Friendship was magic: the Lunar Republic

Chapters

Chapter 1:A new leader
Chapter 2:The day after
Chapter 3:A new plan
chapter 4: Vanhoover
Chapter 5:A grand ball
Chapter 6:Meanwhile at the museum
Chapter 7:Having fun while raising the dead
Chapter 8:The rise of the Lunar Republic
Chapter 9: Interrogation
Chapter 10:assaulting Maelstrom
Chapter 11: Battling Maelstrom
Chapter 12: After the storm
Chapter 13:The first element of Chaos
A psychologists suggestion
sequel

Chapter 1:A new leader

Like any other morning in Canterlot, Celestia rose the sun for the day to start for everyone. Everypony started to go about their daily business like any other day. But unlike any regular day, Celestia had a terrible announcement to make. As the last couple of ponies took their seats, she began her speech.

"Citizens of Canterlot and all of Equestra. It my saddens me to announce that my sister, princess Luna, has once again been corrupted and turned into Nightmare Moon. But what's even worse is that she was able to corrupt my pupil Twilight Sparkle. Luckily she wasn't able to corrupt the other elements of harmony, but she plans on bringing back some of Equestrias most despised enemies back for her own plans of overthrowing me and bringing eternal night. That is why I have decided to declare Marshal law in order to find her and prevent this horrible tragedy from happening. I am also opening enlistment offices in every settlement, village, and city to recruit young mares and stallions into the royal Celestial army for one reason and one reason only: to fight Nightmare Moon. Followers of her beliefs have formed an army to overthrow me and establish her as the ruler of Equestria. I hope all of you can understand my intent, for this is for the good of everypony. Thank you for your attention."

As Celestia walked back into her castle, press ponies tried gathering around her for more information, but the royal guard kept them at bay. Even then they just shouted questions.

"Princess Celestia! Do you think your sister is a threat to anypony?!"

"No I don't, she has only been corrupted by her formal self."

"Princess! Will your sister ever be her original self?"

"I don't think that is a possibility for her, for she is no longer my sister."

The questions were still being blared at her,even after the castle doors closed.

Celestia stared into the darkness of her grand hall with a smug grim on her face.

"It looks as though your plans are proceeding as expected."

An unknown stallions voice came from the darkness.

"All because of you, my dearest Celestia. I can't take all the credit, even though I am the one that 'persuaded' you to turn against your sister."

"Why yes, and that speech I gave is sure enough to make even the most stubborn of ponies to hunt her and my pupil down."

"Just the first step, of course.We just need to lull the masses into a sense of security for the next step."

As Celestia disappeared into the darkness, a small red flash tinted her eyes to a darker, more sinister color.

10 hours later

Even though her head hurt from a horrible pain she couldn't even comprehend, she immediately thought of her friends and what had happened last night.Even though the memory of that night was blurry and inconsistent,but she knew something horrible had happened."So you're finally awake, Twilight Sparkle." Twilight jumped at this voice coming from the newborn night.

"Who's there, where am I, and what's happened to...OWWW!"

A sharp pain came from her head that felt like she had been struck by lightning."Do not be afraid,my friend.You're in good hooves now." This voice sounded familiar.It wasn't the voice of any enemy,but that of a friend.

"Is that you, Princess Luna?"

And from the shadows came the princess of the night herself, Princess Luna. At first Twilight is glad to see one of her friends,but she notices the grim look upon Lunas face."What's wrong Princess?"Twilight inquired.

"Everything, Twilight Sparkle."

"Why what hap...OW!"

Another sharp pain rang through head.

"First of all Twilight,You're in an abandoned house near the Everfree forest. Second of all,do not move any more than you need to,you're wounds have not entirely healed."

Twilight felt around her head and felt a bandage covering her horn and forehead. When she brought her hoof back a small drop of blood came with it.She looked with confusion and fear at this new discovery.

"What happened last night?"

"A surprise attack from Discord,Chrysalis, and an unknown stallion towards you, your friends, and my sister. By the time I had finished raising the moon, I saw you falling through a window. If I wasn't there, you might not be hear right now."

"Shouldn't we be in Canterlot helping my friends and Princess Celestia?"

"I doubt we would be welcome in Canterlot.If you don't believe me, look at this." She tossed a newspaper issued todays towards Twilight:

Biggest catastrophe since attack on Canterlot

by Hank Trottington

Earlier today, Princess Celestia declared Marshal law a terrible reason:the return of Nightmare Moon. She said that her sister, Princess Luna and pupil Twilight Sparkle had been corrupted. With this news she said that no one else was corrupted, and that she would set up recruitment offices in every settlement,village,and city to recruit young ponies into the Celestial army for one reason:to fight the armies of Nightmare Moon.Several hours after Celestia had said her speech, the remaining Elements of Harmony said that they are saddened by the corruption of their friend and that there would be swift and fair justice towards the fugitives.They also said that the Princess said that each of the remaining elements would be given the rank of general and given their missions.If this reporter can think of anything, is that there are troubling times ahead.

"Fugitives? Why are we fugitives?" Twilight asked with a confused and sad expression.

Luna looked at her with an unsure look.

"I do not know, Twilight Sparkle. I think it has to do with this thing called the 'Elements of Chaos'.I heard this while flying away"

Twilight suddenly had a vague flashback.

"I feel like I've heard about that be-"

"GEYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!"

The shriek came from down the hallway, causing Twilight to jump out of her bead.

"What was that?"

"(sigh) Just the pony that's helping us. Come with me, I'll introduce you to him."

Both of the mares stood up and went downstairs to the kitchen.Waiting for them was a stallion with a light brown coat,dark brown hair with a streak of blonde in it, while wearing a lab coat that barely concealed a cutie mark in the shape of a beaker.

"Sorry about that Luna. I was looking for something to eat and, well long story short I tripped on my own hooves and fell.I think I might have chipped my horn on the way down."

He looked at the mares through his glasses with his innocent looking brown eyes.

"Twilight, this is Dr. Nikola Science." Luna sighed like one of the most annoying things had happened.

" The pleasure is all mine, Twilight Sparkle."

Author's Note

If you're wondering what happened on the night before, look up on Youtube Friendship was magic.(minus mysterious stallion)

Chapter 2:The day after

Twilight winced at the bright sun that hung in the morning. She reflexively held her right hoof up instinctively to shield her eyes.When her vision became accustomed to the light after a couple of minutes, she gazed at her companions and tried to look over the fact that they didn't look like themselves.

Instead of the dark midnight blue that was Princess Luna's fur is now a lighter,sky blue.Her mane no longer resembled a starry, blissful night, but a cyan color with a tint of red. Even her cutie mark had been changed,from a crescent moon surrounded in darkness, to a small book with a quill on it.

Twilight couldn't even recognize herself in a mirror if she was given one. From what she could tell,her fur had turned from its normal purple to a brass color, while her mane had turned completely black. Her cutie mark had changed from a purple star surrounded by smaller,white stars to a four leafed clover behind a fence.

"Is this really necessary for the two of us?" Luna inquired.

"Of course it is, my dear princess. If I didn't cast that masquerade spell, then you two would be hunted down." Dr. Science said while he picked up a large bag.

"Hey Dr. Science, I was wondering, how are we going to get Princess Luna look like a normal pony?" Twilight asked.

"Hmmmm......" Dr. Science scratched his chin in concentration. "Maybe I could....no,no. That could cause combustion....I got IT!" Dr. Science walked over to Luna and enchanted something. "Olim adolescentibus, profectus iuventute!" Luna was suddenly surrounded in a light brown aura,and turned into a child.

"What did you do to ME!" Luna yelled in a high voice.

" (chuckles) All I did was cast a spell. I say you're about five or six now."

"Hey,Dr. Science. What did you say during that spell." Twilight asked.

"Twilight, you mares can just call me Tesla. And what I said is in an old language not widely used, when translated it means 'From old to young,bring forth youth'!" Tesla said smugly.

"Well you better change me back right now! I don't want to be a kid again!"Luna angrily yelled.

"Heh. The funny thing about this spell is that you can't reverse it"

"So I'll stay like this till I age!?!?"

"What? no. It only takes about a day for the spell to wear off. So in the meantime, enjoy being small and adorable for a day." Twilight tried to hold back a small laugh. But when she realized what time it was, her light demeanor turned serious.

" If you two can stop arguing, then maybe we can get supplies before the shops before they close!" Both Luna and Tesla stopped and looked at Twilight.

" Okay,okay. But we'll keep arguing on the way there."

"Well we wouldn't be arguing if I was an adult, and not a child! And we still don't know what to do with my wings!" Luna spread out her wings with a mixture of anger and smugness.

"Oh yeah. Hey Twilight, could you shrink this." Tesla hovered a coat near Twilight.

" Anything for the Princess." and in a couple of seconds, the coat was just the right size for Luna.

On the way to town, Twilight asks Luna how she met Tesla.

"Well after I saved you from your fall, I flew for as long as I could till I landed and passed out in the Everfree forest. Next thing I know, I'm in a warm being looked over by Tesla. He's the one that put those bandages on your head."

" That's how I was raised. To help those in need, and after I heard about the attack, I made sure to take care of you two."

After a while of walking,Twilight asked Luna where they were going.

"I don't even know, Twilight Sparkle. It was so dark that I didn't even know where I was."

" We're near Dodge City. I saw Luna flying over and land, so I decided to investigate."

In town

As the trio walked around for a while gathering food, one of the vendors became curious.

"Hey Doc, whose the mare and filly with you today?" asked the stallion.

Tesla anxiously looked around, thinking of an answer.

"This little filly is my sister Lu.......la,yeah Lula. And this is her Foal sitter Twinkle. Our parents are on their second honeymoon in Las Pegasus, and my little sister insisted that Twinkle came with her."

"Hmmm....." The shopkeeper narrowed his eyes at the three. "Well I hope your parents have a good time. But just make sure you three stay safe. Living near the Everfree forest is dangerous."

"We'll keep out of trouble, see you tomorrow." After they walked away, all three let out a relieved sigh.

"That was a close on, don't ya think." Tesla said in a relieved tone.

" Don't ya think,Don't ya think! If he had figured us out, then we'd all be in jail!" Twilight said in a whispered tone.

"I agree with Twilight Sparkle, that was too close for comfort."

"We should leave soo-"

"Come one, come all! Anypony whose anypony will be going to the Grand Generals Ball in Vanhoover. In exactly five days,general Rainbow Dash of the Royal Celestial air force will host a ball in order to raise money for the war effort against Nightmare Moon. And afterwords you could go to the museum of honored ponies. You could see all of them, even the most famous of all, General Leoneighdes Patton. The pony that defended all of Equestria using only his wits and intelligent mind."

Tesla stopped in his tracks,thinking about what that announcer in the square just said. Luna and Twilight just kept walking before they noticed their friend wasn't moving, but when they did, they wondered why he stopped.

"Tesla? Why aren't you moving" Luna asked.

"I think I just found a solution to our problem. All we need are three tickets to Vanhoover Lula."

"Don't call me that."

Chapter 3:A new plan

"Okay, explain to me again Tesla. Why are we just packing everything up and going to Vanhoover?" Luna confusingly asked. Even though they went over this plan at the house, on the there, and at the train station. Yet Luna still didn't get it.

" The same reason why your still a kid, Lula."

"How many times do I have to say it, Stop calling me that! And when is this spell gonna wear off?!"

Twilight Chuckled at these two while the three of them took their seats. "I don't know,Lula. I kind of like that name."

"Don't start calling me that too, Twilight Sparkle!"

"Settle down, Lula. Don't start throwing a temper tantrum. Or you'll be put in time out." Tesla and Twilight both laughed at the thought of a Princess being in a time out. "(clearing throat) Back to the matter at hoof. The reason why we're going to Vanhoover is actually two reasons. Since the ball is in about a week, that gives us about..."

" A day and eighteen hours to get to Vanhoover, and finding an apartment for the three of us would take about a couple of hours. Then we would only have three days and 4 hours for the ball." Twilight said this in one easy swoop.

"Huh. Looks like you've been doing your homework. How'd you even figure that out?"

"while you were getting the tickets, I picked up a timetable and started reading."

"Hello?! What am I, chopped flowers? You still gotta tell me when this spell is gonna wear off." Luna looked as though she was going to explode.

"The spell will where off...eventually."

"Not eventually, Now!!"

"Tickets, everyone get out your tickets." The conductor came by asking for everyones tickets. As he came by, the trio respectively gave him there tickets, and proceeded talking. By now the train was in full motion and speeding towards its destination.

"As I was saying, the spell will wear off in about a day, but in the meantime lets talk about that museum."

"But why do we need to talk about the museum. There really isn't anything useful there." Twilight asked out of curiosity.

"The reason why is because of Leoneighdes Patton, do you two know anything about him?" Tesla was utterly dumbfounded about Equestrian history.

"Sir leoneighdes Patton was a five star general that defended my sister and I at the siege of Canterlot when the griffins had invaded. Before the siege, our armies were failing us and defeat was on the horizon. But after the siege, Patton was able to turn the tides in our favor. But he didn't do it alone, he had two friends that helped him. Albert Rhictofen, a.k.a the phoenix, led the Royal Celestial air force over the Griffin kingdom and had the most successful areal take downs of griffins to date, he's the reason why the wonderbolts even exist. And Fleet Admiral Chester Daniel Halsey, a.k.a the Hydra, of the Royal Celestial fleet, completely decimated the griffin fleets."

Both Twilight and Tesla were astounded of how much Luna knew.

"What? I actually was there you know."

"Anyway, I need you two to in the museum after closing time while I'm at the ball."

"Why do you get to go the ball while Luna and I hide in the museum?" Twilight asked in an annoyed.

"Do I really have to explain it? It's as plain as day already." Tesla was answered with a blank but serious stare. "(sigh) since Rainbow Dash and probably the royal guard will be there. And since both have seen you and not me, I can gather information from Rainbow Dash and you can get the attire of General Patton." Tesla then thought of something. "Hey Lula, where is the general now?"

" Stop saying that, and yes. He and his two friends are buried inside Mt. honor. There's even a statue of him at the base."

" But why are you wondering about this Tesla, we can't do anything with his gear." Twilight stated.

By now it started getting dark, and the moon was barely above the horizon. Most ponies had gone to bed, but a few were still staring out the windows.

"(yawn) It's getting late, you two. I'm going to bed, you should do the same." Tesla got up and walked over to the door to go to bed.

"Hey! You still haven't answered my question."

'You'll see why we need it, Twilight Sparkle. In due time that is."

After Tesla left, Twilight sat there and thought for a couple of minutes or so.

"Why do we need that armor? It doesn't make sense."

"Maybe we need it for motivation. Some ponies are gonna learn about the truth eventually.(yawn)"

Luna tried to keep her eyes open, but to no avail. She had soon fallen asleep.

"Sweet dreams, Princess."

Twilight then picked the sleeping Luna up, and carried her to their room.

chapter 4: Vanhoover

As the sunlight slowly trickled into Luna and Twilights room, Luna slowly opened her eyes. She got up and went into the bathroom to brush her teeth.

"Hngh...hngh. Oh yeah, I'm still a kid." She walked into the bedroom and got a stool out, then she proceeded to brush her teeth. But when she looked into the mirror, something was........different. She was......... orange now.

"AAAAAAAAAAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh."

"(yawn) What is it....ooohhhh." Twilight tried not to laugh at this new predicament.

"Where.......is........Tesla!!"

While this was happening, Tesla had been shocked out of bed from that scream. 'Greeeeaaat, what now.' Thought Tesla. He decided to go check out what happened, but when he got there, he..........

"Wow Lula. What are you, a chameleon now!" Tesla laughed.

" This isn't funny Tesla. And I told you to stop calling me THAT!"

While they were arguing, they hadn't noticed that a small crowd had gathered outside in the hall. And sooner or later the conductor came by.

"Is everything all right in there?"

"Oh crap, the conductor. You two stay here." Tesla went over to the door and tried to think of a lie.

" I ask again, is everything all ri-"

" hhhello sir! Isn't it a great morning!" Tesla tried to hold back his nervousness.

" Is everything all right in there sir."

"Why of course it is! Why wouldn't it be?"

"Because about everypony on the train heard a scream coming from this room."

" Oh that! That was uuhhh......my little sister. She had a bad dream, so I came over from my room as fast as I could. So there's no need for anymore attention."

" Okay then. If you need anything, just call for one of us."

"Okay we will." After Tesla closed the door, he could hear the group outside slowly disperse. And after all was quiet, Tesla went back to the current issue.

"How did this happen!" Luna couldn't even comprehend her own anger.

"Must be a side effect from the age spell and the masquerade spell."

'What do you mean 'side effect'?!"

" This happens sometimes when multiple spells are cast on one pony. At least it's not that bad."

"Not that bad. Not that BAD! I'm orange!"

"Maybe I could try a fix everything spell Tesla." Twilight asked.

" That wouldn't be a good idea."

"Why not?"

Tesla gave Twilight a disapproving stare.

"Sometimes trying a fix everything spell can cause....horrible side effects."

"What do you mean 'side effects'?"

"Sometimes the affected pony can........combust."

"Wait........what!!"

"Are you saying I could explode!?!?"

Twilight after hearing this, slowly moved away from Luna in fear. Even during all this arguing, the trio failed to notice they were in Vanhoover.

"Attention all passengers. We have reached our destination. Everypony disembark." A passing conductor yelled down the hall.

"Oh, would you look at the time. Let's get off the train."

"Oh no, not until you fix what you did to me imme-"

"sedatos esse!"

Suddenly Luna couldn't talk. Even though she was saying the words, there wasn't any sound. Twilight instead interpreted for her.

"What did you do to her?!"

"I cast a muting spell so she could listen. Look Lula, you need to calm down or we'll get caught. You can worry about your appearance later, but right now we need to look for a place near the museum. After we get off this train, then I'll restore your voice. Is it a deal.

Luna thought for a moment and nodded.

"Good, now put your coat on and hide behind whenever somepony talks to you."

Lunas eyebrow went up in confusion.

"Just trust me on this one, okay?"

Luna gave Tesla a confused, but assured look.

Vanhoover

After getting off the train, the trio walked around Vanhoover looking for an apartment. After a while, Twilight got curious about the ball.

" Hey Tesla, how are you gonna get information out of anyone at the ball, you aren't exactly in the military you know."

" All you need is the right clothes and next thing you know, your buddies with everypony you meet."

" What do you think you, Luna?"

Luna gave them a non verbal, but frustrated, sigh. Tesla wondered why she hadn't given an answer, but then he remembered why.

" Oh, sorry about that Lula. I forgot about the 'no voice' thing, here you go. Proferet oratio."

" Yeah, thanks for forgetting about me. Anyway, I know of an apartment not too far from the ball. I saw it last time my sister and I were here."

" That's good. Hey Twilight, could you go get an apartment for us. Lula and I are gonna go check out the museum."

Tesla handed Twilight a small bag of coins. After the three departed, Luna got a little curious about the museum as they walked, and decided to ask.

" I was wondering, why the museum?"

" You remember that guy Leoneighdes Patton? If we can get his armor, I know of a spell that can bring back some of the knowledge of the previous owner. If I can do that, then we at least have a small advantage against your sister."

" Then why not just take his friends armor with us?"

Tesla let out a frustrated sigh.

" First of all, you and Twilight already have barely enough time to carry out one set of armor, let alone three sets. And second of all, this spell needs a lot of concentration, and when cast, needs years of preparation to bring back some of the previous owners attributes. and even then, the armor becomes twice as heavy."

When they approached the museum, Tesla handed the ticket holder enough coins for two tickets, went inside, and continued talking while walking.

" Even then, the armor has a consequence. The wearer gets extremely tired."

" Oh, I see. All you need us for then is for the help."

Luna felt disappointed at this.

" Look, Luna. both you and Twilight are very important right now. Word'll get out that you and Twilight are the good guys in all of this. And after the dust from the battle to come clears, Equestria will need a leader. And that leader, is you."

Luna felt comforted by this. She even felt a little happy.

"Looks like we're hear, Tesla. What should we do?"

Both of them were met by a large room adorned with pieces of weapons and personal items from Leoneighdes. And in the center of the room was a full set of armor.

" You go ask that curator how they protect all their pieces. I'm gonna go look around."

Luna did what she was told, while Tesla went to go do something.

" Hey mister?"

Luna asked in the most innocent tone she could think of.

" Yes? What is it you need little foal?"

" I was wondering, how do you protect all you the stuff in here."

" Why, we use a combination of locks and magic to protect every single piece of history in here."

" Why not use more to protect Leoneighdes and his friends armor. They did protect Equestria from the griffins."

" You know about the griffin-Equestrian war?"

" Know about it? I've practically studied nothing but it."

As the conversation continued, the curator was astounded by how much this little foal knew about history. Even he didn't know as much as the foal. After a while, Tesla pulled Luna aside and told her something.

" Get ready to run."

" But why should I do th-"

" Look everypony, Discords back! Everypony run!"

Everypony went into a panic, and started to run in all of directions. Both Luna and Tesla went straight to the door, and didn't stop till they got to the apartment.

inside the apartment

When they got back to the apartment, they were met with Twilight trying to clean up. From what they could tell, a tornado, tsunami, and hurricane, had been through the apartment earlier. When Twilight noticed that they were back, she stopped to greet them, but saw that they were tired.

" Why are you two breathing heavily?"

Luna answered in between breaths.

" Ask.........him."

" What happened Tesla?"

Tesla looked at the couch and went to go sit down. Once he got comfortable, he told her the reason why.

" I had asked Lula to distract a curator for me so I could 'borrow' some clothes from them. Oh yeah, I also yelled Discord so nopony would notice us."

" Oh, then that makes perfect...........wait, you yelled Discord at the museum and stole!?"

" Hey, we're in the middle of a war here. It really doesn't matter if I stole from the museum, and isn't that our plan already? I even made sure the suit was as close to the current uniform as possible."

" I know that's been our plan, but there's gonna be more security at night now!"

Twilight looked like she was about to explode with frustration.

" Don't worry, all the security in the city will be guarding the ball. One of Equestrias generals will be there. It'll be a cakewalk."

Twilight felt assured at this. But she did still feel a little nervous about all of this. Even Luna and Tesla felt as though a feeling of anxiousness hung in the room.

" All we need to do now is wait you two." Tesla tried to reassure them.

Three days later

Tesla looked at the Luna and Twilight, all three feeling ready for their tasks. By now, Luna had turned from orange to white, then to purple.

" You two ready?"

" I think so, are you ready Twilight Sparkle?" Luna looked up at Twilight.

" as ready as I'll ever be. We should get ready and on our way soon. The ball will start in ten minutes."

Tesla saw that Luna looked a little sad.

" what's wrong, Lula?"

" Nothing, really. I'm just a little nervous."

" Hmmmm......" Tesla once again scratched his chin in concentration.

" Tesla, what are you thinking?"

" Hah! I got it!" Tesla walked over to Luna and started casting a new spell. " Educ tuum verum sui!"

And from purple, Luna returned to her normal self, minus the age of course.

" Wow! I'm back to normal!"

" Almost normal. I'll reverse your age later. It'll give you two an extra advantage. All you two need to do mow is get that set of armor."

" But what if somepony sees us.?"

" Let me take care of that. tamquam umbra, et tacebit."

Both Twilight and Luna suddenly disappeared.

" There you go. I cast a spell of shadows on the both of you. Only the caster and those affected are able to see each other. Off you two go, we have jobs to do."

Author's Note

If your wondering what language I've been using for the spells, it's latin.

Chapter 5:A grand ball

When Tesla walked into the ball room, he was amazed by the amount of ponies there. Either than the guests, it looked as though most of the guards were military personal and only a few veterans in the crowd. From the front of the room, Tesla could see a podium with Rainbow Dash preparing a speech. Obviously it was probably nothing but propaganda.

' I have to get to Rainbow Dash.' Tesla thought. As Tesla reached the podium, one of the guards noticed him and cut him off.

" Halt! State your name, rank, and purpose."

Tesla tried to think of something, but his mind just drew a blank. ' Crap. What do I do? If I don't say anything, I'm screwed. If I say something he knows isn't true, I'm screwed. I'll have to wing it.'

" Do you know who I am?" Tesla said in a slightly raised voice. " My name is Dr. Tesla. I lead the Equestrian science division in R&D. I was sent hear personally by Celestia to assist general Rainbow Dash with the ball. Now, do you want to prevent crucial plans to be compromised by your incompetence?! I suggest you move along before I have you court marshaled."

" Now listen Hear! If you-"

" It's alright, soldier he can come up."

Tesla looked up and was met by a cyan pegasus with a multi-colored mane. She wore the suit a Wonderbolt would wear, but it was adorned with four stars on its side.

" But ma'am. He's in direct-"

" I said it's alright."

The guard cringed in fear, but followed orders. He let Tesla by, and soon went back to his normal duties.

" Sorry about that. The guards here are a little stressed on keeping the peace."

" It's alright. I understand the stress that comes from protecting some of the most wealthy ponies at a ball that funds the war effort."

" I see you know more than your letting on. What war did you fight in?"

" I uhh....fought in a conflict in Germaney repelling some dragons causing chaos. After that, I transferred into the science R&D division."

Rainbow Dash looked as though she wasn't buying it.

" I remember that. That was a bad conflict. anyway the speech is about to begin, I suggest you take a seat."

As everypony took their seats, Rainbow Dash began.

" Thank you all, for attending the ball in order to support the fight against Nightmare Moon. Our Princess has put me in charge of the flight division of the army, and my friends have been put into equal positions. After tonight, batallions will be put into each major city for protection. I will be situated in Cloudsdale in order to get troops from one side of Equestria to the other." As she spoke, a screen slowly lowered behind her and started projecting a small film reel. " Unlike earlier conflicts that used spears, bows, and other outdated weapons. We are instead going to use a new type artillary....."

While Rainbow Dash continued her speech, Tesla slipped away and sneaked in behind the stage. He had found a small area with film reels, documents, and various plans. He went over to the documents to start copying as much as he could. After a while of blindly copying documents, on of them caught his eye.

" Now what's this?" Tesla picked up the document and started reading. " Gah!" Tesla started flipping through it faster and faster, trying to understand. " It can't be. This is incomprehensible."

" As a matter of fact quite the opposite." said an unknown stallion.

" Who are you! What do you want!"

Teslas eyes darted around in the darkness for the voices owner.

" Exactly what those documents say."

" You mean you want to-"

" Rule Equestria like king? It's simple, really. All I have to do is corrupt a politician or two, and then I rule. I already have guards closing in on your two friends"

" But what about the elements of chaos?"

" Just a hoax to throw you off course. Now I suggest you surrender quietly."

" Not a chance."

Tesla jumped behind the table and threw it at the stallion and made a break for the exit, But he was blocked by two guards. 'That's not gonna work.' Tesla thought. He turned around and suddenly found himself surrounded by guards.

" Just give up. All you and your friends are just terrorists now. Resistance is futile, now and forever."

" No it's not. The truth will get out, and when it does, we will lead the world."

" And who is this we you speak of? You and your rag tag team of freedom fighters?"

" I don't expect to live long enough to see this war end, but as long as theirs ponies pure of heart, freedom will live on."

suddenly a bright flash of light appeared, blinding every pony. When Tesla regained his vision, a fully aged Luna stood in front of him.

" I suggest we escape, my friend. Their sight will return soon."

Tesla and Luna rushed towards the front door. As they past the concession tables, Tesla stopped and picked up a bottle.

" What are you doing?" Luna frantically said.

" I need to get a couple of these bottles." Tesla then levitated a bottle of wine into his pack.

" This isn't a good time to get drunk."

By now every guard knew in the room, and a couple blocks in the immediate are,knew that the ball was in danger. When Luna and Tesla arrived outside, Twilight was waiting for them in a small carriage built for only a few ponies.

" How are we going to escape in that?" Tesla nervously asked. Twilight only answered with her horn glowing, and suddenly the cart sprang to life and headed for the edge of town hastily. " Now, can someone tell me why and how is this cart moving."

" I used an animation spell on the cart."

" That explains the cart then, and now to the next question, why did we need a cart?"

" That's a complicated story you might not want to hear."

" We have time. Our destination is the burial site of Leoneighdes Patton. I want to hear all of it."

Chapter 6:Meanwhile at the museum

Twilight and I walked in silence to the museum, making sure not to touch anyone. I thought about how we would even be able to get in, let alone get past security. By the time we got there, the museum seemed as though it were a husk of itself during the day. After a couple of minutes of looking around, we found a small vent I was able to fit in.

" Are you sure you want to do this, we could find another way in." Twilight sympathetically.

" If we do that, then we won't have enough time. Do not worry, there aren't any guards, remember." I crawled into the vent and moved forward. I eventually found an opening and moved into the museum proper. After looking for any signs of life, I let Twilight in.

"Where do we go from here, Princess?"

I motioned her forward as I walked towards our goal. Even thought I knew there was nothing inside the museum, I felt as though something was wrong. After walking for a few minutes, we approached the hall of honored heroes. I moved forward, but was stopped by twilight.

" Hold on, we don't know what kind of security they have, let me check." Twilights horn glowed faintly and revealed a large range of symbols on the floor, ceiling, and walls of the room. I was amazed at the security.I looked at Twilight, and she had a small satisfied smirk on her muzzle. " With valuables in almost any museum, they'll have a large amount of security. If a thief even got near the treasures, they would be paralyzed and stuck till morning."

" Then how will we get what we came for?'

" Simple really. What we need to do is focus our magic on each separate rune while I walk towards. It will take all of our concentration, so we'll need to stay focused."

I nodded in agreement, then focused. As Twilight slowly made her way towards the armor, I felt as though someone was watching us. But I couldn't think about that unless I wanted Twilight to be paralyzed. After a couple of minutes of focusing, She was able to make it towards the armor.

"Just hold on for a another minute or so, I've almost got it." Twilight said as she picked up the armor. She noticed that I looked a little nervous. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Lets just get this over with." I said with a nervous tone. I just wanted to get out of the museum.

Twilight slowly made her made way back, but she stopped halfway, cringing in fear.

"I Think we're in trouble." I looked over my shoulder and saw a small group of royal guards standing behind me. But these ones were different. Instead of their normal armor, they wore hooded black armor that had face plates, completely devoid of any markings. "BIG trouble."

"Both of you have been charged with treason, conspiracy of overthrowing Princess Celestia, and attempted cause of civil war. How do you plead?" Before we could even answer them or even do anything in general, they all said in unison one word. "GUILTY!!!"

Each one of their horns started to glow in unison, and directed the energy into a red ball above them. Before I knew what happened, I was on the ground in a daze, phasing in and out of invisibility. Through my confused state, I saw them concentrating another attack. I had no choice but to jump into the same trap Twilight was in. I made a brake for her, but was stopped halfway, completely paralyzed.

"What do know!?" Twilight asked nervously. She could see time was running out for the both of us. Under the pressure of our situation, I blurted out the first thing I thought.

" Concentrate ALL of your magic on me!"

" But that could-"

"Just do IT!!"

Twilight did what she was told both out of fear, and respect. All I remember is feeling immense pain. It felt like I was being torn apart both mentally, and physically. I remember seeing a dark figure through the pain, and it spoke to me.

"All has been foreseen, and shall lead to an end." I asked the figure through the pain "What do you mean?" And the next thing I know, Both Twilight and I are back to normal, and the guards were unconscious. "What happened."

" Y-you absorbed not just my magic, but the magic inside the runes. the force of you releasing it knocked out the guards, and almost me." I looked at her both out of disbelief, and urgencey. " I'm sorry, but right now Tesla needs our help. I'll go and get him at the ball. You should go find a means of transportation and meet us outside."

" But how will I-"

"Just GO!"

"......and you know the rest of the story." Luna looked at Tesla expecting him to be confused. But instead, he let out a relieved sigh. "What is it?"

" That's a relief to hear."

"How is that a relief to hear!" Twilight said angrily.

" From what I heard, if it wasn't for your magic and Lunas split descision, you could have died." She looked at Tesla with a confused expression. "Let me explain. When you concentrated your magic onto Luna, it seems as though you caused her to not just absorb your magic, but absorb the magic from the runes. And as a bonus, it returned you to your normal selves while incapacitating those guards."

" Who were they, anyway, and what was that voice I heard?" Luna curiously asked.

The cart came to a stop at the base of a mountain. From their perspective, the three were ants compared to the mausoleum they just arrived at.

" I'll answer your questions later, but right now, we have some work to do."

"Like what?"

"Why, we're gonna have fun raising the dead."

Author's Note

remember to comment,Keep on reading!

Chapter 7:Having fun while raising the dead

As the trio walked deeper and deeper into the catacombs, Luna and Twilight got more and more nervous with each step. Each hall was lined with multiple cobwebs, coffins, and the occasional suits of armor. After ten minutes of walking with the armor on her back, Luna tried getting Teslas attention, even though he was mumbling to himself.

"hey Tesla."

"I wonder what his spirit will say, hopefully he'll tell us some history....."

"Hey Tesla"

".....maybe he could be like a spectral pet, oooooo I've always wanted a ghost as a pet."

"HEY TESLA!!!!"

Tesla started twisting his hoof in his ear due to discomfort. He looked at Luna and with an annoyed grin and asked "what?' He even gave her innocent looking eyes.Luna just looked at him, thinking to herself 'seriously?seriously.'

"I was wondering, when you said to get the armor, you didn't tell one tiny important fact." Luna smiled innocently.

"And what would that be?'

"HHmmm, I don't know. Oh yeah, how about the part aboutRAISING THE DEAD!!!"

" I told you we were going to do this." Tesla said as they kept moving down a downward spiraling staircase.

" No, you didn't. All you said was that we needed the armor to get the strength we needed, nothing about corpses. You lied!!"

Tesla chuckled. "No I didn't. All I did was creatively tell the truth." He looked down the hall and large a large door in front of them. The door was decorated with a large battle scene, depicting two large armies battling in a large valley, whith Leoneighdes fighting a hopeless battle with the enemy leader. His friends were lying near him, fatally wounded. Under the picture was a small sentence, it read : 'For those that fought for future generations shall find peace knowing that their sacrifices were not in vain'. He looked a bit confused after reading this." Hey Luna, could you tell me a little about this." She looked at the door and shuddered.

"This battle was a long and horrible one. It was the final battle before the war had ended. Both sides suffered heavy losses." Tesla looked at Luna with a curious, but sad expression. "Yes, I was there, but my sister wasn't." She went over to the door and pointed to a small, armored Alicorn at the medical tents. " I was attending to the soldiers brought back from the battlefield, it took three weeks until both sides reached a stalemate."

Twilight put a hoof over her shoulder, giving Luna a comforting smile. But then her smile turned into a confused frown. She slowly moved closer and closer to the door until her face was a few centimeters away. She was glaring at something(or somepony) that was out of place. She looked at the confused pegasus bumping into things for a few seconds before realizing who it was. "Is that.........Derpy?" She saw her gray pegasus friend flying high above the battle, without a care in the world, while an earth pony hung from her forehooves with what appeared to be a screwdriver in his mouth. Twilight looked even more confused after realizing who it was. "How is this even possible? This doesn't make sense?! Even for HER!! Not even I could explain this?!" Twilight stepped back and started rubbing her temples, but she was replaced with Tesla looking at the pair.

"Huh. That earth pony reminds a lot of an old colleague of mine."

Twilight looked up in curiosity. "Who?"

"Her name is Nurse Whooves, or time stopper if you will. But that really doesn't matter now." He pushed the door open, and walked into a large circular room lined with famous generals. Each one perfectly preserved. When he reached the middle of the room, he stopped, and pulled out a large bottle filled with a white substance. He proceeded to make a five pointed star with a circle on the outside. Once he finished, he stepped back to admire his work after a couple of minutes of awkward silence, he coughed. "Hey Luna, could you please place the armor in the middle of the pentagram., and due be careful, this is all the chalk dust I brought."

Luna did as she was told, and slowly put the armor in the middle. After stepping completely out of the circle, Tesla brought out five wine glasses and placed each one into each arm of the pentagram. After he did this and poured the wine, he beckoned his friends to stand next to him. Once the two mares were next to him, he levitated five candles out of his bag, lit them, and placed them at the tips of the star.

He cleared his throat and began. "Ultra vox mea sepulchrum." A small wind sent a chill down twilights spine, she looked around to see where the wind had come from, but an explanation was absent from her mind. Tesla had not seen this, continued the ritual. "When those that are bound to this world say their final words, and mutter their last breath, the harvester shall take their lost soul over the threshold." The room had starting getting colder and colder with every word that was spoken. Twilight saw Luna looking around nervously, but didn't know why. She also noticed that one of the candles had been blown out. "All shall meet him eventually, immortal or not, and taken to the next world for judgement." Another candle blew out, leaving three left. "But when a warrior dies, they are honored in death, when the harvester is feared." Everyponies breath was visible now, along with another snuffed candle. "Most fear him, out of fear of what's to come. But some ask, why fear the inevitable?" Now only one candle was left, casting dark shadows around. Twilight realized why Luna was nervous, she could feel the invisible eyes, staring at them, waiting for them. "I pay tribute to the harvester Death by offering him four glasses, and one to Leoneighdes Patton." The final candle flickered out, leaving them in darkness.

The darkness was shattered by a white flame in the middle of the pentagram, it had a heart blacker than the shadows surrounding it. Two figures stood in the flame:one wore a cloak black as night, wielding a large field scythe. The other wore the armor, looking at the trio. Twilight was no longer nervous, she was scared.

"Who is the one that has looked behind the veil of mortality." The cloaked figure asked. His voice sounded raspy and far off, even thought he was a few feet away from them.

"It is I who has beckoned you. I wish to speak to the owner of the armor we have brought." The two figures looked at Tesla with a small amount of respect, and expectation.

"You may speak to me, until the five glasses have been emptied." His voice sounded deep, but fatherly. His gray eyes had a deep longing within them, hidden behind a coldness that could shatter steel.

"I wish to ask of assistance from the both of you." They looked at him with an expression halfway between a scowl and a chuckle. "What?" Leoneighdes spoke.

"The dead have no business with the affairs of mortals. You have four glasses left."

"But we need help! Celestia has ordered Equestria into a police state, declared one of the bearers of harmony and her sister corrupted! We need help."

The cloaked figure spoke. "I have harvested since the the birth of time. In my eons I have heard many stories. About a thousand years ago, I was told by many that Luna had become hateful, and resented her sister. I could feel her soul was filled with darkness. Why should we help her? Three are left."

"If you can sense souls, than you know that the three of us are here on a noble mission. If you don't believe us, then sense it." The figures stood there, gazing at the three beings. They could see That the purple one had a soul as pure as snow, the alicorns was clean but had a small darkness within it, trying not to be snuffed. They gazed at the stallion and saw neither darkness nor innocence. Only emptiness. "What?"

"We know you need help, but the rules we abide to do not allow us to help.Two are left."

Twilight finally worked up the courage to speak. " But we need help! Everypony is against us. You are our only hope."

"We must not interfere. Either way, I shall harvest all. Only one remains." The cloaked figure into the darkness. "In the end, darkness awaits all before I reap, what has been sown."

"Then all has been lost, my sister has turned against me, Equestria believes me to be a monster." Luna looked at the ground,tears silelently dropping towards the floor. "Maybe we are what they say. Monsters."

"How could you say that? We are not responsible. They are!" Frustration was rising in Teslas voice.

" Look at us! We are practicing a forbidden art. We should just turn ourselves in and accept our fate."

"And what would that be!?"

" The executioners block. You would be considered a victim, only Twilight and myself shall suffer." She looked up and saw Tesla looking frustrated and angry. "What's wrong?"

"What's wrong? What's wrong! A friend of mine is being selfish!" Luna looked confused. "If you think I'm gonna let you go to the chopping block all by yourself, then you're wrong! Friends stay together between thick and thin. Sure I might die, but you know what, I don't care! If a friend needs me, then I'm there. Besides, I can't lose the only two friends I've got." Luna felt better after hearing this. The figures in the flame heard every word, and spoke.

" There is one way we can help." said the cloaked figure. A quill and parchment appeared. The trio looked up and was about to ask, but he answered them before he let them answer. " We are helping for two reasons:First, out of pity. Second, we haven't seen or met souls like yours before. We shall help, but there is a consequence."

"What is it." Twilight asked curiously.

"Read......."

This contract allows the signing party to bring forth the soul they have contacted and all items his/her soul will need. The time frame of this contract is undefined and is subject to be terminated at any time for: Violation of terms of use, breach in contract, and refusal to pay amount owed. Violations may include endangerment of one or more affiliated parties by bound soul, abuse of soul aforementioned, or soul trying to reincarnate without permission from death. Breaches of contract include harm towards souls that do not deserve it, ending a life before its time, and ending the life of on or more parties. Privelages given by this contract include: faster reflexes, hightened senses, and improved vision at night and dark places. Once this contract has reached the end of its use, it shall bind itself to a designated carrier and bind their soul with said contract, turning the carrier into a living tome. Please sign below for full usage of said contract.

X-----------------------------------------------

" All that you need to do is sign." He handed them the quill. Luna and Twilight hesitated, but Tesla tooked the quill and signed immediately.

"If I know anything, it's that the dead can be impatient. We have no time to waste." The mares nodded and one after the other, signed the contract. Once they finished, the parchment and quill floated back into the flame, turning to ash as it passed through. The trio looked at the flame, whic had transformed into a normal color after the contract had been signed. The flame immediately snuffed itself out, then five small flames ignited, leaving the trio speechless. Twilight was the first to speak.

"Did we just sign a contract with death, for nothing?"

"Not exactly, young one." Twilight jumped at the voice coming from behind her, looking to see where it had come from. She saw a dark brown earth with a black mane coming out of one of the cases. His cutie mark was parchment with multiple Xs on it. As he got closer to the light, a large scar across his face became visible. " If you don't mid, I would like to put my armor on." He walked towards the armor and put it on. once he finished, he noticed that he was being stared at. " What?"

Luna stepped towards him, tears in her eyes. "Its been a long time, Leo."

"Looks like you've grown a bit, Luna."

"Yes, it 'as been a long time, froila." A red pgasus with a golden mane stepped from the shadows. He had a thick Germane accent, his mark was a pair of blue and white wings. His bronze eyes looked at Luna with a calm, but gentle warmth.

"How long has it been anyway? It feels like I haven't stretched for a thousand years." As the unicorn stretched, her bones made multiple cracking noises. she had a kelp green mane, her fur the color of the ocean. "I could really go for some food by about now." Her mark was a small boat in the middle of a black tidal wave. Her green eyes gave the impression that she was pretty laid back. The red pegasus facehoofed himself.

"You can be such a dummkoph sometimes Chester. Ve've been de-"

"I told you to stop calling me that Phoenix. My name is Chessie, my nickname is Hydra!"

"Dead for a thousand years."

"Oh. Well I forgot, okay?" The unicorn said sarcastically.

Tesla went up to Leoneighdes and asked him "Who are these two?". Leoneighdes let out a small chuckle. "Those two always argue, they're practically fire and ice." He pointed to the pegasus. "The one from Germaney is Phoenix, he's one of the best dive bombers there is. The unicorn over there is Chester." Tesla looked at him confusedly. "Her parents thought it would be funny. she likes to be called Chessie, or Hydra."

"But why do need them?"

"The contract did say anything I needed. I need my best people." A large rustling sound was heard coming from a couple of the adjoining crypts, startling everyone. Luna was the first to speak.

"What was that?"

"I did say anything. We need an army and a base of operations. So Death pulled some strings and converted the adjoining crypts into a standard military base. He also gave all our soldiers knowledge of modern equestrian, weapons, and armor that shows whose side their on. Now follow me, your army is waiting." They walked down an adjoining hallway into a large atrium filled with hundreds of soldiers. " Well, they're waiting for you Luna."

"What? Why me?"

"You are the Princess and a natural leader." Luna sighed and stepped towards the soldiers. She cleared her throat and started to speak.

" Attention mares and stallion, You might be wondering why you been awakened from your eternal slumber for one reason. To save Equestria from my corrupted sister. She has already been amassing an army against me. She has also somehow corrupted all but one of the elements of Harmony. I can't promise you that everypony here will live long enough with your newfound mortality to see the end of the coming battles. But I will Promise you we shall save Equestria!" One of the soldiers in front spoke up.

"But what shall we call ourselves?" Luna thought about this for a few seconds. Then had an idea.

"Since my sister has started calling Nightmare Moon, then we shall be The Lunar Republic."

A large approving cheer rang through the crowd. While Luna enjoyed the praise while Tesla asked Leoneighdes some questions.

"Hey, Leoneighdes. Does this place have a lab or anythimg like that?

"Please Tesla, call me Leo, and yes we do." An excited glint shined in Teslas eyes, but he corrected himself before asking a more serious question.

"When will we know when the contract is completed."

"Each of you has a black hourglass on your left shoulder, it will turn red when the contract has been completed." Leo sighed. "I wish we could've met under better circumstances." The two stallions were interruptd by the silence in the room. Luna sayed one last thing to end the speech in unison with the crowd.

"All Hail The Lunar Republi!!!"

Author's Note

Ultra vox mea sepulchrum=may my voice be heard from beyond thy grave

Chapter 8:The rise of the Lunar Republic

It was around midnight when Luna entered her room, she was completely exhausted from her long day of planning, training, and reviewing newer projects and experiments created by Tesla. She walked over to her bed and sprawled herself across it. As she gazed up at the her ceiling, she counted each of the constellations she painted on from a few months ago. After a while, she felt like she had forgotten something important she was supposed to do, that's when she remembered the journal she was given by Leo.

She walked over to the simple, but elegant, oak desk that had been found in one of the crypts. On the top of it was a candle and its holder, and a small, leather book with the word "journal" on it. Using her magic, she lit the candle, took out a quill, and started writing her first entry.

9/5/1003

It has been about three months since we aquired our army and generals. After my speech, Tesla and Leo told us about the hourglass we had on our right shoulders, that they were a sign of our contract. Either than the raising of the army, Tesla teaching them about the newer weapons, Twilight asking the unicorns about magic, and the generals creating battle plan, It's been a very boring three months. I've been trying to reach some of the subjects in Equestria since all of this began. I was surprised that I was able to sway a small but substantial group so far. So far there are three or four in towns, while only about a dozen or two in the major cities. Though there are a few that I have asked Twilight about. One of them is currently in Manehatten, I asked Twilight about her and she said her name is Trixie. From her dreams, she seems a little insecure about herself and tends to talk in third person (like I'm one to talk). The other two are actually roommates in Ponyville. Both are muscians that anywhere else wouldn't even want to be in the same room let alone live in the same house. One is a celloist named Octavia. Twilight says her notes can bring a tear even to someof the most battle hardened stallions. The other is apparently something called a DJ. I've been told that her stage name is DJ-PON3, but she prefers the name Vinyl Scratch. I find it fascinating how friendships can grow even when it seems impossible between two ponies. I will have two contact these two some-

A loud but muffled explosion interrupted Luna and her writing. She felt a little dust from her ceiling lightly dust her mane. She lightly shook herself and was able to get most of dust out of her hair before continuing.

times. Speaking of which, I think I'll stop here for now. I've got to make sure one of my friends isn't going to blow us into the next century. He can be extremely annoying sometimes.

Luna closed her journal and blew out the candle. As she headed out her door and down her hallway, she was preparing a little 'speech' that would teach Tesla not to make any more explosions. Her room wasn't that far from the science department, so it only took a couple of minutes to get there, just enough time for her preparations.

When she approached the door with the words "Science labs" on it, she noticed that the door had almost been blown off its hinges. Luna could also see small plumes of smoke coming out from under the door. She let out a small sigh, preparing for her future headache. when Luna finally opened the door, she barely had enough time to dodge an oncoming stethescope that came flying towards. 'And so the headache begins.'

"I told you not to touch anything!" Tesla yelled at the ocean colored unicorn.

"Well I'm sorry, but you said to push the button! Smooth move by the way Mr. Scientist." Hydra slowly grew a small smile across her face.

"No, I didn't. All I said was for you to to check the chemicals, nothing about buttons whatsoever." Her smile quickly dissapeared.

Around the room there were multiple tables with test tubes, beakers, and other equipment you would find in a lab. In one corner of the room there was a small living area set up. Luna was fully aware of who it was. She looked at the two argueing unicorns before loudly coughing. Both of them looked up and were met by the gaze of an annoyed Alicorn.

" Ah Luna, how are you this evening?" Tesla asked as innocently as possible. Luna was obviously annoyed.

"I'm perfectly fine except for, hmm I don't know, THE EXPLOSION I HEARD!"

"OOooooooooooo you're in trouble." Hydra cooed.

" You're in trouble to, Hydra." Luna said

"Aawww."

"Now could someone tell me what all the explosions are for."

"Ah yes, those. Follow me if you will." Tesla reajusted his glasses, and motioned Luna to follow him.

Hydra and Luna folled Tesla into another interconnected room. It was alrge room that had a tall ceiling and a large bullseye on the floor. In front of them was a large sheet of glass that had clearly seen better days. Tesla handed the two mares hardhats before putting on his own.

"What Hydra and I have been doing is the past few months has been really complicated. She's been telling me how to manipulate water and other useful maritime skill. During a conversation we had I thought of a different way of flying, without the use of magic and wings." A blue earth pony walked out with two metal cylinders on his back. His eyes darted around the room while Tesla continued talking. "The idea is that by using hydraulic energy, we could create a small, compact engine that would allow non-pegasi to fly. It's practically a small jetpack."

"go on." Luna said, now intrigued.

"The jetpack has two fuel sources. The first is a compound made with two parts gasoline, one part petroleum, and one part magic, for longevity of course. The second fuel source draws water vapor from the air and acts as a hydro electric plant." He looked over at the blue earth pony and nodded. He looked at Tesla nervously.

"Do I have To?"

"Don't be such a baby, your getting paid for this anyway."

"I'm not getting paid at all."

"Quit your whining and start the jetpack already."

The earth pony got up and stood on his hind legs and pushed a small, red button on his shoulder strap. He started hovering a few feet off of the ground for a few minutes. He had a weak smile on his face, but it soon turned into a horrified expression as he lost control. He uncontrollably flew around the room before his face decided to become friends with the sheet of glass protecting Luna, Tesla, and Hydra. After a couple minutes, two soldiers came out with a stretcher and carried the earth pony out.

"As you can see, there still is one problem with it. It stays stable for a couple of minutes before becoming uncontrollable. I think it has to do with the hydraulic system being non-compatable. I was about to test this theory before SOMEBODY touched the button on the jetpack I was working on." Tesla acussingly looked at Hydra, she slightly blushed at this.

"What can I say, it was so tantalizing."

"Now as I was say-"

A guard suddenly burst through the door they came out of, panting heavily.

"General Luna, you need to come with me."

"What is it? What happened?" Luna asked worriedly.

"One of the soldiers was trying to get information in the nearby city, when he was ambushed by four soldiers."

"Is he alright?"

"Yes, but he was able to capture one of them. I was sent by General Patton to get you for the interrogation."

Luna took off the harhat and started following the guard.

"OOooo, a good old-fashioned interrogation, count me in. Hey Hydra, start up some popcorn."

Hydra let out an excited squeal as they all left the room.

Chapter 9: Interrogation

The soldier led the trio into small, but comfortable room that gazed into the interrogation room through a one-way mirror. Luna stared into the room, eyeing the enemy soldier, while Tesla and Hydra were noisily eating popcorn. Lunas stomach started growling at hearing the crunch of popcorn. She was about to ask for some, but was instead met with a bag of buttered popcorn. She was a little surprised at this.

"Thought you might want some, so I made sure to bring a lot." Tesla said.

"Thank you." Luna felt satisified after a couple of bits before noticing who the enemy soldier was. He was covered from head to flank in a robbed, black and red armor. But the one thing that bothered her the most was the blank face plate. "This is one of those soldiers that ambushed us a few months ago."

"Oh really, how do you know?"

"The blank face plate they all wear. You never forget it once you've seen it."

A few seconds later, Leo and Phoenix walked into the interrogatio room. Both stood before the soldier, looking him over.

"Who are you, and how did you find one of our soldiers?" Leo asked in deadpan, but serious voice. The soldier looked up, and spoke in a hollow, monotone voice.

"We are the exterminators. It is easy to find our enemy around civilians. All we needed to do is prepare." He looked over at Phoenix, and tried freeing his tied forehooves.

"Don't even try. Ve made sure to tie zem to ze chair your on. Unt don't even try to use magic. Zhis room cancels all types out." Phoenix smirked. "Now, tell us about any of your new plans."

The soldier just chuckled. "We have created a floating fortress that is capable of destroying even the largest and most militarized states. It's name is maelstrom." Both Leo and Phoenix were surprised at this. They didn't expect him to actually tell him anything.

"Why are you telling us this?" Leo asked.

"Because, you are too late." Both of the generals and the trio in the other room were extremely confused. "You see, anything you do from this point is meaningless. Most of the populace is either afraid of you or enlisted against you. Our job is to remove those that know the truth. Isn't that right, dear Luna." He turned and stared through the mirror. Luna felt extreme pain in her skull as the soldier looked at her. Her agonized shrieks were heard immediatley through the glass, causing Leo to beat the soldier to the ground. The soldier just laughed as the cries of pain drifted into the room. "You thought that you were doing this without being noticed, but we have eyes and ears everywhere. We've known about your location for months, and we've be-" The soldier started coughing violenty, blood dripping from the seams of his helmet. "We've been waiting for any movement of yours. Not even your elements of Harmony can stop.......this." His breathing started to slow down, but Lunas agony increased. "All that is..........left.........for you.............to do know................is die." His breathing stoped, and his armor slumped into a pile, giving no appearence that a body was ever in it. All that was left was the armor, and ash.

Lunas pain became so unbearable that her screams of pain made no sound. She even coulden't even hear Tesla calling for a stretcher while Hydra tried to calm her down. Through the pain she could hear the voice again. It sounded familiar, and closer than before. "This is the first step, Luna. Accept the pain into your heart, and become one with it." Luna replied to it, with sorrow and confusion in her voice.

"But why, who are you? I don't understand, what does this mean?!" Her vision began to blur, and a few moments later, she blacked out.

Luna could hear a rhythmic, but calming beeping coming from the darkness of her mind. She saw a bright flash of light as her eyes opened. As her eyes adjusted, she looked around and saw she was in the infirmary. She looked around and saw that she was hooked up to a heart moniter, her pulse slightly increasing as the memories flooded back. A sharp but mild pain resonated in her head.

"OOwwwww." Luna moaned as she sat up. "It feels like I was hit with the moon." She looked over to her right, noticing a glass of water accompanied with a scientist drooling in his sleep. She slowly reached for the glass, picked it up and started taking small sips.

"Good, your awake." Luna jumped, spilling her water in the proceess. Luna saw a groggy Tesla wiping saliva from his mouth.

"Don't scare me like that. You made me spill my water." She found a nearby towel and started wiping up the water. " What happened?"

Tesla sighed. "After you blacked out, you kept on repeating 'step one:accept the pain.' We took you to the infirmery afterwards.Only a few steps left though....."

"what was that?"

"Oh nothing. All I said was that you've been out for three days?" Tesla said quickley.

"Three days?" Luna was surprised to hear this. "What happened to the soldier?"

"Ah yes, He turned to dust shortly before you blacked out." Luna grew a look of shock. "This will explain it." Tesla took out a document with the name 'One mind, body, and soul' on the front. She fread the entire document over and over until Tesla spoke again. " The armor the enemy was wearing taps into the cerebral cortex of a sentient creature, creates a connection with a controller that acts like the Queen bee, and then destroys any resemblance of self awareness. The armor is surprisingly very malleable."

"What do you mean?"

Tesla chuckled."It reforms itself to fit the current user. Once the user is in a situation they can't get out of, it liquifies all internal organs and then cremates the body."

A large noise was heard from outside the door, it grew louder as it neared the door, but as it passed it became quiet.

"What was that." Luna asked, completely dumbfounded.

"Sounds like the soldiers are getting ready for war."

"What's going on?"

"After you blacked out, Phoenix ordered his top pegasi to look for Maelstrom. Apparently they found it."

"Then lets get ready." Luna got up, but was stopped before she reached the door.

"Whoa,whoa, slow down tex. You still need to heal."

"I'm perfectly fine." Tesla saw the determination in Lunas eyes. He just sighed and opened the door.

"Who am I to deny the Princess of the night."

Chapter 10:assaulting Maelstrom

Luna trotted down the hall, stepping out of the way for a soldier or two every so often. Tesla followed right behind her, trying to keep pace. After a couple of long hallways and turns, Luna stopped at the briefing room. She was about to open the door, when a certain scientist decided to stop her.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Where do you think your going?"

"To talk to Leo of course." Luna said, she had become increasingly annoyed at Tesla for the past couple of days.

"First of all, you need to stop exerting yourself. Second of all, you might interrupt them."

The lunar mare just groaned, and with a dark-blue glow with her horn, she moved Tesla aside and burst into the room. She was met with the gaze of three confused generals standing around a table. After a couple minutes of awkward silence, Leo coughed and broke the stillness.

"Looks like your better."

"Yes I am, what is th-"

"You know you could've gone without busrting through the door, right?" Hydra sarcastically asked as she interrupted Luna. Luna just blushed at this.

"Well, yes..........ummm.......I was in a bit of a hurry.........now.........ahem........Shall we review the plan of attack?" Luna stammered out.

Leo just smiled, then just started explaining their plan. "In the three days you were unconcious, one of our spies was able to smuggle out a blueprint of maelstrom." On the small table, there was a blueprint of a large structure composed of clouds, stone walls, and large armaments. A large wall surrounded the fortress, while the blueprint indicated a mess hall, barracks, and captains quarters. The captains quarters was large enough to be the size of her old home. "As you can see, the exterior is made out of and protected by a large stone wall on the exterior, while armaments on the inside fire anti-pegasi rounds. There currently near galloping gorge, making their way towards us." He looked at the stallions and mares around the table. "First, Luna, Tesla, and Twilight Sparkle will be disembarking in a few hours to scout out and infiltrate Maelstrom by cover of darkness. You shall each be accompanied with a small group of our best scouts. Once their armaments are disabled, Phoenix shall lead an airstrike from above, while I shall Lead a blitz towards the front. Any questions?" Luna spoke up.

"How will you be able to fly, let alone walk on clouds?"

"Ah yes. Twilight Sparkle was able to cast a spell on Tesla, herself, and I in order to proceed with the plan. As for the flying part....." Leo took a small backpack with two, metallic cylinders on it. Accompanied with a small red button on the left strap. "Hydra said that her and Tesla were able to correct their problem." Luna looked over at Tesla curiously. This caused Tesla to blush.

"Oh, it was nothing really, all we had to do was rewire the hydraulic system to only kick in during an emergency. Either than that it'll function like an adrenaline boost for the engine with this button." He pointed to a green button on the right strap.

" All right, now that everypony is informed, lets head out." Leo said. He and the others were heading out before being stopped by Tesla.

"Hold on, everypony, you'll need this." He handed each of the stallions and mares a small, blue gem that could fit inot someponys ear. They all looked confused. "There small communicators, all you have to do is put it in your ear and push it when you need to talk. I already gave one to Twilight." Leo put his into his ear and walked out.

"Now, lets get this show in the road."

Twilight gazed into the night that enshrouded Galloping Gorge, looking for any movement. Even though the rest of her group complained about not being able to see their own hooves, she could see as if it were the middle of the day. She thought it was a bit of a blessing from the contract, forgetting the task at hand, delving into her own thoughts.

Would she be able to save her friends, let alone herself from the forces hunting her down? And who is Tesla really? Even though she's known him for a couple of months, she still has her suspicions. Twilight still doesn't understand why he decided to help Luna after they were declared enemies of Equestria. She still didn't get it.

"Squad Alpha, do you read me?" Leo asked through the communicator in Twilights ear.

"This is Squad Alpha, what's the situation?"

"Maelstrom is crossing over the gorge now. Beta and Delta, are you in position?"

"Beta is in position, the night shall be our cloak for now." A certain blue mare said.

"Delta is in position, Science shall be my guide in this situation." The leader of Delta said.

"Good, operation Hidden Night is a go."

Twilight looked at her squad with a determined look.

"Alright everypony, you heard him."

And with that, she activated her jetpack as her group flew off into the sky, towards Maelstrom.

Two guards stood at the southern wall. One guard had his armor painted orange because of defiance towards his sergeant, while the other painted his armor maroon because he overheard that was the sergeants favorite color.

"Hey dude." the maroon one asked.

"Uhhh, what?" The orange one replied.

"You ever wonder why here?"

"Philisophically, or physically?"

"Surprise me."

"Well we're here bec-" the orange one stopped mid-sentence.

"Because.......?" He looked over before being knocked out by a dark blue wing. Luna then dragged the two away as the rest of her squad came over the wall. One of her squad members came over to her.

" You alright?" He asked.

She just looked upped after hiding the two. "Yeah, I was just getting tired of that conversation." She waited for the rest of her squad to pull themselves up, then signaled the others. "Beta is over the southern wall." Luna looked into the courtyard, observing the enemy patrols from the shadows.

"Alpha is over the northern wall, waiting for instructions."

"Delta is over the western wall, waiting for instructions."

Luna spoke into her communicator. "Proceed with the plan. Alpha shall take the barracks armaments, Delta shall take the armaments near the mess hall. I shall take the armaments near the front entrance."

"Roger." Both of the other patrols said in unison.

In the following hours, The armaments were disabled one by one, right under the noses of the patrolling soldiers. The armaments were fairly simple to disable from the outside, but in order to make sure they couldn't be repaired, a couple of gears was delicately taken out in order no to rouse suspicion. The process took about thirty minutes for each armament. Even thought this took a delicate touch, that didn't mean the entire group couldn't do the same thing. And within the few quiet hours before dawn, the armaments had gone from powerful weapons that could reduce a city to ash, to piles of useless junk. Luna could see the gentle rays of dawn creeping over the horizon. she talked into her communicator for step two.

"Operation hidden night was successful, initiate Morning Thunder."

As the sergeant rose from his bed, his red fur and armor, groaned under the sudden weight put on them. Even though he loved to sleep in his armor, he really had to stop because of the midnight chafing. As he trotted towards the entrance that led to the barracks, he could hear a low rumbling from the other side. He shrugged, thinking that his incompetent private had screwed something up yet again.

"Private! Quit slacking off and get back.....to.......work." He saw a large batallion of pegasi rushing from above his head. He immediately reacted, galloping towards the nearest alert bell. He rang it as loud as he could before being knocked out by a light brown hoof.

Tesla just sighed, locking up the barracks before trotting over to the front gate. By now, the soldiers had figured that they were under attack, and the ones that weren't locked in their barracks rushed into the air to defend their base. All the while Tesla, Twilight, and Luna were fighting their own battles.

Chapter 11: Battling Maelstrom

Tesla ran to the front gate as fast as he could, while trying to avoid all the small fights that started popping up since the break of dawn. When he reached the gate, he made sure there weren't any soldiers sneaking up behind him while he tried to pry open the gate with his magic. He knew Leo needed that gate open to blitz the fortress, but it just wouldn't move. Tesla tried magic, brute force, persuasion, intimidation, even bribery at one point, but whatever he did seemed to not even budge the gate. All the while he's oblivious to the small group slowly sneaking up behind him.

"Why won't you budge!" Tesla said as he kicked the door, and immediately holding his back hoof in pain. "Just move for Fausts sake!"

"Maybe you should try unlocking it first." A new voice said.

"Why thank y-" Tesla was knocked to the ground, almost being pushed through the bottom of the gate. When he got up, there were five fully armored soldiers that had surrounded him. "Oh it's a fight you want isn't it." Tesla said as he spat out some blood. He grew a sly and malicous smile on his face while he pulled out a small replica of a scalpel from his coat pocket. "Then it's a fight you'll get." The replica grew to the size of a broadsword because of the magic being poured into it. "Now, who's first?" The entire group jumped in at the same.

Luna had been sweating profusely since the fighting started, she had been completely surrounded by enemy soldiers every second. Having to buck and attack with magic is extremely difficult, even for an Alicorn. She dodged spears, arrows, the occasional sword and soldier thinking he can take down the princess of the night. Of course, Luna had been able to dodge anything they threw at her and throw it back ten fold. But every time she took care of one soldier, three more pooped up in their place.

She had started to feel to the effects of prolonged usage of her magic. Her vision started to blur, her knees starting to give way under her feet. 'I can't keep this up any longer.' Luna thought. She kept on fighting until a soldier threw a spear at her back legs, finally causing her to give way to her own weight on contact. So Luna just layed there, panting heavily while soldiers surrounded her. This is it isn't it.' she thought. 'I'm going to die aren't I?" she curled up into a ball, waiting for the final moment. 'No your not.' A voice echoed inside Lunas head. 'Just accept the pain, and use it as your strength'. Luna slowly stood up, a blue mist materializing from the air and surrounding her. It slowly started creating small orbs around her, finally forming multiple swords. Luna opened her eyes to reveal slits surrounded by turquoise irises. Luna just laughed as she dove into battle once more.

Twilight dodged left and right from the guards diving towards. Apparently they had gotten the idea that since she wasn't using multiple swords, giant scalpels, or flying around she could be easily taken down. They came at her from every direction, swords and spears in mouth. Every time one got close, Twilight had to teleport to another location in the already crowded fortress. She was practically running in circles until she teleported herself into the middle of a battle at the front gate.

The first thing she saw was a sword coming down on her before a giant scalpel blocked it. Twilight ran for cover after she looked to see her savior. It had been Tesla, although he had been covered in multiple wounds all over his body being shown through his coat. When Twilight reached cover, she had time to assess the situation. Five standard pegasi guards wielded spears and swords, acting like a wolf pack and striking at Tesla every chance they got. Twilight didn't want Tesla to be taken down, but she only knew how to deflect attacks. That's when she had gotten an idea. Right when the two middle guards attacked to deliver the final blow, Twilight acted.

"Tesla! Go for the one on the left." Twilight said as she prepared a shield spell.

Tesla went for the soldier, quickly subduing him while Twilight blocked the other. A smile grew on his face, before he took out the other soldier. Now he started to see what she was doing.

"Twilight, right soldiers!" Twilight obeyed and after a couple more spells, the five guards were lying on the ground, defeated. Tesla shrunk his weapon to its original size, and half walked/limped towards Twilight. "Thanks Twilight, if It wasn't for you, I'd be pushing up daisies."

"Oh, it was nothing." Twilight said before noticing all his wounds. "Looks like you need help, stay here." Twilight walked out of cover before being stopped by Teslas hoof.

"That can wait, right now we need this gate open." Tesla walked over to the lock and broke it using his magic. " Alright Twilight, I need you to get the attention of every grounded enemy soldier."

"Can do." Twilight said before disappearing into a purple light.

Every guard was now focused on Luna, her turquoise eyes darting left and right as she kept on creating more swords. She was about to take out another guard before a familiar purple hoof tapped her on the soldier. Luna immediately looked at Twilight, startling her friend.

Twilight just looked in fear at Lunas eyes as the swords continued to take down soldiers.

"What is it?" Luna asked.

"Y-your eyes! T-there...." Twilight stamered.

Before she could tell Luna, all the fighting just stopped. They looked up because of the absence of noise, and saw Leo standing at the front gates, every enemy soldier had a shocked look on there faces. Leo cleared his throat.

"Gentlemen." Is all he said before he let out a war cry and charged with his soldiers.

Rainbow Dash just watched from the north tower as her soldiers were overrun. A small grin payed happily on her face, while a red streak flashed across her eyes. The whites of her eyes had grown a bit darker, becoming a tinted red. Her mane had changed from a rainbow color style to a red, black, and green style. Her cyan coat had become darker and had turned into a dark blue, even her mark had changed. Her signature cloud and lightning bolt had been slowly changing into the head of a snake with twin daggers as fangs. "We shall meet eventually, Twilight Sparkle." Her voice taking on a more sinister and seductive tone.

Author's Note

Sorry it's taken a while for another chapter to come out, I encourage feedback and what you think so far.

Chapter 12: After the storm

The battle had surprisingly only lasted ten to twenty minutes, Leo and his men easily subduing the enemy soldiers. The casualties on both sides were moderate, and even then only consisting of gashes and severe wounds, although none of them life threatning. When the dust had cleared, all the enemy soldiers were either under a spear or sword, or not in moving because of their wounds. Even Leo had been wounded a couple times, although mostly consisting of a large cut on his right flank and chest. He observed the scene for a couple of minutes, satisfied with the attack.

"Alright then, lets get started." Leo looked up to the sky and saw phoenix and his men circling overhead. "Phoenix! Get your men and flank down here!" And without a moments notice, the pegasi in the air descended like a flock of birds and landed. Phoenix swooped down next to Leo and landed.

"Vhat do you need us to do Leo?" The pegasus asked.

"First, I need a third of your men to take up positions on the south, east, and west walls. A third of mind will take the gate." He waited for Phoenix to give the order and afterwords, gave his own. Then he proceeded. "Now, I need a third of both of our men to count the weapons and supplies, the rest should tend to the wounded."

Both generals looked to their men and gave the order, all of them attending to the tasks at hand. Phoenix flew off to apparently 'watch the skies' for any reinforcements, while Leo walked over to where the wounded were being herded to. But when he passed a stack of barrels, he noticed that on of the lids was slightly open, shining light onto a lavender surface that was....furry? Leo slowly opened the lid, only to step back in fright as a familiar unicorn shot out. She was about to teleport herself somewhere safer when she realized who found her, and relaxed her magic as she sighed.

"Oh thank Celestia, it's just you." Twilight sighed, before blushing at what she said. "S-sorry, old habits I guess."

"No worries. I was about to say the same thing." He chuckled, before giving Twilight a confused look. " Why were you in a barrel Twilight?"

"The others and I were hiding in there during the fight." Twilight stated matter-of-factly.

"What do you mean others?"

"She means us." said a muffled voice coming from one of the barrels. The barrel that sat next to Twilights tipped over and fell on its side, its lid rolling off of it to reveal a light brown unicorn stuffed inside of it. "Once the fighting started, She teleported us over here into the barrels. Fortunate for us, they're just for extra storage. But unfortunate for me, Twilight needs to work on her aiming." Tesla shot an angry look at Twilight while he popped his back, causing Twilight to blush. "Now as for Luna........" He looked over at the barrels and expected Luna to pop out of one of them, but could only hear muffled pleas for help. Tesla just sighed as he walked over to the barrel that had the pleas of help coming from it. "An all powerful immortal Alicorn that has control over the moon and dreams can't get out of a simple wooden barrel. Seriously Luna?" He opened the lid and out came the disheveled Alicorn, wings stretching out as she rubbed her head with her hoof.

"Well I'm sorry Tesla, but some of us aren't as small as everypony else. I might not be as big as my sister, but I'm still bigger than most." She looked at the three of them, expecting annoyed glares. But was instead met with all three of her friends staring at her. "What's the matter?" she said with a confused expression. Tesla just grew a sly smile on his face.

"I like the new look Luna, it looks great on you."

Luna blinked a couple times, now even more confused. "What do you mean 'new look'?" Tesla sighed and pulled out a small pocket mirror, showing Luna her eyes. She stared blankly at the mirror for a couple seconds before growing a shocked expression at what she saw. "Why am I looking at a serpent?!" Her face grew pale as she remembered her fight. The pain, the voice, the sudden burst of strength. "I can't even begin to comprehend this."

Twilight put a hoof on Lunas shoulder. "We'll figure this out Luna, I promise." She gave her a comforting smile. Tesla coughed after a couple of minutes of comforting silence.

"I don't want to interrupt you two, but do you think we could go get some medical assistance....." he pointed towards his wounds and Leos. "........before one of passes out because of blood loss?"

And with that, the four of them walked to where Leo was going.

Once they reached the area designated as the 'medical' area, Tesla and Leo just slumped onto the cots that had been pulled out of the barracks for the patients. Luna and Twilight just sat next to them, taking a few moments to collect themselves. After a while one of the appointed medics came over and bandaged up Leo before being called over by another medic. As they sat there, Tesla couldn't help but notice that there were only a few soldiers standing in the small sea of wounded soldiers.

"Hey Leo?"

"Yes Tesla?"

"How 'medically trained' are your soldiers?"

Leo scratched his chin in concentration for a couple minutes.

"I'd say only those that had a medical job and even then, not that many."

Tesla frowned. "And let me guess, before you all, well you know, died, they were the best medics at the time?" Leo nodded. "Well, I guess I need to get to work then." He sat and and immediately held his ribcage, and started to waver as he stood because of minor blood loss. Both Luna and Twilight braced him as he was about to fall. "thank you." he muttered. "Guess the adrenaline has worn off." Tesla grumbled before trying to walk again.

"Tesla, you need to rest. Your wounds might not be life threatning, but you've lost a lot of blood. You can't do much right now." Twilight said.

"I know that Twilight, but...." He sighed weakly. "I want the ponies here to get all the help they can get. Our doctors are under-experienced."

"Isn't that the same with you?"

"I know some modern medicine." He chuckled. "It is a type of science you know." Tesla looked at Luna. "You were a medic once, weren't you?"

Luna hesitated for a few moments. "I 'was' a medic during the same time Leo and the others were alive." She paused and smiled. "But I have read a couple of medical textbooks since my return."

Tesla grew a wide grin. "That's great. Now then." He leaned more towards Twilight for Luna to step aside. "I need you to go get bandages and disenfectant. Come back when you find any and keep half. I'll use my half to help a couple of soldiers while you do the same with yours."

"Alright, got it." And with that, she trotted towards the other medics and asked where the supplies was, and then made a B-line towards it.

"What do you need me to do?" He looked over and saw Leo looking at him while on his side.

"You just stay there and rest. I'm guessing you don't know jack about medicine."

Leo just grumbled and turned around, sulking like a toddler.

"Is there at least anything I can do?" Twilight asked. "Except for being a leaning post?"

"You can be my 'nurse'. The enemy soldiers might take it easier with a mares face around." Twilight just frowned. You can just help me with them, that's all."

"I suppose that I can do that." she said with a level of uncertainty.

"Good, now, help me get over there." He pointed a hoof at a group of Celestial soldiers near them.

"Okay, I guess." Twilight thought that was a bad idea, especially since one of them was one of the soldiers Tesla was attacked by.

The soldiers idly chatted about what might happen to them, until they noticed two familiar looking ponies approach them. They immediately stopped, only staring at their captors with disgust and hatred. When Tesla and Twilight were right in front of them, one of the soldiers spat at their hooves, sneering.

"What do you want monster."

Tesla just motioned for Twilight to let him down, and Luna quickly approached with his half of the supplies. He thanked her and levitated the disenfectant towards the soldier, causing him to flinch.

"Don't worry, It's just disenfectant. It doesn't hurt that much. What did you think I was going to do?"

The soldier relaxed a little, but still kept his guard up. "I don't know. From what we've been told..." He winced at the response he might get. "All of you are just a bunch of monsters ready to destroy our homes, families, and lives for the eternal night." The soldier waited for a response, or maybe even the flash of a blade, but nothing happened.

"They really don't want you to sympathize with us, do they."

The soldier looked at Tesla and was very confused.

"Excuse me?"

Tesla chuckled. "We really aren't that bad, most of these soldiers 'had' families. I personally think more of the soldiers need more medical experience. Until then I'm the best you've got." He bandaged the rest of the soldiers wounds before trying to stand up. "Now if you'll excuse me." Tesla tried standing up, but almost fell back down. He would've hit the ground if it wasn't for the soldier near him.

"Your going to need some help with the other soldiers." He took some of the supplies with his wings. "They'll listen to me more than you."

"Thank you kid, say, what's your name?"

"Medical-Shield, sir."

Both of them stood up before Phoenix flew towards them at a break-neck speed. Just in time too, Luna had been going towards them to check up.

"Miss Sparkle, Luna, and Mister Science. I've spotted movement in the western tower."

"Did you get a good look at who or what it was." Luna asked.

"Yes, a single mare."

Both Luna and Twilights blood ran cold.

"What did she look like." They asked in unison.

"All I could see was a multicolored mane."

Twilight sadly sighed and looked at the ground.

"What is it Twilight?" Tesla asked.

"It's her."

"Who?"

She looked at Tesla. "Rainbow Dash."

Chapter 13:The first element of Chaos

Luna and Twilight approached the west tower, prepared for both a fight and an explanation from their cyan friend. Tesla had told them he would see them later, he was still attending to the soldiers as more medics started appearing from the ranks of the wounded. Twilights mind raced as she tried to figure out the situation placed before her.

'How did we miss her in the initial attack?' Twilight thought. 'Will she try to talk to us? knowing Rainbow Dash probably not to Luna, but she might talk to me though. On the other hoof, she might hold her loyalty to Celestia closer than mine now that we're considered enemies.' Twilight considered all of these and even more as her thoughts raced, even when they approached the door, she seemed oblivious to reality.

"What do you expect on the other side Twilight.?" Luna asked.

"U-huh." Twilight said flatly, clearly dead to the world at the moment. Luna waved a hoof in front of her face, but got no response. Until finally kicking one of her legs, snapping her out of concentration. "W-what?"

"I said, what do you expect on the other side?"

Twilight looked at the door in front of them, noticing a couple of differences from the other doors on Maelstrom. it had multiple symbols carved into it, the faint glow was barely noticeable. The only other feature was the painted on words that designated that the door led into the captains quarters. Even now she could barely find the words to her answer, even though it was so simple to say.

"I don't know." Twilight sighed. "Up until now, I've felt like this is suppose to be some sort of dream. But when I try to wake up, I'm still here, fighting against my friends." She lowered her head and stared at the ground. " All my friends are gone." She started sniffling as a few tears ran down her cheeks. "Even Spike isn't here, I'm all alone now."

"No your not." Luna lifted Twilights chin and smiled affectionately at her. "Your not alone. Not at all." She hugged Twilight, giving the mare some comfort from the sudden embrace. "Before I met you, I had no friends at all when I returned. I had subjects yes, but no friends. My only comfort was Celestia when I returned, that is, until I met you." Luna pulled away from the hug and smiled. "You're my first friend, Twilight. But not my last. After I met you, another friend popped up, although he is annoying at times." Luna remembered the 'jetpack' experiment. "But is still a friend I would never replace. We can help you get through this." She turned her gaze to the door. "One step at a time."

As the door opened, sunlight lit up the room and revealed a set of both familiar, and strange objects around the large room. Multiple cork boards and maps adorned the back wall, sitting behind a slightly used desk. The walls were lined with multiple posters, each one with a different Wonder bolt on it. The ages of the poster ranged from some of the very first posters ever made, to some that should still carry the smell of fresh ink.

Twilight and Luna searched the room, looking for the cyan mare. After looking around for another twenty minutes or so, they gave up and started rummaging around the room for anything useful. They found multiple documents, maps, strategies, and boxes filled with nothing but posters. But all the documents centered around something called 'Flight of the Phoenix'.

"Hey Luna, what's this 'Flight of the Phoenix' about?" Twilight asked.

"No, I've never heard of it." Luna walked over to Twilight to examine the document. "What is this?"

Operation Flight of the Phoenix

To one or all equines seeing this, Class IV clearance or authorization is required to participate in this program. Unauthorized personnel shall be converted into the shadow guard.

The first five steps of this program must be followed extensively in order for further development of future experiments.

1. Find suitable host for experimentation.

2. Host must be of above average intelligence.

3. Variations in resistance must be mild to severe.

4. Fore knowledge of multiple scientific theories, facts, and experiments both present and past.

5. Magical abilities of unicorns must be of above average magical abilities for infusion procedures.

Once steps one through five are completed, refer to your current protocol adviser for further instructions. All instructions must coincide with above steps. Failure to comply shall result in conversion.~ M.M.

Both Luna and Twilight were confused at what they just read. None of what the document made sense at all, especially these steps that were mentioned.

"What does this even mean?" Twilight asked out of confusion.

"I don't know, this doesn't ring any bells with me." Luna walked over to the door to inspect the markings on it. "These markings although, these look li-" A dark blue hoof hit Luna square in the jaw, causing her to be propelled out of the north tower. The last thing she saw before the door closed was a dark blue mare smiling smugly at her.

Twilight didn't have enough time to stop this unknown mare before Luna was thrown outside. The dark blue mare bolted towards the windows and pulled down the shudders, leaving a tri-colored stream of air behind her as the room became darker. Twilight shot magical bursts towards the mare, but she was just too fast. With the last of the shudders closed, Twilight had become enveloped in darkness.

A soft lavender light enveloped Twilights horn, allowing her to see a few feet around her. She slowly started to panic, not knowing when the mare in the darkness would attack. I need to get to the door. It's my only chance to defeat this mare. Twilight galloped to where she thought the door was, and luckily, had found the door, closed tightly. She tried pulling at it with her magic, but something was holding it back. She even tried banging against the door, but to no avail.

"Twilight, is that you?" Luna said through the door in a muffled voice.

"Luna, help me! The door won't open!"

"I'm trying! But the runes won't let me!"

"What runes?!"

"She means the runes on the door." A voice from the darkness frightened Twilight, her senses tuning out Lunas futile efforts to open the door. "The runes on the door are a trap that acts like a spider web. The pray flies in, but doesn't fly out." The figure started to become dimly visible in the darkness. A far cry from Rainbow Dash, but still vaguely similar to her. "It's nice to see you again, Twilight."

Twilights pupils dialated, causing the mare to go into a complete sprint away from the look alike. She kept running around the room until she was tripped and fell flat on her face. The next thing she knows the mare walks over to her tripped form and proceeds to put a hoof on Twilights neck and started to push.

Twilight started to choke out breaths, her entire body begging for air. The mare stared smugly down at her while she held Twilight down.

"Don't you remember me, Twi?" The mare asked.

"Who....are.....you?" Twilight was able to choke out.

"I feel hurt that you don't recognize me." The mare faked a hurt look and chuckled. "It's me, the element of loyalty." Twilights eyes widened as she gasped for air. Her gaze fell upon a necklace around 'Rainbow Dashs' neck. It looked similar to her element of harmony, but instead of gold it was a tarnished silver. The gem itself had become the head of a serpent. "Or I used to be before you betrayed us."

Rainbow Dash kicked Twilight across the room, the aura surrounding her horn started to flicker. Once again her voice came from the darkness, adding to Twilights fear. "After you betrayed us, we all fell apart. None of us are the same anymore, I couldn't trust anyone after that. I have no loyalty now, only malice in my heart." Rainbow Dash walked out of the darkness and picked up Twilight by the throat. "It's time to stop this little rebellion, once and for all." And with that, she flew through the window, and into the courtyard.

"The hell is that?" Medical-Shield asked Tesla as they wrapped a bandage around one of the soldiers.

"I can't tell." Tesla squinted his eyes to see the tri-colored blur. "I think that's...." His eyes widened in shock when he saw the lavender blob being held onto. He galloped towards the blur as fast as he could, but gave up the pursuit when the blur disappeared. He heavily breathed for a few minutes before he saw blue blur flew by. He quickly called out to it. "Luna, go get Phoenix! I'll follow them!" He grabbed the closest jetpack he could find and dashed off towards Twilight.

Tesla quickly flew towards the blur, trying to gain speed towards them. But after a couple of minutes trying to keep pace, he lost sight of them.

"I have no choice."

He pressed the overdrive button and immediately regretted his descision. He rocketed through the air like a bullet, almost breaking the sound barrier even. Teslas eyes were watering as he sped towards his target, almost flying past them. He altered his course a little and the next thing he knew was the three of them spiraling towards the forest.

When Tesla opened his eyes, he was met with the crumpled form of an unconcious Twilight and a limping mare with a piece of splintered piece of wood. He crawled over to Twilight to protect her from the other mare, pure hatred in her eyes. They both reached Twilight at the same time, their eyes meeting. For a second Tesla swore he saw something dart across the mares eyes, before she grew an amused smile.

"It's been a while, Science. I see you've been busy."

"Who are you?" Tesla started convulsing and coughed up a little blood. He looked down and saw a piece of wood sticking out of his woods.

"Remember the fire from that fateful night Science? Of course you do." The mare picked up the piece of wood again and started making small gashes on the back of Twilights back.

"I Killed...." He spat up some more blood. "you."

"Oh you know death is only the beginning. But today is the end for you two."

Before she could pierce Twilights neck, Tesla uttered one word, a word that could kill entire armies, but could never be used lightly. "Morietur." The mare stopped dead in her tracks, frozen like a statue. She slowly backed up and started to convulse uncontrollably. She dropped her weapon and held her head with her hooves and let out a blood curling scream. After that, she slumped to the ground and could barely breath. "Rest, vile demon."

Tesla blacked out because of his new wound, only seeing small tidbits of what was happening. He saw three blurry figures approach him, and the last thing he remembers is being told one word before blacking out again.

"Sleep."

A psychologists suggestion

Celestia walked down the halls of Canterlot castle as if it was any other day. She had just finished raising the moon and was now on her way to her private study. Every so often she would spot a guard walking down the hall, probably hurrying to another important field test or 'meeting' to discuss the threat of her sister. Celestia shuddered at having to attend another meeting. All it is is just a bunch of diplomats and officials talking about how they could 'persuade' Luna into surrendering.

'They know they can't just persuade her. Celestia thought as she walked into her private study. 'Lunas always been the stubborn one.' She just sighed as she sat down in her favorite seat. The room itself was surrounded by bookshelves, genres ranging from polotics to fantasy. In the middle of the middle of the back wall stood a marble fireplace that was always lit when she entered. Of course this was because of its constant occupant looking through the latest psychology books.

He wore crescent glasses as he read. His fur had grayed a little from its dark brown. He never had a mane to begin with, but it never bothered anyone since he looked better without it. His mark looked like a twisted puzzle with a magnifying glass in the middle. His eyes were a stark red, both intimidating but soothing at the same time.

"When was the last time you got out of this place Mind-Molder?" Celestia asked.

"Yesterday, when the paper came out with news on our little 'secret' as the headlines." He stated with a chuckle.

Celestia sighed as she brought a hoof to her face. "Let me see it." It was no surprise that she hadn't heard about this sooner. She really doesn't have much time these days to look at the paper. Celestia levitated the newspaper over to where she was sitting and started reading.

First sighting of rebel forces
by Hank Trottington

Yesterday at around five in the afternoon, A large structure appeared flying towards north of Vanhoover. It is still unknown whether or not the structure is of rebel or Celestial origin, but what appeared to be a stark blue flag flew over the structure. Most residents say that an attack by the rebels is imminent, causing most to stock up supplies and military hardware. Others claim that a battle had already happened in Galloping gorge. A train running through the gorge had multiple witnesses claiming that they saw the same structure hovering over the gorge at around eleven in the morning. They also claimed that about thirty past the hour, two pegasi like blurs appeared in the sky overhead, only to crash minutes later in the forest. Those that went to assist the pegasi found multiple broken trees, some blood, and what appears to be a small skirmish where the pegasi had landed. The fate of both the structure and its origins are unknown, the same thing is true about the blurs. All attempts by this reporter to ask the military has proven fruitless. Further investigation shall proceed in the next couple months.

"It looks as though your sister isn't going to give up so easily."

"She never has, of course she also hasn't seen the light about all of this yet."

"It is a shame, non the less, they'll be helping us, whether they know it, or not." Mind-Molder chuckled as he looked over towards the case that held the elements of harmony, each one either dim or completely black. "In due time, they'll see."

sequel

The sequel is HERE.