The princess surveyed the battlefield, her cyan eyes roving over the scene of destruction that had hours ago been a flaming, war-torn landscape. Now, all that remained were the husks of dead ships illuminated by her bright moon, and the scurrying crews of ponies looking for both companions and adversaries.
She sighed and closed her eyes. And so, this is how this chapter of Equestria’s history unfolds.
With a single slow and graceful motion, the princess of the night spun around and watched the other battle that was still ongoing: the war of logistics.
Ponies trotted and galloped across the control room of the Moon as they desperately tried to make sense of the numbers that were streaming to them from everywhere. Death tolls, the potential cost of repairs, where the Empire had gone, who was responsible for what. One mare in particular looked towards the princess, their eyes locking before she abandoned her post to the great detriment of those around her.
“Hello, Twilight Sparkle,” the princess said, her voice tired, yet relieved.
The mare bowed her head, her shoulders slumping slightly. “Hello, Princess Luna.”
The two mares glanced at the sky beyond the airship they were in. Tight formations of Rebel aircrafts flew in wide sweeps, patrolling the skies hours after the war was over for the slightest sign of the Empire’s hoof.
“It is over.”
“Yeah, I guess it is. This part, at least... You should get some sleep, your majesty; tomorrow will bring its own woes.”
The alicorn nodded, accepting the younger mare’s sage advice. “You are right.”
“Will we be moving soon?” Twilight asked, a note of anxiety in her voice.
Luna turned away from the glass and the mare, her eyes picking out four shapes in the darkness of the room’s corner. Three young fillies and a single colt, all four of them smiling and hugging, thankful to be alive. Yet when one of them, an orange pegasus, looked her way, Luna could see the sadness and loss hidden within her eyes. “Soon. First, we will send a delegation to Canterlot, just a small ship, one commandeered by some who have proven themselves loyal. Then, we shall follow, and crush the Empire, once and for all.”
Twilight nodded in agreement, wiping her eyes with a forehoof before the silence consumed them.
“Canterlot,” the princess said. “To Canterlot, and Sister.”
...
That’s it.
For Part One of this fic.
Some statistics!
Over 85 thousand words (counting my very long A/Ns)
Over 5500 reads
500 comments (Which kept me going, thank you very, very much!)
8 Months in the making
800 favorites
Now, some fanart!
A reading:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVZu7PCiyo8
An Orchestral Piece:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSqZZHhQa_I
And a Dirge:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE7m2dk8FB4
Artwork by:
Coloursymphony (Cover Art)
NoReasonToHope (First Chapter)
AMDude (Chapter Three)
And Finally!
A huge Thank-you to all the bronies that have helped me edit, here’s a few:
(In no order)
My spelling really does scuk.
It was a great ride--even if I did come in at the middle. I have nothing to say; I just wanted to post something as the editor.
This has been so great so far. What a great way to end the first book of what wil be a duology or even a trilogy. At first I was like, "What, epilogue?" But it makes perfect sense.
I've enjoyed this story a lot and have shared it with a few people. It is definitely one of my favorites. I can't wait for the second 'book' (or whatever) to commence!
1452949
It'll be out... soonish. I just need to write it... and outline it. Not in that order.
1453009
Ah, you got me giggling uncontrollably.
I guess you're right.
I little tip: It isn't that good an idea to name chapters as "first climax" or "First epiloge". The reasons for this is that it is not that creative, and it isn't really a climax or an epiloge. If you were making a sequel, it would be fine because it is actually the end of the fic. But since you are continuing the fic, I think you should make up names for the chapters.
1453058
Hmm, fair enough. Any ideas for the name?
The title and picture are intriguing, but that description! An evil empire? Called 'the Empire'? Really?
Sure, there's nothing new under the sun. Fine, I get that. But the description isn't even trying.
Maybe give some idea what sets this apart from, say, Star Wars with ponies. Or LotR with ponies. Or pretty much every console RPG ever. With ponies. When you're playing it straight, you don't lead with, "Welcome to my story! This is the cliche we're going to be using today."
1453148
Well, that's, um, somewhat helpful?
1453148
Also, that bland 'cliched' description got me here...
I am kinda tempted to read this, but given that I understand nothing about steampunk <besides the obvious preference to steam tech and welding goggles> I'm worried I would just get lost inside of 5 paragraphs.
1453245
Not really. I don't go into mechanical details. As long as you know what an aircraft is, and that an airship is a big flying vehicle, you're fine.
1453196
Whatever works, I suppose. I can't actually comment on the story itself yet - I just stumbled across it - but good writing covers a multitude of sins. I'll get back to you on that tomorrow-ish once I've finished reading.
Ten decades though? Wouldn't that make this an AU story? <Nitpicking, don't mind me >
1453310
AH! A decade! Ooops
1453338
What? No one noticed that before? Odd but amusing.
1453148
It was a well written story based on all my favorite cliches, I see no problem here.
Wow, 8 months? Seems a lot longer than that! Especially for those of us along for the ride since chapter one. Just looking all the way back, it's amazing how much this feels like reading a book chapter by chapter over the course of a few months.
And I notice Bunnyhelm kind of reminds me of Bonvilain, from "Airman," if you've ever read it. It's definitely my favorite style of villain!
1453792
Bon means good. Villain... well, that means villain.
Can't wait to help with the next part.
What about my ship names no credit for ideas
Now its time for Darius to aid the rebels by forming a pro-Luna Imperial fleet seeing that I doubt all the Empire will take Bunnyhelm's right to rule as a legit Claim to the Throne. Especially when Luna make sherself known.
Brilliant work, I'm very very excited for the next part.
Thanks for being a kick ass writer.
My spelling really does scuk.
Not sure if trolling or
Very enjoyable, 1453803 have you read "Of Wasp and Spider"? I bring it up because I was recomended it on the basis that it was basically the opposite tech wise of this, and I think you would enjoy it in your spare time.
And so ends Book One of my favorite steampunk fanfic. Excellent work RavensDagger! Can't wait for Book Two!
1455396
Trollting.
Huh. What do you know, it is Star Wars with ponies, more or less. Objection withdrawn.
Very nice story, though I'm hoping we'll eventually get a better explanation of the backstory. How could Blueblood, of all ponies, unseat Celestia and Luna? What happened to Celestia? What turned the war with the griffons so sour? Why haven't the mane six taken a more direct approach? Also, Admiral Trixie? There's got to be a story behind that one.
If you're looking for alternative names for 'The First Climax', how does 'War in Heaven' sound?
If you're looking for names for the chapters... uuuh... "A clash of iron and steel [part1/2]"?
"The End Game"?
I don't just two thoughts I had. Better ones could prob be thought of, but I thought I'd through those out there. I think this was one of my 1st FiM stories (it was either this one or Ballad of Echo) and so it's a little sad to see it end, but hey... it's been a good run.
1458309
It's not over yet...
1458334 It is and it isn't. This chapter has closed and while there are many other pages still left to turn this one has closed.
Gentlemen
THAT was EPIC.
So does "The First Epilogue" imply that there's more to come?
1459598
Of course!
The story isn't finished yet!
Bunnyhelm stll lives, I've yet to introduce a Jar Jar Binks like character...
This story. Absolutely amazing.
beautiful.
you are awesome. that is all.
1465977
C'est Fraincais.
i1.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/002/252/me-gusta.jpg
That is all
Hmmm...I wonder what's going on with Tia... I smell something in the air. Suprise!
So kami is really gone. Like forever
End of Episode 1!
You know that episode 2 will be better, its always better!
Went on a reading frenzy these past few says and finally finished. Really great story, now I'm just waiting for the next part!
(and can you kill this "Jar Jar Binks" character? I really hate that guy....
Not bad...
* 0% Approval Rating
* Airships From Another World
* The Caligula
* The Empire
* Fricken Laser Beams
* Humongous Mecha
* La Resistance
* The Starscream
* Steampunk
* WaveMotionGun
I can't think of any other tropes.
1480415
You're making a TV Tropes page or something?
Cause I'm depressed right now, and if that's the case, you made my day.
Also:
Action girl(s)
suisude Attack
Final Battle
big Bad
Dragon Ascendant
I could think of a few more.
oh Dieslepunk
1480543
I was thinking about it, I've already recommended it on the "General" MLP FIM fanfic recs page.
1480606Well, you would gain my utmost approval!
1480618
Started: http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Fanfic/OfSteamGearsAndWings
1481957
I think I love you!
Do mine eyes deceive me? Is SGW coming to a close? Wow, it seems like only yesterday we began this journey. Sorry I haven't been able to be along for the whole ride. I'm so very proud of you Ravens!
1486229
Ah, it means a lot coming from you! Thanks mate!