When I was in the academy most of the ponies always asked what happened with Princess Luna. Why did she turn to Nightmare Moon? Why did she attack on her own kind? What happened to her after she was banished to the moon? And of course, is she going to come back ever?
They always lied us something like Princess Luna was evil from the start and nopony could change her fate. Although they had an official answer about her return or at least it was more like a prophecy.
The little story about her betrayal was our prophecy and it was only kid story until she appeared in Ponyville. Nopony thought six mares will stop her and change her back to Luna. However, that mares didn’t and now she was misled by these bugs.
Of course, the other side is why I keep doing this? Why I want to help her? I could just save Celestia, Twilight and end this once and for all. So why? Because I see something in her. Something which I can’t describe.
When she returned, we thought, we will know more from her past but instead it made more questions. She’s not Nightmare Moon yet. She’s not keeping us in an eternal night yet. She just wants Her.
If she gets what she wants the tartarus will unleash from this vault. I don’t think she will sees me as a threat anymore, but I am the only one who knows the truth at least now. I have to stop this madness and protect Canterlot. Though I could appreciate some help with this.
The vault itself was a library more or less. Bookshelves showed our path into the vault which was a labyrinth. Books from another ages and inventions which was never seen the sunlight You could find these things in this vault. It was built like a library, but it felt like a storage.
I tried to read the book titles while we went inside more and more in the labyrinth. The dust ate most of them, but I could manage to figure out a few.
The Tragedy of Pony. Well it's not a so happy title at all. I thought I will find some spell books or something like that and I just found books like these. Maybe in the next area. The Murders in the Street Sesame, Crime and Punishment, War and … and something I couldn’t read it clearly, but I don’t really care about it.
I continued to read through the titles and I found something interesting. A whole section just named after one family. The Apples. They are one of the oldest family in Equestria but a book about them in here?
While we ventured through the passages I counted five more sections like the Apples and with them they were seven. Six families from the old centuries. These were the ones who stood up next to Princess Celestia and Luna, a thousand years ago. With them they united the tribes and brought peace to Equestria until Nightmare Moon didn’t come. This is a story which mostly nopony knows which includes the family members either. Well if we survive this in one piece, I must come back here. The finest ponies who helped change the fate of Equestria forever.
I didn’t realize it, but we stopped in front of another door. It was big and made out from crystals. In the middle of the door were carved something but I couldn’t see what was it. I tried to get closer, but they were stood so closely each other I couldn’t get through it.
“So, what happens next Twilight Sparkle?” – asked Princess Luna.
“We need one pony from each race and they have to channel their magic to the gate. This is the only way to open it.”
“Are you sure there isn’t any other way to open it?” – asked Shadow Fang. He remained here to help Luna open the vault and get Her while the others prepared for the siege.
“Yes.”
“Is She on the other side?”
“She will be on the other side or at least that’s what Star Swirl wrote down in his diary.”
“Can an alicorn replace the three races?” – asked Luna
“Maybe I’m not sure.”
“Then my sister will do it.” – Wait is she really going to use her sister to open the gate? They forced to stand in front of the gate and took of the magical inhibitor. She took a glance on her sister before she did what Luna asked for. She charged her horn and channeled her magic inside the door.
A few moments later a bright light came from the door which blinded everypony. When we recovered the door was open and Celestia was on the ground. Two bat pony helped her up. At this point Luna didn’t care what will happen with her sister. She just walked through her.
We went inside the room and in the middle of it there was Her. She was frozen or maybe in stasis inside a big crystal.
“Do not worry I am going to get you out from there.” – said Luna and charged her horn and blasted the crystal. When the smoke cleared She was still inside and nothing happened. Luna charged her horn and blasted again but still nothing. – “How can we get her out?!” – she almost shouted that.
“We need a sword but not any kind of sword.” – said Twilight
“What kind of sword we need?” – asked Shadow Fang.
“A sword which was forged in the rays of Sun and Moon.” – Twilight read it from an old dusty book. That doesn’t make any sense. They can’t forge a weapon with rays, right?
“I know only one sword with this description.” – Then Luna turned around and stared me. – “I remember clearly that day. It was made for a pony which I trusted the most, but he turned against me. Turned against us! A magical weapon which cut through mostly everything and their history was written down on the blade.” – Wait is she talking about my sword?! It can’t be that. I mean I know we got from them, but I didn’t know they made it.
I stepped back and bumped in one of them. They surrounded me. I was trapped but if they attack me I will shield myself and teleport away from here. Suddenly a dark blue aura wrapped around my helmet and took off.
“It is good to see you again Monsoon Shine.”
“Likewise, Princess. You knew I was here, didn’t you?”
“Yes indeed. Now give it to me!”
“Princess listen to me! The changelings already infiltrated us. Anypony could be one from here.” – They started to look each other.
“That’s ridiculous! They can’t change to us!” – said Shadow Fang
“One of them revealed himself in front of me. Believe me they can change to you and they are heading with an army to Canterlot.”
“I have to agree with Shadow Fang. You are just delaying. Now give it!”
“I won’t do that.”
“Give it to her Lieutenant!” – said Princess Celestia. I was surprised when I heard it and I glanced at her. Twilight was in front of her and I noticed something. She didn’t have the magical suppressor on her horn.
“Alright.” – I drew out my sword and levitated to Luna. She took away from my aura.
“Now Twilight!” – my mom shouted from the other side of the room. Twilight charged her horn and a purple magic wave went through us. It revealed the changelings. They were stood in their normal form next to the bat ponies.
“CHANGELINGS!” – shouted Shadow Fang. Both side realized it what happened, and they instantly battled with each other. Luna didn’t care about it. She had my weapon, so she can open that thing. She made a shield and cut off from us.
One of them tried to stab me but I dodged it. I have only two things left to fight against them. My magic and my hoofs. The changeling didn’t give up. Blows after blows and I just waited for the perfect time to strike back. Few seconds later he was tired, so I turned around and bucked him on his face. I knocked him out and grabbed his blade.
I went for another one and thrusted my sword into his heart. He collapsed and died. The blade was stuck in him, so I left there. I charged my horn and blasted another two. I saw my mother was battling with a big one. I grabbed a spear from the ground and I galloped to help her. When I was close, she was already down. I jumped off the ground and I pierced his neck. He died immediately.
“Are you alright?” – I asked.
“Yes, I think so. Thanks, sweetie.” – she said.
“They were twice as many as we are. A miracle has to happen to win this battle.”
We retreated to the night blue shield with the thestrals and prayed for Luna’s help, but it never came. They fought bravely but like us they didn’t have any chance against them.
“For Equestria!” – I recognize that voice. It was Spitfire. They charged through them.
“For Equestria!” – I shouted. They were in the crossfire and that made them disorganized. The bat ponies and Shadow Fang followed me.
I shot down the first one who came in my sight. Another knocked me down but when he lifts his weapon to give me his final blow, he suddenly collapsed. Luckily Winter stood behind him and he was faster than him.
He helped me up. The rest of the changelings surrendered. We won. Finally, something good happened with us. I felt a hoof on my back. It was Winter, he’s…hugging me.
“Bro I’m so happy to see you again.” – he said.
“Me too brother.” – then he let me go.
“I’m glad you’re alive but next time you're staying close to me where I can look after you.” – said Spitfire.
“Thanks to saving us but don't pretend you are my big sister.”
“Well I'm won't but not just me the only who you owe a thank.”
“Reporting for duty Sir.” – said Sandy behind her alongside with Frost Wing. They were only two from my team.
“What happened with the others?”
“It seems they were changelings all along Sir with Sergeant White Lance.” – said Sandy. Damn this what I afraid.
“Anyway, it’s good to see you two again.” – then a pony stepped forward and stopped in front of me. – “Dark Song I assume you helped them to get here.”
“Yes. Look Monsoon I’m sorry what happened, and I hope you will forgive me on one day.”
“Dark Song I’m just glad you’re on our side.” – I smiled at her. Then me and trotted to Winter.
I was so happy to see them I completely forgot Luna’s shield. A big explosion heard from inside and everypony stared it.
A few moments later the shield came down and we will saw Luna was holding a little filly. Her coat and mane were colored exactly like Luna’s. She had a tiny horn and wings. But strangely not normal pegasi wings like Celestia or Luna has. She had bat wings. So, she was a little alicorn filly. Twilight and Celestia was next to them.
“Don’t worry my little star. I’m here now.” – Luna said and hugged her.
My sword was on the ground where the shield was. I sheathed my blade then moved forward next to Luna. The filly fell back in sleep.
“Princess Luna? Luna?” – Twilight and Celestia watched me. They both didn’t want to break the moment just like me, but I had to because we weren’t out from the frying pan.
“I did everything for her and now I am happier than I ever be again. She was in here for a thousand years and she did not change at all.”
“Princess, Canterlot is under siege and we are the only ones who can help them. I know it’s-“
“You do not know nothing. I did horrible things Monsoon Shine just to get her. How could anypony still want my help.”
“I know but we forgive you. We forgave you when you were Nightmare Moon and we forgive you now too.”
“Tia would you forgive me again?”
“Yes, my little sister.” – she smiled
“After what I did why?”
“Because you and Celestia are the beacon of hope for the ponies.”
“Do I really mean that much for them? Did I really mean that much a thousand years ago before I became that evil mare?”
“Yes, you do.” – I bowed before her. Then everypony did the same thing behind me. - “Help us to defeat the changelings. Protect your ponies and protect Her.” – she stood up and turned around with the filly in her hoofs.
“I will help, and we will show the fury of the ponies.” – That’s what I wanted to hear.
“Alright, Spitfire is the Ponyville HQ still up?” – I asked.
“Yep.”
“We will plan our next move from there. Now gear up and let’s go ponies.” – I ordered.
-------------------------------------------
When we arrived at Ponyville it was dawned. Luna let Celestia to raise the sun. Maybe the tables turned now, and we can solve our problem one by one or at least I hoped. Anyway, the village didn’t change at all. The military camp was same as usual. Tents, supplies and ponies everywhere.
We went inside one of the Apple family’s barn. I think they are angry to us, but we have to use it to wipe the changelings out once and for all.
The little filly was behind Luna’s mane most of the time if she isn’t sleeping. Luna didn’t tell her name yet but in time she will. Interestingly she was in school age at first sight. She was look like a mini Luna except her wings. It was cute to see her like that.
I sat down to the big table which was in the middle of the barn. On the other side of the table was Mighty Strike. I doubt see him again but apparently, he wasn’t a changeling at all and he survived.
“We tried to hold them back in here, but they easily break through.” – he said while he pointed on the map – “They were too many.
“How much?”
“Four times bigger than us.” – that’s not what I wanted to hear. This army could breach inside easily, and it doesn’t matter they are thestrals or not. The only force which hold them back that big shield around Canterlot.
“Do we have any news from the inside?” – I asked
“Nothing. Unfortunately, the barrier blocks every communication which includes the UDC radios too.”
I looked at the map. The city itself built on the mountain side so they can’t easily attack from the land. The only road is relatively not big enough to maintain an attack from there. So, the only option is left, the air. They can just win this battle if they are already inside and I fear that shield won’t be up forever.
“So, did you figure out something?” – asked Mighty.
“Not yet but if you are hurrying me I won’t come up with anything.”
“But we don’t have time! You were the star of the academy and you always had a plan in your saddlebag so come up with something now!”
“Mighty you’re not helping so shut up!”
“Monsoon we left our ponies without protection at Canterlot and if you are correct, not just the army but nopony will help on us. This is real and with each minute our chances to save them are going down.”
“Oh yeah then why you didn’t come up with anything until I wasn’t here? You are an incompetent idiot who just waiting somepony like me to come up with a solution. So, if you’re not helping, get out and make our troops ready!”
“Are you like to play with life’s because, it seems you do. “
“Do it as I ordered Mighty!”
“I don’t have to do anything for you!”
“I am the ONE who lead this army by the orders of the princesses and Captain Shining Armor. YOU must do and act as I say! Understood?” – he just glanced at me. – “I ask again. Did you understand?”
“Sir yes Sir!”
“Good.” – He left. Sometimes you have to hide your fears and worries. Yes, I know…Wait a minute. Speaking of hiding I think I know what we are going to do.
-------------------------------------------
We all gathered everypony in the barn and they were here to listen my fantastic plan about the changeling problem. The princesses were the last ones who sat down. They all staring at me and they are waiting for me to start.
“Alright… so the past two hours I was working on a plan. I read through books and maps and maybe we could win this battle.”
“We need more than a ‘maybe’ Monsoon.” – said Dark Song
“Yeah I know but if you let me explain it that would be great. Okay well the barrier holds down not just Canterlot but all the hidden escape routes except one. I had to make sure about it, but it’s exists, and they don’t know about it.”
“And where is that passage?”
“Before Canterlot built out, there was a crystal mine inside the mountain. The mine shut down after that, but the tunnels are still there and most of them connected to houses, cellars. They closed it all. However, they collapsed one tunnel the border of the shield which means if reopen the passage the barrier won’t be there.”
“The plan is the main army go on head on head with their army while a small team infiltrate inside the city and open up the shield at the walls. We will use the reveal spell on them and crush them with the two army and the rest of the thestrals. I think if we took out their leader they will surrender.”
“This plan is equal to zero and you know that!” – shouted Mighty.
“Look Monsoon I know you’re tired and under a lot of stress, but I have to agree with Mighty. What if the tunnel isn’t there?” – said Spitfire.
“Spitfire I want to convince you all, but I can’t. This is our only chance and we don’t have any help from the outside. We don’t know anything from their kind, but they already know our moves and thoughts. They…they defeated us.” – They all stood up in unison. They didn’t believe what I just said.
“I was the pony who led them to the thestrals, I was the one who played Princess Luna their hoofs, I was the one who made this mess. And now we are doing what they want. The only chance to surprise them is that tunnel but they tricked us. Nopony will stop them.”
“That is not true Monsoon Shine. We will stop them, and we will fight for our last breath to protect our little ponies.” – said Princess Celestia. – “You had an oath and you are broking it right now. They were foolish to challenge the ponies. We will show them we are not giving up so easily. The question is, are you going to fight for Equestria or accept it you lose everything against them?”
“I am willing to sacrifice everything for Equestria and the ponies who lives inside. I am willing to sacrifice everything for the Princesses and to fulfill my promise.” – The first two sentence which you have to say when you get into the Royal Guard. I think that’s a proper answer for her.
“Then we shall prepare for a battle.”