there is no need to justify me. I have a carriage we can take, so lets get going."

Foaledo, October 31, 1502

"This should do it, then," Starlight said, sitting in a chair at a well-polished table on the roof of the building. Sunset had noticed quite a few doors they took on the way up there that passed either guards or signs reading 'AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY'. Though, they were pretty raggedy in appearance. Makeshifty, even. Starlight gave a bright smile as she used her magic to pull out a chair for Sunset, which, rather than being on the opposite side of the table, was right beside Starlight. Sunset sat down, turning to Starlight.

"This is all so. . ." Sunset said quietly, before Starlight finished her sentence.

"Different?"

"Yeah. . ."

"Well," Starlight said, flashing her horn for just a second as two trays of higher-quality meals with some of Saddle Arabia's most remarkable wine appeared upon the table, "tell me about how things went."

She took a sip of her wine, leaning her head on her hoof as she focused on Sunset with a smile.

"I'm out of high school now," she said, "so I had started working as a teacher. We only recently concluded this year of school, which is done shortly after the beginning of summer—it's around the beginning of June for our world. I finally found a moment to run it by our Celestia that I could go back to this world and speak with friends here again. It'd been so long since I'd talked to anyone. Not Twilight, not Celestia, and not you."

She shook her head as she looked away.

"When I did come back, I was met with Sunrise Sparkle, and Daybreaker shortly after. This world has become so cruel, everything is rotten. I'd see executions almost daily. Gryphons shot to death, hanged, or released to beasts. Changelings impaled, dismembered, or gouged. I only wanted to wait until I had something really awesome to tell everyone here, but the amount of bloodshed in Canterlot alone from the prisoners of war, it. . .oh my God. . !"

Sunset covered her face, sharply inhaling as she thought back on it. She had kept up a strong front, but she was so close to absolutely breaking. All of that suffering was beginning to get to her. It wasn't the suffering of isolation, either—that she was used to already. What gave her a sense of dread was watching the pain endured by the gryphons, and even the Changelings. The gryphons could be awful, but they were just as human as the humans she had come to know in her world. What they went through—no matter what they had done—it surely wasn't what they deserved. She knew as well that the Changelings were a hivemind species, but when separated from their hive they acted afraid. They showed emotion, pain—even remorse. Without the hive intelligence, they were like other ponies—they might have not even known anything about their own feelings or minds or capabilities under Chrysalis' control. Yet to be torn apart as they were. . .

"Shh," Starlight said softly, wrapping her forelegs around Sunset and giving her a soft nuzzle, "don't think about the things you weren't responsible for. Think about what you're going to be able to do now. Hey, I hear you're the new element of magic~"

"Y-yeah," Sunset stuttered, regaining her composure. Starlight hadn't let go, but Sunset didn't protest as she needed the comfort despite how more-than-friendly it felt, "out of everything, I expected that the least."

"I think they chose right," she said. Sunset shook her head.

"The five of them didn't make the decision. . ." Sunset explained. She continued on for a moment, reiterating the information she had learned to a very attentive Starlight Glimmer, ". . .and that's why we came here. We want to bring back friendship, and this is the only place that has the connections to get to every land, even the Changeling hive."

"I see," Starlight nodded, "well my point still stands. I think you're the best one to choose. Smart, talented, pretty, skilled in magic, and the best at friendships."

"Pretty?"

"Oh, well, uhm. . ." Starlight leaned back, letting go of Sunset and scratching her head with a little chuckle. Before she could reply, however, the light of the sun was blocked.

"What in the world? Is that. .?"

"Oh, fuck," Starlight said with a frown, "I might have just lost a trade partner."

Crystal Empire, October 31, 1502

Sunrise and Flash had been relatively silent for a majority of the ride to the carriage. Sunrise wasn't all that noteworthy in her capability to establish a conversation, however, as they arrived to the gates of the Crystal Empire she let out a sigh of relief. Flash turned to her with a smile.

"About time."

"Huh?" Sunrise turned to him with a hint of confusion.

"You seemed tense the whole way up here, Lady Sunrise."

"Oh, I told you," she softly reprimanded, "you can call me just Sunrise."

"Would you allow me to offer you the bare minimum of respect then, 'just Sunrise'?" he asked with a grin. Sunrise rolled her eyes.

"I ought to have you indicted for that comment," she muttered, before letting out a small laugh. Flash joined with her in the laughter, before the two of them settled down. She looked out the window, before pointing, "that's the library. I try to spend as much of my free time there as I can. It's good to know which of my citizens here enjoy reading as much as I do. They're rather surprised by a ruler who wishes to spend time with them."

"Surprised maybe," Flash pondered aloud as he turned back towards her, "but appreciative certainly. You've really taken this job well since Cadence. . .left the position."

It felt like a knife had just stabbed into Twilight's heart. The media had conveyed Cadence's death as a suicide due to Shining Armor's death 'in battle'. Sunrise knew the feelings she had now to be an issue, but now she was at a more convoluted conflict. What had happened to her? Was she not capable of doing these treacherous but necessary things earlier with no remorse? Why now did it so suddenly affect her? Yet, quietly, in the back of her minds she could hear what seemed like a quiet voice.

You can't have both.

Sunrise felt her eyes begin to water, and while she felt this sadness, she knew it a perfect opportunity to cover up the very reason she was crying now. She allowed herself to cry, while keeping her thoughts straight.

"Oh, Sunrise, I'm sorry I—" Flash spat out, before Sunrise threw her forelegs around him.

"N-No it's okay," she stuttered through her weeping, "i-it's okay."

Flash sighed, giving her a hug. It did seem a bit sudden, but she was clearly holding up strongly despite the tears now. With the way Daybreaker and the rest of the world was, he figured she might have been looked down upon for showing such emotion. He knew damn well he wouldn't look down on her, he wanted nothing but the opportunity to be for her what nopony else could. He felt a bit of joy, nuzzling her gently as they began to approach the castle. Sunrise rather enjoyed the embrace as well, but she knew deep within her that her unspoken lie could very well fester into something ugly. She cast aside her fears however, as she figured there would be no harm in allowing Flash to stay a night at the castle. Maybe a few nights. Maybe as long as possible.

She was the Empress of the Crystal Empire, after all, wasn't it up to her?

Chapter Seven

Farasi Hive, October 31, 1502

Chrysalis had scheduled a meeting with the Southwest Lair on this day with intent for routine planning, but her timing could not have been more perfect. The very moment she stepped into the former Farasian territory, the night fell, and suddenly the day rose again. It was remarkably apparent, however, that the sun and moon were locked into such a position that the world was divided between night and day. The stellar objects didn't move for some time, and it was obvious what had happened.

"Damnit," Chrysalis muttered in a tone of discomfort, "I knew the gryphons were hiding something, but I didn't think they were this stupid."

She looked visibly upset, but with good reason. She wasn't one to fear any equine, but knowing that both Daybreaker and the Nightmare were active was a direct threat to more than she could fathom though she wished not to admit it—even to herself. Beside her, however, was a particular changeling dressed in fantastic attire and he seemed rather unphased by the event as he nonchalantly observed the splitting sky before proceeding forward. An Inquisitor or advisor of sorts he was, but it was difficult to say. Even for Chrysalis, who wasn't quite certain of why she kept him around; this changeling was a strange one to understand. Mindcarriers spread word of a "rogue" agent, which turned out to be a changeling who had managed to get loose of the hivemind. While the very idea of that was a blasphemy, Chrysalis realized quickly that it made for rather expansive opportunities given the state of the world. After all, Chrysalis only liked killing on her own, not having to do everything else.

"From what I know of the Nightmare," he pondered aloud, of course knowing as well as Chrysalis what had happened, "she has likely destroyed her captors."

"How do gryphons manage to capture an alicorn, then get destroyed by one?" Chrysalis retorted with a tone of disgust, "I can't understand how one would have the power to capture yet not contain."

"Perhaps they only met a particular threshold of power," the changeling replied as they approached the meeting area, "toying with powers they don't understand enough in a desperate attempt to combat the Solar Enemy. After all, Princess Luna and Nightmare Moon may be the same creature, but they do not possess the same willingness to use their power completely as you do."

"So it would seem," Chrysalis muttered. While flattered, she was a bit too stressed with the state of things now to put on her usual demeanor. The presence of the Nightmare changed things, and while the two sisters might have began immediately to fight one another, the survivor would surely know of her and stop at nothing to wipe her and her armies from existence at any cost—even the world itself.

The Queen and her Inquisitor stepped forward within an area encircled by hive material that was slowly shifting yet keeping a circular shape. It wasn't much of a 'meeting area' per se, but the Changelings cared little about style and more about efficiency. A circle on the ground would do well enough for what they required. Waiting for them within the encircled area were two drakes; these drakes, who were not so keen on medals and uniforms, were instead prideful of their natural appearance and all that it had to offer. After all, no armor could match the solar-resistant scales upon their flesh. They weren't very gratuitous nor kind, and they very possibly were not capable of smiling. They seemed callous to anything and everything, even concerning themselves which meant that the alliance with the Changelings was only 'as-needed' rather than 'as-wanted'. Knowing this, Chrysalis made no effort to display the pretentious diplomatic smile and rather jumped straight to the point.

"We were going to meet about an invasion of the empire," Chrysalis started, "but as you might be able to tell things have changed a bit."

"The solar ancients have risen to demolish the world," one of the Drakes scoffed, "you call that a 'bit' of a change?"

"A friend once told me to get outside more, Duke Hel'rath," Chrysalis retorted, doing her best to force a confident look which worked only for the drakes, but not her inquisitor, "because that's how you know to ignore these silly prophecies of 'worldwide destruction' and whatever other nonsense. The whole of Equus has been through worse, we should orient our focus around killing them rather than trying to stop the silly scribblings of old and dead equines from 'coming to pass'."

"I notice you've brought one of your bugs," the other drake said, "I thought they were all the same."

"Baron Pyr, have some sense about you," Chrysalis scoffed, "the very nature of a changeling is implied in it's name. Sameness is not a trait of us."

"Then tell me, little bug," Pyr said, leaning down to the changeling in an attempt to be imposing, "what is your name?"

The changeling looked him in the eye without hesitation, smiling confidently.

"Thorax."

Crystal Empire, October 31, 1502

"You took a remarkable risk, Flash," Sunrise pointed out.

It was late, and the two had finally arrived to her bedroom in the Crystal Palace. Sunrise was still rather contemplative in the back of her mind about how everything had played out, but she cast aside her ponderings and frustrations to embrace the moment. Flash laughed to himself a bit, scratching his head after removing his helmet.

"Ah, I wouldn't say it was remarkable," he admitted, "but a risk, sure."

"Oh?" Sunrise said with a quirked brow, as she stepped closer to him and leaned forward with a smile, "how is it not remarkable to say something like that to the Nightmare—let alone to even speak to her when my soldiers were paralyzed with fear?"

"Well, it's really simple," Flash explained, "she might be an alicorn, but she's still an equine with very equine interests at heart. Besides, if the alternative was you dying the very moment I happened to see you after so long, then what would there be to lose in trying?"

Sunrise smiled, stepping back and turning around. After a moment of thought, she glanced back.

"Tell me, Flash," she said, "are you being loyal, or loving?"

She figured the question might stump him, that he would ask her to repeat it or clarify something, but instead his answer was immediate.

"I don't believe there is a difference, so, yes, I was."

It took even her off guard. He wasn't bluffing, lying, or spicing up his words for an important princess. He spoke truly and honestly, from his heart, and without restraint. She admired him all the more for it; she only wished she was able to do the same.

"We've. . .had a very long day," she said as she closed her eyes with a smile, sitting upon the bed, "let's get some rest."

"Sunrise, if I may ask," he said cautiously, "which room should I go to in order to sleep?"

Sunrise looked at him for a moment as if he had four eyes, before laughing to herself.

"Your task tonight is to keep me warm," she said, patting the empty space beside her, "now get comfortable, we're going to have to be up early tomorrow."

Flash began to speak but quickly stopped himself, realizing he wasn't sure exactly what to say. He sighed softly, approaching the bed and laying down. He didn't have the intent of taking advantage of such a circumstance, and was hoping that Sunrise did not either. Fortunately, she didn't. As he made himself comfortable, she rolled over to him with a bright smile. Without a word, she leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss before closing her eyes and drifting into a warm and peaceful sleep. It took Flash a moment to process what just happened, but after doing so he closed his eyes with a feeling of romantic bliss before shifting his wing to wrap around Sunrise. His final thought before passing into the realm of dreams was so simple, yet so convoluted. Easy to say, but difficult to mean. Yet, he managed.

"Maybe the things leading to this were worth it."

Trotslyvania, November 1, 1502

After the successful Gryphonian invasion, Trotslyvania was nearly halved in it's population. Whether by execution or overexertion from slave labor, many of the once-proud and primarily Thestral citizens and warriors were now reduced to a suffering few. The few hundred of the Empire's soldiers that were left behind in the attack, however, were rotting away in mass graves dug out mostly by the very equines who filled them. The Empress knew why Nightmare Moon wanted to meet there, to remind her of her failure to do everything right—but it was impossible! Surely she couldn't do everything simultaneously, but then again, that may just be what Nightmare Moon wanted her to think.

None of that mattered, now. What was done was done, and she couldn't concern herself with the past, only the present. The Empress landed amid Trotslyvania to the sight of armed Thestral soldiers adorned in very makeshift lunar armor escorting dozens of Gryphonian prisoners to ad hoc concentration camps to work or be executed. The Empress expected a reaction of fear, but instead found that she went. . .unnoticed. As if she were invisible, even the prisoners couldn't acknowledge her—given their state, of course, it's not like they could acknowledge much of anything—but the lackey guards in their poor armor hadn't even the slightest hint of fear in them. The Empress stopped one of the escorts calmly to speak to the Thestral in charge.

"Excuse me, miss. . ?" Daybreaker said with a smile, waiting on the Thestral to introduce herself.

"Nightfury," she replied calmly, "is there something you need, Empress Daybreaker?"

"A soothing of my curiosity, perhaps," Daybreaker replied, "everywhere I have went, I have felt fear from all those who looked upon me. From my enemies, from my friends, from my very people. Why is it that I feel no fear here?"

Nightfury turned towards the prisoners who had their heads to the ground.

"They have no fear because they've been broken beyond sanity," she said with a simple gesture, "whatever suffering you can give them will be a mercy compared to Mother's Wrath."

Daybreaker quirked a brow. Mother? Was she not their mother?

"As for us," Nightfury continued, "Mother will protect us in this life. If not in this life, then in the afterlife. If then, she is killed, then we will either bring her back or spend eternity with her. There is nothing for us to fear from you, and I believe that is more to your benefit than otherwise."

Nightfury continued along with the prisoners as Daybreaker was left a bit dumbfounded by the response. How could Luna, being as weak as she was, command such a respect that even the fear of death and torment meant nothing to her followers? Before the Empress could lose herself in thought for too long, however, the Nightmare herself showed up behind her.

"Remarkable subjects they are," she said proudly, before noticing Daybreaker's expression. With almost a look of concern, she leaned around to get a better look at her sister, "are you alright, Daybreaker?"

"Yes, I am fine," she said, shaking her head, closing her eyes, and taking a deep breath. Nightmare chuckled.

"You're an awful liar," she replied. Daybreaker turned to face her with a frustrated expression, "but, that aside, you are rather early. By three hours, in fact. How come?"

"I wanted to see what remained of my soldiers," she said, pausing for a moment before continuing, "and to see what you had accomplished in the meantime. I hate to say, but your ability to renovate and rebuild is admirable at worst."

"That's the spirit, sister," Nightmare Moon replied with a chuckle, "come, I shall show you around."

The Empress wasn't so keen on being called 'sister' by Nightmare Moon, but a petty argument would fix nothing. Nightmare knew just how many buttons she could push without bumping into the big red one, per se. It was annoying, but among the many things Daybreaker, as an Empress, had to deal with, this was simply one of the most irritating of them. However, as her frustration subsided, she saw the great constructions of Nightmare's new subjects and was in awe at their efficiency. The speed of Changelings, the beauty of Equines, and the technology of Gryphons. Within just a day of her release, she was already developing the stepping stones for a great Empire.

Daybreaker couldn't help but to feel a bit of pride for her sister, as many times throughout their walk the Nightmare had expressed an underlying gratitude for the things she was taught by the Empress during her rule as mere princess. Her ability to coordinate and act were unparalleled, but even so it seemed that Trotslyvania was just a temporary setup. Daybreaker noticed this rather quickly as many more supplies were stored away for transport than were being employed for construction.

"So, where are you putting your capital?" Daybreaker asked suddenly. The Nightmare turned back with a look of confusion.

"How do you mean?" she asked. Daybreaker gave a grin as she gestured to the stored supplies.

"Those cargo boxes were used by Gryphons to transport safely over vast distances in their trade with Ho Chi Mane and Shanghay," Daybreaker pointed out, "they're built for long trips across rugged terrain and were sent across every stretch of this continent from Sugar Maple Grove to the Banyan Timbers and the Desolate Wild. You're not planning to setup a capital here, and standard containers could not be shipped in any direction without being airlifted."

"You have a good eye for detail, sister," Nightmare Moon said with a smile, "We are sending these supplies to Cobblerock to be used in the reconstruction of Graymourne for my capital city. We'll be developing many cities around it along with industrial water supplies from the rivers stemming from it's moat."

"Fascinating," Daybreaker said, "and how did you get the Reindeer to agree to that?"

"I asked nicely," Nightmare Moon replied. The two of them stayed silent for a moment before turning to look at one another and laughing heartily.

"You must be aware I know exactly what that means," Daybreaker said as she calmed from her laughter, "you must have taken apart one of their cities as a show of power and gotten them to comply."

"On the contrary," Nightmare Moon retorted cheerfully, "I don't like to destroy architecture, I just split one of their soldiers in half and told them they weren't necessary, but still welcome to engage in trade with the Gryphon's number one star."

" 'Oh Deer, what are we going to do?!' " Daybreaker mocked, the two of them laughing more. As they continued jeering back and forth about the Reindeer, a carriage rolled up behind them that was pulled and led by a party of Solar Empire guards. Sunrise Sparkle and Flash Sentry stepped out, approaching the two Alicorns who were too caught up in joking back and forth to notice them—much to the Inquisitor and her lover's confusion.

"You two seem to be getting along nicely," Sunrise said. The laughter stopped as the two turned around as if they'd been caught doing something wrong. Of course, their straight faces quickly broke into more laughter. Sunrise turned to Flash who returned a shrug.

"Let's just say we share some views in common about the Reindeer," Daybreaker said before clearing her throat, "Nightmare tells me that they'll be positioning their capital building in Graymourne soon. Likely five minutes!"

The two laughed again only to be met with more confusion. Nightmare gestured towards them before looking at Daybreaker and swinging her hoof over her head and making a woosh sound. More laughing ensued as the two were almost in tears.

"Didn't the two of you hate each other just yesterday?" Flash Sentry interrupted with an unamused expression.

"Silly pony," Nightmare replied, "hatred is so dichotomized nowadays. Of course we hate each other, but we can't get anything done if we let our emotions take control of us!"

"Precisely," Daybreaker continued, "but I do believe we should get down to business. Have you a place for us to convene or should we have dinner while you build a new structure?"

"Oh please," Nightmare replied with a chuckle, "I have prepared a spot for us already in the center of Trotslyvania; in fact, we're almost there!"

"You mentioned earlier you had something 'big' you were working on from the apprehended Gryphon technology?" Daybreaker asked. Nightmare gave a sinister grin.

"Call it a flyswatter," Nightmare said, "but a flyswatter with the ability to split an atom."

Klugetown, November 1, 1502

Seven equines and two Gryphons sat in a small basement room silently. All but Starlight Glimmer at least, who was pacing back and forth as she considered the implications of this 'stellar event'. Nova sat on the far side beside Gilda, who was beside Rainbow Dash. The rest of the mane six followed with Sunset at the end. After several minutes of silence excepting the frantic hoofsteps of Starlight, the unicorn gave a loud and exaggerated groan.

"Starlight, are you alright?" Sunset asked.

"No. . ." Starlight answered with a frown, "intel came in while we were making our way here. King Taurus was gutted with magic, intestines just ripped out! What an inconvenience this is, but I suppose he had it coming, and maybe the Nightmare is willing to trade given she's trying to raise a new empire from the bottom up."

"I hate to snuff out your optimism," Nova chimed in, "but the Empire Press has showcased Nightmare Moon's work. They call it a 'speed to rival the Changelings'. You have to face the fact that you might lose the Empire as a trade partner given their ad hoc alliance, and that spells certain destruction for our entire region as we'll only be able to work with the Changelings."

"Damn it!" Starlight shouted, stomping her hoof on the ground as the mane six excepting Sunset jumped in a bit of a fright, "all of this work and gods-damned Luna had to butt in and ruin it!"

"Oh cut the crap Glim Glam," Gilda scoffed, "you've made it through worse."

Starlight paused in silence for a moment earning the confused expressions of those in the room before she turned slowly to Gilda. Gilda had a smirk on her face that was very self-confident, and it sickened Starlight. She approached her slowly.

"What are you going to do," Gilda taunted, "blast me aw—"

Before she could finish her sentence, Starlight had thrusted her against the wall before drawing a knife from Gilda's side and stabbing through her talon and into the wall. She let out a shout of pain as the others jumped back in fear of what Starlight was going to do.

"Do not call me that," she said slowly and through deliberate breaths, "you do that again and I'll make sure that you'll swallow your intestines before you die."

She stepped down and walked away as Rainbow Dash quickly attempted to assist Gilda with the knife. Starlight gave a relieved sigh before Sunset slowly walked up to her. Starlight turned to her with a smile, that smile fading quickly in response to the look of disappointment on Sunset's face.

"Starlight, can we talk?" Sunset asked under her breath as she gestured her eyes to the door. Starlight sighed, looking down before walking towards the door. When the two of them made it outside of the room, Sunset looked around for any witnesses before closing the door.

"I imagine you didn't really. . .approve of my stabbing her talon," Starlight said quietly.

"Didn't really approve?!" Sunset exclaimed in a whisper, "you just stabbed her talon over a nickname! What would even possess you to do that?!"

"She deserved it!" Starlight retorted, "and violence is the only language she speaks anymore so she'll get over it!"

"Why is it that no matter where I turn, there's just violence everywhere?!" Sunset shouted as she looked up with widened eyes, "Daybreaker is having executions, Chrysalis is tearing out hearts, Nightmare Moon is ripping out entrails and you're stabbing talons! What else have you done?"

"Well, I've uh. . ." Starlight said quietly with a nervous chuckle, "I've done quite a lot worse than that to get where I am."

"Like what, killing?" Sunset asked sarcastically. Her expression turned from frustration to shock as Starlight looked away with no response, "you. . .you haven't done that, right? I mean, the whole reason I was so happy to see you aside how long it's been was that Sunrise was going after you. The entire EMPIRE was! And I thought 'no, surely she couldn't'."

"Yes, I could," Starlight said with a harsh and determined tone as she looked Sunset in the eyes, "and I did, because that is how the world is now. If there's a problem, the quickest solution is to kill it. And oh ho ho have I encountered some problems! Foaledo, Klugetown, the Isolationists in New Haven. We wiped them out to provide a greater opportunity to the entire world where everypony can live in perfect equality! Wouldn't that be great?"

"Wh-what the Hell Starlight?!" Sunset shouted, causing Starlight to wince back, "that's not even possible unless you crack down on everypony with an Iron Hoof, and what, you've decided to kill anypony in your way?"

"If it's necessary!" Starlight said as her eyes began to water, "I'll kill anyone to have the utopia!"

Sunset was silent for a moment, turning away from Starlight as she took a deep breath. Starlight waited for a response, sniffling a bit as she intently stared at Sunset.

"Starlight. . ." Sunset said quietly, "I can't recognize Twilight anymore. I can't recognize Celestia."

Starlight stepped backwards as Sunset turned to her slowly.

"I thought at least I'd be able to recognize you, and I almost did," she said quietly before walking past Starlight and up the stairs to exit the basement. Starlight was frozen in place as she heard the door slam behind her, wincing from the sound as a tear fell from her eye. Then another, and another. She clenched her teeth, hissing as she held back the urge to sob before sitting down on the cold concrete floor. She jumped as the door to the room beside her opened and Nova stepped out.

"Hey, you done talking with. . ." Nova's voice trailed off as she noticed Starlight, who was turned away from the room and sniffling. Nova quickly sat down beside her as the door closed once more and put a foreleg around her, "Hey, hey what's wrong Starlight?"

"I. . .I can't. . ." Starlight stuttered before quietly weeping. Nova gave her a hug, patting her back.

"There there, don't worry about it," Nova said softly, "you'll be alright, just let it out."

Nova was never a particularly affectionate friend. She'd never thought of herself as someone who would take the time of day to console a crying fanatic. In fact, she never thought she would be the one to be there for someone like Starlight, because she never thought of Starlight as one to cry. She was always stupidly optimistic, charismatic, and very successful at getting things to go her way. This was new, yet she acted on instinct to provide for a friend, and perhaps the only one she had.

It felt magical.

Trotslyvania, November 1, 1502

"Maginuclear weapons?" Sunrise said with a sense of awe. The two sisters turned to her, both grinning maliciously.

"This is the future," Daybreaker said, "and the best part is, with both myself and Nightmare Moon armed. . ."

". . .we won't be able to use it against one another after the Changelings!" Nightmare Moon finished with a chuckle, "it's genius, right? Weapons so powerful they could destroy the world if used by two powers that had them. . .so by arming to the teeth we level the playing field for a fair fight."

"Mutually-Assured Destruction. . ." Flash Sentry pondered aloud, taken aback by the very idea of such a powerful weapon.

"Yes!" Nightmare Moon said with a smile, "what a genius he is. How do you manufacture equines like these, Daybreaker?"

"They aren't manufactured, Nightmare Moon," Sunrise replied, "they are the foundation that withheld the pressure of changing times. The dull ones are simply not around to tell their tale."

"Impressive as ever, Sunrise," Daybreaker said before turning to Nightmare Moon, "anyway, shall we have the supplies organized by tomorrow?"

"Yes," the Nightmare replied gleefully, "and we will prepare an assault next week. Prepare your stallions for war!"

Half an hour passed after the meeting had concluded. Daybreaker was back in Canterlot to discuss military arrangements while Sunrise was left in charge of situating the civilian population comfortably into a war economy. Since she and Flash Sentry were taking the carriage, it was going to take a while before they got back giving them a bit of time to chat amongst themselves. The chat, however, was not all so satisfactory.

"Sunrise, this is a bit. . .a bit much, don't you think?" Flash said, looking to the floor. Sunrise tilted her head a bit.

"More than a bit, it's a lot," she replied, "even I wasn't sure atoms could be split, but the fact that the Gryphons were never able to conclude that research before we could get our hooves on it was a miracle. We could take out the entire western continent in a matter of days with that kind of power! It's fascinating!"

"Sunrise, that's a lot of lives," Flash Sentry started before Sunrise held up a hoof.

"Yes, and it's a tragedy," she said, "but this is war. Let's not worry about that now, alright? We have another six hours before we make it to the Crystal Empire so we might as well enjoy our trip."

She leaned forward and gave Flash a gentle kiss on the cheek. Flash couldn't help but to smile, though in his mind he wondered what this was all really going to become. He knew Sunrise had changed—by the gods, she had a different name now! Nothing about her was the same, not even her appearance. Though, he could still see a bit of Twilight in her. Just a bit kept away, but he feared it was slowly fading from her with every passing moment.

Wandering Woods, November 1, 1502

Thorax roamed around the woods often to relieve himself of the stress of consulting with the greatest overgrown child in Equus history. Something about the feeling of grass on his hooves, the wind blowing across his wings, and the cool shade with occasional rays of sunlight was, to him, a perfect catharsis. No other changeling shared that feeling, or even the capability of feeling—they hadn't broken free. In fact, the very reason Thorax was able to break free eluded Chrysalis herself, though she wished not to admit it. Thorax was certain, however, of what the changeling secret was. Not a magic spell, and not divine intervention. He thought back to a time earlier; it was the 12th of October sometime around noon when he was walking through those same woods.

It was a one-changeling job, though several were spread out across the woods. His ears perked up to the sound of crying, and with caution he continued towards it. Several feet ahead of him was a small filly who must have gotten lost from Sire's Hollow. A long walk, he thought, given Sire's Hollow was so many miles away. Perhaps she was left here intentionally. His first instinct was to leave her be, but had she been found by another she would have immediately been killed. He gave a sigh and approached her as she continued to cry.

"What are you doing here child?" Thorax asked sternly, "Don't you know you could be killed?"

She turned to face him with a smile, and he noticed her eyes looked strange. She didn't seem to be focused on him, or anything for that matter. It seemed she was blind.

"H-hey!" she said gleefully, getting up for a minute before stumbling over a rock, "oof!"

Thorax quirked a brow as she got back up, turning from side to side in a hope to at some point appear as if she were looking at the one she was speaking to. Still with a gleeful smile, but with tears likewise still present. Thorax leaned down to get a closer look.

"My name is Drizzlepop!" she said, "what's yours?"

"Thorax. . ." he said slowly. Drizzle giggled.

"That's a funny name, you're not a pony are you?"

"I am a Changeling."

"Oooh!" Drizzle exclaimed with awe, "A real changeling! I've only heard stories about you!"

"What stories. . ?" he asked with a tone of confusion. She giggled again.

"A big attack on Canterlot, and-and you have a queen who fires green lasers!" she said, making sound effects and motioning with her hooves to convey the story in childlike detail. It was at this moment Thorax realized she wasn't born blind, but had somehow become blind. He wondered how as she continued, "and you eat love from ponies! But I don't think it's true."

"Huh?" Thorax asked. The filly calmed down with a smile.

"I don't think it's true that you guys don't have hearts," she said, "I think you just aren't allowed to use them!"

"Oh come on, that's nonsense little filly," Thorax retorted, "why don't we get you back to your parents and—"

"No no no!" she ran to him and gave him a hug. Thorax was taken aback by her sudden reaction, "I like talking to you!"

The changeling was not sure of what to say or do, but he knew the woods very well, along with some of the herbs within it that were used for a range of cures to different ailments. Often changelings would find Zebras roaming the woods to plunder it's resources for those very same purposes. Thorax, however, had an idea of his own.

"Alright, I need you to be quiet," he said, leaning down for a whisper, "but I'm going to take you somewhere special."

The filly smiled, and after a while of leading her silently through the forest and avoiding the occasional patrol, he made his way to a particular group of flowers that were glowing with magic. The filly laughed to herself, keeping quiet but still enjoying the sensation much to the confusion of Thorax who could not yet feel. He knew that changeling magic was detected across the hivemind, so in order to avoid rousing suspicion he grabbed a few flowers, crushing them onto a rock and mixing them with a bit of clay from a nearby puddle. Hoping it would work, he turned to the filly.

"Drizzle, come here," he said quietly. She happily trotted over and sat down, "there's magical flowers here, I'm going to try something alright? So stay still and close your eyes."

"Alrighty!" she said with a bright smile. He took hold of some of the clay and brushed it gently over her eyelids. After doing so, he thought to himself for a moment and realized that it would take a bit of extra magic to activate. He knew that if he did, the others would come to investigate, so he would have to be quick in getting her out. Reluctantly, he lit his horn and cast the spell on the clay, which spread across her eyelids before fading away and leaving only the essence of the crushed flowers which seemed to drain through her eyelids, "oh, that feels weird. . ."

"Okay, now open your eyes," he said. She slowly opened them, revealing that they had returned to normal. Drizzle was speechless, it'd been the first time in years that she was able to see. Before she could thank him, however, two changelings had appeared behind them.

"Thorax, what is this?!" one shouted, "you're supposed to kill those things, not perform experiments on them!"

The changeling lit his horn before Thorax suddenly let out a shout, firing at the first of the two and killing him immediately. Drizzle let out a scream as the other one charged them with a spear. Thorax quickly moved out of the way, grabbing the spear and sending a hoof into the changeling's face before turning the spear around and driving it through the changeling's skull. A loud crackling was heard as a hivemagic reinforcement signal was fired in the air. Thorax turned to Drizzle.

"We have to go, NOW!" he said, taking hold of her and flying out of the wandering woods.

Thorax smiled at the thought. How nice it was to save that filly that day, and how much nicer that he managed to explain it all away with a mix of "misinformation and error". It was a miracle that he got away with it, really, but frightening was the thought of being exposed. He surely hoped he would never have to save a pony again, but he would never take back the day he did.

Solar Empire, November 1, 1502

"Is it almost ready?"

"Yes, Empress Daybreaker."

"Good. Soon we shall have a 'flyswatter' of our own, then."

Chapter Eight

Aashtethos, Saddle Arabia | November 3, 1502 | 00:12

"Starlight, are you okay? Starlight! Answer me!"

"The sun poured out it's wrath on Aashtethos, like nothing I've ever seen..."

"I don't care what the sun did, we need to get help!"

"We only have one faction on our side now. How do you think that will play out?"

The World | November 2, 1502 | 00:00

Once the preparation was finished, it didn't take long for the eager, war-mongering dictators to engage in a massive conflict across the entirety of Equus. In Vesalipolis, Queen Chrysalis gave a great speech to the armies of the Undersky Dominion preparing to unleash a great weapon in addition to beginning the invasion of the Solar Empire.

"Today we march! Onwards to the frail equines to take what is ours at any cost! To harvest their love and their fear!"

In the North Polar Lair, Great President Arthur delivered a speech to the warriors of the lair, preparing for an Empire-Supported naval invasion of Hailberg.

"At land or at sea, the might of the bear is everlasting! Ready your weapons, ready your strength, we take Hailberg today!"

In the quickly-organized and well-constructed capital in Graymourne, Nightmare Moon also spoke to the many Thestrals escorted safely from the Empire's lands into the new Order of the Night's Land.

"For one final time shall we embark upon a conjunctive effort with the Sun to destroy the Changeling Hive, to tear down all that has plagued both Equine and Thestral for thousands of years! We will destroy the oppressors with the fury of the Sun, and the wrath of the Moon!"

In the Empire, Daybreaker gave a simple speech to put the world into a state of fear unlike any other.

"All nations of Equus, know that the Empire's words are backed with nuclear weapons. The might of the sun, and the power of the atom bend to our will."

Many believed that it was the war to end all wars, perhaps even to end all species. So much power, so much might, such magnificent weapons—yet fueled by so much hatred, so much malice, and such reprehensible morality. Of the many views from across the world, the varying opinions and beliefs, there was one thing that was certain across every single nation.

Not one living thing was safe anymore.

Canterlot, Solar Empire | November 2, 1502 | 06:12

Daybreaker sat in an almost empty war room alongside Sunrise and Flash Sentry, who was promoted that morning to the position of Field Marshal as a replacement for the late Shining Armor. Sitting across the rather large table was Nightmare Moon, along with her protégé, a Thestral by the name of Starry Night. Betwixt them, Great President Arthur who sat calmly in the chair that was just a tad too small for him. Upon the table was a map, fueled with solar magic, of course, which displayed an array of military positions, advantages, and strategic options in a rather colorful array of magic-imbued lights and shapes. Daybreaker glared down at it with a straight face, which occasionally would form into a grimacing smile before fading back to an almost disappointed expression. It was difficult for anyone to read, but the Nightmare knew her sister all too well.

"One might say you emote as one out of options," Nightmare Moon said, earning the immediate attention of her sister, "but I know what's really going on through that fire-laden head of yours is that the only dilemma you face is choosing one option over another."

"It is as you say," Daybreaker replied with a chuckle, "so many ways to crush the enemy, I wish to do them all."

"While it is entertaining, let us remember to keep our focus on what works the best," Nightmare said. Daybreaker scoffed.

"A show of power is in order regardless," she retorted. Nightmare gave an assuring nod.

"Indeed it is. I suggest we draw out the majority of the Changeling forces into the woods and deploy our great flyswatter against them," the Nightmare proposed. Daybreaker nodded before Sunrise chimed in.

"The Crystal Empire forces will be arriving to Casaflanka shortly, the South Luna Ocean," she paused to look at the Nightmare for a moment, before continuing, "is under strict Empire Naval Authority. The North, however, is undetermined."

"The bears will charge into Hailberg via the naval graces of her majesty, the Empress," Arthur added, "we expect heavy resistance at the new hive."

"The nuclear weapons will draw away that resistance largely, allowing you an opportunity to push deep into their territory," Flash Sentry pointed out, "if the bears are willing and able to hold out—"

"Which they are," Arthur said with a grin.

". . .then all will be well and we should see victory by the next dawn," Flash finished.

They had a great plan, but something was missing. A bit of silent thought crowded the table as they pondered deeply to themselves what might be missing, before Starry spoke up.

"And what of the communists?"

"They are our trading partners," Daybreaker said dismissively, "hurting them will hurt everyone."

"Perhaps, but consider this," Starry took some papers from her saddlebag and placed them upon the table, obscuring the magic display a bit. The Empress quirked a brow before lighting her horn to levitate the papers and read them. Pictures of the Mane Six, along with Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer.

Daybreaker gritted her teeth to the point they audibly snapped as a bit of blood trickled from her mouth. The fire in her eyes was fearsome, though the ones in the room were of the mindset not to fear her absolutely. Her mane flared up for a minute as she put down the papers, taking a deep breath and using magic to heal her broken teeth.

"I shall deal with the communists personally," she said, "the rest of you may take your positions as planned and push forward with the war effort."

No one else knew quite what she meant, but nodded anyway, leaving to prepare.

Hailberg Beach, North Luna Ocean | November 2, 1502 | 15:30

The seas were quiet, all except for the sounds of Changeling naval preparation. Bits of chittering here and there from the thousands of Changeling troops working hard to prepare for a naval invasion of the North Polar Lair. Thorax was watching from afar as they worked, almost pitying them. Chrysalis was at the original hive today preparing for another invasion, so she left him in charge of the North Polar lair as the Changelings saw it to be a "lesser threat" than the Solar Menace.

As the little bugs prepared, Thorax noticed a small pole rising above the waters in the vast distance. He squinted, trying to figure out what the strange object could be before he saw a few more appear alongside it. Many more, in fact. And then crossbeams, before a Solar Empire flag came into view. Before he could think, he saw the massive warships fully revealed across the horizon heading towards Hailberg at full speed. His green heart thumped heavily in his throat as he frantically lit his horn with glowing green eyes and shouted.

"INVASION!"

Green lights traveled across to all of the mindcarriers, and then to the rest of the changelings around them like circuitry as they all gave a unified screech and prepared for battle. Like ants, they skittered around and across one another without so much as a single stop until they were in formation. They all began to light their horns, but before a shot could be fired from them a fiery explosion tore through one of the ships and landed on shore. The changelings near it were either incinerated or eviscerated, but none of them remained anything close to alive. Within mere seconds, fire from both sides was raging like a treacherous storm as even the light of the sun was clouded by the smoke of seared ground and flesh. The steam of evaporated snow rising into the air and humidifying the entire region gave a greater darkness to the battlefield, just on the brink of a twilight as it appeared.

Thorax believed that the changelings would have had time to regroup and fight back with the bears having to position their ships to step onto land, but what happened next was completely out of his expectation. The bears, rather than anchoring their ships at the docks, simply rammed them into the land and began to jump off and land onto the ground with tumultuous thuds as debris flew everywhere. Many bears were taking direct hits from the hive magic, but were somehow withstanding it. After many, of course, one would fall—that was not, however, before they would take seven changelings with them.

Thorax didn't know what to do, the changelings relied on their numbers to fight rather than their weapons or strength, but he was watching his brethren being ripped apart by the hundreds if not by the thousands, and more so after the rest of the Polar Bears jumped onto land. They fired weapons from their boats, but they didn't bring any with them. Once they met land, they grabbed the little bugs by their eyes and tore the heads from their bodies with ease, laughing heartily as they clothed themselves in the steaming green blood. Thorax could hardly take it, he was never with the changelings when they committed their atrocities for this very reason. It made him sick.

"Think, Thorax, godsdamnit, think!" he shouted to himself as he buried his head under his forelegs on the ground to try and mask the sound of screeching changelings and roaring bears. This was far too much for him, far too much for anything with a heart. He was powerless, and he knew Chrysalis would have had him killed for it. His only choice was to run.

Outskirts, Wandering Woods | November 2, 1502 | 16:12

Chrysalis led her army from the comfort of her hive, having the mindcarriers carry out the tasks as expendables while the drakes and lyndwryms accompanied them. They were planning to storm Sire's Hollow and push forward into Vanhoover to assist what was supposed to be a land and naval invasion, however Chrysalis quickly received information of the Polar Bear's invasion of the Hailberg beach and felt a great, fuming anger. Rather than pull back her troops, she sent them forward faster to bring such havoc upon the equestrians that they would have no choice but to call for reinforcements. After all, she was already being pummeled with artillery fire from the direction of the Umberfoal entrance in the Jackalope Slopes, and she refused to look like she was retreating.

"Chrysalis, this artillery is heavy but disorganized," Duke Hel'rath said, as while being royalty, he still preferred to operate in the field of combat directly to suit his draconic pride. He was equipped with a hive-magic communicator of sorts which allowed them to speak through a mindcarrier changeling similarly to a changeling soldier, "it's strange, almost too avoidable. I suggest we regroup and—"

"No, I will NOT retreat," Chrysalis retorted with a volatile tone, "you will push through, find that artillery and crush it!"

"With all due respect," Hel'rath said in opposition, "we have enough problems trying to get your forces through. I said they were avoidable, not being avoided, your masses are too heavily clumped-together and they're being taken out by the hundreds!"

"I don't give a good gods-damn about your problems," Chrysalis barked back, "find that artillery, NOW!"

"Of course," Hel'rath said, before closing the communicator and swearing under his breath. With a bit more pushing, they eventually reached the slopes where he spread his wings and flew quickly into the sky to avoid more fire and get an eye on the equines manning the artillery.

Chrysalis meanwhile watched from afar, seeing the artillery pummel the forest. Already her rage was seething as the Wandering Woods had been a valued piece of changeling territory for as long as she was queen, and to see the equines knocking down trees here and there was irritating to say the least. Soon, however, she heard Hel'rath through the communicator again.

"Chrysalis, this artillery is self-operated, there are no active agents on the field," he said, "no wonder it's so sporadic, they've been firing blind. I suggest a full push into—"

Before Chrysalis had even the chance to think of the next course of action, a sudden flash of light shone through the opening of the hive from where she was operating and nearly blinded her, before it was followed with a shockwave blast that knocked her off of her hooves entirely. The sound that came after was deafening, and she looked on in horror at a tower of fire like a mushroom which had just devastated the forest and nearly half of her army. She stood in silence, gazing at the once beautiful forest that clothed the outside of her perfect hive which was now tainted with a miles-wide wasteland showing not a single sign of life.

Chrysalis was in shock. She had never personally viewed the forest as some sacred ground or whatnot herself, but to see the pit in the center of it now—the fires across the edges of miles of flatted tree and shrub—it drove her to tears. The first tears she had cried since. . .since a long time ago that she'd rather not think of. In fact, the very audacity of the equines to cause her to think of such things in the past drove her sadness away, replacing it with a fearsome rage as she stood on her hooves.

She focused her eyes to see an equine army in the distance marching over the mountains and firing upon the remaining changeling and draconic soldiers in the region. While the drakes and lyndwyrms were capable of withstanding the solar flame, they were no match for Sunrise Sparkle's chemospells which melted even the resistant scales of the draconic soldiers in the most excruciating manner. In the face of imminent defeat, Chrysalis felt only more rage. With a scream, she gave an order to the mindcarriers within the hive.

"I have had ENOUGH! Release the Maelstroplex!"

A terrifying sound erupted from above the equine soldiers as a beam of pure hive magic flew from the very top of the hive and to a point above the army, concentrating itself at a massively faster-than-light speed into a singularity which plummeted into the ground. Within moments, a tear in space formed as a hole black enough to swallow light took it's place and began to draw in everything that was around it. Equines were shredded to pieces before they could have so much a chance to observe what was happening, and before a retreat order could be given, the core of the army was decimated by the rift which soon collapsed within itself as the beam of hive magic faded.

An army of six million changelings reduced to one million by a single weapon, and an army of one million equines reduced to 200,000 by a single spell. The destruction caused was beyond comprehension, yet the war raged on between the remaining, which evened out despite the disparity in numbers. Everyone on the battlefield died that day as both Chrysalis and Sunrise watched in horror at the actions they had both committed against one another, and for a moment nearly reconsidered everything. Yet, their hatred for one another was too strong, and they vowed to themselves to continue pushing against the other until one remained utterly destroyed, even if it cost them the world. The hatred they held was hardly rational anymore, as it seemed the delight of bloodshed had driven every world leader insane. There was no concept of mutually-assured destruction, only destruction, and while their weapons were limited in usability or availability, they were determined to employ them again as soon as possible. It was a race against time, a race against one another to end as many lives as possible. A race that couldn't be won by even the victor for what it would cost in return.

Aashtethos, Saddle Arabia | November 2, 1502 | 23:01

"Starlight!" Nova shouted, earning the attention of her friend rather quickly with the fear and urgency in her voice alone. Starlight turned to her with a compassionate expression.

"What is it?" she asked softly, before Nova threw a dossier onto Starlight's makeshift desk, given they had relocated from the Bone Dry Desert after the events of the Nightmare's appearance. Starlight took a look at the papers, and the information entailed upon them was horrific.

"They're deploying incomprehensible weapons," Nova said, "if something like that happens to us. . ."

". . .we'll be finished. . ." Starlight finished slowly, "almost six million casualties in the span of sixty seconds, by the gods. . ."

Starlight turned to the door, feeling a sudden striking of fear as she didn't know where Sunset had gone. The mane six still followed the communists to Saddle Arabia—given they were just as much dead in the Empire as Starlight and her cronies were—but due to the bit of a falling out, they were not immediately nearby. Starlight quickly rose up, trotting out of the room as Nova followed closely behind. Outside, gryphons and equines alike had gathered to look into the sky. Starlight followed their fear-laden eyes to feel herself a pit within the stomach that could not be matched by any sense of doom nor death since her insurrection.

Flying above the Saddle Arabian city was none other than Empress Daybreaker herself, and the militant gryphons were too afraid to fire upon her with their little weapons. Could bullets pierce the sun? Could missiles destroy the Solar Flame? Could artillery shred a goddess? No. What they were looking at was not their enemy, but their death sentence. A genocide waiting to happen. Daybreaker gave a condescending glare to them, scoffing as she flew upwards into the sky with a sonic boom following after her. That was when a sound like blaring horns erupted from the sun itself, and the atmosphere became brighter.

Nova turned to Starlight with fear, before grabbing her suddenly and flying into an underground bunker. It was instinct, but in the process of doing so Starlight was injured by the sheer force at which they crashed through the wooden doors of the bunker. It was supposed to be dark, but the light was inescapable as Nova frantically tried to open the door. As she opened it, an air-shattering thunder crackled throughout the sky as the ground shook violently. The bright light became blinding, followed only by millions of screams as the temperature began to climb to the thousands of degrees. Nova barely made it inside of the bunker, but as she pulled Starlight in, half of her coat had been singed and her skin suffering grotesque burns from the minor exposure to the light outside.

Nova panted, panicking as she had no idea what to do with the unconscious Starlight. She turned to see that the mane six had already been escorted to the bunker by Gilda, who knew to take them there as soon as she saw Daybreaker in the sky. Sunset ran up to Starlight, being overtaken with tears as she noticed

"Starlight, are you okay? Starlight! Answer me!" she shouted, holding Starlight close as she tried to heal her wounds, but it was hardly any use. The tainting of the solar flame was too much for healing magic to repair.

"The sun poured out it's wrath on Aashtethos, like nothing I've ever seen..." Nova said quietly, unable to process what was happening.

"I don't care what the sun did, we need to get help!" Sunset shouted back.

"We only have one faction on our side now. How do you think that will play out?" Gilda pointed out, and all fell silent with the exception of Sunset's weeping. It would take several hours for the surface to cool down, and fortunately the bunker was build with a thermostat to read the outside temperature as it was constructed for sheltering from several things including scorching weather events. Nova turned to look at it's reading, and felt sick just to behold the number.

12,204°F / 6762.2°C

Author's Note

I have been very busy, sorry for the wait!

Chapter Nine

Sweet Acorn Orchard, Solar Empire Outskirts | November 3, 1502 | 10:21

Thorax ran. To no specific point, to no specific area, he just ran away from the Hive he had failed. He knew it was only a matter of time before he became an outcast anyway, and he didn't even think to change his form. His frantic running was of course noticed by the civilians within the Sweet Acorn Orchard as he paused in the very center of the humble town to take in his surroundings. Equines spoke with one another in whispers as they saw the lone Changeling, some looking on with fear and others with hate. As weapons were drawn and stallions began to approach, Thorax lit his horn in preparation before all had fallen to silence with the sound of a familiar voice.

"Thorax!!" a filly cried out, running through the armed stallions before they could get a hold of her and pouncing the Changeling with a hug. Some equines felt the need to speak out, to tell her to stay away from the bug, but the smile on the both of them as they gave one another a warm hug was enough to keep the crowd silent.

"Drizzlepop, my gods," Thorax said, getting up after a moment, "I thought I'd never see you again!"

"Me too! I'm so happy you're here," she said. Innocent as ever, she had no idea what the stallions had originally planned to do to him before she appeared. One, however, stepped forward and spoke up.

"Drizzlepop," he said sternly, "is this the one you said healed your blindness?"

She nodded with a chuckle. It's not like she would be able to forget, and she surely couldn't have lied about being cured of the uncurable. The stallion who spoke, who appeared much like an authority among them, held up his hoof to signal the others to withdraw their weapons. He approached Thorax, who cautiously eyed him yet remained in a friendly posture. At this distance, the stallion noted the attire he was wearing which was unmistakably of higher rank among the Changelings.

"Thorax, was it?" he asked. Thorax replied with a nod, "and what is your rank in their military?"

Thorax was hesitant for a moment.

"It would be the Equestrian equivalent of a Field Marshall or Inquisitor," he finally said, "something in between that at least."

There was a bit of chatter among the crowd for a moment. Thorax shook his head as he continued.

"Though, the Queen would have my head now for running from Hailberg. The Polar Bears were ruthless to us and I couldn't. . ." he shook his head more, "I couldn't handle all of that death!"

"Hey now," the stallion said as he put a hoof on Thorax's back. Thorax winced for a moment, but soon felt that it was a reassuring touch, "try not to think about it. We're not much of warmongerers ourselves."

"Hah. . .could have fooled me. . ." Thorax replied shakily. The stallion let out a hearty chuckle.

"I suppose we could become that way over family, familymongers!" the two shared a bit of a laugh before the stallion turned.

"Alright everypony, get back to what you were doing," he barked. The equines did as he said rather confidently; despite their doubts they believed in their leader. Thorax took notice of this—what leadership really looked like.

"My name is Barnyard," the stallion said to Thorax as the crowd dissipated, "most of the equines here call me Barn, you may call me that as well for saving my daughter."

"Daughter?" Thorax questioned, before looking at Drizzlepop who simply chuckled as she gave the Barn a hug. Barn explained that he had taken her in shortly after she came from the Wandering Woods. After hearing terrible stories about her life in Sire's Hollow, and about the Changeling that gave her sight, he looked after her for that short length of time and grew very close with her. His wife was barren, and they were of older age and unable to have foals anymore. It was a miracle to them that a little blind filly would return with her sight from a land so near to their enemies. It was a heartwarming tale, and Thorax could feel it.

"Are you alright Thorax?" Drizzlepop asked. Thorax was silent, and looked as if he were in a daze. Barn's expression turned to that of concern, quirking a brow for a moment.

"What is this feeling?" he asked quietly.

Canterlot, Solar Empire | November 3, 1502 | 12:44

The massive cloud of smoke was still visible from the capital as Daybreaker looked on to the distant Wandering Woods from her throne. Such invigorating destruction—it brought her solace. It brought her joy. To see fire engulf those once beautiful lands which would soon be remade in her image. . .it was as a fantasy coming true. She had always held herself back from such thoughts before, but within her flame-laden heart she always knew that the fate of the Changelings would be to perish beneath her almighty hooves. She had already received a report from Sunrise concerning the Maelstroplex before instructing her to retreat with what was left of her army as the Changelings had no choice but to run as well.

It would take time for both armies to recuperate, but the Changelings lost their new hive and navy within a day to Arthur's warriors, who now had a stranglehold on Hailberg. The war was decided, and it was up to the victor to decide the ending. Daybreaker, of course, wanted to take her time in crushing them. She wanted to expend every option—not for sake of tactical advantage, but for the show of force. To remind her equines and her enemies that the Solar Empire was the synonym of wrath. Arthur made contact as well shortly after taking the port, and they had already set up camp. Meanwhile, the Crystal Authority was making preparations to extend territory closer to the Vesalopolis once the Maelstroplex had been figured out.

The Empress gave a soft sigh, smiling at the thoughts of war. She thought of how great the world would be when conquered. A single race of equines, dominating the world with the richest economy history had ever seen. She even pondered the idea of conquering the creatures of space—if there were any. It was rather silly to think, but she allowed herself the time to indulge in fantasy until she heard a knocking at the throne room door. By now, she recognized the knocks by the hooves of which servant was wishing to enter. She had committed them all to memory.

"Come in, Sunflower," Daybreaker said softly. The doors opened to reveal the first of the maids that had witnessed the Empress in her true form. She was less timid now, but still like Fluttershy in her demeanor.

"Good day, Empress," Sunflower said softly, "I brought your dinner for you."

"Thank you," Daybreaker said with a smile. She could smell the food already, a smell she only recently found a liking to.

"Pardon my asking, Empress," Sunflower said as Daybreaker turned to her with an attentive look, "but are you certain this is good for you to eat?"

"I appreciate your concern for my health," Daybreaker said as she lifted the plate with her magic, taking a whiff of the dish once more, "but my body has more power coursing through it, so naturally it requires tougher foods to sustain."

Sunflower winced as Daybreaker took a bite of the food, tearing it with her teeth effortlessly. Bits of red juice oozed from it as strands of muscle tore. A slab of fresh meat, only singed and seasoned well with herbs. Daybreaker felt a strange feeling come over her as she consumed it—carnivorism was new even to her, but she knew not how she survived so long without the luxurious taste of a slain creature. She smiled, savoring the food before swallowing as she dismissed Sunflower. The maid walked out with a bit of haste, as it disturbed her greatly to behold such a sight. Daybreaker understood this, and paid it no mind.

"Perhaps I shouldn't publicize this," she thought aloud.

Crystal Capital, Crystal Empire | November 3, 1502 | 14:37

"I'm home!"

Sunrise mustered what bit of energy was left in her to proclaim that, before closing the door and stumbling towards a chair. Hearing the bit of noise, Flash came running out of their bedroom to see her. Before he could say anything, however, she gave a dismissive gesture with a hoof. He sighed greatly before continuing towards her.

"You look tired," he said, "did everything go alright?"

"We won if that's what you're asking," Sunrise muttered, "but not before a superweapon was deployed against my army. I lost a few hundred thousand."

"That might throw a bit of a pebble in the cogwheels," Flash said, trying to lighten her up a bit, which worked of course as she cracked a little smile, "though with how quickly the Empire transitioned leadership in the Crystal Empire, I feel like we'll be fine."

"Yes yes," Sunrise said leaning up suddenly, "how about I fix a meal here tonight? We've been going out to eat for days and I miss homemade food."

"Sunrise, goodness," Flash nearly stammered, unsure of what caused her to perk up so quickly, "you just collapsed into a chair and now you want to fix food?"

Sunrise stuck her tongue out almost childishly before getting up with a chuckle and heading towards the kitchen. Flash only gave a confused look as he followed. If she insisted on cooking that was alright with him, but he wasn't going to let her do it alone. He wasn't quite that type of guy; in fact he was actually rather fond of cooking. As he walked in, Sunrise smiled at him with such a sweet expression. He took a moment to lose himself to her gaze, before chuckling softly. For the next couple of hours, they spent perhaps the most joyful time together. Joking with one another, telling old stories, and cooking a fine dinner—in their opinion.

After eating well, Sunrise had become tired from the long travel and overnight fighting. Though she knew she would be summoned to the capital soon in the eternal day to discuss new plans, she planned to rest as much as she could. Disclosing this to Flash, the two of them agreed to lay down for a while and get away from the war for a while longer. For the next hour, they merely remained in silence with one another. Eyes closed, bodies embraced, feeling the warmth and faint pulse of one another as the world drifted away.

You can't have both.

Vesalopolis, Changeling Hive | November 3, 1502 | 15:54

The Queen was in a fit of rage. Tearing down bits of the throne room, screaming at servants, blasting bolts of magic into the ceiling. . .it was a tantrum to say the least. She hadn't slept at all since the bombing, and every time she looked outside to witness the still-smoking trees of the forest her rage was reinvigorated. It took about that much time for Hel'rath to return. Having been on the edge of the bombing, he sustained significant injuries but not enough to stop his pride.

"Didn't I tell you?! It was a setup!" he shouted as he stumbled his way in. He quickly ducked as a chunk of hive was thrown violently at him, shattering across the wall behind.

"I realize that!" Chrysalis returned with fury, "how was I supposed to know they had a gods-damned nuclear weapon?"

"They SAID so!" the Duke retorted, "the Empress gave a fucking press release! By the gods, you really are out of touch, aren't you?"

Before he could continue, Chrysalis levitated his body with hive magic and brought him close to her face. The look in her eyes spoke more words of hatred than all the curses of the world.

"I will tear you apart in this very throne room if you dare speak to me so condescendingly again you little draconic PEST!" she said sternly, before throwing the injured drake against the floor and breaking a few bones. He struggled to get up, but only did so enough to see a hoof swinging towards his skull. While it was tough, the force was enough to split the bone and allow a spewing of boiling draconic blood to coat the Queen's hoof. While it burned, it was merely a slight stimulation to add to her rage as the drake was hardly conscious now.

"Y-you are. . .make. . .you. . .mistake. . ." he muttered, a trickle of blood falling from both nostrils as he laid incapacitated on the floor.

"It was your mistake to have been so useless to me," Chrysalis said, "the drakes failed to take the blows of the Empire as I was promised they would, so now you will be the one to pay for it."

Unable to protest, the drake could only watch for as long as his consciousness would allow as the Queen threw her hoof into his skull once more. She laughed to herself as Hel'rath sputtered nonsensical sounds from the tongue he had bitten through by accident in the process. Feeling an invigoration within her, the Queen struck him once more causing the wound to open further. She struck him again, and again, and by this time the brain was so damaged that the drake was now motionless. His death did not stop her from continuing to strike the drake's skull several more times, reducing it to a paste. When it was no longer satisfying, she snarled in anger and lifted the body with her magic, throwing it against the walls until the bones within had broken in so many places they no longer held even a semblance of structure. When even this failed to satisfy Chrysalis, she dropped the body and let out a scream before she finally gathered herself.

"M-mindcarrier," she said shakily, "send a regrouping order. It will be any day before the Empresses come to deliver the final blow—we need every asset centered on Vesalopolis."

The Mindcarrier lit it's horn, issuing the command as it was told. Chrysalis sat back.

"Also, have every draconic creature executed. Useless meat—and find Thorax! I want him in this room immediately!"

Aashtethos, Saddle Arabia | November 3, 1502 | 16:01

"She's still not responding," Gilda said, "but she has a pulse."

Hours felt like days passing as the temperature had only cooled by 3000 degrees Fahrenheit on the surface. Nova was silent, Sunset was silent, the five friends were silent. They had been silent for the last several hours aside weeping, or trying to get Starlight to respond. Moments more passed, before a portal opened revealing Adiaíretos. The equines and gryphons alike looked up with confusion as he walked towards Starlight and snapped his fingers. The burns were removed, and she suddenly gasped with wide eyes before falling back asleep.

"She will need to rest," Adiaíretos said, but with a different voice, "I didn't. . .I didn't think Celestia would do this. . ."

"Adiaíretos, I thought you were confined to the Hall of Unity," Sunset said, looking at him with a bit of anger. The figure turned with a sigh.

"I must admit, I truly thought that this would be the best way to save Equestria," he said, "but the fate of savior always befell the Mane Six, especially the times when they saved Equestria from myself."

"Wait, that voice. . ." Applejack pondered aloud as she stared at the figure.

"Not everything I said was a falsehood, the Harmonious constant does exist," Adiaíretos continued, "and it's existence does determine mine, but I am not the embodiment of it, nor even a representative. In fact, I am quite the opposite."

The form of Adiaíretos changed, and in fact, it was instantly recognized. With an astounding shock from everyone in the room, a deafening silence befell them more than what it had already. In front of them was a draconnequus, the sole God of Chaos himself.

"D-Discord?" Fluttershy said with a tear in her eye as she ran forward to hug him. Discord stumbled back a bit before returning the hug, "I thought you were gone forever!"

"No, no my dear Fluttershy, I simply chose the worst time for a vacation," he replied in his typical manner. Sunset stomped her hoof on the ground to earn their attention.

"You were here the entire time?!" she shouted, "you didn't think to prevent any of this before it happened?"

"On the contrary," Discord said with an unamused expression, "I thought about many ways I could prevent it. Unfortunately, it was all fantasy as both sisters are equally capable of killing me outrightly now. Even my chaos magic is nothing against those oh-so-great world leaders, and they likely already know I am around and are actively searching for me."

"Then what are we supposed to do?" Rarity asked, "if even you can't defeat them, how can we do so without dying?"

"I'm still hoping for the good ending here, I'll have you know," Discord said as he pulled a pair of sunglasses from the emptiness of space, "but there's a possibility you and myself may simply be martyred!"

"You don't seem so upset about that," Applejack said with a grim tone. Discord shook his talon.

"I am quite upset about that, Applejack, this is merely. . .a mask," Discord replied, holding up a smiling mask to his face as water fell from the eyes of it, "I am simply sobbing on the inside."

He tossed the mask aside, causing it to explode into confetti.

"Be that as it may, I still have a duty to be the least sappy out of all of you," he glanced towards Sunset, "and the least pissy. For now, know that your friend is safe and that our best course is to return to the Hall of Unity."

"What about Starlight's vision here?" Nova protested, "how are we supposed to bring revolution by running away?"

"Oh PLEASE," Discord jeered, "if you want to know how well mass-sharing goes, look no further than the current conflict. Your politics have always bored me anyway—I was more focused on your safety. Now come on!"

He walked through the portal as the others reluctantly followed. Nova and Sunset stayed behind for a moment.

"Gods-damned draconnequus," Nova spat out. Sunset shook her head.

"He's our only hope; it seems fate really is against us," she muttered, "let's just get Starlight into that portal so she can recover."

The two picked up Starlight carefully before proceeding through. The field of war had changed significantly, and now that Starlight's revolutionaries were out of the ring of power, the fight lay between the harmonists and the many supremacists. Though, with the supremacists fighting so vehemently against one another, the harmonists would surely have time to figure out a plan.

Hopefully.

Crystal Capital, Crystal Empire | November 4, 1502 | 07:01

"Hey, Sunrise. . .wakey wakey. . ."

Twilight Sparkle opened her eyes to see an Ursa Major looking down at her. She tried to move but she couldn't. With a loud roar, the Ursa Major swung its claws toward her, and she closed her eyes to accept death. There was a stillness, followed by a gust of wind across her face. She opened her eyes to see a light blue aura of magic surrounding the paw of the Ursa Major, before a sudden blast of confetti threw it backwards. Then, a lasso holding it down before a rainbow seemed to blast by it, knocking it to the floor. A soft humming put the creature to sleep shortly after.

Twilight found herself capable of moving again, as she turned to see her friends standing by her side.

"Hehe! That was fun!" Pinkie said with a giggle.

"Nah, that was awesome!" Rainbow Dash followed.

"I think he's a nice bear, he just needed some beauty sleep," Fluttershy said timidly.

"Well, I nearly messed up my mane, but at least I helped some," Rarity said, brushing through her mane to keep it tidy.

"Well, you all did your part. Good job girls." Applejack said, turning to face Twilight. The rest of them did as well, all smiling at her. Twilight went to speak, but couldn't.

"What's wrong Twilight, cat got your tongue?" Rainbow Dash said with a chuckle.

"Hang on, I think she's having trouble. Twi, you alright?" Applejack asked, getting closer. Before Twilight could respond, she felt a pain in her head as her hoof started to raise itself, before swinging towards Applejack's face and knocking her to the ground.

What is going on?!

"Hey! What in the world Twilight?!" Rainbow Dash said, flying towards her before a blast of Twilight's own magic soared through the Pegasus' heart, knocking her lifelessly to the ground. Rarity gasped, her eyes lining up with Twilight's as another blast of magic pierced her skull.

No, stop, please for the love of Celestia, STOP!

Twilight's body lifted from the ground with great fiery wings, as another bolt of magic ceased the sound of sobbing from Fluttershy as she fell down as well.

I'm not doing this, I'M NOT DOING THIS! STOP! I ORDER YOU!

Pinkie suffered the same fate, except the shot was messy, causing her body to fold in half from the force and snap.

Stop. . .STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP!

Twilight looked down at Applejack, bleeding from the muzzle as she looked up with weak and swollen eyes.

"You are doin' this, Twi. You've been doin' this since the day you sent us out. You can't have both," Applejack said. Twilight turned to see Rainbow Dash standing, blood spewing from her visible, beating heart.

"You can't have both," Rainbow Dash said with a grin.

"You can't have both," Rarity said, as she stood with a trickling of blood falling from her forehead. Twilight heard a gnawing sound, turning to Fluttershy who was now being eaten by the animals she looked after. She turned her head as bits of flesh were torn away.

"You can't have both," she said.

Suddenly, a loud series of crackling was heard in her left ear, as she turned to see Pinkie's contorted body staring at her with an unnerving smile.

"YOU CAN'T HAVE BOTH!" she screamed.

Sunrise jumped up in her bed with a great shout, only to be met with the startled expressions of both Spike and Flash Sentry beside her. She turned, panting as she made sure the both of them were real, before breaking out into tears and hugging the both of them tightly. The two were silent as they cautiously returned the hug, unsure of what nightmare she was having.

"I uh. . .I was going to wake you up to tell you I made you guys breakfast," Spike said after she calmed down a bit, "it's your favorite, if you're in the mood to eat."

"I'll. . .I'll eat what I can. . ." Sunrise said softly, "thank you Spike."

Spike let go and walked out of the room, closing the door behind him. Flash leaned back to look into Sunrise's eyes. Such sorrowful eyes she had, glistening with tears each filled with a thousand years of pain—or so it felt. He shook his head.

"Sunrise, could I speak honestly for a moment?" Flash asked. Sunrise turned to the floor, before slowly turning back to him and nodding, "you haven't been acting like yourself at all lately, I figured it was the war and all, but something is really taking a toll on you. If you need to get anything off of your chest, you know you can come to me about—"

"No," Sunrise retorted suddenly, "I. . ."

"You. . ?" Flash said softly.

"I can't have both."

Sweet Acorn Orchard, Solar Empire Outskirts | November 4, 1502 | 09:32

Thorax opened his eyes to the roof of the small house he was allowed to stay in. There wasn't much to this little village, as to his understanding it used to be a single house on the outskirts of Equestria. Now, however, with steady exports of supplies for the war effort, a sizable yet humble number of equines sought the work opportunity and the significant rate of pay that the orchard offered. Thorax thought about contributing, as much a treason as it would be, yet knowing the willing commission of treason against the Solar Empire on behalf of the Equines there gave him fear enough for even existing. He thought about leaving, but what if this was his chance to show them that Changelings were not all that they seemed? What if, with Equestrian help, he could lead other Changelings out of the hivemind and spare needless slaughtering? It was hope, perhaps foolish, that led him to stay regardless.

There was a soft knocking at the door, and the sound of Drizzle's voice from outside.

"Thorax~! Are you awake? Father wants to speak to you!" she said gleefully. Thorax stretched out a bit, this bed was surely more comfortable than the housing he was offered in the Hive, and he definitely didn't want to leave it; however, he figured it was important for him to speak to Barn. Thorax leaned upward in the bed and called out to the door.

"I will be there shortly, thank you," he said. After doing so, he got out of his bed and put on his military attire before opening the door to the ever-gleeful Drizzlepop who smiled at him brightly.

"Come with me, our home is right over here!" she said, running towards it.

"Hey! Slow down, I can't keep up!" he said jokingly. She paused and turned back.

"I thought you were in the military, you won't get out-ran by a little filly will you?" she jeered.

"Ow, my pride," Thorax said before sighing, "fine, I'll race you there."

"Three-two-one-go!" she said quickly before dashing. Thorax rolled his eyes and ran after her as she laughed. After a while, he noticed she was running in circles, and it was quite obvious where Barn's house was, but Thorax wasn't going to deny the little filly her playtime. He figured that perhaps Barn was far too busy to give her the attention she needed, which was understandable considering the situation. After a while of running, she paused to catch her breath.

"Are we there yet?" Thorax said with a chuckle.

"Nooooooo," Drizzle replied, "I tricked you! His house was there the whole time!"

"Ooh! You got me!" Thorax said, "let's go then."

She led him to the door where Barn was already waiting inside, opening it as they stepped up onto the porch. He gave a great smile to Thorax, inviting him in before turning to Drizzle.

"Alright now Drizzlepop," Barn said, "go and play for a bit while I talk to Thorax."

"Okay Father!" Drizzlepop said, running off the porch as Barn closed the door.

Barn turned to face Thorax with a smile as he walked towards a table, inviting Thorax to take a seat. Barn's wife walked in shortly after, bringing some warm tea to the both of them and smiling. Neither of them spoke too much, and the wife still seemed rather timid of the changeling's presence. However, after she left the room, Barn took a sip of his tea and made eye contact with Thorax.

"I've never seen that kind of love from a changeling," Barn started. Thorax quirked a brow before the stallion continued, "you knew the house was here, but you played with the filly anyway. I could see you eyeing the house, but after a while you just kept running around in circles like a big brother."

"Oh, uh," Thorax scratched his head as he turned to the side for a moment, "I figured that was common sense. Youth should be provided attention to grow strong."

"And happy," Barn added, "but I don't suppose they taught you that in the Hive."

"No, no they didn't," Thorax said, looking down, "they taught us that we had one authority, that the death of others was the life of the Changelings."

"How long has it been since you've eaten?" Barn asked straightforwardly. Thorax gave it some thought, he hadn't eaten since running away. The Changelings had reserves of love to feed from, but such reserves weren't portable. They were located solely within the hive.

"A day or so," he said, "I can survive a while longer without feeding, though, I don't feel hungry."

"Did you feel hungry when you helped Drizzlepop out the first time?" Barn asked. Thorax thought back to that unforgettable moment. He figured he didn't feel hungry due to the adrenaline of the moment, but now that he pondered it, he didn't have to eat for another few days.

"No, actually, I didn't eat for four days after because I wasn't feeling hunger at all," Thorax explained, "and I wasn't sick or weak or anything, just. . .full."

"I have a theory," Barn said, readjusting in his seat. Thorax quirked a brow, "you were giving love rather than taking it. You figure that might be why you broke away from the hivemind?"

"A lot of thought-provoking questions today," Thorax mused, now taking a sip of the warm tea, "but I think you might be right."

"I hope I am, and we'll find out if I am this way," Barn said, turning and pointing towards the window, "we will let you stay as a refugee, against the obvious wishes of the Empress who hardly comes out this way anyway, but in return you must help out with the work. Sound fair?"

"Will that not risk your lives? I can just leave if you—"

"Absolutely not," Barn interrupted, "let me tell you something, boy, that filly out there loves you like a lost brother. When you dropped her by, she held her tears back until she knew you were out of ear shot. That was how we found her and took her in, and that sobbing didn't stop for weeks. Every night she would cry, wanting to see the creature that gave her sight. She said she would have given up her sight again just to talk to you once more. I will not subject her to that again, and I will absolutely not allow you to risk going back to the Hive. I'd rather take the risk of treason, because maybe we could end this war differently. Maybe Drizzlepop doesn't have to grow up in the world we are in now."

"Of course," Thorax said softly, knowing nothing about just how much Drizzlepop appreciated him. He quickly gathered his thoughts, presenting a stern tone of voice, "Yes, that is my hope for these nations. After your kindness, I cannot refuse your offer whatsoever. The changelings may be my people, but Chrysalis is not my queen, perhaps the equines will understand that."

Barn smiled.

"Then lets get to work, son."

Chapter Ten

Canterlot, Solar Empire | November 4, 1502 | 11:00

The soft sounds of slow hoofsteps bounced across the great halls of the capital building as Sunrise made her way towards the throne room to speak to Empress Daybreaker. She was about five hours ahead of schedule, but she was likewise aware that when speaking of personal matters, earlier is better. She neglected to pay mind to any of the improvements to the city's architecture, nor to speak to anypony else who happened to be around. She already avoided explaining her nightmare to Flash, and she knew he would eventually pry out of concern. She hadn't a clue what to say, nor what to do, but she knew who she could confide in to give her advice.

She lifted her hoof to knock on the throneroom door, but to her surprise it opened before she could even touch it. She cleared her throat as quietly as possible before walking in as the doors closed behind her. The Empress sat comfortably upon her throne as if she were waiting for her Inquisitor to arrive, which gave Sunrise a sense of paranoid discomfort.

"Flash told me you would come," Daybreaker said, "come, tell me of this nightmare."

"How did he. . ." Sunrise pondered aloud, before being softly interrupted by the Empress.

"He knows you well enough to know who you confide in when all else fails," Daybreaker said, "anyone could see that kind of loyalty."

"Of course, that makes sense," Sunrise said, shaking her head, "the nightmare, it was of my friends—well, former friends. They saved me from an Ursa Major, but against my will I started to kill them. I couldn't control myself, I couldn't explain what was going on. I didn't want to do it, but they kept saying that I—"

". . .can't have both," Daybreaker finished. Sunrise looked up with an expression of shock before Daybreaker continued, "I know. I had the same visions when I embraced the Solar Blood. Of the same nature, at least. It's the next phase of your learning to harness the Solar Blood. There is much sacrifice to be made, and you do not believe Flash would have an admiration for the necessary actions you took against the former Field Marshal and Crystal Princess. That ideation has caused you to question whether or not those decisions were right, hmm?"

Sunrise slowly nodded, looking down. The Empress stepped from her throne and walked towards Sunrise, lifting her face with a gentle hoof.

"Look at me, Sunrise," the Empress said, "I am not asking you to do the impossible. This path, it causes you pain. That pain shapes you into a creature worthy and capable of leading the Empire. As leaders, we do what commoners cannot. We endure the nightmares that would drive them mad, we make the decisions that would tear open their hearts, and we live with the consequences that would force them to drive a nail through their own brains. The equines are our people, our kind, but we are better. That is why they look up to us as leaders, and we must hold ourselves to that. We can never say that we are better simply because of our favorable predispositions of race and birthright, lest we become as Taurus or Chrysalis. We must always strive to be better, to protect those underneath us. It is our duty. So know this, whatever choice you make, whatever action you take, and whatever consequence you face, you do so with the Empire in mind. You do so knowing that if paradise comes not on this day, it shall be rewarded to you tenfold the next. I would not have selected you all of those years ago if I were not certain you could handle the greatest of strife and difficulty, I believe in you."

Sunrise smiled, giving the Empress a hug who quickly returned it. As they were wrapped in one another's embrace, the Empress gave a soft sigh.

"One day, you will take my place as the leader of this Empire. I am certain that I will see death in the far future, and when I do I wish to be able to confidently welcome him with an open heart," Daybreaker said, "I can do that knowing that you would be the one to lead my empire."

The Inquisitor had no idea what to say. To hear this side of Daybreaker now was almost heartbreaking to her, but it strengthened her loyalty all the more.

"Then I will tell Flash the truth," Sunrise said as she leaned away from the hug, "regardless of the consequences, it is most important that I leave not a wound to fester."

"My star pupil," Daybreaker said endearingly as she gave Sunrise a gentle kiss upon the forehead, "you will do many great things in my name."

"As is my purpose."

Hall of Unity, Mount Metazoa | November 4, 1502 | 12:22

"I believe I've already said this, but I'll reiterate for sake of clarity," Discord said condescendingly to an angry Sunset Shimmer, "chaos magic is on par with Alicorn magic, not Primordial magic and definitely not two Primordial entities with an addition of Hive Magic. As much as I'd love to snap everything away, that doesn't quite make for a good story—AND IT'S IMPOSSIBLE. . .I can draw you a chart if you'd like."

A whiteboard appeared beside him with a graph in red marker reading "possible (by percent)" with a steep decline to -43.539%. Sunset was not amused, blasting it away with magic as it turned into dust. Discord made an exaggerated frown.

"You still didn't have to lie to us about being here!" Sunset shouted, "the amount of time we wasted—"

"—is nothing compared to the amount of time you're wasting arguing about it," Discord finished, "now if you'd like, we can work together to solve this issue or you can at least find somebody to properly host this grade-school debate club meeting. Personally, I vote for the former."

"He's right," Nova said reluctantly, "though he might be an asshole, there's no point in arguing about what we already know for certain."

"Well I wouldn't quite put it that way," Discord muttered as Nova continued.

"Let's just get an idea of where the state of warfare is at and see where we can intervene," the gryphon continued, "we need a map, a table, some chairs, and as much intel as we can find."

As she listed those things off, Discord snapped to make them appear. The intel, of course, was several thousands of documents surrounding them. The group gave an unamused look as Discord simply huffed, snapping them into a neater set of thirteen piles.

"Done!" he said confidently, "I'll provide you the information you need and the transportation you need. Disclaimer, however, I will not provide any reality-ending events nor assassinations."

"Of course not," Applejack said with a sigh, "nopony wanted assassinations."

"Speak for yourself," Gilda said with a snort as she elbowed Rainbow Dash who simply rolled her eyes.

Sunset and Nova quickly took charge after this, delegating tasks to the different equines and putting together a diplomatic strategy by which they could expand harmonist influence. The simplicity of rainbow lasers was unfortunately a thing of the past, and it was time to think of new solutions for peace. Sunset realized the fault of harmonist monarchy because of Daybreaker, it didn't take much discussion to convince the others to reach the same conclusion. After a few hours of organizing the information Discord effortlessly gathered and getting everyone up-to-date on the situation across the continents, they were ready to begin their plan to expand the Hall of Unity throughout the mountains of Metazoa and, under Discord's protection, provide a safe haven for the remaining true harmonists.

It's still possible, Sunset thought to herself, Harmony can still exist.

Sweet Acorn Orchard, Solar Empire Outskirts | November 5, 1502 | 16:22

A couple of days had passed since Thorax had began to integrate with the village that provided his refuge. While his worries were still strong, they slowly began to fade as he adjusted to his new life in the Orchard. He had asked Barn if it would be best to use his magic to disguise himself, but Barn insisted he remain a Changeling to allow the citizens to adjust to what would hopefully become a "new normal". That hope that Barn had was a mystery to Thorax, who knew only fear under the Queen's rule. This feeling, however, was rejuvenating. It gave him life.

This morning, he was working alongside some rougher stallions in the fields to prepare the crops for winter. They were physically far stronger than him, but while difficult to get along with at first, eventually came to admire the changeling's durability. As it turned out, his exoskeleton was capable of taking more damage than the stallion's skin, which made him phenomenally efficient in his workflow. Thorax was becoming confident in his ability, working through breaks, working early, and working late. He wanted to impress, and he did, as sometimes the stallions would sit back and watch his tireless efforts producing more progress in an hour than they could in a day.

"Damn," a stallion said, "you ever get tired, Thorax?"

"I do get tired, Spring," Thorax replied as he continued, "but I was trained to get over it or else."

"You know you aren't going to get beat or anything here, right?" Spring said with a tone of concern, Thorax turned his head slightly as he paused from his work for a second.

"They didn't beat us," he said calmly, "when you have an army that is raised in batches of the ten thousands, you just exterminate the inadequate elements."

He continued his work as an awkward silence followed for a moment. Spring cleared his throat.

"Well, we're not gonna exterminate you," he said, "you can rest if you like."

"Thank you for your. . .concern. . ." Thorax said, giving a grunt of effort as he continued to work, "but I get plenty of rest at night in that lovely bed; I will be fine."

"If you insist," Spring said, going back to work himself.

"Hey, what are you doin'?" another stallion said, "break's not over for another fifteen minutes."

"Following the good example, Haze," Spring replied with a laugh, "hell, this guy makes me want to work."

Thorax's wings fluttered a bit. A weird feeling swirled in his stomach from the idea of providing someone motivation. It was a good feeling, however—a powerful feeling—as it drove him to work even faster. After the fifteen minutes of break had passed, the others returned to working for another hour before it was time to leave. Thorax continued working of course, until Barn himself walked up to him.

"I appreciate your work," Barn said, "but even if you're not tired, leisure is good for your mind. My wife is cooking a fine meal tonight, why don't you stop by and eat with us?"

"Damn!" Spring exclaimed, earning the attention of Barn and Thorax. Thorax seemed concerned, but Barn had a shit-eating grin on his face.

"What's wrong Spring?" he asked, "you miss the apple pie?"

"Oh fuck you, Barn," Spring said as Barn gave a hearty chuckle. Spring turned to Thorax, "you're a lucky-ass stallion, that mare can cook—and I mean cook a meal. Not a pony in this town can match her skills with the oven."

Thorax gave a slight chuckle, seeing that Spring was simply joking.

"It's worse than I can't even eat equine food," Thorax said. Spring quirked a brow.

"I'll eat his portion!" Haze exclaimed with a grin.

"Like hell you will!" Spring said, throwing a small pebble at Haze who gave a laugh before beginning to walk away.

Thorax smiled to himself as he looked at the two. While their words were somewhat harsh and their jeering was unrelenting, he could tell they were all good friends. In fact, everyone in the town shared that same friendliness towards one another. It was nice to see emotion so free, and it was at that moment that Thorax realized he had more in common with the equines than the changelings. His thought was interrupted, however, as Spring started to run in his direction.

"BARN!" he shouted.

Crystal Capital, Crystal Empire | November 5, 1502 | 13:02

Sunrise opened the door to her living quarters once more, walking towards her bedroom and sitting on the bed. It didn't take long for Flash to detect her presence, walking into the room as well.

"Everything go well with the Empress?" he asked, somewhat shyly. Sunrise gave him a slight glare.

"Are you asking that because you told her I was coming?" she said. Flash winced a bit as he shifted his gaze to the side.

"Mmmaybe."

Sunrise rolled her eyes as Flash approached her for a hug. She returned it gladly, but Flash knew something was off. He leaned away from the hug before sitting on the bed next to her.

"The nightmare I had," she said. Flash was silent, showing a more serious expression as he listened, "it was about my former friends."

"The ones you had to leave to rule the Crystal Empire?" he said. She nodded.

"Yes, but that wasn't quite the reason," she explained. Flash quirked a brow before she continued, "they saved me from an Ursa Major in the dream, and I wasn't able to move. After they did, I killed them. Against my will, and their corpses spoke to me. They said, I couldn't "have both"."

"That's what you said this morning before you left," Flash said, "why do you think you'd have a dream like that? What can't you have both of?"

Sunrise turned to face Flash with an expression of piercing sorrow. He was stricken by the look immediately as if taking a nail to his heart. Her expression wasn't just of sadness, but of regret and shame. Somewhere within it, however, lingered a tinge of hatred and wrath. Malice unyielding. This was not the Sunrise, nor the Twilight he was familiar with.

"I cannot have the joy you give me," she said weakly, "while I play this part in the world. I didn't leave them because of the Crystal Empire, they left me because I told them we would have to execute Starlight Glimmer for her treason."

"Well, I mean. . ." Flash pondered for a moment, "execution has become pretty standard now, but I suppose the Element Bearers don't really want to do the difficult stuff. No need to feel bad about it."

"There's something else I haven't told you."

"What would that be?"

"Cadence did not kill herself, and Shining Armor didn't die on a failed diplomatic mission."

Flash paused for a moment, his expression more confused than anything as he turned to the side for a moment before looking back at Sunrise and leaning closer.

"Did. . .did the enemy kill them?" he asked, "I can order a hunt, we can find them right now and have them held accountable, I can even—"

"No, Flash," Sunrise said sternly as she closed her eyes, "I killed them."

Flash was awestruck for a moment. He shook his head.

"Under the Empress' orders, I'm sure," he said, making an attempt to reason. His heart dropped as Sunrise shook her head.

"By my own volition," she said quietly, "I killed Cadence first so that Shining Armor would know his mistake in committing treason. I made sure it was the last thing he saw before he died."

Silence. Flash was hardly breathing loud enough to hear as he tried to process the thought. Sunrise, meanwhile, was strangely calm about it. Getting such a thing off her chest gave her confidence. It gave her strength. She looked up at him with the soulless eyes she gave to Shining Armor.

"I carried out their execution in the dungeon," she said sternly, "I condemned them to death for blasphemy. I broke their will afront them and drug their feeling to naught. I did that."

Sunrise stood up, turning to stare into Flash's shock-struck eyes.

"I did exactly what I was destined to do," she continued, "and by the will of the Empress I usurped their throne to provide a prosperity to the Crystal Equines like none they have ever seen. I believe I did right, and I know now that it is best this way. Furthermore, I am prepared to face the consequences if such an array of facts causes you grief."

She kept her eyes on Flash for five solid minutes. They stood in absolute silence for that time. Not a movement, not a word, hardly even a blink. Finally, Flash closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"I looked up to Shining Armor," he said quietly, "but I expected better than treason from him."

He opened his eyes, getting up and walking to her before giving her a quick kiss.

"Your eyes are fearsome, Sunrise," he said, "but I still love them."

He turned away and left, going to catch some fresh air as Sunrise stood looking towards the window in a cesspool of emotional confusion. She turned to the door.

"Huh?"

Sweet Acorn Orchard, Solar Empire Outskirts | November 5, 1502 | 15:43

"BARN!"

Thorax turned to see that Barn was on the ground, staring up the sky with an expression of terror. Spring fell to the ground trying to check for a pulse as Haze and the other two stallions ran back as well.

"I think it was a heart attack," Spring said quickly, "Haze, get some help here NOW!"

Haze quickly began to trot in the opposite direction, shouting for help as he bolted for the town center. Thorax was frozen in place. Why now? Why would this have to happen now?!

"No," Thorax said softly. Spring looked up at him with confusion, "no more death."

"We're doing everything we can, but—" Spring said, before Thorax walked up and pushed him off, "Hey, what the Hell Thorax?!"

Thorax lit his horn, his eyes glowing for a moment as his spell allowed him to see through the body's outer layers. A spell typically used for combat to target vital organs. However, Thorax was able to see not only the heart, but the blood as well. Living organs were glowing, but some of the glows began to fade. He placed a hoof on Barn's chest directly above the heart, and began to thrust downward.

"We need a medical expert on standby," Thorax said, focusing on Barn, "you did good to call for help, but I've seen how your magic works."

"Thorax, we're earth ponies, we—"

"Your friendship, Spring," Thorax interrupted, "his wife needs to be here for this to work."

Spring turned to one of the other stallions and nodded as the stallion ran to fetch her. He turned back to Thorax.

"I hope to the Sun you know what you're doing."

"Me too," Thorax said, pumping again. The blood was moving, but the heart hadn't caught back up yet. Thorax sighed, lighting his horn again as he stepped away. With a quick zap, the entirety of Barn's body jerked. Spring was confused as he stood back, but had faith that Thorax wasn't trying to kill the stallion. Thorax continued to compress his chest. It didn't take long for the village doctor to arrive alongside Barn's wife, who immediately began to weep at the sight of her husband on the ground.

"Father?" Drizzlepop said softly, leaning out from behind Barn's wife. Thorax paused, making eye contact with Drizzlepop who had tears in her eyes already. He turned to the ground, gritting his teeth before looking back at Drizzlepop.

"I won't let him die," Thorax said, standing back and lighting his horn again causing the body to jolt. The equines stood back a bit further as he returned, applying a few more thrusts to the stallion's chest, "wake up, damnit! Your family still needs you!"

The doctor stood by, shaking his head as he attempted to console the wife. The other stallions turned away as Drizzle looked on in fear. Thorax felt their love, their anguish, their friendship. While he did not consume it, he felt a strange power within him because of it. As if he were reversing the flow, not taking their love to eat, but returning it to them. Returning it to Barn who needed it most.

"YOU DON'T GET TO LEAVE YET," Thorax shouted, giving a final thrust before looking down and seeing the blood in his body move. The heartbeat was faint, but it was there, and slowly dying out again. Thorax closed his eyes.

Please, if just one more time, let me be a healer.

After a quick prayer to his gods, he spread his wings, opening his forelegs as his heart began to glow. In that moment, more of the village's citizens came to see what was going on. They gathered in a crowd as the changeling started to shine brightly before a beam of magic left his body and entered Barn's. The aura wasn't green, however, it was rather a light blue. Barn opened his eyes widely and gasped as the energy allowed him to breathe again. He held his chest for a moment, before turning to see the awe-stricken faces of his citizens, who began to cheer. Drizzlepop ran up to him, giving him a hug as his wife did the same. After a brief moment of joy, they turned to thank Thorax, but where he once stood there was now a cocoon lying on the ground.

Barn got up, coughing briefly as he lifted a hoof to it.

"Everypony stand back," he warned. The ponies were hesitant, seeing that he was just brought to life and now seemingly risking it again. However, he turned to them more sternly, "NOW."

They listened. Barn gently touched the cocoon, causing it to glow and open like a flower. Thorax no longer bore his black shell, but was now filled with vibrant colors and bore remarkable horns. The crowd was speechless, looking on with awe and confusion with the exception of Drizzlepop, who was smiling bright enough to light the eternal night.

Thorax opened his eyes, seeing the crowd gaze upon him with their shocked expressions as he looked down to see himself. Taller, more colorful, more powerful. He looked up at Barn, who smirked.

"Save a stallion's life and make a show out of it, huh?" he jeered. Thorax immediately expressed worry.

"I didn't know, I mean I—I'm not sure how—"

"By the gods, boy, I was joking," Barn said, waving a dismissive hoof before turning to face him with a smile, "how does it feel?"

"I. . .I feel stronger," Thorax said, "I feel. . .brighter. I feel. . .hungry for some apple pie."

Barn gave a long and hearty laugh, turning to his citizens with a bright smile.

"Everypony, fix your best plates, we celebrate in the hall tonight!" he shouted. The crowd cheered as they departed immediately to their homes to prepare some food.

Drizzlepop walked up to Thorax, giving him a hug. Thorax gladly returned it, turning to see both the wife and Doctor looking at him with joy and appreciation.

"You're a hero, Thorax," Drizzle said, "I hope you get to stay here forever!"

"Well now, Drizzle, he might be a hero to the world, too," Barn pointed out. Drizzle gave a pout as she kept hugging Thorax.

"Well then he can be a hero from here! Or I'll go with him!" she said defiantly. Barn and his wife both chuckled.

"Maybe we could travel the world some day when you're all grown up," Thorax said kindly, "we'll just have to wait and see."

"Yaaay!" Drizzle cheered, letting go and hopping around. She turned suddenly to Barn, "Ooh ooh ooh! We're having apple pie tonight aren't we? Is it almost ready?"

Barn shook his head with a soft laugh, "patience little filly, the longer you wait the better it'll taste."

"That's good because it always takes FOREVER!" Drizzle said, earning a laugh from all of them.

Giving love, it's so much more fulfilling than taking it all away.

Hall of Unity, Mount Metazoa | November 5, 1502 | 18:03

Sunset sat at a desk quietly as she sighed to herself. A lot of planning and paperwork was done today, and that was mostly Twilight's thing. She missed Twilight; Twilight was such a great friend to her before all of this nonsense happened. Now, however, wasn't the time to think about the losses they had already suffered and dealt with. Tomorrow, they planned to begin their first trip to the Solar Empire to gather potential harmonists. She had to be prepared, which meant she had to rest.

She closed her notebook and tucked the many papers away into a drawer as she started to get up, before she heard a knocking on the door. She turned to face it, before she heard a quiet whisper.

"Not that door."

She turned to see a door sitting in the middle of the room. With a roll of her eyes, she gave a huff.

"Come in, Discord."

The door opened to reveal Discord walking out from a whimsical void. As he stepped out, he closed the door before picking it up and folding it like paper and stuffing it into a pocket that didn't quite exist.

"You know, I'm not often serious so cherish it while you can," he said with a posh expression before handing her a document. She lit her horn to levitate it before opening it up and looking inside. The text was normal, but the pictures moved. She quirked a brow.

"What is this?"

"A changeling conversion," he said, putting on a pair of reading glasses as a book appeared in his hand. He blew an impossible amount of dust off of it before opening it and showing her the archaic text, "one that hasn't happened in well over four thousand years."

Sunset studied the book closely before looking back at the document.

"The Sweet Acorn Orchard, I've heard of this place," Sunset mused, "it must have grown into a village during the war. If they let a changeling in, they have to be harmonists."

"Oh, listen to you!" Discord said with a frown, "politicking your way to a new world, my goodness it's like watching a Ted Talk with you sometimes, Sunset Shimmer."

"What is a Ted Ta—"

"No matter!" Discord interrupted, "think a bit bigger than your fancy terminology. A changeling conversion happening in a time like this means hope for everyone, a way to end the war! After all, how can Daybreaker possibly wage a war against victimized, beautiful changelings?"

"That's actually right," Sunset said with a sense of excitement, "if this information is spread, it could turn the hearts of ponies in an instant!"

"Well, not quite," Discord retorted, "with only one changeling having been converted now, Daybreaker might just try to kill him to keep the war going. However, that doesn't mean we can't secretly extend our gratitude."

"And how do you suppose we will do that?" Sunset said with a smirk, "sending you as our ambassador?"

The two were silent for a moment as Discord gave a nervous smile. Sunset's expression dropped to an irritated one.

"Absolutely not," she said. Discord gave a pout.

"Oh, come on," Discord said, snapping as he appeared on the other side of her with a suit and tie along with a briefcase, "my middle name is diplomacy! Why would you possibly think I could mess it up?"

"I don't know," Sunset said sarcastically, "maybe because the way to peace doesn't involve floating islands and turning equines into bunnies!"

"I've never turned an equine into a bunny," Discord protested as he looked away. After a moment of silence, he darted an eye towards her before offering a frown, "I've never done it two times."

"See? That's my point exactly," Sunset said, "you can't take things seriously."

"On the contrary, I take these things very seriously," Discord retorted once more, "you just seem to take them too seriously. As if the joys of the world could be drawn from sappy, sobby friendship lectures."

"You know what," Sunset proposed, "why don't we all talk about it tomorrow and see who we should send?"

"That's an excellent idea Sunset, a perfect leader you are," Discord replied, putting a #1 ribbon on her chest, "a lovely replacement for Twilight as well. THIS IS DEMOCRACY MANIFEST~!"

Before she could reply, he vanished into thin air. She gave a grunt as she turned to look at the file again. How curious of such a thing to happen at such a time, she thought. Hope was ever-growing.

Sweet Acorn Orchard, Solar Empire Outskirts | November 5, 1502 | 23:43

Thorax lay in his bed quietly after a great night of festivity and food. It was the first time he found himself capable of eating equine food—not that he had particularly tried before but every now and again he thought about it. With a full stomach, however, and a tired body, he knew it was definitely time to rest. Just as he began to drift away, however, he heard a strange sound of portal magic behind him. Not normal portal magic however, this sounded more—

"Chaotic!" Discord said happily as Thorax spun around and lit his horn in a battle stance. Discord gave a frown, "now now, that's no way to treat a guest."

"What do you want, God of Chaos?" Thorax said sternly, "I have no time for your jeering!"

"Calm down, I'm here on behalf of the Elements of Harmony," Discord said holding up an ID badge that seemed very obviously homemade, "oh, sans Twilight Sparkle, of course. Though, I'm sure you're aware of that fandango."

"What does a God of Chaos have to do with restoring harmony?" Thorax asked with a quirked brow, Discord gave a soft chuckle.

"You stroke my ego too much, Thorax," Discord said, "but in actuality I do value harmony as chaos is meaningless without it. I'd rather not get into the philosophical details of it, so let's just leave it at the fact that I'm on the side of anyone wanting to stop this war that's destroying the world."

"Right," Thorax said slowly.

This was going to be a long night.

Chapter Eleven

Hall of Unity, Mount Metazoa | November 6, 1502 | 07:42

Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Starlight, Gilda, Nova, and Sunset Shimmer had all gathered around the table in the center of the Hall of Unity. They were up early, of course, as they had a plan ready to enact for the reharmonization of Equestria. Sunset Shimmer had told all of them that they had an important discussion to have with Discord in attendance concerning the Changeling convert, but Discord was, of course, absent. After thirty lengthy minutes of waiting, Sunset began to grit her teeth in frustration.

"Discord, where in Tartarus are you?!" she shouted. Before she could continue, a soft chuckling sounded from throughout the room.

"There's no need for such rude language, Sunset," the voice, which was quite obviously Discord's, said, "after all, we have a guest."

A portal opened, drawing the attention of the seven equines and two gryphons, as Discord stepped out with Thorax following behind him. They all stared in awe and confusion, with the exception of Sunset who bore an expression of rage. She looked at the Changeling, then at Discord, struggling at first to find words for how angry she was in the moment of Discord's blatant disregard for their conversation the night prior.

"DISCORD, BY THE GODS," she shouted, "can't you wait for just ONE gods-damned night before risking probably the most important task on our hooves?!"

The rest turned with an expression of disillusionment as Discord smiled and turned to Thorax.

"See? You're the most important task, how does that feel?" he asked. Thorax turned to him with a frown before Discord looked back at Sunset, "I know we agreed to wait, but then I remembered that it's not friendly to speak behind another pony's back, so since the topic of today's discussion was Thorax, I decided to go ahead and bring him along—you, are, welcome~"

He gave a bow, still not impressing them as he turned up and frowned. Thorax sighed greatly before stepping forward to the table between Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. Pinkie, smiling as much as ever and Fluttershy ducking her head down a bit in shyness as he did.

"I'm not sure what your relation to the God of Chaos is," Thorax started, "but if what he says is true and you wish to end the war by peaceful means, then consider me your friend. I'm sure with his help you've already learned that a town on the Empire's outskirts has taken me in as a refugee of sorts. I've grown close to them in this short time, and I don't intend to leave them. At the same time, I know that remaining stationary will do nothing to stop this brutal war, so I propose a compromise. If you can, amid your "tasks" as you say, assist me periodically in finding stray Changelings, perhaps we can convince your Empress that there is more to Changelings than meets the eye."

The idea seemed comprehensive. The equines and gryphons exchanged looks with one another, pondering to themselves for a moment before nodding in agreement. Fluttershy looked up at Thorax.

"Uhm, Mr. Thorax," she said. Thorax turned to her with a stern expression, causing her to wince a bit before he eased his look with a little blush.

"I'm sorry," he said with a nervous laugh, "soldier life, I still have the sternness in me."

"Oh! That's okay!" Fluttershy said apologetically before returning a smile, "I understand, anyway, uhm, I was going to say, we would love to help you find your Changeling friends."

"Between Daybreaker and Chrysalis, it won't be easy finding refuge for them," Applejack pointed out, "unless we took them in here, in which case how would we feed em?"

"I see why they call you the Element of Honesty," Thorax said, turning to her, "those are difficult questions, but they're the right ones to ask. Fortunately, food won't be a problem if we can convince them to give their love instead of taking it. As it stands, I now yearn for the same food you do, with the exception that I don't require near as much to fill my stomach."

"Unfortunately, our territory was obliterated by the Sun Storm," Starlight said, "so I suppose we'd have to take you guys in here. If everypony is in agreement, that is."

"Of course," Nova said, "I don't think any of us have an issue with that."

"And nor do I," Discord finished, "welcome to the team, Thorax."

Crystal Capital, Crystal Empire | November 6, 1502 | 08:12

Sunrise opened her eyes. She had slept alone that night, and likewise woke up by herself. It was different, it was wrong. Without Flash, it felt so cold, and she began to wonder if she had made a mistake. She remembered the Empress' words, which calmed her only a bit as she realized that even though it was necessary, it would still be painful if it resulted in his leaving. Being honest with herself, it might even result in his committing of treason. She feared the outcome that would cause his death, but she remembered his words as well. He said he loved her eyes. What did he mean? Was he gone forever, or was he simply taking a while to consider for himself what things were like? Had he found another mare? Had he gone to search for the harmonists? Sunrise plagued herself with questions before she heard the door open, revealing Spike with a freshly-cooked breakfast.

"I know that look," he said with a sigh, setting a tray upon the bed beside her, "he'll be back. Don't worry, just give him some more time."

"But what if he—" Sunrise started.

"Ah ah ah," Spike said, shaking a finger, "food first, overthinking later."

Sunrise sighed. He was right, she was overthinking. As credible as the questions might have been, there was no logical sense in creating more discomfort for herself than what already was. She began to eat, finding Spike's presence a soothing element to strengthen her appetite. She smiled, looking down at him.

"Spike, I don't think I've expressed enough how much I appreciate you," Sunrise said, giving him a hug. He returned the hug with a smile.

"You have, Sunrise," he said, "by keeping me around and bringing me to these awesome places with you when you could have replaced me with anypony else. I haven't doubted it for a minute."

Sunrise felt a tinge of joy before her heart dropped at the sound of the door opening. She let go of Spike and trotted to the door in a hurried manner, confusedly staring at her visitor having thought initially that he would be Flash. It was not Flash, however, but a different stallion. The same one that revealed her brother's treason. Standing as if welcoming himself in his military attire, adorned with new medals after the shift of command from Shining's "untimely death". He had primarily been assigned over Military Police forces, keeping down resistance and watching over infrastructural development. However, by whatever means, he managed to worm his way into various situations and issues across the nation that, while of importance, went under the Empress' radar. Come to think of it, the stallion had only been involved in the military for four years, two of which were academy training. It was obvious he scored his position by luck more than by merit, however it seemed to pay off for both he and the imperial armed forces.

"Apologies for barging in, your highness, but this matter is of some urgency," the stallion started, "do you mind if I take a seat?"

"I wouldn't have minded if you knocked," Sunrise said with a disappointed face, dropping her sorrowful tone and maintaining a professional look to the lesser rank, "take a seat and explain to me why you're here."

"The Empress has dispatched for an unexpected 'diplomatic' mission; news came to Canterlot about an hour ago of the untimely death of Great President Arthur by reason of a heart attack," Solar explained as he found himself a nice and plush chair to sit in, "likely due to the strain of his old age and taking the brunt of a million blows of hive magic, but the Empress insisted in bringing forth the full mass of the newly-founded Solar Intelligence Agency to investigate for possible foul play. As of now, we have yet to hear word of who was chosen to lead them now."

"And this involves me for what reason?" Sunrise asked. Solar laughed a bit as he shook his head at the implied disregard for Arthur's life. He was certain of the Empire's new supremacist ideology, but it entertained him to see it on such natural display. Sunrise, however, was not amused, quirking a brow at the unwarranted laughter.

"Apologies," he said with a grin, "this involves you because her diplomatic trip will last for the next week. She wants you to coordinate the war's conclusion so that she can focus her full efforts on 'consoling the polar bears', as she put it. Our Empress surely has a strange and convoluted heart."

"Are you meaning to question her intentions?" Sunrise asked suddenly as she shot a glare at him. He responded with a simple waving of his hoof.

"Absolutely not," Solar said, "I'm aware of how you dealt with Shining Armor, so I don't suppose I'd be in a safe position by reason of you alone to question the authority of the world's greatest leader. Regardless, I was dispatched directly to escort you to Canterlot, but I know the Empress mentioned another. What was that stallion's name. . .oh it's right on the tip of my tongue—the field marshal! The new one. That guy."

"Field Marshal Flash Sentry," Sunrise replied with an unamused expression. Solar held his hooves in the air for a moment.

"Ah! Yes, Flash Sentry," he said with a laugh, "I remember him now—from the Equestrian Military Academy! Oh, simpler days those were. Anyway, if the two of you would let me know when—"

"Actually," Sunrise said, cutting him off as her gaze fell to the floor, "I'm not sure where he is. He left after I told him about the incident with Shining—and speaking of I'm not sure how in Tartarus you know about that! Why don't you clue me in?"

"Hey, hey," Solar said with raised brows as Sunrise exhibited the sudden and aggressive tone, "it's my job to know things I'm not quite supposed to; after all I'm not one to broadcast the personal issues of leaders. One cannot help without knowing, no?"

"You offer little help as it stands," Sunrise replied with a scoff, "anyway, Flash will find his way in due time. If you mean to take me to Canterlot, then let's go already."

"As you command," Solar said as he stepped up and stretched before walking towards the door.

After Solar walked out, Sunrise turned back to see Spike polishing a dish. She gave him a smile and bid him farewell, telling him she would be back in a week. He gave a confused look, but waved anyway. Sunrise turned back to the door, and she felt very uncomfortable. Though, she believed it was the absence of Flash Sentry that had sent her into a minor chaotic spiral. It would be okay, she thought. It would just take time. A week's events could heal a day's troubles, surely.

Surely.

Vesalipolis, Changeling Hive | November 6, 1502 | 09:13

"Have we heard back from our Gryphon friend?" the Queen asked, still getting over the stress of having lost so much from a single battle. Another changeling sat beside her, colored with red, purple, and black hues and dressed in the same attire as Thorax once was. He gave a huff.

"No," he said sternly, "not that we should expect timely responses from a former operative of a lost faction."

"Now now," Chrysalis assured, "they may be weak but this spy of theirs did get out alive. Barely, but alive."

"Alive enough to persuade to us, for however long it will last," the changeling retorted with a scoff. Chrysalis chuckled.

"By the way, I heard rumor that Thorax might have been diddling around nearby equine territory," the Queen said, "perhaps you could check on that?"

"I'll tear him apart myself for leaving the hive," the changeling replied, morphing into a large and fearsome creature that resembled a massive clawed beetle with five eyes, flying away immediately. Chrysalis chuckled once more to herself.

"That's what makes you such a great replacement for him, Pharynx," she said softly, licking her lips.

???, ??? | November 6, 1502 | 09:52

It had been quite a while, and Sunrise began to realize along the oddly-silent ride that the scenery was not the same as the ride to Canterlot. Surely, she thought, it wasn't because the leading guards had gotten lost. It was a death penalty to do such a thing. Of course, if they had gotten lost, the path would have been more erratic. The turns they took, they seemed calculated. They seemed deliberate. No moment of pause, no moment of thought, just going forward. Sunrise felt her ill discomfort increase as she turned to face General Blaze, who was looking out the window.

"General, where are we going?" she asked cautiously. Blaze didn't do so much as turn to her general direction.

"I like taking new directions sometimes," he said softly as he stared out the window. Sunrise quirked a brow, able to see a slight reflection in the mirror. His eyes, there was something off about them.

"General Blaze, face me when I speak to you," she said sternly. Blaze simply turned to her with half-lidded eyes, as if cynically unamused with her tone. She focused on his eyes, noticing that while the right eye moved just fine, the other seemed to lag behind it a bit. A glass eye, she thought, but that couldn't be. Glass eyes didn't move, and it looked almost impeccably real. As she studied him, he quirked a brow and it seemed as if he were going to ask something before her horn flashed. He paused for a moment in mild confusion, before shaking his head.

"Is this some. . .magic intimidation. . .or something you princesses do now?" he asked rudely. Sunrise gave a glare.

"No," she replied with a frown, "I flashed a concentrated light at your lazy eye there. You didn't blink, which tells me that eye of yours isn't real."

"Maybe I lost it in war," he said with a frown. Sunrise leaned towards him.

"Or maybe that hive magic in you isn't working well enough to outsmart Imperial Leadership," she said with a snarl, "I could tear your entrails from you right now, Changeling."

General Blaze let out a bellowing laughter, much to the confusion of Sunrise who seemed all the angrier by it as she lit her horn. Blaze held up a hoof.

"I wouldn't do that now, Sunrise Sparkle," he said, "after all, how would the equines react if their precious leader was caught by Changelings and a defeated enemy so easily?"

"A defeated enemy?" she asked, her horn dimming.

"Funny you mention my eye being 'out of commission', as they say. . ." the creature said, before a glowing of hive magic radiated around him. His voice changed from the snarky Canterlotan accent to a more Eastern Gryphonstoni one as he continued to speak, ". . .given your charge of Griffonst Station is the reason I lost it."

"Slyphani," Sunrise said with a chuckle, "Equestria's most wanted. Didn't I watch you fall from the sky like a grade-schooler's paper airplane? Or were my eyes deceiving me?"

"Well, creatures like us have a job to do," Slyphani replied, "you should know it's not the first time I've played dead."

"Well played," Sunrise said, "but as soon as you've gotten me outside of Imperial territory, what are you going to do? I can blast this entire pseudoentourage to Tartarus and teleport your happy hind to Daybreaker's hooves without alerting a single civilian."

"Maybe I don't have a plan," Slyphani said confidently as he leaned back in the chair and lit up a tobacco pipe, "I wouldn't tell you though."

Sunrise frowned. He was a piece of stinking shit, sure, but he knew what he was doing. It was a trick, but regardless of how believable it was or wasn't, it was still a high-stakes possibility she was unwilling to second-guess.

North Polar Lair, Frozen North | November 6, 1502 | 11:52

"In conclusion, I can say that, to all of the mourning families of the Polar Bears, you have the Empire's full diplomatic support going forward from this incessant tragedy. Great President Arthur was a brave warrior, fighting alongside his fellow bear against the Changeling menace without question. He placed his life on the front lines of war, tearing down hundreds if not thousands of insects wishing to tear apart your land. And no, his life was not taken by the Changeling, and no, his life was not taken by war, for even the enemy could not stop him! It was fate that chose his day to rest, it was fate that decided he had done his righteous duty to his fellow bear. Going forward, you must not allow yourself to grieve his death so much as you praise his heroism, follow his example. Continue your path, and it shall yield rewards far greater. Looking down upon you from my precious sun, his pride in his fellow bear shall be felt by all, including myself. Let not his memory fade away, but keep his life as a staple upon your lands and indeed upon the world as we end this war with the Changeling menace!"

A great applause was given along with the roaring of thousands of bears who had gathered for the funeral of the autocratic leader of the North Polar Lair. What was once weeping had turned into cheering, what was once sadness had turned into pride, and what was once the loss of a national hero had turned into the gain of an even greater national pride. Rather than collapse from the death of Arthur, the Polar Nation instead strengthened it's resolve to fight even harder thanks to the words of Empress Daybreaker. After it was concluded, Polar ritual was held to honor the fallen warriors of the attack on the Hailsberg Hive, in which Daybreaker participated in order to sustain diplomatic relations. She felt the pride of the bear, and it made her think of the ponies who willfully supported her in their two-front war against the East and West.

Daybreaker let a smile form across her face, before some of the top generals had approached her. She turned around, tilting her head up to face them directly.

"Empress, I can't say how much we are glad for your words," one said, "we bear are not really the wordy type. We are really glad you came."

"Of course, General Titus," Daybreaker replied, "I was sure to choose them carefully."

"At least you didn't say 'unbearable loss'," another said with a laugh, the rest followed with a hearty laugh along with Daybreaker.

"I nearly did, Gerald!" Daybreaker exclaimed with a feigned nervous chuckle, "my goodness, imagine the turmoil that would have caused!"

As they were talking, a green flame appeared beside her gently tossing a wax-bound letter onto the ground. The bear gave a confused look, but not so confused as the Empress' upon her recognition of the kind of magic that sent it.

"If you will excuse me, I have to attend to this letter," she said. The bears bid her farewell as they continued to chatter and laugh amongst themselves. Daybreaker levitated the letter and walked outside of the main hall into an office room, or something close to an office, and opened the letter. After a few seconds of reading it, her eyes narrowed with rage. The Empress stepped outside, her flaming mane having flared up a bit as she approached the generals.

Upon seeing her, they quieted their conversation, looking at her with an aura of unease.

"Let the organizers know I have had to depart due to a homeland security emergency," she said, "and if anyone regards this to the press, I will have them prosecuted for war crimes."

With that, she lit her horn and vanished in a great flame.

Crystal Capital, Crystal Empire | November 6, 1502 | 11:23

Spike walked back and forth, sweating through his scales as he wondered if he was going to be burnt alive for contacting the Empress directly. He wasn't sure what else to do, he hoped she would understand, and it's not as if he had another choice. He knew something was wrong when he started to put the pieces together. He would study up on things in the Solar Empire's reorganized military unit with Sunrise Sparkle's clearance as what was officially titled "Noble Second to the Empress". It took him a while of pondering to realize that a General of any kind would not have had the clearance to know about the Intelligence Agency, and while he might have done some talking around, the death of G.P. Arthur had not made any Equestrian news yet. There was no way he could have known about it, unless Spike just wasn't considering something but he had to try anyway. His gut was telling him there was danger, and he'd rather be safe than sorry.

A great ball of fire manifested within the structure as Spike stepped away, falling backwards in the process as he was startled by the flame's intensity. Within a few moments, the flames retreated to the mane and tail of the Empress, who was visibly agitated. Spike gave a gulp as she looked at him with fire in her eyes.

"Explain that letter immediately, Spike," she said sternly, "leave no detail out!"

"I-I-I uh, well, I think it was, uh..." Spike stuttered nervously. He was unable to make eye contact, and Daybreaker realized that she was likely scaring the living daylights out of him. She shook her head with a deep breath as the flames upon her calmed down to their usual amount.

"Take a breath Spike, I am not here to kill you," she said. Spike looked up at her with an unsure expression before giving a sigh of relief, "Sunrise was not to be relocated, the diplomatic meeting was only to be for the duration of the Polar Bears' ceremony. Please, tell me what happened."

"It was General Blaze," Spike said, "he came in without knocking and said that you had left for a week, mentioned the Intelligence Agency, and I knew he didn't have the clearance so I thought something was up, and I knew you would have simply told Sunrise yourself so I sent a letter."

"That's odd," Daybreaker pondered, stepping to the side and looking towards the wall, "why would Sunrise not question that?"

"He uh," Spike started, "he seemed to distract her, as if to quickly detract from it before she could think about it. He mentioned Shining Armor, said he 'knew about things that he wasn't supposed to', and said he was sent to personally escort her and that it was urgent."

Daybreaker gritted her teeth. She had known General Blaze since she was still in the form of Celestia. Celestia had doubts, but put trust over rationality, allowed him in for the sake of friendship. In that moment, she knew the mistake she made.

"Once again, I am throttled by Celestia's mistakes," Daybreaker growled, "Blaze was playing the long game, he was never here to serve us as Equestria or the Solar Empire. He was a GODS-DAMNED SPY!"

The Empress let out a ear-piercing roar that Spike was fortunately able to shield his ears from in time, however the sound of the roar was enough to shake the building itself. Spike closed his eyes for a moment before looking up to see that she was gone. A single flame flickering out from where she once stood.

???, ??? | November 6, 1502 | 11:39

Slyphani quirked a brow upon hearing the echoing roar. He gave a chuckle.

"The Empress has found out you were missing," Slyphani said, "Spike must have sent her a letter as I anticipated."

Sunrise looked over to him with a frown.

"She can locate me rather quickly with a detection spell," Sunrise pointed out, "and if she's angry enough to let out such a shout, she's angry enough to wipe all of you out without a second thought. Come to think of it, I wouldn't have to fear any plan of yours! I'll just kill you now."

She lit her horn before Slyphani rolled his eyes and lifted up an odd mechanical device with a small red button on it. Sunrise quirked a brow as her horn dimmed once more, wondering what the scoundrel had 'planned' now.

"You know, we did a lot of study on alicorn magic while we had encapsulated Princess Luna. However, the Griffonian Empire was too prideful to outsource the proper magical resources to the Changeling power while Taurus was in power. I worked with the Changelings of my own volition to develop a few interesting sciences, such as a way to dispel alicorn magic of any kind with particular magi-deterrent elements artificially created from harvested essence of the Nightmare. Furthermore, it allows me to set an automatic activation upon interaction of alicorn magic onto a device such as, say, this one."

He gently shook the device in his claws, puffing the tobacco pipe nonchalantly with a smirk.

"It looks like a toy," Sunrise pointed out unamused. Slyphani gave a chuckle.

"But it packs a big bang," he said, "namely of the Alpony Residential Complex in Las Pegasus, given it is linked to quite a load of crafted magidynamic thermobaric expulsion compounds. MTEC capsules, as you might have read in a war textbook. A fairly recent science for the fairly recent Solar Empire, but a more refined one to the Griffonians."

"You're holding thirty-two thousand equines hostage," Sunrise said weakly, turning her face to the floor with an expression of shock, "that was your plan."

"Actually, I was hoping you would have not believed me at first," Slyphani pointed out, "that way, I could have detonated the building and lied about having another setup. That would have been absolutely golden, but as it turns out you're rather smart and knew to, hehe, hold your horses."

Sunrise gritted her teeth, quietly snarling as she knew there wasn't anything she could do but wait it out. Why didn't she think about this? How could he have so cleverly gone under her nose this whole time? Furthermore, what was going to happen when she encountered Chrysalis, who she assumed she would soon be meeting? One thing she knew about hostage situations, of course, was that the hostages died whether or not the holder had their way.

As all seemed lost, a crackling sound came from the wall in front of her. She and Slyphani both looked in astonishment as a text burned into the carriage's wall with a yellowish aura, reading "HOPE FS".

"What the fuck?" Slyphani said with a snarl, staring at the letters in confusion. Sunrise began to laugh as Slyphani quickly turned to her, "what is so funny?"

"For a gryphon who has studied so much magic, you seemed to forget that alicorn magic and unicorn magic operate differently," Sunrise said, "now, you're fucked."

"Damn it all!" Slyphani shouted, opening the carriage door and leaning out before shouting in fluent Changeling. The "guards" leading the carriage turned to one another, having reached the outside of the Empire's national borders and letting out a collective screech. They dropped their false forms to reveal standard changeling hoofsoldiers before speeding up the carriage to an uncomfortable pace. Sunrise simply grinned to herself as she recognized the yellow aura.

"You came back," she thought to herself.

Author's Note

WELL, THAT CERTAINLY TOOK A LONG TIME.

Chapter Twelve

Lunar Castle, Graymourne | November 6, 1502 | 12:12

Nightmare Moon missed her sleep. It used to be something she did once a day, now it was once a week. Being tormented for months definitely made it difficult, but at the very least she had less dreams to fool around with given the standard of trauma for equines was higher than it used to be. It was fair to say the nightmares that once caused significant trauma in ponies were now insignificant in comparison to the current events. Regardless of that, she only felt concerned for her Thestrals, which were far easier to manage on a nightly basis.

She sighed, sitting on a throne in a newly-constructed castle room befitting of her demeanor and appearance. It had not been long, but even with the speedy efforts of her Thestrals, time dragging by under the moonlight. Eternal nightfall definitely made keeping track of time more difficult, but at least it made her sleep feel more regular. As she was beginning to feel a tinge of boredom, a loud knocking sounded from the doors.

"Enter," she said with a groan, readjusting herself. The doors swung open to reveal a flaming Daybreaker panting heavily with the all-too-familiar aura of her horn fading from the door handles. The Nightmare quirked a brow, "I didn't expect to see you back so early."

Daybreaker shut the doors behind her and walked forward rather quickly, causing the Nightmare to become cautiously anticipatory. Her pace was uneven, yet her voice was silent sparing the rough exhales of a state similar to that of panic. It was unlike Daybreaker, to say the least, and Nightmare Moon hadn't a clue as to what was going on. Her curiosity was soon to be satiated, however, as the Empress stopped around fifteen feet away.

She looked up to her sister. Her eyes were filled with fire, but steam as well. Water, vaporizing faster than it could form. Nightmare Moon shifted her gaze a bit to notice the strained wings of Daybreaker, and was stricken more so with a now beaming curiosity. As her eyes met those of her sister once more, she could only ponder what possible questions she could ask in the moment of dreadful silence. As long as it seemed, it was not long enough to allow the Nightmare to question as Daybreaker finally spoke up.

"Sunrise has been captured," she said. Nightmare Moon's heart sank. Why? She wondered. She tried to kill her sister long ago, she knew she hated Celestia, but perhaps that was just it. She hated Celestia, in much the same way that she hated Luna. Yet, to see Daybreaker, the true alicorn Empress within her weak sister, grieving a potential loss—it struck her in a way she did not expect.

"Why do you come to me?" Nightmare Moon asked, trying to maintain an authoritative tone. Daybreaker shook her head, looking down. The Nightmare refused to show the foreign emotions she was feeling, yet she was just as clueless about their origin as she was about the fact that Daybreaker would come to her for such a personal issue.

"I. . .do not know. . ." she said softly, before facing her sister once more, "nor do I know what to do. It was Celestia's mistake that cost her, putting into place a spy for the sake of friendship, and these feelings, these emotions. . .I do not want Celestia to create a greater problem than she has already. I need your help, sister."

Nightmare Moon was taken aback. Was this the same Daybreaker she met on the battlefield? Or perhaps it was still fresh for her—but those feelings she mentioned; could it be Celestia's emotions that apprehended her judgement? If that were the case, then the emotions she had now could only be those of Luna. Nightmare Moon shook her head. Luna would not take stranglehold over her mind again. Not after a thousand years on the moon, not after what felt like a thousand years of torment by the griffons. Luna would forgive everything that happened and try to restore what should be righteously-destroyed.

"They are not Celestia's emotions," she said, sternly. Daybreaker looked up to her sister, confused as Nightmare Moon continued, "they are yours, Daybreaker. Sunrise is your pupil as much as Twilight was Celestia's. It is right of you to feel sorrow and guilt for what has happened, but you mustn't let that stop you in your tracks. I shall help you, after all I wish to take this conflict directly to Chrysalis as much as you do. Sunrise will not be harmed."

Daybreaker smiled before she felt a pulse of magic in her horn. Lighting it, a visage of Flash Sentry appeared before the two sisters. Nightmare Moon had come off her throne and down to the level of Daybreaker to watch, meanwhile the Empress herself had lost her smile quickly to equip an expression of reprimand.

"Flash Sentry!" Daybreaker shouted, "Sunrise was kidnapped in your absence! Where were you?!"

"I was tracking the damn entourage she was leaving with," Flash replied defensively, "and before you decide to cast me to the inferno, perhaps you should listen the information I've gathered from them."

"Bold stallion, that one," Nightmare said with a smirk as Daybreaker frustratedly rolled her eyes.

"Thirty-two equines are in danger, the Las Pegasus ARC. General Solar Blaze was using Changeling magic to hide his true identity," Flash started, "I believe they're taking Sunrise to the Vesalopolis hive."

"Damned Insect!" Daybreaker snarled, "I'll have him skinned ali—"

"Not insect, Empress," Flash said. Daybreaker flared her nostrils as she looked back.

"What?"

"Sunrise thought the same thing," Flash said with a bit of shakiness in his voice, before shaking his head quickly to dismiss the thoughts he began to have again, "it's Slyphani, the griffonian spy. He was coordinating with the changelings against the former King Taurus' will."

Daybreaker turned to Nightmare Moon with a look of furious shock. Nightmare Moon herself was surprised to hear that Slyphani had orchestrated such a thing. While he was a notorious war criminal, his silence during most of the latter war made him seemingly old news. Daybreaker turned back to Flash.

"How are they targeting the ARC?" she asked. Flash shook his head again.

"MTECs, a lot of them," Flash said, "he's using it as a way to keep Sunrise from escaping. Her compassion is the only thing compromising her safety."

"Not her compassion," Daybreaker retorted, "her nationalism. She wouldn't spare her life if a single citizen were to be harmed from it."

"We've retrieved a significant amount of griffonian blueprints and have been interpreting them," Nightmare Moon said, "I can have some of the more savvy thestrals employed for disarming, however. . ."

". . .they will still need to be evacuated," Daybreaker pondered, "but it can't be that simple, because. . ."

". . .not only are there thirty-two thousand to evacuate, but the Changelings are likely watching," Flash finished, "and while taking Sunrise would be significant to them, I would be willing to guess that they prioritize number of deaths over influence of deaths."

The three of them were silent for a moment. Regardless of what they did, there was a chance of a terrorist attack on an unprecedented scale, and Sunrise was currently in Changeling custody. Daybreaker gritted her teeth. With all of her power, with even her sisters power in addition to hers, it was not feasible to go against such odds without losing too much. However, if they did nothing, then they would lose both Sunrise and the thirty-two thousand. Likely more from the aftermath. The Changelings might even use it as an opportunity to invade.

After a further silence, another knock sounded at the door. The two sisters turned to it, Nightmare letting out another sigh.

"Enter," she said softly. The door opened up once more, softer this time, revealing Starry Night, the Liege of Warfare Tactics and Intelligence, as she was titled under the United Lunar State's military reorganization. Starry blinked upon seeing Daybreaker, but continued forward anyway as the doors shut behind her carrying a few folders in her wings.

"I wasn't anticipating providing this information in front of Empress Daybreaker," Starry began, earning a curious expression from the Empress, "but our spies have acknowledged Changeling counterparts in the Las Pegasus region."

Starry looked at Flash from the visage, smiling and waving before continuing.

"We've identified six of them," she said as she opened her wing for the Nightmare to levitate the texts and read them along with the Empress, "according to intelligence ascertained from Griffonstone and from our own operations, we are certain they were carrying out what is referred to as a Interception-Decimation Schema. The six counterparts we intercepted and have track of now appear to all be operating within these bounds and are focused on surveillance. There is only one problem."

"No Junior Mindcarrier," Nightmare pointed out, "but if we find the Junior Mindcarrier. . ."

". . .we can cut off their communication to the hive," Daybreaker said with a frown, she glared at Nightmare Moon, "and after we do that, we can discuss why you put spies in one of my major cities."

Daybreaker cut out the feed to Flash without warning, before turning to Starry Night.

"Good work," the Empress said, giving another glance to Nightmare Moon before vanishing in a flame. Nightmare Moon raised her eyebrows a bit before looking at Starry.

"Have I told you that your timing is really terrible?" Nightmare asked.

Sweet Acorn Orchard, Solar Empire Outskirts | November 6, 1502 | 14:22

Drizzlepop wandered around the Orchard, taking a look to see what all was going on today. Ponies plowing fields, harvesting what few crops were left to harvest before the winter rolled around. At this rate, of course, winter might not particularly roll around with the unyielding sun, but the pattern was still there so there was no need to break it. There weren't many youth her age, not exactly. Some a few years older, some a few years younger, but she was a bit of an odd one out. That and the fact that she engaged with a changeling knowingly gave a bit of stigma to her presence that remained unspoken and, fortunately, unbeknownst to her.

After a while, she noticed that Thorax had not left his home, and began to wonder if he was sleeping in. She rolled her eyes with an exaggerated sigh and walked towards his house. She was carrying a small pink saddlebag with a drawing in it that she wanted to show him. Now, quaint and plain as the house was, it was easy for Drizzle to find given she had committed it to memory much faster than even Barn's house.

She loved Barn, she loved Barn's wife. They were like her parents, real ones at least. Not the ones she had dealt with before. She didn't want to think of that. It was an awful and cruel past and her mind had mostly blocked it out anyway. She had visions of the atrocities burned into her vision after it was lost, the last image she saw was a hoof in her face. That was until Thorax, who gave her the ability to see new things, to forget all of the bad stuff and live in the colorful world again. For that reason, she always thought of Thorax before Barn. Not because Barn was not good enough—he was the best step-daddy anypony could ask for—but he didn't save her from seeing the big, nasty hoof. Thorax did.

She knocked on the door, calling out to Thorax.

"Thoraaaax!" she yelled, "Thoraaaaaax! Are you sleeping in? Father might have to ground you for sleeping in! He did it to me and you're like my brother so he'll treat you fair and do the same!"

She chuckled at her comment for a bit, waiting and knocking again. She began to frown, however, as there wasn't a bit of sound coming from the inside. She began to look around the house curiously, seeing if he might have been playing hide-and-seek with her. That's when she heard hoofsteps behind her. She turned to see one of the civilians behind her.

"Hey, mister, have you seen Thorax? He should be in here but he's not answering his door," she said, "he's not out working the fields is he? I already checked!"

The stallion gave a confused look, before laughing.

"Oh, you mean the Changeling, right?" he said, "not a hard one to spot, but I was looking for him myself. I wanted to chat with him."

"Oh! He's a really lovely pony," Drizzle replied, "especially when he turned green and orange and got his new horns and wings!"

"What?" the stallion said suddenly, before clearing his throat, "ah, I must have missed all of that."

"He was at the gathering the other night, everypony was invited!" Drizzle said, "did you miss it? Oh that would have sucked, the food was so good!"

"Ah, had things to do," the stallion said dismissively, "but that's fine. Tell me what he looked like again?"

"Here!" Drizzle reached into the small saddlebag she had with her and showed the stallion a very silly but very colorful drawing that depicted her and Thorax holding hooves and playing together. The stallion looked on with confusion and thought to himself for a moment.

"Ah, that's definitely strange, I suppose I'll have to ask the 'head honcho' about that, haha," he said. Drizzle chuckled as well.

"Well, Barn should be right over there," she pointed in the direction of Barn's house, "I'm sure he would be happy to tell you all about it!"

"I'm certain he would," the stallion said with a grin.

After he left, Drizzle continued to search around for Thorax. She walked, and walked, and walked, seeing everypony around working hard but not a single Thorax in sight! She sighed loudly and worriedly, turning back to see if he might have been behind her, but there was nopony there. She began to feel a bit sad. Finally, after several minutes of searching, she travelled to the outskirts of the town and waited for a while. She waited for a while longer, and began to sing to herself softly. A lullaby Barn's wife, Sugarcookie, taught her. Sugarcookie was just as busy as Barn was, cooking and cleaning all of the time but occasionally getting together with mares to host small events while the stallions worked all day. After all, it was general in the region that mares would enjoy drinks and snacks that weren't hard apple cider and salted crackers.

In days of old, a young mare told, a tale of destiny. Though times were tough, and feeling's rough, it made the best of we. The time we spent, the lengths we went, to learn the things we know. In days of old, an old mare told, we reap, what then we sewed.

She smiled a bit, thinking it was a funny rhyme. That mare must have had it rough to grow old so quickly! She chuckled to herself, turning around. As she did, a big smile spread across her face.

"Thorax! You came back!"

Hall of Unity, Mount Metazoa | November 6, 1502 | 13:52

"What did it feel like?" Fluttershy asked. Thorax, after having negotiated plans and ideas with the fellow harmonists, was now being showered with multiple questions as to how his metamorphosis worked, what his life was like, and so on. Thorax scratched his head a bit.

"Bliss, it felt like bliss, but," Thorax said slowly, "but like nothing—at the same time. It was as if I was simultaneously experiencing it, and not experiencing it. I'm sorry, I'm not sure how to explain it."

"That's fine," Sunset Shimmer said, "but I have a theory about the Changeling hivemind, and the way it functions on a magiphysical level."

"Shoot," Thorax said. However, before Sunset Shimmer could ask her question, Discord interrupted.

"Sorry to interrupt your interrogatory barrage of our Changeling guest," he said with his typical sense of grandiosity before providing a piece of paper to Sunset, "but my top secret spy, being myself, has discovered some rather uncomfortable information concerning Vanhoover. The whole ARC is rigged to blow by some acting Changeling spies."

Sunset frantically read the paper as the others gathered around her with shock. Starlight turned to Discord.

"That could be as much as forty thousand casualties," she said, "they're using MTECs!"

The group turned to Starlight with questioning expressions as she rolled her eyes.

"MTECs are highly explosive magically-assisted compounds," she explained, "they have a blast radius of around fifty meters per kilogram if detonated under the proper conditions. Not only is it hard to find, but it's incredibly expensive to purchase as well."

"And I'm assuming you know this due to your former affairs?" Applejack questioned with a quirked brow. Nova turned to the earth pony.

"Yes, but mostly from me," she replied, "what concerns me is that, while some of these explosives reach the black market, they almost exclusively come from Griffonstone."

"But Griffonstone fell," Rainbow Dash said, "how could they be making more of that stuff?"

"Maybe a few separatists, Darling," Rarity suggested. Thorax shook his head slowly.

"No, the Changelings had a specific griffonian contact who provided intelligence for a price of an underground trade to the east," he explained, "his name was Slyphani."

The Elements of Harmony chattered with one another momentarily before things fell silent. Eventually, they read further to discover the rest of the situation as disclosed to both Lunar and Solar intelligence and top-secret clearance officials, and began to realize the gravity of the situation. Thorax, however, came to a sudden realization.

"I need to get back to the Orchard, the Changelings might have discovered them on their way to Vanhoover!" he said, frantically gathering himself as he turned to realize there wasn't an immediately quick way back. He turned to Discord before Applejack spoke up.

"Hang on Thorax," she protested, "how do you know they'd be followin' that path exactly? Ain't the Orchard out of the way?"

"I was in charge of the construction and deployment of Vesalopolis' naval fleet," he explained, "our plan was to invade the empire by striking Seaward Shoals by hoof, and Vanhoover by navy. The polar bears had destroyed our hive in Hailberg as well as our only constructed naval fleet, and meanwhile the maginuclear weapon dropped on the Wandering woods destroyed and irradiated most of the path by land. The Jackalope Slopes, from what I remember, were firing autonomous artillery units and anything beyond them was under assumed Empire protection in a strict vantage point that would prevent safe passage. So the safest way to get to Vanhoover for spies would be to enter the Sweet Acorn Orchard from the Taiga Range and head through Sire's Hollow to take an identity before moving on to the Shoals."

"Damn good thing you have that kind of memory," Nova said, "but wouldn't you be a priority-one target?"

"No, they wouldn't even report back about me," Thorax said, "Changelings sent on espionage missions are hive-focused by a specific type of Mindcarrier, their focus is so heavily programmed that they do not falter in the objective, but upon completing their mission, they could have reported back. I need to get to them quickly! Discord, open a portal!"

Discord held up his talon and paw with raised eyebrows as he snapped the talons to open a portal back to his home in the Orchard.

"Your wish, is my command," he said with a bow. Thorax quickly jumped through. The equines and gryphons looked at each other with expressions of worry, only hoping for the safety of Thorax. In the meantime, however, they needed to figure out what to do about the ARC situation.

Sweet Acorn Orchard, Solar Empire Outskirts | November 6, 1502 | 14:42

Thorax stepped through the portal, looking around to see his house. It was untouched, and the curtains were left closed from when he left. He sighed, relieved, walking up to the door and leaning his hoof up to it. He noticed, however, that the door was already cracked open. With a confused look, he leaned down to observe it before taking notice of a droplet of blood on the ground. He let out a gasp, opening the door quickly to reveal the orchard.

Barn was outside. Held up by a single piece of jagged wood which pierced through his rump out of the neck. Sugarcookie was beside him, similarly impaled. Beside her, Spring, and Haze, and the rest of the village all lined up in front of the house by row. It was done in the same fashion as Daybreaker's Changeling executions. Down to every, excruciating detail. Blood from the mouth, as the impaling was done with precision to target a specific line of organs that would cause a lasting death, but no longer than an hour at most.

Their eyes were glossed over, their expressions stuck in a horrified shock as their mouths were held open. Flies had already gathered in numerous amounts around them as the stench of iron was now apparent, along with what looked like a crimson river beneath them. Thorax wasn't sure his heart was still beating, seeing their faces, their bodies, he wasn't capable of thinking at all. He wasn't sure he believed what was happening, until he heard a soft sobbing begin from behind him.

"Oh my god, oh my god n-no—" Thorax stuttered to himself as he stumbled down to run towards the sound he heard. He slipped on droplets of blood as the sobbing remained soft. However, it's softness seemed only to be because the creature producing it wasn't capable of doing much more. He opened up the door to the closet that the sound was coming from. When he opened it, he fell backwards and vomited on the ground.

"Dr. . .dr. . .nnnn. . ." the changeling uttered, unable to produce words but only uncontrolled sounds of horror as he gazed upon Drizzlepop, who was softly crying as she laid upon the floor, bleeding from freshly-gouged eyesockets. She slowly moved her head up, unsure of the noise she was hearing. Thorax began to hyperventilate, trying to calm himself as he attempted to approach her, "Dr-Drizzlep—"

She let out a scream suddenly upon hearing his voice, hiding in the corner and swinging towards him with what energy she had left. Thorax tried to calm her down, but she didn't stop, she just kept swinging.

"Nnooo, no stop st—stop!" she shouted between sobs, "you hurt me enough go away! Go away! GO AWAY GO AWAY GO AWAY!"

She continued to swing again. In that moment Thorax realized what had happened. He clenched his teeth, lighting his horns and casting an anesthetic spell over Drizzlepop until she drifted into a soft sleep. It wasn't just an anesthetic spell, but a mercy spell. Thorax laid his hoof on her chest, feeling the pulse slowly die out as she drifted away peacefully from the pain she was feeling. Once the heart beat it's final beat, and the last breath of air sounded more like a soft choking, Thorax inhaled deeply, turning around and walking out the door.

He looked once more at the impaled equines, lighting his horn once more and causing a flame to ignite beneath them all. The house behind him, as well, went up quickly in green flames as black smoke began to fill the sky. He jumped off of the ground, a shockwave blasting from beneath him as he darted into the sky and began to fly to Canterlot.

But the skies turned black, when the swarm attacked, and left us all with woe.

Canterlot, Solar Empire | November 6, 1502 | 15:32

"No, I don't want theories, I want ANSWERS!" Daybreaker shouted with a booming voice to a table of military advisors and intelligence officers, "Thirty-two thousand lives are at risk and you're trying to give me textbook answers? This isn't a classroom, and this is not a short-answer problem, this is whether or not I decide to have you all executed for inadequacy! Now give me information!"

"Empress, please," one officer said, "we are as sorrowful as you are, we just can't—"

"EVIDENTLY NOT!" Daybreaker shouted again, slamming her hooves on the table as the flames on her tail and mane flared up with steam shooting from her nostrils, "you have fifteen minutes to—"

Before she could finish her sentence, the doors burst open as the two guards on standby fell down from the outside of the room. Thorax stood tall in the center as the equines in the room became awestruck, staring back in silence. Daybreaker, with an expression of disgusted shock, stared him down in a moment of silence before speaking up.

"What. . .in Tartarus. . .do you think you are doing?!" she said in disbelief. Thorax simply held eye contact.

"I'm here to help you kill Chrysalis, take the offer or kill me here."

The advisors looked at one another, knowing he was a Changeling but confused as to why he looked the way he did. After a moment, they looked up to Daybreaker and were surprised to see the mad grin upon her face.

Author's Note

This is the only chapter that has been genuinely difficult to write.

Chapter Thirteen

Las Pegasus, Solar Empire | November 6, 1502 | 17:00

A large group of thick clouds began to form over the booming city of Las Pegasus, soft thunder beginning to roll as quick discharges of lightning lit up the atmosphere for only a few seconds. While the day was eternal, the clouds occasionally would block the sun, allowing a team of six operatives from the Solar Intelligence Agency to attempt locating the Junior Mindcarrier. While magic served as a simple method of communication between most unicorns, it was both difficult to hide and limited, of course, to the few unicorns capable of communication-based magic. Thanks once more to seized Griffonstone tech from the Lunar State, the operatives were able to communicate via earpiece along with the attendants of the war council table in Canterlot, including Daybreaker, Nightmare Moon, and Thorax.

"I want to make something abundantly clear," Thorax said through the table, which had a spell cast on it to send and receive sound to and from the magic-compatible earpieces, "the Junior Mindcarrier must be terminated as soon as the opportunity is provided, the six Changeling operatives must be SECURED and taken to me for questioning as agreed upon by Empress Daybreaker. Do not let his title deceive you, Junior Mindcarriers are long-distance communication drones that sustain the hivemind over a vast distance. They are incredibly intelligent, offering them such an ability, and loyal to their Queen to the most radical ends. When separated from the hivemind, a Changeling will begin to feel vulnerable, and terrified. They will likely lose their ability to shift under the circumstances, so be prepared for public response."

Upon his mentioning of the Changeling's disconnection from the Hivemind, a few of the advisors looked at each other and mumbled quietly, thinking back to the odd behavior of the Changeling's executed thus far. Thorax picked up on this, turning to them.

"Yes, they felt the same as your people did," he said quietly, "but let's keep our focus on the plan, please."

Daybreaker turned to Thorax with a slight smile, Nightmare Moon having a rather amused expression herself as the table pinged from three locations.

"Unit 1-1 Lead, we hear you," a voice said, "awaiting go order."

"Unit 1-3 Lead, ditto," another voice said, "awaiting go order."

"Unit 1-5 Lead, ditto," the final one said, "awaiting go order."

The advisors spoke to each other a bit more, discussing the plan and possible fallbacks for a brief moment before Daybreaker gave a nod to them, looking over to Nightmare Moon.

"Plan is active," Nightmare Moon said, "Lunar Intelligence is in position and ready to provide backup. Bomb squads are en route from the White Tail Woods by train, they will be arriving within thirty minutes."

"Unit 1-1, beginning our search."

The six equines were split into three groups, all wearing the inconspicuous earpieces and dressed to fit in with the environment. Each pair, a male and female, were positioned at three separate densely-populated spots around the city. Thanks to Thorax's intel, the search radius from the Las Pegasus ARC was reduced to only one-and-a-half miles from the center of the ARC. The plan was to trigger particular events and investigate responses. This was by no means easy, but of course, these operatives were well-trained, albeit rather recent training.

Lunar State agents were likewise strategically placed, although having to remain hidden in the shade of the storm so as not to draw too much attention, yet keeping an eye on and coordinating through direct communication to Nightmare Moon the location of the six Changeling operatives that had been discovered already. The Changelings were already identified, and were in similar groups operating near-identical to the employed task force. This made them easier to track, but ran the risk of early detection due to the foreknowledge of such a tactic.

"Remember, we have an estimated 30 minutes before they move in to activate the detonation," Nightmare Moon said, "LS Agents will provide an immediate signal when Changeling agents are observed actioning their mission."

The equines and Changeling at the table all looked at one another, and while they maintained a professional appearance, they all had the nerve-wracking feeling within them. Only hoping that it didn't go wrong.

???, ??? | November 6, 1502 | 17:30

Slyphani was facing the wall of the carriage, visibly stressed and more so frustrated as he pondered the different outcomes. There was never an event he wasn't prepared for, and this vile feeling of unpreparedness was greatly unfamiliar to him. He let out a quiet sigh, attempting to calm himself down. His calmness didn't remain, however, as he heard a soft chuckle from Sunrise. The alicorn was simply fiddling with her hooves, brushing off a smudge of dirt or clacking them softly together. It seemed she was impatient, anticipatory, but smiling. It was playful, and infuriating.

"I could kill you now," Slyphani barked, "none of them would know."

"C. . ." Sunrise said softly, "or D."

"What?"

"Chrysalis, or Daybreaker. Your choice."

She smiled, as Slyphani realized she called his bluff immediately. She was right, if he killed her, not only would he have Daybreaker to deal with, but also Chrysalis who personally wanted to kill Sunrise herself. He looked outside, seeing that they were approaching Sire's Hollow. It would take several hours to transport her all of the way, and at this point he was beginning to think that there might have been an issue in the plan Chrysalis put together. It seemed flawless, but Flash Sentry was the rogue element. He stroked his brow with his talon, gripping the detonator in the other as he gave a soft huff.

"You're smart, I'll give you that," he said. Sunrise paused, turning to him with a quirked brow as he faced her.

"Thank you," she said, "I'd say the same for you. Avoiding us all those years, managing to come back from the dead—though with one less eye."

Sunrise started to laugh a bit, and after a moment Slyphani joined in. At this point, he realized the original plan was already a failure, and that there was no salvaging it. He turned to face a small compartment on the opposite side of the carriage from where they were sitting, using his talon to open it and taking out a bottle of whiskey.

"Well, as long as I have leverage," he said, lightly shaking the detonator, "perhaps we could have a drink and enjoy my last moments."

"Did the magic of friendship rub off on you~?" Sunrise asked tauntingly, taking a shot glass from the gryphon as he poured it for her. He shook his head with a snicker.

"The magic of impending doom with just enough control to somewhat determine exactly what time it should be," he corrected, holding the glass up, "a toast to the horrors of war."

"To the horrors of war," Sunrise said, clanking the glass with him as they both downed the shots. Sunrise suddenly coughed, her expression showing almost a shock from the strong taste.

"Now there's something you can't fake," he said, pouring another shot for himself, "alcohol tolerance."

Sunrise laughed, holding her glass over to him. He poured another glass for her, and with another tink, they both drank. After a few more times, they both began to feel tipsiness as time slipped by. Laying back, Slyphani gave a sigh.

"Have you ever stopped to wonder about your enemies," he asked, "what brought them to the point they are? What convinces them that they are correct and you are not? Aside, well, supremacists of course. They're easy to figure out."

"I can't deny that," Sunrise said with a chuckle, "but I suppose I've made the mistake of empathizing with my enemies more times than I can count. Back in the day, it was as simple as a motivational speech to convince them towards harmonist values. It was like a child's theatre play, where everything was just alright despite any atrocities committed."

"The wonders of old Equestria," Slyphani replied, "speaking of wonders, how did you get to where you are now? You used to be so. . .perfect. . .the goody-two-hooves of goody-two-hooves. Incredibly bright, but never cynical. What changed you?"

"I suppose part of intelligence is adaptation," Sunrise replied, "and when Celestia decided it was time to relinquish herself to Daybreaker, I knew I had to relinquish myself to Sunrise."

"And the sun surely rose," he said, "it was all the talk with the Griffonstone War Council. They were terrified!"

The two laughed a bit more, eventually deciding it was time for another shot. After poured, toasted, and drank, Sunrise turned to the Griffonian spy.

"What about you?" she asked, "I and most former Equestrians operate with loyalty. The Changelings, the Polar Bears, the Drakes, and likely even the Griffons all operate under the same ideal of loyalty to a superior. What ideal do you hold?"

Slyphani opened his beak for a moment, before closing it and turning away to ponder. He sat down the glass and gave a small chuckle before leaning back in the chair. He held his talons behind his neck to rest his head, crossing his legs. After a sigh, he looked up to the ceiling of the carriage and answered.

"Everyone lies, and everyone changes," he said, before turning to her and raising his brows, "say I was loyal to Twilight Sparkle, well, I'd be thoroughly disappointed with Sunrise Sparkle. If I were loyal to Celestia, I would likewise not be loyal to Daybreaker. To Luna, not to Nightmare Moon—and vice versa. It seems to me that it is always the case that no single being on this planet is consistent with themselves, the only difference between I and they on a personal level is that I make a living from my inconsistency. Hell, I might even work for the Empire some day—assuming I'm not dead by the next hour."

They both laughed heartily.

Las Pegasus, Solar Empire | November 6, 1502 | 17:35

"Command this is Unit 1-5 Lead, we have no notable activity."

Daybreaker put her head down, gritting her teeth. The flames upon her had only flared up slightly, but she was doing everything in her power not to ignite the entire room. She turned to Nightmare Moon, giving a shrug. Nightmare Moon turned to Thorax, giving the same shrug. Thorax sighed.

"As far as I see it, taking a risk for success is better than taking a guarantee for failure," Thorax said, "but the operatives haven't moved in yet, we still have time."

"But how much time is the question," Nightmare pointed out, "for all we know, it could be at any moment now."

There was a moment of silence as the creatures in the room thought to themselves. Suddenly, Daybreaker raised her head and spoke up.

"No, they're waiting for Sunrise to get to Chrysalis," she said, "we overlooked the obvious! Sunrise isn't leverage against us, the MTEC detonations are leverage against Sunrise!"

"Which means we have upwards of four hours to locate the Junior Mindcarrier," Thorax said, lighting his horn and speaking through the table again, "the attack is a leverage against Sunrise Sparkle, keep searching."

"Unit 1-1 Lead, hear you loud and clear, continuing the search," the equine said. The six dots continued to move around on the map, searching around as the Lunar State agents created small distractions as subtly as possible to cause a crowd reaction. Minutes passed, then minutes more, the impatience in the room gathering until one of the dots lit up.

"Unit 1-3 Lead, we have a candidate," the equine said, "awaiting interception order."

"You are go to intercept 1-3 Lead," one of the advisors said through the table, "Changeling agents are out of view, the Antihive spell should disorient the rest of them. Stay cautious, if it's the wrong one, there's a chance the Junior Mindcarrier would be able to detect the disturbance and send a distress signal."

"Unit 1-5 Lead, we have eyes-on. Two hostile agents in view," another said, "prepared to engage."

"Loud and clear 1-5, standby," the advisor replied, turning to Daybreaker and nodding.

The unicorn and accompanying pegasus inconspicuously walked by the potential Mindcarrier. As they passed, the unicorn feigned a sneeze and flashed his horn with the spell which faintly covered the body of the creature. It turned around to face the unicorn, noticing the shield around it immediately.

"Changelings are responding! We have contact!" 1-4 shouted, the respective groups engaging with the now-revealed changelings and quickly being backed up by the Lunar State operatives. The crowds around them quickly took notice, some running and others keeping a distance to watch with intrigue. While the Changeling agents were easily subdued and restrained by spell, the Junior Mindcarrier immediately leapt for the unicorn who exposed him, hissing as he changed his form to reveal the mandibles of his helmet. Before the Changeling could make contact to the unicorn, a loud bang sounded from the left of him a millisecond prior to a bullet shredding his skull. He collapsed, immediately lifeless as the pegasus went to help the unicorn up. Shortly after, they regrouped, a few agents departing to alert the local authorities as the Nightmare's bomb squad arrived by train just late enough to be on time.

"1-1, 1-2, 1-4, and 1-5, this is Empress Daybreaker," Daybreaker said, "prepare for mass teleportation to the holding cells of Canterlot."

She smiled, looking at Thorax, who gave a reassured smile back.

???, ??? | November 6, 1502 | 18:03

At this point, Slyphani and Sunrise were both laughing with one another, like pals who had known each other for years. Telling jokes, stories, and sharing cultural differences as if nothing was going on. Sunrise felt a spark of friendship to Slyphani, as strange as it was to say. Of course, it could have been the alcohol, but that was fine. There was nothing he could do until she was with Chrysalis, and she knew that wouldn't happen.

"Oh, I haven't had such a relaxing time in years," Slyphani said, still laughing softly to himself as Sunrise joined him. His smile quickly faded to a frown as he looked at the near-empty bottle, "one shot, I think you need it more than I do."

"Oh, what makes you say that?" Sunrise slurred with a quirked brow and a chuckle. Slyphani turned to her with a deadpan expression.

"You'll probably get onto your own ass later for nearly befriending a war criminal over some foreign whiskey," he said, before suddenly letting himself go to laughter. Sunrise, of course, joined in, as Slyphani held the bottle up to her, "come on, down the hatch! Chrysalis won't be for another four hours!"

"Oh trust me, Chrysalis won't be," she replied with a chuckle, downing the bottle quickly and giving it back to the spy who sat it down beside him, "by the time we'll have gotten there, Daybreaker will have already gotten everything in order and would come to find us both."

Slyphani frowned, looking at the floor.

"That is right, isn't it?" he question softly. Sunrise turned to him with a bit of concern.

"Well, you said so yourself," she said, almost in an attempt to console him, "or, well, you implied it at least. You knew it was your last moments, but maybe I could fix that! I'm sure Daybreaker could use your intelligence! Sure, it might not be the best of conditions, but it's better than dying. Yeah, she would definitely let you live!"

"No, she wouldn't," Slyphani said with a sigh, "not after what I've done."

"Oh, come on," Sunrise said, "you've done a lot of foreign interference and whatever, but we still won! You haven't even harmed a civilian directly!"

Sunrise was smiling, until she saw Slyphani lift up his talon. He was holding the detonator, but was just now lifting the opposable talon from the button. Sunrise's heart sank as she heard the click, before the ground suddenly shook and an incredible thunder sounded across the sky. Slyphani shook his head, tossing the detonator aside. He looked at her, seeing the shock in her eyes.

"It's like you said, Sunrise," he said, "Chrysalis, or Daybreaker. The way I see it, Chrysalis isn't happening, and Daybreaker won't be convinced. I'm more afraid for what would happen if you tried to convince her—but just for the record, you're the smartest pony I've ever met. Perhaps the only creature to nearly match my intelligence, you're just too friendly. Hell, maybe I am too, though you may not see it that way after this."

Before Sunrise could reply, Slyphani took the glass bottle and smashed it over the Princess' head, immediately rendering her unconscious.

Canterlot, Solar Empire | November 6, 1502 | 18:03

The war council sat in silence and shock as they observed the portion of the magical map which was now jittering from the explosion that had leveled not just the complex, but twelve blocks of the city around it. Like a small nuclear weapon, but without the fallout. It would have taken time for the estimates to come in, longer so for the exact numbers, but Daybreaker knew her population. She knew her people. She knew that at least fifty-six thousand were killed from that blast.

Nightmare Moon was silent, trying to bare a straight face but unknowing of her open jaw and confused eyes. She thought she didn't care about the Empire, but something in her heart twisted at such a loss of Equestrian life, including her own Thestrals. They did everything right—they caught the Mindcarrier, they apprehended the Changeling operatives, and the bomb squad was even on time. If they didn't cause the detonation, then it had to be Slyphani, but why would he do that? If he was in range, he couldn't have been near Chrysalis it was just impossible.

Thorax simply stared at the table, unable to express anything. His face was deadpan, and his body weak as he simply sat in his seat absolutely still, and unable to move. Nothing was going through his mind, he wasn't pondering anything. Just the word failure, and images of Drizzlepop plaguing his mind. He didn't even try to stop it, he just believed he deserved it.

"Field Marshal Morning Sky, Admiral Daydream, Field Marshal Flash Sentry, General Cider Twist and Director Flare," Daybreaker said softly. The four of them looked up to her in silence as she looked back to them with flame-laden eyes, "leave."

The five of them promptly left their positions, leaving the room without a moment of hesitation as they all knew what the look meant. They knew she didn't want to harm any of them specifically, because they had nothing to do with causing what happened, though they all believed they did. The remaining two in that room could either handle her rage, or would be deliberately killed by it. It was easy to guess which, but they made no mention of it—they simply left.

As the door closed, Nightmare closed her eyes, preparing for what was likely to be aimed at her. However, after a moment she opened one of her eyes to see that Daybreaker wasn't even facing her. Not as much as an eyeing in her direction. She was focused on Thorax, who hadn't budged from his spot as he looked at the table. The silence was beyond uncomfortable, five minutes of stillness that felt like centuries. Finally, Thorax turned to face Daybreaker.

"Go ahead," he said. Daybreaker lit her horn immediately as a warm aura covered him, beginning to get painfully hot at a very quick pace as he felt his exoskeleton begin to singe. Suddenly, a cold feeling interrupted the heat before a blast of wind brushed over his body as he found himself being thrown towards the door.

Daybreaker spun around to see that the Nightmare had taken it upon herself to lift Thorax out of the Empress' spell and cast him to temporary safety. Nightmare Moon looked her sister in the eye with a stern expression, having stood up to face her.

"You would regret killing those not responsible," the Nightmare said. Daybreaker let out a gnashing shout as she lit her horn and fired a projectile of pure sun towards her sister, who responded by calmly lighting her horn to produce a shield that broke it apart. While Nightmare Moon felt the heat of the blast, she remained unharmed as she dropped the shield.

The Empress let out another shout, and another blast, blocked again. She continued, firing blast after blast as Thorax simply watched the torn Empress trying her best to kill her sister, yet knowing she was unable to do so with such a spell. It was as if she wasn't truly seeking to kill her, only to lash out the rage she must have felt.

"Fifty-six thousand, Nightmare Moon!" Daybreaker cried in agony, as she fired again, "Fifty-six thousand of my little ponies butchered by that griffon menace! Who else am I to blame? If not the Changeling, if not you, myself? Am I the cause of this? Have I failed my people?!"

Daybreaker broke down into what would have been tears had the overwhelming heat from her body not vaporized them instantly. She screamed, she sobbed, she wept greatly as the blasts got weaker and weaker until she finally collapsed. Crying like Celestia would. When she did so, Nightmare Moon simply walked up to her, leaned down, and gave her a hug. It nearly burned to the touch, but it wasn't near enough to harm her in the primordial state. Her sister continued, for she was not only weeping for the death that occurred, but for what she believed only happened due to the death of Sunrise Sparkle. The Nightmare cast a spell as her sister cried, and a faint aura of her magic filled the room as a soft melody played. Daybreaker began to calm down, leaning her head up to see what had now become like the night sky in her very castle.

"The Filly on the Mount," the Empress whispered, "the song our parents used to sing to us a millennium ago."

"Do you remember why they would sing, sister?" the Nightmare asked. Daybreaker closed her eyes, softly mouthing the words as she leaned into Nightmare Moon's embrace.

"To calm us in trying times," Daybreaker softly replied, continuing to mouth the words.

"The Filly on the Mount she walked, to seek the pre'tiest view; she stopped to hear the old mare talk, to tell of what she knew. The days had passed, and at long last, the Filly, she could see," Nightmare Moon sang quietly, before Daybreaker chimed in with a smile.

". . .the pre'tiest view of that she knew, a sky so filled with glee."

Thorax watched as the two stayed there, humming to each other as the melody continued from the magic. He sighed quietly, turning to the door and getting up to leave. Before he could, he heard his name called out to him by the Empress.

"Thorax," Daybreaker said, looking at him. He turned to face her.

"Yes, Empress Daybreaker?" he replied. She smiled.

"You did well today," she said, "we at least saved some, and that is better than none."

"If Slyphani defied Chrysalis' orders, I don't believe it was because Sunrise was harmed," Thorax replied, "I will find her."

Daybreaker pondered for a moment what exactly lead Thorax to that conclusion, but decided to hope rather than overthink.

Las Pegasus, Solar Empire | November 6, 1502 | 18:35

Las Pegasus was in shambles. The ARC had collapsed, the surrounding buildings were nearly demolished and anything directly outside of the twelve-block radius was roughed up beyond use. Several unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies both employed by the military or simply by civilian equine resources rushed to retrieve as many survivors from the rubble as they could. Some buildings were still collapsing, trapping more inside who had bravely rushed in to protect the others, while others were just lucky enough to barely escape.

"Hey, hey! You're alright, just hang in there we'll get you out!" an earth pony said, who was rather out of his element and far more talkative than usual. He lifted up a large piece of debris with overwhelming strength, but it was only one of three that had laid over and impaled the equine beneath. The pegasus smiled, coughing up a bit of blood as he looked at the earth pony's eyes.

"If you ever see Dewberry, tell her that papa went down fighting the bad guys," he weakly said with a chuckle, coughing more, "tell her I took three down with me, if it's just one it won't be that impressive."

"Come on now, don't say that," the earth pony said, "you can tell her yourself once I get you out of this. Alright? Hey! Hey!!"

The earth pony closed his eyes after noticing that the pegasus was no longer moving, swearing lightly under his breath. Another earth pony walked up to him, patting his hoof.

"There's going to be a lot that don't make it today," she said, "try not to let it get to you so much that you're unable to help the ones who do."

"I know, it's just. . ." the stallion sighed, "I wish my sister was around to help, Redheart. I keep wonderin' if she got into a situation like this and—"

"Oh, I know it plagues you," the nurse said with a smile, "but I'm certain Applejack is out there saving the world with her friends. You know her well enough to know she wouldn't have gotten wrapped up in a mess like this without a solution, am I right?"

The stallion smiled.

"Eeyup."

Author's Note

Chapter 12 and on: Lullabies suddenly become a prominent storytelling device!

Chapter Fourteen

Hall of Unity, Mount Metazoa | November 7, 1502 | 18:03

The news of the ARC didn't take much time to spread to the mane six, who were, as usual, consumed by their thoughts over the tragedy of a recent event. Discord, after having told them, was quiet as well. No quippy remarks could alleviate the loss of fifty-six thousand lives, even he knew that.

"Thorax just left to go to the orchard, and suddenly he was working with both Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon in order to fight Chrysalis?" Sunset said, breaking the silence. The others looked at her before looking to Discord, who shook his head gently.

"I believe something happened at the orchard to change his mind on the harmonic way," he replied, "with the queen having recently promoted Pharynx to Thorax's former position, I also believe that she may have had something to do with it."

"Well we've gotta do something, we can't have the one and only reformed changeling driving the war effort forward more than it already is," Applejack protested. The few agreed with the exception of Starlight and Nova.

"How exactly are you going to break that to him, huh?" Nova challenged as she leaned forward, "are you going to tell him that he should forgive the bug queen for whatever heinous atrocity she did? If he was willing to risk his life to go straight to Daybreaker. . ."

". . .then it must have been something unmentionable," Starlight finished, in a softer tone, "I don't mean to be the voice of despair here but I don't believe there is anything we can do."

Before anyone could reply, a portal opened in front of Discord who appeared as if he were going on a summer vacation. He turned back with a forced smile.

"Well, I can do something," he said, "stay safe. I'm just going out for some milk and cigarettes."

Before any of the girls could reply, he had already stepped through the portal as it had closed.

Canterlot, Solar Empire | November 6, 1502 | 18:44

"Provide Thorax a clean room in the general's hall," Daybreaker ordered a few of the castle servants, who bowed quickly before escorting the changeling. He smiled and waved, to which Daybreaker simply nodded before turning around with her sister in tow.

"Unlike you to show such kindness to an outsider, come to think of it," Nightmare Moon said. Daybreaker simply huffed.

"Unlike any of the last few months to be happening, Nightmare," she replied, "either way, I will be going to Chrysalis myself tomorrow to end this. She has no defenses left."

"And you're certain that's a reasonable plan?" the Nightmare asked, "what if she's expecting this?"

"Then she will have already accepted death," Daybreaker replied harshly, opening the doors to the throne room. As the two walked forward, they noticed after a moment that the doors had not shut themselves as usual. They turned, Daybreaker quirking a brow and Nightmare Moon looking behind them.

A strange air filled the room as the doors remained open despite intentional efforts to shut them with magic, Daybreaker readied herself, as did Nightmare Moon, anticipating some kind of assault. Thoughts raced through their minds as to what it could be, but something felt familiar about it. It was very uncomfortable.

"That feeling," Nightmare said, "I know that feeling. It's like. . ."

"Like seeing an old pal you haven't spoken to in years," the voice Discord said with a strange echo, "except that old pal is someone you ditched in a parking lot after they had a drink too many and it's too awkward to talk about."

"Discord! Show yourself!" Daybreaker demanded. As she did, Discord appeared behind the two sisters with a smile. The Empress quickly spun around and fired a beam of solar energy towards the apparition, which simply faded as the beam tore the throne in half. Discord gave a sigh which echoed across the room as his voice did.

"Could we at least establish a brief non-aggression pact to have a conversation?" Discord asked, "I like being fired upon as much as the next creature, but I find it a bit difficult to talk over scalding wounds and all."

"His magic cannot affect the both of us, Daybreaker," Nightmare said, "the least we can do is hear what he has to say."

Nightmare Moon was giving Daybreaker a particular look. The Empress read her sister's mind like a book and nodded as her horn's light dimmed to a sizzle.

"Fine, you have my permission to speak." Daybreaker said, standing tall as the real Discord appeared afront them.

"Thank you, your harnesses," he said with a bow, "now I understand there was a minor discrepancy with a certain residential complex lately and it might be baring on your mind a bit roughly."

"Get to the point, Discord," Daybreaker snapped. The draconnequus lifted his talon and paw with raised brows before continuing.

"Of course, of course," he said, "after all, you have a throne to repair and I'm sure it's tiring to sit back while your servants do it. The comfort just isn't the same in a regular pony chair anyway."

The two sisters gave unamused expressions as Discord shook his head.

"Well, I've come to broker a peace deal," he continued, "given the world is suffering under your hot new rule, I was hoping to establish a means to end this whole treacherous war in a more diplomatic fashion."

"We know you have been working with the harmonists at Metazoa," Daybreaker said, "you should be here pleading for your life, not practicing geopolitics."

"Yes, it's true that I might have singlehoofedly stolen the elements from right under your firey snoot, but there's a much bigger problem that I believe you're unaware of," Discord said. His joking tone and expression quickly dropped in a rare display of threatening aura, "in fact, I believe it is in your best interest to stay on my good side, and more importantly to keep me alive."

"You can't harm me, Discord," Daybreaker said with a smile, "why do you try so hard to make me fear your little extra-dimensional powers in comparison to mine, which rule this world and everything in it?"

Nightmare Moon decided to ignore the hubris of her sister for this moment as not to show weakness to a clear foe. Discord simply smiled in response, snapping his talons as both of the sisters felt a rush of memories from long ago of another draconnequus far greater than Discord. One far more cruel as well.

"I don't stick around just for the tea parties and fun conflicts with these so-called beasts you and your elements fought on a regular basis to restore harmony and friendship to the world," Discord said, "I stick around because I'm the only one who holds back the horror I wiped from your mind a long time ago. I was trapped in that stone for what felt like millennia. Trapped in a world that wasn't mine, painted as an ultimate evil to be displayed in your petite little garden for the sake of saving your realm. If you kill me, then you sign a warrant of your reality over to her. So you should get your act together, girls, because this war does not end without myself and the friends I have made being victorious."

"Even if I have to be the bad guy again."

Nightmare Moon was nearly in shock from the memories of what had unfolded, dumbfounded at the events of things she hadn't remembered. How could such a critical portion of history just be wiped away so easily by Discord? She knew at that point that Discord was not playing around, that it was the last straw for him. She remembered the efforts that went through to reforming him, and all they did just to result in this. In her striving for power and vengeance, she forgot that their greatest threat was, or used to be, on their side. Before she could reply herself, Daybreaker had already prepared a reply of her own. In fact, this reply had just made it's way through Discord's gut, which was now oozing a strange and infinitely-twisting liquid.

"Sister! What have you done?!" Nightmare cried out in a sudden display of fear. Daybreaker stood with a grimacing look upon her face as the light of her horn faded once more. Discord simply looked up in shock and confusion.

"Cosmos is nothing to me," Daybreaker said, "and neither are you."

Another bolt of magic flew towards Discord's face. He tried to hold up his arms to shield himself, but the nature of the magic seemed to consume the magic around it. Even his wasn't enough to stop it. With the last half second, he thought of an apology to Fluttershy, before his head and arms were both evaporated by the flame. His body fell, revealing Thorax standing by the door with an expression of horror.

'Hah. . .haha. . .my death was caused. . .by my own seriousness. . .how ironic is that. .? I'm sorry Fluttershy, maybe I was a bit reckless that time.'

Hall of Unity, Mount Metazoa | November 7, 1502 | 22:52

Sunset stood still in her room. Discord was taking too long. Typically, she would be asleep around this time, but both he and Thorax were still missing. She paced back and forth. Thinking. Doubting. Worrying. Something felt wrong, so, so wrong, and she hadn't a clue what to do about it. She finally sat down, sighing greatly before picking up a quill with her magic, and laying a piece of paper across a desk. She gave it a light dip in a bottle of ink, and held it above the paper.

'Dear Princess Twilight,'

She wrote. Sunset moved the quill down to the next line, holding it there. She stared at the paper, making note of it's form and edges. She could see every detail, every little fiber that made up the material, and she could see where the ink started and stopped along that fiber around the name of the former princess. She felt a tear form in her eye, and another, and as it fell slowly down her cheek, she anticipated the light sound of water hitting the paper. She looked down to where she believed the tear would fall, and instead witnessed a drop of ink from the quill. She suddenly jumped back with a rush of adrenaline, knocking the bottle over onto the paper and ruining it. However, it was ruined already with the name of a traitor smeared across the top in writing far to eloquent for an equine of Sunrise's caliber. The sadness vanished, and Sunset felt a sudden rush of anger as her horn began to glow. A similar aura encompassed the desk as it was thrown across the room, splintering into bits and pieces.

The paper floated down, gliding across the air swiftly and graciously, landing gently on the floor. Sunset stared at it, her eyes twitching as she let out a scream and engulfed the paper in magical flame. Shortly thereafter, of course, Starlight Glimmer had come to check on her with a knocking at the door. Starlight's voice was muffled in Sunset's own rage, and all she heard was the door opening before she fell to the ground.

Upon waking up, Sunset looked down to see herself having been tucked into a bed lightly, and with a quick gaze to her side, Starlight Glimmer quietly snoring beside her. She had no idea how much time had passed, but she noticed that Starlight had presumably cleaned up the mess Sunset had made in the room.

"Hey," Sunset whispered, nudging Starlight gently. Starlight slowly opened her eyes, looking to Sunset Shimmer with a smile.

"Hey Sunny," she whispered back, "did you sleep well?"

"I have a bed," Sunset replied, still speaking softly but with a tone of concern, "what are you doing in that chair? That can't be comfortable."

"Mm-mm," Starlight replied, shaking her head, "but you got a little worn out so I stayed here to make sure you were fine."

"Goodness, Glimmy," Sunset said with a frown, before lifting up the covers, "if you wanna stick around, at least stay warm."

Starlight was taken aback by the offer at first, for reasons Sunset was unaware, but she nonetheless got up and crawled into the bed with her friend, immediately wrapping around her like a second blanket and nuzzling her neck.

"Wh-whoa hey," Sunset whispered, her face a bit flushed from the overzealous affection. Starlight looked up at her with half-lidded eyes. With her expression, Sunset couldn't quite tell if that was because Starlight was tired, or because she was. . .not tired.

"Sorry," Starlight whispered, "I should have asked if it was alright. . ."

"I. . ." Sunset wasn't sure what to say, biting her lip as she averted eye contact for a moment to keep her head straight, "it's fine, I just didn't expect it is all."

"Then is this?" Starlight asked. Sunset looked down, and before she could respond, Starlight had leaned forward and pressed her lips against Sunset's. Sunset stopped thinking, just for a moment, instinctively returning the kiss despite having no idea what was going on or why. Maybe Starlight was just really sleepy, or maybe in a half-dreaming state. Sunset couldn't tell. As her thought slowly returned with those theories of hers, she realized neither of them had stopped. Her heart was now racing, fully realizing what was going on yet unwilling to stop. She thought it would start to feel wrong, this was her friend after all. She never considered Starlight anymore than that, but as time passed, she found her mind vacant of any such feeling. Without hesitation, Sunset pulled her friend closer, and only moments after breaking the kiss before she looked at Starlight.

"I don't. . ." Sunset whispered, before Starlight gently laid a hoof on Sunset's lips.

"Shh," Starlight said with a smile, "get some sleep, silly."

Sunset was overcome with stress earlier, but now it was all gone. She felt bad to think so, but she figured that Starlight might have cast a spell on her. However, she didn't feel any presence of magic. Regardless, Starlight had definitely cast a spell on Sunset, it just wasn't done with real magic.

Hall of Unity, Mount Metazoa | November 8, 1502 | 10:43

Knock knock knock knock.

Sunset woke up that morning the sound of pounding knocks on the door, she looked down to see Starlight still wrapped around her like a snuggie. She smiled for a moment, before hearing the knocking again and hearing a familiar voice.

"Sunset! She killed him!" a voice she recognized as Thorax said. Panicked as he was, it didn't take long for the same sense of panic to pass on to her as she quickly got up from the bed, leaping out to open the door. The rough jostling woke Starlight up, as she opened her eyes to see Thorax entering the room.

"Oh, hey Thorax," she said, rubbing her eyes, "nice to. . .uh. . ."

The two looked at her with pained expressions she couldn't describe, before she registered what she heard just a few seconds earlier. Thorax was panting, as if he had been running. It was likely he had, given he wouldn't have known immediately where Sunset was, and had probably searched the whole tower to find her.

"Who did who kill?" Sunset asked Thorax, turning back to him. Thorax shook his head, gritting his teeth as he replied.

"Daybreaker," he replied, "she killed Discord like he was an ant!"

"W-what?" Starlight stammered, getting up quickly herself upon hearing something she couldn't bring herself to believe, "that's. . .that's not possible!"

"How did you get back?" Sunset asked. Thorax shook his head.

"I flew here," he replied, "it took me all night."

"Go lay down, now," Sunset demanded, "two doors down on the left, the room is vacant. Get some sleep and we'll talk about it when you're awake."

"But we don't have time, we have to. . ." Thorax pleaded, before seeing the stern expression of Sunset looking down on him. He closed his eyes, nodding as he realized it was no use trying to solve such a crisis while so drained of energy. He stepped out of the room, closing the door before heading away.

Sunset shook her head, walking back to the bed and plopping down on it. As she stared at the ground, Starlight quickly sat beside Sunset, embracing her. Neither of them spoke; there was nothing to say. Discord was dead, and he was probably the only realistic hope they had for restoring harmony. If Daybreaker could defeat Discord so easily, the elements meant nothing.

"Starlight," Sunset whispered, after a few moments. Starlight looked at her, "what happened last night?"

"Well, I you passed out after throwing a desk, and—" Starlight said, before Sunset interrupted her.

"No, I remember what happened," Sunset said, looking into Starlight's eyes, "I mean to ask what it meant."

"What it. . ." Starlight said, before realizing what her friend was saying, "oh. . .that. I'm sorry. I told myself I never would, but things seem so hopeless—I didn't want to die with regrets, I—"

"What would you have regretted, exactly?" Sunset asked, interrupting her again. Starlight fell quiet for a moment, looking down at the floor and thinking before she turned her head slightly towards Sunset.

"Dying before I could tell you I loved you," she whispered. Sunset stared at her for a moment, as Starlight looked back towards the floor with a sigh. A moment like that was just the heat of passion, it was sudden. They were both tired, maybe Sunset didn't really see it the way Starlight thought she did. Before she could get too lost in her thoughts, however, she felt a hoof gently turning her head, before Sunset leaned towards her to kiss her again.

Seems like she saw it that way, too.

Vesalopolis, Changeling Hive | November 8, 1502 | 11:23

Chrysalis sat by herself in her throne room. The Changelings had scattered about, most of the mindcarriers had been killed, the rest of the hive outside of her immediate reach had been scattered about at the news of the failed abduction of Sunrise Sparkle. Any moment now, Daybreaker was coming. Chrysalis had no plan, no way to avoid her death, but she dare not run away. Such an act of cowardice would leave her without any hope of living with dignity again. She thought back to times long past, reliving her life until this moment.

"I could have been beautiful," she said to herself quietly, "I could have been powerful. All of that effort, all of my pain, just to come to this? I should have destroyed everything while I had the chance. Stupid elaborate schemes, some pathetic attempt to immortalize myself as a legend rather than focusing on what was important."

She had already ordered Pharynx to stay away. Of course, being like his brother, he was not immediately attentive to her commands. She had to force him to leave, as he refused to leave her otherwise. For the first time in her life, she felt remorse for doing so. Robbing a good soldier of his ability to die for that which he lived for. At the same time, she knew he had a better chance of thriving without her. She knew he could reunite the scattered Changelings in her absence, when Daybreaker's guard was down. Pharynx could become her final victory.

Chrysalis felt the temperature begin to climb, knowing her time was near. She closed her eyes, beginning to chuckle to herself a bit as she opened her eyes to see the flames of the sun appearing from nothingness and revealing her executioner. Empress Daybreaker, standing taller than Chrysalis had ever remembered, looking down upon her like the filthy, rotten bug she was. She said not a word for a moment, as Chrysalis got up, walking towards the alicorn with dignity.

"Just make it quick," Chrysalis said with a chuckle. Chrysalis' smile quickly faded as Daybreaker leaned down to the Changeling Queen with fire in her eyes.

"No."

Daybreaker's horn lit up, as Chrysalis suddenly felt the exoskeleton of her body being ripped away from her flesh on all sides, an air-shattering scream suddenly flooding the air and likewise what remained of the wandering woods as the queen experienced pain on a level that rivaled all of that which she dealt in her entire lifetime combined. What remained of her was split slowly, her tongue, her eyes, every strand of exposed flesh and muscle in her body torn apart at an agonizing pace. The pain was maddening, and within less than five seconds, Chrysalis had already lost her mind from the trauma, able to do nothing more than gnash and scream until the blood filled her esophagus from the strain on her lungs, and she drowned in her own blood. Daybreaker gritted her teeth, tearing the body of the queen apart suddenly as the green substance that was once in her veins now landed across nearly every piece of the room except for that which was deflected by a magical shield surrounding Daybreaker, who wouldn't dare have the remnants of such a filthy bug touch her immaculate coat.

Daybreaker gave a huff, jumping through the hole that was left in the hive and soaring across the sky faster than sound in search of Sunrise Sparkle.

Author's Note

You know what, after all of that, I think 3,606 words is enough. Have a good night.

Epilogue

Gate of Tartarus | November 8, 1502 | 12:00

Hello, Lady Inquisitor Sunrise. I left you this note as a token of appreciation, though I advise you incinerate it before the Empress finds you. I'm sure you recognize this place, the Gateway to Hell. It's ironic, isn't it? It makes me think that Cerberus is not guarding against those who wish to leave Tartarus, but rather those who wish to enter in from Hell. That's all this world is anymore, for all of us. My penance is coming, of that I am certain. However, are you? We will meet again.

Sunrise gritted her teeth, angry with herself for allowing the gryphon to use her own former ways of friendship against her. She was on guard, yet she failed to realize the recklessness of such a creature. Why? After all she had gone through, she still had that part of her on the inside, and it cost several thousand lives in the process. He was right about one thing, however, she needed to incinerate the note. The last thing she wanted was for the Empress to have even the faintest thought that her own pupil would be colluding with an enemy of the state. The very thought of supporting anything that scum of a creature did made her stomach turn. She lit her horn, doing so as she heard a crackling of thunder in the distance. Of course, there were no clouds in sight, and she figured it was a sonic boom. The inquisitor lit her horn again, firing a flare into the sky before realizing she hadn't much strength to use more magic. Before falling, she quickly let herself lay on the ground as she heard the soaring of Daybreaker nose-diving towards her. She smiled.

"Sunrise!" Daybreaker said with a tone of concern, landing on the ground and leaving a small crater beneath her as she stepped up to the alicorn and knelt down, "are you alright?"

"Gryphon got me," Sunrise replied nonchalantly, "I suppose he left me at the Gate of Tartarus to make a philosophical point that I'm too tired to care about."

"Come, I'll take you back to the castle," Daybreaker said, helping Sunrise up to her feet as she opened a portal to Canterlot, "you will need plenty of rest, please conserve your energy as best you can."

"I'm alright Empress, really," Sunrise said, starting to feel strange about Daybreaker's overt concern. The two of them walked towards the portal and through it, Daybreaker's wing covering Sunrise. Several guards standing by kneeled immediately upon seeing the two of them, though Daybreaker did not dismiss them as she typically would, instead continuing quickly to Sunrise's resting quarters.

Sunrise was taken aback by Daybreaker's behavior now, as the Empress was tucking her in, rushing in and out and barking out orders to guards to gather soup and tea, warm blankets, and other such accommodations of only the highest-quality comfort. Sunrise, who was feeling more than fine, began to notice that the castle's highest staff, from top chefs to guards and healing mages were scattering around outside as if the Empress was dying. Finally, when the Empress came back in, Sunrise leaned up, but before she could talk, the Empress gently laid her back down, providing soup like an overreacting mother.

"It's alright Sunrise, it's okay," Daybreaker said, though it seemed more like she was reassuring herself than anything, "just lay down and rest, it will be alright."

"Daybreaker, I'm alright, it was just a hit to the head," Sunrise replied, beginning to lean up again.

"LAY DOWN!" Daybreaker shouted. Sunrise felt her heart skip a beat at the volume of Daybreaker's voice, and everything fell silent for a moment. It was the first time Sunrise had felt real fear towards the Empress, and it showed in her expression as she was frozen in place. Daybreaker gave a frustrated sigh, shaking her head, "I'm sorry, Sunrise, I don't think you understand."

Daybreaker approached Sunrise and gently stroked her mane, embracing her slightly and easing the tension in the inquisitor's mind.

"What happened, Daybreaker?" Sunrise asked softly, "I've never seen you like this."

"I nearly lost you, Sunrise," Daybreaker said, "even if you had it all under control, even if you were only unconscious and nothing else, I had no way of really knowing what would happen. I lost so many today, I thought you might have been one of them."

"Oh," Sunrise said, before she noticed a quiet whimpering coming from the Empress as she was holding herself back from weeping. Sunrise returned the embrace as she felt the heat of steam from the Empress' eyes roll gently across her neck. After a moment of silence, she spoke up once more, "what of Chrysalis? The fight went well I assume? I heard you coming from that direction."

"There was no fight," Daybreaker said, regaining her composure and leaning up. Sunrise was confused.

"What do you mean?" she asked. Daybreaker's expression returned to her typical stern nature.

"I tore her skeleton from her flesh," the Empress replied, "I made her feel more pain than all that which she had dealt in her life, and before I could finish she drowned in her own blood."

The two were quiet for a moment, before Sunrise quirked a brow.

"I don't mean to be disrespectful, but there's something I don't understand," Sunrise said cautiously, Daybreaker looked at the inquisitor, maintaining her expression, "why didn't you do that from the start?"

Daybreaker closed her eyes, breathing in slowly.

"War crafts loyalty, Sunrise," the Empress said, "in the loss of life, there is a net gain to it's value. I didn't anticipate what happened in these last few days, and it was a failure on my behalf not to see what such a childish creature like Chrysalis would do. The gryphons fought valiantly until Nightmare Moon eradicated them and their leader. They organized, and they fought, and we would have won that war with our own ponies rather than my own power. Nightmare Moon ruined that. I still wanted to see my little ponies win by themselves, by their own collective strength, that way it would forge them into a stronger nation. However, Chrysalis had her final victory in tearing apart the foundation of their being, whether she meant to or not. She was a child, I should have killed her from the start and allowed a more responsible Changeling to take over."

"I see," Sunrise said, thinking to herself, "it makes sense. Ponies relying on gods become weak, but ponies relying on themselves become strong. A leader is as good as her people, else she is a tyrant."

"Exactly," Daybreaker said, "but now there is no war, just death. I am not sure what to do to develop that strength in them."

"Rebuild, run some propaganda, continue organizing the nation to incorporate new technology and learning, all of the things a leader would typically do in peacetime after war, then," Sunrise replied, looking Daybreaker in the eyes, "declare war on Nightmare Moon."

"Declare war on my sister?" Daybreaker asked, though she wasn't sure why. She would have killed her sister at the first given opportunity when the Nightmare awakened, yet now she felt her heart drop at the very notion of doing so. Sunrise only smiled.

"Allow the pupil to instruct the teacher, my Liege, " Sunrise said, leaning up from her bed, "the ways of friendship are still within us both, the impulse to correct everything with diplomacy alone. That is what allowed me to let my guard down with Slyphani. We drank, and I told him it was hopeless, whereupon he detonated that bomb. We were laughing together, smiling together. Me, with an enemy of the state. I let my old ways consume me in that dire moment, you mustn't do the same. We will rebuild the Empire, repopulate the Empire, and we will tear down anyone in the way of the Empire. The sun should grace every blade of grass, every grain of sand, every shingle, every brick, and every mountain of this world or it shouldn't grace them at all. The Nightmare has gathered the heretical Thestral all in one place, already half of the work done. In the process of doing so, we will find Slyphani, and I will pluck his second eye out with my bare horn for letting Twilight out to kill all of those precious ponies."

"Sunrise Sparkle, my faithful student," Daybreaker said, smiling greatly and giving the inquisitor another hug, "you have surpassed my expectations once again with your brilliance. I could not ask for a greater pupil than you. Regardless, I still believe you should at least rest and enjoy a break from all of the madness. Flash Sentry is here, I believe he wishes to speak to you if you are alright with that."

"Of course, Empress," Sunrise said, "he may come in."

Vesalopolis, Changeling Hive | November 8, 1502 | 13:04

"What a fucking mess," Pharynx said, walking through the green sludge that used to be Queen Chrysalis, "she let herself give up. How foolish, she should have regrouped."

As he searched, he found what looked like part of a face, a few teeth still attached and even some muscle. Pharynx leaned down, sniffing it, before changing himself into an ape and picking up the face with his hands.

"Take a good look at me, Queen," he said, "you won't leave the Undersky with cowardice, regardless of your status. Ascension is achieved through the great works upon the Breeding Grounds, and you have failed us. Maybe you will be forgiven by the Hivemind, but it seems you have taken it with you, leaving us alone to struggle. How rotten."

"You have no room to speak ill of the rotten, Pharynx."

What was left of the face of Chrysalis fell to the ground with a light and soupy plop as Pharynx turned to the voice with a snarl. He couldn't mistake his brother's voice for any other Changeling, he knew it all too well. With a quick flash, he reverted to his original form and took a few steps towards Thorax.

"The prodigal returns, yet still heretical," Pharynx scolded, "you dare to tread upon these hallowed grounds after having defiled them?"

"Cut the nonsense," Thorax snapped, "the Queen made that all up to keep us in line, you know that."

"The Queen proved herself an arrogant fool in the end, disloyal to the Hivemind," Pharynx retorted, "her claims change nothing, as she is dead."

"You will be, too," Thorax said, gritting his teeth, "for what you did to my friends."

"If I shall die, then I shall die in valiance, a martyr of the Hivemind," Pharynx said, "but I won't die by your tainted hooves."

Thorax let out a shout, firing a bolt of hivemagic before lunging towards Pharynx, who stepped out of the way of the projectile and changed to his alternate form, stopping Thorax mid-air before grabbing him and throwing him into the wall. Pieces shattered from the impact, landing beside the little changeling. Pharynx approached, lifting an arm to strike before Thorax changed as well into a form similar but far more elegant and stopped the strike. Pharynx was surprised for a moment, but quickly threw another punch into Thorax's gut.

"You're a zealot for a dead cause!" Thorax shouted, taking the pain and channeling his anger into a punch to Pharynx's face, "and you killed innocent ponies for it!"

Pharynx didn't reply, instead grunting at the pain and landing another blow before throwing Thorax over his shoulder. Thorax quickly regained his footing, lunching forward and taking Pharynx through a wall. The structure of the hive had stopped changing since Chrysalis' death, and the damage done to it now would never repair. As more punches were exchanged, blood began to spill, and the fighting of the two Changelings morphed into large creatures was shaking the crippled walls of the hive. As time went on, Pharynx figured Thorax would tire out, given his brother wasn't so keen on combat as he was. However, the exact opposite was happening, as Thorax began to crackle bits of Pharynx's exoskeleton, causing more pain than he was willing to admit to.

"Respond to me! Respond to me you gods-damned bug!" Thorax screamed, throwing what seemed like an endless barrage of rough punches, "you killed them! Why?! You had a choice and you chose to follow the losing side and kill dozens in the process!"

Pharynx let out a roar, catching one of his brother's punches and breaking Thorax's arm, causing him to revert back to his changeling form. The former general threw his brother onto the floor, causing it to break beneath them as they both landed separate on the floor of the room below. Pharynx reverted by volition to his changeling form likewise, walked towards Thorax who was writing in pain from a broken foreleg.

"You think I wanted to kill them?!" Pharynx shouted, warranting a confused look from Thorax. Pharynx picked his brother up, neglecting the pain of Thorax's foreleg entirely as he locked his eyes onto his brother's, "no. . .no I didn't want to kill them. Do you know how difficult it was to make myself touch their filthy bodies? Hoisting up their dead flesh onto those pikes with my magic, what a waste of the hive's precious gift! Gouging out that little runt's eyes with my bare hooves was worse, I had to stop once the fluid started to leak onto my exoskeleton. It was disgusting. Instead I gathered a wood splinter and pried at them all while having to listen to those ear-shattering screams. I should have cut out her tongue!"

Thorax screamed, gathering all his strength as his foreleg crackled in response to being forced around Pharynx's neck with enough strength to break the surrounding exoskeleton and pinch the fragments into his flesh. Pharynx struggled to maintain himself as blood began to leak from his neck. Thorax threw his brother onto the ground, using his broken foreleg to continue punching Pharynx in the face until he was too weak to move. Every hit caused a surge of indescribable pain in Thorax's body, but he liked it. He deserved it. He let this all happen, and what he was doing now wouldn't solve of alleviate it. He was doing it anyway because of his own selfishness, because there was nothing left for him to cling to. Nothing left to tell him what was right or wrong. In this moment, all he could think of was that sweet little filly being butchered by Pharynx, all the while looking like himself.

"You want religious zealotry? Huh?!" Thorax shouted, "how about this one, an eye for a fucking eye!"

Pharynx cried out as Thorax changed his hooves into talons, clawing his brother's eyes from his skull as if taking a scoop to them. The talons reverted, as another punch was delivered to Pharynx's profusely-bleeding face.

"At least I have the strength. . .to do the job. . .right!" Thorax said, punching with every pause before letting out another shout and throwing his hoof into Pharynx's face at such a force that it sunk through the changeling's skull and spewed the insides of it onto the floor below.

Thorax was panting heavily, the adrenalin still rushing through him before he looked down at what used to be his brother's face. He let out a whimper, suddenly laughing before it devolved into hideous sobbing. He fell backwards, no longer able to feel the pain in his foreleg as his mind had already blocked it out, along with everything else. The violence was too much for him, and he didn't even realize it. He looked over to see Drizzlepop standing above him, eyeless, beginning to scream without ceasing. He couldn't help but to laugh, there was nothing else he could do. All of this that happened so suddenly, it couldn't have been real. It was just a dream, it had to be. The changeling got up, finding a piece of hive protruding crudely from the ground in a sharpened point, before throwing his head onto it with as much force as he could muster before everything turned to black.

There was no more pain for Thorax, who had killed not only his brother, but his own mind in the process.

Canterlot, Solar Empire | November 8, 1502 | 13:12

Sunrise was enjoying her soup as she heard the door creaking open, Flash leaning out from behind it with a gentle knock. Sunrise smiled.

"Come in," she said, "have a seat."

Flash walked in, closing the door behind him. Sunrise put the bowl on the bedside table and leaned forward a bit more in the rather sizeable bed.

"So uh, I have a bit of explaining to do, I guess," Flash said nervously. Sunrise quirked a brow as she gave a slight grin.

"You guessed well," she said. Flash laughed a bit, looking for somewhere to sit before Sunrise patted the bed. He sat down beside her and gave a sigh.

"I thought you needed some time alone, and I didn't want you to feel pressured or upset, but, well," he scratched his head, "I didn't know what else to do so I said something nice and walked away. By the time I came back, Spike told me what happened and I went to look for you as quickly as I could. Then, well, everything else happened."

"Dominos," Sunrise replied, suddenly grabbing Flash and pulling him down beside her, "but at least everything is alright."

Flash wasn't sure what to say. Noticing this, Sunrise decided she would take Daybreaker's advice and relax her mind. She gave Flash a deep kiss, slowly pulling him closer until he was on top of her. No better distraction exists than an intimate moment. Around ten minutes later, Daybreaker decided to check
on Sunrise to see if everything was going well between her and Flash, but as she approached the door to hear particularly distinguishable sounds of creaking and soft moaning, she raised her brows and turned around the other way figuring that they were getting along just fine.

Hall of Unity, Mount Metazoa | November 13, 1502 | 15:22

Several days had passed, the seven equines and two gryphons having made virtually zero progress on figuring out what to do about the current situation. At this point, they were adjusting to life in the Hall of Unity, which was now defenseless without the great sentinels that Discord's magic had created. The news hadn't quite worn off for all of them, but Fluttershy was most affected, still crying nightly and having to be consoled by Dash who took the responsibility of looking after her. Pinkie would bother Rarity, Gilda, and Applejack occasionally with surprises and party streamers to keep laughs going, as well as baking enough food for them to live on having gathered the resources for it by some strange means. Applejack herself would talk to Sunset, doing her best to encourage her to stay alert at the very least and keep up a little hope. Nova spent a lot of time with herself, given she didn't get along with any of them very much except for Starlight Glimmer, who was mostly invested in Sunset. Sunset, of course, was likewise mostly invested in Starlight.

"Hey, Glimmy," Sunset said, "I had an idea."

"Yeah Sunny?" Starlight replied, nuzzling Sunset's neck. Sunset chuckled softly in response before continuing.

"Not really an idea I guess, more of a thought," she explained, "but maybe it's alright for us to just hang around here for a while, given the news that Chrysalis is dead and the war is over. I think we could get around much easier once things have calmed down and the Empire has it's governing focus on rebuilding."

"That's a good point," Starlight pondered, "we could probably even. . ."

Starlight's voice trailed off as she was staring at Sunset with an expression of fear. Sunset didn't quite know why, though began to realize that Starlight wasn't staring at her, but rather just behind her. In that moment, she felt an ominous presence, and an icy breath on her back. She slowly forced herself to turn, almost paralyzed with fear until she saw a dark alicorn standing above her.

"Y. . .you're. . ?" Sunset stammered, stumbling back into Starlight Glimmer who caught her and kept her on her feet. The alicorn smiled, looking down on the two of them.

"Nightmare Moon," she said with a giggle, "and while your fear offers me cathartic entertainment, I should clarify that I'm not here to hurt you. The opposite, rather."

"What are you going on about. . ?" Starlight asked doubtfully. The Nightmare laughed softly.

"Daybreaker isn't as heartless as she wishes to be," Nightmare Moon explained, "I think she is vulnerable to the old ways, and while I don't want to wage war with her, I also don't want her to brush those feelings of hers off to quickly. I believe we can work together to bring your ways of friendship back to the Solar Empire for the sake of keeping my Thestral's safe from her blazing sun."

"And how do we know you're not lying?" Sunset asked, regaining her composure as she stood up. Nightmare Moon gave a frustrated groan and she shook her head.

"Listen to yourself, honestly, replay that sentence in your mind and tell me it doesn't sound so absolutely belligerent and stupid," the Nightmare scolded, "I could tear the entrails from your body right now if I wanted to, and tie you two lesbian lovebirds into a knot with them at that! I don't need you dead, I don't even want you dead. You've done nothing to me, and you are of no threat to me. I just want my subjects safe, and I want my sister to remain docile, so I will help you."

Sunset pondered it for a moment, along with Starlight Glimmer who was already coming up with schemes and plans to use this to their advantage. Sunset looked to the floor momentarily, thinking of what working with Nightmare Moon might truly entail, before concluding that it was necessary to do in order to have a secure way in and out of the Empire so long as the Lunar Empire was at peace with the Solar Empire. Something was bugging her about what Nightmare Moon said, however. Rather how she phrased it. She looked back up to the alicorn.

"You called her your sister," Sunset pointed out. The Nightmare quirked a brow.

"Yes, because she is my sister," Nightmare Moon said with a highly dismissive tone, "we have the same parents. Why is this such a revelation to you?"

"Oh for fuck. . ." Sunset growled to herself as she closed her eyes for a moment before looking at the Nightmare, "specifically you called her your sister, and proceeded to not insult her for the next five minutes. I think you still want her love."

The Nightmare growled for a moment through gritted teeth as she averted eye contact, but at that point it was pretty obvious and there was no use in lying to keep up an image. She sighed, turning around and walking a few paces to look out of the window and up at the stars. After a moment, she closed her eyes, before turning towards the two equines and opening them.

"Yes," she replied, "yes, I do. Namely I want to believe that she still has it in her. I don't think that even I have it in me to rule the world alone. I like my time alone, but I also like the option not to be. Of course, you little things wouldn't do at all, even my Thestrals don't compare to my being, but Daybreaker is an equal to me. The only equal to me. I don't want to lose her."

Sunset exchanged looks with Starlight as the Nightmare sighed, turning back to the window. A few seconds had passed before she felt a hoof on her side, opening her eyes to see Sunset giving her as much of a friendly embrace as she could from her stature.

"Then we'll do our best," she said, "you can count on it."

Canterlot, Solar Empire | December 10, 1502 | 22:32

"It still feels strange for the sun to be out at this hour," Nightmare Moon said, standing beside her sister on great balcony of Canterlot's castle. It had a brilliant view of the Solar Empire all the way to the Crystal City. Glistening waterfalls, a pink sky, and large cities and pristine infrastructure spread beyond the rich folk of Canterlot. It was near utopian to gaze upon.

"At least I compromised," Daybreaker said, "I know the equines sleep in the dark, and I didn't want our civilian factories spending more time making black-out curtains than producing the other goods and services. So, I let the sun set, casting a beautiful array of colors across the sky like a painting of my own every night, similar to yourself, sister. Of course, not as spectacular."

Nightmare Moon laughed softly, leaning on her sister's shoulder as they kept their eyes affixed on the radiant sky.

"I'm glad we have peace now, I sincerely hope it lasts," she said. Daybreaker just smiled.

"I believe it will," she said softly. They sat in silence for a while longer, before Nightmare Moon readjusted her head to a more comfortable position and spoke.

"Have you come up with a plan for dealing with Cosmos yet?" she asked, "I figured that draconnequus would have come by now."

"No need," Daybreaker replied. Nightmare Moon leaned up for a moment, looking at her sister with a confused expression.

"However do you mean?" she asked. Daybreaker simply grinned.

"Cosmos will not come to a place where her malice is outmatched by three creatures greater than herself," Daybreaker said, "it would hurt her pride too much."

"That is a good point, dear sister," Nightmare Moon replied, laying her head back down and laughing, "then we truly will have peace."

"Yes. No more wars."

Graymourne Castle | March 15, 1503

"You know, I met someone like you once," Nightmare Moon said, "oh yes, the King of the Gryphons. I pulled his entrails from his body. Ripped them through that fattened belly of his. His corpse is still being eaten by maggots what remains of his pitiful little mansion, and something tells me you want to endure the same fate, Slyphani."

"Oh, heh, that bastard?" Slyphani said, gesturing his talons with a jingling of the chains that held him up, "he was just a source of income. I could have cared less about how he died, I just wish I could have killed him myself."

"A lot of that going around lately," the Nightmare replied with an unamused frown, "that aside, I'll allow you to entertain me with just a single reason I should let you live."

Slyphani smiled.

"Well, for starters, you love your sister, and you've gone through some effort to reestablish the doctrines of harmony in the Solar Empire," he said, "I don't quite know if you have just been double-talking her to stab her in the back, or if you really are stupid enough to think she still has it in her, but like I said, that doesn't matter to me."

"Is that supposed to convince me?" Nightmare Moon asked with a quirked brow, "you've only told me what you already know. Hooray for you, you are still sly enough to gather information that shouldn't be public. What is your point?"

"There's my proof anyway," Slyphani continued, "you're still waiting on me to give you a reason because you know I have something up my sleeve that might help you with your goal—aack."

Slyphani felt a painful sensation in his eye as his vision turned a shade of blue for a second. The Nightmare, with a lit horn, leaned towards his face.

"All the more reason for you to tell me this sleeve-hidden trick of yours before I pluck out your second eye," she said quietly, before releasing his eye and stepping back, "now get to the damned point."

"Fine, master interrogator you are," he said with a thumbs up, "anyway, your methods are starting to look suspicious to the Royal Guard, and you know that if you get found out before this long-winded plan of yours can be completed, it's war between the bifurcated empire. So you need someone with the talent for espionage, and more importantly, you need a scapegoat if things go wrong."

Nightmare Moon stared at him for a moment, he was grinning as he knew it was an irrefutable point. The Nightmare looked down at the ground for a moment, lost in thought before looked back up to him. She smiled, and subsequently laughed before dropping to a deadpan expression.

"I'll take my chances," she said, lighting her horn.

"Wait wait wait wait!" Slyphani shouted, this time with desperation as he felt a pressure from his bowels being grabbed by magic, "you don't understand you need to have a non-thestral non-equine who isn't trusted so that you can remove the risk and have more effective methods of transporting the element bearers without having to take any of the slack for their efforts, you need me YOU NEED ME!"

He felt the pressure release, panting as the Nightmare began to laugh heartily.

"Oh, I know, I believed you the first time," she said, to which Slyphani looked up with a confused and angry expression, "I just wanted to hear you beg. Hahaha!"

"Bitch." Slyphani thought to himself.

Hall of Unity, Mount Metazoa | January 3, 1503 | 08:04

Starlight awoke from the bed she had been sharing with Sunset Shimmer for the last month now, noticing that Sunset was not with her. She frowned, rubbing her eyes and starting to get up before she heard the door open and immediately caught the scent of freshly-prepared breakfast food.

"Ah-ah-ah, you better get back in that bed and relax for all the effort I went through not to wake you up," Sunset playfully reprimanded, carrying the tray with magic to Starlight before hopping back into the bed herself and making herself comfortable under the covers. Starlight smiled, giving Sunset a gentle kiss on the cheek.

"What's all of this, then? Hearts and Hooves isn't for another month, you know~" she said. Sunset shook her head.

"Oh, I know that," she replied, "I just happened to wake up early and wanted to do something special today, that's all."

"Waking up to you is special," Starlight said, earning a smile from Sunset.

"You're sweet," Sunset said softly, "now eat up."

About thirty minutes had passed, the two of them sweet-talking each other, cuddling and other such things until Starlight's morning drowsiness had finally reminded her of it's existence and eventually allowed her to drift off to sleep. Sunset stayed in the bed for a while longer to look at Starlight in admiration, before gently getting out of the bed and walking over to the desk. She took out a piece of paper and a quill, opening a new bottle of ink and beginning to write.

Dear Princess Twilight,

You taught me many great things throughout your life. Lessons that you and I both shared with my friends in the human world. Lessons that hopefully will allow them to carry on without me until the day their lives pass by. I know I can never see them again, and I know I can never see you again, because you have died. Still, I would forgive everything you have done. You are still my friend, you're just not around to stop the pony you've become. Sunrise Sparkle and Twilight Sparkle are not one in the same. They are two separate ponies, and you, Twilight, were not defeated. I know you fought till the very end to do what was right, whether or not you knew what the future would hold. I know you had faith in Celestia, and believed that her choices were made out of wisdom even if they weren't. So I can't hold a grudge against you, and I never will. I refuse to stain the memories we made, the joy, the sorrow, the laughs, the cries, all that we shared, with the thoughts of the monster who has stolen your mind and body from you forever. You were a good pony, Twilight, and we all still love you. We all still forgive you, and in your memory, we will all do right by you to bring friendship and harmony back to Equestria.

Sincerely, and with love,
Sunset Shimmer

Author's Note

That took a lot of time and effort.

Chapter Four

Yakyakistan, August 21, 1502

"The Field Marshall seems a little, how would you say, tense?"

About five minutes had passed since Shining Armor stepped through the gates, a short time, but long enough for the guards to be bored. One of the guards had struck up conversation with Solar Blaze, who was still sitting within the carriage with the door opened. The general gave a quiet chuckle, readjusting himself before looking at his hoof.

"I have my theories," he said, "how long do you suppose he will be in there?"

"I think he said it was a diplomatic effort, sir," the guard replied, "though I'm not sure why the Field Marshall would be—"

"An eavesdropper," Solar pointed out, "good to note, now how long do you think he will stay?"

"U-uh," the guard nervously swallowed as he darted his eyes around, "I'd say thirty minutes to an hour, sir."

Solar raised his brows before lighting his horn—most high-ranking officials in the Empire's military were unicorns, if not all—with a sound akin to a ringing phone emanating from a yellowish orb. After a few seconds, the orb expanded into a visage of Daybreaker appearing like a hologram of the same tint. She looked rather busy, and likewise rather frustrated.

"I hope you have something important to say to me at this hour," the Empress said coldly. Solar gave a grin.

"Oh, it is quite important."

The World, October 29, 1502

Several weeks had passed. News spread of Griffonstone's new and strange weapons. Tales of their strange technology that pushed back the overwhelming resistance against Griffonst Station and kept the region at an unspoken ceasefire against the reinforced Solar Army inspired nationals from Shanghay and Ho Chi Mane to conquer the Banyan Timbers and set up diplomatic relations with Griffonstone, which had expanded it's territory into the Sugar Maple Grove after conquering Trotsylvania. The Reindeer of the Desolate Wild began to trade with Ho Chi Mane, which brought them into a trade circle between Ho Chi Mane, Shanghay, and Griffonstone. Together, they possessed each a third of the Eastern Continent. While they had attempted to raid Mount Metazoa, a stark warning from the mysterious creatures that resided within the Hall of Unity—formerly used as a diplomatic meeting area before what was now called the Three Nation's Conflict—warded away all attempting invaders. While Griffonstone had attempted to ally with the Changelings by word of letter earlier on, they simply sent back a Gryphon skull in response, driving King Taurus III to declare war upon them as well.

After this declaration of war, Chrysalis began to speak out more, flaunting the new Changeling Navy which had allowed the Changelings to successfully raid and conquer all of the land from Hakoda to Zebrat. No survivors remained, and any sentient species that resided there had permanently been rendered extinct. While waging these wars, Chrysalis was graced with the arrival of a Draconic King from the Southwest Lair, who had flown to Zebrat amid the Changeling-Farasi conflict, assisting in the war effort with likened brutality to Chrysalis and her armies before suggesting an alliance. Having mutual interests in the downfall of the Solar Empire for their trade alliance with the longstanding enemies of the Drakes, the Eastern Lair, Chrysalis gladly accepted the alliance, figuring the usage of Draconic firepower would be a phenomenal weapon against Griffonstone, and against the Solar Empire.

Meanwhile, the Solar Empire had strengthened diplomatic relations with Zebrabwe and the Kirin Grove This alliance led to the joining of the Kirins from Romore, the residents of Casaflanka, Hope Hollow, and the Redwood Range. Furthermore, Eastern Lair had agreed due to the involvement of the Southwestern Lair that they would join in battle with the Solar Empire. It was a great help that the Solar Empire had already formed a strong alliance with the Polar Bears, who had dismantled the Ampitheres and Hydras of the North Polar Lair, other longstanding enemies of the draconic triad. The Solar Empire's military had been fully reintegrated, and their firepower on the Eastern Front was now equal to that of the gryphons, while their navy on the Western Naval Front was holding control of regions in the North and South Luna oceans, as well as the Celestial Sea.

After being left in Yakyakistan, Shining Armor went into hiding as the nation was torn apart by the Empire's invasion from the Crystal Empire. Cadence, however, was informed that he was killed in action, and took leave to mourn while Sunrise Sparkle ruled in her stead. While Sunrise still played as Inquisitor, having quickly learned the position from top to bottom as she executed diplomatic missions to undetermined strategic regions and encouraged them to provide for the Solar Empire by fear, she was capable still of keeping charge of the large Crystal Empire's population, which had expanded into the Yaket Range and portions of further Yakyakistan territory that was reshaped by Earth Pony construction workers for Crystal Empire infrastructure. The Crystal Empire maintained trade relations with the Polar Bears, acting both as an independent nation and as a conduit for trade between the Polar Bears and the Solar Empire. Spike organized for her all of the documents going in and out, and was permitted to read over them and summarize particularly time-consuming documents for Sunrise. In doing so, he began to rise as an authority over the Crystal Empire under Sunrise Sparkle, who believed he would soon grow up to be a Field Marshall.

Word of communistic uprisings from within the disorganized group of True Harmonist protestors scattered abroad became more common. The Solar and Crystal Empires in a conjunctive effort started to release anti-communistic propaganda, attempting to capture any and all grandspeakers of the ideology, while still allowing True Harmonists to protest non-violently. Surveillance and monthly census data was established in both empires to keep track of citizens, to which they had learned that many were vanishing without a thought—presumably to join Starlight through a long system of travel that was difficult for even royal investigators to decipher. Though it still baffled the minds of Daybreaker's top advisors, Starlight had caught news of Sunset's imprisonment, and began misinformation campaigns against the Solar Empire from where it was believed that she was headquartered, which was soon relocated upon talk of a Solar Empire invasion of the Griffish Isles. Before this invasion could happen, Starlight and her associates were able to relocate south of the region and headquarter within the Hayseed Swamps, where she established charismatic relations within the Badlands and even as far as Foaledo, which spread the word of starlight's message from the Bone Dry Desert to Saddle Arabia, which quickly began to show support for Starlight's Ideas in light of Daybreaker's. In doing so, the Changelings had held off from invading Saddle Arabia, as it's economic influence was enough to support the strange Starlight Glimmer, who was doing great work in dividing the Solar Empire one pony at a time, and having them escape to the many regions that she now influenced.

This was the day death began. This was the day the Three-Nation's Conflict became the Great Tricontinental War. The Changelings and their allies, known as the "Undersky Dominion" faction. Griffonstone and it's allies, known as the "Griffonreich" faction. The Solar Empire and it's allies, known as the "Flame of the Sun" faction. This was the day that all three factions, as if in unison, began their assaults on one another, starting what historians—supposing they existed in the future—would call no more than the greatest worldwide slaughter of any existing world. All the while, Starlight Glimmer's ideology flourished in the neutral countries, that, with the trade power of Saddle Arabia, was capable of simultaneously benefiting all three factions in such a way that none dared to attack them.

Hall of Unity, October 29, 1502

"I think that's it, Applejack," Rainbow Dash said, pointing at the great tower in the distance.

The five friends had been travelling for a while, managing to slip through Bugbear Territory and through the mountains to approach Mount Metazoa from the eastern side. It was a long trip, and a very cold one, but they knew the Hall of Unity was the last hope to end the great conflict. After it's public decommissioning, all diplomats were barred from entry as the area was considered "sacred". Whatever creatures resided their regarded the world to be inadequate, and were not convinced that it was worth working towards. These creatures, of course, had never been seen at the Hall of Unity before. To everyone's knowledge, even the ancients, it was built by the many nations long ago to promote unity.

It was a mystery to all who heard of it, and in news across all nations; however, the five friends were determined to figure it out. There was so little hope for the world that the long trip was well worth the trouble for the mere chance of stopping the worst before it began. They had been traveling since a day after Twilight revealed her change of character in hopes they might have their friend back, and were finally approaching the tower.

"That looks like it," Applejack replied, "just a little further everypony. We're almost there."

With a little more walking, they approached an entry point guarded by two very large sentinels. They looked like equines, but were taller than alicorns. They appeared like shadows clothed in dark armor of black and purple. It was hard to describe the appearance of them, as it seemed to confuse the eyes, but whatever there was, it was sharp. Carried in what could only be assumed to be their hooves were massive battleaxes with a strange and otherworldly magic flowing through them.

"They're not very inviting," Rarity mused, "and they do not appear to be 'good guys' either."

"Doesn't matter what they look like, Rarity," Applejack said sternly, approaching the sentinels, "I know why they're here and what they stand for. They're on our side."

The two sentinels took notice of Applejack, who stopped suddenly as they thrusted their axes into the ground. Simultaneously they spoke.

"Entry is barred. Equus is unworthy. Division is settled. Leave."

"You don't know that!" Applejack exclaimed, "the times are bad, but we haven't lost hope!"

The sentinels removed their weapons from the ground, a shroud of black mist surrounding them as they directed their weapons towards Applejack.

"There is only one warning, leave or be terminated."

"You stand for unity, don't you?!" Applejack shouted, as the mist grew larger. The sentinels seemed unmoved. Before they could do anything, the friends began to join in.

"We still stand for it!" Rainbow Dash shouted. The mist continued.

"Yeah! We won't let this get us down!" Fluttershy exclaimed. The mist only got stronger.

"We want our friend back, we want Equestria back!" Pinkie followed. The darkness began to shroud them.

"And we won't stop until we have, no matter what you think you can do to stop us, you won't!" Rarity said.

The mist had completely surrounded them, the axes began to glow as the sentinels lifted them to swing. The girls closed their eyes, if they had to die trying to save Equestria, then at least they died doing the right thing. The axes swung, stopping just inches before making contact with their necks. A gust of wind followed the force of the swing, blasting away the mist as it began to fall. The girls opened their eyes as the sentinels stepped to the side and planted their axes within the ground once more. A strange figure manifested at the bridge and walked forward to meet them.

"Your unity is undeniable," the figure said. It looked to be human, but shrouded in a cloak. There was no face visible from the shade of the hood, but the hands were pale and thin. Wrapped around the cloak was a large cape, black and lined with circular symbols in a glowing purple. It's clothes underneath the cloak looked archaic, following the same purple and black color scheme as the cape. It was tall, standing at about seven feet.

"Listen mister," Applejack said with a heartfelt tone, "we really need your help. Twilight's gone crazy and so has Celestia; the entirety of Equestria has changed and we're scared, but we want to do something."

"I can see you've traveled all this way," the figure replied, "please, come in, and call me Adiaíretos. I'm sure you have many questions, please be patient until we have arrived at a safe location within the Hall."

The girls wondered why the outside was not safe, with the sentinels first and foremost, but secondly with the fact there surely was no one else around. Surely.

Equestria, October 29, 1502

It had been over two months since Sunset was imprisoned in Canterlot. It wasn't part of the dungeons, used now to contain POWs and treasonous individuals. These POWs and traitors were few in number, however, as the Solar Empire rarely took prisoners in the first place. The new taxes introduced were already supporting the war effort, and Daybreaker wasn't keen on using that money to support criminals. Prisoners of the dungeon were given bare minimum, or starved to death for lack of useful information. Sunset, rather, was imprisoned in a well-furnished room in one of the spare castle towers. This room had regular cleaning done, along with regular food supply and a perfect view of the north and south of the Solar Empire. She could see Ponyville in the vast distance, as well as Cloudsdale, Neighagra falls, and even the Crystal Palace—though just faintly.

Rather than a door way, there were bars lining what used to be a wall of the room. It was quite a wide tower, so there was no problem having such an area set up. Sunset, of course, was provided privacy with the restroom, as Daybreaker's cruelty rarely extended to ponies with the exception of those who openly and vehemently denounced the Empire. As she was looking down on Ponyville, she heard hoofsteps from beside her outside of the steel bars which were infused with magic as the rest of the room to nullify her spellcasting abilities.

"Enjoying the view?" Sunrise said calmly. Sunset didn't even bother to look in Sunrise's direction.

"You shot me with magic," Sunset said, "and you're just now visiting after over two months. Do you think I'm enjoying the view?"

"I think you are," Sunrise said. Sunset turned slightly to glare towards Sunrise.

"I'm not," she said sternly, "I'm not enjoying anything. Equestria is falling apart and you're just letting it go, Twilight."

"Twilight is no more, I am—"

"I'm fully aware Twilight is no more!" Sunset shouted, turning to Sunrise, "I just wanted to give you something to think back on when you finally realize how stupid this is! How have your friends reacted to this? Are they even your friends anymore?"

"They never were my friends," Sunrise said, keeping a straight face, "Empress Daybreaker has secured the state of the Empire. Haven't you seen the amazing work she's done?"

"I've seen the work she's done," Sunset said, turning back towards window, "ten public executions of gryphon soldiers by hanging, thirty-six Changelings impaled alive. She's not a leader, she's just bloodthirsty."

"You speak punishable blasphemies," Sunrise replied calmly, "yet she provides you with the highest quality of care here. Doesn't that say something?"

"It says she's putting more effort into converting me than you because I'm not buying into her nonsense," Sunset scoffed. She suddenly felt a pressure around her neck before being pulled and slammed against the cold bars of the cell.

"I have a very specific threshold of patience," Sunrise said sternly into Sunset's ear, "I don't believe you will ever change, but Empress Daybreaker still has faith in you. I would dare not question her authority, but if it were up to me, you would be gone already."

She released Sunset, who gasped for air as she fell to the ground. She had hoped in the back of her mind that Twilight might have still been in there, but Twilight would have never done something like that. Twilight was dead. Sunrise turned from the cell and began to walk away as Sunset faced her, still upon the floor.

"You. . .are. . .evil. . ." Sunset said between pants, coughing violently. Sunrise paused, turning back with a malicious grin.

"Maybe."

Hall of Unity, October 29, 1502

Sentinels lined the walls of a very large and circular room. There was a great table with as many chairs surrounding it as there were nations in the world. They had gathered dust in the time they remained unused. The girls looked at the structure with awe, as even they had never seen the inside of it. It was magnificent, even though it was more dreary than usual. Adiaíretos stopped walking, turning around to face the girls.

"This was where diplomats of all nations met with one another to maintain unity between all three continents," Adiaíretos explained, "I am sure you all remember when you fought off the Changelings in Canterlot after it was revealed that Queen Chrysalis had stolen the identity of Princess Mi Amor Cadenza. You didn't have faith in Twilight Sparkle, and it was understandable. Queen Chrysalis had fooled even Princess Celestia, an ancient. It was only Twilight Sparkle's strong unity with Princess Mi Amor Cadenza that allowed her to see the truth so early on. Even that incident was managed under diplomats, yes, even Changelings, which is why you have only recently seen their true cruelty emerge."

"We might've not been here, but I'm sure we would've known about you," Applejack pointed out, "where did you come from?"

"That is quite a difficult question for even myself," Adiaíretos replied, "however, to the best of my ability, I will attempt to explain it to you. The Hall of Unity was constructed with the help of all races, but was lead by the Ancients of Equestria."

"Celestia and Luna?" Rainbow Dash asked. Adiaíretos shook his head.

"Nay, but by their parents," he said, "Lord Téleio Astéri and Lady Panemorfi Astéri. Their names are old Equestrian for 'Perfect Star' and 'Beautiful Star' respectively. Older than your princesses by well over five thousand years. The Founders of Equus."

"This is like a history lesson, but more fun," Pinkie said softly, able to make a soft chuckle.

"It was their magic that brought the First Harmony," Adiaíretos continued, "and thus the races came to be as if they had always been. From nothing they came, but to everything they would remain. I realize, however, that I am avoiding your original question, so I shall answer: When continents began to war with each other, the Hall of Unity was disregarded. Diplomacy was no more, and the war crimes committed by the major nations had become undeniable. There was hope for Equestria, but when Empress Daybreaker arose from the within the body of Princess Celestia, Equestria became just like the rest. This place has magic from the Ancients, specifically the Primordial Ancients. It is the most powerful magic to exist in this world. It is because of that magic that I and my army here are born."

"But why?" Fluttershy asked, "why now? Is it because the world is just so bad?"

"What you called the Magic of Friendship is actually referred to as the Harmonious Constant," Adiaíretos replied, "The Harmonious Constant was what held this world together in peace. There were times it was nearly broken, when Starlight Glimmer altered the course of time in an attempt to fight Princess Twilight Sparkle, when Sombra took over the Crystal Empire, when Cosmos threatened Equestria, etcetera. It was never broken, however, as the Princesses maintained the Harmonious Constant. After Princess Luna lost herself to Nightmare Moon the first time, the Harmonious Constant was damaged to such an extent that it nearly 'broke in half', per se. Princess Celestia knew that to uphold the Harmonious Constant, the Elements of Harmony, or what were originally called the Jewels of Eternity, would have to be passed on to mortals who would not be overwhelmed by it's power."

"And the Princesses knew this?" Rarity asked.

"Yes, both of them," Adiaíretos replied once more, "Princess Mi Amor Cadenza and Princess Twilight Sparkle, however, have never been aware. While goddesses, they are not ancients, nor have they ancient blood within them. I do not believe that should have mattered, but Princess Celestia found it to be inappropriate for them to know such things. This is why Empress Daybreaker wants the elements back, to rewrite the Harmonious Constant so that it will function under her new Empire. However, she doesn't understand that this will cause a permanent and catastrophic change to all of Equus. The Harmonious Constant is barely held together by the five of you. This is no fault of yours, but because Daybreaker has removed the key piece of the constant, being Magic."

"So what can we do?" Applejack asked, "There has to be something."

"Ah, yes, this is where things will become dangerously adventurous—but I am certain you are up to the task," Adiaíretos started, "Sunset Shimmer is confined within the Ninth Canterlot Tower in a room shielded by Solar Magic, the same kind of ancient magic that Empress Daybreaker uses to raise the sun. Sunset Shimmer is the key to preserving the Harmonious Constant. You will not be able to penetrate the shield with your own magic, so you will need this."

Adiaíretos opened his palm upwards, a swirl of purplish magic manifesting a crown with a similarly purple jewel within it. He placed it upon Applejack's head, which secured itself with a fraction of pain.

"Agh, that hurt," Applejack muttered. Adiaíretos gave a chuckle.

"It is a spell binding the crown to your head," he explained, "it will unbind to you once you have returned here with Sunset."

"We'll have the entire Solar Empire's military after us," Rainbow Dash retorted, "how are we supposed to get past them, let along get back?"

"I will deal with that," Adiaíretos replied, "after all, I am the embodiment of the Harmonious Constant."

"So that's what you are," Applejack said, looking up to Adiaíretos, "you're the Harmonious Constant trying to save itself from death."

"Yes, and that is why my armies are so powerful, yet cannot leave this area," he explained, "however, I can produce a portal that can. It will lead you directly to a floor below the room Sunset Shimmer is contained within, you will be able to remove both the magical barrier as well as the physical barrier."

"How do I use it?" Applejack asked. Adiaíretos turned to her.

"You have more power than a unicorn right now, Applejack," he said, "you would use it like a horn. Envision the magic coursing through your veins, and channel it through that jewel. It will project to your will. Now, I will open this portal but you must make haste: Daybreaker will sense that her shield has been torn down, and she will know exactly how it was done."

"We won't disappoint!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed with a grin. Adiaíretos gave a warm smile.

"You never do."

Equestria, October 29, 1502

The Empress sat upon her throne, relaxing after a day's work of logistics, diplomacy, and war handling. Sunrise stepped into the throne room, warranting a smile from Daybreaker.

"Empress Sunrise Sparkle, how good to see you," Daybreaker said, readjusting in her throne, "it's been a week now hasn't it, how are things faring in the Crystal Empire?"

"You needn't refer to me as a title equal to yours, my liege," Sunrise replied humbly with a bow, "but things have gone very well. The economy is better than it ever has been, and our military is 120,000 strong."

"So humble, and so efficient," Daybreaker continued with a smile, "you've learned so much in such a short time. Nothing less than expected, Sunrise."

"Thank you, my liege," Sunrise said, rising up to face the Empress. She noticed a sudden change in Daybreaker's expression, "Empress? What happened?"

Daybreaker showed her teeth, snarling at what seemed to be the air until Sunrise realized that the Empress was looking in the direction of the tower. Daybreaker took a breath, calming herself as she arose from her throne. Sunrise began to ask again what was happening, before the Empress rose a hoof.

"Sunset's barrier has been broken," she said calmly, "There's only one kind of magic that can do that."

"What?!" Sunrise said suddenly, turning to run before she felt the warmth of Daybreaker's magic holding her back.

"Do not be in such a rush," Daybreaker said softly as she reached Sunrise, releasing her as well, "it seems your friends have gone to the Hall of Unity and earned the favor of a certain someone. I'll explain it on the way."

When they arrived, the cell was empty. The bars had been melted through, and the barrier was visibly shattered with residue of dead magic on the ground. Sunrise felt a rage in her like never before, a rage similar to Daybreaker's, yet Sunrise had not yet learned to contain it. She let out an infuriated shout, thrusting a foreleg into a steel bar and breaking it. Daybreaker shook her head.

"Calm yourself, Sunrise," she said softly, placing a hoof on her Inquisitor's mane, "I am as angry as you, but as rulers we must contain our fury until the time is right to release it."

"I could have stopped this if I had just stayed around longer," Sunrise began to say, before Daybreaker silenced her once more.

"You have done nothing wrong, Sunrise," she continued, "I believe we have more pressing matters. We have found Shining Armor."

Sunrise turned to Daybreaker, she knew what that meant. A traitor of such a high position, there was only one punishment worthy of such scum in the Empire. Sunrise closed her eyes, nodding.

"You are correct as always, my liege," Sunrise said calmly.

It was only a matter of time now before the Empress would show the Empire that nopony was above the law, that even the highest officers were held equally-accountable. True equality, the Empress thought, is equal penalty.