“Help”.
Star Scraper felt nothing. He could see nothing. He could hear nothing.
His world was black. His world was paralyzing. His world was nothing.
“Help me”.
Memories weren’t considered as Star felt only panic as his existence was regulated to a black void of nothing with only a small degree of self-awareness.
Then those thoughts entered his mind.
Was he dead?
Is this what life after death was like?
Such thoughts were provocative to say the least, enough so that thought could be attempted in a greater extent.
That was the worst thing that could happen to him.
Now he was painfully aware of his existence, quite literally so. Awareness provided him with the horrible truth that he was indeed alive, and all was not good.
His head was churned up, as if his brain had been put into a blender, but it was working, and it was telling him he should panic.
He felt his body, and it hurt. He also felt pinned, as if each individual muscle had been nailed into an all-encompassing container for him.
Star didn’t know what was going on, where he was, and why is was here. He couldn’t move and he couldn’t see. Breathing became pronounced and obvious and the more he realised it, the worst it got.
“Please! Help me!”
He was now aware he was crying out for help. Desperation had claimed him and for what it was worth, Star exercised his feeling that he had from his muscles.
The lack of anything in general happening, even as he attempts to flail around served only to panic him further.
And then the memories flooded back.
Ponyville. The bombardment. The Bat Ponies.
The building collapsing.
It made sense, albeit the worst kind.
He was alive, if only just. His head hurt to a degree he had never felt before. His chest was clearly being crushed by something, and the rest of his body was held it place by a weight he was surprised that didn’t kill him.
Death however, would be preferable to this vegetable like state. He was artificially prevented from living and the panic just ensured to further the wish of death.
“Something is alive in there!”
Muffled voices creaked through gaps of wood and stone, but it mattered very little to Star who, painfully so, could only cast his worrying and downright panicking mind on the fact that he was now buried below who knows how many feet of heavy rubble. Even the voices outside wouldn’t find him under all this and even if they did, what would they find?
A corpse suffocated?
A body so broken and crushed that it was essentially worthless?
Or perhaps one blown up.
On what seemed to be the outer rubble, quakes and booms were felt and heard. Voices were louder and increasingly they seemed closer.
Somepony was demolishing the rubble and now, the familiar sound of magic in action could be heard, signalling that he may have actually been heard!
“H-help! I’m…here…” Star managed weakly. As more rubble was removed, and light and air flowed through the cracks, Star became be aware of his weakened state. He may be alive, but many of his bones probably hadn’t been so lucky.
“An Equestrian soldier my lord!” said another voice, as light fell down upon Star, blinding him. He was still pinned, but the thick sense of breathing proper oxygen again was bliss compared to any of his other troubles.
Other words were then said, but the combined effect of the blinding, pain and relief that he was now saved cancelled any understanding of those words to Star. He was alive, and surely that was all that mattered.
That was until something hard pressed against his skull, and Star found out exactly where he had been knocked out.
He screamed. Loudly. Whatever was now touching him pressed hard and deep into his head wound. Any relief now had gone, and pain took his whole body.
“He’s alive my Lord. Only just. Our Queen has surely blessed this one”. Said a voice Star was sure he had already heard once, but in his pain, he could barely even think.
“He will wish he wasn’t though. And Our Queen would never bless one of Celestia’s soldiers, idiot!”
The pressing to his head had stopped, but the pain lingered. Thoughts did return though, and to the pattern of fortune he had thus been following, realisation came to Star.
His vision was still blurred from the light, but he could see shapes in the form of Ponies, and he could see colours. Dark colours. Dark armour probably.
And now it made sense.
He had been found, not by his division, not by any of Equestria’s forces in fact. No. Quite the opposite in fact.
“W-what’s h-happening?” he asked, in a desperate sized hole that was his fear.
Laughs were heard, and not of the friendly variety.
“Oh you’ll see, Equestrian scum!”
Magic then freed him of his heavy bindings, and a literal great weight came off him, allowing his severely sore muscles to relax somewhat. Such a reprieve was limited however as pain returned once more as hooves picked him up and drug him away. His vision was now somewhat clearer and instead of being taken to a medic, he watched as dark armour clad ponies, who’s insignia terrifyingly told him he was now in the captivity of the Lunar Empire, took him to a sole spot and dropped there.
Star winced in pain as he soon found himself surrounded by the forces of Nightmare Moon.
Depression then hit him.
Looking around, it was clear Ponyville had fallen to the enemy. Moon’s and various other images covered the ruins in the form of flags and banners. Victory belonged to the enemy Star had been fighting, and now, his fate was in their hooves.
Star couldn’t help but remind himself of what such a fate would mean.
“He’s just a grunt. Get rid of him already!” boomed a gruff voice from behind him.
That was the order coming from somewhere. Star had no energy to react sharply. His adrenaline had all ran out. His mind however, could only race, perhaps for the last time.
“Oh come on! Can’t we have some fun first? We have won a great victory and I need to cool down with some bloody physical therapy.”
Panic once again set in. It was true what they said. That the forces of Nightmare Moon were savage monsters. Psychopaths hell bent of causing as much pain and misery to any Pony they found. Star was to die, but first he would suffer, and suffer greatly.
Tears could have formed, were it not for the complete shock of the entire situation, and the sign of clear death now approaching. Immediately he tried to put his mind at peace, not in some attempt at facing death bravely, but in a total surrendering to fate. He had given up now, his mind and spirt were broken, and broken things do not work. This was Star now. Not even his tears could function.
Kicks were felt. Sharp and excruciating. These cruel Ponies knew where to focus their attacks. Each blow knocked what little air was left in his lungs and as each attack continued, so did Star’s screams. He was approaching death.
Willingly.
No flash backs now.
No life reviews.
No begging of forgiveness.
Juts anticipation of the final curtain.
His eyes were now closed, and he welcomed death, for the merciful end to his suffering that it was.
Unfortunately, his tormentors too seemed to realise this, and in their sadistic torturing delights, they decided that current pain simply wasn’t enough for a broken opponent.
Hearing evil cackles of cruel laughter, Star was shocked himself when he learned of the approaching knife, decided only to inflict pain.
“I know you won’t enjoy this, Equestrian, but we will, so be a good boy and don’t die before we’ve had our fun!”
The anger, cruelty and true despise of Star and Equestria was evident in the warrior’s words, as a short but sharp blade was withdrawn and shown. Star hoped for death just to happen, like an instant sleep.
It never came through, but something else did far, far worse.
Not the blade, Star thanked internally. He felt the cold point of it slowly trace his body, but it never caused pain. It couldn’t.
Not as Nightmare Moon arrived.
“My Queen!” came a symphony of bowing soldiers, all respectfully honouring the arrival of their dark mistress.
Further torture was thus put on hold, even though Star knew Nightmare Moon, in her large, dark and powerful glory would approve of it.
If these soldiers wanted to keep their heads, proper respect would need to be given, even if it meant delaying pain to others.
“Midnight Blossom” said Nightmare Moon, her voice bleeding with darkness and danger. It was as if the worst thing Star could think of had materialised in front of his eyes, and it was talking. This dark Alicorn took his breath away. Literally.
“Your Imperial Majesty. Your loyal servants bow before your might and conquering valour!” Said a feminine voice, probably the commander of this attacking force. Definitely, Star thought, given the fact she was a Bat Pony, responsible for leading the initial wave of her kin. Her own dark armour was curved and elegant, almost beautiful, but her grizzly yellow slit eyes did not convey such an adoring feeling.
“You allow yourself little credit, Commander. Your charge has proven to have completely broke the pathetic defence of Celestia. They have run like the cowards they are! Allow yourself the gratitude of your Queen”.
It was quite odd to Star that everypony but him was seemingly frozen in a bowing position, like he was in a field of statues. It further shone the attention on Nightmare Moon, and what a sight she was.
Tall of course, but with an aurora of dark energy. Pure might in her entire presence. Armour crafted with unimaginable skill clung tightly to her admittedly elegantly powerful form, and her deep eyes pierced whatever she set her gaze upon.
To her Queen’s praise, the Commander Midnight Blossom bowed even deeper into the ground, as if she was trying to be one with it. Nightmare Moon installed such a wave of fearful loyalty into her Ponies that even Star, not one serving her, felt the urge to bow himself. She seemed so much more powerful than Celestia that an insignificant worm such as he had no other option than to serve.
“Thank you, My Queen. But today belongs to you. In your almighty name we have captured this town of your enemies. Your banners fly over the ruins of the place that so foolishly defied you. Ponyville is now yours, My Queen, and with it, a blow to Equestria they will not forget any time soon!”.
Star was astounded at the extent of their belief. They truly served Nightmare Moon, and seeing Ponyville of all places captured meant so much to them. It was a stab in the heart of Equestria’s cultural strength. Celestia would feel this loss, and greatly so.
“So it is.” Replied Nightmare Moon, a silent happiness that came with the destruction of the place that caused her so much difficulty in her last return. “My only regret is those…elements were not captured with it.”
Star felt the disgust she spat when she mentioned the ponies, some of which he had met earlier. Understandable of course. They had defeated her once, and by taking their home, it was a personal blow that Nightmare Moon would savour.
“Forgive me, My Queen” immediately defended Midnight Blossom, clearly feeling failure on her part. “Most of them had left prior to the battle, while the others could not be found. I accept full responsibility and accept whatever punishment you deem necessary.”
The Commander almost cowered into the dirt. Such shame she must have felt, such fear for the wrath of her leader, that even with such a great victory, this failure would seem so troublesome.
“I am tempted to…” Nightmare said sadistically. “. but alas, you have performed admirably today, and I would be at a loss without your skill in future conquests. “
The Commander thanked her Queen with such relief, Star was sure she would kiss her hooves. That never happened though, almost to his amusement.
Nightmare Moon then smiled as she took in the ruins of Ponyville. A sick smile plastered her lips as the devastation, death and destruction that she saw clearly pleased her. She was proud that her once Sister would feel so hurt at this loss, so broken.
That was until her eyes finally met Star, and the poor Earth Pony felt their entire might.
Her eyes carried a fair amount of beauty, but such a quality was not reserved for Star right now. Only a look was enough for a great shiver to flow down his spine, and the literal fear of death in his heart. He was humbled, downtrodden by just a look. No magic was sensed, but Star could have been fooled. With the eyes of a Pony of legend, one of untold power and might, Star was nothing in comparison.
“Well, what do we have here?” Nightmare said, silkily smooth, but a tone used only to mask the horrors that may be unleased were the battle not over. Star was her enemy, and he could be guaranteed that this encounter would far different were he still fighting.
A small group of Nightmare Moon and her leaders then approached Star as he lay broken on the ground. The fact that attention from possibly the future leader of Equestria was upon him, such a lowly insignificant Pony, it was both amazing and terrifying. His choices, his action, even his movements, they would all determine his fate in the powerful eyes of Nightmare Moon.
“Just the remains, my Queen. Apparently freshly found” commented Midnight Blossom, not so much disgusted at him as she was bored. Surely having such a high level position would ensure such arrogance towards the pawns of war.
“He surrendered?” questioned Nightmare, creating a lump in Star’s throat as he realised what such an image, however false, would appear to her. All it took was for one of her servants to confirm this, mostly in absence of any defence for Star, and that would be the end of him.
“I-am not sure your Majesty” trailed Midnight, clearly wishing to discuss more important matters of strategy.
This satisfied Nightmare little. Unlike Celestia, Nightmare was not a pony to idly chat with. When she wanted answers, when she brought up a matter she deemed worthy, she didn’t want that discussion to fly off its rails. Nightmare wanted results, and she wanted to be served well.
Out of possible respect for the Commander however, a displeasured look was all that was given. Of course to Midnight, she might have well been lashed in the square, such was her shame to displeasing her mistress.
“Can any of you tell me what this one even is?” Nightmare’s voice was still low, and reminiscent of an approaching storm, full of wrath and destruction, but like the unpredictable weather of the world, this comparative docile state, it could change at any moment and threat could very easily turn to action. Very painful, mortal action.
“We found him. Buried under rubble My Queen.” Came the gruff voice Star had heard earlier. Meekly turning his head, Star concluded this was the voice of some sort of Captain, such was the more significant look to him compared to the others.
“You found him?” Nightmare replied, still not satisfied. “Like a diamond in the dirt?”
Her annoyance was clearly increasing. A dangerous gamble. Even Star in his weakened and broken state knew all she wanted was a clear, concise explanation that simply told her what Star was doing here, alive. Such was the lack of care and respect from Star’s captors towards him, that they just didn’t think him worth even talking about. Yet no matter the topic, no matter its importance, when a Queen asked, you answered.
“No. Of course not! So one last time you worm! What is this miserable wretch of Celestia’s doing here?!”
Nightmare Moon was a hateful, bitter Pony. Her heart was only full of despise for anypony beneath her, but none of these lower classes would come anywhere close to how much she despised Celestia. The way she just said her name, anypony could be forgiven for believing it was the Princess of the sun who was the evil one.
Her subordinates practically cowered in response to their Queen’s annoyance. The Captain who had half-heartedly given her an answer probably was thinking his current breaths were his last. In fearful obedience though, he tried again.
“We believe he could have been one of the few final defenders when the Bat legions broke into the town. The fools thought they could hold us back! This one is the only one alive we’ve found. The rest are dead.”
Star received an initial look of disgust from Nightmare Moon, a look shared with her distaste of Celestia. For whatever he was worth, it was only to be an extension of Celestia’s, however meagre that may be. In this moment, he was Celestia’s ambassador, the sole remaining Pony left to represent her. It was mortally unfortunate for Star that the phrase “don’t shoot the messenger” wasn’t commonly adhered to by Nightmare Moon. If at all.
Death did not come to Star swiftly though, leading to the hauntingly terrifying thought that it may come slow, as it had been initially.
“He’s nothing. Get rid of him!” then further proclaimed the Captain.
Nightmare flinched at this outburst, but said nothing.
“Who cares if he’s the last one! Leave him to us and let us continue what we started”.
A pin dropped could have been heard from that moment. No pony moved, and no Pony said anything. The atmosphere was deathly still, as this open void filled with the realisation of what had just happened. Exclusion of proper respect and titles given was surely bad enough, but this Captain had chosen not to or foolishly miscalculated the forgiving nature of his Queen. He may have seemed like the gruff and uncaring working class Pony that he probably was, but never was this an excuse to act the way he did, even in front of the gentle Celestia.
Worse still for the Captain was that his ignorance did not end there. Perhaps he sensed his imminent doom and decided to go out valiantly, in some twisted attempt to not seem weak, or perhaps he was just as stupid as he seemed. Nevertheless, his fate was sealed.
Staring bravely back at Nightmare Moon he now stood, as still as everypony else, but who’s’ gaze screamed defiantly out loud at his Queen.
Elsewhere this show of strength may have gone down well. Star was sure that if this was in the working Factory towns of the North East, and this Captain showed such defiance to his superiors, he may very well gain popular support. The common Ponies standing together to not be rolled over.
This was not that place however, and Nightmare Moon was not his basic work supervisor. She was his superior, but in every single way.
And he was about to be shown why.
“Miserable…disobedient…. abominable apostate! You shall know pain of the likes which you hath never before experienced.”
The very fact her voice was so plain, so almost unthreatening, were it not for her words, was truly terrifying. Nightmare Moon had already garnered a reputation for rage, but in it being so removed from the tense situation, this spelt only the worst of danger for the Captain.
“Eh” he dismissed, ensuing a quiet chorus of gasps and shock throughout the gathered crowd. “Whatever. If you can’t even let us have our fun, I don’t care if- “
This was the opening Nightmare Moon needed. She was the self-proclaimed ruler of all Equestria, and such rebellious disrespect was offered no chance of continuing.
“CUR! PERISH AND SCREAM! YOU SHALL KNOW NO PEACE FROM YOUR ENTERNAL TORMENT. VERMIN DESERVE NOTHING BUT PAIN!”
With a blinding flash of light, Nightmare Moon’s horn developed an eerie glow, and out of nowhere came a swift attack of dark ethereal magic, throwing the Captain to the ground.
This was far from over for the poor Captain however, as Nightmare Moon slammed down his armoured hooves upon the legs of her fallen forsaken Captain. Screaming in pain from the sickening snap, Nightmare used this chance to cast a dark spell upon his. Beaming from her horn, magical energy blasted down onto him, very akin to the offensive magical attacks used by Unicorns in battle. This did not end him though, on the contrary. Physically, he seemed the same, but the true horror of this curse was superficial, occurring beneath the skin. Whatever Nightmare Moon had just done, it resulted in an eternally screaming victim.
Star guessed that the magic caused pain throughout the body, but one tremendously horrific level, and one that had no end.
So now Nightmare stood back, and wickedly looked down at her work, work she felt sick pride in. Her Captain was now but a screaming mess. Lurching violently around as he could do nothing but experience pain forever.
This was a deliberate, beneficial move from Nightmare Moon. Looking around, Star witnessed the horrified faces of her supporters as they could do nothing but watch their comrade live a life of eternal torture, but never see the end to it. They initially might have saw a brave inspiration, but now they saw a broken soul, whose life was now Nightmare Moon’s entertainment.
Star almost gagged on this cruel sight, but in a further development to his self-sustaining attitude, he only thought on thing.
Better him than me.
“Get this traitorous ingrate out of my sight!” Nightmare demanded loudly. However, horrified her supporters may have been at the extent of her true power and evilness, this wasn’t a demonstration of punishment that they would defy. It was a warning, one taken to heart and remembered well should they ever disobey their Queen. Instead of whipping them into defiant action, Nightmare’s punishment fulfilled its purpose. To ensure rebellion and internal strife could never appear.
Star was right in his earlier thoughts. Instability could never occur if Nightmare didn’t allow it.
Dragging off the eternally Captain, condemned to a life of damnation, Nightmare Moon took a brief moment of pause, before she returned her serpent like gaze to Star.
Having witnessed true horror, his fear was now only increased. So much so, it froze his face. He did not shake, did not cry and did not avert his gaze, and Nightmare Moon picked up on this.
“Bravery is admirable, little wretch, but alas, I’m afraid my disgraced Captain was right. We do not need you.”
It was a simple as that.
Despite her unleashing her anger out previously, somewhat relaxing her in psychopathic fashion, that would not be enough to save Star. His fate, ironically, now lay in the hooves of those who despised him through and through.
“Your Majesty?” interjected Midnight Blossom.
Star was under no illusion that he was spared. While Nightmare Moon did halt her magical preparation for Star’s execution, Midnight Blossom to not interrupt out of mercy. Quite the opposite in fact.
“Speak quickly Commander. I do not like to be kept waiting with my judgment”.
Star shivered at this. She was right. This was her judgment as absolute monarch. Her righteous decision to find any Pony guilty or innocent of any crime she thought of. She could deliver judgment and punishment on a whim, and her “judgment” meant death or torture almost every time.
Bowing in apology, the Commander spoke up.
“Forgive me, but Ponyville is captured, but many of its inhabitants are not”.
Nightmare pondered on her point.
“What of them?” she simply replied.
“Ahem. Were we to show them true might and power, as you have just done to us, maybe they would be more…. compliant. More susceptible to control. Should they falsely believe they have the strength to resist, they may be compelled to fight back. Perhaps it would be wise to show them the consequences of such vile action.”
Midnight Blossom’s words were loyal to her Queen, and extremely dedicated. Star could sense her cause to be fully aligned with Nightmare Moon’s. This was why mercy would not be given from the Commander. She believed in a cause that gave no quarter, and instead of saving Star’s life, her idea was to delay his death for a more opportune moment, one to show Equestria why they shouldn’t resist.
Yet even Star couldn’t fault her. A public execution would convey quite a strong message, as had Nightmare Moon conveyed just a moment ago to all watching.
Which worked very well.
So much so in fact, that Nightmare was convinced. She stepped back, allowing Star room to live, for now.
“Very well” she again simply mentioned. This was undoubtedly trivial for her. The life of a single soldier meant little to her of course.
But as she began to walk off, leaving Star’s fate in the hooves of his captors, she stopped and thought.
She turned back to Star. Dominating as ever, even her questioning look was all too powerful for him. She could have been empty of rage for all Star cared, for even in that stage, Nightmare Moon would still seem a God to him.
“Pray tell, foolishly brave one.” She said, her curiosity still seeping with danger and torment. “You apparently fight so valiantly for your cause. Does dear sweet Celestia inspire such devotion? Such confidence?”
Star wasn’t sure how to respond. Was asking only out of personal wonder, or was this a more tactical, interrogation like questioning? Star was dumbstruck in thought of an answer
“Speak up! Or does Celestia just sent the brave simpletons to the front lines? I asked you and you will answer. Why do you fight? Do you wish for Celestia’s favour? Do you seek to be under the sheets with that tramp?”
Star could hear subdued laughter from her supporters, all at his expense of course. Obviously they thought his trouble amusing, but humour also was aimed towards Nightmare’s condescension of Celestia. They laughed at their low opinion of her, and by extension, those they thought were idiots for following her.
Nightmare allowed their giggled, for a moment. All it took to silence the crowd was a glare, one who’s power was plain to see, even though silence.
Yet it was also a glare in which Star pondered questions of his own.
Obviously Nightmare was wrong in her assessments of his cause. In fact, Star remembered he didn’t really have a cause. He was fighting because he was made to.
He wanted nothing, save from to go home alive eventually.
In fact, as he had previously thought, serving Celestia was not his wish. His opinion to her winning was decided, that Equestria would suffer prolonged and great pain from its wounds and instability. But upon thought now, this was not the only reason for his regret fighting.
In was quite clear that Equestria had been threatened many times recently. From numerous Changeling invasions, to Discord, to demon Centaurs who stole magic and even flight. Dangers were common, and even though they had been defeated, it had not been without great cost. Many Ponies had suffered, and in some cases, still do. Even the Changeling Queen was still at large, and judging from recent events, who knew what other ancient evils were coming.
This was surely reason enough for Star to question Celestia’s leadership, but many of these threats all had something in common.
That Celestia herself hadn’t stopped them. She actually had failed personally to do so. It was only because of the elements of Harmony, simple civilians, that Equestria had been saved. Were it not for them, then Equestria would not be a nice place.
Star respected them for that, and seeing a few in person earlier was an honour, but the same couldn’t be said when he unexpectedly found out Celestia had sent him to war. His training not yet complete, and even being sent unarmed.
Celestia portrayed herself to be caring for all, but that was not what Star had experienced. The real question was simple.
Did Equestria need a change in leadership?
“I don’t fight for her.” Said Star, his first words to Nightmare Moon.
Her gaze firmly back upon him, she gritted her dagger like teeth, suspecting a trick.
“What?! Then your life is nothing to you? If so, I will gladly end it for you.”
Star couldn’t have flinched at the threat, but he was determined to show no fear. His life depended on it.
“I want to live, a lot…. your Majesty”.
His inclusion of titles seemed to somewhat surprise Nightmare Moon. Maybe it had been the case that captured soldiers of Equestria showed only defiance and a fighting spirit towards her. Admirable of course, but a quality that only got them killed.
“I was conscripted. They took me from my home! Barely trained me and sent me here unarmed. It was a farce!”
Star’s attitude and tone was bordering on passionate, despite being injured he showed great vigour, too much to Midnight Blossom in fact.
“Restrain yourself traitor! You will show our Queen nothing but- “
As Star interested himself with knowing that he was the traitor in the Commanders eyes, Nightmare Moon silenced her servant.
“Peace, Commander. Let this one voice his concerns, they may be the last thing he does before he dies.”
Star paused, almost swallowing deeply. His life was not yet saved, but that wasn’t really a concern. Instinct took over. He had no great plan, no tactics to live. He just said what he body let out.
“Thank you, your Majesty” he said automatically, gaining the smallest of smirks from Nightmare Moon. “I fought because I wanted to live to see my home again. To…I don’t know…have a family someday? They, Celestia and her like, made me fight for them, but I fought myself because it was the only way to gain a future for myself.”
Nightmare stared at him, her snake like eyes squinting somewhat. At this point, Star was more worried than ever before. His fate was practically hidden.
“So you are a coward? Fighting only because you were forced to. Vermin have more courage than that!”.
This surprised Star, who nearly panicked in an attempt to fix this misunderstanding. Being called a coward by Nightmare Moon of all, that was a death sentence in itself.
Shock and surprise hit him so hard it fact, that he didn’t bumble and stutter in defence of himself. It was almost anger that dictated his words now, as he didn’t want to be misunderstood, and die for it.
“No. I just fight because it was they who put this armour on me first, and then sent me out to die in some shit hole called Ponyville!” Star was worked up now, as thoughts drifted to the hellish conditions of his time ever since he had been taken from his home. “I had it good back home, but they were insistent on taking it all away from me! And we weren’t even seen off by Celestia! She didn’t even heave the heart to do that!”
Star’s words were bitter and now full of hate. His voice and risen and despite his wounds, he somehow still managed to show his conviction.
“Princess”.
“What? Your majesty?” Star replied.
“Princess Celestia. You failed to address her properly.” Nightmare Moon was resolute and watching him very carefully. So much so in fact, that he had just made a terrible mistake. Nightmare Moon demanded respect, something he hadn’t given.
This was surely the end to his defence. He said nothing, almost accepting his fate. Yet fear and regret didn’t fill his heart, not when he chastised to having to show respect for Celestia.
In talking about her cause, Star began to realise his distaste of her recently. Life wasn’t what he had anticipated it to be, when he was young, and now, because of her, he wouldn’t ever live it again.
“Curious. Even now you do not defend her. A trait I have witnessed many times in recruitment campaigns. Even from Ponies who understand the consequences of not doing so, they instead are so firm in their belief that Celestia should not rule, that they are willing to allow themselves to perish for it”.
This had not been Star’s intent at all. He had simply forgone proper titles because he had got worked up, carried away in his anger. That and the fact he had assessed Nightmare Moon with proper titles seemed to impress her, while in reality, he had only done so through his annoyance and the fact he had heard “your Majesty” a few times in his captivity, thus it being on his mind.
“Where is it that you call home? Hope greatly that it is hidden, for knowledge of your disrespect and disloyalty to your Princess will be well known, I will be sure of it. It would be a shame for any loved ones to suffer from your foolishness.”
Her words were horrifyingly threatening, and Star almost instinctively tried to counter them. He wanted to say she was wrong, to save his family from persecution. Yet he didn’t. He couldn’t. All because his life was to be over soon…. all because of Celestia.
“A village north of Vanhoover.” His reply was basic, but free of defiance. Now, even his family’s life was in jeopardy, and he didn’t nothing to help them.
Nightmare Moon paused again though. Not blinking at all. Unknowns to Star, conclusions were forming in her head.
“Commander!” she boomed, even with Midnight Blossom standing close. “How many losses did we sustain, not including our most recent loss” she said, obviously referring to the Captain.
“Your Majesty, I hardly think that necess- “
“I asked and you shall answer, Commander! If this one can answer as plainly as I desire, then you should too!” Nightmare cried out, throwing an armoured hoof Star’s way.
The Commander shifted uncomfortably, but answered eventually.
“425 confirmed deaths. Some more than that injured, primarily from artillery fire, but I must stress- “
Nightmare Moon was having little of it though. She shot her commander a deathly glare, and unlike the Captain, or perhaps because of him, no response was given.
“425 dead Bat Ponies. Elite troops. Such a shame…. “her voice was solemn, seemingly feeling the loss. That was until she looked back at Star.
For a moment, he was worried he was about to receive the blame.
On the contrary.
“Perhaps this one fought more bravely than I anticipated. Commendable. “
Praise perhaps given, however untrue it was.
Then, once more, Nightmare Moon entered deep thought. Star made no mistake, she was evaluating the true detail of his fate. He only hoped it was preferable somewhat, as in quick and painless. It didn’t want to be tortured to death.
The true conclusion however, was far as could be from these thoughts.
“Answer without doubt, Earth Pony. Answer truthfully, or suffer a terrible fate as all liars do…. Given the chance, would you forsake your duty to Equestria? To your Princess? Would you leave to return home?”
Star felt the crushing reality of the question. This was simple in nature. Did he want to live or die?
A simple question. One heavy in consequences.
His answer was equally simple.
“……I would….”
And so, just like that, Star publically announced his traitorous mind-set. That he would abandon a cause most felt just. He now no longer wished to side with the good guys. This either made him a total coward, or complicit in evil and darkness conquering all.
Yet, just as Nightmare Moon was about to sentence her judgment, Star found himself with more to say.
“Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I must say.”
Nightmare Moon, in her plain and unreadable silence allowed him. Star had nothing planned, but words needed to come out.
“I would do those things…but I don’t think I would go home”.
Nightmare rose an eyebrow, seemingly genuinely surprised.
“Oh?” she said, still as unhappy as ever though.
“I could go home, but that wouldn’t be wise, not with all this going on. I would do what I can to see they have a future, that they are safe. Celestia, I believe, doesn’t have that on her strange list of priorities, not when she sends students hastily into battle. No, I would do what I’ve been doing I think. Fighting…for them…”
A silence filled the air as quiet and empty as it had been when the Captain show his defiance. Climbing down from his instinctive height, adrenaline from his moments of truth leaving him, Star was left fearful again, as he now, once more, realised his immediate fate to be surrendered to the pony in front of him.
“You couldn’t go home” Nightmare Moon eventually said, confusing Star somewhat. “If you tried, we would execute you for the cowardly traitor you are.”
Star nearly let himself go. Nearly collapsed at the ignorant save he made himself. He simply said what came to mind, but what he had done in reality, was save himself from immediate death.
“…however… from what I have witnessed, here is a Pony wishing to fight for a better future, without fighting for the despotism and weakness of Celestia. A true Pony, so sure in themselves. A rare enough find”.
If Star thought Nightmare to be staring at him with such power before, he was now slapped around and proven wrong. She burrowed so deep within him, piercing directly into his soul, that he could have broken there and then, and showed her that cowardice could in fact infiltrate his decisions occasionally.
“I ask again. Given the chance, would you forsake your duty to Equestria? To your Princess….to serve the one true ruler of Equestria? Would you remove the armour of Celestia and don a new colour? Would you bow before me, and serve me until the end of your days?”
Star froze.
He was literally being asked to join Nightmare Moon.
He was being asked to serve Nightmare Moon.
Oh buck!
The consequences were clear. He was betraying everypony he ever knew. Joining the literal dark side. He could have thought of the ramifications and true meaning of this act all day, but again, quite oddly, words took over, and strange instinct cancelled out worry.
“No…I would not forsake Equestria. Equestria is my home, but I would fight for it…. to serve you, My Queen. If you are to rule Equestria, I would never forsake it or its Princ- Queen…”
The results of his decision were instant, and very clear.
His fate had been sealed.
With a victorious smile, Nightmare laughed under her breath, yet not in any way to cause concern in Star. She was impressed, and now, she had a new servant.
“Indeed. If only every Pony was so noble and virtuous in their belief, and noble in their duty to me.”
That was basically well done, in Nightmare Moon speech.
Or as he now should say, Queen Nightmare Moon.
“Your Majesty I must protest! How can we trust him!” interjected Midnight Blossom again.
It was a good point. Concern and vetting should be shown towards him, yet perhaps in annoyance to her Commanders once too many time interruptions, Star’s new Queen positively dismissed the point.
“If our new friend shows any sign of disloyalty, to his personal cause too it seems, then he knows the consequences. If he shows a lack of determination to fight, perhaps his service would best be suited in the camps. Regardless, we have an extra Pony to our preciously desired Ponypower.”
Again, another good point. A good servant or not, Star would be helping the Lunar Empire one way or another. In a perhaps thought of selfishness, he hoped it would be as properly as his Queen desired.
“Today is a good day. Ponyville is taken, and we now hath a loyal and valiant new servant who understands the truth, and not the lies spread by Celestia. “
Queen Nightmare Moon then looked down at Star, this time however, far more leader like and a look Star felt almost comfortable in, as if he was safe with his true Queen.
“Your name?” she asked quickly.
“Oh um, Star Scraper, your Majesty”. Star said, composing himself, gaining a satisfied smile from Queen Nightmare Moon.
“Star. I am fond of the name.” she said gently, walking away a bit, preparing to fly off to meet her other duties. “The Moon and the Star’s. Fitting”.
It was then with a final look, one of genuine pride, that Star’s Queen gave him. Not pride for him however. While she may be somewhat impressed he had not begged for mercy, or in some desperate attempt try to plead to her that he should join her, Nightmare’s pride was instead reserved for herself. With one fell swing she had taken Ponyville, a symbolic location. She had decimated an enemy Division and now, gained a new supporter from its battered remains.
She had a reason to be happy today for sure.
“Commander Midnight Blossom shall see to you now, Star Scraper. Until she says otherwise, you report directly to her. We will find you a suitable role to serve me, fear not”.
That was the last Star saw of her for today. Flying off with her powerful wings, flanked by her personal Guard, the Queen of the Night departed, ready to continue her domination of the land.
With this, but with uneasy and regretful desire, Star found himself less surrounded by past enemies. Their psychotic torture of him was halted, and his life was now to be dictated in the fires of war once more, but this time, against his once friends.
Midnight Blossom seemed less thrilled about this. She obviously only wanted to see an execution and a continuation of the war. Ordering Star around like a foal was not something she had donned her armour for.
“Know this, wretch!” she stated, using her serpent eyes to intimidate, just as her mistress had. The Commander had also given him the name wretch, as Nightmare Moon had initially. This was an attempt to assert dominance over Star. Of course he could do nothing but let this happen. She was his superior officer by a large margin and not even his new Queen would save him if he were to make Midnight feel insulted.
“You step out of line by just an inch, disobey even the simplest of commands, or fight for your eternal Queen with any less than your maximum effort, then I care not to see you toil away in the mines and camps. There you will know no peace!”
A Threat from a mouse compared to Nightmare Moon’s. Still, Star didn’t doubt her conviction to see her prisoner suffer. He had cast his bets with the bad guys now, and in that, he was them until death.
He would obey.
“I have no wish to see you for any longer than necessary. Our Queen has gracefully allowed me to station you where I feel you would be…. best suited. Perhaps General Speck will be of use of you. She does prefer a more Mass assault like doctrine. Perfect for cheap wretches like you!”
Star didn’t know this “Speck”, but if she differed to the a more considered, well prepared assault of Midnight Blossom, with an en-masse attack, Star didn’t fancy his chances.
Still, he had to obey now.
“Yes Ma’am… as you command” his voice was dreary, his body suffering from his injuries and past few intense moments. Midnight picked up on this. Yet concern was of course, limited.
“Oh dear, that looks painful.” She sneered, looking upon Star’s broken leg. “You definitely should just go away now. You’ll be needing that leg for your next taste of battle”.
Neither professional like tone nor care. Star, now being an ex Celestia soldier, would find no reprieve from his past, teasing, bullying and unfairness would be common place to him now. If he was to make it out of this alive, he would just have to bear this new storm.
“Well? You waiting for a pat on the head, Earth Pony? Get back to camp and get out of here!”
Star didn’t need telling twice. He could walk, albeit barely. His limp was already causing him insufferable pain, but in front of his new comrades, he needed to appear tough, else his uses seem more fitting to manual labour.
“Oh and be careful not to get shot. I’ll send word ahead that you’re with us, but I may wait a few minutes…or an hour”.
A cruel tormenting trial for his initiation into the Lunar Empire. A game of seeing if Star could make it back to camp without being mistaken for even his enemy now.
To help his chances, he carefully began to remove his Equestrian armour. A symbolic gesture.
As he did so, it wasn’t just an attempt to not be shot on sight, but a visible change in his fortune. Here he was, plainly in sight, showing all his relinquishment of Celestia. It was a removal not only of his armour, but his life, his values, and most likely, his friends and loved ones. He would win no pride, no love from any Pony in doing this.
He would be disowned from society, cast out as a dark individual and labelled as the true enemy.
This was war though, and Star would do whatever it took to survive.