The Final wars of Equestria CH 13
Brokering Peace
“Explain to me again what the problem has been, Kilian.”
“My liege, my troops have lost the will to go on. Our original goal was to overwhelm these tyrant pigdogs in a swarm. With our technology and superior numbers we were destined to win. When the U.E.A was formed and the magitech weapons came in our revolution turned into a war. Even when faced with a challenge our troops held onto their will and hearts. We took the lands and liberated them from their oppressors. Even when we began to lose the tide of war we held fast against the advancing white death army. But now the war has gone on for so long, our numbers are falling and while we have plenty to spare we’ve lost hope that we will regain the initiative. We can hold out against the Alliance war machine but I fear we may never again bring the fight to them.”
“I understand how you feel Kilian, and how your forces feel. But we must reap what we sow. This wasn’t what we wanted yet it’s what we asked for, going to war for our philosophic morals. And now we must carry ourselves to the end, whatever that end might be.”
“I suppose there is no other way out.”
“Two Equestrian cities were destroyed; one completely by our hooves, the other we provided the dynamite, the war just lit the fuse. What do you think?”
“I know my liege. I just wish my soldiers would take the news better.”
“You may take your leave now Kilian.”
“Sir,” Kilian said bowing before taking her leave.
Peryite sighed, pushing his chair away from the table with his magic. “I’m so tired. So very, very tired; of all of this.” Peryite got to his hooves and trotted to a window. He peered out onto the fields outside the palace, watching his troops go through various training drills and exercises. “But to have doubt now is to admit defeat! To let everything we’ve done so far, to be for nothing…unthinkable! We will retake the initiative. We must.”
“My liege. Am I interrupting anything?” A soldier asked as he lightly opened the door to the strategy room.
“Nothing boy, now state your business.”
“I suppose it’s better you come and see yourself my liege.” Peryite raised an eyebrow before following the guard.
Cadence grunted and tossed in her sleep. Her eyes began to flutter a bit before opening slightly. She rubbed sleep from her still mostly closed eyes as she pushed herself up into a sitting position. “W-what. Where did… ,” Cadence mumbled looking around the unfamiliar room. She took note of her surroundings and vague fragments of memory leading up to this point, trying to piece together what had happened and where she was. Her eyes locked on the Union banners draping from the wall, onto the floor of the room. The site of Peryite’s flag made her survival instincts click and tell her to be cautious. She tried to use her magic but found she couldn’t. Quietly she made her way to the large, circular, safe-like door. Cadence tried to open it but found it was securely locked. “H-hello. Is someone out there? Pyreite! Are you there?”
“Stand back from the door,” a voice ordered from the other side. Cadence obeyed and took a few steps back from the door. The lock mechanisms began to shift and turn as the door slid open. Two Union guards trotted in pointing their rifles at the pink mare. “Well, well; sleeping beauty finally awakes,” the guard snickered. “About time. Hey, go tell the news to our liege. He should be in a meeting in the strategy room; don’t worry I’m sure he’ll be understanding if you interrupt him.” The other guard saluted his comrade before galloping off to fetch Peryite. “Enjoying your prison of silk and gold, ‘highness’?”
“Uh…” Cadence lightly rubbed her left foreleg trying to decide whether or not to answer the question.
“The king ordered us to keep careful watch over you, so you probably don’t need to watch yourself…as much as I wish I could tell you otherwise.”
“So, what happens now?”
“You stay put.”
Cadence sighed and propped herself up against the wall. The soldier’s gaze drifted from her until he was looking at the banner of the Union. “My liege…” the guard mumbled softly to himself.
Six minutes of silence passed before the guard from before returned with Peryite. “You see, my king.”
“Indeed boy. You and your friend here may go on break now.”
“Break? We only started two hours ago sir.”
“Well you’re dismissed from your work for the day.”
“Dismissed for the day, but sir we…”
“For bucks sake, what does it take to get rid of you two?! Here,” Peryite said giving the two guards bright yellow slips of paper. “Go get yourselves some rations, just go.”
“O-okay my liege,” the guard said grabbing the ration coupons and giving one to the other guard who followed soon behind.
“There, now that that’s out of the way.” Cadence slowly trotted out of the room. “Well come on now dear, I don’t bite. Well I sort of do; but never would I do that to you.” Cadence approached the tall white stallion before embracing him and burying her face in his fur. “There, there sis,” Peryite said lightly stroking the pink mare’s mane. He flicked a strand of hair out of her face and smiled. “Come now Cadence. There are still some things I must do, as well as a few things I need to make clear about your, ahem, ‘stay’ here.”
“O-okay Pyreite I-I mean Peryite I…”
“That’s alright Cadence. You can always call me Pyreite.”
Cadence smiled and took her brother’s side as the two trotted through the castle.
“W-what happened to you…?”
Peryite sighed. “That’s a question I don’t know the complete answer to. It started on that day in the gala. I…I remember seeing some stallion there, he didn’t seem bad. He offered a drink of some kind. I knew it was strong but I took it anyway. It gets hazy after that. I know I wasn’t in Canterlot after that though. I was fodder for some kind of magical experiment. I don’t know exactly what they were doing, or what they were aiming for; but what you see now is the product of their toying with dark magic. Even my cutie mark changed due to the experiment.”
“That must have been so terrifying,” Cadence said, placing a hoof on Peryite’s shoulder blade.
Peryite chuckled. “At first maybe…but once I realized what I was, I didn’t care. I didn’t care if I died or not. I just wanted to mangle their bodies. The only reason I submitted to them, was ’cause they threatened to use you if I didn’t comply.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“It wasn’t your fault. Don’t ever think it was.”
“I didn’t really, but…I never meant what I said that day. I thought that was the last thing I’d ever have said to you. I…I didn’t mean a word of that, I swear. I…”
“I know. I pushed the thought that you hated me out if my head. If I believed that I wouldn’t have felt a reason to continue on. If I had no one again, I would have embraced death, even though I was a freak imbued with dark magic. I knew there was something to look forward to. All I had to do was escape; that fact alone made the labs and Tartarus more bearable than Stalliongrad.”
“How did you become a god…or was that just a hoax?”
“It was no hoax what I said. When I at last escaped, I was wounded and weak. I collapsed somewhere. I don’t remember where that place was…only that there was a forest-like landscape outside it. When I awoke again I was on the back of a tall gray stallion who wore a motley jester’s uniform. He introduced himself as Dimento, the god of madness.” Peryite chuckled. “For someone who’s about as straight as a dog’s hind leg, Dimento was alright. Sure he was nuts, but he was smart and had common sense, as well as a heart, most of the time. He told me I was to be the next god of order; as tradition, it was to be a mortal forced to ascend. Through a powerful spell I received the knowledge and experience needed to take my place in the pantheon in the span of a few days. Only days passed but for me it was five thousand years. That kind of time in solitude; it takes its toll on the mind. The only reason I was able to remember was because Dimento gave me faces to the names. There are a number of things I owe to him, yet I feel I couldn’t even look him in the eye after what I’ve done.”
“While we’re on that…why? Why would you do this?”
“A better world Cadence; a better tomorrow, a better future.”
“How!? How is this better? In what way is this a better world?”
“Sometimes things must get worse before they can get better.”
“But through a war?”
“The war is tragic yes. But I never imagined that it would turn into this. It was supposed to be a revolution, not a bloodbath.”
“Well, end it then.”
Peryite chuckled. “Cadence we’re in far too deep. The only way out of this now is with force. We must reap what we sow.”
“Haven’t you gotten sick of all this? And why would you have done this to Aunt Celestia? She gave you her everything, and you, and you…”
“Celestia was never who I thought she was. She was a tyrant.”
“She showed you love, she gave you care. After all that how could you think that?”
“Just ’cause someone’s capable of love and shows it to some doesn’t mean they are good. All that she did was the reason I didn’t kill her; I could never really hate her.”
“Can I see her, just to let her know I’m okay?”
“Of course, Cadence.”
“Can we head there now?”
“I suppose so, don’t fall behind now.” With that the two continued on with a destination in mind.
Celestia turned her head to the door of her room when she heard the moving lock mechanisms. As the door slid open Celestia’s eyes widened at the two familiar ponies who trotted in. “Hello Mother,” Peryite said solemnly. “I have someone who’d like to talk to you.” Cadence galloped to her aunt whom she hadn’t seen for years. The two embraced each other, both filled with joy from the long overdue reunion. “Ahem,” Peryite said a bit agitated. “While I feel like giving you all the privileges a ‘guest’ here in the U.G.E.R can have, you aren’t allowed to be here unattended Cadence. Someone must be keeping an eye on you at all times; most of the time it will be me, but on that note I have quite a busy schedule, and fitting in being your babysitter makes it all the more tight. That being said, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t take so much time on these things my dear.”
“O-okay Pyreite.”
“So...you know who he is then Cadence?”
“Yes,” Cadence said a bit glumly. “Are you okay? How has he been treating you and Luna?”
“He’s treated me fairly. After seeing the extent of his wrath I know I’m at least not on the far end of his bad side. As for Luna…I haven’t gotten him to talk to me about her. Maybe you’ll have better luck…please.”
Cadence nodded lightly to her aunt before turning to Peryite. “You done yet, Cadence?”
Cadence turned back to Celestia. “I’ll be back, don’t worry. I’ll try and make him come to his senses.”
“I’m uh…still here you know,” Peryite said, a bit irritated. “Don’t make empty promises Cadence.”
“I didn’t make a promise now did I?”
“Guess not. Come along then sister.”
Cadence gave her aunt one final embrace before taking Peryite’s side. Celestia watched the two trot out the door as it closed behind them. “Be careful Cadence. He might be your brother, but his appearance isn’t the only thing that’s changed.”
“Brothers, sisters, fellow comrades in arms. On this day I am here to address a rumor spread among the ranks. The last of the alicorn tyrants, HAVE BEEN CAPTURED! Though this is indeed a triumph, for our populace, this does not mean that the enemy is defeated. The white death army is still very much a threat, enforcing the will of the tyrants to the very end. Though our numbers dwindle, theirs fall with each blow we strike them. I look out, unto this sea of green before me, and see a force meant to change Equis for the better. I see brave souls who have seen much horror, and young ones, who have not yet learned the meaning of the word. And in others…I see despair. Yes my comrades, and I sympathize with your feelings of hopelessness. Our struggle was supposed to be a revolution, an endeavor of rising up against our oppressors to make a world meant to help the populace. However it seems, war is the only method of true liberation. The price is costly, and at times it may seem like we’re fighting a losing battle, but know this. When it all began, we were simple souls, working hard to put food on the table for our families. Many of us feared defying our tyrants, yet if we all felt that way we would have woken up once again to the landlord shaking us down for money and the tsar telling us it’s time to get back to work for him. Know that things are not in despair unless we are in bondage once more. We have forged our Union, we have forged our salvation, we have forged our path to the future, and we have forged true liberty for us. We have taken land from the tyrants once and by the gods we will do it again! We have succeeded in part by the simple fact that we have ourselves a government and military capable of keeping us safe from tyranny. When all is ready, we shall once again take the initiative. I know many of you have seen enough war for several lifetimes but remember; if we all thought someone else would fight we would all stand by as the tyrants undid everything we have accomplished. One day this war will come to an end, and comrades; that day is closer than we think.”
The crowd cheered and saluted Peryite who dismissed the crowd shortly after. Peryite trotted back into the palace and wiped a few beads of sweat from his forehead. “That was quite the speech,” Cadence said with a small smile.
“Well that was mainly the bulk of my day. The war has been pretty quiet on the eastern front, the south is a bit restless but we’ve given up advancement further north.”
“Brother. You said yourself that your forces tire of this war. I can assure you the Alliance troops are weary of this war as well.”
“Wonderful. Guess that means we’re on the same level in morale in this war.”
“Pyreite please! Hasn’t there been enough death? I may not be a member of the council but I know everyone in the Alliance wants this to be over.”
“Well, Cadence my dear, I’m afraid your word isn’t enough here. I’d need to hear that from a council member before hoof. If we could come to some understanding then perhaps I will give that a chance, but I doubt they would ever give me the time of day.”
“Yeah well…” Cadence paused. “You have one in your pocket, remember. Twilight’s a member of the council.”
“You want me to ask Twilight to help negotiate an end to all this?”
“Please brother.”
Peryite shut his eyes in frustration. He sighed before looking his sister in the eyes. “Let’s check up on her; shall we?”
“S-sure,” Cadence said taking Peryite’s side as the two made their way down to the castle’s prison.
“Self-important corrupt greedy tsarist whore!” a soldier said as he slugged Twilight across her face. Patches of blood, both wet and dry stained the mare’s lavender coat. She panted as she looked at the soldier in front of her. Her left eye was partially closed due to it receiving a blow from her interrogator. “Perhaps, you need a little more motivation. Nikola! Up the voltage.”
“I’m afraid I can’t. These coils are already at the lethal amount, I won’t be sent to the gallows for her death because you told me to.”
“Fine, just turn it on again.”
“I’d advise against it.”
“Which of us is the doctor? Last I checked it was me; take your advice and stuff it down your throat.”
“I could. Or I could take my equipment and go.” The interrogator shoved Nikola aside and turned on the Tesla coils. The two coils positioned on Twilight’s sides began to hum before releasing their discharge of electricity into the lavender mare. Twilight cried in agony as the electrical current traveled through her body and onto the chains. Nikola pushed the interrogator aside and switched off the coils. “This is MY equipment. I’ll use it how I please. If you want to electrocute someone with it you need my permission.”
“Fine, get out of here.”
Nikola trotted to the Tesla coils and began to disassemble them. Twilight limply turned her head to the tan stallion in a lab coat. He turned his head to her and gave her an apathetic gaze before placing the Tesla coil parts in his satchel and making his way to the door. “One coming out.”
“One coming out,” the guards on the other side of the door repeated.
The lock mechanisms slowly turned and the door slid open. Nikola saluted the guards before trotting up the stairs. He pulled out a small rolled up schematic paper from his satchel and looked at it while he walked down the hall. “The king should be pleased with the new Tesla tank and Dragon tank designs. These should be able to match the power of the Alliance’s new magitech tank and get our troops moving again.”
“What might Nikola?”
The professor snapped out of his train of thought at the voice of Nikita. “Marshal Nikita sir, how are you this day?”
“Don’t give me that petty small talk, glasses. What is the new invention or breakthrough you’ve made?”
“Uh, two new tanks sir,” Nikola said giving Nikita the blueprints. “I think you’ll find them quite useful.”
Nikita looked over the tank designs carefully. “You have quite the mind Nikola. I admire that.”
“Thank you sir.”
“How’d you like to begin helping me with a… ‘special project’.
“A-a special project, sir.”
“Yes. Don’t repeat me like a simple minded infant. Are you interested or not?”
“Well I don’t even know what the project is sir.”
“I’ve been intrigued with the Alliance’s magitech weapons. If machines could be imbued with magic; why can’t ponies?”
“Fusing extra magic to unicorns sir? Sounds dangerous.”
“Unicorns…Pegasi…even earth ponies. Imagine if all could use magic.”
“That sounds preposterous! I dare not let my tongue slip when talking to someone like you but good marshal; leave the science to the professionals!”
“King Peryite proved that you don’t need a horn to use magic.”
“That may be so. But the king is far from a normal pony.”
“And with added magic so will be others.”
“Enough! I shall not waste my time on such mad machinations as an army of magic users. I-I have better uses that will benefit the green army.”
“Then do me a small ‘scientific favor’.”
“What kind of favor?”
“Conduct for me a study, on the how magic exists within its users.”
“If I get a long period of time where I lack inspiration to make new weapons or research; I’ll give it consideration.”
“I suppose that’s all I can ask…for now.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You know what it means. Be on your way now comrade.”
Nikita straightened the collar on his uniform before taking his leave. Nikola sighed before continuing up the stairs. “I can hear it in his voice. I know what he’s been saying about his eminence, that he feels the king has betrayed the Union. I know his kind; he’s never cared for the Union’s beliefs. He saw opportunity in fighting for us; felt this could get him a position of power in Equis. I know I should tell the king to censor him but…oh. A scientist shouldn’t be caught up in these kinds of problems. And I really need to stop talking to myself in times of duress.”
“It would certainly make others stare at you less.” Nikola nearly fell, caught off guard by the voice. “Something on your mind Nikola?”
“Nothing, nothing my liege.”
“You know you aren’t allowed to keep anything a secret from me unless it’s your personal life. If it is work related you’re required to bring it to my attention.”
“I know.”
“So on that note, is it work related?”
“No, I mean yes, I mean…”
“Nikola, for a stallion who’s sharper than any sword; you have a hard time answering a simple yes or no question.”
“I’m sorry my king.”
“No apologies needed Nikola.”
“Oh, that reminds me.” Nikola opened his satchel and brought the tank schematics back out. “These are my latest creations, well creations might be stretching it a bit. I still have to actually build them, but this is the idea. The Tesla and Dragon Tanks. I’m sure the designs speak for themselves.
Nikola gave the blueprints to Peryite who looked over them. “Indeed comrade. I’d love to see how they perform when they are made.”
“Excellent! So I have the permission to put the Ministry of Industry to work on this?”
“Of course. They’ve been tasked to fill in any military request put in by the highest command.”
“Thank you my liege,” Nikola said bowing to Peryite. “Oh, and who might this be?” Nikola said turning his gaze to the pink mare standing behind Peryite.
“This is Cadence. My sister.”
“Ah…I see. A pleasure to meet you my dear,” Nikola said extending his hoof to Cadence.
“A pleasure,” Cadence repeated shaking the stallion’s hoof.
“I know not everyone in the Union is too happy to have learned of your relation to the alicorns.”
“I know, which is why I appreciate you keeping the knowledge of Celestia being my adoptive mother down low for so long.”
“Of course my liege. I would never question your devotion to the greater good.”
“And for that you have my gratitude, oh loyal one.”
“Would it not make things easier if you kept your public appearances with her to a minimum?”
“Maybe so. But she has requested proof that I haven’t killed Twilight.”
“Well, Twilight is in the middle of an interrogation.”
“Oh yes I remember. Guess I’ll have to cut that short.”
“Wait, what interrogation?” Cadence asked, concerned.
“A prisoner interrogation. Trying to get information out of her.”
“You’re not hurting her are you?”
“It’s an interrogation. Unless she stopped being so resisting she’s probably getting…”
“Brother!”
“I promised you we’d keep her alive, and we are. Come now you can see for yourself.” With that the two continued down to Twilight’s cell.
“You will break, tsarist!” Twilight didn’t respond. She coughed and slumped her head down, allowing blood to drip from her mouth to the floor. “How very gauche.”
“That’s enough now, Pavlov.”
The interrogator turned to Peryite and bowed. “My liege.”
“Take a break; she’ll crack sooner or later. We can’t keep torturing her like this; else she’ll die on us. I’m ordering her some surgery and medical treatment. She’ll be nice and healthy for when you start torturing her again.”
The interrogator saluted Peryite before taking his leave. “Cadence,” Twilight said in a weak voice.
“Twilight!” Cadence cried galloping towards her beaten and battered sister.
“Uh, uh, uh,” Peryite said pulling Cadence to his side with his magic. “Keep your distance from the prisoners my dear. You know they could be…dangerous,” Peryite snickered.
“For the love of Equestria! Pyreite she’s your sister.”
“I refuse to think of her as one. She’s done nothing for me to think of her as anything more than an obstacle to the ponies’ revolution. You wanted to see she’s still alive and now you have your proof. Come along now.”
“NO!” Peryite turned to Cadence with a stern expression. Cadence tried to calm herself down as much as she could before speaking again. “Please…just let me have five minutes.”
“I’ll let you have two.”
“I’ll take it. Please undo those chains.”
“They stay on.”
“Brother she’s too weak and smart to do anything.”
Peryite trotted up to Twilight and held the lavender mare’s head up with his foreleg. “You like our hospitality, huh Twilight?” Peryite nodded her almost limp head to force a gesture of agreement. “I’m glad you agree, ‘sis’.”
With what strength she had Twilight cringed at the white stallion smiling at her. Peryite undid the shackles on Twilight’s forelegs, keeping a foreleg under her to catch her fall when the suspension ceased. “Excuse me my king and princess. I am taking the prisoner to medical ward now,” the stallion from before said rolling in an infirmary bed.
“Wait, I thought you were an interrogator,” Cadence replied.
“Both. It takes a doctor to know how much the body can take; it takes a soldier to know how much the spirit can take. It takes both to make an interrogator. A good interrogator keeps his victims alive; but just barely.” Peryite levitated Twilight onto the table with his magic. “Trot and talk if you must but we should get her to the infirmary.
Pavlov pedaled the bed Twilight lay on while Peryite and Cadence followed by her sides. “Twilight, Twilight can you hear me?” Cadence said, a bit flustered.
Twilight grabbed Cadence’s foreleg as an answer. The two exchanged concerned smiles before Pavlov stopped. “This is the medical ward. You can stay for the surgery but I wouldn’t recommend it.”
“We won’t be staying for that. Understand Cadence?”
“Yes,” Cadence replied looking at Peryite.”
The two watched the twin doors to the operating room open and close. “Well now, is that proof enough for you?”
“I suppose. Though it’s not at all what I wanted to see.”
“Well, enough of this Cadence. I hope I’ve tied up any of these loose ends you’re worried about.”
“What about Aunt Luna?”
“We can visit her later.”
“Peryite.”
“I promise you. I’ve never backed down on my promises before.”
“…When is later?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Very well I suppose. What else do you have to do today? You said the speech was the height of it.”
“It was, for work anyway. But now.” Peryite wrapped his left foreleg around Cadence’s neck. “Now I just want to catch up on time with my sister.”
“Very well. I suppose it has been too long,” Cadence said with a smile. With that the two made their way to the upper floors of the palace once more.
“I hope everything is to your liking.”
“The food is wonderful brother it’s just, well…all of this is still a lot to take in. I’m overjoyed to have found you again, but am heartbroken to know you’re responsible for these atrocities. I’m happy to see that Aunt Celestia is still well but seeing her kept captive by the same pony who called her mother is just…wrong.”
“I understand. This whole thing eats me up on the inside as well. I just learn to tolerate it and press onwards.”
“I can tell and I know talking about this war right now will only make things harder on both of us and bear no real fruit.”
“…I want you to know, I wish I was there.”
“Huh?”
“You grew up without me. I wish I could have been there. Life gave you your difficulties and your trials. I should have been there to help you. I…I failed to even attempt to keep you safe.”
“Seeing how things went for you it sounds like you were the one who needed protecting.”
“I did. Ah but no longer. Life shall never pin me down again. But enough of that, I’m proud of how you turned out. You grew up, you had yourself an empire; you even found yourself a stallion. A stallion that I DETEST, but a stallion none the less.”
“Brother, he’s not that bad if you got to know him.”
“I could have found you a better one in an afternoon. Hell, I could have found you a better one while you were brushing your teeth.”
“Brother.”
“And now I’m related to him, and to Twilight. If it doesn’t make me cringe even more, it makes me feel awkward.”
“Brother.”
“And do you have any idea how excruciating it is to know my sister found a stallion. ANY stallion. Believe me it’s not a simple thing to come to terms with.”
“Peryite!”
“Oh fine. Guess there’s a remedy for this.” Peryite grabbed a bright red bottle from a nearby shelf with his magic and levitated it over to him. He grabbed the cork in his mouth and pulled it off before pouring the contents into a chalice. He eyed the red liquid before taking a drink. “Ah, bloody cocktail.”
“I-is that alcohol?”
“Oh don’t give me that distraught tone dear sister. I’m not a foal anymore and neither are you. We’re both perfectly capable of drinking. Want any?”
“No thanks.”
“You sure? I can find something a bit lighter if it’s too strong for your taste.”
“I-I’m fine, honest I am.”
“Suit yourself,” Peryite said drinking the chalice of cocktail in three seconds. He took a deep breath before refilling the chalice and setting it on the table. “Things never were the same without you, you know. My life had few good things happen but still know finding you was the best of those. I’m honestly curious…how long did you two grieve?”
“…I was heartbroken when it first happened. I felt wherever you wound up you must have hated me for what I said. I hated myself for it. I never thought I could take back what I said; and it ate my heart whole. Aunt Celestia never really cried…at least not in front of me. I could tell she was mortified though; she just did a better job keeping it hidden. You were her best student, and the closest thing she had to a child. Even though your coronation was rather…secret. She always thought you as her own you know.” Peryite stared down his sister with a faintly stern expression. He grabbed the chalice again and drank all it held before refilling it. “You know…if you hadn’t disappeared; I wonder how things would have turned out. If Twilight hadn’t taken your place as…I mean.”
“I’m happy in a way she did. That position needed to be filled and I would have had no other soul take the duty of bearing that responsibility. I feel even I may have not been able to complete the tasks she did. I could have stood up to danger, yet she found a better solution. Not all trials can be braved through strength alone.”
Peryite sighed as he once again drank from the chalice and refilled it. Cadence continued, “I think on better circumstances you could have been good friends with Twilight. She’d have admired your passion for the study of magic. I dare say you two could have done your studies together in Canterlot. I doubt she sees what I see in you. She never knew you but if she did…I’m sure she would have been proud to call you brother. Maybe you could have grown to like Shining Armor as well and…”
“Damn it! Are you trying to guilt me into something!?” Peryite said draining the chalice.
“Brother…how many of those have you had?”
“I wasn’t counting.”
Peryite grabbed the bottle and tried to pour another glass but only a few drops came out. “Wasn’t that bottle new when you opened it?” Cadence asked.
“I’m in for one hell of a rude awakening in the morning. I hope you’ve had enough to eat?”
“I-I’m fine.”
“Good. I have one final thing I should give you before I send you back to your room.”
“What is it?”
“Come along.” Peryite got to his hooves a bit shakily before heading off with Cadence.
“Just a little bit longer my dear. I know I left the key somewhere here,” Peryite said rummaging through a bedside drawer.
“Peryite, are these your bedchambers?”
“Well if they’re not I owe an apology to whoever’s room I’m rummaging through now, don’t I.”
“What are you looking for exactly?”
“A key. Though not the kind that opens doors, the kind that cranks a mechanism. I thought it would be here and…found it!”
Peryite held the small winding key in his right hoof. “That’s what you wanted to give to me?”
“No, well yes, in a way; along with what it goes to.”
“Which is?”
“This,” Peryite said reaching into his robe pocket.
He pulled out a small pink music box and placed it in Cadence’s hoof. “I meant to give this to you on that day but…well; you know.” Cadence took the music box in her hoof and looked over it carefully. She placed the key in the box and began winding it up. The music began to chime from the small gem studded box. “For the longest time, this was my most valued possession; because it was the only thing I had to remember you by. Now though, it’s lost its significant meaning. Because I have you now,” Peryite said embracing his little sister. She tried to speak but Peryite cut her off. “Now though, I’m afraid this is all the time I have for the day. I’ll have to escort you back to your chambers now.”
“Okay brother,” Cadence said solemnly. Peryite lightly clutched his head in pain before escorting Cadence back to her chambers.
Cadence lay in bed as she stared at the ceiling of her room. A lot was on her mind and her thoughts kept her from a restful sleep. She turned to her bedside where the music box Peryite had given to her stood. Her horn began to glow with magic as she brought it closer to her. Gently she turned the key and set it back down. Cadence sighed as the music filled her ears. Its soothing melody gave her an illusion that all was right. She got more comfortable and began to slumber.
“Ivan, please bring me more pain pills.”
“Yes my liege. It’s better to take these on a full stomach though. I’d recommend getting some breakfast before you have anymore.”
“Confound it all! Pain pills. NOW IVAN!”
“Yes my liege.”
Peryite sighed. “Don’t let my attitude get to you my friend. I’m merely feeling sour this morning.”
“That’s quite alright my king.”
“Ivan…”
“Yes my liege?”
“…What do you think about this war?”
“I feel we are just in what we do.”
“No, not our cause and justification. I mean just this war.”
“…I don’t follow.”
“How do you feel about how things are? Is this worth continuing on?”
“…If you’re asking how I view war in general…then I view it as a loss of life.”
“…Ivan…”
“Yes my liege.”
“Fetch me Cadence. I want to have breakfast with my sister; and perhaps discus some things with her.”
“Yes my liege,” Ivan repeated before taking his leave.
Peryite grabbed the amulet around his neck with magic and gazed at it. “We knew all too well the art of war. A thousand years we fought. We were all warmongers. Yet two souls decided right before the end to stop it all. While it may seem like a peace we never got to have, it is also our last act of redemption. We proved we are not monsters. Our king put to end one atrocity; now I as the last of the Urals shall at least attempt, the same.”
“Remind me again, what it is Peryite wanted?”
“That is for you and his majesty to discus.”
“Why is it this early?”
“Why didn’t you leave it at this was for you and his majesty to discus?”
“Sorry,”
“You need not be sorry, nopony need ask me for forgiveness.” Cadence remained silent for the rest of the way to Peryite’s chambers. “We’ve arrived,” Ivan said opening the door. “Do not keep him waiting.”
Cadence watched the doors close behind her as Ivan took his leave. “Cadence. Good, good; err…are you hungry?” Peryite asked less as though he was really asking and more as though he was trying to piece together how to respond.
Cadence watched her brother pace around the room looking troubled. “Well, it is the morning so, yeah.”
“Yes…I suppose it is.”
“Well you called me up here, aren’t you going to eat with me?”
“I was, but I ate in a hurry. Didn’t want to waste time.”
“If we’re in such a hurry for…something then why don’t you get to it?”
“What a wonderful idea! Forget about the meal then!”
“Peryite, are you okay?”
“Cadence…I thought about what you had said, about ending the conflict.” Cadence’s ears shot up at hearing this. “I’ve decided to at least try to convince the other marshals to side with me in making peace.”
“Don’t you rule over them with an iron hoof?”
“Yes. But many of the soldiers have more faith in their generals than they have in me. If they were to call me out as a traitor, well I feel at least SOME of the boys would take their side. I will not have my own slaughtered for the sake of peace. We must see eye to eye in this. While I do that, you must assure me, Twilight and the princesses will do the same. Mother Celestia is the only one that might listen to me; Twilight and Luna have more than a vendetta against me. I must know, before I risk tarnishing my name with my marshals that Twilight will be able to convince her precious council of chairmen to do the same.”
“Then let me talk with her.”
“That was the plan. Though if you’re still hungry…”
“No, food can wait.”
“Excellent. Now Cadence let us begin to put this chapter of history to a close.” With that, Peryite opened his chamber door and continued through the palace with his sister close behind.
Twilight carefully listened to her breathing; it was the only way she knew she was still alive. Being restrained and kept in complete darkness made her lose track of time very quickly. It made no difference if her eyes were closed or open, all she had were her thoughts, and her mind had begun to play tricks on her. Her ears sprung up at the sound of moving lock mechanisms and she turned her head to the direction of the noise. The doors began to open and light began to flood the room. She shut her eyes quickly despite her yearning to see once more. Her eyes fluttered slightly as they adjusted to the light. “Bring her down.”
“Yes highness,” two guards said in unison as they approached the lavender mare. The two bound her wings and undid the shackles on her forelegs.
Twilight limply got to her hooves as the two guards kept their shot gauntlets pointed at her head. “Make a move, and die,” one of the guards threatened.
“She’s too smart,” Peryite chuckled. “You two may take your leave.”
“But my liege.”
“Do you truly believe I can’t handle one alicorn on my own? Especially when it is a contest of strength alone. You could kill her on your own while she has no magic.”
“Are you sure sir?”
“Go, or you’re cleaning the Manticore den tonight.” Both guards bowed and left with haste. “Good. Did you recover from your beating Twilight?”
“Buck…you,” Twilight murmured in her weak state.”
“Oh swallow your hate will you. And if it’s too hard to swallow, tell me now so I can be on my way.”
“Brother, please let me talk to her.”
“Aye, go for it. If you can get her to talk then by all means.”
“Twilight, are you okay?” Cadence asked, trotting up to her sister.
“Better. But that’s not saying much.”
“Hey! Are you in enough of a mental state to put serious comprehension on things?” Peryite asked.
“What do you mean?” Twilight answered.
“I mean…” Peryite began, before Cadence spoke up.
“Twilight I’ve convinced him to end the war.”
Twilight turned to Peryite, then to Cadence, then back to Peryite. “Aye, that sure caught your attention now didn’t it,” Peryite said. “Well, I’m not ending the war; yet. First, I need you to assure me that you’ll convince the other chairmen of your precious council to agree.”
Twilight closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “I can’t promise you that. But I’ll make sure they at least hear of this proposition.”
“Not good enough. They’ll no doubt think you only feel that way because a gun is to your head. Hmm…”
“Brother.”
“Hush Cadence, I’m trying to think. I’ll find a solution to this impasse; for now though, you’re agreeing to this correct, Twilight?”
“If it means an end to this, then yes.”
“Very good. I’ll begin my preparations for my half of this. Also, I’ll see to it those wounds are completely patched. It’ll be easier for all of us if you DIDN’T look like you got beat to a pulp.”
“Wait, but…what now?” Cadence asked feeling unsure.
“Now, you return to your room and let me handle things from here.”
“But…”
“Cadence…come…” Cadence took her brother’s side and the two left the room. “I’ll make sure she’s taken proper care of from here on out. Satisfied?”
“Excuse me?”
“You’ve had request after request of me Cadence over the last day and a half. Are you at last satisfied?”
“I suppose so…”
“Good. Now, back to your room. We’ll talk again later.”
“You are going to do your part, right, brother?”
“Yes, now question it again and you’ll have put me in a foul mood!”
“Sorry!”
“Don’t be. Hey, you two,” Peryite called out to a couple of guards.
“Yes my liege. What is it?”
“Escort her back to her chambers.”
“Yes king Peryite.” Peryite watched as the two guards took Cadence off his hooves and brought her back to her room. He sighed before trotting onward to meet with his marshals.
“Marshal Nikita sir, please head on in, the others are waiting.”
The Union marshal straightened his uniform collar before heading into the council room. “Ah, Nikita. Late as always, glad to see nothing has changed,” Kilian mocked.
“Disrespectful as always, you little brat.”
“Save your bickering for later. Our king has called us here for a reason,” Trotsky said disgruntled.”
“Aye, yet we can’t even get started, where’s Yegorov?”
“Marshal Yegorov is at black pearl base. He’s continuing to train our navy for when the day comes we may once again use it. Are you next going to propose we wait till Voroshilov gets here?”
“Enough!” Peryite said in anger. “Before we begin…a moment of silence, for our Marshal who is no longer with us.”
“A moment of silence, for all those who are no longer with us,” Trotsky replied.
All closed their eyes and the room went silent. “May the Mother bless them and keep them.”
“Yes, now what are we here for?” Nikita asked.
“My fellow Marshals. I feel we have bitten off more than we can chew. Our struggle is now a blight that has brought suffering to all. Have we done good for the world? Of course. Yet we have done all that we can. There is a time for war and a time for peace, a time to build, and a time to build though destruction. My comrades. I feel it is time we end this war.”
The marshals all locked eyes with their king. A tense silence filled the room before Nikita ended it. “Madness! Forgive me for speaking out of place my king, but what in Equus makes you think that the those allied dogs will even consider such a thing!?”
“We’ve a council chairman in our dungeon Comrade Nikita. The princess Twilight has made it clear that an agreement can be reached.”
“Oh, how reassuring. Our king has been conspiring with Alicorns behind our back.”
“I conspire not against us! I work for the betterment of our populace, whether that means working with alicorns or not. I deny it not, Celestia raised me but I owe her nothing. I have never lied to you and I am not lying now. Let me hear your thoughts about this. I have brought you here not to order you around but so we can reach an agreement.”
“My lads have had enough of conflict, my liege, if you believe we can trust those Tsarist slime for this; I support you,” Kilian said saluting her king.
“Come now Kilian. I know you have always gone against what I feel but think about this,” Nikita hissed.
“I know what my soldiers want, and I do not give my input to oppose you.”
“I believe this tragedy has unfolded for far too long. I’ve seen the young princess make peace before. My troops’ valor is great yet we could not have held ourselves at Ponyville. Had she not believed in mercy I would have been in a cell or a coffin by now,” Trotsky added. “I feel she will keep to her word.”
“Unbelievable! You would give up the fight now!? We’re not in a corner yet,” Nikita bellowed.
“And should we ask your soldiers of this what will they say?” Kilian asked. “Would they stick by your side, or would we find them leaving you in the blue for our side. Perhaps we should look into your files more closely. Nova Prospect was far from an ethical weapon. What other shady things might we find dear marshal?”
“Watch it girl,” Nikita hissed.
“Enough. I believe we’ve come to a conclusion to this meeting,” Peryite said rising from his chair. “My fellow comrades. Let us now work to put this chapter of history to a close.”
“For the populace,” Trotsky said
“For the populace,” Kilian said
“…For the populace,” Nikita said in a defeated tone.
“Thank you my marshals. The sun rises and heralds a new day and we are left to shape it and those that will come. Fate has given us the means to shape the future and we must sculpt a better world.” The three marshals saluted Peryite who in turn did the same. When he was at last alone he allowed himself to take a breath of relief. “Well that went better than I would have thought,” Peryite said to himself. “That’s one beast slain, now comes the next!”
“Are their any other things you wish to address miss Sparkle?”
“No, I think you patched just about everything up. Though I still feel sore all around.”
“We’ll get you started on some painkillers. Anything else?”
“Like I said, no.”
“Good, his eminence will meet you again tonight.”
“Does this mean he managed to tie up his end in all this?”
“Yes. So long as all things on your end are tied up then this war will be at a close.”
“Are you happy for this?”
“My job is to give medical care, not have opinions. Hold still, this will hurt,” the doctor said sticking a syringe into the mare’s right foreleg. Twilight cringed as the green liquid was injected into her. “There, now if you feel limp, drowsy, lightheaded, dizzy, nauseous, or black out at any time of the day, bring it to my attention. I’ll add an additional drug to get rid of those side effects. Of course, that drug also has some side effects so…you know what, we’ll cross that bridge if we get there.”
“And if these side effects occur during the peace agreement?”
“Well then you have some sour luck highness. Please wait here. Very important prisoner escorts will be here soon to pick you up.” The doctor gathered his patient’s records before leaving the lavender mare. Not long after two guards entered the medical ward. “Come with us now Princess Sparkle,” one of the guards said. “The peace agreement meeting is scheduled to commence at eight o’clock tonight. Let us make sure it is on time.” Twilight nodded before allowing the guards to escort her back to her chambers.
“Brother! Does that mean you succeeded!?”
“I don’t see it meaning anything else,” Peryite said to Cadence. “Key word however. I succeeded. Twilight still has to do her part. The meeting tonight is only me starting off with some basic demands. I need several things to be clear if we’re truly ending this conflict. I started this war because of principle, not power. Perhaps our voice has grown loud enough that these pigs are at last ready to listen, perhaps not. Twilight will give me an answer tonight.” Cadence gave her brother a concerned look. “I want you to be there tonight, you might be able to remind her of her conscience. She seems to have faith in you.”
“You know, if you want to help convince her more. You could let aunt Celestia and Luna into the meeting as well.”
“NO! This is a meeting between diplomats and ponies of reason. Not tyrants!”
“Celestia isn’t a tyrant.”
“I cannot convince you otherwise, just know you can’t do the same with me.”
“Well what about Luna? You’ve never met her before.”
“Luna has shown me several instances of hostilities. All understandable but nonetheless I believe she would put ‘unwanted thoughts’ into Twilight’s head.”
“Hey, you said you would let me see her tomorrow. And tomorrow is today.”
“I have several things I also need to prepare; you will get your chance to see her later.”
“Brother, please just let me see her. She hasn’t seen a pleasant familiar face in years. Even Celestia finds some comfort in seeing you.”
“I assure you she’s fine.”
“Were you fine? You were separated from us for so long.”
“Don’t compare this to what I went through!”
“She was imprisoned on the moon for a thousand years.” Peryite was silent. “Brother…Pyreite!”
“Promise me you won’t hate me for what I’ve done…”
“Brother. What are you saying?”
“Promise me you won’t hate me Cadence.”
“Y-you didn’t kill her…right!?”
“N-no! No of course not. I…I wanted information out of her, or even loyalty with the Union. I felt a more…solitary existence would bend her will. I…”
“Just let me see her. I promise I won’t hate you,” Cadence reassured.
Peryite gave his sister a light smile. “Okay. Come with me. I’ll show her to you.”
“What hath I done to deserveth this cruel fate?” Luna said sulking to herself. “My punishment was heinous but necessary. Now, what is my crime, to have merely posed as a possible threat to the machinations of a demon? Truly no justice remains in our once fair land. Our citizens, now blindly follow the words of a monster spoken with a velvet tongue of lies. Is this our destiny, to have braved the dangers of such horrid threats, myself included, only to have everything turned to ash by otherwise innocent souls, misguided by the hoof of a madpony. Has my sister returned to the ethereal plane? Has…”
Luna caught her tongue as she heard the unmistakable sound of magic being used behind her. She turned around just in time to see the gray aura fade and in its place two familiar faces joined her in solitude. “Aunt Luna!” Cadence cried out as she tugged slightly at Peryite’s foreleg that was wrapped around her holding her in place.
“Princess Cadenza!” Luna said amazed to see her niece. Her eyes widened before going cross with anger. “Be there no bounds which you will not cross you wretched fiend! Do as you will with me, leave me in this lonesome void, but spare the soul of this innocent!”
“You speak with her Cadence. Something tells me she doesn’t really like me,” Peryite said releasing his little sister
“Go figure,” Cadence replied somewhat sarcastically. The pink mare galloped to her aunt and the two embraced each other. “Aunt Luna. Are you alright; did he hurt you?”
“I ask the same of you small one. No, not physically at least. Fear not. I may not have my magic but I will keep you safe.”
“You don’t need to. Believe me he won’t hurt me.”
“Indeed,” said Peryite. “Not even in my dreams. You can see for yourself if you’d like, Auntie Luna.”
“Doth thou mock me!” Luna said gritting her teeth.
“Brother!”
“What, it’s true.”
“Brother!?” Luna said giving Cadence a puzzled look. “Child hath something happened to you?”
“No,” Cadence sighed. “Aunt Luna. This is Pyreite. My brother.”
Luna exchanged looks with her niece before turning her gaze to Peryite and then back to Cadence. “Indeed,” Peryite said slowly trotting towards the two mares. “I am your nephew.”
“Child…who is this monster…” Luna asked. A storm of emotions stirred in her head making her voice tremble.
“He’s my brother Aunt Luna. He saved my life when I was a foal. Celestia took him in as her student and…”
“And a long story short I’m your nephew,” Peryite said cutting off Cadence.
“I know not which is more painful. Knowing that we’re related or the fact that you would do this to a pony who you should call family.”
“Love can be the most painful thing in the world Aunt Luna. It is the salt in the wound of betrayal. But enough of this.” Peryite illuminated his horn and shined a blinding light dissipating the illusion. The three found themselves back in the lunar tower. “Aunt Luna. He’s agreed to put an end to the war.”
Luna’s ears shot up at hearing this. “Is this true fien…Nephew…”
“Yes Aunt Luna. And don’t call me that if you’re not ready. I’ve given you no reason to consider me family. Such a thing should not be forced.”
“For now then thou shall remain Peryite. And so I ask, once peace is reached; what will become of us?”
Peryite went silent. “I…I hadn’t given that much thought. I don’t know…that’s something I’ll have to put more thought into.”
“Brother. You can release them. You don’t need to have them as prisoners anymore.”
“Hush now Cadence. I will not give Celestia a position of power again!”
“Pyreite…”
“No. Come now my dear. The fated hour is almost here. If all goes well then you will have all the time you want with Luna and Celestia. But for now, come.”
Cadence turned to her aunt. “Stay safe child,” Luna said embracing her niece. The pink mare gave her a quiet smile before taking her leave with Peryite.
“Now I highly doubt this needs to be said, but, be on your best behavior when speaking to our King. More lives than you can count rest on how this goes.”
“I know,” Twilight replied to one of the guards escorting her.
“We’re here. Do your part and put and end to this. Not all of us want to quit the fight but know you have our support.”
“Thank you,” Twilight said as the guards opened the twin doors.
The lavender mare took a deep breath before entering the room. Peryite sat in a chair and eyed her as she trotted in. A single small square table stood between the two. Cadence stood propped up against the wall. She smiled lightly at her sister who returned the smile “Take a seat. Standing around won’t change anything,” Peryite said.
Twilight took a seat opposite Peryite. “Shall we begin?”
“I’ve been waiting for you. So really I should be asking if you’re readyP I’ve been for some time now. Care for a drink? We have everything from champagne to absinthe.”
“I’ll pass.”
“Suit yourself. Now. I want to make several things clear about this. One, this is not a surrender. The U.G.E.R is not bending its knee to you. We shall remain, our government and ideology shall remain and all the cities that we have under our control shall remain ours.”
“I can’t speak for the other council members, but as Equestria’s princess I can assure you that the lands controlled here shall remain under your rule.”
“Very well. That will do for now. Second, all prisoners of war are to be released BEFORE the end agreement is reached. I want my troops back from all your prison camps.”
“In exchange I demand the same thing.”
“Then a prisoner exchange it is. A mass exchange.”
“Anything else?”
“Yes, since I have to release you for you to talk to the other chairmen; I want a piece of land of my choice from Equestria.”
“You want me to give up a piece of land!?”
“You’re no small catch princess. You are the leader of Equestria and the founder of the U.E.A. I demand land for your release.”
Twilight sighed. “Very well. What land do you want?”
“I want control over a third of the crystal fields and Las Pegasus.”
“Why Las Pegasus?”
“With that city I will control all routs to the southern coast.”
“And with it control most of the trade routs.”
“Yes. Speaking of, our trade agreement is to be kept in place. We will of course be in a ‘diplomatic’ relationship. Such should be as the governing powers of the world.”
“Indeed. Is that all you demand?”
“From you, yes.”
“Then we’re at an agreement.”
“Excellent.”
“Wait…”
“Hmm?”
“If we do make peace. What will happen to Princess Celestia and Luna?”
Peryite grew silent. “IF, we make peace. And you assure me she will not get any power in the U.E.A. Then I will release them both.” Twilight’s eye grew wide at hearing this. “But only if everything goes well.”
The two rose from their seats. “King Peryite…”
“Princess Twilight Sparkle…”
“On this day, let it be known that peace was made.”
“Between two equally proud nations of the world.” The two shook hooves before sitting down again. I propose a toast. You said you did not want a drink, but I ask of you, for the sake of this glorious moment.”
“Open a bottle of champagne then.”
Peryite opened a bottle and poured the clear liquid into crystal glasses before giving one to Twilight. “To peace.”
“To peace,” Twilight repeated.
“Cheers, ‘Sister’.
Twilight frowned. “Cheers, ‘Brother’. With that the two pressed their glasses together and drank.