Unhappy Reunion
The Crystal Palace was the epitome of peace and tranquility, the way the moonlight, and if Nightmare Moon wasn't around, the sunlight reflected of the white and blue crystal walls left everypony in awe. And this was before one of Equestria's most famous fashion designers was put in charge.
Rarity had worked day and night to reshape the Crystal Empire and the palace in her and Nightmare Moon's image. The Moon Crystal Governorate was to be a model nation, a place that would be an example for all other places to follow. Everywhere there were statues and tapestries depicting the struggle of the batponies and how Nightmare Moon and her followers liberated Equestria and the Crystal Empire from the tyranny of the princesses. The palace itself was decorated with tapestries depicting the moon and the mare who controlled it, Rarity even had an artist draw a map of the stars on the ceiling.
Beneath this thin surface of beauty and peace however laid a mountain of dirt, and Rarity was right in the middle of it. From the window in her office she could see the Night Guard rounding up ponies that were deemed disloyal and threats to society. Rarity saw a mother being forced into a truck while what she presumed was her husband and child could only watch.
What had she done wrong? The white unicorn wondered. It could have been anything, maybe she had the mandatory picture of Nightmare Moon hanged askew or maybe she had mentioned some of the actual problems that plagued this country. Knowing the Night Guard, the official security and intelligence service of the Lunar Empire, it could have been anything. That poor mare could even just have looked at them in a way that they didn't like.
Whatever the reason was for their arrest, they would be send to one of the many labour camps in the empire. Rarity hoped that it would be one of the less horrible places like Appleloosa or Ponyville where work mainly consisted of working on the farms, instead of the crystal mines her own country were the combination of the cold temperature and having to perform hard labour proved to be particularly deadly.
Rarity had tried to have the prison camps in her country shut down or at least tried to improve the working conditions. But her complaints fell on deaf ears, the Night Guard was an independent organisation that answered only to Nightmare Moon. She wished she could do something to stop them but she was just as powerless as those that were being arrested. Any move that she made against them would cause them to simply arrest her and replace her with somepony more complacent.
One of the prisoners, a light brown crystal stallion, jumped out of the truck and tried to run away. The Night Guard soldiers ran after him, shouting orders to stop running. The stallion almost made it to a nearby alleyway when of the the soldiers realised that they had rifles and shot the stallion in the back. He apparently survived the first shot and tried to crawl his way to safety. It brought a tear to Rarity's eye, seeing this stallion continuing his escape attempt despite it being obvious that he would never make it.
The inevitable soon happened and one of the soldiers trotted over to the stallion and shot him in the head, ending his suffering. The soldier called over some of his friends and together they carried the stallion's corpse like a sack of potatoes and loaded him on the truck and drove away. They didn't even bother cleaning up the blood.
The white unicorn couldn't help but stare at it. A beautiful light purple crystal pavement covered in this ugly dark red substance. Maybe when Nightmare Moon got over her business with Celestia and had calmed down maybe she could talk to her queen and try to convince her to stop this. Rarity was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't even notice Raven entering her office.
"Miss Rarity!"
Rarity almost fell out of her chair when she hear Raven yell.
"Raven you don't need to shout at me like that! I don't need you yelling into my ear like that!"
"I tried talking to you several times but you continued staring outside, is everything ok?"
"Yes I was just thinking about something. What is it you wanted to tell me Raven?"
"General Arctic Lily told me to tell you that he found your friends."
This time Rarity did fell out of her chair.
Fluttershy was sitting just outside their cave enjoying the view outside. For some reason the aircraft had stopped patrolling the skies this morning so they were finally allowed to go outside during the day. The view was magnificent, the light cast by the rising sun made the mountains look like they were made from gold. It was a nice distraction from the depressing situation that they found themselves in.
Hope seemed to slowly fade away from their group. Even Rainbow Dash the element of loyalty herself seemed to become tired of waiting. Fluttershy had tried to comfort her friend by saying that Twilight would come up with a plan soon, however she didn't even believe it herself.
She had never told it to anyone but she was tired of this war as soon as it began. The yellow pegasus had enlisted in the army as a nurse because of her experience with taking care of animals. She saw firsthoof the terrible consequences of the war, but she continued to fight because Nightmare Moon needed to be stopped. But now they had lost and Nightmare Moon won. In her opinion there was no need to continue the suffering for a lost cause, however her friends wanted to continue so she didn't dare to object and followed them.
There was also their loved ones, Fluttershy hadn't seen Angel since she left for the Crystal Empire, she hoped he was doing fine and that she would soon be able to see him again. They hadn't talked about it but it was obvious to her that Applejack and Rainbow Dash were also missing their sisters, or in Rainbow Dash's case, sister like figure.
Back in the Crystal City Rarity was sitting with general Arctic Lily inside one of the many barracks scattered around the city. Arctic Lily was explaining her plan.
"First pegasus division will stealthily take up positions around the cave to cut off all land and air routes. After this is done the eleventh infantry division will climb the mountain and secure the cave."
"I don't have any military experience but this plan looks sound. However and I cannot stress this enough, Nightmare Moon wants them to be taken alive. Failure to do so would probably end up with both of us dead, is that understood."
"Most certainly, we shall flush them out of the cave with smoke grenades and all of my unicorns have had extensive training in restraining spells. All non-unicorn forces have had increased marksman training and have been made clear only to aim at the legs."
She was no expert in military matters but the general looked to be confident in her plan so Rarity gave it her approval.
It was approaching afternoon and Fluttershy was still sitting outside enjoying the view. In the distance she saw a group of birds take flight. Must have been some animal that chased them away she thought. The pegasus was startled by a sudden noice, rocks sliding over the ground. The sound came from underneath the cliff in front of the entrance so Fluttershy couldn't see what made it.
Fluttershy's curiosity got the better of her and she decided to check out what made the sound. Slowly she shuffled towards the edge, her body shaking due to the anxiety that she was feeling, her heart was beating so hard that she thought it could be heard miles away.
When the yellow pegasus reached the edge she slowly peaked her head over it, looking straight into the eyes of a light blue unicorn mare. Fluttershy tried to warn the others but she only manages a short scream before the unicorn managed to hit her with a spell.
Rainbow Dash was taking a nap when she heard a scream that was undeniably Fluttershy's. Quickly the rainbow maned pegasus got up and grabbed her rifle. In front of the entrance of the cave stood a group of unicorns firing magic spells into the cave, one of them hit Shining Armor while he was trying to get to Flurry Heart and Cadence, causing him to collapse on the ground. Rainbow Dash found some cover and began to return fire at the enemy, she almost managed to hit one of them but barely missed, this did force them to take cover.
Before anypony could figure out what to do next, smoke grenades started to be thrown inside. Twilight and Cadence tried to throw them out of the cave but spells fired from unicorns peaking from the entrance walls forced them to hide instead. Pinkie Pie didn't seem to be bothered by it, she instead lay on the ground and fired at the attackers. Soon however the entire caved was filled with smoke.
"Everypony we need to try and get out! We each go our separate ways and we will try and regroup near the border with the Yaks! Does everypony understand?" Twilight yelled.
When nopony objected, Twilight gave the order and everypony ran or flew outside. Rainbow Dash rushed towards the entrance close to sonic rainboom speed. What she hadn't counted on was the enormous amount of enemies waiting outside for them. She thought they were fighting against a small patrol, but when she burst through the smoke she saw that there were hundreds of unicorns and earth ponies waiting outside for them and the sky was filled with pegasi. The rainbow maned pegasus barely made it outside before being hit by a spell and passing out.
In the Crystal Palace Rarity was anxiously pacing back and forth. She had just received a message from general Arctic Lily that she had successfully captured Twilight and her friends and Cadance and her family. Rarity had relayed this to Nightmare Moon who said that she was coming immediately.
But that didn't change the fact that her former friends would soon be here. What was she going to say to them? Was she supposed to threat them like friends or enemies? Should she even talk to them or should she let Nightmare Moon do the talking? And what if Nightmare Moon's plan didn't work out and they refused to follow her, would she kill them outright, throw them in jail or perhaps just let them go? Soo many questions were buzzing inside her head and she couldn't answer any of them.
"Miss Rarity they are here."
Raven's voice brought Rarity back to reality.
"Can you bring my friends to the throne room and Cadence, Shining and Flurry to the dining room. I am sure Nightmare Moon will want to also speak to them."
"I will do so miss."
With that Raven left. Rarity took a couple of minutes to calm herself down. There is no point in delaying this, I will have to face them eventually, she thought to herself and made her way to the throne room. The white unicorn hoped that meeting them in someplace familiar would cause some of their anger to lessen. While standing in front of the gargantuan doors Rarity took one final deep breath before opening the doors and walking inside.
There all her former friend were sitting in a circle in the middle of the room. All of them were wearing chains and Twilight even needed two restraining rings on her horn to stop her from using magic. None of them had received any lasting physical damage but Pinkie Pie looked more death than alive, just staring emotionlessly into the distance and her mane hung lifelessly.
The white unicorn still hadn't figured out what to say so she decided to say the first thing that came to her mind.
"Hello there."
Upon hearing Rarity's voice everypony immediately turned to face her, except Pinkie Pie who seemed to look through Rarity instead of at her. Twilight was scowling at Rarity intensely, like she hoped that her gaze would somehow cause Rarity too combust. Applejack and Rainbow didn't look pleased seeing Rarity, however their expression was more one of tiredness than anger. Finally Fluttershy actually seemed somewhat happy to see her former friend and even had a small smile on her face, albeit a sad one. And Pinkie Pie didn't even seem to realise that Rarity existed. Spike's expression was a mixed one, Rarity could see the delight in his eyes due to seeing the mare that he loved, but she also saw betrayal in him for joining with what he thought was the enemy.
Rarity didn't like seeing her old friends in chains like that so she ordered her guards to remove them, even Twilights restraining rings. This seemed to somewhat improve their demeanour, except for Twilight whose scowl didn't even waver. So the governess decided to lighten the mood with some small talk.
"Are you all doing ok? is any pony hurt?"
Before anypony else could say something, Twilight spoke up. Her voice dripped with sarcasm.
"Well I am honoured that the element of generosity graces us with her presence. After all you must be quite busy RUINING all that we have build. You are nothing but Nightmare Moon's little puppet, a pretty doll for her to play around with. So unless you finally wound the courage to do something yourself instead of following others like a little puppy, I will only speak to your master."
"You always did have a way with words Sparkle. However I would recommend using that skill for something other than insulting me or my friend or I will show you that the name Nightmare Moon isn't just for show."
There she was right behind them, the grand architect of everything that had happened the last couple of years. The one who managed to overthrow Celestia after an uninterrupted rule that lasted for more than a thousand year. Twilight couldn't help but be in awe by her majesty. Nightmare Moon was about the same size as Celestia, maybe even slightly bigger, she towered over every other creature. Her blue eyes had a slight glow to them and her dark blue star filled mane was so beautiful that it was almost hypnotising. And her slim figure and tall legs were also nothing to be ashamed of.
Nightmare Moon didn't show it but she loved basking in all the attention, she loved being able to walk into a room and have every creature look in awe at her. Normally that honour would be reserved for Celestia, she was always the centre of attention. Whenever they would enter a room together everypony would run up to Celestia to talk to her, and during balls Celestia would be asked by literally every stallion in the room for a dance while nopony asked her and she hated Celestia for it. Even when she transformed into Nightmare Moon again and took Celestia prisoner and released her, she managed to take all the attention with her little bakery stunt. Well no longer, it was time for her to claim the spotlight from her sister once and for all.
Nightmare Moon took a good look at the ponies in front of her. With them by her side it would finally be Celestia's turn to be stuck in the shadows while she got all the attention. Of course she wasn't going to tell the element wielders that, no she was going for something a little more persuasive.
"I ordered Rarity to bring you here because I have a little proposition that I want you to consider. I think that it would be good for the moral of my ponies to see the elements of harmony reunited. So I am willing to let you all free to show all ponies living in my empire that yesterday's enemies are today's friends and that it is time to move forward. I mean we all want the same don't we, an end to the bloodshed?"
"And what do you want in return from us?" Applejack asked. Her experience in the apple business taught her that nothing was ever free.
"I simply ask for you to publicly denounce Celestia's rule and pledge your loyalty to me. That is all."
This was a lot to ask, Twilight, Spike, Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash all sacrificed a lot during the war so to denounce that what they fought for was tough sell. To everyone's surprise Rainbow Dash was the first to step forward.
"I will do what you want Nightmare Moon." She sadly stated. She then turned her attention to her friends, her head dropped down in shame.
"Please I know that it is difficult to accept but the war is over, we lost. I want to see Scootaloo again and fly with Soarin. I just want to live a normal life again."
Even more surprising than Rainbow Dash joining Nightmare Moon was Pinkie Pie standing up and walking with towards Rainbow Dash. She didn't say anything, she just stood there sadly. Not even Twilight could blame her for doing that, Pinkie Pie had fought harder and sacrificed more than anypony else, she deserved her rest. Applejack and Fluttershy now also found the courage to join Nightmare Moon.
"Ah am sorry Twilight, Ah just wanna see mah family again."
"I don't want anypony to die anymore. I am sorry." Fluttershy whispered.
Spike didn't walk over just yet but his pleading eyes made it clear to Twilight that even her faithful assistant had given up.
"Fine! But I only do this because I cannot continue to fight alone, not because I want to!"
"Noted, and if it is any consolation miss Sparkle, You held out longer than my sister." Nightmare Moon stated smugly. Which Twilight decided to ignore. There was only one thing on her mind.
Equestria is now well and truly gone.
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Great chapter!
10452341
Thanks it was difficult to write because I wanted to write about several different things but I got there in the end.
10452347
You’re welcome!
I feel... disappointed in the Mane Six; I expected Twilight at least to refuse regardlessof the cost, or perhaps to at least fake submission in hope of continuing the fight. I hate it when the good guys just give up. And to blast with denouncing Celestia and swearing fealty to MMN!
10452446
I do agree with that sentiment but in this specific case I would find it more difficult because for all intents and purposes the war is over. Nightmare Moon likes her theatrics especially when it comes to one upping her sister. However she would do best to remember that swearing loyalty and being loyal are two very different things.
awesome chapter keep it up
10453667
I really enjoy writing this story so far so don't you worry
Thanks
Suggestion: add a horizontal line between those two paragraphs (using
[hr]).It helps to show the change of scene.
Also, poor Flutters. Better enjoy the view faster, time might be running out before you have to move from a dungeon-like cave to an actual dungeon.
They should have done that a few weeks ago, now it's a bit late...
Careful Rares, you are right next to a very pissed alicorn mage right now.
Better try to stay on her good side, or she may turn you inside out.
I expected her to be the second-last, just before Twilight. Her being the first surprises me.
Nightmare Moon: "It's less gone and more reborn."
JUST LIKE THAT!!!!? (I have lost braincells)
https://images.app.goo.gl/dRXvNVDFCjAPZjLHA
https://images.app.goo.gl/Fiz5FXcWc5ZJULBi8
11466551
I thought it would be interesting to have Rainbow Dash surrender first, but I also think it would make sense because while she is the element of loyalty, she also realises that the war is lost at that point. So is it loyalty to die a senseless death for a lost cause?