Midway is loyal.
He was born into darkness, was accepted into its embrace, and became one of the many soldiers who defended it. Fought tooth and nail to keep it in place. In turn, he lost ponies. Some were close to him while others were merely comrades in hooves, talons, claws, and the like. Some see them as heroes others see them as foolish pawns for the monstrous Abomination that was Nightmare Moon. Then some see them as what they are.
Soldiers.
Nothing more nothing less. That was Something the stallion came to appreciate more and more as time moved on. At least then he can trick himself into believing it, but the truth is there and poses a threat to his home.
Midway was born into darkness. It's all his parents and his parent's parents and so on. Each generation gradually became more accepting as time moved on. Of course, there are still those in and out of it who oppose the dark and welcome the sun with an open embrace.
Midway was born into darkness,
And because of that, he had to dig a spear into his brother's chest. His eyes were wide with shock, pain, and horror as Midway looked back digging the blade deeper. He didn't dare look away until he saw life leave the older stallion's eyes. Those very same eyes taught him how to read, dance, and get mares, those eyes showed him nothing but love and acceptance even after he joined the guard.
Blood soaked the floor. His parents screamed covering their mouths in horror. Trying and failing to wake themselves to what they wanted desperately to believe was a dream. A nightmare created by their queen for her sick twisted amusement.
It wasn't.
Midway was born into the darkness and that darkness made his brother turn towards the light. Becoming a follower was a traitor and thus had to be dealt with accordingly.
As such you must set an example for the rest.
His parents never accepted him after that. They hated him, hated that he chose duty over the ones who cared for him up until the day he left their house and returned as something else.
Something they didn't recognize.
Midway knew this but he aslo knew they were wrong. Yes, he did something Unforgivable but not because he was forced, compelled, or brainwashed. No, he did it fully aware of his actions because they were his own. His brother risked his life to seek a brighter future. One where the sun can touch their skin and brighten the sky. In turn, Midway souled his soul to protect what he always knew. What was his home and his future along with those he cherished within its realm.
The second time he had to kill was when his squad found and captured a group of foreigners who tried to enter the kingdom without express permission.
"You have your orders".
He did, and so with some rope, branches, and a torch, he along with the aide of a few began setting them on fire one by one.
The screams still echo in his dreams. The smell of burnt flesh as well as their agonized-filled gaze still haunts him in his every waking moment. Still, it had to be done for the queen for his home for his friends.
It had to be done.
It had to.
Midway wasn't smart, nor was he dumb he was different. He understands certain things and can't fathom others. He doesn't understand magic or the desire for change, but he does understand a pony's mind. To the point where he never needs why they choose their actions just context. For example, a pegue named Star Breaker wanted to join the guard. She wanted to provide for her family and keep them afloat but over time it was realized that her talents weren't sufficient enough. In response, Star turned to the nearest pony. An old grey unicorn who was just trying to deliver a message to the Queen.
Star walked over, took the latter into her hooves ripped it up before turning and grabbing the nearest spear.
She stared into his eyes, took a deep breath, and proceeded to mutilate her wings along with the rest of her body without making a single sound. She did this not as an act of desperation or stubbornness, but acceptance. Ripping up the letter was her willingly giving up her life since she couldn't be useful to the Queen or her family. Her mutilation was an act of love for the guards and her Majesty did not need to raise a hoof to punish her, they only needed to bear witness to her devotion.
Star Breaker did not die that day.
No, she did not die for the queen liked what she saw and she wanted to see more of it. More devotion more love more of everything until her head turns the other way. Until that day, however, the stallion made sure the mare was put to use.
Midway was born into the darkness and he never questioned it.
You think he would, his brother's parents, foreigners, protesters, and the mare. You think he would doubt and question even if it was for the love of his queen his world,
But he didn't.
He couldn't.
His actions while unforgivable to most served as a testament to those who seek to shift the balance that's already been forever shifted thousands of years ago.
The elements?
Gone. Forever lost and hidden away in a place no pony could reach.
The ex-ruler?
Banished. Sentenced to eternity forever burning in a star that shall never be seen. Her screams echo into a dark void that only their queen can relish in.
The rebels?
A group of many yes, but every day more and more of them are found and sentenced to death. Each one is more brutal and creative than the last.
One such act is holding a pony or the like down by rope or chain. Then force their mouth open before using a pocket to pour down a set of magical flesh-hungry beetles that quite literally eat you from the inside out. Their constant biting and razor-sharp mandibles release a paralyzing agent that has the unfortunate side effect of keeping their victims alive and conscious even when they no longer have lungs to breathe. This effect only lasts until they crawl out of any opening they can find. Only to search for their next victim their hunger never ceases for a moment forcing them to let out pained squeals that somewhat mimic the vocal patterns of their latest victim.
Pattern Rippers.
They're the Queen's favorite.
Midway was born into the darkness,
As such he shall fight for its continued existence.
For he is loyal.
For it is home.
If only the pony in the mirror saw it the same way.
