The Sides We Choose

by Frost Bear

Honest Hearts

Braeburn held the rifle steadily. He had trained using these new weapons for the past week. Now he was putting his training to the test. He took aim, hooves starting to shake, he fired at the target…

And nearly hit the broad side of the closest barn.

“Braeburn! What has gotten into you?” Luna shouted, “The last round you fired hit the barn. What illness plagues you?”

“I don’t know,” Braeburn sighed, “I just… remember those ponies that died because of these things.” He threw the gun away, “I’m sorry, I’m really sorry but I can’t use these things! Never!”

Luna frowned. She took a deep breath and exhaled, “Very well…”

Braeburn’s ear twitched, “What?”

“I said ‘very well.’ You are still a valued tactician. We can simply put you in a commanding position so you would never touch a gun.”

“Th-Thank you Luna… but wouldn’t this be a problem in a battle?”

Luna nodded, “While it’s true that a pony without a weapon (no less a commanding officer) is an easy target, I refuse to force a pony to use these evil tools.”

Braeburn glanced at the wicked tube that spits fire, “Thank you, Luna.”

The smile on his face pleased Luna. He maybe defenseless on the battlefield but the moral he gives the troops greatly made up for it.

Applejack trotted over with a tray of apple cider. Three mugs of warm golden liquid. Luna sipped the mug like fine wine. Braeburn chugged it all in one gulp. Applejack just carried hers.

“Braeburn… I’ve been noticing a few things,” Applejack mumbled, “You’ve been really shaky around these guns. Whatever the problem is, you can tell me.”

Braeburn avoided eye contact, “Alright… but not in the open. Is it ok if the three of us chat in private?”

Luna nodded. She dismissed the two Lunar guards at her sides. She escorted Applejack and Braeburn to the barn Braeburn almost shot. The Republic had used it to store all weapons and armor. Not a single pony was present. No one wanted to be near these things. Only time they were handled was when one was charged with maintenance duty. Even Luna was repulsed by the point and kill sticks. The Lunar Republic prided in the use of close quarter combat and stealth.

“Speak, Braeburn,” Luna permitted.

“Luna… I don’t know what’s wrong but… when I see or touch a gun, any gun, I freeze up and start shaking. Then I start remembering what I saw those things do. All those ponies… the ponies that used those weapons on us. And what I did to them.”

Applejack placed her hoof over Braeburn’s shoulder, “Braeburn… I know it ain’t right to kill a pony. You’d have to be a demented sicko to get something out of it! But what you did helped us. It helped everypony! Me and Pinkie would still be in Canterlot’s dungeon if you didn’t kill that one pony. Those Empire guards would’ve murdered the entire town like they did in Ponyville if you didn’t end them.”

Braeburn hugged Applejack tightly and cried, “Thank you, Applejack, that helps a lot.”

“You still feel regret for your actions?”

“Of course I do!” Braeburn snapped at Luna, “I can NEVER forget the looks on their faces. The angry accusing eyes staring at me. The sound of their bones breaking haunts my dreams for eternity.”

Luna lifted his chin and looked into his eyes, “I know that feeling all to well.”

“I suppose this is what you feel when someone mentions Nightmare, isn’t it?” he chuckled lightly.

“It is. It is a pain I had hoped none would share,” Luna sighed, “It seems my sister is the cause of this misery. Her pride only proves her callous nature.”

“I may not know what this pain you’re feeling is but just know I’ll always be here to listen to your troubles when you need it,” Applejack offered, “I wished Pinkie would talk to me… she looks worse than anyone I’ve seen.”

“We thank you, Applejack,” Luna hugged her, “Perhaps you should make this a profession of yours? There has been very few ponies who willingly talk to ponies one on one. I must admit, speaking to you raises my spirits up greatly.”

“Profession, huh,” Applejack wondered this, “Like some sort of emotion doctor?”

“This feels more like a therapy session than a doctor visit. I had to go through massage therapy when my apple bucking leg broke.”

“Woah nelly, I ain’t touching that mess! Screw Loose told me horrible stories about her shock therapy session. How anypony could be so cruel is beyond me. I’m just glade she made it out ok. Shock therapy has put more ponies in the ground than out the hospital doors.”

“It is good to know at least one pony lived through that. I visited her nightmares and saw memories of her trauma,” Luna cringed, “Most unpleasant and messy memories ever, even by today’s new standard of unpleasant.”

“Heh, She’d probably would’ve had a better time talking to me than going through that. She told me she always felt better after talking to me.”

“This has been a very pleasant talk but we must return to our duties,” Luna began to leave before turning to Applejack, “I highly suggest you get a career started with your honest heart. Nearly everyone in the Republic could use it. Both pony and non-pony.”

Applejack walked down the road to her Republic home. In Ponyville she owned a farm. In the Republic she owned a small shack, only enough room for her and Applebloom. She was offered more space but felt other ponies needed it more than she did. They called her generous for that…

…she started to wonder how Rarity was in the Empire. Knowing her, she was happily stitching banners and dresses for the nobles in the Empire’s capital, Canterlot. Typical snobbish unicorns only cared for their own kind. Celestia obviously favored unicorns. Earth ponies and Pegasi were left in the dirt while those useless snobs lived in luxury on that mountain. Their fancy magic certainly wasn’t effective against the changelings, or Tirek, or Discord, or whatever crazy stuff went on at the gala.

That was probably a huge sign that Celestia didn’t care for her subjects. Luna didn’t attend her first gala. She must’ve known Celestia deliberately set it up for the six of them to have a horrible time and couldn’t bear the thought of seeing them in a depressed state. Something Celestia reveled in. That damn blot of sunshine loomed over a pony’s sorrow like a fly hovered over a steaming pile of-

A pink blur knocked her thoughts out of her.

“Pinkie?! What in tarnation’s going on?”

“New ponies! New ponies!” she enthusiastically cheered, “I’m going to throw them a HUGE welcome to the Republic party!”

While Applejack was pleased to see Pinkie’s usual self again, the feeling that a sharp pain was deep inside her gnawed at the back of her mind.

“Say, Pinkie…”

“Yeah?”

“After the party you have planned,” Applejack shifted uncomfortably, “Can we just… talk for a while?”

Pinkie stopped bouncing and stared at Applejack, “Okie dokie loki!” she chimed before hopping to the train station. She seemed brighter than usual after that simple request.

Applejack felt it best to accompany Pinkie to the train station. That and she wanted to check out the new members to the party.

The train rolled in, coming to an abrupt stop. It was shorter than the other trains but still held a lot of ponies in the few carts it had. A stampede of ponies of all types roared out. Unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies along with a hoof full of crystal ponies! Bat ponies (or thestrals as some call them) join Luna because of the xenophobia ponies have had against them. The xenophobia must have influenced the non-ponies that arrived as well. Minotaurs, cows, dragons, and hippogryphs just to name a few. Applejack was hesitant on the changelings but figured they were of no threat since they weren’t disguised.

Pinkie Pie defiantly took a liking to all the non-ponies. Though the questions she asked them were inappropriate the non-ponies chuckled and answered her politely. The party planner had been the happiest she ever been. There was no point in time Applejack saw her this happy before! It was as if being around non-ponies and learning more about them was a treat sweeter than a cupcake. The glint in her eye convinced Applejack that Pinkie was perfectly fine… for now.

“AJ, Look!” Pinkie rushed to a white stallion with blue snowflakes as a cutie mark, “I HAVEN’T SEEN YOU SINCE THE CUTIE MAP!”

“Um…” Double Diamond stuttered, “It’s good to see you too?”

“Well howdy Double Diamond. What brings you to this side of Equestria?”

“We,” Double Diamond motioned to his other friends. Pinkie gasped and jumped on top of Nightglider, “We decided to represent our town in the Lunar Republic.”

Applejack quirked an eyebrow, “That’s mighty dangerous, isn’t it? I mean; y’all are one the east side of Equestria, That’s Solar Empire territory, and I’d be mighty concerned for your town.”

“It’s a secluded little hamlet in the middle of a mountain region,” Double Diamond explained, “Tanks can’t drive in that area, soldiers have difficult time getting around, and the weather has to be cold so the snow doesn’t melt down on the cities below us.”

“Wait, the cold prevents the cities from being under water?”

“Yeah, the entire place is covered in snow! Remember from your last visit?”

“It weren’t as cold as the Crystal Empire but was really close to it.”

Applejack knew Manneheaten south east of the town. If the snow had melted, it’d spell disaster for that city. Not to mention the fact it’s built near the ocean. Manneheaten would become an undersea ruin if the mountains got hot! A morbid revelation that might be useful later on in the war… as a desperate assault. Still too many innocents in that city. Even if their loyalty is misguided.

“Well, we’re happy you joined our side. Any and all help is welcomed.”

Pinkie grabbed Double Diamond and Applejack with the group Double Diamond brought into a big group hug.

“I’m so happy you’re all here! Oh hi Coco!”

“huh?” a beige mare turned around, “Oh, Pinkie Pie! It’s been so long. How are you?”

“Coco? Last time I saw you, Rarity gave you that theater job,” Applejack shook her hoof, “You joining the Republic too?”

“Of course I am! Every artist in Equestria is rebelling against the empire!” Coco yelled, “They’re forcing us to use warm colors only! How is anyone suppose to have variety with just one color? I’d rather use green thread to stitch one hundred socks than be forced to use only red!!!”

The group fell back by the force of Coco’s pride and anger, “Woah nelly! I didn’t think it meant that much to you.”

Applejack looked around and saw familiar faces pass by. Coco did mention artists all over were protesting against the Empire. Vinyl Scratch and Octavia strode by carrying their equipment. Photo Finish and her group pranced by with Hoity Toity and a group of models. Even Sapphire Shores, THE SAPPHIRE SHORES, marched proudly into the Republic. Those were big named celebrities for sure. Celestia really dun goofed when she angered the artists.

If only Rarity was with them.

“Are any artists ok with how the Empire’s forcing things?” Applejack asked Coco.

“Very few,” she answered, “The Empire forces everything to fit their agenda. I was forced to make banners and tailor uniforms before getting on that train. I saw Suri talking to some guards… she was wearing a sun pin in her hair,” Coco sighed with pity, “She doesn’t matter anymore, she was a cruel pony who only cared for herself. Anypony that sides with the Empire are most likely like her. Let’s just forget about them.”

“Coco? Coco!” a stallion shouted.

“Oh, I met someone on the train,” Coco smiled, “Silver! I’m over here!”

A silvery stallion ran over to her, “I was worried that I lost you in the crowd. Some of the Lunar guards said they can give us some fabric to start off with.”

“Silver Shill?!” Applejack gawked, “I don’t believe it! Nearly everypony we’ve known is joining the Republic!”

“I know! Isn’t it great!” Pinkie yelled, “I’m making new friends AND reconnecting with old friends!”

“I just have a hard time with this coincidence. I’m happy we’re seeing friendly faces but I feel like we’re going to start seeing-“

“THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE DEMANDS ASSISTANCE WITH HER LUGGAGE!”

“Not so friendly faces…” Applejack face hoofed. Why couldn’t she just keep her mouth shut?

“Miss, that’s what we’re here for,” a Lunar guard moaned.

Trixie stepped down from her pose with a blush, “Very well, let us… move along.”

“Hi Trixie!” Pinkie tackled the showmare.

“Oh for the love of… hi.”

“Trixie? What are you doing here?” Applejack glared.

“Trixie wishes to join the Republic,” she declared, “Trixie believes in choosing our leaders. She believes she can have a fresh start in the Republic. A second chance at life, if you will.”

“Ya mean you want to become a better mare?”

“That is what Trixie is telling you.”

Applejack glared at Trixie in her eyes, “Alight, I believe you.”

Trixie faltered, “What? Just like that?!”

“Eeyup, just like that.”

“Um… why?”

“Luna used to be Nightmare Moon and now she’s playing with foals out where everyone can see her. I figured you could change the same way she has.”

“Has the princess truly become that social with her subjects?”

“She the Premier,” Applejack corrected, “Premier Luna is just a pony, like you and me, she doesn’t see herself higher than anyone else. Everyone in the Republic is equal.”

The group from the town cringed.

“Sorry, Applejack, but that statement broke on some bad memories,” Party Favor quivered.

“Many of the ponies that came to the town wanted equality really bad. We all felt that Celestia wouldn’t give us what we wanted,” Sugar Belle sniffed.

“Please tell me Luna’s not going to take away our cutie marks,” Nightglider whined.

“Relax, everypony, You can all see what she’s like at the party,” Applejack reassured.

“Speaking of which, we’re going to be late!” Pinkie screamed, “The party’s in town square! Hurry or you’ll miss it!”

Trixie looked to the guard, “Trixie hopes you will escort her to the party after we drop of her luggage.”

The guard smiled, “It’s a date.”

“Well it was nice meeting all of y’all,” Applejack waved, “I’ll see you guys at the party!”

She left the group with a smile. Their first impressions of the Republic were spectacular. They were all familiar faces so it was easier to mingle with them. Applejack should’ve expected the town to join the Republic. The fact equality was an achieved promise ensured their loyalty. Coco and her mention of artists rebelling was promising. Larger numbers meant larger influence and nothing influenced more than art. The artists working for the Empire, like Rarity, were small compared to the artists in the Republic. Even ex-villains like Trixie saw hope in the Republic. A chance of being free from their criminal roles was too great to give up. Applejack was thankful she didn’t come across Flim or Flam… although, their sneaky false advertisement habits felt ideal for the Empire. Those two are probably thriving on selling ‘Celestia’s Blood’ to gullible ponies desperately searching for some meaning in their life.

The closer Applejack got to the party, the more diversity she saw in the Republic. All three pony races were present, that was a given, but she saw more and more non-ponies with each step. The Empire had a mass supply of weaponry. The Republic had a mass supply of troops. All these ponies… all these griffins, cows, minotaurs, etc. etc. came from across Equestria in a small train. All that they needed was to take one, just one, of the Empire’s factories and they’d be able to overrun entire cities!

“Good evening, miss,” a polite stallion greeted.

“Oh, name’s Applejack,” she shook his hoof, “What brings you to the Republic?”

“My name is Silver Screen. I’m from Applewood and, as you should be aware, our city is composed of artists and actors.”

“I’m familiar with Applewood, my family gets a lot of comments about it.”

The stallion looked over to her flank, “Ah, of course you would, I apologize for that.”

“None taken.”

“Well I must say it’s not just art that has taken a hit by the Empire.”

“Go on…”

“Applewood used to be sunny, friendly, and clean…” Silver Screen sighed, “Then everything changed when the Empire attacked.”

“They attacked you? Figures… Those trigger happy psychopaths would come up with any excuse to murder.”

“You should know that Applewood and our neighbors, Los Pegasus, have successfully kicked out all influences of the Empire from our cities.”

“Ha! I’d drink to that. Let’s get something hard to celebrate the victory.”

Applejack led Silver Screen to the refreshments. True to Pinkie’s usually party planning, the refreshment table was perpendicular to the dance floor. Despite her reputation for being the most random pony in Equestria, Pinkie was more organized than Twilight. That was a fact Twilight often denied… along with her cheese phobia.

“Hey AJ!”

Speaking of whom…

“Howdy, Pinkie, great job on the party.”

“Thanks! I see you met Silver Screen,” Pinkie pulled a yellow stallion over, “This is Golden Roulette, he’s from Los Pegasus.”

“Yo what’s up?” the confused stallion greeted.

“You’re from Los Pegasus?” Applejack questioned the earth pony.

“Yeah! Don’t let the name fool you, Los Pegasus has more rocks than a rock farm. The name was just to honor those who helped cool off the area.”

“You honored pegasi by naming your city Pegasus?”

“You got it!” Golden Roulette took a swig of his drink.

“This turned out better than I expected! Hopefully we’ll end that Empire by the end of the year!”

“Woohoo! Victory dance! West coast belongs to the Lunar Republic!” Pinkie cheered, “From Applewood to Hollow Shades! Our territory is huge! Even got a spec in the north-east!”

The group from the town cheered as everyone applaud them.

“I gosh darn forgot Hollow Shades! That’s on the east coast and it was one of the first to side with Luna!” Applejack laughed. There was no way a town filled with Bat ponies would not join Luna. It’d be silly if they didn’t.

“Do you think that would make it easier for us to take over Fillydelphia and Baltimare?” Pinkie whispered.

“I wish, those two places are home to those darn weapon factories,” Applejack grumbled, “Besides, I was hoping we could… take back Ponyville before that.”

Pinkie visibly deflated, “Yeah… getting Ponyville on our side would be nice… along with Twilight and Rarity…”

Applejack perked up, “What about Dashie?”

“Never heard of her,” Pinkie growled.

That set off some alarms in Applejack’s head, “You want to talk about it sugarcube?”

“I guess…” Pinkie mumbled under her breath, “I don’t think Rainbow Dash is ever going to change sides.”

Woah, full name, she must be serious.

“What makes you say that?”

“I saw how she looked at that weapon that killed that one pony, when we were being busted out. She liked it. She likes hurting poines. She’s not my friend. My friends don’t enjoy hurting ponies.”

Applejack placed her hoof on Pinkie’s back, “She’s probably confused. She found out her life was a lie and wants to exert her pain on others. I think if we gave her time to talk out her emotions, she’ll be back to her old self.”

“I hope so, AJ,” Pinkie smiled, “I hope so…”