//------------------------------//
// Peace was never an option Pt 1 
// Story: Night Patrol 2: Awakening 
// by Foxgear 
//------------------------------//

Night Patrol 2: Awakening Chapter 63

By Foxgear





“Get settled Apfel, we’ll be here a while.” Kinn Sauerkraut guffawed as she threw her rucksack under the green folding bed. The gold and blonde noble filly swooshed her lovely braided mane about removing the bare minimum of her armor to lay down.  “Sucks the action is on pause.”

“Is it really a bad thing?” Jazz (Alias Apfel Musik) replied, laying out her own bedding. Even in the field, their treatment was better than the average soldier, not just mares, but all the shock troopers. They were placed in decently sized tents far away from the trenches. The stench of blood and metal was still pungent but much more tolerable than when they toured the forward positions to get the lay of the land. 

Not that there was much land to see. Not a shred of greenery remained. Just mucky brown and gray. Craters, sinkholes, and former bases were the only things beyond the main trench, that and certain death. 

Even when on a ceasefire, ponies still covered their positions, shivering in the trenches' cold mud and murky water. Though a few days have passed, no pony made attempts to clean the unsanitary conditions. There was little point. They lacked the means and the will to even try. The fighting could resume without warning, so why bother? 

“So, what’s our mission here?” Jazz asked, removing her shoulder pauldrons for a more comfortable rest. 

Kinn tapped her chin, shimming out of the last of extra bulk, leaving her in her flight suit, boots, and breastplate. Her wings and horns still attached. On the front lines, they were meant to be battle-ready at all times. 

“Originally, we were supposed to reinforce the lines by performing rear line sabotaging raids and eliminating high-level targets. That’s on hold with the ceasefire, but Captain Stollen mentioned training some of the regulars or maybe some recon. We can’t fly across the No lands, at least without looking like aggressors. So, we’ll probably fly over the space between our bases, checking for Prench soldiers. There’s a lot of open space that needs to be monitored. I know it’s probably not what you signed up for.”

“Oh, that’s fine,” Jazz replied cheerfully. “Please don’t think ill of me, but I’d rather return home alive.” 

Kinn laughed, “nothing wrong with that. I know some of the boys are bragging about glory and honor, but there’s nothing wrong with just wanting to get through this. Things are a little different for those of lower rank. Unless you have ambitions to gain a noble title? Apfel Von Musik sounds kind of cool, ya know?”

Jazz waved her hoof, “Ah, no, no, that’s not my thing. I just want to get home to my family, you know?” 

“Ja, Ja, so who do you have waiting at home for you? Or did you come chasing after yer colt or mare?” 

“I don’t have a lot waiting for me, I guess. My parents are long since gone. I don’t have any siblings; I really only got my cousin’s children. Though they don’t need me as much as I tell myself they do. I guess… maybe there’s not that much of a rush. That’s what I get for focusing on work, I guess.” 

“You don’t have to sound so down about it,” Kinn encouraged. “Your young, so am I. We have plenty of time to make things up.” 

Something strange appeared in Jazz’s eye that Kinn couldn’t place. Suddenly she, who was supposed to be the senior, felt like she was looking at a hardened vet. When the red pony spoke, her words were heavy.

“I knew a lot of ponies that thought like that. I observed them since I was a little filly. I watched my seniors spout the same thing, only to never come back. I watched their lover’s grieve and move on in time. Watched my cousin take her chance at happiness, build her farm, and raise her kids, yet she still couldn’t escape danger. Only by mere chance did she and her family escape certain death. I watched my mentor drive himself to sheer madness, pushing himself to the brink of insanity. The stench of death clinging to him as if it were his lover. He finally found some happiness, but he could have had it sooner. So much sooner.” 

Sadly, Jazz looked at Kinn, her expression solemn. “Time is limited. If there’s something you want to do or somepony you want to be with. I suggest you not hesitate. Time is fleeting and waits for no pony.”

Kinn was uncertain how to respond. Apfel’s words felt like a weight around her neck while floundering in the water. The red mare’s solemn expression and deep sadness made it clear this was no edgy contrivance but something real. 

“I guess… I’ve just been trying not to think about it.” Kinn faltered, sitting on her bed, her ears flat against her head. “I have to. I can’t even look at the casualty reports anymore. Entire units are wiped out in days, most of my friends in other units are dead already. My original unit was reorganized under Captain Stollens. I and twenty other Shock troopers fought desperately to keep a hill that we would lose in a week. It wasn’t just us. Hundreds of others died pointlessly, fighting wave after wave of the enemy.”

Hooves shaking, Kinn’s cheery façade of the jolly big sister cracked before Jazz’s very eyes. Kinn fiercely wiped her tears. “I’m sorry… I’m the senior here… but maybe you’re not the rookie I thought you were. You seem more suited to this than me.”

Kinn nearly jumped when Jazz embraced her, rubbing her back in a gentle motherly way. “My cousin used to do this for me.” Jazz said quietly. “It always calmed me down when I was upset. I’m sorry… there’s enough misery here already. Your smile… is very warm and very welcomed, Kinn.”

“Oh, Apfel!” 

Jazz continued to comfort the other mare—guilt pouring from her heart like a wound. (How could I let her get this close. This is going to be hard.)

After laying Kinn down on her bed, Jazz returned to her own and contemplated her situation. She was where she was supposed to be, alone, with the others who knows where. 

To further add to her problems, after the unit’s mission briefing. The plan to fake their death’s in battle would be difficult to impossible during the ceasefire. Additionally, any sabotage or accident she employed to fake her death would result in the war kick-starting up again. 

(I’m starting to see why I’m not a commander now. I mean, it's Trifecta’s plan, but I should have been able to see this.) It was always easier to critique than think up something yourself. She could understand Trifecta missing such a small detail when he was under pressure to come up with something, anything to get them home.

Their lack of intelligence and foresight aside, there had to be a way to get away. Deserting was the obvious answer. It’s not like she was from Germane anyway. Some hearts would be broken, Kinn’s in particular, but she would have to live with that. The biggest roadblock would be the entire base and the officers that would be looking for deserters. 

Going in alone was her best bet. Sure, there were maybe some soldiers she could convince to join her. Mostly so she could use them as cover. But she might as well be killing them herself. Because that was the punishment for deserting. 

Laying down and staring at the ceiling, Jazz thought hard. Should she leave now? Should she wait? The longer she stayed, the more ponies would recognize her and the more attached she’d become to them. Right now, the base was packed with fresh new faces. She could slip away. Yet, because there were so many fresh soldiers, she guessed the officers would be on high alert for deserters. 

(I’ll wait until things settle down and for an opportunity to present itself. Maybe Trifecta and VeeVee can help me when they get here. Hopefully, they’re not too far behind.)

Settling down for a short rest, Jazz would be awoken by Captain Stollen with the news of the capital’s attack. Bringing the camp to high alert. In the briefing later, word of an Evernight Cruiser being sighted off the northern channel further worried the frontline officers as they waited for orders from central command. 

Any plan to slip away was unfeasible as Jazz found herself on a near twenty-four-hour shift, waiting for the enemy attack or for a Germane offense. 

It felt like the world was a powder keg, and somepony was smoking dangerously close to it. 

In the wee hours of the coming dawn, she thought she saw something watching her. She stared and stared at the fence made from withered trees. When her eyes fell heavy, and she blinked, her world was suddenly black and white. 

--break?

“Apfel? Where are you? Your shift is over! Apfel?” Kinn shouted to the vast empty wasteland, standing in the spot her bunkmate was supposed to have been keeping watch. 

Inspecting the boot prints in the muck, Kinn saw they went nowhere. They were shallow, indicating Apfel had not kicked off to fly. It was as if she had merely vanished. 

“Apfel! Apfel!” She screamed. When the stale winds of the no lands choked her voice, she hastily ran back to camp. “Captain Stollen! Captain Stollen!”

The camp, already tense from the news of the Capital attack, was in a tizzy as the rumor of one of the own disappearing spread. Dark murmurs were muttered as the soldiers looked across the barren wasteland. 

Had their comrade deserted? Evidence pointed to no. Meaning there was only one possibility. She had been abducted, dragged across the No lands to the enemy trenches for interrogation—an act of aggression by their enemy, a clear violation of the ceasefire. 

The officers looked out over their restless soldiers. They didn’t have the evidence nor the time to find it. 

“Prepare for an attack,” Was the solemn order given by Stollen. “We will rescue our fellow pony!”





Country of Freiberger, Peace Summit, day 5





The atmosphere was tense in the Germane quarters. Kaiser Hades shook with visible anger at the emergency report that arrived early this morning. His country, no his own home, had been attacked. Details were few and far between, but the sum of the report from Zeppelin was Wiess, and an unknown officer had been killed by a terrorist. 

Zeppelin’s description of the assailant was mixed. Maybe because there were two. The Mastermind and her lackey, who was summoned at the zenith of their battle. The Mastermind was described as a creature of immense power, possibly a Blessed Blood. The tidbit about her using bone wands caught Hade’s interest, as it confirmed the Mastermind was not a Unicorn, nor did Zeppelin call her a Pegasus, just something else. 

Pacing the room, Hades thought about the vague description he was given. Given the mix reporting, the closest match that he could think of would be a thestral. The raspberry-colored coating was a bit off, given the species’ usual gray and blue tones. Yet, there was always genetic divergence in any group. 

This second pony, the lackey or rather the slave, was a black and pink unicorn. 

It was relatively petty, but the thought of a unicorn being enslaved made him laugh. It was almost ironic to him, really. In fact, if he were to be just a bit more immature, he would be willing to forgive the intruder just for that. 

However, the second report from his dear Kaiserin made him discard that thought. As well as any forgiveness. The vessel that he had worked so hard to make for his beloved had disappeared without a trace. The underground lab, destroyed. All of Princess Cadence’s DNA was gone. As well as that mysterious rock he acquired from that Equestrian Archeologist. 

Knowing he couldn’t look at this rationally, he gave the reports to his precious and stone-cold daughter Titania, whose only outwardly emotional change was the small trembling of her lip. 

“What’s your opinion, Titania?”

“Professionally or personal?” 

“Professionally first, if you would.” 

Titania took a deep breath, “It concerns me that a spy was able to cut so deep into our most secure facility. What’s more concerning is their unknown affiliation. A gut response would have me pointing hooves at Prance or one of their allies, but I highly doubt they could keep a pony that could contend with Zeppelin under wraps for this long. We know all our rivals, and they are all accounted for. Even the ones not involved in the war. The possibility that this is an independent entity is middling.” 

“And your personal unfiltered opinion?”

“It's Equestria," She spat with disdain. 

"Oh?" Hades hummed while preparing a glass of water. "You suspect Celestia? But not Luna? Why?"

"Celestia is the one here. She's the one that got involved, correct? She could be using her presence here as a distraction, to look through our dirty laundry and use it against us in the talks." 

Swirling his glass, Hades looked doubtfully at his daughter. "You give her too much credit. Had you suggested Luna, I would be more open, but Celestia… she's too naïve and optimistic to plan such a thing. If one of the sisters is behind this, I will place gold on Luna, but even this isn't her style. She is much too direct."

Titania chewed her lip, obviously battling against her personal bias to reach a logical conclusion. Just thinking of the detestable Sun Princess made her head spin, let alone think clearly. Grabbing a bottle of Apfelschnaps, she chugged a quarter of the 32-proof liquor with a very unrefined 'AH!" 

"Fine," She said flatly. "Say the Princesses isn't involved, but that doesn't mean their subordinates aren't. Equestria and Evernight both have very independent command structures. In fact, Evernight in particular, if you consider that Luna's husband, Duke Sixes, is the military commander. He could have read the wind and launched an intel-gathering operation that went sour. The unidentified creature could be from his group."

Hades poured himself a glass of the schnaps, letting the alcohol burn his throat as he pondered the idea. "Hmm, that's much more believable, but I doubt Sixes was the one to come up with the idea, but it won't take much convincing to get him on board. There is only one little snag, this unicorn slave. Neither Celestia, Luna, or any of their ponies condone the idea of slavery."

Titania frowned, her cheeks reddened by alcohol and frustration. "As much as I hate to admit it, you're right. Given their background, they'd never be open to such a concept. That little detail puts a wrench in the whole theory. Is there something we're missing?" 

She read through the reports again. Finding little enlightenment. On her third read through, Titania found something that caught her eye. "Zil was the Unicorn slave's name. Apparently, she's the oldest daughter of King Sombra, must be some sick in the head mare. King Sombra has been dead for centuries, and he had no daughters." 

"Sombra, huh." Her father whispered quietly. 

"Father?"

"I suppose you wouldn’t have known, but that little war Celestia and Luna had in the North was against King Sombra. They put out a report in the Equestria papers detailing the campaign. Sombra used some sort of dimensional magic to survive all these years and fathered several new children. The majority of which were killed in the war, but a few were unaccounted for and presumed dead."

"And this Zil was one of them?"

"Perhaps," he answered with a shrug. "I didn't pay much attention. Be impressed that I remembered such nonsense from five years ago." 

"I suppose I shall, but there is a pony here now with answers. Though I'd rather not resort to it, we have little choice." Titania said, draining the last half of the liquor bottle. 

"You're not planning on seeing her, are you? You need not put yourself in such a position. I'll go."

"No," Titania answered firmly. "I’ll go. Besides, I need to get something off my chest. On a side note, I can’t promise to not slap or spit in Celestia’s face, so… sorry in advance.”

Hades laid back on the sofa, wondering if he should try and stop his daughter. Maybe she needed this, and Celestia was the softhearted hippy type. “Just separate official and personal business, my dear.”

“Sure, I’ll try.” 





Titania lapped the conference building for the fifth time. Despite her bold declaration of meeting Celestia, she felt sick to her stomach at the idea of meeting the mare she cursed for almost her entire existence. 

What would she say, what should she say, and how can she convey her absolute hatred for the Alicorn, yet perform her duties? This was a weakness she struggled to overcome. Never before had her emotions been so hard to control. 

Passing one of the many mirrors in the hallway, Titania looked at the metal horn she sported. The newest model: the Bismarck 380 Superior Armament Prototype, B-380-SAP for short. 

“This thing is heavy.” She lamented, unpinning the horn from her skull and stowing it away. “It’s probably better not to meet Celestia armed. At least readily armed.” 

Checking the clock, Titania felt the knots of her stomach worsen. In ten minutes, she was to meet Celestia in her room. Naturally, she couldn’t merely meet the Princess of Equestria on a whim. She first had to make a request, which had to be sent to her aid, which had to be run by Celestia herself.

Of course, there was the matter of scheduling. Celestia had to speak with many ponies at the conference, but the Princess fit her in. It was a several hour wait time. She’d passed many grumbling officials from various countries and of high standing that mumbled angrily about their meeting suddenly getting canceled to tomorrow. 

“O’2200, let’s do this.” 

Composed Titania made for Celestia’s room. General Cobalt Blaze greeted her outside the door. By his suspicious glare and fiddling, he clearly didn’t approve of this meeting. She was less offended and more galvanized by the General’s display. Her confidence rising as she waited for the General to announce her to the Princess. 

At long last, the door between her and Celestia was opened, and Titania entered as if she owned the place. Head held high, her posture posed as if she were about to address her troops. However, instead of the salty sweat of stallions and Zeppelin’s coffee's fragrance, there was instead tea and cake, with a lavender smell. 

Celestia herself, the pony she’s long hated, sat regally as she imagined, quietly sipping her tea with her eyes closed as if a surprise attack wasn’t even a possibility. That kind of irked her and made Titania want to teach the Princess a lesson. 

That lesson would have to be a verbal one. Exhaling, Titania sat on the couch opposite of Celestia, displeased by the spread before her. 

“I’m not a tea drinker,” The Kaiser’s daughter stated gruffly, deliberately deepening her voice. She hated how much smaller she was compared to other ponies. Being across from the Sun Princess only further emphasized her short stature. So, she was projecting  to sound bigger than she was. Too bad, her voice was so high pitched. 

Celestia’s half-opened her eyes, there was a faint flash of magic, and a bubbling pot of coffee appeared on the table with sugar and crème. “How do you like your coffee?”

“Black,” Titania answered flatly. Many assumed since she looked so young, she liked to sugar and crème her coffee to the point of turning it into diabetes-inducing shit. Keeping any further comments to herself, she allowed the Sun Princess to pour her cup before gingerly cradling the fine china with her hooves and taking a long, satisfying sip. “Not bad.”

“My sister is a coffee drinker as well. Much like you, she prefers it as it’s poured.” A small smile spread across the Princess’s lips. “I find that… interesting.”

“It’s not that uncommon,” Titania replied, gazing with half-closed eyes at the Princess and receiving the same back. Seems they were both analyzing the other. She set her cup down, sitting up straight. “I suppose it’s only proper to introduce myself, as this is our first private meeting. I am Prinzessin Titania von Blunt, Kaiser Hades’ stepdaughter. A pleasure to meet you.”

Celestia smiled as if delighted by something she found amusing. “How polite, I am Celestia Solaris, but I doubt I need to say more. You know who I am. In your letter of introduction, you said you had some questions for me?”

“Yes, it regards…” Titania trailed off as Celestia held up her hoof to stop. It was frustrating, but she had to play nice with the Princess right now. 

“I’m fine answering whatever I can, but only if you permit me to ask a few questions of my own.”

Titania narrowed her eyes at the Princess, pursing her lips, “That… would not be unreasonable, I suppose. I shall launch the first volley as it were.”

“Proceed, I’m all ears.”

That soft, motherly tone and aura, it made Titania sick to her stomach. (I’ll keep this brief before I try to strangle her.)

“Just today, My Father and I received a report from home of an attack. The investigation is ongoing, but we have a pony of interest, A unicorn by the name of Zil, claiming to be the daughter of the late King Sombra.”

The Alicorn’s only outward reaction was a sharp tick of her brow, but Celestia suddenly appeared much more serious. “Oh? That is surprising. We had expected her dead by this point. If she was alive for all this time, I’m surprised she hasn’t come for revenge on us. Since it’s obvious, I will tell you I have no idea what her intentions are nor why she would attack Germane.”

“That’s fine. In fact, Zil wasn’t the one who carried out the attack, but the one who used summoning magic to summon her. We’ve no idea of who the Mastermind is, but they are described as a thestral with raspberry coloring, possessing an insane amount of magic. They are quoted as describing Zil as their slave or Cu if that helps.”

Celestia appeared troubled, muttering something about how powerful a pony would need to be to perform summoning magic, as well as force Zil to be their slave. “Titania… how much do you know about summoning and enslavement magic?”

“Not much.”

“Well, I know more than I care to admit. Enslavement magic has been around since forever. It was regretfully around when even I was a filly and well before. There are all types, some more powerful than others, but add in summoning magic and Cu. Well, it reminds me of a story I heard once.”

Titania felt the excitement swell in her chest. This was worth the trouble! Also, she loved history. “What story?”

“Well,” Celestia said, taking a sip of tea. “I don’t mean to be difficult, but I’d like to ask a question of my own first.”

Titania ground her teeth, “You do realize my home was attacked? Right?”

“Yes, but I am I not due to a question for one answered?”

“Fine, ask away.”

“Thank you, and pardon my ignorance, but how did you become the Kaiser’s stepdaughter? I was not aware he was married more than once. If at all before now?”

“THAT’S YOUR QUESTION?” Titania seethed. “That’s so… FINE!” She took a long breath. “Before my father was crowned Kaiser, he was smitten with my mother, a rather well-known prostitute in noble circles. It was more than just physical love. He genuinely did love her, so he tells me. But due to their difference in station, they could not marry. However, for a short time before he was crowned, he, as my grandfather would describe, played peasant. Marrying my mother until she died of her profession. When he ascended to the throne, he took me with him. Even though I wasn’t from his seed. That’s the abridged version. Can we get back to more current topics?” 

The sun Princess seemed troubled, especially when the word ‘Prostitute’ entered the chat. The look of anguish on Celestia’s face was unearned in Titania’s mind. (Acting like she cares! That fucking bitch! It’s your fault mom was selling herself! You disowned her and all the Whitebloods! Never lifting a hoof to help for centuries!)

Biting her inner cheek, Titania kept herself in check. She can’t take this personally (Not yet), not when Celestia didn’t know they were related. “If you would pick up where you left off, you were saying something about a story?”

“Oh, right, right. I don’t know how it relates to current events, but my mother told me the Cu the hound story when I was young. It goes that an Alicorn of… I can’t remember what, but there was an Alicorn who owned a faithful hound named Cu. Cu was a mighty and terrible beast. One might say it was Cerberus’s ancestor. Now Cu would watch over the Alicorn while they slept, the bones of any intruders becoming its feast and further strengthening the monster.”

Titania leaned forward, enraptured by the tale. 

“One night, a friend of the Alicorn came for an unexpected visit. However, Cu, acting as a loyal watchdog, pounced at the intruder as was its job, though it was mighty. The Alicorn was far mightier and killed the hound by crushing its skull. Cu’s master grieved for her murdered protector, and her friend, so filled with remorse, offered to take the beast’s place.”

The Kaiser’s daughter thought this was a bit of a roundabout way of answering but held back as the story unfurled more. Finding the tale interesting. 

“To ensure her friend would never betray her, she took the blood of the slain hound and crafted a seal upon her friend. This seal, regarded as the first slave seal, instilled Cu’s loyalty to the beast’s murder. It’s said the Alicorn changed his name to the hound’s, serving as a protector for the rest of his life. The seal became known as the Curse of Cu. Any pony that willingly takes the curse upon themselves is bound to serve as their master’s protector until death. The curse’s only benefit is that it can call the cursed pony from anywhere with little magic.”

The story done, Titania mulled the tale over. Wondering what the point of the story had been. It almost seemed like Celestia was stalling or drawing out their time. But looking at the information the Princess presented, Titania realized there was a lot there. 

“Let me get this straight, this is a tale that YOU, Princess Celestia, a pony over three thousand years old, was told this story by your mother. When you were a child? Correct?” 

“That is correct,” Celestia replied readily. That teacher’s smirk really drove her crazy, but this confirmed Titania’s theory. 

“And how common knowledge is this curse?” 

“A Clydesdale pony would probably at least know some version of the tale, but I doubt they’d know about the curse or, even if they did, wouldn’t know how to apply it. I don’t even know what rune or runes it uses or the ritual and materials to activate it.”

This was cause for concern. Titania didn’t know why Celestia was beating around the bush about this. It was most likely her just playing teacher. But given the information, there was only one conclusion Titania could reach.

“The mastermind in question… would have to either be a hardcore historian or very, very old.”

“I suppose that would be the logical conclusion. There are few, but some creatures older than me still remain. Some I’m probably not even aware of.” Celestia added, taking a sip of tea, looking far off. “Can I ask you a frank question?”

“I’ve already found out what I need to know, but I’ll humor you. I’ll answer one more question.”

Celestia’s smile became sheepish. “I don’t know if I can narrow it down to one. It’s rather broad, but… you know… you’re my descendent, Titania Apolla Whiteblood?”

The sound of china shattering on the floor filled the room. Titania, as if struck, could only stare at the Princess. A flood of emotions overwhelming her. Though her usual logical voice was speaking, all she could hear was her pent-up anger shouting, (She knows! That bitch knows and has the gall to smile like that! To look at me as if I’m one of her own? When she abandoned my mother? And left my family to scavenge like dogs!)

“Titania… are you ok?” Celestia was unsure what to do, completely thrown off by the young mare’s reaction. And the malice radiating off her like a miasma. “Titania?” 

Suddenly as it came, the malice disappeared, and Titania sported a wide, innocent-looking smile. What she said next was anything but innocent. “Tell me, Princess, what’s it like being a backstabbing two-faced lying whore?”

“I beg your pardon?” 

Titania tilted her head, still smiling creepily. “I was just curious. I mean, you preach such lovely things such as the magic of Friendship and love and tolerance.”

“I do endorse the magic of Friendship, but I’m miss quoted on the love and tolerance line. That was said by a different pony or perhaps an intelligent wolf who may or may not be my accountant.” 

“Enough! The point of the matter is you prefer the company of strangers rather than your own blood. You very publicly disowned all your descendants! That’s fine. I understand why you did that. In fact, I would have done it myself had I been in your position. That’s fine from a public position, but privately, you never raised a hoof either! Generations upon generations of your own blood suddenly had to deal with being completely abandoned by their living ancestor. All their reputation and honor stripped from them in a single night!”

“I didn’t want them to rely on me. I had to be Princess for everypony, not just my children’s, children’s, children's, and so on. It’s not like they needed me before I became Princess.”

“Maybe some didn’t! The rich ones!” Titania snapped. “What about the ones like my mother? Born poorer than dirt, with nothing but her looks and some brains going for her. When she was told she was of your blood, she scarped and saved to go see you. She didn’t expect anything from you. She just thought it would be nice to talk to you just once. To learn about her family and where she came from. Do you know what happened? She was turned away at the gate! She spent nearly everything and wasn’t even allowed to make a plea because of a decree from almost a thousand years ago! Then, some sicko said, hey, you look like the Princess! I’d sure like to roll around with you in the hay! So, began her glamourous life as a prostitute. It was great for the spineless pricks that wanted a chance at you, but it was really great for those who secretly hated you! A few extra bits to slap her to the ground? Sure! She needed the money! And one of those worthless bastards is my genetic donator!” 

Celestia didn’t know how to react to the rant, nor the seething girl across from her. The story had cut deep. This was partly why she never followed up on her descendants. She knew not all of them could or would leave healthy, happy lives. Some might have even been criminals. Yet, whatever the reality, she chose to believe they were doing well. 

To finally hear a heart wrenching personal tale was challenging, yet not as dreadful as Celestia expected. 

(I’m genuinely cold-hearted, aren’t I?) 

“I’m sorry to hear that. It was wrong that your mother was denied a chance to even make her case, but I stand by my choice.” Celestia remained stoic. “Think me cold-hearted, but your mother made her choices. I have no right to judge them, but that was her life, not mine or yours. Besides, she got her wish; you, Titania, you did not have to live with her hardships, correct?”

Tears threaten to fall from the white earth pony. It was a testament to her emotional control that she wasn’t bawling or attacking the Sun Princess. Though the muscle twitches in Titania’s legs suggested, she was close to pouncing. 

In this game of poker, Celestia could only play her best cards. 

“You’re a strong pony, Titania. I’m proud of you and your mother. I know I don’t have the right to say that either, but it’s true. This is why I need your help to bring this war to an end.”

“You need… my help?” Titania repeated, visibly confused. “A literal goddess is asking me for help? That’s laughable. You know I hate you, right? Or was I not clear?”

“I know. You can hate me all you want; it doesn’t bother me. But I doubt you hate your fellow Germanians nor reveal in their deaths.” Celestia closed her eyes, taking a steadying breath. “I’ve come to realize I cannot bring this conflict to a conclusion. A bloodless one, at least. The hatred D’Arcy holds for you is beyond rational. She’s lost her mind.”

“I can agree with that, but what are you aiming for?” 

“If I support your proposal for a fight, will you do me one favor? Just one. Please spare D’Arcy. All I ask you is not to kill her.” 

Titania frowned. “You act like I have an overwhelming edge over her. I have the means to take her, but not if I’m holding back.”

“What if… I could give you the means to overwhelm D’arcy handily? You’ve heard of the alicorn amulet’s, correct?” Titania nodded slowly, putting two and two together. “I have several… in my collection. I would be willing to loan one to you. Temporarily.” 

“Oh? Really? Forgive me if I don’t really buy that sale.” Titania’s smile became vicious, a delicious idea coming to her. “You’re planning to retire soon, correct?” 

“Yes…” Celestia replied hesitantly. “As soon as the war is resolved.”

“Alright… one year. After you retire and the war is settled, you will stay in Germane for one year. With your magic sealed and your wings bound. For one year, you will live as an earth pony and as my personal amusement. Don’t worry, I have nothing gross in mind, just a lot of petty revenge schemes. Actually, one year might be too short, let’s say five at the least. Hell of a deal to end the war, and what’s five years to one such as you?” 

Celestia didn’t respond promptly, more so to give the appearance of dreading the proposed deal than any actual hesitation. 

“I… can agree to those terms, so long as the alicorn amulet is returned. I shall not submit unless that condition is met. That said, if you chose to keep it, you could expect some retaliation… from me at least.” 

Seeing the implied threat, Titania couldn’t help but give her customary vicious smile. “Don’t fret. Five years of humiliating you is worth giving up one of those gems. Really, I’m surprised you bent so easily. I’m kind of shocked, really.”

“It’s merely perspective. Shall we shake on it?” Celestia offered her hoof, Titania copying the motion, but before they could connect. Celestia suddenly knocked the Kaiser’s daughter aside! Nearly flinging her into the wall! Titania shook herself and rose, horn already to attack Celestia, but stayed when she saw the Alicorn’s leg bending the wrong way. 

An equine like creature, coat black as night, and stripes bright as the moon was in the room, a cub between its teeth. It snarled, passing through Celestia’s broken leg to charge at her! Titania fired a magic bullet, the attack passing through the intruder. 

“Was zum Teufel!” Titania cursed, throwing the furniture at the attacker, that too passed through, like it was a ghost. Yet when it attacked, the club they wielded was no apparition. Smashing the nightstand to pieces. 

The ghost gave chase, Titania using whatever she could grab to bar its path, yet nothing slowed it down. Celestia, still withering in pain, shouted something at the intruder, yet it didn’t take any heed. 

“Shadow! Is that you? Shadow Specter?” 

Titania had no idea what strategy Celestia was deploying, but it wasn’t working. Her attacker gave no heed to her words. 

“Vir, my clan!” The attacker screamed. “Wit Heks!” 

“Zebra… oh, so you’re that fairy tale nonsense your kin were petering on about! Hell, of a lot of good that did them! Your only five years late to the battle!” 

“Shut up, Murderer!” 

“Savage!” 

The two continued to clash, Titania fighting a defensive battle against the ghost Zebra. Had she had her wings equipped, she could at least have the ariel advantage. On the ground, the Zebra clearly had the advantage, much to her displeasure. 

(She can’t stay intangible all the time! She can’t!) Titania thought fiercely. With her Bismarck 380, Titania had every spell Germane had on record at her disposal. It was an unfortunate stroke of luck they never factored in fighting ghosts. 

At her wit's end, she fired a scattershot with delayed blasts, hoping to find some sort of lag in the phantom’s phasing. Every shot flew right through. 

(This is cheating.) Titania thought sourly as her back hit the wall. The room was far too tiny for battling. 

“Shaka has you!” The Zebra, Titania assumed was Shaka, declared pouncing with her club. A streak of yellow slammed into her from the side, blasting the Zebra through the wall. 

From her position, Titania looked over to see Celestia with a smoking horn. The pony she hated most saving her life. (This sucks.) 

“What spell did you use to do that?” 

“Nothing special,” Celestia stated, snapping her broken leg together. The sound sent shivers down Titania’s spine, yet the Alicorn looked nonplus about the injury. As if it didn’t even bother her. The sun Princess moved her leg while casting some sort of healing magic on it. “Good enough.”

The door burst open. General Cobalt finally entering the scene. To his credit, he didn’t immediately accuse her of anything, despite the look of the room. 

“So… I went for coffee like you asked me to… and I find this… did talks not go well?” 

“We have an intruder. A Zebra with the ability to turn transparent. Like a ghost. Her target is Princess Titania. We’ll escort her to her father, just in case he’s being targeted as well. Inform security.”

“Right. And do I leave out the part about the ghost Zebra? That seems rather hard to swallow.”

“Hmm… I suppose it does now that you say it. Funny, it feels so ordinary to me. The consequences of knowing the original ghost pony, I guess.” Celestia looked to Titania, smiling at the marvel of engineering that was the Bismarck 380. “Come along. Securing your father and the other leaders is the top priority.” 

“Yes, I suppose your right.” Titania wasn’t happy about being drawn into Celestia’s orbit. Her pose, tone of voice, and sheer charisma made the Alicorn easy to follow. Not even she could fight it one hundred percent. However, Titania merely rationed Celestia was her best chance to defeat her savage ghost opponent. 

(I’m not following her. I’m using her… yeah. That’s what I’m doing.) 

As they trotted at a reasonable pace. Titania couldn’t help but keep glancing at the Alicorn. “You didn’t answer my question. How did you hit her when she was transparent?”

“I just followed her breathing. When transparent, ghost ponies tend to hold their breaths. When they exhale, it’s usually a sign of them becoming corporeal. It was something I noticed when training with Shadow Specter back in the day. He was the original ghost pony. He said he may be ghost-like, but he still had lungs.” 

“So, she needs to breathe? I guess that’s the difference between the living and dead.” Not that Shaka would be living much longer if Titania had her way, but she didn’t need to tell Celestia that. A little show of mercy would be the best way to keep the Sun Princess on her side. Providing she didn’t outright kill Shaka in their next encounter. 

The two Princesses proceeded through the Summit halls. Everywhere the guards of every nation were on high alert, the rooms to their charges firmly secured. For the most part, the guards let them pass. So long as they didn’t try to approach their employers. 

“Father’s room is up ahead.” Titania broke away, her eagerness to save her father overriding everything else. It didn’t help that she was the only Ace part of their security detail. Her unit was sent home to keep the peace talks peaceful when D’Arcy raised a fuss about them.

“Titania, wait!” 

Celestia’s words went unheeded as the Germane Princess reached for the door handle. Shaka dropped down from the ceiling, posed to strike at Titania’s unprotected skull. The Germane earth mare sensed the incoming attack but couldn’t counter or dodge in time. 

Thankfully she didn’t need to. A red blur tackled Shaka to the ground. After a brief struggle, the Zebra sunk into the floor with a bloody lip. 

“Thank you…” Titania’s voice caught at the sight of her savior; she never would have expected to be saved by a rinin of all ponies. 

“Fierce Fury? What are you doing here?” Was Celestia’s question. “What happened to you?”

The red rinin was battle-worn. Sporting a sunken eye, broken teeth, and other blunt force trauma. He spat a glop of blood on the floor in a show of toughness. Had he wanted to, he could heal his injuries but wasn’t for some reason. 

“That scheming bitch,” He spat again, indicating Shaka. 

Celestia did not like where this was going. Simultaneously, the building began to shake, and she was sure she heard what was hopefully not a dragon roar. 

“What’s the situation?” 

“Yes,” A voice inquired. Kaiser Hades stepped out of his room, observing the ponies gathered at his door with a keen eye. His focus lingering on Fury. “What is going on here?”