Rebel Against the Night
By
CrossoverManiac
Code Geass is owned by Sunrise, Inc. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is owned by Hasbro and created by Lauren Faust. This is a fan-based work not intended for commercial purposes. Character thoughts are italics.
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Chapter 11: A Shot Across the Bow
Lieutenant Cottonmane, the unicorn with a puffy white mane dressed in the dark Byzantium armor of Nightmare Moon’s imperial guard, beamed with pride at their latest victory over the nefarious wild ponies- ingrates that spur the graces of their empress and dared to harbor relics of their ape past. These affronts to ponykind were stowed away in a room built underneath the foundation of a bathhouse ran by the Yakuza, the Japanese equivalent to the EU’s Italian Mafia. This was evident by the tattoos, the most prominent being the crimson-scaled, eastern-style dragon, etched on the patches of bare skin on the slain wild ponies. Their cutie marks obscured by their vulgar body art. One of the lifeless bodies, however, was out of place-a clean cut and, despite his empress’ edict against covering the bodies she had blessed them with, well-dressed earth pony. He was probably a museum curator before the occupation. How sad that these wild ponies clung to the past to the bitter end.
The more patriotic members of the Yakuza concealed historical artifacts from Britannia in hidden rooms within their ‘legitimate’ businesses. Back in his days as a customs agent, he was well aware of the practice, but it was a distant priority behind stopping the flow of Refrain and investigating government contractors for evading import taxes. But times have changed. He has changed. Now his detective skills were better served rooting out the malcontents jeopardizing the new world Nightmare Moon was building for them.
Lieutenant Cottonmane was greeted by a treasure trove that represented the zeitgeist of the age in which they were wrought-scroll paintings that dated back to the Era of the Warring States, wood carvings from the Heian Period, a painting of Oda Nobunaga, the man who initiated of the unification of Japan under the shogunate in the 16th century, Edo Period samurai armor, and so on.
All of dumped contemptuously in a pile waiting to be burned.
Another unicorn, a mare with a purple mane and blue coat of fur, saluted Cottonmane. “Sir, we’ve finished emptying out that smuggler’s den.”
“Excellent! Corporal Glitter Cheeks, see to it that the wild ponies on this block have a front row seat when we incinerate this trash. They’re overdue for a reminder of who’s in charge.”
“Yes my lord,” Glitter Cheeks saluted. The corporal flagged down a pair of stallions, one earth pony and one pegasus. “Gather all of the wild ponies on this block!”
“I’m sorry, but we can’t do that,” said the pegasus.
“Excuse me?!?”
“We have to move to the artifacts to a safe location.”
“I’m not in the mood for jokes.” Corporal Cheeks was incensed by the defiant guards. “You’ll be a world of hurt if you do.”
“What’s the problem, Corporal?” The lieutenant asked.
Corporal Glitter Cheeks pointed to the two guards snatching up artifacts. “They said they moving them to a *safe* location.”
“I hope, for your sake, you’re taking this outside to be burned.” The lieutenant threatened.
“No sir,” the pegasus and earth pony guard said while looking at their commanding officer with vacant stares.
“Corporal, get these stallions under control or else I’m find somepony else that can.” Out the corner of Cottonmane’s eye, the samurai armor, piece by piece, floated off the pile and into the waiting hooves of Corporal Glitter Cheeks. “Didn’t I order you to discipline those stallions?!?”
“You did, but I have to save these historical artifacts.”
“You too, Corporal?!?” Cottonmane was in a telekinetic tug-a-war with Glitter Mane. They dug their hooves in and tried backing away from the other.
“Let go!” Glitter Cheeks strained. The samurai face mask dented inward and buckled under the stress.
“Unless you want a court-marital, you’ll put those back on the pile where they belong.”
“I can’t, sir,” said Glitter Cheeks as she broke free from Cottonmane’s grip. “I’m under orders to deliver them to a safe location.”
“And who the hay gave you that orders?!?”
“That would be me.” A unicorn in bronze armor spoke up. This stallion had a smoky gray coat and dark brown hair and kept his gazed fixed on the ground.
“A buck private that thinks he’s running thing,” Cottonmane sneered as he sprinted around the pile to the unicorn and pressed his face against his. His horn scraped against the guard’s. They would be eye-to-eye except the guard kept looking down. “Just give me a damn good reason why I shouldn’t have you executed on the spot for insubordination?” The lieutenant demanded. “Look at me when I’m talking to you, dammit!”
“If you insist,” said the guard has he glanced up.
“Your eyes?!? You’re not one of us!”
“Lelouch vi Britannia commands you gather up these national treasures and follow me to the location that I’ve set aside for their safe keeping. After you’ve done, I’ll hand you directions to a second location where you will commit suicide.”
“Just lead the way, my lord,” said Cottonmane.
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Hi-TV’s broadcast tower extended from the studio office like a chimney. During the invasion of what was once known as the Tokyo Settlement, the tower was hit by stray lightning bolts and still bore the scorch marks from that battle except for the top three meters. There, the Nightmare Moon cultists were busy repairing the damage. Partially rebuilt satellite dishes lined the edge of the circular balcony at the top of the building.
The pegasi work crew swarmed the upper floors of the Hi-TV broadcast tower. Their slanted eyes burned bright white as the ambient light reflected from their cat-like orbs. Park alongside the building, suspended in mid-air was a cart filled with supplies hitched to a team of pegasi. It remained perfectly leveled even though nopony was the other end holding it up. The workers glided back and forth between the supply cart and the satellite dishes. Another team of pegasi held aloft a chariot manned by a single occupant, an earth pony mare, who intently studied the hoofiwork of the work crews as the chariot circled the top of the tower. She scanned the work area with a flashlight. It was held aloft by a metal strip fastened around it, which, in turned, was stuck to magnetic tabs built into the mare’s horseshoes. With each pass, Rakshata was greeted by collective groans of distain as well as whispered curses. The pegasi shielded their eyes whenever she shined her flashlight anywhere near them.
“Stop right here,” Rakshata ordered. Her attention was directed at a stallion screwing on a U-bolt. “You there,” she yelled. “They used *that* wire for the transmitter?!?”
“Yes ma’am?”
“I gave specific instruction to go up in size. The diameter of that wire is smaller than the wire that was installed before.”
“But we did as you told us.”
“You didn’t. I can tell just by looking at it.”
“But it’s 4-gage wire. It even says so on the label.”
Rakshata nudged the flashlight off the horseshoes and facehoofed. “That’s one size smaller. I said one larger.”
“But it is a size larger.”
“Gage number goes down as the wire diameter increases. Now replace that 4-gage wire with 2-gage.”
“Yes ma’am,” the worker pouted.
“Having trouble with the laborers?” A voice that was all too familiar to Rakshata jested.
“Not now. I’m not in the mood today Dieth...Newsie News.”
“Come now, you can make time for our Empress.”
“The Empress?!?” Rakshata looked behind and saw Nightmare Moon hovering in mid-air next to Diethard, who had the same cat-like eyes as the workers. All around her, the work crews dropped what they were doing and to show their respect for the crown. The ponies on solid ground bowed to the Empress while the ones that were in mid-air tilted their head down.
“My apologies, your majesty,” Rakshata bowed.
“Are you the one called Rakshata?” Nightmare Moon asked.
“Yes, your majesty.”
Nightmare Moon weaved through the spaces between the modified satellite dishes inspecting the workmanship before looping back. “And you will make it possible for all my subjects to hear my proclamations in my own voice no matter the distance? Even farther than with the royal Canterlot voice?”
“Once we get the relay stations up and running.”
“That’s what I was meaning to ask. Newsie News tells me you wish to construct these *relay stations* at the very top of the canopy and that they would feed off the energy it’s gathering.”
“Without relay stations, the signal range would be limited to the horizon, your majesty.”
“And how would you know there was any energy to be had? I’ve shared this knowledge with my most loyal subjects. Though I don’t care if you know that the pillars holding up the canopy feed sunlight to the plants and warmth to your kind, I am still curious about which of my subjects told you.”
“Your majesty, I am a scientist. I came to that conclusion through observation.”
“Then Newsie News made a wise choice. However, I don’t like the idea of siphoning energy from the canopy into your machines. Could you not use unicorns? Is their magic not enough? Newsie News’s technicians...that the correct term, is it not?” Nightmare Moon asked Diethard.
“It is, your majesty,” Diethard replied.
“Newsie News’s technicians built...what was the term...ah yes...an electric generator for his equipment, and it’s powered by unicorn magic.”
“I’m afraid not, your majesty. It would take hundreds just to power one relay station.”
“Rakshata is correct,” said Diethard. “My video equipment requires only a fraction of the power needed to get Hi-TV back on the air.”
“The relay stations must be as high of an altitude as possible,” said Rakshata, “which means suspending them from the bottom of the canopy and since they’ll already in physical contact, they might as well use the canopy as a power source.”
“And deprive my subjects of the warmth they need to live?”
“The relay stations only need 50 kilowatts each.”
“And what, pray tell, is a ‘kilowatt’?”
“A unit of power. The canopy gathers trillions of kilowatts of solar energy. It wouldn’t be missed.”
“I’ll take your word on it, Rakshata. Just don’t make me regret it. Otherwise, I’ll make you regret it.”
“Yes, your majesty.” Rakshata wanted to roll her eyes at Nightmare Moon for actually believing a relay station would use up her supply of solar power but her desire to live overruled her indignation over Nightmare Moon’s scientific illiteracy.
“Newsie News also tells me you need additional power for this building. Is that true?”
“It is, your majesty,” Rakshata nodded. “We’ll need at least 250 kilowatts for the broadcast station.”
“Fine, I’ll permit you to tap into the canopy for power, but I’m holding you accountable for every crumb of sakuradite. Use it sparsely.”
“Yes your majesty.”
Diethard and Nightmare Moon glided down and landed on a marble balcony on the side of the Hi-TV building. The recent addition to the studio clashed against the maroon-colored building but Nightmare Moon insisted on a landing pad for easy access to the offices and newsroom.
The hallway was illuminated by kerosene lanterns evenly spaced along the wall. On occasion, they passed by unicorns pulling wire from the ceiling and laying down new wire in its place. The floor was spotted with wet marks made by the downpour of sweat dripping off their drenched fur. After turning a corner, they slipped into a room halfway down the hallway. A sign that read “CONTROL ROOM” hung on the door frame.
Diethard closed his eyes and let the cool breeze from the industrial fan flow around him. The smell of burning solder tingled in his nostrils. In the front of the room, beside a giant window that stretched the length of the wall and half of the height were instrument panels. Some of the unicorns were focused on repairing the electronics that had been neglected since the night of the transformation. Every electronic device drew their power from a makeshift generator. Three unicorns took turns rotating the alternator. Unicorn magic converted into mechanical energy, which is then converted into an AC current by the alternator. The power died down momentarily when everypony stopped what they were doing to pay homage to their empress. Nightmare Moon’s horn illuminated the room with a soft blue light when the power died down.
“You may continue your work, my subjects...except you,” the alicorn empress pointed to an earth pony that was etching on a rather cumbersome piece of paper. “Circuit Breaker, isn’t it?”
“That’s correct, your majesty.”
“And you’re the one repairing the...what was it called?”
“Computers, your majesty.”
“Yes computers. How are the repairs on the computers coming along?”
Circuit Breaker’s face lit up. “Quite well, your majesty. We’ve made much progress since your last visit.”
Circuit Breaker bit into his pencil and began pressing buttons on the one of the control panel that wasn’t being worked on. A monitor built into the instrumentation activated. The image of Nightmare Moon speaking to the crowds came on. Suddenly, the building began to shake. Nightmare Moon’s mane snaked around the room in a spiral pattern. Forks of electricity danced around pricking everything it touched with painful shocks. Circuits and transistors exploded in a cloud of sparks and the pungent aroma of ozone. Nightmare Moon’s eyes glowed pure white as she stood on her hind legs.
“YOU DARE POSE AS ME! YOU’LL RUE THE DAY! CIRCUIT BREAKER! WHERE IS THIS IMPOSTOR?”
“Your majesty,” Circuit Breaker pleaded, “you misunder...”
“TAKE ME TO HER NOW!”
“I can’t your majesty...”
“YOU DARE DEFY ME!”
“Please, your majesty!” Circuit Breaker shook his head as magical energy flowed along his body leaving stone in its wake. “This is all a terrible mistake.”
“That much is correct. You made a terrible mistake by disobeying my commands!” By now, Circuit Breaker was completely transformed to stone. Nightmare Moon raised her hoof preparing to strike when Diethard flew between them.
“It’s you, your majesty! It was you on the monitor!”
“How could it be me? You saw us both at the same time. That charlatan is using magic intended for my exclusive use to deceive my subjects.”
“Your majesty that was a recording of one of your previous speeches.”
“A...recording?!?” The tempest swirling around the room dissipated. The foundation of the Hi-TV building settled down. Nightmare Moon lowered her hoof and gazed curiously at Diethard-her silent cue for him to explain yet another oddity that existed in this world but not the one she was forced to leave.
“Yes your majesty-a moment in time captured on video. The cameras doesn’t just project your imagine but can store it for later viewing, for posterity, for future generations. Of course, it will be the history of your design, your majesty.”
“Can you...take me back to the time just before I came to your world? I wish to relive my victory over my *evil* sister.”
“I wish it was possible, but cameras are unable to record events that have already taken place.”
“Oh,” Nightmare Moon said in a disappointed tone. “That’s too bad. No matter. It’s still fresh in my mind. I suppose I can be content with reminiscing.”
“Your majesty?” Diethard cleared his throat and glanced at Circuit Breaker who was still petrified.
“Oh right,” said Nightmare Moon causally touched the stone figure transforming it back into flesh and blood. Circuit Breaker took several deep breaths to steady his nerves.
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Nightmare Moon and Diethard came in for a landing at what was once the villa at the top of the viceroy’s palace. Dried blades of grass crumbled beneath their hooves. The villa’s once lush green garden was now dull brown with dead vegetation. Rose and azalea bushes and cherry trees lay bare having long ago lost the alluring flowers and plentiful coat of emerald leaves. Waiting for them, under the gazebo, was Nightfire, Ohgi, Barnstormer, Yamato, and Kirihari.
“Welcome back, your majesty,” Nightfire bowed. Barnstormer and Ohgi also greeted Nightmare Moon with a bow, though the latter did so with a glower face which contrasted against Nightfire and Barnstormer’s enthused expressions.
“Report on your progress in ridding this world of its ape past?”
“Barnstormer has successfully cleared the top two levels of New Canterlot Castle. The finally three levels should be foal’s play since the naked apes used them mostly for public works, your majesty. Isn’t that right?” Nightfire glanced at Barnstormer.
“As Nightfire has said, your majesty, my Shadowbolts and I have purified the upper levels of your royal dwellings. We will not rest until New Canterlot Castle has been liberated from its ape past, your majesty.”
“Well don’t stop with just my castle. Keep pressing the wild ponies. Only when they have nothing from the past to cling to will their rebellious spirits break. Then they’ll have only me to turn to,” Nightmare chucked. She then pointed to Ohgi. “And has this one been cooperating?”
“He’s done an excellent job convincing the wild ponies that it is useless to defy your edicts, your majesty.”
“Keep up the good work, Ohgi, and you may earn your place as one of my chosen followers.”
Ohgi looked down and slumped his shoulders while his ears flattered. “Yes, your majesty,” he sighed
“I take it back,” Nightmare Moon growled. “I don’t like your nasty attitude. You look like somepony that sucked on a bag of lemons. Yes, that would be a good name for you-Lemon Muzzle. It goes so well with your sour disposition. Now Nightfire,” said Nightmare Moon as she turned to her high priest, “do you have anything else to report?”
“Your majesty,” said Nightfire,” Ten thousand ape graves have been unearthed and their bodies thoroughly cremated.”
“Are they being burned completely to ash? I don’t want so much as a paw left.”
“Whatever remains is pulverized to dust and discarded in the ocean, your majesty.”
“And what of the preparations being made for my subjects to hear my declarations?”
“Every ghetto in New Canterlot has a working television set, your majesty,” said Yamato.
“And the rest of this island?”
“By our projections, 35% of Japan will have television access by the end of the month.”
“Only 35%? Screwloose Grove, has informed that the Britannian are already at 50%. Even the wild ponies at the EU are making more progress than you. Speed things up, Kirihari. You’re skating on thin ice as it is.”
“Yes, your majesty,” Kirihari bowed.
“Pardon me for intruding,” Diethard smirked, “but Nightfire has forgotten to include the progress made in tracking down historical artifacts in the wild pony ghettos.”
“Yes, Nightfire, tell me how is that coming along?”
“Well...uh...the palace guards have successfully uncovered stashes of ape artifacts in four Yakuza safehouses beyond the castle grounds.”
“Ya-ku-za...these are the bandits that dare protect the vulgar ape relics, in spite of my royal decree?” Nightmare Moon asked.
Diethard nodded proudly. “My former employer offered them assistance moving relics from safehouse to safehouse when Britannian customs was closing in.” Diethard then cocked his head at an angle, just enough for Nightfire to see the arrogant smirk on his face. “It was only a matter of passing the intel to your palace guards.”
“Well Nightfire,” Nightmare Moon said while looking down at her high priest.
“Yes,” Nightfire scowled, “we did make use of Newsie News’ shady underworld connections to track down the ape artifacts that he and his leader Zero helped to conceal.”
“Nightfire! Stay on your hooves and don’t leave important information out of your reports.”
Nightfire gritted his teeth while glaring at Diethard. “Yes your majesty.”
“And Newsie News, keep up the good work. I may yet forget that you were acquainted with the mangy outlaw.”
“Yes, your majesty,” said Diethard.
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The suspicious glances and stares from the Nightmare Moon cultists were needles pricking Ohgi from every direction. As the go-between for Nightmare Moon and the ‘wild’ ponies, as she called them, Ohgi was quartered with the cult members in the apartments surrounding the old viceroy’s palace, which was renamed Nightmare Palace by its new occupant. Ohgi would have chuckled at the poor choice of names if he wasn’t living in a nightmare himself.
The cultists were too disciplined to be a threat. Their empress had given him a place at her side. That was enough for them. They knew better than to lay hooves on him. Indeed they even pretended to ignore Ohgi. They went about their nightly work schedule renovating the palace to fit Nightmare Moon’s esthetics, but then, when they think Ohgi wasn’t listening, they would talk amongst themselves about the undomesticated beast living their midst.
As Ohgi was heading to his room, a familiar mare trotted past him. No, it can’t be...not here...she wouldn’t. Ohgi shook his head. Why would she be one of them? He did an about-face and galloped downstairs and through the second floor hallway. “Chigusa!” Ohgi called out to the mare. “Chigusa! It’s me, Ohgi!”
She stopped in her tracks and glanced back. Some part of Ohgi didn’t want to believe that the mare with the cat eyes was his Chigusa, but she looked exactly like her. The mare trotted to Ohgi and circled around him pausing only to scrutinize the scar on his side.
“Oh, it’s you.” The mare said in an indignant tone.
“Oh thank God you’re alright. I was worried that you got hurt, Chigusa.”
“Oh please, spare me your concern,” Villetta spat.
“Chigusa, I know we left on bad terms...”
“That’s an understatement if I ever heard one. I stabbed you, remember.”
Ohgi raised his hoof and placed it on Villetta’s shoulder. “You were scared. You just got back your memories, and you were confused…”
Villetta slapped Ohgi’s away. “Don’t make excuses for me. Between your coddling and calling me Chigusa and them calling me Moonlight Blossom, I feel like some plaything with no control over my life.”
“I didn’t know your real name, Chigu...Villetta. It was never my intentions to manipulate you.”
“It’s Moonlight Blossom now. The last thing I need is you getting me in trouble with Nightmare Moon.”
Suddenly, Barnstormer landed between them. His wings spread out as he stooped down like a cat poised to strike. The hairs on his back were standing straight up. “Just what in Tartarus are you doing?” He then looked over his shoulder at Villetta. “Is he bothering you, Moonlight?”
“It’s not like that at all. The liaison had me confused with somepony else,” said Villetta while glaring at Ohgi.
“I thought she was with the Black Knights.”
Barnstormer’s wings were still partially spread out. He stayed in his defensive stance and focused on Ohgi.
“Barnstormer, please calm down,” said Villetta. “He wasn’t hurting me.”
Barnstormer slowly relaxed and tucked his wings against his sides. “I’m sorry, Moonlight. I shouldn’t have overreacted.”
Villetta shook her head. “No, I was the one who overreacted. I’m...still trying to forget the past, and Mr. Kaname used to be...you know.”
Barnstormer stroked Villetta’s mane. “I understand. These things take time. Let’s go back to our room. You’ll feel better after a nice long rest.” Villetta’s lips crinkled as Barnstormer rubbed the back of her neck. “Don’t you have work to do?” Barnstormer snapped at Ohgi.
“Yes sir,” said Ohgi before sulking away. Did he say *our room* as in his and Chigusa’s?!? Ohgi watched as Barnstormer nuzzled up against Villetta as they trotted away until they were swallowed up by the shadows cast in the light of the Empress’ fake moon.
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What used to be the storage room for repair tools was converted into an office for Ohgi. The words MAINTENACE, which read on the sign above the doorway, was scratched out. Above it was writing in Nightmare Moon’s language. Ohgi didn’t understand the words but he knew it wasn’t very flattering by the snickers of the cultists as they trotted back and forth across the palace court. Ohgi fished for his keys, which was kept in his saddlebag. As he pulled his muzzle out of the bag, the buckle snagged the key chain snatching it out from between Ohgi’s teeth.
“Let me get that up for you.” Startled, Ohgi jumped back when an unseen voice called out from above.
He scanned the room until his eyes fell on Diethard, who was hovering just overhead. “Oh, it’s you,” Ohgi said as Diethard landed in front of him and picked up his keys. The former Britannian turned pegasus opened the door and held his foreleg up to his chest while pointing to the way inside. “After you, Ohgi.”
“I’m not Ohgi anymore, remember?” He said without facing Diethard. “Your goddess changed my name to Lemon Muzzle, Newsie News.”
Diethard followed Ohgi inside and shut the door behind him. “Ohgi, there’s no need for formalities. Now that we’re in private, we can be frank with each other.”
“What do you want?”
“To talk.”
“About what?”
“Nothing in particular. This is a friendly visit, that’s all.”
“That’s all you want? Just to chitchat?!?”
“That’s it.”
“Why? We weren’t exactly friends even back when you were a Black Knight.”
“Perhaps this wouldn’t be a bad time to start.”
“I was right about you, all along. You couldn’t be trusted.”
“Don’t be stubborn. We’re on the same side.”
“Looked in a mirror lately, Newsie News?”
“To gain Nightmare Moon’s trust, I had no other choice. This is no different from Zero’s loyalty tests.”
“So, you sold out the human race...”
“What human race? And you of all ponies have the gall to criticize me? You’re working for Nightmare Moon, too.”
“Only because I’m afraid of what they would do if I wasn’t around!” Ohgi raised his voice. “I’m terrified that maniac Barnstormer would kill more innocent people just because they kept a family album. I sure as hell don’t worship your night goddess.”
“I hope nopony heard that.” Diethard closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “I suggest you keep the volume down...for your sake.” Ohgi turned his back to Diethard and huffed. “Be reasonable, Ohgi” Diethard pleaded. “Even if Zero was still alive, Nightmare Moon is too powerful to be defeated. She’s an army unto herself.”
“I don’t need a reminder from you.” Ohgi remembered how Nightmare Moon tore giant trebuchets apart with the ease of knocking down a house of cards. Hundreds of tons of lumber and metal strolled across the beach of Tokyo Bay along with his hope for a free Japan. “I was there, remember.”
“As was I. And like you, I’m acting on the behalf of the ponies of Neighpan Island.”
“She renamed Japan too?” Ohgi huffed.
“She hasn’t settled on one yet. Put Japan’s new name to the side, more can be accomplished working within the system than waging a one-sided war. I serve the greater good as her advisor.”
“Nightfire doesn’t seem to think so.”
“You mean the high priest of inadequacy? Before he was turned, Nightfire was a mere warrant officer on an insignificant military outpost. He has nothing to offer other than being a glorified cheerleader. Nightmare Moon requires somepony with more political and media savvy. She’s ill-served if left with only Nightfire managing her affairs.”
“So much for omniscience if she needs your help. And who’s interests are you really looking out for-us or hers?”
“I’ve already told you whose side I’m on.”
“By the sound of it, we take a distant second to Nightmare Moon.”
“Nightmare Moon, for all of her power, is childish. Her ultimate goal is to win the adoration of the masses.”
“She has a funny way of doing it,” Ohgi sneered.
“She requires guidance, Ohgi. Somepony has to take on the responsibility of swaying her in the right direction.”
“So that’s why you switched side. You think you can manipulate your goddess and be the real ruler of the world.”
Diethard facehoofed and headed to the door. “I should have known this was a mistake. See you after the next wake-up bell.”
“Maybe the mistake was mine to make.” Ohgi rolled on his back and stared at the ceiling wondering if he was really doing any good as Nightmare Moon’s lapdog.
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Rakshata scraped a hoof against a piece of flint strategically attached to a candleholder just above the wick. Sparks flew as fragments of flint ignited after rubbing against Rakshata’s horseshoe. The room was bathed in a light glow except for a dark spot sitting on the couch. The shadow leaped up on all fours. Rakshata pressed a hoof up to her chest and let out a long exhale.
“Will you please warn me ahead of time, Zero?” Rakshata griped.
“Have you delayed the Hi-TV refurbishment as I requested?” Zero asked with nary a concern for the startled mare.
“Ha!” Rakshata let out a sardonic laugh. “I didn’t need to. The work crews wouldn’t know the difference between a screwdriver and a wrench if their lives depended on it. They’re doing all my work for me.”
“How far behind schedule?”
“I can’t put a number on it.”
“I need to know if I have enough time to prepare.”
“If you don’t, I’ll throw a monkey wrench or two in the works just for you.”
“How much sakuradite did you acquire?”
“Nightmare Moon keeps an iron hoof on every speck. I was only able to squeeze a few ounces of...”
“That won’t do Rakshata. The Gefjun Disturber...”
“I know how much we need.” Rakshata stomped. “I designed the damn thing. The only other source of sakuradite is the relay stations.”
“And where are these relay stations?”
“The plan is to suspend them from the canopy.”
“And will it be constructed by pegasi.”
“Pegasi and ever how many unicorns they can carry.”
“Thank you, Rakshata. That’s all the information that...ACHOO!” Lelouch sneeze.
“Bless you.”
“Thank you. As I was saying, I have enough info. Keep them busy until further notice.”
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Inoue and Kallen pulled a cart full of components upwards to a rectangular object just below the canopy. As they closed in, the scale of the structure became apparent as other teams of pegasi ferried back and forth between it and the ground. The structure was the size of a mansion and was tethered to the canopy by cables that were evenly spaced along its perimeter. These wires ran down to the bottom of the structure and connected at a central hub. There were several satellite dishes threading the space between the wires. The smaller dish pointed in various directions with two larger dishes pointing northeasterly and southwesterly.
“I can’t believe he wants us to help the enemy?” Inoue complained.
“Have faith in Zero,” said Kallen. “He wouldn’t have us running errands for Nightmare Moon if he didn’t have something up his sleeve.”
“And what the hell is that?”
“It’s the relay station between Tokyo and Yamaguchi. Rakshata said the one over Yamaguchi is for transmitting signals into Korea and mainland China.”
“And what is Zero’s big plan?”
“He said something about bribing the workers into helping us.”
“You mean those weirdo cultists?!?”
“Shhhh!” Kallen hushed. “They might hear us.”
Just then, another cart, being pulled by pair of cat-eyed pegasi, sideswiped them. It jostled Kallen and Inoue’s cart hard enough that some of the parts were bumped off the cart.
“Watch where you’re going, foal!” One of the pegasi yelled.
“You’re the ones who bumped into us, assho...” Kallen cuffed Inoue’s muzzle.
“You better keep your friend quiet, wild pony,” another pegasus bellowed.
“Yes sir.” Kallen could barely force herself to spit out the undeserved apology.
By now, they were close enough to see that the wires suspending the structure were strands of steel cable over an inch in diameter. There was also one insulated cable that wasn’t bearing any load. It ended at a circuit breaker box on the side of the structure..
Kallen came to a stop near the satellite dish facing Tokyo. One of the pegasi guards, who was decked out in the same Byzantine blue armor as the palace guards, swooped around pointing a spear nestled between his fetlocks, but what made this pegasus stand out from the others were her wings. They were featherless, folds of skin running between vein-like digits, which made them more bat-like. Kallen also noticed puffs of fur at the end of their double-pointed ears.
“What are you gawking at, wild pony?”
“Your wings, they’re...”
“They came with the armor. Now drop your load off and deliver the scraps to the landfill. And be quick about it.”
Kallen cleared her throat and took a deep, nervous breath. “I’m here for the flowers.” Inoue looked at Kallen as though her comrade-at-arms had lost her mind.
“The red or the white,” all of the guards and workers said in unison.
“Kallen, this is getting weird. Maybe we should...” Once again, Kallen cupped her hoof over Inoue’s muzzle.
“Both in a perfect mix,” she replied.
Suddenly, the pegasi dropped what they were doing and began unloading the cart until there were only enough to cover the bottom. One of them flew beside Kallen holding out a small pail. The inside of the bucket glowed neon pink.
“This is all we could spare without Nightmare Moon becoming suspicious.” The bucket was filled with refined sakuradite.
“This’ll be fine. Thank you.”
The pegasus dumped the sakuradite inside the cart and began raking the remaining components over it until its glow was completely shrouded.
“Now hurry before somepony catches you,” said the pegasus guard.
Kallen and Inoue set course for Tokyo, but as they were leaving, the guard with the batwings circled around and hovered in their path. Kallen and Inoue were inching their mouths to their saddlebag where each one kept a knife.
“I was ordered to escort you to Shinjuku. That way, you won’t be stopped by patrols. Care to follow me?”
“Go right ahead,” said Kallen and she extended her foreleg inviting the guard to go first.
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Inoue, Kallen, and their chaperone landed on the outskirts of the Shinjuku Ghetto, near one of the old subway tunnels that managed to survive their first battle as ponies where they made heavy use of improvised explosives planted beneath the Britannians’ ground formation. The tunnel was camouflaged behind a carpet of fake foliage and vines.
“Thank you for the escort, sir,” said Kallen.
“Don’t mention it,” said the guard. “I have to be on my way. Goodbye.”
“All that about flowers? Was that a secret code?” Inoue asked. Kallen nodded. “That means they’re collaborators.”
“Not according to Zero,” Kallen answered. “He warned me that they’d only help us just this once. From here on out, they’re our enemy.”
“That’s...kinda weird.”
“Didn’t I say Zero bribed them? They’re doing it for the money. Now let’s stash this in the tunnels before someone comes by and sees us.”
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Reginald cautiously pried opened the metal grate covering the entrance to the underground compartment where Euphemia harbored the three ponies that she granted asylum. On his back was a saddlebag stuffed full until the seams were on the verge of bursting.
“Sir Reginald, it’s good to see you again,” said one of the three ponies, a unicorn mare in her late 20’s. Cecile was her name the other two called her, Reginald recalled. “Thank you so much for bringing our...what happened to you?”
“What you mean these?” Reginald gestured to the cuts and bruises on his right side and face. “I was in a little tussle with an officer.”
“You won’t get in trouble over it?” Cecile asked.
Reginald shook his head. “I doubt they’ll do anything to me.”
“Is that why you brought the extra supplies and was gone for so long?”
“I’d rather not discuss the matter further.”
“Oh sorry.”
“That’s okay. It’s nothing to be sorry for, Miss Cecile.”
“Did you bring my pudding?” Lloyd, the lone stallion and pegasus in the group of unicorn mares, asked.
“I’m sorry but milk is hard to come by nowadays. So unless you’re willing to compromise and let the chefs use soy milk in the recipe...”
Lloyd put on a serious face. “Out of the question. It’s not real pudding unless it’s made with real milk.”
“Then you’ll do without,” Sir Reginald said sternly.
Lloyd groaned and slumped over their only table. “I just wanted a taste of the good old days. Is that too much to ask?”
“It is when everyone is sacrificing just to survive,” Reginald scolded Lloyd in a hush tone. “Even the princess herself is suffering. So having milk for your pudding is the least of my concerns.”
Reginald was about to storm away if not for a tug on his sword sheaf. His head turned in all directions fearful that someone may have found them out. But the only unicorn he could see using magic was Nina Einstein, the youngest of the three ‘fugitives’.
“Ex...ex...excuse me, sir,” the young unicorn stumbled over her own words. “But is Princess Euphemia still sick?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“C...c...can I see her, please?”
“You know it’s not permitted.”
“Please, you must! I’ll be careful! No one will catch me! I promise!” This time, she asked more forcefully and without stumbling through the conversation.
“Absolutely not.”
“I’m begging you! Please let me see her!”
“Our princess gave strict instructions for you to stay here.”
Nina hung her head down. “Yes sir.”
Sir Reginald slid the metal grate back into place and shuffled back to his lady’s side. Since the day Nightmare Moon informed Princess Euphemia of Suzaku’s demise, Reginald had taken on the task of providing supplies to the ponies that the princess granted sanctuary. In fact, he and Sir Guilford had shouldered all of the princess’s responsibilities.
Sir Reginald thanked the chef for dinner and carried it to Euphemia’s bedchamber. He sat the tray on a small table just outside her door and knocked.
“Mi lady,” said Reginald, “your supper is ready. The chef made your favorite-roasted zucchini casserole.” Reginald waited but there was no response. “Princess, your food will be cold if you don’t hurry. Please, have a bite to eat.” Still there was no response. “Your majesty, are you well?” Reginald took a deep breath and, with much trepidation, crept in as cautiously as possible.
Euphemia was a shadow of her former self. By now, the outline of her ribs was prominent despite the matt of dirty, unkempt fur which was now a shade darker from the filth accumulating on her body. Her mane hadn’t been groomed since Suzaku was reported dead. Huge bags hung over her blood-shot eyes. Her legs looked like someone draped an old fur coat over a broomstick.
Reginald set the tray on the floor. “Your majesty, I’m sorry for entering your room uninvited but I was worried.” Euphemia glanced at Reginald for a second before looking away. “Would you prefer to eat in bed, your majesty?”
“Just put it with the rest,” Euphemia whispered in a broken, haggard voice as she pointed to a stack of trays swarming with flies. Each serving was a hill covered in green and white moss. Reginald took a whiff and swallowed to restrain himself from emptying the contents of his stomach.
No, I won’t sit by and do nothing, not anymore. He thought while shaking his head. “Your majesty, I am deeply sorry for the lost of your champion, but you can’t neglect your health. Sir Kururugi wouldn’t want you to suffer over his death.”
Euphemia stood up in bed. Eyes blazed with the fury of hell. “And I suppose he would want me to move on. Maybe pick a creepy little stalker as my knight. You’d love that wouldn’t you?” She leaped off the bed and stormed across the bedchamber. “You must be so happy Suzaku is dead.”
“Mi lady, I would never wish ill-will on Sir Kururugi.”
With one burst of unicorn telekinesis, the moldy food flew off their trays and splattered on the wall. “LIAR!” Euphemia trembled. “I know why you volunteered to be my knight. You’re some lecherous bastard looking to have a fling with a princess! Well, you got another thing coming. You’re not even a tenth of the man Suzaku was. He was selfless and kind. He’d never stoop to taking advantage of another person’s death.”
Sir Guilford slammed the door open. “Mi lady, I heard a commotion. Were you harmed, mi...”
“SHUT THE HELL UP!” Euphemia screamed at her sister’s former champion.
“Mi lady, what has aroused your anger?”
“You have a lot of nerve to ask,” Euphemia chuckled bitterly. “You and Darlton just had to volunteer Suzaku for a suicide mission?”
“Your majesty, I would never...”
“You couldn’t stand being around him because he was Japanese. Isn’t that right, Sir Guilford? That agent my father sent. If you didn’t tell him about Suzaku, he wouldn’t have ordered him on that mission. SUZAKU WOULD STILL BE ALIVE IF YOU KEPT YOUR MOUTH SHUT!”
“And you,” Euphemia sneered at Reginald, “I wouldn’t be with you if you were the last man on earth. Get the hell o...” Legs wobbling, head spinning, Euphemia stumbled backwards. “Get the hell out of my life you little shi...”
Guilford and Reginald rushed to their princess’s side as she lay on the floor unconscious.
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There was one group of people unaffected by Nightmare Moon’s power, who kept their human form-the dead. The millions laid to rest, whose bodies survived the ravages of time, testified to the form that the inhabitants of this world once had. But Earth’s new ruler would have none of that, not when the truth imperiled her kingdom’s bright future. They, along with the other voices of the past, must be silenced.
Shirley Fenette felt her heart going into her throat. Her mother, an older mare with the same color mane as her daughter, but cut shorter, and with a peach-colored coat of fur, knew Shirley was feeling uneasy and rubbed her shoulder. It was the first time since they were transformed she’d visited her father’s grave. It wasn’t just the feeling of loss for a love one. She was, according to Milly, in love with the very bastard that murdered her father and that abandoned his friends in a refugee camp for one to be raped and the other killed. Had circumstances been different, Shirley would be too overwhelmed with shame to come so soon after her feelings for Lelouch were revealed, but she owed it to her father to preserve his memory.
The pony work crews worked tirelessly breaking apart grave markers. Earth ponies and pegasi slung steel mallets with their teeth while unicorns picked up one marker telekinetically and slammed them against one another.
Another work crew was issued the gruesome task of exhuming the bodies. Unicorns, broken off into pairs, deposited the corpses, in their various states of decay, onto carts. The wagon train running from the cemetery dipped behind a hilltop. On the other side were a pillar of smoke and the red hue of a barn fire.
Shirley and her mother weaved through the workers while paying close attention to their eyes. So far, nopony had the glowing slanted orbs indicatives of the cultists. Shirley could, however, tell that she wasn’t welcomed. A few of the workers were staring daggers at the two mares.
“May I help you,” said an earth pony mare sporting an orange vest, or at least it looked orange in the light of the burning torches.
“I was looking for the person in charge,” Mrs. Fenette answered hesitantly.
“That would be me...sort of.”
“I thought Nightmare Moon’s followers would be in charge.”
“They are. We get a visit from them every now and again just to make to sure we’re doing our job, but managing the workers is my responsibility.”
“Oh thank heavens,” Shirley’s mother smiled. “Then you’d understand how important...”
“No!”
“But I didn’t finishing sp...”
“I know why you’re here, Brit. Your kind comes by all the time with the same request, and the answer is no, not just no but hell no. Nightmare Moon ordered those bodies cremated and what’s left deposed of and no Japanese I know is willing to die for even living Brits, let alone dead ones.”
“But why are you making such a big deal over it?” Shirley pleaded.
“You’re crazy if you think I’m sticking my neck out for you Brits. Your people shouldn’t have been here in the first place. Whoever it was would still be alive if he wasn’t oppressing the Japanese.”
Mrs. Fenette was in tears. “Please, don’t treat my husband’s remains like trash. He was never in the military. He didn’t participate in the occup...”
“Like hell he wasn’t!” The work foreman stomped her hooves. “Just because he was some low-level salary man doesn’t mean he didn’t help grease the wheels of the Britannian war machine-the very war machine that trampled my people underfoot! He’s still Brit scum just like you! It’s bad enough I have to kiss Nightmare Moon’s ass without some uppity Brits spouting orders too!”
“Please, we’ll cremate the body ourselves,” Shirley begged. “Just let us have...”
“I know what happened to the last bunch that crossed Nightmare Moon. I’m not freezing to death for your dead husband. Now get the hell out of here before I throw you out myself!”
“Please, don’t hold what my government did to your people against my husband, he was...” Mrs. Fenette was interrupted this time by a gently placed hoof on her lips by her daughter.
“Mom,” Shirley said compassionately, “Dad wouldn’t want you getting in trouble to save his remains. You and Milly are all I have left. Please, let’s just go home.” Shirley led her sorrowful woman away.
“Oh how touching!” The foreman mocked. “Now how about shedding some of those tears for the Japanese you Brits slaughters! That’s right, Brits, keep walking away before you hear the truth from an *Eleven*.”
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“That’ll be nine bits.” After the customer dropped nine coins, each with Nightmare Moon’s profile stamped on it, on the counter, Alexander Franklin marked off the bag of hay and rice she bought from list of inventory.
The former baron worked the counter at the very storehouse that he and Ebisawa staged their revolt against the USJ for the racist policy that drove mundane types/earth ponies into forced labor. His was the face of a haughty stallion whose spirit was broken. So many mundane types idolized him and his co-conspirator and saw the two as their saviors-it was nice while it lasted. Did Zero feel the same when the Japanese cheered his name? It was too bad it went to their heads. It was too bad they pushed their luck. It was too bad that...
“Hey! Planet Earth’s calling! Yoohoo!” A blank flank pegasus colt, barely out of elementary school, was knocking on the counter.
“Whadda you want?”
“Got any soy sauce in the back? There’s none on the shelves.”
“Oh, sorry.” Alexander slid off his chair and limped to the back of the storehouse.
“I’ll get the kid’s soy sauce.” Ebisawa galloped out from one of the aisles. “You didn’t have to get up.”
“I can handle this myself,” said Alexander.
“You’re doing plenty by manning the counter. Let me...”
“I said I can do this by myself!” When Alexander hobbled from behind the counter, the young colt gasped when he noticed Alexander’s left hind leg was cut off at the knee. Suddenly somepony jabbed the young colt in the ribs.
“It’s rude to stare,” said Ebisawa.
Alexander Franklin limped out of the back room with a case of soy sauce in his teeth and set it down in front of the colt. “That’ll be two-bits.”
“Oh right.” The colt tossed his two coins on the counter and took his bottle with him. However, curiosity got the better of him and he lingered just outside the storehouse. A few minutes later, an earth pony mare came outside with a giant bag lying on her back.
“Are you Britannian?” The young colt asked.
The mare nodded. “That I am. Why you asked?”
“I wasn’t sure if a Japanese would talk to me. I just want to ask a question.”
“Go ahead.”
“What happen to that guy’s leg?”
“You mean the man behind the counter?” The colt answered the mare’s question with a nod. “How long have you been here?”
“Since Nightmare Moon kicked us off Shikoku Island and made us live in the clouds.”
“Frostbite took his leg.”
“Did it really get that cold here?”
The mare nodded. “Yes it did. It got very, very cold here,” she said regretfully.
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“ACHOO!” Lelouch sneezed. The layer of fine dust covering the abandoned sub station was stirred into a cloud by Lelouch and Kallen’s hoofsteps. The column of dust diffused the light beaming from Lelouch’s horn.
“You know whenever you sneeze,” said Kallen, “someone is talking behind your back.”
“That’s just superstition,” Lelouch retorted. “So, how much sakuradite were you able to procure?”
“According to Rakshata’s specs, we have only enough for two.”
“Good, we have a spare.”
“There’s nothing good about it, Lelouch. Weren’t you paying attention-it’ll be...”
“Did Rakshata finish the mask?”
“It’s waiting for you at the safehouse, though she wanted to know why the mask has a sliding eyepiece.”
“How about the clothes?”
“I looked over the outfit. It’ll completely cover your body. No one will notice that you dyed your fur and cutie mark. Oh God! I can’t believe I said ‘cutie mark’.”
“And the rest of the founding members of the Black Knights?”
“I tracked down Yoshida and Sugiyama. They’re waiting at our safehouse in the Saitama Ghetto.”
“And Ohgi?”
“I told him before coming down here. He looked like a kid that got a puppy for Christmas when I told him you were still alive. He has to be discrete about coming back or else the cult will get suspicious.”
“And what the Tohdoh and the Holy Swords?”
“Still can’t find them, but I doubt they’d sit on their hands for very long once word got out you were still around.”
“What about the alternative power source?”
Kallen nodded. “Katsuragi and Tamaki dropped them off at the safehouse? Are we installing them on the Gurren?”
“I have a better use for them.”
“What else can we use them for? And just how much money do you have to bribe these cultists? For fanatics, they sure do look out of their own self-interest.”
“Keep your mind on the task at hand. What about the unexploded ordinances?”
“Most of them were destroyed when Diethard sold us out to Nightmare Moon, but we scrapped up a few.”
“And the phosphorous? Did you find any in the industrial district?”
“Every drop they had. I even went through the Ashford Academy science lab with a fine tooth comb and scrounged up an extra kilo.”
“It’ll have to do for now. Perhaps, Rakshata could build an apparatus for extracting sodium from sea water.”
“I wouldn’t ask Rakshata to do anymore for us if I was you. She’s been high-strung since Nightmare Moon banned smoking.”
“That is the one saving grace of her reign.”
“You’d sing a different tune if you had to be around Rakshata,” Kallen mumbled.
“What was that?”
“Um...nothing.”
“Anything else to report?” Kallen twiddled her hooves and looked around the sub station. “Come on. Say what’s on your mind?”
“What’s really wrong with your left eye?”
“What about it?”
“Minami swears you’re completely blind in that eye. He even said the iris is milky white, but he’s the only one that sees it. And now that I think about it, are you really bribing these cultists? Did you discover some new unicorn power? Are you making Minami see something that isn’t there?”
“The repairs to Hi-TV are almost completed. We don’t have much time to argue over these frivolities.”
“It’s true isn’t it? That’s why you’re changing the subject.”
“And if it’s true, what would do? Force me to step down as leader? Kill me for concealing the truth? Or do move forward and pretend that everything makes sense.”
“Pretending everything is normal is all I’ve been doing.” Kallen kicked straight through the back of a bench splitting it in half. “I’m not budging an inch until you tell me everything up front.”
“And what will you do with that information? Tell the Black Knights? Abort our rebellion against Nightmare Moon before it can get started?”
“No, that’s not it all.” Kallen shook her head profusely.
“You can’t ask those questions without accepting the consequences for the answers.”
“I just need to know! That’s all! I have to know why I’m doing this!”
“Very well, I will tell you. I think we’ll start with how I met C.C.”
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Six weeks later
All across Neighpan Island (Japan), Bridlannia (Britannia) and its remaining territories, the Equine Universe (EU/Euro Universe), the Clydesnese Federation (Chinese Federation), the subjects of Nightmare Moon gathered the wild ponies and herded them to designated viewing centers within their respective municipality. It would be the first global broadcast since the transformation and nopony would be permitted to miss itunder penalty of law. In New Canterlot, the wild ponies in the ghettos crowded around the town square watching the hodgepodge of televisions of different sizes and brands arranged in a half-circle. Behind the televisions were unicorns telekinetically turned the cranks for the electric generators while a Nightmare Moon cultist pegasus hovered overhead wielding a spear in his fetlocks.
“Can we rest? We’re been turning this thing for two hours now and they haven’t even started.”
The pegasus made a stabbing gesture with the spear. “You’ll stop when I tell you and not a second sooner.”
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Nightmare Moon waited impatiently in the Hi-TV sound room for New Equestria’s first global proclamation. A massive window took up half of the wall separating the sound room from the control room. From here, Nightmare Moon could watch everypony working on her television debut.
An earth pony mare slipped in the room with Nightmare Moon unnoticed holding a case full of cosmetics. She opened it and dabbed a brush in make-up.
“Sorry to bother you, your majesty,” said the mare, “but I sent to prep you for the broadcast.”
“Don’t you dare smear that on me!” Nightmare Moon snapped.
“But it’s my job,” the make-up mare cried, “I have to make sure you look good for...”
“Are you saying my appearance isn’t regal enough for my subjects?”
“No, your majesty, it’s just that the lighting and shadows can distort anypony’s profile and the cameras will pick it up without a little make-up to correct it.”
“The Empress does not require your services,” said Cinnamon Delight, who was standing beside her lover, Nightfire, in the control room speaking through the intercom. “Her highness is a goddess. Her beauty is divine and can’t be diminished.”
“Yes ma’am,” said the make-up mare.
“And Newsie News,” Nightmare pointed at Diethard, “the cosmetics was your idea. You should know better.”
“I was merely being thorough,” said Diethard.
“If Empress Moon needs your services, she’ll tell you.”
“You two, quit your bickering,” Nightmare Moon scolded, “and keep your minds on the task at hoof. How much longer must I wait for your news crew?” She asked Diethard.
“Circuit Breaker,” asked Diethard, “has the video feed to Bridlannia been re-established?”
“It has,” Circuit Breaker answered. “We just have to finish double-checking our connection.”
“And Austablia?”
“Austrablia’s ready.” Circuit Breaker adjusted some of the dials and looked over the control panel gages. “Video feed to Bridlannia checks out. You’re good to go.”
“Is it ready, Newsie News? Will all my subjects be able to see me?”
“It’s as ready as it’ll ever be. Everypony, take your positions.” Camera ponies fixed their sights on the Empress. Broadcast engineers monitored the video feed from Hi-TV. Nightmare Moon straightened her posture and paid close attention to Diethard who was on the other end of the glass facing her and with his foreleg raised over his shoulder. “We’re on the air in 5...4...3...2...1.” When he finished counting down, Diethard dropped his foreleg.
“Oh my beloved subjects, I am so delighted that we can meet face-to-face, in a manner of speaking.”
“Sorry to interrupt, your highness,” said Circuit Breaker, “but there seem to be some inter...”
Then, to the shock of everypony in the Hi-TV broadcast studio, an equine version of a familiar mask materialized on the wall monitor used to observe the outgoing signal. Zero was wearing a modified version of his original mask. It was stretched out to accommodate a pony’s muzzle and had a cone extrusion for his horn.
Diethard galloped to the monitor and scrutinized every pixel. “No...it can’t be…it can’t be him, not now. Kill the connection!” Diethard ordered in a panicked voice.
“Is there a problem, Newsie News?” Nightmare Moon asked in a menacing tone.
“It’s just a minor glitch, your highness.”
“You told me that they were already taken care of?”
“No, he’s dead. It can’t possibly be him.”
“Who are you talking about?”
“I am...Zero.” Those three words uttered by the stallion on the television monitor captured Nightmare Moon’s undivided attention.
Nightmare Moon’s eyes burned pure white. “That foal! He’s still alive!” She teleported into the control room.
“Undoubtedly it’s an impostor,” said Diethard.
“It’s not, foal. I recognize the mangy outlaw’s voice.”
“People of the world, I have returned.”
“What’s going on? Newsie News, answer me!”
“Tell her Newsie News, or I will.” Nightfire threatened.
“Tell me what?”
“Circuit Breaker, killed the video?” Diethard yelled.
Circuit Breaker and the rest of the television crew were working frantically to get everything under control. “We can’t. It won’t take my access code,” Circuit Breaker was busy typing the keyboard with a pencil clinched between his front teeth.
“The Omega Line!” Diethard bellowed under his breath. He rushed across the room and pushed Circuit Breaker away from the control panel. “I can fix this. Give me a moment to...” Diethard typed his password into the control panel. “No! It’s not possible! He’s locked me out of the system.”
“Hear me,” said Lelouch, “Nightmare Moon, all of you who have power, heed my words carefully.”
“YOU DARE TALK DOWN TO ME!!!” Once again, the Hi-TV broadcast station shuttered under Nightmare Moon’s rage. “Your words mean nothing to me, mangy outlaw!”
“I am burden with sorrow. The dreams of the Japanese people for a brighter tomorrow were snuffed out along with those of the rest of the world under the tyranny of Nightmare Moon. History, culture, self-governance, and even the light of the sun were stolen from the people to indulge the egotism of a solitary alien interloper. That is why the resurrection of Zero was necessary. As long as the strong prey upon the weak, my rebellion will continue.”
“Your Highness,” said Nightfire, “Zero’s taken over the broadcast signal. The wild ponies are hearing him speak instead of you.”
“Newsie News,” said Nightmare Moon, “you have better fix this, NOW!”
“Regiments of 235 strong will divide and conquer and burn you to a cinder less you return to your own world,” said Lelouch. “They wait where it all started for a leader to guide them. ”
“STEP ASIDE, FOALS!” Everypony manning the control panel was flung to all sizes of the control room. Nightmare Moon ripped the control panel from the floor and crushed it with her powerful magic. “That should silence that mangy outlaw.” But it didn’t. Zero’s image and voice still appeared on the wall monitor. “But I destroyed Newsie News’s equipment.”
“He must be using one of the relay stations to broadcast his signal,” said Circuit Breaker.
“And one final warning, Nightmare Moon-if you attempt to retaliate by denying warmth to the people or causing a famine, I will bring down your canopy.”
“He’s joking, right?” Nightmare Moon asked rhetorically.
“And as a demonstration of my power,” Lelouch levitated a detonator in front of the camera, “I will destroy the pillar near Mt. Fuji.” Suddenly the monitor flared up. Everyone except Nightmare Moon covered their eyes.
“You expect me to believe a mere unicorn could undo my magic.”
“I do not wish to take such extreme measures for its destruction will cost many lives, but it is the lesser of two evils. Do not make this a war of attrition and stay your hoof against the innocent. Your battle is with me, Nightmare Moon.” The moment Lelouch finished, the sound of thunder rumbled through the loudspeakers. Thirty seconds later, a gentle, low frequency hum surrounded them.
Everypony rushed out of the control room heading to the nearest balcony only to be greeted by a blinding light, a light that had not been seen by pony eyes since Nightmare Moon revealed herself to the world-the light of the sun. Everypony except Nightmare Moon, who only had to avert her eyes for a moment before adjusting to the brightness, was struck blind. She went outside to check on the damage. To her dismay, Zero’s boast of having destroyed the pillar was true. The metal shell overlapping half of Mt. Fuji, which was built by the Britannians as part of their sakuradite mining operation, was in shambles and reduced to scrap metal.
Nightmare Moon concentrated on the canopy, which thinned out as it spread over the hole left in the aftermath of the pillar’s destruction.
“Newsie News!”
Diethard, having recovered his sight, galloped to his empress’ side. “Yes, your highness.”
“What just happened?”
“Well, I...”
“If you won’t say it, I will. Your Empress was upstaged by a mangy outlaw. I was humiliated. Do you know how I feel right now?” Diethard took a couple of steps back in dread that Nightmare Moon’s calm voice was the eye of a monster typhoon. “How did you let that mangy outlaw upstage me? Can’t you see I’m having a private conversation with Newsie News!” Nightmare Moon yelled at Cinnamon Delight who was peering through the balcony door.
“Forgive your majesty, but I heard Newsie News say something about an ‘omega line’.” Cinnamon Delight grinned malevolently at Diethard.
“Please enlighten me to this *omega line*.”
Diethard gave a quick murderous glance at Cinnamon Delight before regaining his composure. “When I worked for the Black Knights, I installed a special backdoor program for Zero to take over the Hi-TV broadcasts.”
“YOU WERE THE ONE THAT DID THIS TO ME!” Diethard flapped his wings with all of his strength just to keep from being blown off the balcony by the tempest conjured by Nightmare Moon’s rage. “WHY DID YOU NOT RID MY TELEVISION STATION OF THIS OMEGA LINE?” Nightmare Moon’s Canterlot voice ranged in Diethard’s ears.
“I thought Zero was dead.”
“AND DID IT NOT OCCUR TO YOU THAT SOMEPONY ELSE COULD HAVE USED IT AGAINST ME!”
“Zero was very secretive. He’d never tell anypony else about the omega line. He wouldn’t even show us his real face.” The wind then died down.
“I was made a laughingstock, Newsie News, and somepony must *pay*.” Diethard looked down at his hooves and noticed the wave of magical energy moving along his legs turning him to stone.
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When Zero finished his speech, the unicorns manning the generator took a badly needed rest. Beside them was the pegasus assigned to watch them, lying on the ground, battered and bruised. When Zero took over the broadcast, he tried to shut down the generator and, needless to say, failed. With an exception to the Nightmare Moon cultists, everyone at the Shinjuku Ghetto was in good cheer...save for one otherwise normal mare.
“I can’t believe I’m rooting for Zero,” said Mrs. Fenette. “But if he can bring back the sun...”
“Mother, he can’t,” Shirley pouted.
“But you saw what he did to the pillar. If Zero defeats Nightmare Moon, I’ll never stay inside on a sunny day again.”
“He’s not your savior. Zero’s just a selfish glory hound. And haven’t you forgotten what he did to my father? Your husband?”
“Don’t you think I’ve forgotten about your father!” Mrs. Fenette yelled. “But the whole world’s at stake. Your future’s at state. Put your hatred for Zero aside.”
“Don’t let him fool you. If Zero really cared about us, he’d bring back the sun right now.
“Zero has a good reason to...Shirley! Where are you going?”
“Zero won’t accomplish anything except getting more people killed unless he’s stopped.” Shirley said before disappearing in the crowd.
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“Just when things were getting boring, Zero pops up out of nowhere,” Lloyd said in an amused tone. Sir Reginald was relaying Zero’s message to the three scientists in hiding.
“I’m no fan of that rebel,” said Reginald, “but if his regiments can defeat Nightmare Moon, I would petition the Emperor himself to pardon him.”
“Tell me about these regiments.”
“He didn’t go into details except that they were 235 men each.”
“That’s odd. Usually a regiment is around 700.”
“Did you say 235?” Nina, who was sitting quite at the other end of the hidden room, had rushed to the other side of the shelter where Reginald and Lloyd were conversing.
“Yes,” Reginald answered, “that was the exact number.”
“What else did he say about those regiments?”
Intimidated by Nina’s serious demeanor, Reginald backed away from her. “Nothing of importance. He was just being overly dramatic.”
“You have to tell me!”
“Keep it down before someone up there hears you.”
“Just tell me already!”
“Fine, if it gets you to settle down. He said his regiments would divide and conquer and burn Nightmare Moon to a cinder and that they were waiting for a leader where it all began.” Suddenly, Nina shoved Reginald out of her way and bolted for the exit. “Where the hell are you going?”
“Zero needs me!” Nina cried out.
“You two, stay put!” Reginald ordered Cecile and Lloyd before running after Nina.
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“...and how are Barnstormer’s troops coming along?” Nightfire was in the Nightmare Palace war room speaking to an overly muscular earth pony stallion in armor. Maps of Japan and the Tokyo Settlement covered the walls and were dotted by thumbtacks representing friendly forces and foe.
“Sir, the Shadowbolts have successfully quelled all rioting in New Canterlot Castle but resistance in the wild pony ghettos is still strong.”
Nightfire placed a hoof on his forehead and huffed. “Don’t you have any good news to tell me, Brawny Hooves? I’ve had a bad day, today.”
“Don’t you mean night sir?”
“I meant what I said, which is why it was a bad *day*. The wild ponies think the old order is coming back, all thanks to Zero’s little stunt.” Just then, the door cracked open and a bat-winged pegasus peered inside.
“Permission to enter.”
“We’re rather busy right now, Winged Eclipse? Can it wait?”
“Sir, somepony has come forward claiming to have information vital to the capture of Zero.”
Nightfire and Brawny Hooves looked at each other and then at Winged Eclipse. “Bring him in.”
“Actually, it’s a mare, sir.” Winged Eclipse replied. He then looked over his shoulder and called out. “You can come in.”
“So, wild pony,” Nightfire said the mare that just trotted in, “what information do you have, Miss...”
“Fenette...Shirley Fenette. I know who Zero really is.”
“Oh you do, do you?” Nightfire raised an eyebrow. “And why would you tell us that?”
“Because I want Zero dead.”
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The gauntlet has been thrown. Lelouch shook his hoof in defiance against Nightmare Moon and all hell has broken loose. Will Kallen remain loyal now that she knows the truth of Geass? And will Leouch survive his betrayal by Shirley? And how much blood will be shed in Lelouch’s rebellion? Find out in upcoming chapters of Rebel Against the Night.