Chapters The Apprentice of War
By AfterTouch
Chapter One: Betrayal
Perspective: Narrator
“You cannot win Nightmare Moon, give up now and Princess Celestia might forgive you for your awful crimes!” Twilight forcefully shouts as she emits a lone magic spark from her horn onto the Elements of Harmony.
“Mwahaha, you ignorant little foal! Did you truly believe you could defeat me? Now you will never see your princess, or your sun! The night shall last forever!” Screamed Nightmare Moon as she crushes the elements of harmony into dust with a stomp of her dinner plate size hoof.
Twilight quickly inhaled...“What have you done! I was so close, we passed all your attempts to stop us from defeating you. What could have gone wrong?” As she sobbed into her forelegs Nightmare Moon slowly inched towards her. Nightmare Moon spoke in a stern and powerful voice;
“Poor Twilight, did you truly think a pile of rocks could defeat me! But to answer your question, I would recommend that you look around.” As Nightmare Moon finished, Twilight slowly lifted her head out of her forelegs; either out of fear or that she had just given up hope.
“See Twilight, you have been betrayed by your so called ‘friends’ that you only met today, did you truly think they cared about you? That they would risk their own lives for a mare they had just met! Before you think about getting back up and try to challenge me again, I want to let you know Celestia is never returning, she is dead. Remember my words; I, Nightmare Moon, defeated your pathetic princess. Now surrender to me and I shall show you mercy.” Nightmare Moon’s tone had softened; she almost seemed kind and that she truly pitied Twilight for being so foalish.
“I-I can’t believe I trusted them.” Twilight took a deep shuddering breath as she gazed at the empty space around her. She lowered her head, her mane fell over her eyes. “I thought they were my friends.” As she spoke, a single tear stained her bruised cheek. “I surrender,” Twilight sighed heavily, “whatever hope was left in saving Equestria is gone.” Nightmare Moon looked surprised that Twilight had given up her fight so quickly, but as quickly as her expressions shifted her face was plastered with a smug grin from ear to ear.
“Yes, come with me my pet, I’m most sure that as Celestia’s prized student you can be more than useful for me!” With an audible pop both Nightmare Moon and Twilight were teleported to the front gate of the royal castle startling two of Celestia’s Royal Guards.
“Halt! Who are you and what is your business here?” One of the Snow white guards half commanded, half shouted. Nightmare Moon gaze fell over the other guard who started to violently shake. The guard was wearing a gold and blue armour with Celestia’s cutie mark of the sun in the centre of his chest piece, the helmet on top of his head was also gold with a deep blue plume.
“I am Queen Nightmare Moon! The new ruler of Equestria, Princess of the Night. Bow before me you pathetic peasants” hissed Nightmare Moon causing the left guard to faint from the sheer in power her voice.
“What have you done with the Princess you foul demon?!” shouted the guard however all what Twilight and Nightmare Moon was a meek squeal of words so quiet it would make Fluttershy proud.
Taking a gulp out of pure terror Twilight spoke towards the guard “Please, sir, step aside. The Princess is gone, there is no point in trying to stop Queen Nightmare Moon, if not even the elements of harmony could” When she finished Twilight could only dip her head in defeat, adding to Nightmare Moon's bitter sweet victory.
“You’re Twilight Sparkle, the prized student of Princess Celestia? How can you stand with that monster?” Twilight only seemed to sink even lower in guilt to the guard words.
“Because I was betrayed by my friends, even the Princess betrayed me... She gambled my life and the fate of Equestria on some stone relics; I guess she never did cherish me” Tears were flowing freely down Twilights cheeks slowly patterning on the cobblestone path below. Twilight lifted her head again to look into the guards eyes, meanwhile Nightmare Moon just stared at the two from the sidelines. “Sir as you have noticed the night is overdue a few hours.” more tears patted the ground as she forced these words out of her throat “Princess Celestia is dead. Equestria needs a ruler, and Queen Nightmare Moon is the only one who can carry out Princess Celestia’s duties” She pleaded, knowing that without Nightmare Moon Equestria would have no sun or moon.
After hearing what both Nightmare Moon and Twilight Sparkle had to say the guard puffed out his chest and adopted a fighting stance, his legs slightly apart and his head dipped with a look of dutiful pride. Nightmare Moon decided it was time to claim her rightful place on the throne and cantered up to the guard, almost mocking how weak he was compared to a goddess like her “H-halt, I won't l-let you p-pass” Stammered the guard.
Nightmare Moon reared up onto her legs just about to kill the foolish guard, when a cynical and sadistic thought snaked its way through her head. Nightmare Moon forcefully landed back on the ground missing the guard by inches, as she slowly craned her head and gazed into her pets purple shaded eyes. “Ah my pet, why don’t you show how devoted you are to me?” Twilight made an audible gulp as Nightmare Moon’s sadistic voice reached her ears
“W-what would you have me do, y-your highness?” Twilight whimpered, fearing what terrible sin her new master would force her to do.
“It is a simple order my pet, one which anyone with the right mind set can complete. I want you to kill him” As the last sentence rolled of Nightmare Moon’s snake like tongue she thrust a hoof in the guard’s direction. As her mind comprehended what the demonic princess had given her Twilight's eyes shrunk to pin pricks
“B-but I ca...” Twilight was suddenly cut off by Nightmare Moon’s bellowing voice
“YOU WILL KILL HIM! SHOW YOUR DEVOTION TO ME, AND I WILL SHOW YOU TRUE POWER AND AUTHORITY!” Both Twilight and the guard cringed from the power in Nightmare Moon’s voice.
After a few seconds which felt like hours, Twilight stared into the guard’s eyes, seeing fear for his life Twilight only felt more guilt and shame for even thinking about ending his life.
After a few deep breaths Twilight’s horn sparked to life and with a quick snap the guard limply fell to the ground, his eyes rolled to the back of his head and his limbs became limp. The guard was dead. At this realization Twilights emotions had got to the better of her she burst into tears and loud sobs. “Very good my pet, maybe if you keep being such a good and obedient little girl you might one day might be my own ‘faithful student’ ” Nightmare Moon chuckled but then her expression changed from a smug look to a deep frown “Come now Twilight it is time to take back my castle”
Twilight stood still frozen in shock horror, she had killed somepony. Murder was completely against a pony’s nature yet she killed an innocent being just because somepony told her to.
She was a monster...
Chapter Two: A Troubled Descent
Chapter Two: A Troubled Descent
Perspective:Twilight
‘What have I done? Why don’t I feel any remorse? Is Nightmare Moon already affecting my morals...?’
“Come now, Twilight. It is time to show you the true power of the moon.” I was snapped out of my train of thought by Nightmare Moon. “Twilight, what do you know about me?” questioned Nightmare Moon.
‘What besides you're a cynical and tyrannical ruler which will inevitably cause the end of Equestria?’ “I do not know much your highness, all I know is the tale of the Mare in the Moon”
“Yes that story your beloved ruler created to make all of my subjects hate and fear my return.” Nightmare Moon spat out the words with fury “Do not misunderstand me, I do not hold any regret on my actions and my ascension to power, but let me shed some light on this half told tale” she said.
‘Why would the princess make such a horrible lie of her co-ruler? Surely Nightmare Moon is lying, Celestia is such a kind ruler.’ “You see Twilight before my banishment to the moon, me and my ‘sister’ ruled Equestria as ‘equals’”
“WHAT! Princess Celestia was your SISTER!?” ‘I was outraged, I was sure even Nightmare Moon had some morals left. But to kill your own sister!’
“Yes she was my sister. And if you interrupt me again, Twilight, I will have your right hoof. Am I clear?” ‘Nightmare Moon was clearly not joking about the threat.’
“Crystal clear your highness, I am sorry, please forgive me” I apologized fearfully, I slowly shrunk expecting Nightmare Moon’s wrath. Yet when I looked up I could see sadness in her draconic eyes, alongside a lone tear.
“It is alright Twilight, It was a simple mistake, Now let me finish the tale” I was dumbfounded. ‘Why was she so forgiving? From what Celestia said, she was a beast consumed by darkness. Is she trying to trick me to lower my guard? Or is she generally a kind hearted pony who had been corrupted?’
As we both slowly walked up the path to the Royal Castle door, I noticed none of the Royal Guards were stationed by the doors. ‘Where were they?’
“My sister and I were supposed to be equal, yet she oversaw all of Equestria’s complaints and laws, I was cast into background and only ruled over the night. My beautiful night! Yet everyone shunned my work and slept through it, so I began plotting my revenge. I entered ponies’ dreams and corrupted them, turning their once sweet dreams into bitter nightmares. All I wanted was to be noticed and appreciated” More tears began to fall down her onyx cheek. “Do you know what it is like to spend millennium after millennium creating the cosmos and nopony gives it a second glance? Tell me, Twilight, how would you feel if you finally understood everything there is to magic, and Celestia just turned her nose up to it?”
I thought about it for a second and realized. ‘I would be beyond disappointed, angry even. No wonder Nightmare Moon became vengeful and cynical, anyone would be if they were ignored for a thousand years’ “Nightmare Moon, I am so sorry that would be awful, how could ponies be so cruel?”
“Enough Twilight, I do not want your pity, I am a goddess for Faust’s sake!”
Nightmare Moon reared up and opened the double doors to the throne room, as the doors swung open the faces of over one hundred guards suddenly appeared. Their faces showed fear, anger, and doom were etched on the collective countenances of the Royal Guards.
“Enough Nightmare Moon. Your attempts of capturing Equestria will be in vain as we will stop you here, tonight! Even if it costs us our lives!” The Captain shouted, desperately trying to raise the morale of his men.
“You foal, do you think you can thwart my plans?” Nightmare’s horn glowed black, darker than the night itself. With a flick of her horn Nightmare Moon’s magic grasped all of the guards besides the Captain, who stood still in fear. With a sharp collective ‘snap’ all the guards fell limp to the floor, their necks bent in impossible angles.
“Now tell me Captain. Do you think ‘you' stand a chance?” As her chuckle turned into a maniacal laugh. I could only grimace at the sight before me; so little effort to levitate all the guards, and kill them off in a single sweep.
Perspective: Nightmare Moon
‘Hmmm, what shall I do with this foalish Captain? Death would be too easy, but I cannot allow him to walk free, as it would make me look weak. Maybe Twilight has the answer?’
“Twilight, what do you think we should do with Celestia’s dear Captain?”
The fear on her face was undeniable yet as the question sank in her face turned into concentration and wonder, judging by her expressions she is probably analysing every option and outcome from what we do with the guard.
“Your highness, I believe we should capture the guard and interrogate him. Not only will this be a deterrent to other rebellions, we will also gain invaluable information on how the royal guard operate” The lavender unicorn replied, and to say I was impressed would be an understatement. I was pleased with how well she reacted when on the spot and how effective her opinion on the matter was, yet her morals have drastically changed. Whether this is to gain my trust and betray me or that she always had a cynical side and just needed a little bit of darkness to bring it out, I will never know.
“Very good Twilight, I don’t think I could have come up with a better solution myself.” I turned my attention to the defeated Captain “Now Captain....” the Captain just stared at me.
In a deep gruff voice he replied “Captain Vera Virtute commander of her royal majesty's army.” 'True Courage? Let’s put that to the test...'
“Anyway, Captain Vera Virtute, I shall now give you some advice, embrace me as your true Queen and join me, and you will live and grow to become more powerful than you ever imagined. Betray me and you shall suffer eternally, I will torture you, you will wish for death to save you. Now tell me what your choice is?”
Perspective: Captain Vera Virtute
As I lift my head up and stare Nightmare Moon in her eyes I feel numb and nauseous. 'How can I betray Equestria? My home, my country'. As my stare continues all I can think of is how I failed everypony; my men, my family, my friends. I look over towards Twilight, how could she support Nightmare Moon? She killed the princess. As a guard I knew when I signed up that I would protect the royal family and the leaders of Equestria...
Nightmare Moon is now the leader of Equestria.
I looked into Nightmare Moon’s cat like eyes hoping I will never live to regret this decision “I shall serve you till death my Queen.”
Chapter Three: The New Teacher
Chapter Three: Tutorship
Perspective: Twilight
Nightmare Moon looked back with a smug grin spreading from ear to ear. Captain Vera Virtute has accepted Nightmare Moon’s rather biased question. But nonetheless I am happy he is alive. Without his armour he has a dark teal coat and black and blue mane and light blue eyes, he is medium height and a rather buff build. I guess it comes with being a guard....
“It is nice to see a Captain with sense for once, you shall go far Captain Vera Virtute,” Nightmare Moon complemented the Captain, she even seemed to blush through her onyx coat as she spoke. “Come now Twilight it is time we shall retire to our chambers, as my sisters pupil I suspect you have your own chamber?”
“Yes Nightma...” Nightmare gave a throaty cough and seemed to glare at me with her draconic eyes “OH yes sorry your highness... Yes Queen Nightmare Moon I do have my own chambers, would you like any help finding your own?”
“No my pet, I will not need any help. Captain, I would like you to gather all the staff of the castle and to tell them to carry on working as normal. Also I would like new guards who are loyal and trustworthy, I expect this to be done with uttermost urgency as I am sure assassination plots are already being developed.” Nightmare Moon turned towards the guard. she seemed to say the last sentence with a hint of irony. ‘I am sure she can defend herself, she did just kill one hundred odd trained guards with a flick of her horn.’
“Yes my Queen your orders shall be done at once, regarding recruitment I shall have 50 men by the end of the month, I will test all of them to see where their loyalty lies.”
As the Captain salutes and marches out of the throne room Nightmare Moon’s hoofsteps echoing down the empty corridor. Realizing I am all alone I quickly cantered in Nightmare Moon’s direction to catch up with her, we continue to walk down the corridor in relative silence as we reach our rooms Nightmare Moon turns towards me and with a cold glare she begins to speak in a regal yet monotone voice devoid of emotions
“Twilight, tonight you have proven yourself, not only have you shown your loyalty in numerous occasions, you have shown you can be obedient and with time become a great diplomatic leader. As with the Captain I shall give you a choice...” 'Oh god what is going to happen? Will she torture me? Kill someone?! Or worse make me take a test!’ Twilight visibly cringed at the horrible thought of a test.
“Will you stay by my side and become my apprentice, or will you abandon me and live your life with your so called ‘friends’. If you choose the former I will not only put you under mental exercise and pressure it will also be physical, you will train everyday to make your body withstand the strongest blows, to be able to make the most impossible decisions in a matter of seconds, and lastly to sacrifice your morals and innocence. It is not easy to be able to kill and look back with no remorse.”
‘Yesyesyesyesyes I can return to my friends! I can spend the rest of my life with... them... my friends... who left me. Who betrayed me. Why is Nightmare Moon giving me a choice; has she realized what she did was wrong? Was she seeking forgiveness? ’ I lifted my head up and looked into her eyes, she did not seem distant and cold. 'She was lonely, she had been alone for a thousand years on the moon. She is offering me knowledge, knowledge which has been forgotten by everypony. She was giving me a new life... A life I will embrace'
“Queen Nightmare Moon. I would be honored to be your student, you have shown me nothing but mercy and you have given me a chance of redemption, to take knowledge and power, to step out of my darkness and into the light” With my speech concluded I realized how ironic it sounded, but when I noticed the huge smile on her muzzle it made me feel happy inside, like the times when I made Celestia proud. That moment I knew I wouldn't regret my decision.
“Very well my p.. student, we shall begin your training tomorrow morning. your first lesson will be the worst, but it should get better in time.”At this time all I could think of is all the new spells and knowledge I will be learning.
I turned around and opened my large oak doors and entered my old room, nothing had changed. I walked over towards my bed and flopped down onto it. 'Celestia is dead... My friends betrayed me... I've killed someone...' A thousand thoughts raced through my head all my emotions had been bottled up and are now breaking free, tears streamed down my cheeks staining my fur.
Just before I fell asleep I whispered to myself “What have I done....”
Chapter Four: Lesson One
Perspective Twilight
'Celestia...Friends...Elements...Harmony...Death...Sacrifice' .
My mind is racing at a mile a minute, lost in the events which have happened in the past day; the worst day of my old life. Today is a new day, a clean slate. My new life begins now. When the last thought entered my head all I could imagine is how stupid I must looked of somepony saw me.
“Rise my student, the day has begun and we still have not begun your training!” Nightmare Moon shouted in my ear, ending my vivid thoughts and dreams and; being honest scaring, the living hay out of me!
“AHHHH” *THUD* I scream as I fall to the oak wood floor. With a groan I get up, rubbing the base of my horn in attempt to get rid of the throbbing pain at the base. Remembering who was in my room I forgot about my horn and sprung back up onto my hooves. “My Queen! I am so sorry I should have been up hours ago! I had no idea how late in the day.. errr night it is..” I spoke in a gruff husky voice; thanks to my throat being dry.
“Calm your self Twilight, I did not expect you to be up early anyway. Also now with you being my student you don’t have to be so formal with me. Call me Nightmare Moon or Queen Moon.”
Wow... one day and I’m already on first name terms with Nightmare Moon? Celestia was never this informal with me...
“Twilight I want you to shower and get ready for your first lesson; I expect you to be at the throne room by 12 o'clock, Okay?
“Yes Nightmare Moon, I will come down as soon as I am ready.” I replied with a smile. As Nightmare Moon turned and exited my room I began to run the shower to get it nice and hot. As I slipped into the shower, the hot water running down my coat, I sighed in relief. It felt wonderful washing away all the grit and soot from yesterdays fight and other encounters. After my shower I began to dry myself with a towel and brush my mane and tail.
I finally finished about an hour later. I glance back to my clock and found that I was perfectly on time at 11:50 am. Satisfied with my time, I set off for the throne room. Walking down the empty corridors was eerie; hearing my hoofsteps echo in the great halls and the feeling of the eyes of the paintings seeming to follow me.
After ten minutes of silent walking I reached the large double doors of the throne room. The two guards looked at me and nodded as I approached the door, turning and opening the two doors for me. As I entered, the first thing I realized was the colour and decorations of the throne room had changed. Celestia having red and gold banners, Nightmare Moon having purple and silver ones. The second thing I noticed was that Nightmare Moon was currently holding a court session. Thirdly was that I knew the mare she was talking too.
“Queen Nightmare Moon kin yo' please brin' back th' sun, as enny fool kin plainly see mah apple trees is dyin'. Wifout th' sun th' crops will fail an' Equestria will starve in a few weeks!” It was Applejack, the apple farmer from Ponyville. I wonder if she will remember me?
“Applejack? What are you doing here?” What will she think of me? Will she think I betrayed her?... No. She betrayed me and if she has a problem with me supporting Nightmare Moon... well she can just buck off!
“Twi, Whut in tarnation are yo' doin' here? We all thought yo' were dead!” They thought I was dead? They never bothered to even help me! They just assumed I was DEAD!
“Twilight you know this country hick?” Nightmare Moons asked in her regal voice, ending my mental rant..
“Yes Nightmare Moon, she is the bearer of the Element of Honesty, and was my ‘friend’!” I spat the last word out through gritted teeth. I can tolerate thieves and liars, but traitors... they sicken me!
“An' whut is thet supposed t'mean? Yer th' one hyar who is gittin' all snhomely wif Nightmare Moon!” That does it Applejack has gone to far! I. Will. End. Her.
Seeing the anger in my face, Nightmare Moon intervenes. “Now, my student, do not allow your anger to cloud your opinion.” At the word student I saw Applejack gag, I'm sure if she had water it would be all over the floor right now... “So Twilight what is your opinion on Miss Applejacks dilemma? She believes that I should bring forth day again to save the crops and vegetation of Equestria. Do you believe that I should accept and show that I am a ruler with false intentions and empty threats?” Nightmare Moon’s question was rather straightforward. Allow Equestria to fall and die or to save it but hurt her reputation and show her threats are meaningless.
“If I was in your hooves Nightmare Moon ,I would bring back the sun, It will cause some doubt in your power but in the long run it will save Equestria. What is better, to rule with power but no subjects or to be less feared but still have people to rule?” ‘Buck I just reversed the question, shes gonna hate me... She might even remove me as her student!’
“Very good point my student. I shall take that into concept, although I do believe I can alter the moon to have the sun’s properties and keep the night sky hmmm..” I sighed in relief ‘I actually gave her good advice? WAIT WHAT! She can do that?! But Celestia couldn't even achieve a feat such as that! Changing the properties of a celestial object, Nightmare Moon must have magic level over 20,000!’
“Now Miss Applejack you have heard my decision, I will alter my moon to give life the way the sun does, as you can see I am not tyrannical. I am a kind goddess who should be loved and respected from afar, but feared at all times. Go now as I have promised your crops and trees will not wither and die and the effects of the moon will be ready within the week.” As Nightmare Moon finished her announcement, Applejack rose from her bow and left, scolding me on her way out.
“Nightmare Moon, what will our first lesson cover? Forbidden magic? Ancient philosophers?” Nightmare Moon seemed to chuckle at my almost foalish thirst for knowledge.
“No Twilight, it is none of them you have suggested. We will start from the very beginning, come with me and we shall start at once.”
We both exited the throne room and walked down the corridors to a large single mahogany door. I have seen this door before when Celestia gave me a tour of the castle when I was a filly. She told me that it is the door to the dungeons.
“Nightmare Moon, why are we going to the dungeons for our lesson?” Looking annoyed Nightmare Moon looked down at me.
“Wait and you will see.” I sighed deeply, I hated it when my parents did that to me
We walked down the spiral staircase going, deeper within the dungeons. The walls were covered in thick green sludge and stained with the blood of those unlucky enough to find their way down here. Inside the cells of the dungeon were lumps of old rotting hay used as bedding and a small bowls of water, although there were no prisoners. The cells were always stocked with fresh water and food anyway.
After 15 minutes of walking we finally reached a crimson red door with intricate carvings around the door. As I was looking slightly afraid, Nightmare Moon gave me a caring smile to boost my confidence. Nightmare Moon’s horn sparked to life and unlocked the heavy door, once I had entered I noticed it was not a cell... It was a torture room. Before I could voice my opinion shackles wrapped around my ankles locking me in place.
“Nightmare Moon! What are you doing!” I screamed, terrified for my life. ‘Was she going to kill me? Was the offer to become her student a trick just to lower my guard?!’
“Twilight, this is your first lesson. For fifteen years Celestia has been feeding you lies, dampening your magic to stop you from reaching your full potential, most of all she has made you weak. However I am going to undo Celestia’s work, you could say I am reforming you. To do this you will have to suffer.”
The shackles around my ankles started to tighten, crushing my hooves and causing me to scream out in agony
“Why are you doing this Nightmare Moon!? I already showed you that I’m loyal” Speaking was too hard, my voice was forced out through gritted teeth. The pain was excruciating, it felt as if lead weights being slowly pressed down onto my hooves.
“Twilight my dear, do not see this as a punishment. I am lifting the barriers Celestia has put on you, I will be opening your mind to a whole new level of magic and knowledge. Surely you can live through a few days of pain and suffering for a lifetime of power and enlightenment.”
Looking up I could see Nightmare Moon levitating a bull whip, bracing for the pain I scrunched my eyes. Pain... All I could feel was pain from the impact of the whip. I turned around fearing the damage on my body, the cut was a long thin lash on my cutie mark.
*Crack*
“AHHHH” I screamed, the pain was too much. My flanks throbbing in pain. Lash after lash I scream out. I feared what my body would look like, my coat stained in blood with cuts all down my back and flanks. This lasted for two long hours...
When the whipping finally stopped Nightmare Moon began to pump healing magic through my body. All the cuts healed instantly, not even a scar was left.
“I-is it over Nightmare Moon?” I sheepishly asked, praying that it was.
“No Twilight, the real pain has not even begun yet.” Nightmare Moon cooed with a sadistic grin spread across her muzzle
After Nightmare Moon had rummaged around in her chest she returned with a pair of spiked hoof dusters. She slowly walked up to my face and put one hoof on my jaw, she brought her hoof back and smacked my jaw making my head whiplash sideways, spraying blood and shattered teeth across the wall.
“AGHHHHH!” I half screamed half gurgled as blood began to fill my mouth. I have never felt this much pain in my life....
Nightmare Moon hit me again with the hoof dusters, breaking my muzzle and causing a steady flow of blood to gush out of my sore mouth. She then circled me and hit the front of my knee caps, shattering them in the process, causing me to fall to the ground only to be choked by the chains keeping me up right.
Seeing black splotches around my vision I truly thought I was dying, but somewhere in the distance I could hear Nightmare Moon’s soft words echoing in my ears.
“Sleep Twilight. Go to sleep, let the pain go away.”
Perspective: Nightmare Moon
‘She is broken, physically but not mentally.’ As I packed away my torture instruments, I prepared myself for the worst part of this ordeal. I am going to dive deep inside my students mind, corrupt her thoughts and put her through the worst nightmares possible.
“Don’t worry Twilight, it will all be over by the time you wake up...” Although she was asleep and could not see my expression I gave her a soft smile as I stroked her silky purple mane.
I lit my horn and touched Twilights forehead with it, with a quick flash I was inside Twilights subconscious. ‘The only place of security and secrecy, and I am going to tear it apart. I will make her believe her dreams are reality and cause her pain nopony would be able to live through. Twilight, please forgive me.’
Perspective: Twilight
‘All my pain was gone and so were all the injuries Nightmare Moon had inflicted on me.’ It was weird a lone shadowy figure stood there next to a red container looking at me, it slowly walked towards me and poured the contents inside the red container all over me, soaking every last inch of me. The liquid smelt of... Gasoline.
The figure ignited a splint of wood, my eyes shrunk to the size of pin pricks. Petrified at what was happening to me I began to back away from the fire. The figure then threw the ignited splint onto the ground, causing the flames to consume my entire body.
I could smell my skin burning, I could feel it charring. ‘How could somepony do this to me?’ All of my fur and hair had long been consumed by the flames, the charcoaled skin started to flake of revealing fresh nerves.
“AHHHHHHHHH-” My scream, cutting out from the smoke causing me to violently choke and vomit hot black tar. My insides started to burn, the feeling of the flames licking my stomach lining causing me to kick and thrash around in the metal chains.
“Why are you doing this to me!” I shouted at the top of my lungs, my voice sounding dry and rough. The smoke cleared to reveal Princess Celestia and my five ‘friends’ staninding before.
“Why have you done this to me!? I thought you loved me like a daughter Celestia!” Celestia just turned her muzzle up into the air, so did the other five pony’s mimicking their rulers actions.
“Because Twilight, I do not allow failures to live. You’ve failed me Twilight, these five pony’s told me how you betrayed and left them alone to fight Nightmare Moon! And then you have to audacity to betray me and become Nightmare Moon’s student!” Celestia finished her speech spitting out each word with anger and despise.
“W-what? I didn’t betray them! They left me! They have lied to you Celestia, please believe me!” Tears rolled down my charred cheeks and rolled off my chin, mixing with the pile of blood and vomit around my hooves.
“No Twilight, you betrayed us. Even after how loyal we were to you! We were like totally awesome!” Scoffed Rainbow Dash as she looked away from me, tossing her mane to the side.
“How can you even tolerate Nightmare Moon Twilight? She is an awful creature who should be punished!” Celestia shouted; still giving me a dirty look of betrayal
“Because she has been kinder to me in these past few days then you have been to me my entire life! She has shown me how cruel you all are. She cares for me... Nopony else does!” As I defended Nightmare Moon, Celestia began to step toward me; towering over me.
“No wonder nopony cares for you, why should anypony care for a monster?” Celestias words stung like a snakes bite, burning its way towards my heart causing me to cry even more. The feeling of my friends and teacher betraying me is beyond horrible. ‘I wish I could die...’
‘No I have to be strong for Nightmare Moon, wherever she is I will be strong for her!’
I slowly rose to my hooves, grunting in pain as the pressure was applied to my hooves. My hooves were cracked and my skin was splitting all over my body; blood seeping thru the cracks of skin. My screams of agony only adding to their enjoyment.
“I hate you Celestia! Buck off and leave me to die! And you five! If I live through this, you shall all experience pain worse than you can ever imagine! I will cut you up, pour salt into your wounds and burn you alive!” My angered speech was cut short, as my vision went blank. I could feel goo trickle down my cheeks, my eyes had melted under the heat of the flames...
‘Please Nightmare Moon, let me die. Celestia was right, I am worthless...’ Suddenly I could feel the pain begin to slip away; I was dying. ‘Thank you Nightmare Moon...’ I suddenly slipped from thought. It felt like a long awaited slumber, a long peaceful rest...
Perspective: Nightmare Moon
With a flash I reappeared in the damp chamber, Twilight is still wriggling around her her chains rubbing her ankles raw. ‘The worst part is over Twilight, you have been suppressed by Celestia for to long... It had to be done.’
‘Why do I feel like this? I am Nightmare Moon for faust sake! And yet I have feelings for a mear unicorn!? Have I gone weak?’ Three sharp knocks on the heavy door disturbed my thinking, with a sigh I rose from the guard and opened the door with my magic. Stood behind the door was Captain Vera Virtute, his uniform had changed to suit my colours. The armour was a dark shade of purple and blues mixed with a light silver trim. The plume was replaced with razor sharp draconic fin. The plating was magically enchanted to change the wearer’s coat to appear an ash grey with their eyes yellow.
Coughing to clear his throat, Vera Virtute began to read off the parchment; “Queen Nightmare Moon, I am sorry to disturb your lesson, but I have come with some reports. I am glad to tell you that we have 50 guards already, willing to server the crown. I have personally removed all un-loyal guards, they have all been sentenced under high treason.” Vera Virtute looked up from the sheet and stared in my eyes. His gaze was cold, never emitting any emotions. He would be a perfect soldier in my grand army.
“Very good my Captain, I would like to see more guards as capable as you. That reminds me, I am hoping you are looking for another Guard to join you as Captain, until Twilight has finished her training you and one other will be incharge of my guards. I expect great things to come from you Captain. Do not fail me.” Vera Virtute nodded and exited the room, his hoofsteps slowly fading out.
Perspective: Twilight
‘Darkness... Am I dead?’ I try opening my eyelids, only to be assaulted my bright lights causing me to shut my eyes quickly. I attempt to open them again, my sight is very blurry but is improving. I woke up to find myself inside the torture room. Nightmare Moon sat just in front of me, staring at me with watery eyes ‘Had she been crying?’ With all the strength I could muster I slowly stood up onto my hooves, Nightmare Moon’s magic grasped the shackles and unlocked them from my ankles. As I hobbled towards Nightmare Moon I threw my forehooves around her neck.
Whilst sobbing into her ear I whispered, “Please Nightmare Moon, never leave me. You can torture me and cause me as much pain as you like, but please... never leave me”
A/N: Sorry for the delay but it's rather hard to describe this scene (If you spot the FMJ reference you are awesome) also I will imagine some of the readers will be confused by 'Colour' and 'three pips' well basically they are the titles, and emblem used for ranks e.g. two silver bars is captain in the american military, and finally due to many complaints I have changed the name of Captain Tallest Brony to Captain Vera Virtute (Captain True Courage) hope this clears a few things up!.
Chapter Five: New Faces
Perspective: Twilight
Celestia stood above me casting an air of dominance; my usual lavender coat was stained red with blood.
“Twilight, you have committed an unforgivable sin, one you will never be able to repay.” Her voice was cold and distant, tears streaming down my cheeks.
I sniffed, her eyes puffy from crying “I-I’m sorry Princess, p-please forgive me...” Celestia slowly whispered into my ear.
“I will never forgive you. Choosing you to become my student was a mistake. I should have left you to rot!” I burst into fresh tears, my vision blurring
Blackness started to clouded my sight, I began to slowly levitate off the ground; my pupil’s consuming the sclera of my eye. “I loved you Celestia, you were a mother figure to me. I looked up to you...” my voice seemed sharp and edgy
Celestia just looked at me like a wild beast.
I know I have turned into a monster, but she is no better than me! She has killed before, tortured and turned ponies insane... at-at least I admit it.
“Leave Twilight, and never return. Monster’s do not belong in my world.” Celestia’s voice sickened me, everything about her drove me mad with anger; I hated her.
I spoke up hatred in my voice “You hypocrite! You say I’m the monster?! Look in the mirror and you will see one for yourself!” Rage boiled over me, my heart pumped at an alarming rate.
*Thump* *Thump* *Thump* *Thump*
Celestia’s horn began to glow, her face emotionless “I guess you proved me right Twilight, you are not worthy of redemption.”
A large knife hung above my head, tears of hatred and fear fell from my eyes. This is it... an Execution? No. Vengeful murder...
“Goodbye Twilight...”
I woke up in cold clammy sweat, Why does this keep happening to me! I just want to forget about her! Angrily I tore the bed sheet off of my body and began my morning routine.
Perspective: Spitfire
As I walked along the streets of Manehatten, my head hung low as I mulled over the recent events. ‘Stupid shadowbolts, stealing our spotlight! We were the best flyers in all of Equestria dammit!’.
Everywhere I walked all I could see were shadowbolt fliers! They were bucking everywhere! What can I do now? The only thing I was good at has been ripped away from me...as I stopped to look at a new shadowbolt flier something caught my eye.
A small tattered poster stood out among the rest, I snatched it off the notice wall. It was a picture of Nightmare Moon standing proudly in front a crowd of guards, below in bold text it read.
“Think you've got what it takes to be the best? Join the Military today!”
‘ Hmm the military? Good pay, decent company. Buck it I have nothing left here, I have no job,my life is ruined’ Underneath the main text was all the details on how to sign up.
“To sign up go to Canterlot Military Barracks,”
‘Mental test’s? What is that meant to accomplish?’ Further underneath the text the poster was signed off by Captain Vera Virtute. With a new goal in mind I set off for the capital.
-----*Three hours later*-----
After a few hours of flying I finally reached my destination, having been to the royal castle multiple I knew my way around the area quite well. ‘Now where is the barracks again?’ After a few minutes of wandering around I finally found the large wooden building.
In front of me stood to stalwart ash grey guards, garbed in purple armour with a silver trim. “Excuse me; do either of you know where I can sign up for the guard? I am looking for Captain Vera Virtute.”
“Down the corridor second left.” He spoke in a deep voice; his face emotionless.
“Thank you very much , I will be on my way.”
I gave my thanks and set off down the corridor. The halls were decorated with grand paintings of old leaders throughout Equestria’s military, as I reached out and knocked on the old door, a young enthusiastic voice called out.
“Enter” ‘Hmm short and sweet’ I entered the office, it was very homey, small nick-knacks decorated the shelves and a large desk in the center of the room. “Hello Ma’am and what can I help you with?” The stallion was dressed in the standard armour of the guards, he had three pips in the center of his chest to symbolize his rank of captain.
“Hello Sir, I am here about joining the military.” He seemed pleasantly surprised with my announcement.
“Oh, Well my name is Captain Vera Virtute; you seem to be in luck, I am free up until five pm so I am sure we can get the interview started right away” The Captain bent down and brought out a stack of paper “So lets get started. First of all what is your name and profession?”
“My name is Spitfire and I am the Captain of the Wonderbolts” I replied hoping that I am making a good impression.
“So you’re the Captain of the Wonderbolts ey’? Sounds interesting... so why did you decide to join the military?” A smile plastered his face making him look ridiculous.
“Well, with the Shadowbolts my career is coming to an end; I have always loved the more dangerous and risky side of life, including the outdoors so the military seemed like a good choice for a career.”
“Okay,Okay. Have you any known medical history? Asthma,Arthritis, any mental or physical handicaps?” ‘From what I know I am in top shape, surprisingly I have never broke a bone in my life!’
“No, I am a healthy, young mare in her prime” I replied confidently. The Captain’s smile grew even more.
“Well then, all we need you to do is take a few tests and we can begin training tomorrow morning!” Captain Vera Virtute rose from his desk and handed me a red slip of paper. “Hand this to the unicorn in the room down the corridor and he will begin your tests.” Captain Vera Virtute sat back down into his chair as I began to leave “Oh and Miss Spitfire? Good luck” I smiled back at him showing my thanks.
After exiting the Captains office I walked quickly down the corridor and found the room he was talking about. I knocked on the door three times and entered the room, it was fairly similar to the Captains room although there was a large hospital type bed with a white divider.
A caramel unicorn stallion dressed in a white lab coat stood next to the bed, reading over some papers. “Um Hello? Captain Vera Virtute sent me here with this slip” I handed the red piece of paper to him, he remained quiet and read the sheet for a few minutes,after a while he lifted his head back up and began to speak.
“Okay Spitfire, it seems Captain Vera Virtute has put you forward for some tests, do not worry every new recruit have taken these tests as it has been ordered by Queen Nightmare Moon.” His voice was calm and collected, he had a received pronunciation accent. “My name is Doctor Stable. Now Miss Spitfire, I will need your permission to use a truth spell on you... let me put any worries to rest, I am a professional and have done this countless times before.”
‘Truth Spell? Why on Equestria does every guard need to have a truth spell cast on them?’
Doctor Stable’s horn began to emit a soft brown glow, slowly he began to cast the spell on me. Suddenly his horn stopped glowing and he looked up at me “So then, why did you decide to join the guard?”
A strange feeling began to swell up in my throat, it stopped me from speaking until it finally burst. “My career is most likely over and the military seems to be the only available job for a washed up stunt flyer...” I talked at a rather fast pace.
“Okay and finally. Do you swear loyalty and dedication to server her royal highness Queen Nightmare Moon? To fight for your country and people?” ‘I guess this is it, my new life as a guard pony’.
“I do.”
With a smile his expression softened “Congratulations Miss Spitfire, welcome to the Equestrian military. Here is your schedule for the next month and room key, your training will begin tomorrow; you will find all your accommodation and any other details which are necessary to help you settle in.”
With a smile I rose from the seat. “Thank you Doctor Stable, hopefully I will not have too many visits during my training.” With a chuckle his magic reached out towards the door and opened it for me to leave.
As I leaved his office, my excitement getting to the better of me I did a rather embarrassing filly scream.
After thirty minutes of walking around the military base familiarizing myself with my new home, I began to enter the accommodations, I glanced down at the piece of paper and found what room number I am. ‘Room 351,352,353.. ahh here we are room 354’ . I knocked on the door in case anypony else was inside and unlocked the door.
As I entered the room, the first thing I noticed was how tidy it was. In total there were four double bunk beds and four double lockers. However only one bed did not have an occupant.
“Um H-hello my name is Spitfire” I vaguely talked to the seven mares in my room, suddenly all the eyes in the room now faced me ‘Buck great first impression Spitfire’
A cream coloured earth mare stood up from her bunk, her mane was dark and light purple. “ Hi, my name is Violet Fritter, I guess you will be sharing my bunk with me. I prefer bottom bunk so you can have top.” She was very cheerful and merry. “Now then lets introduce you to the rest of the fillies. The twins are Aloe and Lotus”
Two mares walked up, one with a cyan coat and pink hair; the other had a pink coat and cyan hair, the mare with the pink coat began to speak. “Hi I am Aloe and this is my sister Lotus.”
“Hi I’m Spitfire, its so nice to see everyone is really friendly.”
“Lets introduce you to the rest of our squad. The light blue mare is Bottlecap she shares her bunk with Berry Punch, she is the light pink mare.” Violet began to list off all the mares in the room; only pausing to let me greet them.
“Hello Bottlecap,Berry Punch.”
“Finally there is Emerald and Ginger Gold!”
The last two mares stood up from the beds and greeted them selves. “Hi I am Emerald and she is Ginger Gold” Emerald was a light olive green with teal mane and Ginger Gold was mix of orange and yellow with a light orange mane.
“Hi. So how long have you all been in the military?” Everypony in the room had a large smile on their muzzle
“Well surprisingly we all started today, that reminds me we better get to the orientation before it starts” Aloe finished in a haste.
----- 2 hours later -----
‘Sweet Celestia that was possibly the biggest waste of time in my life!’
Ginger Gold walked up to me and sat on my bed. “Hey darling how are you doing? You seem pretty beat to me.”
“Its alright Ginger, the orientation was just boring for me... and the seats felt like concrete!” Ginger laughed at my rant. ‘She obviously had a better time than I did.’ “So Ginger, what was it like growing up in ponyville, I hear you are related to Granny Smith?”
“It was nice, quiet town, friendly people; same old story most ponies tell really.” ‘She is hiding something’ , Ginger Gold had a large frown on her muzzle with her eyes cast down
“Sounds really cool, so what was your reason for joining the military?” ‘Shit now she looks more depressed’. Suddenly her face perked up a bit.
“Well.. I really wanted to meet new ponies and travel the world. Also I wanted to get stronger, to protect my kin.” Her voice seemed confident and commanding. “What about you Spitfire? Why did you join the military?”
“Well where to begin? Since the shadowbolts came I have been out of the job, I was depressed; whilst walking around manehatten I came across a recruiting poster. My story isn't half as good as yours, I am simply looking for a job and this suited me the best, although I am looking forward to getting to meet you all!”
As I finished talking, Emerald cantered over towards us. “So what do you think training will be like tomorrow morning?”
“Well from what our schedule says, we have P.T in the morning followed by drill, hopefully our drill Sergeant is nice” After I had finished speaking Lotus walked past us.
“Twenty bits he is a bucking jackass!” As if Celestia and her almighty timing, the door to our room burst open revealing a jet black stallion.
“ALL RIGHT YOU MAGGOTS LIGHTS OUT NOW, breakfast is at 0800” ‘Wow guess we all just lost twenty bits’ .
Taking charge I rose from the bed and began to organizing everypony. “Alright Ginger and Bottlecap, I want you two to be responsible for waking everypony up at 6:30. Girls I want everypony to have a shower and washed by 7:30, we want to make a good impression on the Drill Sergeant, and to be honest I do not want to get on his bad side!” When I finished barking out commands and finished my speech everypony saluted me ‘I didn't realize I already have their respect’ With smile I trotted over towards the light switch and turned the lights off.
With the room in pitch blackness, I snuggled down into my warm cozy cot. “Good night everypony” I said my voice almost echoing in the large room.
Suddenly in unison I received seven replies “Good night Spitfire.”
‘Wow what a day... new job,new friends. A whole new life’ my thoughts began to subside as sleep rapidly claimed me.
September 12th 1715
Perspective: Spitfire
I awoke to Ginger Gold’s face mere inches away from mine.
“Aghhhh-” Ginger shoved her hoof inside my mouth muffling my scream, after a few seconds I came to and spat her hoof out of my mouth. “Sorry Ginger, but you scared the living hay out of me!” Ginger began to snicker.
“It’s alright darling, but like you wanted it is 6:30 and almost everyone is up... well besides Lotus!” Ginger began to stomp towards Lotus’s cot.
“But Muuum I still need one more hour of beauty sleep” Lotus dreamly muttered. Suddenly Ginger reached up and flipped her cot over.
“Get up now, or so help me god!” Ginger shouted almost blowing out everypony’s ear drums.
“Aggghhh- *thud* Alright, I’m up.” I snickered at my squads antics.
Suddenly the door slowly creaked open revealing the Drill Sergeant.. looking extremely pissed.
In a low gruff and sleepy voice “Alright you bunch of slimy hoofed cock suckers. You just woke me up.” Everypony gulped “And for punishment, you will all be doing double P.T with me until you all puke!” With that he turned and slammed the door shut.
“Buck! First day and we have already pissed off the Sergeant.. Okay, lets get ready and get breakfast.” I shouted into the air.
We all left the room and began to make our way down to get breakfast, whilst walking down the corridors we walked past numerous squads, mainly stallions but every now and again I spotted some squads with mares.
The mess hall was fairly large and spacious, it could probably hold about 250 ponies comfortably. After queuing for fifteen minutes I sat down with the rest of my squad. My tray had the most food on, ‘God, I must look so greedy. I guess I need to hold out on the food for a while’
On my tray I had three rations of hay bacon, two eggs, beans. Nopony can beat a full Trottingham breakfast!
“Wow Spitfire, leave some food for the rest of us!” Berry Punch mocked causing me to blush in embarrassment.
“Sorry I guess I am just hungry”
“There is no need to apologize Spitfire I was only joking” Berry looked generally apologetic, And at that moment I knew I could not stay mad at these fillies for long.
“Its alright Berry, lets just eat and get our P.T done with...” We ate our breakfast in silence, enjoying our last few minutes before we get our flanks handed to us by the Drill Sergeant.
After our breakfast we left the mess hall and began to walk towards the asphalt drill square outside the barracks. Stood outside was our Drill Sergeant glaring daggers at us. He was an earth pony with a brown mane and coat, his cutie mark was a pair of weights.
“I am Colour Sergeant Shadow, your Senior Drill Instructor. From now on, you will speak only when spoken to, and the first and last words out of your filthy sewers will be “Sir!” Do you maggots understand that?”
All eight of us replied in unison. “Sir, yes, sir!”
“Bullshit! I can't hear you. Sound off like you got a pair.”
“Sir, yes, sir!”
“If you fillies leave my beloved, if you survive recruit training ... you will be a weapon, you will be a minister of death, praying for war. But until that day you are pukes! You're the lowest form of life on Earth. You are not even fucking Pony’s! You are nothing but unorganized grabastic pieces of amphibian shit! Because I am tough, you will not like me. But the more you hate me, the more you will learn. I am hard, but I am fair! There is no racial bigotry here! I do not care if you are an Earth pony or a Pegasus, Here you are all equally worthless! And my orders are to weed out all non-hackers who do not pack the gear to serve in my beloved Corps! Do you maggots understand that?”
“Sir, yes, sir!”
“Bullshit! I can't hear you!”
“Sir, yes, sir!”
“Now we have got acquainted, I want all of you slimy little scumbags to drop and give me 200!”
“Sir, yes, sir!”
“Like you've got a pair!”
“Sir, yes, sir!”
We all dropped to the floor and started doing pushups, shouting out the numbers in unison, Colour Sergeant Shadow loomed over us bellowing at the top of his voice making us shout louder.
“Alright Maggots! You have five minutes to rest, then we are going on a nice little run.” His voice was full of sarcasm
“Bucking jackass” Aloe whispered to Lotus, suddenly Colour Shadow’s head snapped sideways and stared straight at our squad.
“Who said that? Which Twinkle hoofed cock sucker said that?!” His eyes glaring at us, seeing who would crack. Suddenly Colour rushed up to me, his face blocking all of my vision. “Was it you? You look like an unworthy piece of shit! I bet it was you!”
“Sir, no, sir!”
“What’s your name recruit?”
“Sir, Spitfire, sir!” I shouted at the top of my lungs
“Where do you come from recruit?”
“Sir, Cloudsdale, sir!”
Aloe stepped forward out of line catching Colour Shadow’s attention. “Sir, it was me, sir!”
Colour Shadow rushed towards Aloe towering above her, his eye’s staring at her in anger. Aloe stood stalwart not moving an inch whilst the intimidating stallion stood in her face.
“Who do you think you are scumbag!” Colour Shadow’s hoof reared back and slammed Aloe in the gut; causing her to double over in agony. Everypony watching was slack jawed in shock ‘He hit a girl! How can he hit a girl?!’ . Colour stepped back and looked at us all.
“Like I said, I do not care if you are a mare! You’re in the military now, your flanks are mine, and if you do not go by my rules then I will serve it to you on a platter!”
Stunned, we were all simply stunned. Although his motives are extreme Colour Shadow has a point. We are most likely going to die... being beaten should be the least of our worries.
Colour Shadow began to walk up to me. he shoved his hoof out in my direction causing me to flinch slightly. “You, Recruit Spitfire.. it’s your lucky day, you are now in charge of this pathetic squad. Look after them, get them to training on time and I promise you.. you and your squad will become the best.” With his speech done he sharply turned around and began to march off towards the barracks.
“Aloe are you alright?” I began to trot over towards Aloe, she was still in pain but most of it had subsided. “He hit you rather hard, would you like me to take a look?”
“N-no its alright, he just caught me off guard. I promise it won't happen again.” Her voice was shaky, probably from the shock from being winded.
“Alright squad, lets get some rest we have an hour until our next training session with Colour Shadow.” Everypony sighed with relief.
‘So my first training session and me and my squad get’s showed up.. its going to be a long month...’
Chapter Six: Guard Training
Perspective: Spitfire
September 12th 1715
It has been one hour after Colour Shadow had left us. Sighing as I realized it is time for weapon training.
“Come on girls, we need to get back to training if we want to graduate within six weeks!” I shouted so everypony in my squad could hear me, ‘Remember Spitfire, this will make you a better, stronger pony; you can’t quit now!’
“But com'on Spitfire, none of us dream of training with Colour anymore!” Aloe and the rest of the squad moaned.
“Get up now!” I shouted even louder causing everypony to jump in shock. “If you do not get up of your lousy flanks I will make Colour look like a saint!” Everypony’s eyes shrunk to the size of pin pricks. In a flash they were running down the corridor and into the drill square. ‘Hehehe I can get used to this!’.
As I casually emerged from the corridor and onto the drill square, Colour Shadow stared at me, he had a smug grin plastered on his brown muzzle. “I see you are finally showing some initiative Recruit Spitfire, heck maybe in a year or two you could become a Corporal!” Suddenly his smile vanished, leaving an ungodly frown. “Now get the buck in line!”
“Sir, yes, sir!” I replied as a trotted over into my squad.
Colour Shadow began to pace from one end of the squad to the other, glaring at us. “Alright Recruits, there has been a change in training. In ten minutes time you will all be given a survival kit, the bare essentials needed to survive. You will be let loose into the everfree forest; your task is to survive for three days. If you live, you pass; if you die... well I don’t think I need to explain that.”
Our jaws were slack from shock. ‘We haven’t even learnt how to use a sword yet and they are casting us off into the deadliest area in Equestria!’ Colour continued to pace between the squad, he reached out and grabbed my survival kit and opened it up; revealing the contents inside.
“Inside your kit you will have: A sword and a crossbow, two healing potions, a quiver of arrows and enough food to last one night. Any questions?” Instantly my hand shot up.
“Sir, we have not been trained at all in survival, let alone using these weapons, sir!” Colour seemed to chuckle at the question, with a quick snap he closed the survival kit and threw it at me.
“Valid question Recruit, however Equestria’s military only wants the best of the best, this survival test will weed out the recruits who do not have the balls to fight in the military.” Colour put a whistle to his mouth and blew. “Alright you maggots! Your test has begun!”
Instantly I picked my kit up and sprinted into the forest, as I encountered thick vegetation I removed my sword from the sheath and began to slash at the plant life blocking my path. After five minutes of running deep into the forest, I stopped and rested. ‘Three days... I can do that... I just hope the rest of my squad can...’ Realizing that I am in the open I started to climb up into the tall tree canopy.
I began to gather leaves and vines from the tree tops and weaved a make shift bed. Content with my shelter for the night I climbed back down onto the forest floor. Attached to my flank was the one handed steel sword, on my back was the quiver of bolts and the crossbow as my primary weapon.
The one handed sword was double edged with a brilliant shine; it could easily cleave a pony in two, whereas the crossbow was hoofed carved out of a single block of wood, craftsmanship at its finest.
After Walking for twenty minutes around my camp I decided to rest by a large milkwood tree, the tree was about fifteen meters tall, allowing me to see the surroundings. Next to me the bush began to shake, I jump up and raise my sword into a fighting stance.
“Who’s there? I am armed and I will kill you!” I don’t know why I called out into the bush, but it shocked me when I received a reply.
“Spitfire? It’s me Berry.” Berry Punch came tumbling out of the bush landing a few feet away from me; she was covered in dried blood.
“Berry! What happened to you and why are you covered in blood!”
“Hehehe… How are you Spitfire?” She said sheepishly, as she stood up I saw large dark blue bruise on her rib cage.
“I’m alright Berry, however I can’t say the same for you… why are you covered in blood and how did you get that bruise?”
Berry trotted over to me and leaned on the tree, “Well after we charged into the forest, I was separated from everypony; I tried to find you... and well I bumped into a timber wolf, it smacked me into a tree... and well, I pulled out my sword and killed it. I am surprised nopony heard it’s howl” She seemed to smile, ‘probably due to the fact that she is still alive!’ “And the blood is the timber wolf’s” ‘Ew...’
“Wow Berry, you are really lucky to be alive. You can stay with me for the rest of the challenge, I have a shelter ready which is easily large enough for the two of us.”
“Sounds great, shall we head back then? I’m rather hungry...” I smiled and nodded; we set off back to the camp in silence.
Deciding to break the silence I spoke to Berry Punch, “So Berry why did you decide to join the military?”
Berry Punch seemed slightly surprised from the question, “Well I have always wanted to join the military, so I joined... not much of an exciting story is it?” She spoke with a slightly depressed tone, her scruffy pink mane flopping to one side.
I sighed deeply ‘Not every story needs to be exciting...’
Perspective: Nightmare Moon
September 12th 1715
I checked the grandfather clock for the fifth time in an hour. ‘She should be here... what is taking that mare so long!?’ Finally the clock struck one o’clock, and the doors to my private chambers slowly creaked open; revealing a familiar lavender mare.
“Sorry I am late Nightmare Moon, I lost track of time studying.” ‘She so eager... so much potential’ “-And that is my complete essay on the ancient wars of Equestria”
“Well done my apprentice, soon you will be adequate scholar on war; maybe even surpassing Sun Tzu!” ‘I have great expectations for you my dear apprentice, lets just hope that you can cope through the madness which war brings’
“Th-thank you Nightmare Moon, however I will never be able to rival his great philosophy on war, it would be like comparing me to Star Swirl the bearded!”
“Twilight, you do not understand your true potential... one day you will be the most powerful living being in this world! Even surpassing me!”
“Again thank you Nightmare Moon. So what will we be learning today?” Her face gleamed with a thirst for knowledge no archive could quench. ‘She is so talented... and Celestia wanted to restrict her knowledge.’
“Well since you have done so well with mastering Sun Tzu’s ‘Art of War’ I think it is time for you to start the next level of your training” Her face light up in enthusiasm, her posture erecting. “Come Twilight, it is time I show you what will soon be yours...”
I walked down the empty corridors with Twilight at my side, passing paintings and busts of ponies throughout the ages. The enchanted moon casting warm moon rays across the corridor.
The moon’s rays warming my coat, and the breeze blowing in my ethereal mane. After a minute of silence I began to speak to my apprentice in a motherly tone. “Twilight, what you are about to witness is the greatest relic ever created, more powerful than the elements of harmony. With the right training and mentality, it will turn make you into the most powerful mare ever to live. However Twilight do not take this role lightly, this relic will try to corrupt you; turn you against your loved ones and those you are most loyal to... it has the possibility of creating the greatest threat to Equestria.”
Twilight looked up into my eyes. They showed no regret or remorse. “Nightmare Moon, I have no loved ones, they died in my eyes the day I met you.” Her eyes were that of a veteran soldier... a cold blooded killer. “From that day forth I could not see myself away from your side.” Her voice was cold, yet still showed her unnatural wisdom and knowledge.
“Very well Twilight.”
I turned around a corner and walked towards an old dusty door. My horn glowed with magic as I removed the thousand year old ward spells set upon the ancient door.
Twilight stared up at me in confusion. “What are we doing here Nightmare Moon? It’s just an empty corridor?” The final spell being broken the old door slowly began to fade into view “What the?! B-wha-how?!” Twilight began to stutter for words, clearly baffled by the ancient magic placed on the door.
I chuckled at Twilights confusion. “Twilight I placed many wards on this door years before my banishment, I could not allow Celestia or a simple guard to find this entrance.” I opened the door and motioned for Twilight to enter “Come now, It is time for you to begin your true training.” As we entered the room, the torches began to ignite themselves, casting the room in an eerie glow.
The room was spacious with archaic text chiselled into the thousand year old columns; in the centre of the room was a large circle with intricate designs.
“Armis mortem resurgat, et paries Deum tuum. Mortalium ingerere in gloria et honore domini servis.” As I spoke the ancient language the ground around us began to shake violently, the circle slowly began to rise; revealing and ancient set of purple and silver armour, encrusted with dark purple Tanzanite gems resting on top of a stone pony statue.
Twilights jaw dropped mesmerized by the armour in front of her. Slowly the armour began to pulse a light magenta
“This armour was hoofed made out of moonlight; it is a five times stronger than steel and three times lighter, it can deflect most advanced spells.” I turned and looked down at Twilight, “Also Twilight this armour will permanently change your appearance and increase your mana levels, your raw power would be twice of mine.”
“But Nightmare Moon, why have you not used the armour yourself? Surely you would benefit more than me?” I looked into her eyes, ‘So knowledgeable yet still ignorant and innocent’
“I do not wear that armour Twilight because the armour chooses its master.” Twilight looked puzzled “You could say the armour has its own soul, and it will stay dormant until its soul and its bearer's are connected.”
I levitated the armour off of the statue and began to strap the armour onto Twilight. The silvery horse shoe’s latched onto her hooves; stopping just above her shins, the centrepiece covered her chest and wrapping around her slender neck; it had a large round Tanzanite gem. Finally the helmet fixed onto her head traveling down her muzzle and around her head.
With the armour complete, another bright magenta flash encased the room. Stood in the centre was Twilight; she was almost as tall as me, her coat was a deep onyx black, her mane and tail blowing in an unnatural wind was now a deep teal, blood red and a dark purple. Her cutie mark was now a silver star with seven smaller deep magenta stars between the points with a deep Tanzanite gem in the centre and her horn was longer and brought to a point, and lastly her eyes had changed into draconic slits surrounded by her bright red eyes.
She stood there shocked, slowly she came to and spoke, her voice was slightly deeper “I feel... powerful, regenerated, what has happened to me Nightmare Moon?”
I chuckled as I levitated a small hoof mirror towards her. “See for yourself Twilight, I must admit you are rather stunning!” Twilight blushed at my compliment, her black coat tinged with a deep red.
Twilight grabbed the mirror with her magic and brought it up to her face; she gasped sharply. “Oh my...” she began to look all over her body checking for other changes. Once she spotted her cutie mark she gasped again. “My cutie mark changed! How I thought that was impossible!”
Again I chuckled softly. “I do not know Twilight, there is magic inside that armour eons older than me.” ‘She look amazing... the armour complements her curves beautifully.’
“So what happens now Nightmare Moon?” her draconic eyes scanned the little details of the room.
“We begin training, your mana has increased so you will need to get used to the depth of your font, I would also like to begin combat training; with weapons and spells.” I opened the door and turned back to Twilight. “Come Twilight let’s begin your true training”.
Perspective: Twilight
‘I look so different... yet it feels so right. I have finally begun my new life; I am no longer Twilight Sparkle, from now on I am Eclipse.’
I stopped walking and looked at Nightmare Moon. “Nightmare Moon.” I was still unused to my new voice.
“Yes Twilight?” She replied nonchalantly.
“Well since I look different, and have a different cutie mark... I don’t feel like I should be called Twilight. She gone now, I feel like a new person... if it’s alright with you, could I please be called Eclipse.”
Nightmare Moon grinned, “Yes of course Eclipse ; it is nice to see you embracing your new role in the world so well, you will be a great warrior.” Nightmare Moon turned and began to walk down the corridor, as we passed many guards saluted Nightmare Moon, many of them were confused to who I was.
We reached the castle entrance after about ten minutes of walking. I trotted by the side of Nightmare Moon, now we were similar a height I no longer had to walk at a faster pace, outside the palace the moon was at its peak; showering Equestria with warm moonlight, yet the sky still showed the thousands of stars and nebulae.
Nightmare Moon sat on her haunches on top of a small patch of grass in the castle gardens. “Sit Eclipse, your first lesson will be on combat spells; do you know any so far?”
I followed her request and set next to my teacher, “Sorry Nightmare Moon, I have not been taught any combat spells. I asked Celestia once but she said that they are not needed, since Equestria is a peaceful utopia.”
“I thought so... well to begin with combat spells feed of your mana and emotions, the strongest combat spells are powered by hate and anger although sometimes courage can sometimes be just as strong. Remember Eclipse you must not show fear. Fear is weakness... never show weakness”
I slowly nodded. “Now I want you to cast a simple fire spell, to do this you need to focus on what fire is; fire is energy, it gives life yet it takes it.”
I lit my horn and began to focus on fire, ‘It is energy, life and death.’ In front of me a small ball of gas began to form a sphere, suddenly the sphere ignited. Two feet away from me was a hoofball sized ball of fire.
“Very good Eclipse, now to disperse it you must take away its energy source; the energy source is your horn so simply cut off your magic.”
I quickly cut off the magic to my horn; suddenly I doubled over in pain. “Arghh what was that?!” My horn throbbed with pain.
“That was magical backlash; it will hurt at first but after a while the pain slowly decreases until you can stop your magic flow without feeling any pain.” Nightmare Moon looked at me again and motioned for me to carry on “Now I want you to summon a water orb; water is life, you cannot live without water just as you cannot live without heat or air. Water is a liquid and it is also steam and ice.” I repeated the her words and like before a small ball of water was formed. “You are doing very well Eclipse, it takes most ponies hours to master even the simple elemental combat spells.” Nightmare Moon clapped her hooves together to show her approval and enthusiasm.
“Thank you Nightmare Moon, I guess having my special talent as magic has it’s perks!” We both chuckled lightly.
“Well I think you have the basic spells down, let’s try something a little more complicated...”
Chapter Seven: Riot Control
Chapter Seven: Riot Control
September 13th 1715
Perspective: Eclipse
‘Owww... my horn hurt so much! I shouldn’t have over exerted myself yesterday...’ I gently lift my lifeless body out of bed only to flop back down onto my pillows. ‘By Nightmare’s Moon it feels like I went twenty rounds with a brick wall!’
I just lie in my bed thinking of the previous day, ‘so much happened yesterday that most of it was hard to comprehend; I am a new mare now, new coat, mane, and a new cutie mark!’
My magic improved greatly, my control and understanding of magic has doubled under Nightmare Moon’s tutorship... I have surprisingly grown very close to the onyx mare.
After five minutes of reflecting on my thoughts and waiting for the pain in my head to dim down to at least a bearable level I got up from my large alicron sized bed and moved towards the large mirror in the room, I slowly began to brush my mane, but I could not take my eyes off well... my eyes, the deep purple draconic slits stared back in the reflection.
My thoughts were suddenly ended by loud knocks on the heavy oak door. A large, well built guard peered into my room and stared at me in surprise, “Umm... Queen Nightmare Moon has ordered your presence in the night court immediately m’lady.”
“Very well.” I stood up from the small stool and cantered past the guard, down the halls of the castle; the decorations were being replaced with darker colours, fully replacing my old mentors reign. I reached the familiar double doors to the throne and swung them wide open with a large burst of magic, Nightmare sat regally on the dark onyx throne.
“Eclipse, I hope you are well from our last training session?” I simply nodded; the dreariness of sleep still claimed my body, “That is good, well...you must be wondering why I have called you for this meeting, to put it simply a group of mares in Ponyville have incited a riot, I want you to end it as I fear a rebellion will arise because of the actions of these tedious peasants”
I nod again nonchalantly, I bowed low to the floor, my voice was dry and gruff. “Of Course Nightmare Moon, as you comma-” Nightmare Moon suddenly interrupted me, leaving me in a low bow.
“Eclipse there is no need to bow, you are now my student and are above that of the lowly scum of this city.”
A small smile crept upon my face. “Thank you m’lady, is that it?” I felt somewhat shocked how the Queen has treated me, and even thought of me as an acquaintance. I quickly rose, “My Queen, would you like these mares dead or alive?” I questioned
“Preferably alive, but you never know what can happen in the heat of things.” Nightmare Moon winked at me. ‘I will make them suffer, I will mentally break them, cause them to beg for death.’
“I will leave at once; do not worry Nightmare Moon, this rebellion will be crushed immediately.” With that I turned around and trotted out of the throne room, as I reached the door, two guards opened them for me.
I trotted down the corridor, heading straight towards the armoury. My pace quickened as the thought of hunting down those mares raced through my mind, I planned how I would torture them, make them cry and beg for death, slowly drag out the inevitable.
Suddenly a large well built stallion halted me in my path, “Excuse me ma’am. But do you have permission to be down here?” The stallion donned the Night guards armour, purple and silvery swirls danced across his chest, and a dark purple eye as the centerpiece of his armour. His eyes were a dark quartz and his fur a dark ashened grey.
“I am the personal student of Queen Nightmare Moon, I do not think I need such permission to enter the guards armoury.” I replied, my voice stern and distant. The guard seemed to shrink at my agression.
“I am very sorry ma’am none of the guards have been briefed on your role in the palace, w-well like I said... I am eternally sorry your grace.”He quickly bowed, groveling at my feet out of pure fear. I recoiled in surprise. ‘Your grace? I am not a noble... why would he give me such a title?’ Before I could question his choice of words he sprinted down the corridor.
I shook my head in confusion and carried on trotting down the corridor.
Perspective: Spitfire
I ran. I ran as fast as I could from the crazy stallion chasing me, some time last night Colour Shadow found me and Berry. about an hour ago we split up to try and lose him, unfortunately I was stuck with him. I jumped and ducked over logs and under low tree branches, I would have flown but the canopy was too thick.
“You better pick up the pace you slimy little cocksucker! I can run all day!” Bellowed the crazed sword swinging Colour Sergeant. I immediately ran quicker, fatigue was creeping up on me, running for two hours straight does that to a mare.
Perspective: Eclipse
I finally arrived at the armourer to receive a few pieces of equipment for my little trip. The stallion behind the large oak desk was fairly well built, and was the same colours of all Nightmare Moon’s guard. I walked up to the desk and cleared my throat. Instantly the stallion turned around and gave me a forced smile.
“What can I do for ya filly?” He spoke, his voice deep and gruff. I smiled at him, ‘no need to be a grouch’ . “Just some light protection for a riot. A dagger will do.” The stallion nodded and turned towards a large chest and pulled out a plain, simple dagger. ‘Affective.’ I mused, it was around eight inches, easily large enough to kill somepony.
“Thank you, have a good day” I said cheerfully, I then charged my magic, building up the required amount to do the complicated teleportation spell. With a sudden poof I appeared just outside of ponyville. I casually started walking down one of the villages old dirt roads. After five minutes I could begin to see the town centre, shops were closed and hundreds of ponies were crowded around the town hall, shouting at a flustered mayor.
Next to the mayor was five familiar mares, shouting at the aging mayor. At the sight of those mares my blood boiled, ‘Why did Nightmare not tell me it was ‘them’!’ . I furiously stomped my way through the thick crowd, many moving aside allowing me to move past, mainly through my sheer size, I’m even sure I saw one piss them selves. As I reached the stage the white one, I think she was called Rarity? Screamed at the top of her voice and almost like clockwork, fainted.
The rest of the mares turned quickly and looked at my alarming form, only Applejack knew who I was, her scowl deepening. “Hello.” I said, my voice dead, holding malice and hatred.
The only one in the group who did not shrink back in fear was Fluttershy surprisingly. “W-who are you?” Rainbow Dash said shakily.
I smirked, this only seemed to make the group shake more, “It’s only been what? A week since you left me?” Confusion appeared on their faces, minus Applejack of cause, the mare only seemed to get more and more nervous. “I am Eclipse.” I said just loud enough for the five to hear me, “Student of Queen Nightmare Moon, formally Twilight Sparkle.” At the last part the group gasped, even Pinkie Pie hair deflated, becoming straight and lifeless due to the shock of the revelation of my former, pathetic and naïve self.
“Tw-twilight dear? What happened to you?” Rarity asked, at the sound of my old name I sneered and anger filled my eyes.
“Twilight is dead, she died that night you all abandoned me!” They all flinched at my outburst, “I am now Eclipse, the student of the merciful Nightmare Moon.” I spoke with pride of my mentor, she had taught me more in the past few days than Celestia ever did.
“Merciful?” Rainbow Dashed scoffed.
“She is more merciful than that tyrant Celestia!” I shouted, “She has given us the beauty of the night which we all took for granted, she has opened the eyes of our naïve nation!” The group looked at me in surprise and even confusion, ‘They are still blinded by Celestia’s lies...’. I took a step towards the five mares and looked each of them dead in the eye. “Now. Will you surrender to Nightmare Moon and end this riot? Or will I have to use more creative methods?” A cruel and psychotic smile etched its way onto my dark face.