The Eclipse Civil War

Nightmare Moon, after dealing with the reptilian, decided it was time to take the war on her own hooves. No more help from nobody. Leaving the room, she advanced towards a rather restricted wing of the castle: The War Wing. With her destination set in mind and escorted by her forever present guards, she advances towards the war room. Everypony who sees her steps aside and bows, showing the respect they hold for their liberator. As they should. It was only normal for them to show respect to the one that saved them from poverty or any other problem they had on Equestria. Here, they were equal. Everypony had everything they needed to survive: A shelter, food, water, air and anything else that was a necessity.

It was then that her pride hit her. She had crafted this lunar haven for over one thousand years. All the magic she used to create this haven: the atmosphere on the moon, the facilities and utilities that are considered basic and among other things, a government and an entire army. She was aware that one thousand years was a long period of time, so she made sure that the army traditions and training will be different of those from the sun-lovers, for her sweet revenge that is. After all, her sister may be more of the peacekeeper, she was definitely the one of that she should fear the most. With the elements of harmony split, she had no valid reason to fear the solar wielders of harmony, since they were useless if they were not united. And something tells her that they won't be united for a long period of time.

The Mare in the Moon, passing a pair of doors that were heavy and possibly unbreakable, was revealed a large room full of bowing ponies, maps and decorations assorted with their symbol. flags and weapons. This was the war room. And in the middle of the room was a large table that was keeping a map of Equestria and its neighborhood countries. Flags were sticking out of the cities that were in Equestria, to symbolize their side. Red was for the Celestia. Blue was for the Republic. There were no blue flags sticking out of the map, yet. The queen commanded the still bowing ponies to return to what they were doing before, and then approached the large map. The objective was simple: subdue Celestia and conquer Equestria. Easier said than done. While she was constructing her nation, Celestia may have been constructing a super-nation. It was obvious that the Solar Empire is better at anything: more ponies, stronger military, more supplies and many other ways. However, if she was waging war on the hearts of the population instead of waging war against Celestia, then she may win the war. Her advisers, aware of the plan, already gave her possible plans on how to capture as many cities as possible to damage the morale of the sun-lovers. Ranging from groups of small towns to medium-sized towns, she could only choose one option due to their limited resources. She briefly studies the map, as one small error can cost her the only chance to establish a stable presence in the nation. She took in consideration all the options, and then she silently replaced one red flag with a blue one above Appleloosa. The higher ranks, who understood the gesture, begn preparation the soldiers.

***

It was a bright day and the beginning of a new week in the Royal Canterlot Training Camp. Twilight and her friends were awake and were training for over six hours now. Waking up at six o'clock was something that their bodies got used to. Silver Point was over-watching their training today. The trainers assigned to the wielders were executing his request clearly but still harshly. He did nothing about it.

'With all due respect, Princess Celestia. But those ponies, heroes or not, are in the same boat like all of us now. This is a war, and they won't receive special treatment from us on the war. But they will receive 'extra-special treatment' from our enemies.'

Currently, having his coat dyed in pure white and wearing the golden armor proudly, he was overseeing the training of Rainbow dash at the moment. She was doing exercise on the ground of all sorts: running, gymnastics on the ground and the classic wing-ups. Currently, she was doing some gymnastics and she clearly hates it. It could be seen in her eyes. She would smack trainer dead if she wasn't in a military base. Gritting her teeth, she continued doing gymnastics for flexibility, her wings were tied so that she would not spread them. Her eyes were still spitting hatred at the trainer. No words were spoken though, she make progress with her discipline. But she is making it too slow.

"Maybe you will want to stop looking at us so hard and try to buck up, soldier! This is not a bar! You're in the army now! And you will treat your superiors with respect! Am I Clear?!" Silver Point shouted. Unfortunately, he shouted loud enough to make Rainbow Dash lose her equilibrium and fall. He then responded accordingly. "Is that all you've got?! A small shout and you are on your ground?! Here on the ground you will hear louder sounds and screaming than my bucking voice! What are you? A filly? Or a mare?! My voice is nothing less than a simple wind blow compared with what you will hear on the field! Now get back up and try again! "

After Rainbow dash got back up in a split second responded loudly back. "A mare, sir!" Her glare was a mixture of anger and determination to show him who was the boss at gymnastics while her body was sitting stone straight.

"Oh yeah?! Prove it, soldier! Prove it this trainer right here if you dare!" Silver Point shouted back.

"Sir, yes sir!" She responded accordingly as she began the moves again.

Then, Silver Point smirked as he left for another one of the three hoof-chosen ponies. The pink one, Pinkie Pie. An odd one, if you ask him. She sees everything as a game. That is why she chose the harshest possible trainer he could get his hooves on for her. He needs to make sure she doesn't freeze to death when she sees blood or dead ponies. As he arrived, she was exercising with a group of stallions. All the stallions were galloping for the fastest speeds on an fifty lap course. Interestingly, the pink pony was not bouncing like the first days he first saw her. Instead she was galloping like the rest. Approaching the mustached trainer he asked: "How many laps did they do?"

"Thirty one, sir. The times are pretty good, too." The trainer responded with his deep voice.

"What about the pink one?"

"Her timings are good as well, she needs some improvements though. I'll make sure to make a work out of her, sir. But what impresses me is that in her eyes there is nothing but determination. I, who have trained so many ponies, would have expected her to have a more childish behavior, but it was wrong it seems. I also expect her to drop after a couple of weeks, but i don't get my hopes too high either."

Silver Point nodded. "I see. Carry on. Give me a report on her after you are finished."

He then left from the circuit, deciding to make a visit to the magic wing and see how the training of possibly the most important pony in the base undergoes. He walked, passing through the occasionally passing soldiers that saluted him. The magic training area was one of the better guarded ones, as it included many things unicorns required but not earth ponies and pegasi. Still, when it comes down to physical training, they are all the same for him.

After a while, he arrived at the training area of the unicorns. He could smell the magical essence in the air, and he is not even an unicorn. All those unicorns must be working very hard. Surprisingly, when he arrived at the saluting trainer, he saw her. Twilight Sparkle. Reading. Like the rest of the ponies. Some were doing spells, but most were reading. Before Silver Point was about to yell the ears off the trainer, he wanted to make sure of one thing.

"Is this how they learn new skills?"

"Yes, sir. At the moment, the soldiers were performing strong magic and thus needed some mental relaxation as it seems they are over-stretched." The trainer responded.

Silver Point had no idea how this works, but this trainer was, well, the only known blood descendant of Starswirl the bearded on the record and by his request, it's kept secret. He was also 'on par' with the director below Celestia and the Canterlot school of Gifted unicorns on magic, just that they were on different fields, from what he heard. So most probably he knew what he was saying. So he cut to the chase.

"How is Twilight Sparkle? The purple one."

"She is special. She has very strong magic inside her. It just needs to be honed, and it will be honed. I even begin to understand why Princess Celestia chose her to be her protegee. Truly, a remarkable and gifted pony. Also a pleasure to have around, helping other ponies with the spells she can do but they can't." The trainer responded as he arranged his glasses.

"I see. Very well then, carry on. Report to me when finished." Silver point commanded as he left for his private chambers, waiting for the reports to come in.

***

After many hours, it was finally the time.

Nightmare Moon and her one-thousand worth army were waiting patiently around the small and quiet city of Appleloosa. They had it surrounded, five groups of soldiers and one group of royal guards and their queen positioned themselves around the city at five kilometers distance from the center. She had many reasons for choosing this city. Firstly, she already had agents and supporters in the city, considerably more supporters than the other cities. She had no idea how, but maybe it was from the supporters already present. This could make it far easier for her to conquer it. Secondly, it was very small. And with so many supporters, there may not even be a fight after all, although she would not risk. Thirdly, its only connection with Equestria is through the railway station. This could help greatly in defending the city, since the only direct line is a single building. This could also allow her to move forces around faster and, if the city did not warn Canterlot, secretly as well. Not even Celestia would be so crazy to make her forces move on hooves from Canterlot to Appleloosa. It was too much. And finally, there were a bunch of tribal groups that could make use for the republic. All they needed was convincing, and that was no problem. After all, they were fighting a propaganda war as well. Influence was one of their biggest weapons.

Anyhow, they were waiting for the signal from the insiders whom Nightmare Moon sent. As soon as they received the signal, the army would then enter Appleloosa and take it over. However, they were waiting for almost half an hour, and no signal emerged. The queen was getting impatient and slightly worried. What's taking them so long? Were they caught? They had five minutes left before they systematically infiltrated the city. After one minute, a blinking light could be seen from the clock tower. That was the signal. All groups cautiously marched simultaneously towards the city. Approaching the city more and more until they finally entered. Everything was so silent in the city, no lights were open, windows closed and no pony outside. The soldiers scattered around the city, making sure this was no ambush. It certainly looked as if it was an ambush, the moon moved to the skies only two hours ago. Nightmare Moon and the royal guards marched ever so alert towards the city hall. They had to assume command of the city should they have a chance to sustain their influence. They were at the door, just about to open it.

When suddenly a loud "HALT!" was heard, and ponies immediately appeared out of nowhere. Their armor confirms it: they were soldiers, possibly patrols. The royal guards took they position, ready to strike at one move or at one simple command. Crescent Sword, who was wearing his royal commander armor, had his sword ready to be pulled out and strike. Same did the soldiers. The officer of the patrol began to speak.

"Nightmare Moon. You are under arrest for causing insurgency and rebellion across the Solar Empire. You and your forces will surrender now, or you will be taken out by force."

All Nightmare Moon did was laugh. "You? Take me out? Ha! You and what army, my dear? You are outnumbered. You may as well give up, as the ponies in this city declared their allegiance to us, the true leaders of the land." She finished, attempting to play mind tricks on them.

However, without another response, the iron-armored soldiers charged at the republicans. In response, the republicans dragged their swords out and charged as well, assisted by the royal guards. Nightmare Moon used her magic to attack the soldiers with thunders and Crescent dragged his decorated and enchanted sword to assault the officer that dared threaten his queen. The loud clashing, screaming and wood breaking invaded the ears of everypony in the area, yet the population was at rest. Without hesitation, Nightmare Moon rose in the sky and used her horn to conjure a teal-colored laser that attacked the enemy, dealing as much damage as possible. Solar pegasi were sighted and lashed at the queen just to be stopped with her magic and thrown brutally to the ground. Some were screaming in pain, others stayed there motionless. Some even got up and tried to attack her again, yet they were tackled by her personal guards. With that problem taken care of, Nightmare Moon shifted her attention at giving support to her army. She also saw her commander clashing swords with the enemy officer.

Crescent was ready to strike, yet he was alert of his surroundings and the battle around him. The officer, a big bulky pegasus, charged at him once more. Crescent, who was more agile than that brute, dodged the attack and counter-attacked. The brute, in response, did the same. Their swords clashed, the striking sound of iron swords pushing each other deafened the ears of both wielders. But they did not yield. Their stare met, hatred being shot like a laser towards each other. Those sun-loving, lying little ponies will know the truth. They continued pressing the swords. The one who won the battle will live to fight another day. The officers eyes were showing his prideful side, as he was winning the contest of brute force. Crescent knew this, and quickly thought up a plan. He disengaged, jumped back and, using the moment of swing of the brutes sword in his advantage, he then released and re-positioned the sword in his mouth in midair and finally delivered the deadly strike in the officers neck, leaving him to fall on the ground, blood coursing out the fresh wound.

Dragging his sword out the brutes neck, he turned around for another one. Just to see that the sun-lovers were defeated. Many fellow republicans were alive, cherishing the victory along side with the landing Nightmare Moon. However, the cheering was louder than the soldiers. Could this be? It was. The population itself was cheering the victory as well! Not most of it, but all of it. It seems the queens agents were doing their job better than expected. As the queen landed, Crescent closed the distance with nightmare and three other guards did the same. Regardless, they had to defend their leader. Everypony was cheering the name of Nightmare Moon and their liberators.

'They are all so happy... What did Celestia do to them? Crescent thought grimly, alert of the crowd.

"Citizens of Appleloosa. From today on, until the end of the stars, you are free. Free from the shackles which Celestia encased you in. Let this city be the first city that will shine the symbol of liberty with pride and glory. Let the victory of Appleloosa be the genesis of a new era of prosperity and kindness. For we fight for all of our fellow ponies across the whole land. We will fight the tyranny that was imposed upon you for so long. Celestia will fall, and with her fall, a united Equestria will rise! For a United Equestria!" Nightmare Moon spoke to the crowd that was cheering louder than ever.

This was their first victory. The small city of Appleloosa. A small city it was, but there was one thing she remembers for so long that made her proud. One sentence that drove her all those years to be who she always wanted to be.

'Every legend took baby steps at first.' She flashbacked as a familiar white face appeared in her mind.