Eternal flame of Daybreaker

Excerpt from the book Daybreaker’s Diary

What if the thirst to do evil grew stronger than me?

If you take a spear in hoof, be ready to strike!

Daybreaker, the Iron Empress!

End of excerpt

Excerpt from the book The Bright Path of Empress Daybreaker and Her Tough Decisions!

Author: The Honorable Advisor to Her Imperial Majesty, Golden Claw

And then the mighty alicorn thundered with her winged phrase:

“My ponies can forgive cruelty, but they will never forgive weakness!” — Daybreaker, the Iron Empress!

End of excerpt

***
“Are they here yet?” I asked my assistant outside the tent.

“Yes, Your Majesty! All the high-ranking thestral officers are already inside!” he bowed respectfully. “Golden Claw has also taken his seat.”

“Good,” I nodded. “Stay by the entrance and don’t let anyone in! That’s an order!” I spread my wings, preparing for the upcoming debate.

“It will be done, my Empress!” he stood by the entrance next to the guard.

I slowly entered the tent. Troubling thoughts swirled in my head, but I quickly pushed them aside with a positive mindset. Think positively — the glass is half full, always!

“Just don’t think about what’s in the glass, think about the water in it…” I hummed to myself with a smirk.

“Alright, Daybreaker, pull yourself together! You just need to decide the fate of an entire race of ponies…” I tried to cheer myself up, though it didn’t quite work… A strange noise echoed inside me, as if I were on the verge of a breakdown.
As soon as I entered the tent, the noise immediately died down. The atmosphere in the air put me on edge. It felt like lightning could strike at any moment.

The lighting was slightly dimmed, likely to avoid irritating our guests. I decided to trust the rumors that thestrals dislike bright light. The smell of various delicacies filled my nostrils. The table was practically overflowing with all kinds of treats. For me, it was a feast, but for the thestrals, it was their everyday fare. The table groaned under the weight of seafood. There was everything from cold fish appetizers to salads with arugula and shrimp. My gaze was immediately drawn to the large trout placed at the center. It was generously seasoned with spices, oven-baked, and its aroma was something entirely new to me. Unique, I’d say. Not that I found the smell repulsive, but it was certainly distinctive. Ponies don’t eat meat—my people are categorically against it. However, thestrals eat fish, and if I want peace with them, I’ll have to adopt part of their culture. Of course, I’ll have to try the prepared fish—it’ll make it easier to win them over. I read in an old book that sharing a meal with an enemy can lead to mutual understanding, even with the most sullen adversary. This belief dates back to the unification of the three tribes. If trying seafood is what it takes to make peace with the thestrals, I’ll do it without hesitation. For the future of my empire, I’m ready to set aside my prejudices! The logical question is: why put on this show for the thestrals? The answer is simple: I need to stabilize relations with them. Friendship is out of the question—I’ve killed their kin, after all. But treating them as equals will lay the groundwork for complex, challenging, yet largely cooperative relations.
The table wasn’t overly decorated, but everything was in its place, and each guest had their own set of utensils. If I had to describe this event in one phrase, I’d call it a “dinner party.” The high-ranking thestrals were already seated. Their armor had been confiscated, but their demeanor spoke of their rank. They all sat with their heads held high, their heavy gazes fixed on me. Their eyes betrayed contempt, anger, hatred, and, lastly, fear—as if I were about to subject them to torture. Only one pony wasn’t seated: Golden Claw. As befits an advisor, he stood and bowed respectfully. There was another interesting detail. Next to the trout was a fruit plate, but it held only one fruit—a mango! I’d heard from Luna that this was their favorite fruit, eaten by all members of their race without exception! I really wanted to try this famous sweetness and find out why they loved it so much. However, there was one thing all the thestrals here had in common: they were all emaciated, as if they hadn’t eaten in days. They desperately tried to hide it behind their pride, but my eyes weren’t fooled!
The table was rectangular, with my seat at the head. Across from me sat the highest-ranking officer. He radiated even more anger toward me. I slowly approached my seat and sat down.

“I believe we can now begin our dinner!” I announced, and Golden Claw took his seat beside me. He looked slightly nervous, clearly on edge. “You may begin your meal, and I wish you all a pleasant appetite!” I gestured to the delicious spread on the table. But none of the thestrals moved to eat, though a few of the younger officers were visibly salivating. They probably thought the food was poisoned. Well, I’d have to start eating first to dispel that notion.

“Oh, don’t worry, the food isn’t poisoned. I’m not a villain, after all!” I chuckled to myself at the last part. I used telekinesis to pick up a plate with the first salad that came to hoof. It was a delightful appetizer the thestrals called “Sea Breeze.” The top was garnished with shredded potatoes and carrots, the middle had finely chopped salmon, and beneath that was finely diced onion. Between the layers was what appeared to be a creamy dressing. I’d tasked Loyal Heart with gathering recipes for these dishes and sending them to the kitchen. It turned out quite interesting!

“Let’s give it a try!” I closed my eyes slightly and took a bite of the salad. Oh, what if I regret this? It’s fish meat, after all… Ah, well, here goes nothing!

…

“Mmm, actually, if you ignore the fact that it’s fish, the salad is quite good—very nutritious, I’d say!” I chewed slowly. You could even get used to the taste of fish. Oh, Celestia would definitely disapprove of this! She’d sooner eat a salty cake than try fish. Well, now I’ve tried fish… I wonder what I’ll say to her when she comes to her senses?

“What kind of show are you putting on here?” a sudden shout reached my ears from the other end of the table. “Just kill us already, you spawn of chaos!” the leader spoke up again. Clearly, I’d shattered his expectations of me. A pony, eating the same food as thestrals? At the same table?! It’s hard to imagine! That’s why he’s waiting for a trick. He looked like a true leader: dark blue coat, with a jet-black mane. One detail caught my attention: he was missing a fang. A very notable detail, actually! I wonder how he lost it?

“I’ve seen him somewhere before…” I focused on him. I remembered! Wasn’t he the one giving orders in the castle?

“What do you mean, ‘a show’?” I narrowed my eyes disapprovingly. “We’re having dinner together, aren’t we?” I reasoned calmly, using telekinesis to open a bottle of red wine.

“Don’t you dare act like some sunny dandelion after everything you’ve done!” he threatened me with his hoof, and the other thestrals silently agreed.

I let out a heavy sigh.

“To be honest, I’m not proud of what I did to your kin…” I lowered my head. “It’s a heavy sin, and I took it upon myself without hesitation for the future of our country!” I looked him straight in the eye. He just pursed his lips, expressing rising anger.

“What future are you talking about?! With someone like you?!” a third voice chimed in. The pony to his right spoke up. My gaze shifted to him. His coat was slightly lighter than his leader’s, and his mane had a peculiar gradient, resembling ocean waves.

“Oh, haven’t you noticed?” I poured myself a glass of wine, watching their reactions. Their faces asked, “Noticed what?”

“We’re here to negotiate!” I raised my glass slightly above my head. “So I propose a toast! To successful negotiations and a bright future for the Solar Empire of Equestria! Cheers!” I downed my glass in one go. The taste of the expensive wine played with delightful notes. My tongue was enveloped in waves of oak and vanilla, followed by raspberry with a hint of chocolate, and finished with the aftertaste of tart red cherries. Royal wines are truly marvelous! I got a bit distracted…
When I shifted my attention back to the ponies around me, I noticed visible confusion among the thestrals. It wasn’t clear what caused it! Maybe it was my toast, or maybe the fact that we were actually negotiating?

“Let me start by saying I don’t claim the throne of your Queen!” I hurried to dispel the misunderstanding, firmly stating my pre-prepared demands. “Her place rightfully belongs to Nightmare Moon. I dare not encroach on it!”

Silence fell over the tent. The faces of all the thestral officers showed shock. Their eyes were wide, and their ears perked up. I don’t think they ever expected me to say something like that. They probably assumed I’d enslave them. But I have very different plans for them. I remember when I first shared these plans with Golden Claw—he thought it was a joke. But then it finally dawned on him that I was serious, and he agreed with my far-reaching plans.

“But we lost—why would you do this?!” the leader’s right hoof slammed the table. “How can such a cruel pony show mercy? And how can a villain like you lead Equestria to prosperity?!” the young, spirited stallion’s words were starting to get on my nerves!

“My ponies can forgive cruelty, but they will never forgive weakness!” I cut him off with one phrase. “We’re surrounded by enemies! News spreads incredibly fast these days!” I stated the facts, creating a small flame on my hoof. “It’s clear that soon the griffons, led by King Grover, will rise up!” I shaped the flame into the silhouette of a griffon. “The skilled minotaurs may follow!” in such a short time, I’d become quite adept at shaping flames with magic. “And we’ll have to deal with the zebras too! Our nation has no shortage of enemies!” I deftly extinguished the flame with a breath. “The main question is: whose side are you on?” I pointed my hoof at their leader. “Will you become reliable allies, standing by us in difficult times? Or will you hide in caves like rats, fleeing from my soldiers? The choice is yours!” I finished my tirade and poured myself another glass of that beloved wine.

“Pretty words from someone who wants to enslave us!” the rude stallion chimed in again. “Do you even know…”

“Enough, Shadow Moon!” the leader stopped his subordinate with a hoof. “What are you proposing?” he finally addressed me with an expressive look.

“I’m proposing not the subjugation of the thestral race!” I gave Shadow Moon a disdainful look. “But a mutually beneficial partnership. We’ll be bound by a Steel Pact!” I announced my project loudly.

“What do you mean, ‘Steel Pact’?” he asked with slight skepticism.

“It means I pledge to aid you with soldiers and supplies if a third party attacks you, and vice versa—if the Solar Empire is attacked, you must assist us fully!” I stepped closer to read the slightest muscle movements on his face.

“So that means…” he started to say, but I interrupted him.

“Yes!” I gave him the affirmative answer. “You’ll gain partial independence!” I said, causing the younger officers to gape in surprise.

“I believe you’ve fought hard for your freedom!” I continued to develop my thought. “And you’ve earned your own nation!” all my stated plans sounded like sweet fantasies to the thestrals, except for one thing.

“However!” I hurried to pull the thestrals out of their thoughts. “Your nation will host an embassy of the Empire, which will ensure that you…” I hesitated mid-sentence. “Let’s say, don’t side with our enemies or plot against us!” I stated bluntly, but it fully reflected my thoughts.

“Likewise, an embassy of thestrals will be established in the Solar Empire to ensure that the rights and freedoms of thestrals are not violated!”

“Your Majesty!” he looked me straight in the eye with a grim expression, and I suddenly felt he was trying to discern if I was speaking the truth or spinning a beautiful lie. “All these words… Are you truly serious in your intentions?”

“Of course, I’m absolutely serious!” I stomped my hoof. “Why else would I host this dinner and negotiate with you?” I posed a logical question. “Not for fun, surely? There’s no time for jokes! The fate of our nations hangs in the balance! I know it! And you know it!” after my words, he fell deep into thought.

“Then one last question: where is our beloved Queen?” he asked the question that silenced the whispers among the officers. It was a heavy question, and the answer would decide much of today’s meeting. I thought lying would be the worst choice. It’s better to tell the bitter truth.

“Queen Celestia used the power of the Six Elements of Harmony on Nightmare Moon, imprisoning her on the Moon…” I lowered my head apologetically. My words saddened them all—clearly, they still held a glimmer of hope that their leader was safe. But as they say, hope dies last…

“I promise I’ll do everything in my power to find a way to free my dearly beloved friend and your Queen from the Moon!” I broke the silence with a loud declaration. “I can’t promise anything, but I’ll do all I can!” I assured the thestrals firmly that all was not lost.

…

“I understand… Call me Star Fang, Your Majesty!” he extended his hoof to me, which surprised me.

“It seems even thestrals have those who can think clearly and weigh the pros and cons…” the thought undoubtedly pleased me. A warm feeling spread through my chest. I don’t know if it was the alcohol or Star Fang finally understanding my intentions and meeting me halfway. Or maybe both!

“Remember this moment, Star Fang!” I shook his hoof. “Today marks the beginning of new relations between two different, yet kindred peoples,” I spoke the warm words I’d wanted to say for so long, and at last, the moment had come! “Now, please, let’s finally eat!” I announced, and was met with a wave of applause. Golden Claw started clapping, and the officers joined in. Only Shadow Moon didn’t clap; he still seemed to doubt my words. But that didn’t stop us all from sitting down and finally starting the meal. Everyone began eating and drinking eagerly, while Star Fang and I continued a serious conversation, detailing my plans and the creation of the Kingdom of Thestrals.

***
The dinner was highly productive. I tried many new and varied dishes, ate heartily, and as dessert, I tasted the fruit all thestrals adore. And, by the Sun, that mango was magnificent. Ripe, delicious, with a slight tang on the aftertaste. You could taste hints of melon, apricot, and peach. At first, I even thought I was eating a variety of the latter.

“I’ll have to grow a mango tree in my palace!” I added a note to my mental checklist.

After this wonderful meal, the negotiations began. They took a lot of time, but there’s still much to discuss. We did manage to agree on some things. We decided that the thestrals would be given the Baltimare region. The area previously belonged to the Crown, but I graciously ceded it to them. These are new, unclaimed lands that the nocturnal ponies will settle. They have access to the sea, allowing them to fish in vast quantities. The soil is fertile, suitable for growing common crops.
All captured thestrals were to be released by tomorrow, and their messengers had already been sent to the farthest corners of the land to spread the news of their relocation. And now, it was time to say goodbye.

“I thank you, Star Fang, for your cooperation!” I nodded to him in farewell.

“May the stars guide you, Your Majesty!” he shook my hoof and hurried off with his officers to check on the captured thestrals. Clearly, he wanted to ensure their living conditions and rights were upheld.

I watched the former enemies leave and returned to the table. The food was gone, leaving only carafes of water and the mango plate. The table was now covered with a large map of Equestria. One question plagued me. My soldiers had thoroughly inspected the Castle of the Two Sisters to assess the damage. Unfortunately, their report made it crystal clear that restoring it would be incredibly difficult and expensive! It would be better to build a new palace and move the capital.

“The main question is: where?” I frowned, carefully examining every inch of the map. From Vanhoover to Las Pegasus, my eyes shifted to the eastern part of the land. Manehattan and Fillydelphia… Fillydelphia and Manehattan…

“What’s to the west?” I spotted a large, solitary mountain above the Everfree Forest. It rose high into the clouds, symbolizing the pursuit of new achievements. Its isolation represented self-reliance. It’s hard to assault—an ideal location for a fortified stronghold. A very symbolic mountain! Decision made!

“Your Majesty, what about the common folk?” Golden Claw interrupted my thoughts. “They won’t understand why we made peace with the thestrals, and the aristocrats will surely exploit this!” he warned, not without reason.

“We need to frame it as if the Evil Lunar Pony, Nightmare Moon, sowed discord between the once-close sisters, which led to the escalation of the conflict!” I reasoned tactically. The average pony wouldn’t understand what happened within the walls of that castle. And they don’t need to know! “The thestrals, swayed by Nightmare Moon’s sweet words, agreed to this dangerous scheme!”

“But then the thestrals…” he started to object, but I cut him off.

“I’ll handle the thestrals myself and explain why this is the only way forward in this situation!” I picked up the knife I’d used to cut the mango and stabbed it into the mountain I’d chosen on the map. “Besides, it’s much easier to do this now than before…” I exhaled wearily. “What do you think?” I asked, gesturing to the knife stuck in the map.

“That’s a very bold decision, Your Majesty!” he agreed with me. “All these negotiations… Dining with enemies at the same table, eating their food! I wouldn’t have had the courage… I admire you!” Golden Claw praised my resolve. “And I simply must write a book about this event!” His eyes lit up with an indescribable desire.

“Enough! You’ll write your book!” I waved a hoof. “Better look at the map and where I stuck the knife!” I pointed directly at the spot.

“What does this mean, Your Majesty?” he raised his eyebrows in confusion, tilting his head slightly.

“What do you know about this mountain?” I asked with a sly smile.

“That’s Mount Canterhorn, Your Majesty!” he replied briskly. “It’s said that the first griffons appeared there in ancient times, but now the mountain lies empty,” he hesitated, glancing at the map. “Does this mean…”

“This will be our new capital!” I declared proudly. “And I’ll name it Canterlot!” I pulled the knife from the map. “I’ve seen Luna’s project, which detailed plans for building a castle on Mount Canterlot. I think we should refine it a bit and give it a more elegant design!”

“An excellent choice!” he agreed. “The location, slightly above the Castle of the Two Sisters, will suit you perfectly!”

“Good!” I leaned back in my chair. “And with that, we’ve sorted it out! I’m so tired…” My eyelids drooped, and my head followed. The sounds around me grew distant, and I felt myself drifting away…

“Your Majesty…”

***

“Kha-kha!” I jolted awake in the middle of the bed, and once again, I saw the white hooves in front of me. I looked out the window and realized it was the middle of the night.
“Damn it…” I cursed under my breath. “So it wasn’t a dream…” I looked in the mirror across the room and saw her. The villainous temptress, Daybreaker, the one and only Iron Empress. The one I now am.
“I’m Daybreaker?” The pony in the mirror moved her mouth in sync with my words.
“Seems like it…” my reflection replied with an empty gaze.
“DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT!” I screamed at the top of my lungs, grabbing my head. Or her head?

“What does it matter?! Why didn’t I just die?” I buried my face in the pillow, letting out a wild howl. I wanted to tear that pillow to shreds…