The Republican War: The Fall of Heaven's Spire

Chapters

Olympus Has Fallen
Where Angels Fear to Tread
When Darkness Answers
Until Dawn Breaks
What Light Beholds

Olympus Has Fallen

To Colonel Iron Pike of the 82nd Crystal Brigade

The Griffins declared war on us but a month ago and we are already losing. They crossed our third line of defense at the Mississippony River a few days ago. The river defense barely gave us enough time to evacuate Canterlot of important Ponies. Canterlot is to be considered fallen. Your defense of the city suicide. There is no other conclusion that we can come to. We'll send what we can but know that once they set a siege there is nothing we can do commander.

We'll do what we can at the Coltumbia River off to the west, but chances are that we won't make it a week. Commander, I wish you an honorable death. That is all we can hope for at this current point in time.

My good friend, I wouldn't have sent your brigade to Canterlot if I had a choice. The princess said you were the right pony to hold Canterlot before we liberated it again. What a bunch of dragon dung. I'm sorry my hooves are tied.

Your old friend, General Sword Strike.

The note read. It was bloodied from weeks of fighting. Everything about it made my fur bristle. With my teeth clenched I burned the orders. My colonel died for nothing. My stallions were sent to die for a vague hope. I retrieved this damn letter from his corpse. His final orders.

This letter with its royal seal is the bane of what equestria should be. My colonel Iron pike, I swear to you by the queen's hive that your death wasn't in vain. I, Lieutenant Colonel Cloaked Dagger, will get our stallions home. Through any means necessary.

"Blow it," I ordered calmly. Ducking my head around the corner and putting my hooves over my ears.

A banshee-like screech of tortured metal erupted as the explosion ripped the door apart. The ancient vault doors blowing inwards. Ancient spells shrieking out as to try to stop us from touching its forbidden contents. The ground shook and the walls cracked from its violent outburst. The shattering of windows and pillars unheard from its fury.

I couldn't stop myself from coughing up the thick layer of dust that decided to rear its ugly head. I looked around to find the few unfortunate souls that were stuck in the same situation as I. I saw a private's ears bleeding, he was holding the detonator in his hooves and was closest to the blast. If he wasn't deaf from the three months of fighting before hoof, he is now.

I just gave a sigh, small injuries like this weren't important anymore. We have too much on our plates nowadays with our resources drying up. It didn't help that his pain tasted just as good as wet gunpowder. The frustration and fear from the others weren't helping. I just gave out another sigh, ponies are so easily frightened by the unknown. Still, I need to keep a firm face and a straight tooth for these food sacks while I'm still here.

I turned the corner to admire the work of our demolitions expert. Well I don't think the doors are a problem any more. The once great vault doors were blown off their hinges, once enchanted by the great princess of death, Celestia, now lay lifeless on the floor. I bit the inside of my lip to stop myself from spitting at even the thought of her, I'm a simple infiltrator staying on mission.

Well the mission has long since passed as those damn blood beaks are assaulting the inner walls. Even with the ringing in my ears I can still hear the sound of gunfire and cannons as they rained down on our last defensive line. Screw the hive queen and screw everyling else. Why did I sign up for this? I could have been a construction drone but no I had to get greedy. Of course the temptation of being a harvester is strong, who doesn't want to be fed first when rations of love were all you could get.

"Lieutenant Colonel!" I heard from my second, shocking me out of my stupor. I know he is yelling from his mouth movements but his voice only sounded like a whisper, "You sure this was wise?! This is the vault of forbidden artifacts after all!"

I only gave a nod of confirmation as I strove forward. I didn't look back. I felt his fear, no living being other than the great killer sun has ever set hoof in this vault and she taught her little ponies to be obedient. Unfortunately for her, I was taught to improvise and finish the mission through any means necessary.

I passed what was once the boundary between the castle and the vault expecting something grand and evil, all I got was just a bunch of random objects thrown on the floor. All of their purposes are unclear or enchantments disabled. It was quite unimpressive honestly. I thought there was more to it here. Where is the necronomicon or tartarus spawn. It was just odd trinkets and bits. I see the crystal monarch starting to laugh at the ridiculousness of this, all this security for the most secure vault in all of Equestria and this is it.

There was nothing here of practical use. The only thing interesting was a portrait of a blue alicorn but I doubt that has any real use. Though I can imagine the artist painting it being upset and old rainbow hair keeping it as a funny joke.

Old enchanted moon scimitars and ancient weapons did litter the ground though. Funny how these just one hundred years ago would be considered some of the best weapons you can get but I’ll stick to my rifle on my back, even with ammo running low.

“Spread out! Find us something useful! We needed them on the front line three months ago! Now move those damn hooves like the sky is falling!” I ordered out. That shook their hesitation of entering this forbidden place off. Ponies, I gave a slight smile, just a little encouragement and they’ll do anything.

I can hear one private’s conversation as I was looking for something to help the war effort. He seemed to know a lot about some of the objects in this vault. Though it was mostly about the legends and myths. Useless information. Gah! Where is the griffon soul killer magic objects or the republican atomizer when you need it?!

I stumbled across several swords, none of which catch my interest but one. Its blade of pure onyx sheen with a red glow. Its twisted mouth guard was bejeweled with what looked like enchanted rubies. It seemed more suited to be in a unicorn's magic than the mouth of any regular pony. Funny enough it seemed perfect for my unicorn disguise. It seemed to call for me. I only stared deeper into its perfect glint. Yes, I needed to be closer, to admire it more. I needed it.

“Sir! Be careful that’s King Sombra’s sword,” a hoof touched my shoulder. I was so shocked by his touch that I jumped out of my stupor. I shook my head at the weird thoughts that plagued my mind. I could only nod at the private while silently thanking him, I have no idea where those thoughts came from. I could only roll my hoof to signal him to move on but he seemed to take it to explain the weapon.

“King Sombra’s sword is quite the artifact, it’s said that the gems on the guard are bloodstone made with the blood of a thousand souls for each individual gem. Made with dark magic so strong that it turned the frozen north into the hostile place we know today.

It’s said to amplify the user’s magic to where Celestia herself couldn’t defeat him directly. Though the one other pony who wielded was in the great lunar rebellion as General Lunar Cycle, who was corrupted by its power and was consumed by it creating the legend of the mare in the moon,” I could only stare at him dumbfounded. He seemed so happy with himself as he told me that story.

I rolled my eyes and pointed for him to do his job and not a history lesson. He only gave me a tiny smile of embarrassment, finally getting my message.

“Sorry sir! Right away sir!” he saluted as he turned around. I only shook my head at him. Why did he sign up to become a part of the army when he could as easily become a historian is a mystery. I saw his excitement for the objects that were thrown around all over the ground. It tasted nice compared to the salty taste of resignation going through the line.

There was a loud knock at what was once the door. Turning my head I found captain True sight. He looked ragged. He was out of breath and bleeding from several wounds.

“Sir, ha ha ha, the griffons are breaking through our line, we can’t stop them from reaching the courtyard,” his voice was rough and he was breathing hard. My face hardened at his exclamation. This wasn’t good, I thought I had more time but these damn griffons are too damn persistent.

“Stallions!” I yelled out catching the attention of all those who heard, “Hear me now and hear me well. Gather up all that you can and push it to the front. Anything useful must make it there no matter the cost. You! Gather the three youngest, the wounded and the civvies in this damn vault. It’s the safest place for them now. Have them protect them and give them orders to surrender once the griffons make it to the vault. I don’t want a bloodbath here.”

“Yes sir!” multiple voices rang out. Like ants they were moving. I could only smirk a little, if I were to die here, these would be the ponies I wouldn't mind dying with. This reminds me of home with how well these ponies work together.

Hm, death. Funny how close I’ve come to that many times in these last few months. I was once scared of the prospect but now it was numbed. I fear more honestly for the death of my soldiers than I do for myself. Even if they are just dumb ponies being led by the sun tyrant.

Even if it was dumb, I must do everything I can for them. I stared back at the glistering blade behind me. The power of an alicorn you say. I carefully trotted up to it. I was aware of the sword trying to edge its way back into my mind. It wanted me to take it. To use it. To destroy my enemies and bath this land in its unholy light.

Unfortunately for it, it’ll never see this land bathed in its darkness with me dead on the doorsteps of Canterlot. Gently picking up the blade with my hooves, avoiding touching it with my magic, I strapped it to my back along with my rifle.

With hurried hooves, I moved. The sounds of gunfire closing in. The shouts and screams of all those who were fighting were blatantly clear as I strode. The sound of a gatling gun rippled out, striking the wall beside me.

“Get Down!” I heard right before the old wooden doors of the castle was riddled with bullets in front of me.

“Get that damn gatling inside NOW!” a soldier ordered. The old wooden doors slammed opened with a loud thud. Immediate I could see the crew of the brass gatling dragging the beaten down machine inside, the wheeled cart having its wheels splintered and broken. Its barrels were still smoking.

Soldiers started to pile into the safety of the stone and marble walls, shutting the castle doors behind them. At least the illusion of safety with the cannons the feather pluckers outside were most likely setting up. Some took the chance to reload their rifled muskets, though I could see the earth ponies struggle with their hooves.

Gunfire ringing out, splintering wood and shattering windows. I can taste their fear, others hatred, but most resignation. Everypony knows we lost this fight a long time ago. Once the solar princess fled the city after the claw cowards broke through Mississippony river defensive line. We were left here to die as a token defensive force. I inherited command of these poor sods after my commanding officer fell.

I GAVE them a vow to never resign, I vowed to keep fighting, to never give up. Here they are at the brink and they are still fighting. Impossible odds and certain death awaits us if we go down this path, yet here we are. Unbreakable and Unyielding.

The sounds of booms and the cracking of walls sounded out as the bird bitches finally got their cannons up. Galloping into action, I jumped in front of the gatling ready to catch what was surely to come.

Right on cue the door shattered as a cannonball forced its way through the ancient wooden doors. I was ready. Activating my magic, I grabbed onto the ball and directed it upwards and away from the gatling, saving it from destruction. My horn ached from the exertion. I felt as if all my limbs went numb.

“Get your flanks deeper inside! Grab as much ammo and stallions as you can! Drag them if you have to! Get everypony to the damn throne room!” I ordered out, barely being heard over the constant cannon barrage and gunfire. My men were swift as they listened. I couldn't hold my grin back at the efficiency of my men. While few in numbers they were mighty. The pinnacle of bravery.

The once grand throne room was now presumed to be the final last stand of Equestria’s military. Faust knows what is going on outside the city, or even if we already surrendered. The Once great golden and purple tapestries were torn and riddled with bullet holes. The marble pillars, floors and walls chipped or broken as they were ravaged. The stained glass windows shattered with their shards scattered all over the floor. The seat of power, what was once the most powerful seat in the world, now lays broken on top of its raised pedestal.

My stallions spread out around the room, finding whatever cover they could find. Fallen pillars or raised audience platforms. The gatling crew decided to set up right down the center, moving debris as a way of shielding themselves from incoming fire. Everypony kept looking to me for guidance, I would give them a nod as I readied my repeater.

I decided to stand where the sun whore sat. Right where everypony can see me. Where they can see my defiance. My anger. My strength against impossible odds. We may have been abandoned, but I will never abandon my stallions.

Where Angels Fear to Tread

*Tink* *chink*

The popping sound rang out from my repeater.

*Tink* *chink*

My magic is pulling the lever down and up. My barrel ran red as I kept firing at the damn invaders.

*Tink* *chink*

The griffons tried flying through the shattered windows and ceiling, only to be gunned down by a hail of gunfire. Their blood painted the white marble floor red.

*Tink* *chink*

The gatling ahead of me hasn’t stopped firing, its barrels smoking, pinning down the griffons at the throne entrance, none dared to show their stupid beaks.

I pulled my lever again, turning my gun to the ceiling as the griffons tried to take potshots at the gatling crew, some succeeded and killed the commander of the crew.

The screams of the fallen are ever haunting but ultimately ignored as the living fought for every second on this earth. A pegasus falling from his elevated position as his wing was shot. His scream as he fell and his sudden silence after he smacked the ground hard.

Casings splattered the floor, smoke filled the air as muskets fired. The fallen lay silent, while the living stand above them loud and defiant. Each casing clinking against the ground as it was ejected.

My magic kept shoving round after round into my repeater, never letting the torrent of bullets let up. While not every bullet hit their mark, it kept the shitheads down. The cowards dared enter our home. They dared to destroy all we hold dear. They dared challenge us. Fucking poor bastards.

I could see my men behind pillars slowly loading their muzzle loaders. Others have decided to fix bayonets as they ran out of ammo, waiting for the inevitable click of the gatling when it’ll run out.

Spotting some griffons trying their luck off on the right trying to breach through the broken windows, I shifted my focus there. As long as I have ammo, no creature will ever breach our defence.

One round goes out leaving the muzzle of my rifle in a blaze of smoke, then the second, and finally a third. Another griffon down, he didn’t pray hard enough to his god for good luck. His friends decided it was better for them to keep their heads below the window sill. Good on them for being smart enough to buck off.

Out of the corner of my eye I spot something through the hole in the ceiling. Two griffons with a barrel on the rooftop. I knew what they were trying to do the moment I saw them. Switching my focus, I took aim. I breathed out. I squeezed the trigger slowly but deliberately.

*Click*

My repeater hammer hit nothing but thin air as there was no round in the chamber. I could only watch in horror as the griffons dropped the barrel right in front of the gatling. All I could do was duck and cover.

The barrel hit the ground with a metallic thud. A flash of orange flame licked its base, and then - nothing but light and fury. The explosion ripped through the air, sending shrapnel in all directions. The gatling gun vanished in the inferno, along with any hope of holding the entrance. When my vision cleared, all that remained was twisted metal and silence where the steady rhythm of our defense had once been.

In a rush, the few remaining ponies with any ammunition left started to move into volley formation to stem the wave that would eventually drown the room. I could hear the griffon war cries rise against the steady flow of gunfire.

It wasn’t enough, eventually we’ll fall or be forced to surrender. I could see some of my men on the brink of collapsing. Some are just waiting for the order to give up and submit. I could only stare at my now empty weapon. It was useless, worthless. Power that once could rival that of the strongest mages and the alicorn herself reduced to a trinket.

Hmm, the power of an alicorn. The power to change any certain outcommon. Taking my gaze away from my rifle to what lays in my scabbard. An ancient obsidian blade. It called me to pull it from its shelter. To wield it. It lusted for blood. It wanted me to use it. To feed it.

Looking up I can see our line already faltering. I can see my last remaining officer try to gather the remnants up for a final bayonet charge. A fool’s hope. Staring down the hall towards the gathering griffons. They have gotten into volley formation completely unopposed. They no longer fear us. They smell our desperation and decided to strike while the iron is hot.

Pulling the scabbard from my side, I could look at its intricate design. Red and gold swirls on an obsidian finish. It was all that held the blade at bay. A blade not made for war but for the complete annihilation of its enemies.

I stared up at my fallen soldiers. Their charge faltered as they were gunned down ruthlessly by these invaders.

Taking a deep breath, I gripped the blade strongly in my magic. With the blade sliding against the ancient wood, I drew the sword from what was once its resting place to be used once again.

When Darkness Answers

Time seemed to freeze as the obsidian blade caught the light. For one perfect moment, everything stood still - the falling bodies of my soldiers, the triumphant grins of the griffons, even the smoke hanging in the air.

The blade seemed to hum to life, taking on a blood red glow. It began to whisper into my ears. Softly it came but soon only increased in volume.

The sword's whispers became screams. Not screams of fear or pain - screams of joy. A thousand souls trapped in bloodstone, all crying out in dark ecstasy as their power flowed.

It screamed promises of power and victory. Promises of vengeance. Promises that would cost everything. The blade hummed in my magic, singing a song of blood and victory.

It wanted me to join its symphony. I could only squint at it in defiance. I felt my hooves start to tingle and my horn ached. It hungered for my magic, sucking up as much as it tainted magic could get a hold of.

I couldn’t drop it no matter what I did, my magic no longer responded. I felt it drain me, my joints felt tired. The strain of every reserve of magic be depleted. The love I’ve collected from the ponies for months, evaporated.

I had to do something. Something to stem the tide. I could think of nothing as its dark magic slithered its way into me. Taking a deep breath, I repeated a mantra that has kept me calm and stable for the last three months.

I am lieutenant colonel Cloaked Dagger. Acting commanding officer of the 82nd Crystal Brigade. I swore an oath to my kingdom, my soldiers and my people to serve until death. To serve as an acting beacon of hope. To serve those who couldn’t defend themselves. To serve the weak and forgotten. To be the ultimate force for harmony.

This blade is not my master. It will never control me. This magic is mine. It was built on the love and admiration of Equestria and its ponies. I felt my eyes twitch.

If it wants my love it can have it. I opened my reserve for it to enter, flooding its senses with love.

Slamming my hoof down to assert my control. I shoved more of my magic into it. Drowning its tainted magic with what was left of my love.

The blade held steady in my magic, now capable of movement by my mind. Its bright blood red glow, dimmed by my resistance, but still eager to serve annihilation.

I looked towards the door. The griffons finally entered. The charge failed to hold them back.

This will be their tomb.

I shook my head at the thought. I kept up my stream of love, The love so powerful as to change my once lime green magic pink. My muscles tensed at the amount of power I flowed to my horn just to keep its lust at bay.

I could see one griffon level his rifle at me as I raised my sword to challenge those who defy me.

His hammer fell, igniting the powder within his rifle. His grin of victory was short lived as the rifle in his claws violently exploded, sending metal shards of shrapnel. Its shards tear through his green uniform leaving stains of red.

I grinned as I let go of the magic that surrounded his rifle, letting out a held breath. His buddies were terrified at his violent outburst. Some even took his shrapnel and are now laying on the ground crying for a medic.

I widened my grin as I saw many of them now train their eyes on me. That’s right you bastards, all eyes on me.

In an instant several shots rang out towards me or more specifically where I was.

Jumping out of a griffon's shadow, I sliced straight up cutting the young chick in half. He didn’t even have enough time to scream.

Whirling the blade around, bringing the dark blade around in a vicious arc onto another victim. It sang as it sliced through the air and bit deep into griffon flesh. Blood splattered the marble floor. Screams echoed off the throne room walls. I moved in a frenzied dance of death.

All those who hid behind the broken pillars and the remnants of the ceiling were cut down with no mercy. Many tried to run out the door but none escaped as black fire blocked their way. I gleefully laughed at their fear, for once I took delight in their suffering. For all the pain and suffering they forced on us.

They deserve this.

Through blade or magic they fell. Many were unable to scream as they were cut or consumed in fire. I raised my sword to strike down one more time on this young griffon.

“Please! I surrender! Please!” He cried out. All he could do was beg and curl up against the wall, afraid of what awaits him. I grinned at his fear, ohh how it tasted ever so sweet.

So focused was I on savoring his terror that I missed the sound of approaching clawsteps. The white-hot pain of cold steel punching through my side brought me crashing back to reality. An older griffon soldier, now standing behind me with his bayonet buried deep in my flesh, had made his choice. With the pull of his trigger he fired, another sharp pain rippled through my side.

I screamed in pain and anger, How dare he!?

“RUN chick! Run from this shadow!” the griffon yelled out. I only grinned, the pain he caused me won’t go unpunished. My horn was set ablaze. Soon the brave little griffon was launched into the air with a sickening glee.

He screamed at his inevitable fate. I want him to feel the pain he caused me. It was as if every bone of his body snapped. His skin now weighs thousands of pounds as the gravity increased, slowly crushing him. He tried so desperately to flee but it was all helpless as soon his body fell silent.

I turned back to see nothing. The chick fled. My breathing was ragged and fast. I looked up to see the faces of my men, no longer did I see the respect they once gave me as terror was embedded on their faces.

Looking around, the griffon force sent to capture the castle now lays silent. Did I do this? Staring down at my wound I could see it was filled with black crystals. My hooves were no different as what was once a pristine grey fur were replaced with jagged black crystals. I could feel each crystal dig into my skin at every step.

I tried to step towards my stallions to reassure them but they backed up in fear of what I'd do. They leveled their rifles at me. I don’t blame them. This is my fault.

Shaking my head, I turned my head towards the wall.There are still griffons in my city and I can’t let them stay. Blowing the wall outwards, I lept outside.

Until Dawn Breaks

The wind whipped past as I fell from the castle heights, my crystallized hooves glinting in the sun’s rays. The once proud courtyard, filled with exotic flowers and a hedge maze, now glows a deep black. The remains turned to ashes, leaving only an empty field filled with knock over or destroyed statues. All along the grounds swarmed with griffon soldiers, surrounded by machines of war. Gatlings, cannons and rifles glinted as I fell. Some far off to the west as if their army was near. That’s impossible, the Coltumbia river is further than that. The griffon army wouldn’t be this close unless the…

I grinned at the revelation. Shifting my form into black fire as I descended, I took flight. It was weird that my familiar buzz of my wings was gone, replaced with the constant roar of fire. It was so effortless to move, as if I was a pegasus effortlessly breaking the sound barrier.

I turned my (eyes?) downward towards the gathering forces. The griffons seem to hastily be setting up their cannons and gatlings, all facing outwards. They're preparing for the coming storm. Let’s give them a warm welcome back.

Their blood will spill just the same.

Shaking my blackened fire form, I tried to push that voice away.

What makes you think you can get rid of me. You’re already mine.

I tried to shut that dark voice but his voice kept on whispering in my ears. I need more time. I only need a little longer.

Reforming into my physical form I fell upon a gatling crew. With quick precision I cut the gun in half, making sure the firing mechanism can never be used again. The crew that was once manning it screamed in terror and for backup.

One even tried to raise his revolver at me as I stood over splintered metal. He never had a chance as I cleaved the revolver in half, right down the cylinder. I could see his surprise grow. Realizing the revolver no longer worked, he threw it aside to swipe me with his claws, but I was already gone.

Leaping from heavy weapon to heavy weapon, disabling them as I went. A cannon’s wagon destroyed, a gatling’s mechanism melted, every gun a target. I deliberately avoided killing as many griffons as I can, to try to starve the blade from its bloodlust.

It didn’t seem to work, I kept catching myself slicing off claws and stabbing griffons I didn’t intend to. With every swing I could feel my resolve fade. I broke arms, sliced off wings and burned those who got in my way.

I’ve taken down dozens of heavy equipment by now that the griffons have noticed that they’re no longer safe behind these stolen walls. Riflemen lined up in formation and fired, their bullets acting like improvised grapeshot and near impossible for me to avoid. Jumping through the hailstorm of bullets, shifting my form into shadow, nothing seemed to work as red hot searing pain erupted from multiple points in my body. I slammed into the ground with a hard thud as the pain broke my concentration.

Those damn bastards!

Gritting my teeth, I recollected my thoughts. My job isn’t done, I need to get up. Gritting my teeth, and pushing on my cracked new crystal leg, its jagged edges burying themselves into my skin deeper. I felt every edge, a painful edge for every lost life.

I couldn’t keep the sword's dark mind at bay forever, it kept crawling its way back in control. My magic is already in its control. looking up I could see the griffon formation look uneasy.

They should be for they are met with a Shade.

I nee… I stumbled a bit as I slipped, my legs struggling to support my weight. I gave a promise to get my stallions home. No matter the cost to myself. My stallions aren’t safe yet until the Equestrian army gets here. GET UP.

I struggled to my hooves. I raised the sword high, as if I was ready for a duel that would never come.

Why struggle and feel the pain? It would be easier to just give in and lend me control. No more pain, no more suffering. Why not join the symphony and never have to feel loss again?

How selfish could you be? My job isn’t done. I must get them home. When I took command, I promised them.

We could do this. You’ll never have to be alone. Our strength is unmatched.

The griffon’s lowered their rifles as they finished reloading. All of them waited for the command to fire.

Allow us to take control and this will all be over. There will be no griffon that will stand in OUR way. You, as you are now, have nothing left to give. Your body is failing and no magic reserve left. You’ll never save them. You almost failed them by leading them to slaughter.

“Ready! Aim!” I held my breath at the griffon commander’s orders. There was nothing I could do. I could barely move. The only reason I wasn’t bleeding out or dead is because of this sword. It healed my wounds and has kept me alive this long. I’ve done feats that I could barely do with ease.

The Griffon raises his claw as a signal. I need to buy time but what can I do? With a downwards motion the commander lowered his claw, “Fire!”

The sound of a chorus of guns fired. All aimed at me. Slinging hot lead. It was inevitable. The billowing smoke from their rifle blocked their view of what would become of their prey.

Once the smoke cleared there was only a black bubble sitting where I once stood. Their conical musket balls were suspended all along our shield. In an instant the balls sprang back at their owners, cutting into their forces.

Those that survived could only look upon me in terror as my shield dissipated. What was once a grey stallion with a white mane and green eyes was now one of their nightmares. A blackened crystal stallion with a blood red mane stood before them. His deep red and sickly green eyes scanned them. Sharp fangs protruded from his muzzle, no longer was he the prey they once knew.

It seemed to smile, a sickly and evil smile. A griffon raised his rifle to fire only to be met with a blade to his throat. It seemed to blink from existence in an instant.

Screams of terror rang out like church bells as I chased them all down like dogs. How dare they touch my city. Every gun raised was met with extreme violence; every insult taken with vengeance.

Some were brave enough to stare me down, to never scream at the sight of me. They were fools. Fools that will bow down to me. I will break them. I could only grin at the thought.

Spotting their ammo depot, I charged forward. It was roughly made from how much time they had to move here. Only a few barrels of gunpowder, shells and a few cartridges here and there. It will all go up all the same. Igniting my hoof I stamped down upon a trail of gunpowder. With it lit I ran, even I can’t withstand what is to come.

I dove into a fountain pond. Its cool water protecting me from the scorching heat that is to come. In an Instant, as if my breath was taken away, I couldn’t breathe. The ground and water shook violently. I couldn’t hear as the ringing wouldn’t stop. The flames washed over the pool in a fury of flame. The red and orange light blinding to all those who looked upon it.

Lifting my head above the water, I coughed. I coughed until my throat hurt. I could barely breathe. Opening my eyes I saw what I have wrought. It was a blackened hole of a shed that once stood. It was reduced to a blackened cloud and a crater. The cloud rising high up into the sky for all of those to see. I grimaced as I looked at myself. A board of wood has lodged itself into my leg.

I sat there for a while as I pulled the wood out and let the crystals reconstruct themselves. The sound of claws marching shook me from my stupor. I could barely hear it with the ringing in my ears. Their claws shook the entire platform. Looking over to where they gathered. A thousand griffons lined up in line formation. All staring at me. They were taking no chances. All their guns lowered and ready.

Even some of their aerial fighters took flight, their wingblades glinted. Some seemed to be in the atmosphere high above with their silver glinting high above. One griffon who seemed important strode forward. His blue and white combat uniform is dusty but in good condition.

“I’m Commander Greyson of the thirty second infantry assault battalion. You are to surrender immediately and lay down your arms or you will be fired upon,” He commanded, his voice clear but unsteady. He was clearly putting up a brave face. His saber in his claw had an ever so slight shake. The men behind him weren't faring any better. All of them wanted to run after seeing what I did to their comrades.

I slowly got out of the pool with the blade held aloft in my magic behind me, my crystals sparkling in their wet state. I stared down their commander, licking my fangs in full view for them to see. An eerie silence befell us. We both stared at each other to see who would make the first move. To see who had the nerve. IF they won’t make the first move, I will.

I readied my blade in front of me, magic burning hot. I could see the commander raise his saber to signal. I grinned, this will be fun! Lowering myself to charge.

*crunch*

A body fell from the sky. A griffon fighter. Wait, I didn't kill him. Looking up I could see the pegasi and griffon in the sky fighting for air superiority. Tracers from gatlings and grapeshot filled the sky. The golden armor of the royal guard and the silver armor of the Equestrian army glinted blindly.

Looking down, the commander's saber has already fallen. In a moment a thousand guns fired. SHIT! I threw up a hasty shield, its power and durability limited. With a crack of a thousand booms, the air filled with a virtual wall of lead. The first ten shoots were absorbed. The next hundred sent cracks along the shield. Each bullet determined to imbue themselves into my crystal hide.

Each crack sent a throbbing headache to my horn. Like shards of glass the shield shattered. Hundreds of bullets swarmed around me. Many landed. My crystal skin cracking and shattering with the force they emitted. Once again my breath was stolen from me. I struggled to breath. Barely standing with my broken and shattered limbs.

Slamming my hoof down I sent black crystal underneath the commander. Erupting from the ground, the crystal stabbed straight through his chest. Stamping down once more I sent more crystals along the entire battle line.

Why won’t they run?! These damn republican dogs!

“For the republic!” one screamed out. His bayonet was ready as he charged me. Others followed his example. As a group they charged. Activating my magic, I sent wave after wave of black fire in their direction but not one turn and ran.

Bodies dropped whether that be from the sky or from their charge. They drew closer. I used my crystals from broken limbs as daggers. Stabbing at those that seem to try to stab me. Either by moving the blade or dodging they missed but some got through. They stabbed me all over. My face and body were riddled with bayonet wounds. My healing could keep up. I was standing on top of a mountain of griffons and they still kept coming.

Summoning a wave of wind I blew some away but more kept coming.

You are nothing! No worse than nothing! You will die like the bastards you are!

They wouldn't stop coming. Even with the pegasi now sweeping low and taking some of them out, there were too many.

Gathering up the remnants of my magic, I held it ready for my last resort. My blade blocked dozens of stab attempts but another got through. I closed my eyes. My horn lit up for the final time.

A wave of blackened magic burst out. Sending all those that surrounded me flying. I was breathing hard. I open my eyes to see a cleared field. There was no creature left standing. Taking a step forward to finish what I started, I collapsed. I left unable to move an inch. My chest burned and my horn was on fire.

I could only look around with my eyes as I watched my sky bound brothers drop off earth ponies and unicorns onto the field. Their golden armor announced them as the royal guard, the Solar monarchs personal elite units. The unicorns immediately set upon casting magic together as their brethren defended them from the remainder of the griffon army.

With a swoosh a portal started to appear. Its red sparks that lined the outside of the portal looked like fireworks as it went round and round. I could see one earth pony bring a halberd down upon a griffon's skull. The griffons looked desperate to stop the unicorns. Shots rang out, banging against metal and flesh.

One griffon attempted to stab at one of the unicorns. He didn’t get far as a blade shot out from the portal, a twin blade blade made of pure plasma. A unique blade to only one Unicorn. As he stepped out of the portal he grabbed his blade.

His golden coat and deep royal purple mane flowing in the wind. His golden armor with enchanted rivers of lava flowing through the armor. He could only be one stallion, the general. General Sword Strike.

“Move your damn hooves! We don’t have all day. Retake this city! For Crown and Country!” He commanded. He charged forward with a line of troops filing out of the portal behind him, whether royal guard or army.

The blade no longer responded to my attempt to get up. It was no longer connected. I could feel it laughing at me. My misery was just a funny joke to them. It gave up on me. Damn it. Coughing up blood I could only watch.

Stepping out from the portal was one I’d never thought would come here. Her ivory coat and rainbow mane shining in her brilliant sun. Her body is covered in elegant golden armor. A golden halberd by her side with a lever action slung across her back. Her golden crown still laid atop her head, a symbol of the monarchy against the tyranny of the republic.

She strode forward with her personal body guards by her side. I raise my hoof to get her attention, I need to see her.

“Celestia,” I croaked. My voice was rough and quiet. I doubt she could hear me but I need to see her, “Celestia.”

She stopped, unsure where the voice was coming from. I raise my hoof a little higher. Spotting my attempt she rushed over. A look of concern crossed her face, then realization and then finally fear. She knew what I did. She didn’t look away. She held her magenta eyes to mine, locked for eternity.

“You came back,” I croaked out. I tried to touch her, to believe she was actually here. She understood what I was trying to do and held my hoof in hers. She held tightly and never let go.

“Yes I did. I came back,” She told me her voice croaked out. Tears crossed my eyes. I couldn’t believe it.I could sense her regret for leaving, her anger for bastards that made her and her compassion for those who fell. That wasn’t all I felt, I felt her love for her country. Her love for her fellow ponies. I only grinned at that, if she only knew what I was.

The unyielding hunger I felt all my left fled, so did all the pain. All that I could see was the enchanted eyes that stared down at me. Maybe she wasn’t so bad. Solar monarch I don’t hate y…

We sat in silence against the roaring engines of war. She never left my side as I bled all over her as she held me in her hooves.

What Light Beholds

A thousand evil thoughts flooded my mind. My city, my ponies are under siege. The fate of all of Equestria is threatened by these… these republican extremists. If only I knew, I should hav… focusing on what could have been won’t change anything.

Looking over my city, a once shining star here on this earth, now lay in rubble. Fires and gunshots were spread out over the lower city as we liberated it from Griffonian forces. It will take a few days at least to restore control over the city to its rightful owners.

“Princess Celestia,” a familiar voice rang out. I could help but smile. He was always so reliable ever sinc… forget her, she isn’t important now. Turning around to face my general, his golden muzzle was hardened by war but his eyes were as gentle as the day I first saw him. Giving a nod he continued, “We secured the castle and half of the upper city, Fighting is still continuing in the upper and lower city. Though I would like to ask you to step back from the edge as there are known snipers operating in the area.”

I giggled at his concerned look. As if the griffons can hit the broadside of a barn. Though if he was warning me I better do as he says. I could see a sigh of relief as I did, oh how every general treats me so. Well except one, maybe two. Though one of those I’d rather forget.

I saw his relief turn to panic as he noticed my hooves and chest. The blood stains standing out against my pristine white fur and gold armor, “Princess! Are you alright?! Are you hit?!”

“I’m fine, general Sword strike. What you see isn’t mine if you are worried,” I steeled my face at the thought of that young soldier. His piercing green eyes bored into mine before he passed out. It was a haunting reminder of the horror of these misguided republicans beliefs, “He was a defender. His condition is unknown to me at the moment but he is under the best medical treatment we have at our disposal.”

The general seemed to calm down at that statement. That soldier though, I can't stop thinking about him. He was here for three months without hope, under siege everyday. Yet he still fought until he could no longer stand and now he may never make it home.

Turning around towards the open sky, the sky filled with smoke as the orange glow of the sunset settled up the land. Once again the burning sun above settled upon a war torn land. Something was different this time, no longer were we cowering in fear at the endless assault. We were shining as a new dawn would arise on a Equestria victorious. I could help but hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Still a nagging question still hung around. One I fear the answer to. I know the general hasn’t left and he would know but my throat couldn’t make the words.

“How… how many?” was all I could get out.

“We are still counting the civilians, but the current count is in the hundreds as of now. We are having them stay in the vault for now as it is the safest spot for them,” The general said matter of factly, though he stopped at my glance. He knew what I meant and attempted to dodge the question. I hardened my eyes at him, I needed to know.

“Of the twelve hundred defenders; seven are in fighting shape, ninety six lightly wounded and two hundred forty two in worse condition. The rest are assumed captured or killed,” his face was as cold as that report. We both knew that report would be as such.

“Commander Iron pike?’ I asked, I knew Sword Strike was close to him. With those devastating losses it was unlikely he was still alive. My poor general only shook his head. While he was good at hiding his emotion to most, nothing can hide from me. I could see his regret and sadness at his loss.

“His second in command took his place. Lieutenant colonel Cloaked Dagger. He is currently M.I.A as of this moment as he was seen in their final defence but the stories we’re getting out of that room are sparse with details and riddled with nonsense,” My general sighed. Typical, “Though most events line up between each other. Though without a proper investigation it is all hearsay for now.”

“Do they involve a certain black sword?” I asked. I could see his light up in recognition. He nodded in response. The ill fated sword now hung limp in front of me. I was careful not to touch it with any magic while bringing it over here. I don’t want anypony else falling to its influence.

“What will you do with it?” My general questioned, “There’s no place for it now and we can’t destroy it.”

“Patience, for now I’ll hold onto until I can find its final resting place,” I answered. I saw my general go to object, “Now general, I have had more experience with far more dangerous weapons than this. I have spent over a thousand years in this world, it won’t know which regret or desire to target. Even if it did, do you think too little of me to fall to darkness that easily.”

“No ma'am. I was just pointing out the danger associated with it,” my general pointed out. I gave him a nod. We sat and watched the pegasi filled sky as time went by. It was quiet up here on the castle grounds. If it wasn’t for the carter filled landscape around us and bullet ridden buildings it was if the war never came.

“Was it worth it Sword Strike?” I asked as I motioned my hoof towards all of canterlot.

“You know I can’t answer that Celestia,” His answer infuriated me, not because he didn’t answer but because it wasn’t up to him to decide if it was. It was a nagging question. In every war I asked every general the same question, most gave me the generic answer of yes and some have told me to fuck off as they watched their stallions walk off into their deaths.

There was never a straight answer to these things. Never was. Many have died in my name. Others died for causes they never understood for ideologies they never learned. That is the life of an Alicorn. To live on with regret and pain for eternity.

“I want to see those who remained,” I told him.

“Right away princess,” He saluted as he motioned for me to follow, “They’re stationed inside the royal vault.”

I followed him through the cratered grounds and into the broken halls. The hall felt alien, their familiarity gone as glass was shattered, pillars fallen and ceilings saged or caved in. The tapestries are torn or burned and paintings knock off the walls. It was so wrong. I gritted my teeth at the sights.

Soldiers marched all up and down the hall looking for anything salvageable or to find any survivors. I found one holding a pole with the flag of Equestria in his hooves. The sun and moon were circled by two alicorns across a blue background with its twenty four stars. It was a flag I haven’t changed even since before the lunar rebellion, ever since Luna. It’s funny how often I’ve been seeing it lately, more ponies seem to be having them outside their homes ever since Sunset shi…

My thoughts trailed off after that. The past few years have not been pleasant and I’d rather not dwell on past mistakes. If I remember correctly this would be the long way round to the vault, it was hard to tell as my knowledge to navigate this place was now held hostage by the destruction of war.

It wasn’t long before we reached the vault. There was a hailstorm of soldiers going in and dropping off supplies. Looking inside my medics were tending to the wounded in which there were many. The stench of death filled the room. From reports they weren’t in here for long but they moved in a hurry. I heard reports that the civilians in the caverns and basement weren’t in any better shape.

I stood in the hole that was once a great vault door, the setting sun sent its rays all across my back and illuminating the dim room. Most of the priceless artifacts were either moved to a corner or removed. I could see the painting of my sister slightly torn, this tore the heartstrings of my heart. It was such a lovely painting from a time long gone. It helped me remember what she looked like and what I did to her. I miss her.

Now is not the time to reminisce, you're here for a reason. I took a deep look around the room to only find horror. The frail bodies of my ponies were the most apparent, it looked like many hadn't eaten a true meal in months. Most were showing ribs and their faces were sunk in. Most huddled together with their families or around loved ones that have fallen.

Canterlot was not prepared for this, how could they be? We won against the rebellion and were celebrating peace at last only to be dragged into another bloody conflict. This time they struck at the heart of Equestria and almost succeeded.

“Princess are you real?” A tiny voice tapped my leg knocking me out of my thoughts. Looking down I could see that it was a little lavender filly with a dark blue mane no older than the age of four or five. Her face filled with so much hope as she looked up upon me.

“Twily!” A young white colt with a blue mane ran out to what I can assume was their younger sister. He practically tackled her. I giggle at the young colts actions, he would grow up to become a great stallion one day. With him hugging his sister he bowed to me “I’m sorry princess please forgive her.”

I motion for them to rise and to come closer. He was hesitant at first but his sister didn’t. She ran forward to hug my blood stain hoof, “Are you real?”

Lowering myself to the height of the filly I used my other hoof to lightly pet across her head, “Yes, my little pony. I am real and I’ll never leave again.”

I heard many start to cry out at my declaration. Many seemed to be afraid that this was some trick or were waiting for some affirmation. Some cheered, many stayed quiet as they wept. The little filly was ecstatic on my leg while her brother silently wept as if he couldn’t believe it.

“Where is Cloaked Dagger?” the little filly asked, “He said he would play with us today.”

My throat tightened up at question. Many seemed to note my hesitation. Many faces darkened at that fact. I gave a short sigh before responding to the filly, “My lieutenant colonel is currently, ugh, getting patched up by our doctors. Today has been busy for many. When we release him I’m sure you will be the first to know.”

“Okay!” The filly cheered. Little did this filly know I lied to her. We have no idea where he’s at.

“Now run along little filly and find some others to play with today,” I told her. She seemed excited by the fact I gave her permission to play with others. I could see the smile from her brother as they left.

I looked upon the others I raised myself from the floor. So many eyes upon me. I was once afraid of all these eyes on me. Even today I fear their thoughts, not because I wasn’t good enough but because many would go out and die for the words I spoke.

All those eyes, always looking for guidance. A spark of hope to fuel their flames, to ignite a burning passion. A burning light in the darkness. That is what they thought of me. The embodiment of the sun, the light bringer. It was a burden that weighed heavy upon my head for all these years.

These ponies have been through enough. They saw the horrors that were to come first hoof. I must never have this happen. I swore to protect them a millenia ago and I will not back down now. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep them safe.

“My little ponies of Canterlot!” My voice boomed out. My voice caught the attention of all, "In these halls, I see before me not just survivors, but heroes. Each of you - from the youngest foal to the eldest citizen - has shown courage that will be sung of for generations to come. You held fast to hope when others would have surrendered to despair. You protected each other when the world turned dark. The siege is broken, yes, but you were never truly broken. And now, as we begin to rebuild our shining city, know this: every stone we lay, every wall we raise, will stand as a testament to your unbreakable spirit. I stand before you not just as your Princess, but as one who has witnessed your strength and carries your pain in her heart. Together, we will not merely restore Canterlot - we will forge it anew, stronger than ever, until its light outshines even the darkest of days. This I promise you, my brave, beloved ponies.”