Strobe

Chapters

Raise Your Weapon
By-Poxy Boggards
September
Stereo Hearts and Broken Records

Raise Your Weapon

Strobe
A Fanfic By Ash the Kitsune

A/N- You already know who all of this belongs too, original characters belong to me unless borrowed, blah blah blah.

I don't know why I'm even writing this anymore... I guess it's just the idea being in my head needing somewhere to go. Self Inserts and all of that. Writing is... cathartic, I suppose, so this is just getting all of those emotions out.

Goddess, I sound like a wimp right now... but I guess it need it.

So this also doubles as a thank you, to you, the audience, the members of the Herd and all of the great things ya'll do for me and everyone else. I dunno where I'd be without ya'lls support... not in the military, that's for sure.

Anyway, here we go. Sorry for the long Authoress Note, here's the story, enjoy.

-----/-----

Chapter One- Raise Your Weapon

There are, as it's been said, many moments that make up someones life.

“MOVE UP! MOVE UP!”

“They're attacking from the rear! Take cover!”

“Shit, how the fuck did they Flank us?!”

“It's an Ambush!”

Moments make the person, as each moment defines who you are. It isn't the past that makes a person, it's the moments in that past. The actions that build up to the now...

“Open up! Don't let them press in on us!”

“We need to make a hole to get out of here!”

“We aren't gonna get out of here, not in one piece!”

“Fuck that! We're getting out of here, damn it, keep firing!”

And the now is that which defines us most. From the smallest of actions, such as the muscles tensing and the coiling of a finger to pull the trigger...

*BRAATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATA*

*KATATKATAKLATATAKATATATATA*

“KEEP FIRING! KEEP FIRING!”

“We're being over-ru... oh SHIT! GRENADE!”

To the moments that define a life... and others. That moment is taking place, right now...

For most of the world, it was a normal Thursday, a normal, average 9-5 work day, or maybe another day at school. Another lecture, another day behind the desk. For the members of The III Marine Expeditionary Force's 5th Platoon, today was anything but a normal day.

When North Korea decided to go all out and launched it's singular nuclear weapon on a trajectory towards Japan, a little luck and the preparation that went into the national missile defense program was barely able to take down the missile and it's payload, a fifty-kilo nuclear warhead.

To many, it almost seemed like the end of the world as military bases around the globe went from Defcon Alpha to Delta in seconds, drilling and training either came to a complete halt or leap forwards as the world held it's collective breath, waiting in fear and awe as everything seemed to come to a grinding halt, as if the world decided to stop spinning.

World War III was the word quietly whispered from each lip, as global tensions reached an all time high, everyone and everything seemingly stretched to the breaking point as the worlds powers collected... and North Korea faded into itself, cutting off all communications.

A month passed with nothing happening, life had to continue on, but it was like everyone was walking on eggshells, watching the news nervously and carefully guarding their children's eyes and ears from the trouble.

Then, on the edge of it all... North Korea struck into South Korea, and the War begain.

It wasn't World War III... it was more like Vietnam, only without the lack of support at home. The UN moved to act and approved it, China condemned North Korea, and America struck onwards to defend it's allies and their nations.

The Marines of The III Marine Expeditionary Force had their marching orders two weeks before North Korea struck at South, and they were into the thick of it the moment Norko started going at it.

Force Recon. With emphasis on FORCE. That was their task, to be the very tip of the tip of the spear as it was driven fast, hard, and deep into the side of North Korea. The Fifth Platoon, Scout Sniper, the first Marines forward.

The mission was simple, in theory... move inwards quietly, set up a LZ, remove any traps around the area to set up a base of operations, and maintain guard while the Forwards Operation base was set up. Not usually their job, but at the moment, it was what they were needed for, and they had The First Platoon to back them up. It was going to be routine. Executed with precision, like any other mission.

Everything on paper is simple. Real life? Isn't.

The mission went to hell no more then thirty minutes in. No one was quite sure how, but the Nokon's had figured out what was going on and had a ambush set up, and set upon the prepared Marines.

Celer and Silens had failed them this day... but Mortalis would not be denied. Few things are quite as dangerous as a mildly surprised Force Recon Marine. Things such as Coral Snakes, Diamond Back Rattlers, A cornered wolf, a angry grizzly bear, and jumping off of a building comes to mind. And the FORECON Marines were dead set on reminding the North Korean's of that fact.

Even then, the battle was going poorly, and while the Nokon's were taking losses, the Marines found themselves being pushed back, flanked, and surrounded. One Marine in particular knew that today... her HOG's tooth might not save her.

For while having the bullet that's supposed to kill you will make you invincible, the bullets marked, 'for whom it may concern' are the ones you need to watch for.

Or in Sgt. Ashley 'Ash' Kitson's case, the grenade that marked the death of the Marines around her if someone didn't get rid of it.

Sgt. Kitson had been in the Marines for five years, seventy two days, fourteen hours and twenty-two minutes when she leaped upon the Grenade thrown by the Nokon's attacking her Platoon. The RDG-5 Offensive Grenade was more then enough to end that Marine's life short of where she should have gone, the first female Scout Sniper, the first to step forwards for the chance to do rough harm to those who would dare to destroy freedom and democracy around the world.

Sgt. Ashley 'Ash' Kitson died ten minutes into the ambush, and was recovered and pulled out with two other casualties as the Force Recon retreated from the ambush zone.

The war would rage on without her, and she would be remembered a hero, Metal of Honor recipient, and the first to die in the war after valiantly leading the fight against the men who wished nothing more then to end the lives of the Marines that they ambushed.

Sgt. Kitson's story had ended before it even had a chance to begin. Twenty-two years and not a month over, and she had died in action.

The Funeral took place in Arlington, where she was buried alongside heroes of old, her three-volley salute fired over the mournful wail of the bugle as she was slowly settled into her grave, the day was done.

It was the beginning of a war that would change the world. And the beginning of the story of Ashley Kitson.

----/----

I once read, many years ago, that Death was just the next big adventure in life, the next step for a life well lived or a life cut tragically short. When I was a little girl, I might have believed that once. I might have cherished that ideal, to block out the pain and loss of so many things in my life... my first dog, my grandparents, and my mother... but the ideals of a little girl are always cut to ribbons by the realities of the world.

It's a harsh lesson, but one that we all learn. One that I took to with a iron will and a steel jaw, refusing to let it break me. I guess that's why I became a Marine. To prove that my ideals were right, to prove that I was strong enough to face the world and any challenges it could possibly pose to me.

I never was proved more wrong then when I laid down upon Death's bed willingly, wrapping myself in the sheets as I blew a hole in my chest to protect my Brothers and Sisters in arms by jumping on that grenade. My life didn't flash before my eyes. Time did not slow. And I didn't see a light at the end of the tunnel.

I felt the shockwave of the explosion seconds before it killed me. And woke up to hear TAPS playing in Arlington, watching in confusion as they folded the flag and handed it to my Father, the strongest man I know, who was broken down, crying as he fell to his knees, clutching the flag as they slowly filled the grave where my body was resting.

Looking upon it all... I was wrong. I was always wrong. I pushed forwards to try to prove that I was right, that being the strongest was all that mattered. For the first time in years, I felt like crying, for all that I had just lost, all the lessons and stories that I could have learned or things I could have experienced, gone from me because I was cold to the world. Cold to my friends, cold to my family, too cold to let someone else into my life.

I wanted to cry... but now that I no longer could, I didn't know what I should have done. What I should do. It's been... I don't know how long. I can't feel, can't breath, can't eat... nothing to tell me the time but the sun's rise and fall and the precise movements of the Tomb Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Has it been days? Weeks? Months? I don't think I even care anymore. I just... sit here. Sometimes on a cloud, other times on the air itself, unmoving, unknowing, just thinking... lost. No one has come to pick me up. There hasn't been a Death or a God or a Reaper or who knows what else to collect the dead, lonely Soldier.

Maybe they don't know where to send me. I always figured that I'd end up in purgatory. Not good enough for Heaven, not bad enough for Hell, somewhere in the middle, or that it all really was a big adventure and I'd end up being reborn.

Instead, I sit. Alone, not any companion here in the lonely blue sky as the heels of the perfectly polished boots of the Tomb Guard makes the quite but firm impacts against the ground.

It feels like forever ago, but I can still remember the feeling, the last sensation I felt... almost as if a feather brushed my cheek before the wailing thud of the grenade going off against my chest and stomach. A small part of me begged for that feeling again, if only to feel something.

Slowly, ever so slowly, I started to move. Just simply stretching my legs, standing up. The fact that I was standing up in the middle of the sky didn't bother me, I was dead after all. I looked around, watching the clouds roll through the sky before I started to walk, ever so slowly, I walked.

The Sun seemed to be a nice target, but I was drawn to the Moon. I always had loved the night sky, so crisp and perfect, it's darkness feeling enveloping and save, something to protect me from harm. I sought that safety as I continues to walk, not quite sure of what I was doing or where I was going, but going anyway, away from my own demise.

Time had no meaning to me as I walked towards the moon, trying to find solace in it's light as it weighing, crescent, became new and grew full. I walked and walked, unaware of the world as I stepped in the moonlight, surrounded by the black coat that held the stars.

“Why do you walk?”

I stopped, shocked and surprised at a voice I didn't hear, but feel. I opened my mouth to answer, but not a sound was heard as I slowly turned, searching for the source.

“Young wanderer. So young and gone far too early, yet you walk, not dwindle and drift away. You step forth into the unknown, seeking the moon and the stars. Why would you do such a thing?”

I wanted to melt into the voice. It was contact, it was a warmth and presence of another, something I hadn't felt in so long as I wandered. Something I had craved in the light of the moon. I slowly turned again before I saw Her.

She was beautiful, radiant, and powerful, as if the whole of the universe had folded into Her form and was granted the ability to shine forth from Her body. I shivered and fell to my knees in sight of Her before she softly bowed her head and lifted me up, holding me close with a grand wing. “Wander no longer, child. It is time to rest.”

And the world closed in on me through her wings, and I felt peace.

----/----

Slowly, ever so slowly, I opened my eyes. I don't think I've ever felt so at peace, so loved, and so warm. I wanted to close my eyes and never let go of that feeling, but the soft nuzzling of my neck was bringing me out of the blissful state.

“Come young one, it is time to wake, I'm glad you have had your rest, but do wake.” The soft, cooing voice reminded me of... so many, many voices. I let out a quiet sob as I gripped the source of the voice, my face buried into the warmth of Her presence as I cried, so thankful for even the ability to cry as I felt all the love that my Mother and Father and all of the people who truly cared for me in my life wash over me.

She slowly unwrapped Her wing from me and carefully broke me from Her, never with force, but with a quiet, unwavering strength that awed me and made me feel content in Her presence. I could barely gaze upon Her as I stood, but She lifted my head with her wing, and I could only look on with adoration, and a little surprise.

Before me stood the most beautiful... She wasn't quite a horse, but She was definitely not a pony. She was too big to be a pony. Perfect, massive wings of the purest white spread from Her back, and the gentle fluting of Her horn speared out from Her fiery red mane.

A moments pause of awe as I gazed upon Her, before She spoke... “I am Faust, and I have found you, Wanderer... what do you seek?”

It took me long to find my voice, but eternal was Her patience, as She waited diligently for my response before my voice, weak and weary from so long alone, rung out, “I... seek my next path...” I said, surprised and scared of my voice.

“Then you have found it.” She croons, softly petting my head with a wing as She holds me as if I were a babe. “You, whom have faced so much and seen so much for such an age... I have a place for you to rest, to recover, and to behold. I wish for you to come, and to see your rest in my gardens, in my lands, with my Daughters and their subjects. Great things will come of you, I know it, and there is much in your life yet undone, which is why you are so restless in your final rest.”

I look at Her, daring to hope as I whisper, “You will give me my rest? Or a place?” I whisper, my voice still horse and dry from lack of use.

“I will. Close your eyes little one, my wanderer, and rest..” She coos, her voice luring me to peace as I slowly slip down, almost as if I'm falling out of existence as her words quietly hum past my ears.

”Hush now,

Quiet now,

It's time to lay your sleepy head,

Hush now,

Quiet now,

It's time to go to bed...”

---Lower Your Weapons: End Chapter One---

A/N: This chapter... held a lot of emotion in it for me. The starting part was written to 'Raise Your Weapon' by Deadmau5, and was inspired by it, the funeral and monolog of the death of Sgt. Kitson was done to an extended version of 'Buterfield's Lullaby/Day is Done', which is more commonly known as 'Taps'. The wandering and discovery of Ashley was written to 'My Heart is Broken' By Evanescence.

As much as I wrote this for myself, I... a lot of the emotion brought on this chapter is drawn from my own experiences, so this is also dedicated to those whom know of the lost and broken feeling of having to put a piece of your heart into the unforgiving ground.

By-Poxy Boggards

Chapter Two: By-Poxy Boggards

“HO WHIP SHILLELAGH HANG SHILLELAGH BUCK DE DITTLE DEE! WELL HUNG BY THE GALLOWS TREE ME BOYS, WELL HUNG BY THE HIGH GALLOWS TREE!”

The rowdy, high spirited voices of the sailors echoed all through Manehatten from the pub on the docks, a popular hangout for the rougher crowd of the high life town and all who pass down into the lower end of the city. Tonight was a night for celebration, and nothing was quite like finally getting off of the boat and settling into a tavern to drink the night away, to hang out with friends with bits well earned and a mare on each side. Tonight was the night that the ECS Starbuck, The tenth ship of the Equestrian Royal Navy, had made port after nine months at sea, and a celebration was in order for the hard working sailors.

The cheer was infectious and spreading fast as cider, hard and soft, flowed from the barrels to awaiting mugs and mouths, salt served by the bowl as the bawdy stallions of the Starbuck did sing one song after another, laughing and pushing about as they prepared for their leave, to see their mares or stallions long not met, and to get to spend those bits so hard earned.

However, the celebration couldn't last forever, though try as they might, as the crew slowly started to calm and settle, drunk and tired from their days away, and slowly began to move to their beddings, unaware of the events so close to taking place.

The Starbuck might have been in port, but even then, a guard had been posted and a skeleton crew kept to keep watch of the boat before she could be put in dry dock for the tender care of the dockworkers, and while they were tried, they were pleased to serve in the Princesses names, and vigilantly stood about their duties as Luna's Night Sky and her Moon crested across the sky, shimmering brightly with each passing moment, making wistful sighs escape each lip as they look favorably to the sky that had guided them for their journey.

Commander Nightingale, the XO of the ship and a strong Pegasus stallion, was slowly roving his way through the bottom decks of the ship, frowning lightly as he had longed to return ashore to see his wife and babe, of whom he only had but one picture and two letters about, a babe of three months and a day. He yearned to charge across the lands to meet her in Ponyville, but duty came first, to the Princesses and the Crew.

He sighed softly as he made his way around the corner of the hold, glancing about for any forgotten cargo or equipment before he stood in shock and awe at the sight before him, before falling into a genuflection and the deepest bow he could muster, murmuring praises.

“M'lady, I am not worthy of your presence... Goddess Faust, my Queen.” He whispers, his lips dry, all thoughts of work or family gone from his mind in the presence of the Queen. A light smirk danced across the lips of the Goddess as she observed one of her Daughter's loyal guards bowing before her, bidding him to rise with a hoof.

“At ease, young Nightingale, and rise.” She coos softly. “You have worked hard and deserve your rest, but I have a task for you, should you listen.”

“Anything, M'lady.” The Commander said, standing upwards as strong and proud as he could, at attention and his ears swiveled forwards in strain to hear every word the Goddess spoke.

The Goddess's horn glowed softly as she carefully moved a small bundle from her back, lightly setting it upon the ground in front of the commander. “This is to be taken to my Daughter's castle immediately, spare no expense upon delivery, they will compensate you, you are to leave your post and fly as hard and as fast as you can without disturbing the package.” She says, her voice soft and kind, filling Nightingale with a powerful desire to protect the package that the Goddess asked to be delivered to the Princesses as he saluted, barking out, “Yes Ma'am!” with pride that a task of such importance would be given to him.

The Goddess bowed her head, and her horn glew yet again, a scroll appearing before the strong stallion, along with what appeared to be a specially made saddlebag, including a carefully crafted bag for the package.

Nightingale almost tripped over himself in his hurry to collect the saddlebags, in a rush to begin his duty, only to be halted by a soft hoof upon his shoulder, making him shiver and calm as he looked into the Goddess's eyes.

“Calm about you Commander, do not fail me, fly swift and may the winds protect you.” The Goddess whispered before lightly laying her horn upon his head and vanishing.

Taking scroll in hoof and gently lifting his package into the saddlebag, settling it with an air of reverence, the proud stallion drew calm breaths and he strode up from the hold, his wings spreading wide as he stepped to the deck.

“Sir! Where are you going?! We're on Duty for the crown!” One of the watch yelled, looking at the Commander in shock as he strode from the ship, walking down the gangplank, blinking in confusion. “W-wh... where did you get that saddlebag?” He says, looking confused at the unusual saddlebag that Nightingale carried.

“Faust herself.” Was all the Commander answered as he sprung from the gangplank and into the night sky, his wings pulled aloft by the winds of the sea as they bore him onwards... to Canterlot.

----/----

The flight was long, and true to the Goddess's words, the winds protected and guided Nightingale through the long flight. His wings ached and his body felt beaten by the long, steady flight, but he would not be denied of his duty as he flew into Canterlot, the sun cresting over the horizon as fellow guardstallions flew up to meet him.

“Halt! This is Restricted Airspace, you must land immediately!” One of the Guard snorted, moving to intercept the Commander before he was lightly knocked away from his course by his fellow, who noticed the rank.

“Commander, what are you doing here? The Equestrian Crown Ship Starbuck landed but a fortnight ago.” The older soldier said quietly as the Commander was forced to hover.

“I have my duty and my orders. I am to report to the Princesses and the Princesses alone... I bring a message from the Queen.” Nightingale whispers, the strain on his body from the night-long travel all but sapping his ability to speak.

The older guardstallion gasped and growled to his younger companion. “Corporal! Best speed to the palace! Prepare a landing zone for the Commander and get the Royal Guard to report to the Princesses that a messenger was sent from the Queen!”

The younger stallion, lightly bemused by all of this, saluted and took off as the older stallion supported the tired Nightingale, who slowly shook him off. “I have to do this.” The commander whispered, to receive and understanding nod from the Guardspony.

“Yes Sir. Allow me to Escort you to the palace.”

The last leg of the trip through Canterlot's sky was a almost unbearable task for the stallion sailor, who dipped lightly only to regain altitude as the landing zone came in sight, only to land unsteadily and clumsily, stumbling as he fought to regain his balance, swaying before coming still, and raising his hoof in salute.

The Princesses were there, as were several members of their Royal Guard, all looking on in awe and curiosity at the Commander as he bowed and carefully removed his saddlebags and set them down before the princesses, pulling the scroll from the bag and presenting it to them.

“M-*coughCOUGH*” The stallion began to spoke, only to be brought short by lack of breath as he forced air out and then back into his lungs, panting from exertion. “M-m'lady... message... and package... f-from the Queen... herself.” He whispered, watching only long enough for Celestia to take it in hoof before nodding, finally allowing his body to give in as he slumped, exhaustion taking him.

Celestia and Luna stood by as the guards quickly gathered up their fallen Commander, carefully taking him for medical attention, the stallion resting with deep breath as the daughters of the Goddess looked to one another with high nerve before taking up the saddlebags.

“We... wish to be left be.” Luna's voice was almost a whisper, which was more of a shock from the alicorn mare then her normal tone of that, the Royal Canterlot Speaking Voice. The few Guards that remained parted and left the Princesses as they strove to Celestia's private chambers swiftly, their hooves the only sound in the emptied hallways.

“What does this mean, Sister? Tis not often that... m-mother would send for us.” Luna whispers, shaking with anticipation.

“I don't know.” Celestia responds, biting her lip softly. “But... we will soon find out.”

----/----

It was a simple task to steal away to Celestia's private chambers with the saddlebags carefully held by Luna, not a single soul there but the princesses and the package as the door swung shut and locked with Celestia's magic, wards of great power lancing to life almost immediately as Luna softly deposited the package upon the bed.

Celestia breathed quietly. Something from their mother! Not just -anypony-, but the Goddess Faust, the Queen, Herself. This was not only rare and highly unusual, but so very, very important, and made Celestia shiver lightly out of impatient anxiety, wanting to see or hear what her mother had sent to them by that poor Commander who was soon going to be at rest in the hospital wing of the castle.

Luna carefully opened the saddlebags, softly pulling the bundle from the bags, and marveled at them aside her sister as they looked at it with curiosity growing.

The bundle itself was nothing special, soft silk wrapped carefully, as if to protect something, that would come undone at the lightest tug, yet was tight enough that it could be lifted and carried on its own. The curiosity overwhelmed the princesses as they carefully undid the bundle, letting it fall open before them, only to feel... warmth, true warmth, their mother's embrace, wash over them. The package unraveled to reveal a letter and a softly pulsating crystal, a diamond of the purest nature, the size of a young foal.

The letter was hastily snatched up by Celestia, who opened up the scroll and coughed lightly before reading in a slightly shaky voice. “To my Daughters, whom I love with all of my heart... It has been far too long since last we spoke, but my power upon Equestira's soil has languished during my time away, guiding and protecting the cosmos, and I was unable to manage the distance to Canterlot myself. For this, you have my apologizes...”

“Oh mother...” Luna whispered, “You don't need to apologize to us...” She softly presses against Celestia, seeking the comfort of her elder sister's wing, whom gave it as she continued to read, her voice lightly choked with emotion.

“T-this package, which I have sent to you, is a very important package, and is to be treated with the utmost care. I know you both remember your studies, and know that what you behold is the heart crystal, the soul, of a very pure and honest individual, forged in a life of burden and hardship. My request to you, my daughters, is to determine what to do with this individual, for her destiny shall shape that of the coming years of Equestria. You will know her at the touching of her soul, and know of what she must do. I trust you, my daughters, with this decision, to decide her fate, for no matter whom she shall be, nor race she shall be, her task and quest shall be hard and winding.” Celestia continued to read, letting out a light breath and taking one back in before whispering the last of the letter, “With love, your mother- Faust.”

“S-sister, what does She mean?” Luna asks, confused by the wording of the letter as she looks upon the lightly glowing diamond.

“She means that we are to decide... her fate.” Celestia says, “That she is the hope of a coming trial, and we are to decide what form she shall take to face these tasks.”

Luna looks at Celestia in shock, but looks back to the crystal quickly. “But what -is- her fate sister?”

“... Only one way to know.” Celestia says softly, bringing her head down low. “We will have to see who this soul is... and decide from there.”

Luna frowns. “How?”

Celestia smiles softly, and gently lays her horn upon the crystal. “We talk with her of course.”

-----End Chapter Two: Proxy Bogging-----

A/N: Not quite sure what else to do with this chapter, so I'll cut it there. Sorry if it's a bit short.

September

Chapter Three: September
A/N- This chapter has a few points that were inspired almost entirely by music.
The songs, and what they inspired, are as follows:
'September' by The Living Tombstone, the first two verses before the batsh*t crazy starts: Kitson in the Graveyard
'Voice in Your Head' from the Call of Duty: Black Op's Zombie soundtrack- The Cosmos

In between worlds, in between minds, and in between hearts there exists a world that is... generally inaccessible.

Tis a hostile place, unwavering in propose but warm and welcoming to those who must go there, where Evil makes it's bed but the true Light and warmth of the world is made.

It has many names from many cultures, it exists as one and all, and is in all places but nowhere. To some, it is known as the final resting place. Some have unique names for the many places within this place, that may or may not exist but might exist all the same on the very fact that it -is-.

In Equestria, this place is known as the Cosmos, the higher plain of existence, where ponies who have left their mortal bodies behind for their families come to rest and visit, their souls bedding down for a long rest in the heavenly plains.

There are many places in the Cosmos, many different fields, communities of sorts, where ponies frolic and roam unending till they find something to look for, a talent to call their own... before returning to the mortal plain to seek out new stories and adventures.

This cycle is well known to the Gods and Goddesses who rule and protect this relm... and to the two youngest daughters of the Alicorns, Luna and Celestia, the immortal but physically bodied goddesses of the Night and the Sun, respectively.

Long had it been since Luna and Celestia last visited the Cosmos and it's endless fields, for their many duties in the Mortal Plains left them little time to visit where they grew up and were born to Faust, the All-Goddess. A soft smile graced Celestia's lips as memories of galloping through the fields with a group of foal spirits, playing and singing and laughing without a care, danced through her mind as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

The light of the Cosmos shined brightly on her and her sister as she took her first steps forwards into their home, the endless fields flashing by as each step took them a seemingly far way, guided by the Heart Crystal that the sister's horn lay upon.

“Where ar't we going, Celly?” Luna's voice broke into Celestia's reminiscence as she lightly trotted at her big sister's side. “Tis not a path I remember, nor do I remember any of the fields I see.”

Celestia's soft smile wouldn't waver as she looked to her sister. “The Cosmos is connected to -all- universes and worlds, little sister. The fields you do not recognize are the fields of other worlds, other ponies and other stories. They are not our fields, and as such, we do not remember them, for they aren't fields that we would have played in when we were little.”

Luna bit her lower lip softly, pondering that as they continued to walk, her eyes going wide at some of the spirits making their ways through the fields, and what kinds of fields they were. Sprawling Cities, Massive Jungles... the fields were always set to what the spirits of those who found them called 'home', be it in the Forest on a warm summers night, or a club in the middle of a bustling city.

As they walked, they made their way past some of the more unsavory fields... fields of those who hurt and broke those around them, those who's pride had lead them astray... those who so desperately needed the magic of friendship, and somepony to help them.

But their second chance would be long in coming, and the sounds of the tortured souls, not tortured by others or by one another, but tortured by themselves and their own actions... it made the Sisters softly press to one another, holding back tears for the poor souls who had lost their path.

Their trip through the endless field was long and in it's own way, welcoming and depressing. So much there, and yet, so much missed potential. Many older Alicorns had told the two young, wide eye'd Alicorn fillies of how they would walk through the fields, all of them, seeking understanding and knowledge of all souls, so that they could do better for those who seemed to not be able to do it for themselves.

But this trip was not a... introspective trip, it wasn't for their own soul searching, though it was something that Luna thought on as they continued their soft trot... before coming to a final field.

It was unusual, seeing the field sitting in the center of the path that they walked, if only because the fields were endless... yet this one sat secluded, alone almost.

Celestia took a deep breath as they slowly walked to the field, the rusted, black gates standing before them, big, strong walls of pure white marble, seemingly unending and unbreakable standing before them. A large sign was painstakingly carved into the marble, with onyx inlay letters shining in the dim light.

'ARLINGTON'

The single word set a chill across the sister's backs as they whispered the word to themselves, wondering the feeling of... discomfort, that settled upon them as they quietly opened the gates. As if it was as sacred of a place as the Cosmos, almost in and of itself.

Even if it wasn't, it was a place that they knew was to be respected, and their first hoofsteps into the field confirmed that, as they beheld... a graveyard.

The grounds were beautifully maintained, perfectly uniform green grass and small hedges giving the place a warmth to it, an aura of quiet contentment lightly hovering the area... but a sadness, a true, almost overwhelmingly depressing sense of finality passed across them... as they looked at the white crosses.

So many crosses, all settled carefully, all uniform in size, material, spacing, and placement. An unending monument to... something. The picture it projected was powerful, and spurred the curiosity that drove the Sisters onwards as they quietly walked amongst the graves, careful to keep their hooves on the path as they made their way up towards the top of the hill.

The top of the hill was dominated by a single thing... a tomb. A single, almost glowing, pure white tomb, carefully maintained. A sense of duty, of reason, and an almost alarming sense of loss washed over the Goddess Sisters as they quietly made their way up the sets to behold the spirits of this field.

Humans. Humans of all kinds, all ages, and all races, dressed in various kinds of uniforms, some carrying weapons, other tools, some wearing tatters and a broken black flag, their eyes covered and their bodies held in the black cloth of the flag, lost in their own way. Some where hurt, scarred by the actions that lead them to the Cosmos, others wept tears for what they had failed to do, or accomplished.

But the one thing that struck the Goddesses most about these humans... was the almost unnatrual silence that was there, the only sound their hooves on the marble... and the sharp clicking of a single soldier's heels as the shadowy figure marched in front of the Tomb, rifle at the ready as that single soldier guarded the Tomb.

Luna quivered softly, Celestia almost covered their eyes. This place was... not meant for a pony to see. This was something heartbreaking, and something that their Mother had told them off, when she spoke of the many worlds she had seen and lived in and the many places she had gone.

She spoke of a place called Arlington, of the silent, stoic guard that only spoke to reprimand those who broke the silence of the cemetery... and of the tomb, the symbol of those lost and never found, the soldiers who gave their lives for everything and never returned...

They had never expected to see such a place, nor those who stayed there, when the Guard snapped to attention, a perfectly disciplined soldier, and more shadowy figures appeared... for the changing of the Guard.

Slowly, quietly, the crowd of soldiers stood and came to attention for the ceremony as well, and a figure made it's way through the crowd to the Sister's side, standing attention by them.

“I am Sargent Kitson, of The III Marine Expeditionary Force. The Ceremony you are about to see is the Changing of the Guard. Please stand for the Ceremony, and maintain an atmosphere of respectful silence.” The figure said, revealed to the Goddesses as it spoke as the bearer of the Heart Crystal that they had lain their horns upon, the person they sought.

She was revealed slowly, as if the shadow's caress slowly unwound itself from her body as her heels clicked on the marble as she marched.

The ceremony went by quickly, the only sound were the voices of the Guards exchanging their posts and the single falls of the heels from the boots of the three moving soldiers marching in perfect unity. As Sargent Kitson slowly made her way over to the Goddesses, she quietly motioned for them to follow her into the graveyard, and after a moments hesitation, the two Goddesses followed her down the marble steps and away from the plaza, back into the rows of white crosses.

Slowly, it seemed, their march went on, the soldier's footfalls much louder then the hoofsteps of the princesses as they slowly walked behind the solidifying soldier. The female human's presence seemed to grow stronger as each footstep faded into the next, the world drifting around her as she stepped past the white crosses, her presence revealing the differences of the crosses... a flower here or there, a pair of dogtags quietly swinging from it's chain on the arm of the cross, a pair of boots holding up a rifle and a helm, sounds of broken crying, words of praise, and an almost oppressive feel of loss, counteracted by an overwhelming sense of love and pride.

The princesses took this all in quietly as Kitson slowly stepped up to a cross, further forwards toward the gate. Another cross was slowly forming next to it, but she ignored it as she quietly fell to her knees before the cross, her hands softly reaching to the cross before gently, almost reverently, laying her hands upon it.

A small, bright spark form as the cross glowed in a soft, pure white, washing over the young woman as her uniform faded, leaving her clothed only in a white robe. She stood, stepping back from the grave before she quietly brought her hands to her neck, and undid a single necklace, pulling out a bullet that had her name carved into it before hanging it from the cross, which was now adorned with her dogtags, her carefully folded uniform and boots, and her rifle, laying barrel-up towards the cross before bowing her head to it.

A few moments passed before Celestia stepped forwards, lightly laying her muzzle on the woman's shoulders. “You seem... lost, child.” Luna says from the side, looking at Kitson, who gives the two goddess a wane smile.

“It's because I am.” She says quietly before motioning for them to follow her, the robes swaying softly in the light breeze of the graveyard as they walked over to a small guardhouse and stepped inside, Kitson taking a seat and letting out a quiet breath as the Goddesses settled themselves in front of her.

They looked at one another for long moments, the Goddesses inspecting the young woman and the young woman awaiting the Goddesses, before Celestia broke the silence. “You know who we are.” She says.

It wasn't a question. It was a statement, knowledge being laid before the three figures sitting in the guardhouse. Kitson nodded quietly. “Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.” Kitson says, “Yes, I know who you both are... I know some of your story.”

Celestia nods at that and Luna looked at the young woman, a little confused, but decided to ask upon it later as she speaks, “As much as thou know us, we do not as of yet know you, soldier. Whom do we speak with?”

Kitson straightened softly as she poke. “Sgt. Ash Kitson, ma'am... I'd give you my list of achievements, but even something like the Metal of Honor has no place amongst the dead.” She says quietly.

“Sgt. Kitson... or may we call you Ash?” Celestia says, continuing at Kitson's nodded content. “Ash, you... are in a very strange place, right now. You... met our mother?” Celestia asks, looking nervously upon the robed young woman as she quietly stretched, a soft smile coming to her lips as she looked back at the Goddess.

“Faust.” Ash says quietly. “Yes... she... protected me. From something... I don't know how to describe it, but she said... she said I could stop.” Ash says, lightly hugging herself. “She said I could... I could rest.” She says, almost in awe of herself and of the Goddess she spoke of as she looked at Celestia and Luna. “Rest... true... rest. I could find my next path... if I waited here.” She says. “It... it feels like it's been so long... but I remember it so well, it makes me...” She bows her head as she searches for the words, frowning when she isn't able to find them.

Luna nods her head in understanding, “Feel loved.” She says, smiling as the young woman brightens at that and nods her head to the Goddess of the night in thanks.

“Yes... yes! Exactly!” Ash says, looking much brighter, and even more solid, her outline not wavering anymore as she spoke, looking less like a spirit. “I feel loved! And warm, and cared for...” She smiles. “It's... a nice feeling.”

Celestia softly moves next to Ash, hugging the young woman with her wing. “Ash, my sister and I have been sent to take you home... but there is more to your path then you know.” Celestia says. “More then we know. Mother's plans don't always allow us the insight to understand them right away, but she does have a plan for you, and for us. She asked of us to help you decide your fate... and I think she meant your form.”

Ash blinks, tilting her head. “What do you mean?” She asks, looking confused.

“She speaketh of thou physical body, Ash.” Luna says, nodding. “For when you come home... to Equestria.”

Ash gasps softly, her eyes widening as emotion radiates from the life stolen too soon. “R-really...?”

Celestia smiles. “Yes, my young friend. We are here to help you decide who you will be. Who you are, and who you will become, is still you, but your body is up to you.”

Ash looks down at her hands, and then at the Goddess. “... I could be a pony?” She asks, a mischievous little smirk forming on the girls face, only to receive a smirk in response and a nod. “If that is what you desired.” Celestia says with a warm grin.

Ash giggles quietly, content to lean against the Goddess as she thinks about it. “... Any kind of pony?”

Celestia nodded. “Anything you wanted, pony, dragoness, Diamond Dog... whatever your desire.” She says, “You could remain human, should you so desire.”

Luna nods in agreement, quietly smiling to herself at how much nodding she and Celestia had been doing as Ash sits quietly.

“... I think...” She whispers, before glancing around and looking at Luna and Celestia in a weary curiosity. “C-could... I think on it? Do I need to go now?”

Celestia shakes her head. “Your Heart Crystal is awaiting in Equestira, just awaiting your form. It's entirely up to you, and you can take your form whenever you decide.”

Ash bites her lower lip softly before hugging Celestia around her slender neck, burying her head against the Goddess body. “Thank you.” She whispers, before letting go.

“I... think I need to take a walk through the graveyard.” She says quietly. “I... need to think, please, do not wait for me.”

The two Goddesses smiled at Ash, and Luna spoke softly, “Take your time, we await you in Equestria.” Before they left the Cosmos.

----/----

A moment in Equestria passed from when the Goddesses laid their horns upon the Heart Crystal of the human soldier they had just met and when they took their horns away, the two sisters looking to one another before nodding in agreement, moving the Heart Crystal to the center of the bed with great care.

Celestia's horn sparkled lightly as she cast a spell over the bed, keeping the Heart Crystal safe from all whom would visit upon it, and prevent it from being tampered with, as well as a spell to alert her and her sister for when the Heart Crystal's owner took form.

The two sisters nodded to one another quietly, and slowly left Celestia's private chambers to think.

----End Chapter Three: Wake me up----

Stereo Hearts and Broken Records

Chapter Four: Stereo Hearts and The Broken Record

Two weeks passed, and Equestria had blown up in the rumor mill about the package that had been delivered by a Commander from the Navy having made a true blue marathon flight, something that was always considered with rumors in the history book, the ancient legend of the original marathon flight about the same distance as the good Commander's mad dash to Canterlot, and what it might contain.

The one thing that was on everyponies mind was rather straightforward. Whatever was in that package was from The Queen. The simple idea that Faust herself had returned to send that package off to her Daughters was enough to get the rumor mill going, but the fact that the Princesses themselves wouldn't speak of or acknowledge the existence of the package drove them to greater heights.

Was it a warning of impending disaster? A important artifact? A gift for her Daughter's birthdays? The rumors swung all over the map, but in the end, the rumors didn't matter.

Many rises and falls of the sun and the moon passed quietly, the world at peace, as ponies pranced, worked, and played in the warm days and slept through the dark, peaceful nights. But, as once told, Luna grew resentful of her sister as she wished for the love and adoration of their little ponies as well.

These building feelings of resentment drove the pure heart crystal of the young soldier, the young human woman, from Luna's mind as she contemplated how to force the ponies of Equestria to love her... in any manner possible.

The thoughts turned desperate and wicked over the years, taking on almost a form all of it's own, encompassing Luna entirely, and turning her into a being of true darkness, feeding off the fear and dreams of the little ponies of Equestria... Nightmare Moon.

A Hundred and twenty-nine years passed since Celestia and Luna visited the young woman in the Cosmos. Celestia hadn't forgotten, and was patiently awaiting the young woman's arrival, her Heart Crystal glowing brighter then ever, carefully guarded by the Goddess of the Sun. Some had begged Celestia to use the Heart Crystal as a weapon against the darkness that was Nightmare Moon, to prevent the Lunar Republics spread across Equestria, but Celestia refused, ordering her armies to fall back, for she had a plan.

A desperate plan, but a plan none the less. The Elements, broken from Luna because of the manifestation of Nightmare Moon, would still be useable by her older sister. She wouldn't be able to -purify- Luna, to rip Nightmare Moon from her sister's body and cleanse the younger alicorn hidden inside the monster that was ruling her body, but there was a second option... using The Elements as a magical booster to increase her own abilities to the point that she could lock the Nightmare away in an endless sleep on the moon, hopefully till the new bearers of The Elements of Harmony could be found.

But there was one big hitch in the plan- getting the Elements from the old castle, their parents castle, more of a monument, which Nightmare Moon was using as a base of operations. The old magics around the castle made it -very- well defended, and many stories from the little ponies told of great monsters and dangers roaming in the wild wood that surrounded the castle... forever free from any kind of control, the last wild place.

She would have to go alone. The amount of magic she would be channeling... Celestia shivered in fear of the idea of just what she was planning on doing. The amount of magic she would be channeling was something that was supposed to be spread across a whole group of Unicorns, or the six Elements of Harmony. No Alicorn could replicate that effect without the Elements assistance, and even then, she feared that unleashing that much magic could seriously injure somepony.

Celestia bit her lower lip softly as she continued thinking over her plan, pacing in the throne room... when a stray band of sunlight glinted off of the royal throne, and Celestia's attention was drawn by the glinting, sparkling light.

It had sat in a glass case all these years, laying on a carefully conjured velvet pillow, supported by Celestia and Luna's own feathers in and carefully enspelled to stay sealed... unless the being within the case woke up.

Celestia slowly turned, captivated by the beautiful and elegant curves, and how it seemed to capture the light and then let it flow outwards in all the colors, pure to the very core, a radiant white held close by light purples, blues, and a touch of gold.

Celestia bit her lower lip again, frowning lightly at the Heart Crystal. Had it really been so long since she had talked to that poor woman? It felt like just days ago she had spoken to her, but had a hundred and twenty-nine years truly flashed her by?

The elder Alicorn sister softly lifted the spells and took the glass case off before gently taking the Heart Crystal in her hooves, marveling at it's beauty and what it represented... a pure soul. Something untainted and in so many ways, untouchable by the corruption that the soul had weathered in her previous life.

“So strong...” Celestia whispers, closing her eyes. “Stronger then I.”

The Goddess blinks, and then looks at the Crystal again, and on a whim, carefully applies a little magic to it, only to gasp as the simple levitation spell is amplified suddenly, leaping into the air, carefully, and now even more gently, held in Celestia's magic.

“... This... will help.” Celestia whispers softly. “I can only hope that you'll forgive me for using your assistance.”

The Heart Crystal would help greatly. It's ability to amplify the magic required to cast the spell would make it easier on Celestia, and more importantly, not drain it from the surroundings, like she originally planned. That meant that she could bring the Guard with her to assist her in subduing her Sister and her guard.

Celestia closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Forgive me, Ashley Kitson.” She says quietly to the Heart Crystal, and marched onwards, calling her guards.

One way or another, it would end that night.

----/----

“Here we go, for the hundreth time...” One of the stallions whispered as the Guard stood forth, their armor glinting in the morning sun.

The battle of wills that took place every morning was showing it's strain upon their Princess, and they knew it, but that's why they were there. The Night Guard, their old brothers-in-arms, now fierce, unyielding foes, would know the same of their own Princesses, Nightmare Moon. They would have to strike now, from the edge of a large amount of untainted and untouched land, just off of the edge of the Everfree Woods, the wind biting at them as they made their way to the darkened wood, the oft-trotted trail guiding them towards their final goal.

“Hoofgrenades, at every line. Throw them straight up and let 'em shine boys. Remember, no excuses on the line, incapacitation strikes only, no one's bleedin' out today.” The Commander of the Guard spoke quietly, passing the orders along to the unicorns who drew the carefully crafted potions with their magic as they swiftly came upon their goal. No ambushes, no attacks from behind... the Night Guard knew that they expected it, and would easily be able to fend it off.

As they came upon the castle, the lines of the Solar Guard were quickly shown to be matched by the Night Guard, the trained ponies glaring out the lines at their brethren.

Two lines, two-hundred Guard, on each side. The ponies snorted, held back only by their princesses. Celestia strode forth, drawing upon the Royal Canterlot Voice. “LUNA! DEARIST SISTER, SHOW YOURSELF!”

The Night Guard parted only enough for the armored, fearsome sight of the Nightmare that consumed the goddess of the night could stride forwards. “Celestia, you forget yourself, allowing thouself to step forth upon my lands... do you truly wish to send your little ponies to their deaths?”

Many of the Night Guard jeered and let out cries of war, pounding steel-clad hooves against the ground in agreement, or pounding a hoof against armored chests, letting the sound rumble around their Princess's words. Celestia snorted softly. “They will not fall this day Luna! No pony will! Please little sister, do not push this matter!”

The barking, wicked laugh of the Goddess of the Night echoed around the clearing between the edge of the Forest and the castle in which she was residing. “Foalish words, sister. You will fall, and the Night, shall last, FOREVER!” She yelled out, laughing as the Goddess whisper into a dark fog of stars and fell back to her castle as the cry went out amongst the Night Guard. The battle was about to commence.

Suddenly, the unicorns of the Solar Guard whipped their hoofgrenades, lit and set to go. The blinding flashes and booming noise covered Celestia's move as she vanished into the morning light and into the castle, chasing her sister as the Solar Guard charged the Night Guard.

Inside the castle, Celestia moved on swift hooves, charging down the old hallways she and her sister used to play in as she quickly charged down her goal, the one thing that Nightmare Moon would have forgotten, the Elements of Harmony.

A blast of magic danced past her flank, a charged bolt of lighting. An angered cry followed Celestia as she ran faster and faster, ignoring the monster that had taken over her sister's taunts.

“Turn and fight, coward, or art thou so weak and foalish that you try to hide?! Face me, Celestia! Face me and thou's fate!” Nightmare Moon's cry echoed through the halls, following Celestia as she dashed to the pedistal that held the Elements of Harmony, the glowing jewels glinting in the shadows of the hall and in the morning light as Celestia skidded to a halt, her horn glowing brightly as she brought up a shield of sunlight, blocking a bolt of the darkest of nights.

Nightmare Moon raged as she cast spell after spell at her sister, seeking to break the shield and destroy her foalish sister, “They should have loved us both! Without you, they will have to love me and my night, for it shalt be ETERNAL!”

“Stop this madness Luna! Don't you see this is wrong!? So many ponies are going to be hurt if you continue on this path!” Celestia cried back, emotion overtaking her as she begged her sister to stop, drawing out the Heart Crystal.

“NEIGH! We shall bring out the everlasting night! Thou can't stop us!” Nightmare Moon taunted.

“But I can, little sister... I can.” Celestia whimpered quietly as her horn started to glow that much brighter.

“Wha-” Nightmare started before crying out in pain, bound by a burning light that gripped her to the core. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?”

“Nightmare Moon! I banish you from this world! I banish thee to the end of the sky! I banish thee to Luna, to the moon! I banish you so that you will learn! I banish you to protect our little ponies! SO! LET! IT! BE!” Celestia cried out as she channeled as much magic as she could handle and more, casting it through the Heart Crystal, which sparkled brightly from the magic running through it's form.

“NO! THOU CAN'T!” Nightmare Moon cried out in anguish and pain as the magic tugged on her form.

The Elements of Harmony hovered close by Celestia as she called upon them to bring the banishing to a close. The magic was powerful, and it felt as if her horn was going to explode as she forced more and more through it and into the Heart Crystal, before a final blast of light leaped from the Heart Crystal, spearing Nightmare Moon.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” The final cry of Nightmare Moon echoed out as the magic took hold.

The battle outside raged on, the Night Guard and Solar Guard at a standstill, the brave ponies fighting for every inch as they sought to be able to go after the Princesses when a pillar of pure white light blasted out of the roof of the castle, causing all the fighting to stop as they gawked at the sight of the powerful magic. Several unicorns fell unconscious from the backwash of magical energy used to cast the banishing spell, the light seemingly piercing the moon... which slowly fell and then faded from sight.

The Night Guard could only look on in anguish as their Goddess was banished to the moon, and lay down their arms.

For better or worse, it was over.

In the Element's chambers, a scorch mark was all that remained of the spell Celestia had cast, the Goddess sobbing as she collapsed, the elements, encased in stone, settling onto their pedestal as the goddess cried out for her little sister, for forgiveness from their mother and father for having to resort to a banishment... and for longing for things to be as they once were.

She didn't hear the soft footfalls walking up aside her, but her tears were quietly wiped away by soft hands, making her gasps as she turned to look.

The young woman she had meet those many years ago was smiling sadly at Celestia, and spoke with softer tones. “She will return, Celestia.”

“A-ashley Kitson... forgive me... for using you in this.” Celestia sobbed quietly, pressing her muzzle against the human, who hugged her softly.

“Sssh... it's ok.” Ashley whispers, smiling sadly. “It hurts... but she will be back. She will, I promise you this, for I've seen it. One thousand years from now, at the dawn of the longest day, she will return, as will I.”

Celestia gasps as she looks at Ashley. “You... can't stay?” She asks, looking so lonely. Ashley shakes her head no. “I am only here because you called me here, Celestia. I haven't... figured out an answer to your question yet.” Ashley whispers, rubbing her arm.

“Forgive me. My time already is short.” Ashley hugs Celestia again lightly. “Be strong, Celly. Your Mother and Father forgive you, and they send their love. You have much to do.”

And with that, Ashley was gone, the Heart Crystal lightly drifting back to the floor, settling itself between Celestia's hooves.

The war was over... but there was still much to do.

---End Chapter 4: Broken Stereo, Skipping Record---