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// War in the night 
// Story: The Nightmare War 
// by Spellbounder 
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What can be said about the horrors that surround my home, the once elegant land that was once Equestria. Ever since I was promoted to captain, all I’ve ever witnessed was violence and death. I have no pony but myself to blame, for I am the one that lead these poor brave stallions and mares to their graves. How could we ever believe that we stood a chance at defeating her? Ever since her corruption into that monstrosity nearly a years ago, Princess Luna, or as she calls herself, Nightmare Moon, has declared immediate ruling over all of Equestria. Never have I imaged this would become of her, the once peaceful and beautiful mare of the wills of dreams, now the very definition of the word terrifying. Princess Celestia tries her hardest to stay confident and brave around her loyal soldiers, but I could see in her eyes what this war has truly done to her. Losing Luna to the darkness was the same as losing a piece of herself. It’s more devastating to see her struggle on than to leave for a hopeless battle. She thinks too much of me, trusting my command to keep her subjects safe before her sister could cause more destruction. Haven’t the heart to tell her about stepping down from my position. Any stallion could do better than me. But alas, every time I get the nerve, again I stare into those light violet eyes, reminding me that giving up will only bring her closer to immediate despair. The very thought of Celestia losing fate means the end for us all. It clouds my mind for so long that I even forget what I’m doing.

“Captain? Captain Thorn League?”

“Hmm? Oh, apologizes gentlecolts, as I was saying, our troops must lead the survivors to the designated spot within the forest. The enemy will remain blind while we retain the tactical advantage. Once we make through to the rendezvous point, there’ll be an opening to an underground tunnel route leading the survivors to the hidden shelter underneath the old bog lake, where we’ll restock on supplies and head back here at base for further orders from Commander Atomics.”

“Sir, please forgive me for what I’m about to say, but this seems like a suicide mission. There’s no way we can make it to the wrecked village without being ripped to shreds by moon’s forces.”

I wanted to agree with him, but simply nodded in disagreement. Whatever hope still remained, Celestia had given to me. It isn’t much, but enough to keep me where I stand.

“It will work; this is the only safe route to the village that Nightmare Moon doesn’t patrol her troops. If we’re to rescue those survivors than we’ll have to take this path. I know all of you are scared, but come on! We’re soldiers, we knew the risks the minute we strapped these helmets on! Now stop stroking your tails, ladies, we got ponies to save!”

The sounds of cheers made me crack my first smile in over two months. Almost forgotten just what a little words of encouragement can do for ya. But this enthusiastic behavior I see in my team won’t last for long. It’s like Equestria is a whole new world now. The minute we step out of base camp, the darkness will begin to consume us, “her” darkness.

“That was a rather amusing little speech, Captain Thorn League.”

That voice, that arrogant despicable voice. I wasn’t surprised to hear those words coming from his light blue coated mouth. No doubt he came just to express his remarks towards my mission.

“I wonder how those words will accommodate with your men, staring amongst the horror that is Nightmare Moon. Reports claim that her recent control over the eastern plains has allowed her to double her forces. Shame it would be to see you fall before her might. My promotional ceremony would seem a waste if you were unable to attend it.”

“For your information, Captain Blackstone, I fully intend to return alive, and as for your promotion, I wouldn’t get too ahead of myself. You were better off with those silly tricks you did back in the Canterlot theater troop. Shame that you can’t make yourself disappear like you agonizingly wish upon me.”

“Mock me, if you must, Thorn League, but I mean what I say. Your obsession to take down Nightmare Moon will only result in more of your own men dying. The best you can do is stop this nonsense before more blood is shed.”

“This war will only keep happening so long as Princess Luna remains in this state. If there’s even the smallest amount of hope that she still retains traits of her former self, I plan to take her down and bring her back to her sister for both closure and mental help.”

“You’re gonna bring this entire military down to the ground, Thorn League. You must understand the truth. Princess Luna is no more, and there is no way she’ll return. Our majesty has recently met with the royal council in the hopes to use the Elements of Harmony to deal with this issue before all her kingdom reins to the night.”

I couldn’t believe what I just heard. Was Princess Celestia that desperate? None of this made any sense what so ever.

“The Elements of Harmony!?! You must be lying, Blackstone! The Princess would never use forces that powerful on her own sibling!”

“Keep telling yourself that, you imbecile. Celestia can’t bear to see her sister in this state any longer, and she grows stronger every day! If we’re to win this war, then Nightmare Moon must be extinguished before she becomes even more powerful than the sun! Can you imagine it, Thorn League? Darkness, despair, nightmares for all of eternity.”

As much as I hated to admit it, Blackstone was right. Nightmare Moon continues to gain power as Celestia suffers. But there has to be another way, is there? As I pondered over this shocking information, Blackstone begins to make his leave, smirking as he trots for the exit of my room. He suddenly stops, sighing with his head facing the floor.

“Our rivalry aside, Thorn League, you must know that I care for Luna just as much as you do. If there was anything better, anything at all in the hopes of saving her, I would speak up, but alas, there’s nothing I nor Princess Celestia can manage to say. This is the only option.”

Equestria has driven itself into the void of true darkness. The harmony that once bestowed upon this land has vanished, and the only hope still retained now lies within the Elements of Harmony. What must I do now? Should I cancel the mission? Relocate back to Canterlot for further orders? I’m at a loss, there just isn’t much to think of anymore.

TO BE CONTINUED……