Author's Note

*This story takes place in an era analogous to the Second World War, with corresponding levels of technology, albiet with some liberties taken for story purposes.

*All characters are unguligrade anthros. (Example)

*When needed, the names and/or classes of certain ships will be linked to show the real-life vessel it is based on.

*The 'Blood' saga is a single story told from three different perspectives; this book covers the first.

Once Upon A Time...

“Fear evil like fire. Don’t let it touch your heart, even if it seems just or righteous. No matter what the circumstances, don’t let it come into you. Evil is always evil”
John Sergieff

***

Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there were two regal sisters who ruled together and created harmony for all the land. The eldest used her unicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn; the younger brought out the moon to begin the night. But as time went on, the younger sister became resentful, for the ponies relished and played in the day her elder sister brought forth, but shunned and slept through her beautiful night. One fateful day, the bitterness in the younger sister's heart transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness: Nightmare Moon, who vowed to shroud the land in eternal night.

Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to ponydom—the Elements of Harmony—and with it defeated her younger sister, permanently banishing her in the moon. And for a thousand years, Equestria knew peace.

But that peace was not to last.

With the help of her devoted followers, Nightmare Moon managed to escape her prison and declare war on all ponykind. For over a century, the forces of the sun fought for freedom, peace, and harmony, while the forces of the night battled for dominion, control, and power.

Though the forces of the sun held Nightmare Moon at bay for a time, their numbers were gradually depleted through countless campaigns and disastrous defeats. Many feared that, should Nightmare Moon launch one final, overwhelming assault, they would be crushed, and nighttime eternal would begin.

They were right to be afraid.