Prologue: The Truth

“Ma'am... are you sure?” Commander Nightwing said to his ward

Luna looked at her honour guard with a deep sadness in her eye's “Its the only way; we can't win this war with conventional tactics.” She said with sad resolution

“But, turning to chaos and the dark energies... I know you mean well to do this; but the road to hell...” The Commander replied with trepidation

“What else can I do?” She asked with borderline hysterical resignation “Stoop to my sisters level and enthral Ponies to my cause!?! No, that goes against everything we stand for!”

“Why? You wouldn't be enthralling them, you would be liberating them, like you did with me and my men” Nightwing said calmly

“She needed you to have independence, I just gave you the power to fully actualise the doubts you had in your mind... If I were to do that to the civilians and the regular guard... I would over write their very existence, their souls. I just... I can't do that, even if I disagree, even if I know that they are walking parodies of their own existence, I can't kill them.”

“I trust you Princess, I don't mean to make it sound like I'm questioning you; I just... I just wish there was another way.” A sombre tone ebbed into his every word

Luna smiled warmly “Were it that I had the elements Night, you would be the Avatar of loyalty, of that I have no doubt...” Her words trailed off “I have a special mission for you and five of your best, if you're up to it.”

“Is that even a question ma'am?” Night said with conviction

“Yes; Even with this power, I may still lose, and even if I win I will need to be stopped.”

“What are you asking ma'am?”

“I want you to run, hide, survive. And during the darkest hour of the night, I want you to come and make whatever has transpired right.”

“You want me to leave you in your final battle!?!” Night said, an angry inflection seething his words

“No, I want you in reserve for it. This is the gambit, you are my end game.” She placed a hoof gently on his cheek “You always were.” she said with pride

Nightwing's Eyes darted around with panic, finally he stared into Luna's with defiance, not directed at her but at him self, at his doubt and at the Tyrant “I understand.” He said with pure resolution

“Thank you” Luna said, tears welling up in her eyes as she drew him closer “You're the only one I trust with this.”

The commander blushed, something he very rarely did, and was left at a loss for words.

“Now go, this is where our paths diverge.” Luna said turning away, her horn glowing as a dark tome levitated

The commander pulled Luna back and glared into her eyes, a look of shock crept over her face

“I swear to you, in the darkest hour of the night, I will come for you.”

“Because the night is always darkest before dawn.”

Chapter I: Adapt or Die

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1003 years later

Spitfire placed the scroll on Celestia's war room table. She stood silently at attention while Celestia sipped on her tea.

“At ease Captain” she said finally and warmly as she placed down the cup

“Yes ma'am.” the golden peagasus said, relaxing her posture “These are my recommendations to fill the vacancy.”

“Break it down for me” Celestia said plainly, lifting her cup for another sip

“Well ma'am, as always Rainbow Dash is at the top of the list”

“She's still a civilian, and I don't think she has the discipline to be part of the military”

“She has physical discipline, and I think Officer Cadet School would temper her. Even if it didn't; well I can handle Soarin'” Spitfire said in a highly rational tone

“That would take to long, and I need her with the other Avatars.” Celestia said dismissively. She quirked an eyebrow with a smile “You know I'd be open to it if she could be part time”

“Can't do ma'am, the Wonder Bolts are all or nothing.” Spitfire said, finality in her voice

Celestia chuckled “Very well, who's next?”

“Well... he's not exactly next objectively.” Spitfire hesitated

“But you think there is something about him.” Celestia finished her sentence

“I do ma'am, I would be willing to take the risk.” Resolution ebbed into Spitfire's voice

“Who is he?” Celestia asked

“Corporal Icarus Nightwing.” Spitfire said plainly

“Enlisted?” Celestia asked with widened eyes

“He was up for OCS out of basic but turned it down.”

“And you think that he'll go if he has a chance to get into the Wonderbolts?” Celestia said incredulously

“I don't think he needs it ma'am, he's a charismatic born leader and came to us with proficient competencies.” Spitfire said with a thoughtful inflection

“You're sure?” The Princess asked, sensing some doubt in her captains words

“The more I think about it, the more it seems right.” The Captain said with finality

“Ok, I want to meet him before I approve of this.”

“Yes ma'am” Spitfire said, her dutiful tone undermined by her satisfaction as she turned and trotted out of the office

***

“That all you got Trotter!?! Come on, I've seen fillies with more endurance than you!” Icarus barked

It was a sunny day at the Fort Vanguard just outside of Appleosa, the heat beat down aggressively and it was only oh nine thirty. Icarus loved it out here, far enough from the main garrison and wild enough to forget about the past, even if it was only for morning PT. He was leading the 23rd Joint Special Tactics platoon in their morning canter; Unicorns had a habit of relying on their magic for everything and tended to have a lack strength and stamina, and Pegisi like himself had a tendency to only use their wings to get around, so it seemed natural for him to motivate the ground side part of the detachment while keeping his own legs fit.

“No sir!” the crimson unicorn private said

“That's what I like to hear! With me now you pansy arse bales of hay;

“Heavy on the left hoof” he bellowed melodicly

“Heavy on the left hoof” the choir of enlisted followed

“Motivated Left hoof”

“Oh Yeah”

“Aint no use in lookin down”

“There aint no discharge on the ground.”

“There aint no use in lookin back,”

“A jodys got your wagon rack”

“There aint no use in feelin blue,”

“A jodies got your filly too.”

It was still strange, sleeping for nine hundred and eight years and waking up to find almost every one you knew from before had died, even five years later he had yet to completely acclimatise. One of the weirdest things was this “Cutie mark” that was now stencilled on his otherwise jet black coat; his was a downward turned dagger flaked by upturned wings. He originally thought it was kind of neat, until he found out what it actually meant; everyone’s destiny was now set in stone. The monarch had made it so that everypony knew their future when they came of age. It gave them focus, sure, but it denied them the continued self discovery. He became a soldier because he wanted to make a difference, to contribute, he had spent years on other things because of this drive. He didn't discover a talent due to some scatter shot attempt to make a picture appear on his flank, he discovered it through perseverance and determination. For over a millennia now filly's and colts were robbed of that journey of self discovery. He wanted to burn it off, but he had to be as effective as he could be when Luna came back... when she really came back.

So infiltration, information gathering and reconnaissance were the main objectives of his team. Private Sapphire Starr was in his fire team here at Vanguard, she was a white unicorn who had a blue mane with teal highlights and blue eyes, and the way they caught the sun out here was spectacular, she became a glowing beacon. She had magics that would shroud her if they needed stealth. Jade Halcyon, a green Pegasus mare and Nova Kilo a Unicorn Stallion with a golden coat and mane, were both in ponyville, setting up shell operations and keeping an eye on the Avatars of the Elements. There wasn't much they could do at this stage.

The canter ended, Icarus' heart was pounding but he didn't let any fatigue show. He had trained so hard, had forgone OCS and was the best damn soldier he could be, just so he could get a post in the royal guard, so he could be closer to Luna. Even this younger version that doesn't seem to remember what had happened could be useful. He was ashamed of thinking about her as a tool, but that's what Celestia's rule had done to Equestria, all just cogs in the machine.

“Hey, what's up?” the glowing unicorn mare asked

Icarus grimaced “What? Am I showing again?” He said with empty humour

“Only to me Night” Sapphire said with a soft smile “You're flying too close to the sun again; gotta be careful or you'll burn up little Icarus.”

“Maybe” He looked at Sapphire with a playful smile “But maybe that fire will become a beacon... and then I realised, we already have you”

“Hey now, a glowing magician can be bucking frightening, in fact sometimes I scare my self.”

“Oh, by the way, as your NCO, I have to inform you that your glowing is disrupting your barracks mates sleep” He said in a mocking tone.

Sapphire cocked her head to the side incredulously “I only glow in the light, you ass” she said in a mock hurt tone, smacking Icarus in the shoulder with her hoof

“Hey, I could have you court marshalled for that”

Sapphire laughed, though was instantly distracted by the earth pony galloping in front of her. They both looked around the parade ground and noticed a migration towards the main gates.

“Did you hear an alert siren?” Icarus asked, looking at Sapphire with confusion

“Nope, must be something interesting!” Sapphire said with excitement as she trotted off

“Hey, wait up!”

They cantered over to the main gate where a small crowd was gathering, though being a military base they were all trying to look like they were supposed to be there; it really wasn't working. Being a corporal had its perks, he simply meandered through the crowd to the front. Finally he saw what the commotion was about; Spitfire, the leader of the Wonder bolts, was making her way to the command barn. Those beautiful golden eyes, that amazing pleasant smile, that flowing mane of fire, all dressed up in an officers uniform...

“Whoa, easy their lover boy” Sapphire said in a jocular manner

Icarus looked behind him and saw that his wings were sanding erect. “What?” he said in a nonchalant manner turning back to Sapphire “Don't act like you're not impressed”

She laughed “Well, she's not as stunning as me.”

“Yeah, but I don't need sunglasses every time I look at her.”

“I know I've blinded people with my beauty Night, they didn't complain.”

Colonel Stalliongrad walked up to the stunning golden pegasus with a surprised look on his face.

“Obviously the old nag wasn't expecting the capt- Will you put those things away!” Sapphire scolded

“Sorry.” he said quickly as he folded his wings away “But that last 30 seconds, they were all for you” he said in a suave manner

“Oh Nigh', you know we're gonna get into trouble if the CO finds out” she said, putting on a local accent for comical effect

“Worth it.” He said loudly

He looked back at the Captain, her golden eye's locked on to his deep red ones and they narrowed thoughtfully before she looked back at the Colonel and walking off with him to the command barn. Icarus quirked an eye brow.

“Huh, that was weird.” Icarus said with confusion

“What was weird?”

“Nothing... I'll be in my bunk.” He said distantly as he started walking off

“Eww” Sapphire replied in a genuinely disgusted manner

“Wha- Eww, no, get your mind out of the gutter private” he said in a mock authoritative tone

“Aye sir” she said, restraining her humour, though a mocking smile ebbed through

“Damn straight” he yelled over his shoulder as he continued walking on

***

“Corporal, the Colonel wants to see you.” said the adjutant with a disgruntled tone, clearly annoyed that an officer would be asked to go fetch an enlisted

“Yes sir, I'll make my way up in a second.” He said dutifully, it still struck him off at how he was no longer a commissioned officer.

He kicked up off his bunk and threw on his dress blues; it wasn't every day that he was called into the CO's office. He had to wonder why though, the CO would be far to busy entertaining the celebrity in his office. So he walked out of his quarters, out the front of the barracks and made his way across the parade ground to the command barn. The Adjutant ushered him in to the office. He was surprised to see Spitfire sitting behind the CO's desk, well she wasn't so much sitting as she was lying down. She had his file in front of her.

“Come in, come in” she said invitingly

“Ok...” Icarus said curiously as he walked over to the cushion on the floor

He sat down and Spitfire began to speak

“So you must be wondering what the amazing and awes-”

“Sir, permission to interject”

“Permission granted” Spitfire said with a little shock to her voice

“We had the G and P T here the other day doing a Royal Service Organisation show...”

“Ah, so would you like me to drop the bravado?” she said amused

“If you wouldn't mind sir.” Icarus said sweetly

Spitfire chuckled “Ok then, to the point; I have a spot vacant in the Wonderbolts, I want you in it.”

Icarus' eyes widened, he took a second before he answered “Sir, I'm not part of the air force, I'm not an officer and I'm not going to OCS”

“The military department thing is non issue” she said dismissively “And, as far as rank... why did you pass up OCS when you were offered it if you don't mind my asking?”

Icarus looked up thoughtfully before answering “I enlisted because my Cutie Mark occluded all other possibilities, but I didn't want the kind of responsibility that came with an officers bar” A lie, the real reason was that getting into the guard was easier as an enlisted, but it was a plausible lie.

Spitfire looked at Icarus with curiosity “You're a damn good flyer too according to your file.”

“That's what the wings are for Sir.” He said dismissively, looking at the image of his Cutie Mark that was exposed in the file on the desk.

“You're also a leader, always on point, always motivating your subordinates. The colonel told me it was a mission to get you to accept an NCO position, you could be a warrant officer by now if you were willing to play the game.”

“What game? The one where you put on blue spandex and fly around like a show pony? There are Stallions and Mares here that need me to keep them in shape and ready, they depend on me. What if something were to happen while I was away showing off?” Icarus said, his tone getting more and more desperate

“See, you do like responsibility!” Spitfire said mockingly

Icarus turned his head away with frustration.

“Ok, here's the thing Icarus, can I call you Icarus?” She continued softly

“Most call me Night, its much easier to say in conversation.” he said plainly, control back in his voice

“Ok, Night; If you take this position, no OCS, your file suggests that you have all the competencies that you need, I'll vouch for you. But if I'm wasting my time I'll find someone else, you're just at the top of my short list.” Spitfire said with finality

Icarus looked around the office thoughtfully, the medals in the Colonels display case; Griffon Defence citation, Dragon Slayer medallion, Orb of Celestia; he obviously saw something in this despots delusion worth fighting for. But for him it was all too perfect, like a mirage, like just under the surface there was something horrible hiding. Icarus considered that he had really conceded defeat when the Elements “fixed” Luna, and that's why he didn't go for OCS, that he would be happy here, whittling his last days beyond the line of Celestia's influence. He could trick himself into thinking that he was still fighting for the Luna Republic. The Wonderbolts would get him close to the princess, perhaps in a position where he could move things forward. So why was he saying no?

“When do you need your answer by?” Icarus said finally

“If you're not sure now-” Spitfire started in a superior tone

“Sir, with all due respect, you are asking me to turn my back on a lot, I need time, when do you need your answer by?” Icarus interjected

Spitfire glared at Icarus for what seemed like an eternity with such wrathful heat. He matched her gaze “My train leaves at eighteen hundred tonight” She said finally not letting up

“You'll have my answer by seventeen hundred.” Icarus said standing

“Good.” She said with an annoyed grit to her word

Icarus began to walk out, his face felt heavy the second he turned away from the golden pegasus.

“One more thing though corporal” Spitfire said, heat still in her voice

“Yes Sir?” Icarus said, turning back

“That’s the last time you speak to me like that” She said in a firm voice

“Aye aye Sir.”

“May Celestia light your path.” Spitfire said warmly

“And may Luna hide my footsteps” Icarus said under his breath

***

“What was the about?” Sapphire asked, a hint of possessiveness in her voice

She was standing right outside the Command barn's door, seemingly waiting for him. Icarus stepped down onto the parade grounds

“Spitfire wants me in the Wonderbolts” He said in a nonchalant manner

“What? Why!?!” she said incredulously

Icarus give her a funny look

Sapphire rolled her eyes “You know what I mean. You're not an officer.” she wanted to add “any more”, but there were too many ears around for her to say that.

“She said I don't have to go through OCS if that's what you mean.” He started walking back to his quarters

“What, so you're just in?” She asked, trotting to catch up

“I'm sure there will be a try out, but if I want it yeah, I'm in” His confidence was just as a matter of fact

“What about us?” she was talking about the plan, but Icarus suspected she meant something more

“Honestly, I don't know Starr.” He said solemnly “That's why I'm not sure” he stopped and hung his head for a moment

“Well adapt, I can take over here, you go do what you need to do.” she said sympathetically, her hoof resting softly on his shoulder (The one she had punched hard not to long ago, so it kinda hurt)

“It won't bother you that I'm flying around in blue spandex showing off?” He said with feign amusement

“Not as much as it will bother you” she said warmly “And besides, with you in there we're more likely to get the Wonderbolts for our RSO shows.” she said biting her bottom lip

“What? Want to see me in a tight blue spandex Private?” he said with flirtatious smile

“You; no” she said mockingly “But that Soarin'” Sapphire looked up with dreamy eyes

He laughed before turning to look her in the eyes, those big glowing blue eyes “You sure you've got this?” he asked warmly

“No doubt skipper” Sapphire replied in the same warm tone, her eyes lingering for a moment “Now hurry up and get your things. I doubt the captain of the Wonderbolts is going to wait while you make googly eyes with me” Her inflection saying that she wanted him to stay

“Ok” he said with a soft voice

He pulled away and began trotting to his quarters again

“Oh and Night, I-” She called out after him and hesitated “- The night is always darkest...”

He looked back and nodded firmly with a smile.

Chapter II: I found it, but it's broken

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“I'm sorry about your fillyfriend, had I known I-” Spitfire started empathetically

“She's not my fillyfriend, we've just been through a lot.” Icarus said distantly

“Oh really?” Spitfire's words had a playful, incredulous tone

“Really.” He said coldly

They sat awkwardly in the in the Wonderbolts' private car, gratuitously over decorated with blue and lightning bolts everywhere. The cushions were soft, as were the beds, the tables were made from expensive wood. It was worse than he feared; everything was for show. Spitfire noticed his disgusted expression

“I felt much the same way when I first got in.” Spitfire said empathetically

“Really? Seems like everypony likes the glitz and glamour of the wonderbolts, almost every pegasus wants to be in” Icarus said with a scornful bite

“You notice how rare it is for one of them to get in though?” Spitfire said warmly

“I must say it never crossed my mind the kind of person that does this kind of thing” he said with a shrug

“When I joined the Airforce all I wanted to do was serve. When they said there was a position in the Wonderbolts for me, I said yes immediately. I could handle the new physical requirements, but what really took me for a ride was that glitz and glamour.”

“You found it was shallow?” Icarus said apathetically “Meaningless? Empty?”

“At first, but then I began to understand that this kind of work, we're a morale booster, something to make people happy, distract them from the monotony of their lives, or the guard on the boarders. We're helping them get through adversity.”

What!?! Boredom?

“I guess” he conceded finally “As I said, its just hard leaving the detachment.”

“We all know what that's like, but we go where we're told.” she said with compassion

“Yeah, I just wish the bed mattresses had some gravel in them.”

Spitfire chuckled “You think that's bad, wait till you get some hot food”

“What!?! No more MREs? Celestia forbid that I never- nah I can't even play along with that, the food on the base was terrible.”

Spitfire laughed loudly “Any questions before we get there?”

“I assume there are still a few hops to jump through.” Icarus's voice was a lot warmer now

“Well Celestia still needs to sign off on your application”

“Wait, I need to see the princess?” He said, his eyes widening with fear

Spitfire took it as shock “Yes” she said amused “she has a personal interest in the Wonderbolts and I’m taking a risk brining you on board.”

“I see”

This was not part of the plan, Celestia knew him, or she did back years ago. Before the Luna Republic he was in the Solar Secret Service, near the top. He didn't have a name back then, and he had changed a lot, but Celestia... She could pluck thoughts from minds and twist them around, he'd seen it first hand. He was beginning to really hate his namesake.

The cabin darkened as the train travelled into the night, the only light came from the chandelier above which flooded the cool colours of the room with soft warmth. The night slowly passed in the cabin, Spitfire and Icarus talked some more, shared some tasteless jokes about unicorns and earth ponies (“Why does every mare/mare couple have one unicorn?”) while getting through a barrel of Sweet Apple Acres cider. The troubles of the land were slowly melting away as the time for bed approached, but something at the back of his mind was grinding, working out a way to face his former God and not buck it up.

It was hard talking to Spitfire and maintaining perspective. Past the bravado and the military professionalism she was a nice pony, in fact, thinking about it, most were. Sure some were stubborn at times, and you had the odd hoof head that was simply unpleasant, but most were good ponies, happy, blissfully unaware of the foundations in which this “perfect existence” was built upon... and was that so bad? He was a relic from a by gone age, things had changed, and there was peace and happiness for the most part. He had isolated himself as much as he could from the new generation, and he thought that it was because the very way they existed disgusted him to his core, but now he thought it was because... maybe Celestia just made some hard choices, 'sacrificed the few to save the many', and she was right. Because Spitfire, the Military, the ponies... they were good ponies.

“Sleep well?” Spitfire asked walking by the soft bed he was lying on.

He had spent the last few hours alternating between staring out into space and through the window at the sunrise. Sleep he did not, probably not the best idea to face the God/Queen fatigued.

“I never sleep well before a fight.” he said putting on a mock serious tone

“So this is a fight?” Spitfire said mockingly “Who is your enemy? Me or the princess?”

“Myself” He said with a bitter-sweet sigh

“Doubt you can pull this off?” She said with warm inquisitiveness

He rolled over and chuckled “Ha, no, you Wonderbolts ain't seen nothing yet.”

“Such confidence.” She said rolling her eyes

“Hey, facts are facts.”

“Ok fly boy, why are you introspective all the sudden?” She tapped her hoof

Icarus stared at the ceiling for a moment, coming up with the right way to say it “Have you ever held an ideal so close that you ignored all others, even if the all evidence mounted up against it?” he said thoughtfully

“This isn't about leaving is it?” Spitfire probed gently

“Nevermind” Icarus replied with an exasperated sigh as her rolled over to face the window

The light cast down on from the early morning sun filtered through the leaves and branches of a forest; causing the shadows to dance across a meadow. It was simple, but it was beautiful, but again there was that sense that just under the surface was something sinister. Was the sinister part in him? Was it a projection?

“Rightly or wrongly, if you forsake this “ideal”, could you live with your self?” Spitfire said with empathy, interrupting his line of thought.

Icarus rolled over and stared into those big stunning golden eyes filtered through his long black mane that had fallen over his face“...I don't know” he said finally, inner turmoil evident in his tone

Spitfire pushed his hair back out of his face “Well find out, and let me know.” she said finally.

***

Canterlot. It was the same, for the most part, as the old keep in the Everfree forest was back in its heyday, aside from the thatch roofs of the buildings were now all tiled and the masonry was of a higher quality. He had come here to enlist, and once that was out of the way he hoped to never see this place again. Everything screamed of control; he bet the aristocrat ponies with their high fashion and uptight manner never had foals that had a coal miner's cutiemark. That most of them were unicorns was a forgone conclusion; mastery of time and space always came with arrogance. He tried to hide his discomfort, it didn't work.

“Don't worry, you'll get used to it” She said with a happy smile

That’s what he was afraid of.

“Or not.” He said forcing a smile

“Well in that case, we spend most of our time on the road anyway.” She said, still trying to comfort him

“So do you know what the princess is going to ask?” he said changing the subject

“Probably just what I did, only she'll be nicer about.”

“Huh, that's comforting”

They continued through the market quarter, stalls with ponies selling food, clothing and decorations. They got progressively more upper class as they continued towards the palace, less stalls and more actual shops with glass windows. Some had extravagant dresses or suits on display (with ruffles, FAR to many ruffles), others had records and expensive pieces.

“You want me to get you a bracelet or something while you're here?” Spitfire said mockingly, noticing Icarus eyeing a time piece as they walked past a jewellery store

“And what would I do with it?” He said simply, his eyes lingering a second longer

“Wear it Mr Pragmatic!” She said with amused shock “You didn't have nice things as a colt did you?”

Icarus puffed up his chest proudly “I had a cloud, a rainbow and an imagination.”

“That how you got your cutiemark?” Spitfire probed

“Yup, fell off a cloud and landed on a bunny, like a falling dagger” He said as a matter of fact

“Oh yeah? What happened to the bunny?” Spitfire asked with an incredulous inflection

“It was fine.” he said plainly

Spitfire quirked an eyebrow

“It was a dark matter bunny” He said with a sarcastic smile

They finally reached the palace, white guards flanked the hallways and the extravagant gold trim on everything did nothing but remind Icarus how far out of his comfort zone he was. Up the stairs, into the throne room and up a second set of stairs to the left of the main door that lead to a walkway that looked over the court. Then through a door along the wall that lead to a large office with books lined neatly on all the walls, spaced with large windows. A desk was in the centre of the room with another door behind it. They approached the desk, all the while Icarus's sense of foreboding was getting stronger, and he was almost overcome with a feeling of claustrophobia.

“Wait here” Spitfire said warmly “I'll be right back”

And so he was on his own. His mind was racing, his heart pounding, it wasn't right. Something inside him was telling him to fight it, stay strong, but for the first time in his life he wasn't sure if he could.

Finally the door opened and pure white light poured though. The feeling of claustrophobia increased as the elegant Goddess materialised through the light. Her mane seemed to wave like it was caught in a gentle breeze, even though the air was still, no, dead. The pastel colours of it were inviting and the pure white light emanating from her coat was pleasant. Being in her presence was like basking in the morning sun of a warm spring day. Everything was telling him to let his guard down, and he wanted to, Goddess how he wanted to, but something in him fought it. He straightened his posture and stood at attention, something that made those magenta eyes widen.

“Corporal Icarus Nightwing reporting your majesty!” He barked like recruit on his third day at basic

“Really Corporal, there's no need to do that.” The wonderful entities every word flowed though him like silk, demanding him to relax

“Yes your majesty, sorry your majesty.” He forced his body to relax

“So you're Spitfires new bid.” Celestia said warmly, though her voice seemed to probe

“No ma'am, I'm you're new Wonderbolt.” He'd come this far, may as well play the game

Celestia looked to Spitfire with a warm smile “You know how to pick them.”

“Thank you ma'am” Spitfire said with the same pride he felt when Luna had talked to him all those years ago.

Celestia walked around Icarus, slowly studying him.

“Feathers need to be clipped” Celestia said pointing down at the fur hanging over his hooves

“I hope your team set aside the afternoon, it took the barbers eight hours when I enlisted” he said plainly

The room seemed to press down on him more and more. He could feel himself begin to sweat, his legs go weak and begin to wobble from the strain. The God Queen's eyes felt like they were tearing through him, cutting through his coat, his skin, his flesh and his bone; all the way to his core. He was sure it wasn't him who was fighting it any more, but some untold force living within his very soul that rejected the very essence of the majestic creature before him. He felt like he was going to be crushed in between them

“Is something the matter?” the Princess asked warmly

“I... uh... didn't sleep well...” Icarus stammered

“His worlds been turned upside -” Spitfire began

“Its quite alright.” Celestia raised a hoof to interrupt “Cyrus?” she called out to the room she came out of

An older looking grey Stallion appeared in the alcove, wearing a brown robe made of high quality fabric and sparsely adorned with semi precious gems.

“Yes your majesty?” He said in a raspy voice

“Would you be so kind as to show our guest to the visitors tower?” Celestia asked sweetly

“Of course” he said bowing slowly before ushering Icarus out

“You go on Night, I'll catch up to you in a second.” Spitfire said distantly as Icarus exited

***

With Icarus gone Spitfire was expecting a scolding for bringing this weak colt to the Wonderbolts. She was looking down at her hooves with disappointment as Celestia addressed her.

“He reminds me of someone I knew long ago” Celestia said thoughtfully

“Oh really?” She asked, perking up with confusion

“Mmm” Celestia nodded “There is something special about him” she continued using a cryptic tone. She turned her head and looked at Spitfire with soft kind eyes. “What do you think of him, now that you've met him in person?”

“Well, he's cocksure, but in a modest sort of way?”

Celestia laughed “Is that even possible?”

“Yeah, I wouldn't have thought so before meeting him but, he does defiantly seem... different”

“Can you use that?”

“I think even if he was a novice, that kind of Stallion... Yeah I can use that” Spitfire said confidently

“Oh?” Celestia said mockingly

Spitfire's face went red “Not in that way your majesty... I didn't mean...”

“Got yah” She said laughing

“Hehe” Spitfire laughed with an awkward smile “the main thing will be his attitude, he's a bit distracted at the moment.”

“That will change in the morning” Celestia said making her way towards the door to court. “I want him close, something is going to happen soon and I think he'll be at the centre of it all.”

“Understood your maj-” they both stopped as they saw the scene bellow

***

The second Icarus stepped out of that room he felt one hundred percent better, like the vice grip his head was in was instantly released and he could breath again. When he was part of the Solar Empire he knew what the Princess could do, in fact he had suspected that she had done it to him numerous times, but it was a subtle power, you didn't know she was doing it until it was too late. That was... definitely not subtle. Perhaps that’s what saved him, she is so over reliant on those powers she can't see what’s in front of her. Anyway, he had passed the first test... somehow.

He followed Cyrus down the stairs and across court. As they were about to enter the hall down into the eastern wing Icarus stopped and looked back, and saw a sight that made the ordeal that he just went through worth it. In the centre of the court hall was a tall blue mare with wings and a horn, with a moon on her flank and a confused look on her face.

“A lot of visitors find it strange to see our fallen princess back in court.” Cyrus said, noticing the fact that Icarus had stopped moving “I assure you that the remnants of Nightmare Moon have been removed by the Avatars, now if you would please follow me” He nodded to beckon Icarus onward but by the time he had turned back Icarus had already flew half the distance to the Princess; the true Princess.

He landed and trotted up the rest of the way to Luna, only to be stopped by two guards. “Halt” one said “The princess will not be harassed.”

“I don't want to harass the princess, I want to talk to her.” He pleaded, though it was undermined by a tone of annoyance

The Guard stepped forward and began to grow. 5 years he had patiently waited to see his Goddess again, to see if they had really done what he thought they had done. His patience was finally at its end, he matched the guards composure. Fortunately cooler heads prevailed.

“What does thou' want with us?” Luna said, her voice fatigued

Icarus pooped his head over the guards shoulder to look at the blue mare “I wanted to see you my Princess, respects must be paid to both of our leaders” He said, some confusion in his voice, why was she speaking like that?

She nodded the guards away “Pay your respects then subject.” She said softer than before, but Icarus sensed some sadness behind her words.

It wounded him, he had to make it better. Even if she was just a broken shell of the mare he knew, he had to help her.

“My Princess thank you for...” he stopped, thinking that this was sounding too formal for the friendship they had before “You know, ever since you've been back the night seems better.”

“Your tone is too familiar subject.” Luna said, but Icarus sensed a perk in her tone

“I'm sorry, my Princess, but... I know a lot of us are appreciative of Celestia's warm spring days, but I don't know how many us tell you about the cold winter nights.”

“We are listening.” She said curiously

“Every night for a week in the year you returned to us; the clouds came in during the day but were scoured clean by nightfall, each day the snow would fall leaving fresh tundra on the ground, but by the night the sky was clear, lit by the stars and the moon. It was unsafe to go out during the day and at night everyone was in their beds, huddled up for warmth. But for that week I stayed up every night and sat in the still, freezing air on top of my barracks, and looked up at your beautiful sky and watched as glowing green and blue light danced across it. It was the most spectacular thing I have experienced.” He said with a genuine warmth

“We...” the princess was taken aback and hesitated “Appreciate that” she said, almost all the formality fell from her tone

“Hey you” Spitfire said swooping in from the balcony above “I thought you were going to bed?”

“I was, just thought I'd say hello to our other princess.” he said happily

“Spitfire, does thou' know this subject?” Luna asked

“Yes, he's my newest Wonderbolt, Icarus Nightwing”

Luna paused for a second. Icarus was feeling a mix of pure terror and sheer joy; though some miracle his name reminded her of him and all they had done she could accidental out him here, but on the other hand, that chance was worth it.

“Well Icarus, it was a pleasure meeting you.” she said before walking off “We look forward to seeing you around.”

No 'Night', no familiar tone, nothing to imply that she remembered anything about the Luna Republic. With in an instant his hopes were dashed.

'As do we- uh- I mean I.” Icarus stammered

Luna shot back a glance, not scornful or bitter, but loving, like the Goddess he had known from one thousand years ago. That was something, an indication that no matter what had happened to her, the Luna he knew, not the memories or the pain, but the soul of the Moon Goddess was still in there, broken, but there.

Chapter III: Illusions

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The day had been cold, the fact that he had just participated in a performance and had a high core body temperature made the air feel colder. Everything had a purple tint to it and everything looked soft, unreal. This was the last show of the year before off rotation, and they still hadn't made any progress on the mission. Bide, Infiltrate, Weaken and strike when vulnerable, those were the things he kept telling himself.

He was settled now, he still wanted to take the blue costume off when ever he got the chance, but Canterlot didn't make him uncomfortable any more, and the Wonderbolts themselves were enjoyable to be around. Yet everything about this made him grit his teeth.

He was alone in the small locker room, the team had already been and gone, but he lingered in the shower. The warm water running down his mane which was matted down in front of his eyes. Suddenly he heard the door click open. Somepony had entered.

“Hello?” Icarus called out

He heard was a playful laugh from outside the showers and the light tapping of hooves against the tile floor. He stuck his head out of the stall.

“Helloooo?” he said again

Confused he turned around and turned off the tap before walking out to the change rooms.

“Jade, if that's you; I'm not in the mood.” He called out as he walked the isles

He heard it again, that soft laughing and careful tapping of the hooves.

“Fine, I'm not playing your game!” he said with finality before turning around

“Now that's no fun.” The voice of the fiery mare jumped out from behind him

“Spitfire? What do you want?” His voice losing it's hostility and gaining confusion as he spun quickly back

Nothing was there

“Oh, this and that.” She said cryptically, her voice coming from farther away now

Icarus sighed with exasperation “Ma'am, with all due respect -”

Spitfire seemed to materialise in front of him and pressed a hoof hard against his shoulder, forcing him into a locker with a thud.

“Such formality in your tone Commander.” She said glaring at him with some kind of pure animal power “And here I thought we knew each other better.”

“Its – uh – professional relationship Ma'am.” Icarus stammered, unsure as where to go

“Is it? I've seen you looking at my flanks” She said running that hoof forcing him against the locker down his front leg

This is a lie

“What did you say?” Icarus asked confused

The golden pony laughed playfully “You heard me” she said, thrusting a playful hoof back into that same shoulder

This is a lie, you need to wake up

Icarus looked around “You don't hear that?”

“All I hear are to ponies... alone... I wonder what might happen?” she said seductively as she leaned in, her lips moving close to his ear, he heard her take a soft breath before starting to whisper.

WAKE UP!

***

Icarus awoke in the guest bed with a start, yelling out of shock. His mane was damp from sweat. A breeze from an open window cooled him. He smacked his hoof down beside him out of frustration.

“Goddess damn it” he said with an exasperated sigh “First erotic dream in six months, interrupted by...” He stopped, realising he didn't quite know what had interrupted it. He sighed again before throwing the doona off him and climbing out of the large soft bed in the guest chamber. "Buck it" he said with a sigh.

He walked slowly off towards the ensuite to wash his face. As he passed the window he paused to open them, only to be meet with the invasive brightness of the mid morning light. He took a second to adjust, squinting to filter out some of the light. Looking down, several animals in the royal garden were frolicking through the well kept grounds and a few platoons of royal guard were out on morning parade. Beyond the gates of the citadel he could hear the hustle of market and commerce and a gentle cool breeze kissed his face, slowly pushing his unkempt mane out of his eyes.

With a content sigh he made his way to the bathroom. He turned off the tap just as he heard the bedroom door click open

“Yeah, just come on in” he said sardonically sticking his head out of the bathroom

“Don't mind if I do.” It was Spitfire “You ready?”

Icarus put his hooves on the surface in front of the mirror and sighed “No question”

“Really?” Spitfire called out “You don't want to finish any errant dreams?”

“I forget; the walls in this palace have ears.” He said, making the fact that he was rolling his eyes apparent in his voice

“Yeah.” She laughed back

Icarus stepped out of the bathroom with a towel drapped over his neck, spitfire was resting against one of the pillars of the large bed with a mocking smirk.

“So? Were you having dirty thoughts about anyone I know?” She asked with a seductive smile

“If I did, I wouldn't go telling you, you'd probably try and set up a date.”

“And that's how little you know about me” She said shaking her head with a mocking smirk “Come on” Lifting her head to meet his gaze “We want to see what you can do.”

***
It was midday before the 'make up team' finished with him. As he suspected they spent a very long time cutting his feathers down. He hadn't realised he was so shabby; the head beautician, somepony with an odd accent, a ridiculous skirt and the in ability to hold on to a thought for more than half a second (not to mention a tail that whipped him across the face every time she changed her thought) kept complaining about accumulated dirt in his coat, some stray feathers in his wing and the length of his mane. Though she was impressed with his wingspan, size counts apparently.

Finally with a “You are now perfection embodied” he was allowed to leave the... he wasn't sure where that was... somewhere Stallions were not meant to tread.

So in his new blue body suit, with goggles around his neck, he stepped on to the desolate show ground, the stadium empty save for five wonderbolts and two princesses. Several obstacles were in the centre of the stadium, all made out of clouds.

“Ok.” Spitfire's voice bellowed from a megaphone “Before we try any synchronised flying I want you to show us what you can do on your own”

Icarus nodded curtly. He slid the goggles around his neck off and onto the ground; they broke his areodynamics. He began to walk at a fast pace, and he did that for about 50 metres

“Uh, Night, are you ok?” Spitfire asked

As she did he looked at her with a smirk, unfurled his wings and swept down once. He still moved his legs like he was walking, like he was walking up on air. The speed of his assent was slow, and he began to fall backwards when he got to about 10 metres. He swept his wings in reverse, pushing him self up while he was upside down, back to about 10 metres before he righted himself. He brought his wings up and then forced them down as hard as he could, shooting off with a starting acceleration almost unheard of in pony kind, the sheer displacement of wind bellowed against the ground below. He was off, one circuit of the stadium in about four seconds, the second in about two and a half. Then flying down the middle he approached some pillars made out of clouds. Sacrificing little speed he weaved in and out of them with ease before coming to a quick stop and charging in the opposite direction at the hoops. He built up speed before hitting them where he just spread his wings out and glided through them. Pulling his body up with the first loop, forcing it to bank to the left with the first turn, thrusting his wings down to pick up a bit more speed and then bringing them in as he hit a cork screw. His trajectory sent him straight at the spectators. At the last second he pulled his wings back out and banked gracefully out the way, though undoubtedly frazzling some pony’s hair with his tail wind.

He did one more lazy circuit of the stadium until he came to a stop on the track in front of the spectators before taking a bow.

“Speed, control and flair are good” Spitfire said

“Cocky little foal ain't yah?” the pony Icarus identified as Soarin' added

“Soarin', every pony's seen you fly.” Icarus said comically

“Oh yeah, whats that supposed to mean?”

“Somepony's gotta try and take the spotlight from you, and I'm the only stallion that has a chance to do it.”

“I'd like to see you try.” the challenge had a respectful infection, one that seemed to go over Spitfire's head

“Colts, settle down.” she said firmly “Icarus, you have any special tricks?”

Icarus sighed with a superior smirk “You guys have heard of the Sonic Rainboom and our Spitfire is a master of the Solstice Trail Blaze, right?”

“Yeah”

“Have you ever heard of the Eclipse?” He said cryptically

Celestia closed her eye's and smirked “It had a different name once upon a time.” he knew that, but he felt she already suspected something was off about him “Its very dangerous to do, you'll be careful won't you.”

“No promises your Majesty.”

Again he unfurled his wings and took off, though not as quickly. The Canterlot stadium was already on a high mountain, he would need to climb to a really high altitude to get the speed necessary to hit the boom, but then he wasn't called Icarus simply for the metaphor. The air got thinner and thinner the higher he went, but he was used to this. Long deep breaths to get the oxygen in and pure concentration when that was no longer enough to stop his mind fogging. Just as his limit, as the blue of the sky had darkened and he could begin to see the star field of space he pulled his wings in and fell backwards. For 30 seconds his acceleration was constant, but as the barrier approached the air compression in front of him began to accumulate. Carefully he extended his wings so as not to break his aerodynamic and forced himself forward as hard as he could. He began to shake as it came closer and closer. Finally with a deafening boom he broke the barrier. The way the air flowed over him caused it to compress, either to the point of a singularity or to the point where Dark Matter became visible, because behind him a streak of black light formed made from something so dense that if light didn't bend around it, it couldn't escape. As the ground approached, Icarus began to pull back, pulling up at the last moment. The black streak of energy ripped the earth up from the ground, leaving a narrow trench in the centre of the Stadium. He flew out, making sure to keep his distance from the buildings of Canterlot and passed close to the waterfall that flowed down from the top of the mountain. The energy pulled the water in, vaporised it causing a rainbow to form in the most strangest way around the beam of energy, before atomising it inside. Where the beam dissipated what was left behind detonated, becoming alight and flaming. He pulled back up and headed back towards the stadium, slowing right the way down and causing the beam to dissipate completely before coming to a stop.

“How... was... that?” he asked, panting heavily

“Kind of amazing” Spitfire said with her eyes wide and her jaw dropped

“Did you... Did you see the bit... with the waterfall?... I didn't know it could... do that.” He asked, the panting doing nothing to diminish his amazement

“T'was quite impressive” Luna said with a smile

Icarus nodded respectfully “So... am I... in?”

Spitfire and Celestia looked at each other with an almost sinister smile on each of their faces “Indeed you are, Leuitennat.” Celestia said with a soft smile.

Chapter IV: Thoughts Left Unsaid

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Two weeks had passed; Sapphire had taken over control of the mission and had just gotten used to the new role. Icarus was active now, the plan was in effect, but what plan? That was the crux of her situation, they had no intelligence about the current workings of the Solar Empire aside from what they had gleaned from being part of the army, and Sapphire had to make it up as she went along. So the former Lieutenant did what she was taught to do; plan, organise and resist.

Fortunately they had some direction; Jade had been 'thinking out loud' near some of the stall vendors in Ponyville and some of the weather workers in Cloudsdale, with some work Jade was convinced that some would join a resistance, in fact the pegasi of Cloudsdale seemed quite open to the idea that Celestia was not all she seemed. They had to be careful who they invited but for the first time in, well ever, Sapphire thought they had a chance to pull this thing off.

Jade had gone to Cloudsdale to head the movement there while Nova stayed back in Ponyville, keeping an eye on the Avatars. With any luck they would have a few trustworthy ponies to expand the network into Manehattan and Los Pegasis.

Sapphire's horn glowed as she created a magical sphere in front of her face. She looked around one last time, making sure that no one else was in the bathroom with her before finishing the spell.

“Starr?” Nova's voice came though the orb as his face appeared “Anything wrong?”

“Just checking in NK, what's happening.” She said warmly

“Nothing new is up LT, Jade set off yesterday, she made some friends in Cloudsdale that are already putting her up, and a few more here have offered their support here, but aside from that we're condition yellow, same as yesterday.” Nova said, the tone of somepony disliking being micromanaged was evident in his voice

“Thanks for the update Kilo.” Sapphire said a little crestfallen

Nova's eyes widened a little “Ok, How are you doing?” He asked with concern

“Its quite here without Night.” She said distantly

“I know what that can be like, letting Jade go...”

“What do you mean 'letting Jade go'” Sapphire said with warm shock

“... I thought you knew, we're an item, have been for a while. Anyway I know what it's like to see somepony you care about put duty first.”

“But we're not... what gave you the impression that there was a 'we'!?!” Sapphire exclaimed, half amused and half denying

“Oh, come on Starr, its not like you listened to those dusty old regs on fraternisation.” Nova said incredulously “Regs that are 1003 years out of date I might add”

“A relationship would just complicate the situation.” Sapphire retorted dismissively

“OK Starr.” Nova said with a disbelieving smirk

“It would!” She said defensively

“Hey, I'm not disagreeing, we just thought you'd make a cute couple.” Nova teased

“Well you can stop”

“Aye ma'am” His tone had a mocking inflection to it

“And what did you mean by putting duty first?” She followed up

“The easiest way of thinking about it is... the reason I'm with her is because of everything about her, She is a soldier first. It rips my heart out every time I see her go, but I wouldn't have her any other way.” Nova said with a nostalgic sigh

“How long?” Sapphire's eyes widened

“About a year now”

“Wow, how serious?”

“I... I think I love her Starr.”

“Must be... nice... to have somepony like that.”

***

“So I had this idea...” Spitfire said over the sound of Jazz

They were in this little basement down one of the narrow alleyways in Manehattan. It was cramped, there was about one hundred ponies in this little room, with a tiny stage where five musicians played wild beats. Icarus recognised one of them as some Illustrious cello player, who had traded in her cello for a double bass and her normally upper class performances for this pit. The walls were covered in memorabilia, old cigarette advertisements and bits and pieces that held no meaning to him, but looked like they were sentimental to somepony. It was dirty, crowded and loud, there were plenty of other places that preformed that were a lot cleaner and less crowded, but that wasn't Jazz. Jazz, Icarus believed, wasn't about cover fees or forced ambiance, it was about the love of music, peace and freedom.

He wasn't sure the team agreed. When he told them he had found this place the day after they had arrived they were open to the idea, but most of the others had headed on back to their accommodations after a few hours and as midnight rolled around only he and Spitfire remained, along with the crowd that had whittled down from one hundred to about ten.

“Huh?” Icarus said drunkenly, he on about his thirteenth Stine of Sweet Apple Acres Cider

“I said I had this idea.” Spitfire repeated, matching his slur, her being on about sixteen “This crazy, stupid, awesome idea.”

“The best ones always are.” Icarus said with a drunken smile “Do you see that Mare over there?”

“Which one?” Spitfire said, sitting up and squinting

“That one, right there, up there.” He said pointing a hoof at the stage

“Yeah.” Spitfire said nodding “The famous Octavia, why?”

“Yeah, now she, she is a true musician. She is that good she has made it into the royal orchestra right?”

“Yeah, what's your point?”

“Just that she's got all of the glitz and glamour, but she still comes here to play Jazz in a dingie basement. You know, she's made it, you know, but she's stayed real.” Icarus mused thoughtfully

“I'm still not seeing your point.” Spitfire cocked her head confused

“I'm not sure I had one.” Icarus said distantly “Anyway, you were saying something about a 'crupsome' idea?”

“'Crupsome'?” She quirked an eyebrow

“Crazy, Stupid, Awesome. Just came up with it”

Spitfire laughed “Sound better in your head right?”

“Eh?” Icarus shrugged with a sheepish smile “Anyway, idea?”

'Right” Spitfire said refocusing “What happens if you combine a Solstice Trail Blaze with an Eclipse?”

“About a ninety nine percent chance of a certain pony getting sucked into a singularity” Icarus said drily

“Oh really, that high?” She said incredulously

“Any other pony it would be one hundred percent, you I'd give a snow pony's chance in hell.” Icarus joked thoughtfully

Spitfire giggled “Ok, so hypothetically, then, if we pulled it off?”

“If we pulled it off... I dunno, the flames would be pulled into the singularity, but what would happen after that I don't know.”

“Don't you think it would be awesome though?” She asked with a distant sigh

“Have you ever broken the sound barrier Spitfire?”

“A few times, why?”

“Have you noticed that no pony has ever done it in synch?”

“Sure they have.”

“Not in perfect synch, that's what we'd have to do. If you get too far ahead I'll catch on fire, if you fall behind you'll get sucked into the singularity.”

“So it will be difficult...”

“Next to impossible”

“But we're Wonderbolts! We take impossible and do... something to it.”

“Something?”

“Yeah, something”

“Alright, I do think it would be awesome”

***

His head throbbed, hangover. He brought a hoof across his face, brushing his mane out of his face. He sat up and looked out the window of his hotel suite. About mid afternoon by his reckoning. He then jumpped up with startled relisation.

“Ponyfeathers, the performance!” he said tossing his crumpled blanket off his body

As he came placed a hoof down on the floor it came into contact with soft and breathing.

“Ahh!” Spitfire's scream came from underneath him, causing Icarus to slide and fall, smacking his head on the banister.

“Buck!” he yelled out in pain as Spitfire clutched her stomach, writhing in pain

“What the hell!?!” She said getting up with a confused expression

“We have a performance in half an hour” he said pointing to the clock with one hoof and clutching his forehead with the other (while balancing upright on his back legs)

“Oh buck.” She said scolding her self “I feel like someone dropped a anvil on my head.”

“Yeah, me to -” Icarus's eyes widened “Why are you in my suite?”

“Ugh, not now Night. Implications of that magnitude can be dealt with later”

“Alright, alright, where's my costume?”

So they spent the next quarter of an hour putting on their costumes, it took longer than they thought because they had gotten them mixed up. Icarus copped another blow to the head after his flank ripped a hole in Spitfire's, fortunately they had a unicorn seamstress on staff so it was a quick fix. Finally they bolted out of the door and headed off to the Manehattan stadium, arriving just as Soarin' was finishing talking to the reporter preamble.

“... As I said she's off preparing for this new thing, It will be like nothing you've seen before.”

Both Icarus's and Spitfire's eyes widened and they turned to each other in shock. They both rushed to Soarin' as he stepped down off the podium.

“Uh, Soarin'” Spitfire said with feign diplomacy “What did you just tell the reporters?”

“About that thing you came and woke me up about at seven in the morning, not appreciated by the way” He said narrowing his eyes with annoyance

“Ok, what exactly did I say?” She said, fury building in her voice

“'Soarin', Soarin', Soarin' shshshshs'” he said faking a slurred tone “I have this plan, this show is going to be awesome.' and then I said 'huh? What do you want Spitfire?' and you said 'ssssshhhhhhh, we're gonna break the sound barrier Soarin', me and Night, at the same time, its going to be amazing.'”

Icarus could see it was taking all of Spitfire's effort to keep a lid on her frustration

“and then I asked where you were going and you said 'I'm going to see if Night is still awake' while you gi-”

“Ok, that last part can be dealt with at a later time.” Icarus interrupted as Spitfire's face flushed with embarrassment that in no way undermined her anger “You think that maybe Spitfire was, I dunno, drunk?”

“Hm,” Soarin' mused “I guess that would make the way she was talking make more sense, but dude, it was like seven in the morning... seven!”

'Just get the Buck outta here Soarin'!” Spitfire yelled finally

Soarin' gave them a confused look before trotting off

“OK boss, what do we do?” Icarus asked warmly

“I guess we go tell them that Soarin' was miss informed... And then we explain that we were on the turps last night and how this miss understanding occurred.” She said with resignation in her voice

“Or we do it.” The words seemed to just come out of Icarus's mouth

“Night, we haven't practised it, and its really dangerous. If one of us bucks it up...”

“We won't.” His resolution came from somewhere he didn't recognise, but it was real, it felt real at least, and he honestly believed what he was saying

“How do you know that? You were the one who was down on it last night.” she relied, doubt shaking her voice

“I know it because we're Wonderbolts, not only that we're Icarus and Spitfire.”

She smiled warmly “Ok, we'll give it a shot. The others can do the normal manoeuvres, I'll do the Trail Blaze, you'll do the eclipse and then we'll do the combination”

“Alright, I'll go talk to Soarin' about the change in plans.” Icarus said, trotting off as Spitfire sighed heavily

“Its Spitfire and Icarus, by the way.” she said calling out to him.

***

They both sat in the pavilion. Spitfire was worrying but Icarus sat their in silent contemplation. This was no different then practice, aside from the thousands of ponies looking on. But even during practice the mortality was still there. This explanation calmed Spitfire somewhat but she was still worried.

Soarin' had led the other manoeuvres, quite well too. Their wings beat in perfect harmony and didn't strike each other as they flew past. They split up and headed in five different directions and then flew back along the same path at near Mach one, heading for a collision. They missed each other narrowly, their storm trail creating a perfect pentagon where they nearly missed.

Finally after a few booms and impressive manoeuvres they came in.

“When ever you're ready guys” Soarin' said as he sat down at the pavilion

Spitfire looked down with concentration before turning to the stadium with determination in her eyes
She took off, gracefully gliding around the stadium. She had only taken a few beats of her wings while she climbed, after that it was up and down, loops and corners with nothing but that inertia and outstretched wings. After about a minute of that she flew into the centre of the stadium and flew upwards. She aligned her self so that she was in-between the crowd and the sun, its light absorbing her body. She then reappeared, only now her mane looked like it was on fire, the warm flames licking the air behind her as she rapidly yet gracefully sped towards the ground. The flames continued to engulf her; her tail set alight, her feathers on her legs and finally her wings glowed with dangerous light. A trail started to form behind her, as if the air was now igniting. As she got closer to the ground she pulled up into a tight loop. She followed the loop again almost perfectly, and then did one with the same diameter but in a different direction, like she was orbiting a planet. The trail and loops began to merge until it looked like a perfect sphere, like she had taken the power of the sun and brought it down into the centre of this stadium. Finally she slowed and came to a halt in front of her ball of light and rose her wings up and looked to the sky. The fact that she was panting took nothing away from the awesomeness of the vista as the sun orb softly faded into nothingness.

She trotted in, with a cocky smile “You're turn now Icarus.” She said with a heavy breath

He rolled his eyes with a competitive smirk and trotted out onto the field. He started much the same way as he did at his audition, starting slowly to build anticipation and act like he was nervous. Taking off slowly then hitting about three hundred kilometres an hour in about three seconds. Gliding around the obsticals, though not nearly as gracefully as Spitfire. Then he began his assent. All these questions began circulating in his mind; Has she ever been this high? Does she know she'll get light headed when she gets too high? Why am I doubting her now? Finally he reached the apex of his climb as he was about to lose conciousness. He came down, beating a few powerful strokes with his wings to get his speed up. The boom hit, the black light formed and ripped a trench in the stadium, the crowd seemed to love that part. There was no waterfall this time but he could see some low lying clouds, beating his wings again to keep up speed he made for them. As he passed through the centre of one he looked back to see it slowly pulled into his trail, its oblivion celebrated by a beautiful but alien green light as the trail dissipated. After a lazy bank and a few more clouds he came back to the stadium and slowly glided past.

Spitfire was waiting. She took flight and joined him

“Ok, three circuits then we meet in the middle and make our assent.”

Icarus nodded, he was breathing to heavily to reply. They glided around the stadium in perfect synchronisation. On the third revolution Icarus looked at Spitfire for a signal. When it came they both kicked off the air at the same time and pulled up just before they collided and began to ascend. Icarus, having the bigger wingspan, was worried about going to fast, but it turned out Spitfire's respite made her more than his equal, but as they got higher and higher she was starting to feel the strain. He could see it when he glanced at her, the lack of oxygen was clouding her. He wanted to give her encouragement, but if he did then he would be in the same situation; Icarus simply had to have faith that she could make it on her own. He began the long exhale as the air was too thin to do anything, Spitfire mimicked him while continuing to force her body upwards with wings that did less and less. The reached a height he was happy with, he tapped Spitfire softly with his hoof. She looked at him and nodded. At the same time they spread their wings and fore legs and fell away from each other. This time he had to use his wings like air brakes to slow him for Spitfire's decent. He felt the heat as she ignited. They were getting closer and closer to Mach speeds, each pulling in front of the other, then falling back. They were at the threshold, and they were at it for some time, the ground's detail gaining more and more resolution as the compression wave in front of them got stronger and stronger. Icarus had to literally punch the sky to break through. The boom was going to be loud, but it shouldn't have been that loud, and it shouldn't have thrust them both forward. As the Manoeuvre continued they went faster and faster, going at a speed nopony had gone before. The ground was getting really big now, they both started to pull up. Icarus felt his hoof tap the ground. They headed up again, giving Icarus a chance to look back on their combined trail; The fire of the Solstice Trail Blaze had merged with the singularity of the Eclipse, but rather than being obliterated, it detonated... whatever the singularity was made out of. The fire cycled through the all the colours of the spectrum.

They then batted their wings in together, flying away from each other and headed back to the Stadium. Spitfire was still alight as they both stopped next to each other, he then noticed he himself had a glowing black aura. He noticed in the pavilion two unicorns with glowing horns. The ringing in his ears from the boom subsided somewhat and he could here the tapping of hooves and deafening cheering. They both looked at each other, panting, but with proud smiles. They extended their wings and bowed.

***

“Please tell me that's the only time we're going to try that.” Spitfire said with an ironic tone

The evening had been a battle through the crowds and reporters when they were just simply exhausted and wanted to head home. Their costumes were drenched in sweat but with all the attention they hadn't the time to go get changed. Spitfire was tight lipped as always about how she manages to set her self on fire, though Icarus suspected it had something to do with those unicorns. He rolled his eyes at the one thousandth joke about how he was flying to close to the sun. After seemingly hours of that one of the unicorns from earlier saw their wearied state and teleported them back to the hotel.

“That's the only time we're going to have to do that.” Icarus replied with a monotone voice as they walked the hallway to their rooms

“OK, now tell me honestly.” She said with a sight

“You know Cloudsdale will want to see that.” Icarus said with smirk

“Well it was kind of awesome” Spitfire said distantly

“It was the definition of awesome, the spectators were literally in awe.” Icarus said with proud resignation as he stopped at his door

“That they were” Spitfire said, turning to face him

Their eye's locked for a second, Spitfire looked at him with animal lust. Icarus was so tired, but that sight kind of perked him up. Even the organic smell she reeked of seemed to work with her, like it was right.

“OK, well, I'm going to sleep off this hangover and tinnitus.” He said finally, deciding that he was far too fatigued to make the first move

“Mind if I join you?” Spitfire said in a low voice, obviously she was not.

“I thought we were dealing with the implications later.” Icarus said matching her pitch, but adding a jocular inflection

“Now is later” She said lowering her eyes in a seductive manner “And I think I'm done Implying”.

Chapter V: Citizen 0

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The day had finally come, Sapphire's enlistment period was up and she could leave the Royal Military. Icarus was in deep, very deep from the media surrounding him, well an unnamed black rookie, that was defiantly him. Pictures of that trick he could preform were being circulated through the press like wild fire, and rumours of a relationship between him as Spitfire had been making its way through the tabloids. The latter hit harder than Sapphire was expecting.

She had sprung a bit of her back pay on a first class cabin for her trip back to Ponyville and had the best nights sleep she'd had in four years. It was frightening going to what had become known as the New Luna Republic’s FOB, smack bang right in the centre of the closest settlement to Canterlot. It wasn't just the proximity though, at Fort Vanguard it was just her alone,ordering imaginary ponies around via a communication spell, now she was going to meet many of them for the first time... Things were becoming real.

It was funny how the instant their Commander went under the movement began to snowball, it was overwhelming at times. All this responsibility thrust upon her, so many things in the balance, lives at stake, risk of detection, it was not what she signed on for. But she hadn't got them caught so far, in fact had saved their necks a few times, even from her remote outpost. The time was coming to make a move against the Solar Empire, and the time had come for Sapphire to go home.

The train arrived in the wee hours of the morning as the sun had begun to rise. Sapphire grabbed her small saddle bag with only a set of combat fatigues and some items for spell craft, the only things she had in this new life. She walked out of her cabin, down the corridor and then trotted down the steps onto the platform, where she was met by a emerald Pegasus mare.

“Ma'am” Her words were formal, but her tone was familiar. Sapphire could tell it was taking all of her self restraint to keep her from saluting

“Jade!” Sapphire said, as she threw her hooves around the Pegasus' neck and hugged her

“I missed you too ma'am” she said warmly before pealing Sapphire off her

“Sorry, it's been a little... hard” Sapphire said, a tear of happiness welling up in her eye

“I know ma'am, but there is much to talk about and not a lot of time to talk about it” A hint of desperateness in Jade's voice

“What's up?” Sapphire said concerned

Jade lead Sapphire out of the train station “A few studies you had us do have been completed; well as much as we can complete them. A lot of it is supposition.”

“Is it safe to talk about it here?”

'Yeah” Jade replied with a cocky smile. She nodded in the direction of some bushes “We'll be alerted if some pony can overhear us”

“Ok, so what have you found out?”

“Well first off is Celestia's enthralment that gave us so much trouble in the first war. Most ponies have their own free will now, but rather are controlled through propaganda.”

“Why would she risk that?”

“We think that there maybe a limit to her power, but we can only add supposition, we don't really know.”

“What about ponies close to her?” Sapphire did a poor job of hiding her worry

“Some we can confirm are completely enthralled, but if you're worried about Icarus, I think he'll be ok, worst case scenario for him is the high level suggestion we went under when we were working for the RSS.”

“But this is still going to be a major issue when we begin fighting again.” Sapphire said concerned

“Yeah, when this starts we'll need to win this very quickly” Jade said with determination

“Ok, so how do we do that? Celestia has the elements.”

“Yes, but she can't use them, she needs the avatars.”

“So if we can get to the avatars, we have the elements, and if we have the elements we have a shot at winning this?”

“That's my thinking yeah. Though how we use the elements... that's another-”

“- bridge we can cross when we get to it.”

Jade nodded respectfully. They had taken the short trek to the town centre and up to a small bakery, Sugar Cube Corner. Sapphire looked around at the gaily decorated store as they entered

“So how did we score this as our FOB?” Sapphire said impressed

“You know, weirdly enough the owners, the Cakes, approached us. They already knew our mission, the history, what Celestia was doing.”

“What? Like they had noticed by themselves?”

“No, they knew things they can't possibly, like 'the stars shall aide in her escape'”

Sapphire stopped and widened her eyes

“I know” Jade said noticing Sapphires wariness. “We were concerned at first too, but they have been very helpful.”

They continued into the kitchen and then down into a cellar bellow.

“Starr, you made it” Nova said warmly, turning to face her as they reached the bottom of the stairs

“Finally” she said distantly as she admired all the equipment

It was a large room, the walls covered in intelligence documents, the centre had a map of Equestria; little flags stuck out of the different cities and settlements representing different strengths and units. Scattered around were Earth Pony radios and a few weapons racks filled with battle harnesses and rifles. There were other ponies in the room; working the radios and updating the intelligence.

“You've done well for your selves” She said finally as she looked back at Nova with a smile

“Yes, well, with out your and Night's guidance-” his modesty trailed off “Anyway, we still have the issue of moving forward.”

“We need to force Celestia's hand.” Jade nodded towards the war map “I thought we could strike at the garrison near Las Pegasus -”

“No, we can't make our first act a violent one.” Sapphire said with authority

“This war was started years ago, we aren't making our first act violent, we are retaliating!”

“Wars are won by public opinion, right? If we just start attacking the military the media will paint us as terrorists and we will lose support.”

“We need to force Celestia's hand! The only way to do that is to threaten her power.”

“Ideas are far more powerful than guns and explosives. The movement threatens her, we need to let her know the movement exists. She will escalate the conflict, and then everyone will see her for what she really is.”

Jade pouted for a second.

“I told you it was a bad idea” Nova said slyly

Jade shot him an scornful glance before looking back at Sapphire “Ok, we do it your way ma'am”

“We still have to wait for a signal from Night. I'll see if I can't -” Sapphire was cut off by the sound of the door flying open

“Nova, sir!” a Pegasus said as he burst through the door, panting like he had just flown at top speed from Cloudsdale “You have to see this!” he pulled a poster from his saddle bag with a rendering of Celestia on it. The caricature had a wraith full frown on it and the word 'OBEY' was stencilled underneath.

“Where did you find this?” Nova said concerned

“They're all over Manehatten, the cell we've got there just went ahead and did it.”

“Buck” Nova said under his breath

“Bring the leader of that cell here.” Sapphire said annoyed

“Well what the buck do we do now?” Jade asked

Sapphire sighed heavily “Wait for Celestia's opening move”

***

Icarus stirred underneath the sheets as he awoke, one of those crazy dreams again. Ever since he was back in his flat in Canterlot they had come back, but he didn't have that voice yelling at him to wake up as much any more. He felt the foreleg of the golden mare he'd been dating draped over his shoulder. Doing his best to not disturb her he gently lifted it off him and slipped out of the bed. As he looked back his heart warmed at the peaceful smile upon her face, as well as the terrible bed hair and a bit of drool that had left a wet mark in his mattress. He put on a coat and softly closed the door after him.

As he hit the cold pre-dawn air he let out a sigh that caused steam to form around his mussel; he was becoming attached to Spitfire. He had noticed that he was always happier when she was around, and that the problems of the world seemed to fade away when they were together. He wasn't sure, but he suspected that he was more than just a fling to her, and the idea of forsaking the war seemed more and more viable.

He walked the market quarter, the stalls bare and covered, there owners safe and warm in their beds while he wandered the barren promenade. It was peaceful, quiet, and Icarus was content to wander around for a bit before heading home.

Ahead he saw a pillar of stars jut from the ground, and wave around against the white walls of the castle grounds, and the slow trotting of a large pony. It had been a while since he had seen Luna in the night, her light blue hair had transformed into a flowing mane of stars. As he got closer he noticed her happy expression as she looked around.

“Hello Icarus” she said in a familiar tone “We are sorry tonight’s sky is missing the Borealis; 'Tia only lets us do that during the colder months.”

Icarus looked up at the stars with a smile “Things like that should be rare, otherwise it would diminish the awe effect.” He said warmly

“We know, We still do it on the odd night though, when she's not looking. When she notices she does like to scold us” she said wistfully

“Anything wrong Luna?” He said warmly

Luna's eyes narrowed, thrown by the familiarity. “We-” She hesitated “I have been considering my decent for some time now and something doesn't seem right.”

“What like?”

“I can't remember details, but I have images and emotions that I do remember. The story goes that I was jealous of the day, that ponies enjoyed it more than the night, but I remember the night as a reprieve from the toils of the day, as it is now. I remember loud bouts of mirth as well as peaceful interludes between the daily routine. Then I remember sadness, and eventually a rage that was not my own, but never envy.” Realising she had just gushed her heart out to this acutance Luna flushed “We are sorry, Night, we did not wish to burden you with this line of thought.”

“It’s alright” he said with a warm smile “If it’s any consolation, the legend never made sense to me either.”

“It’s not that, we barely know thee, yet we feel as though thou' is kin.”

Icarus simply stopped, his eyes widened slightly. He opened his mouth to speak but Luna stopped him.

“Anyway, we must go and lower the moon, lest Celestia thinks we are starting another insurrection. We will see you again Night” Luna said as she spread her wings

She took off with a soft gust of wind, leaving Icarus on the ground.

***

The sun had begun to rise as the gate to Icarus’s home complex came into view. The light cast made the masonry glow a soft yellow, as it hit the flowers and shrubs of the gardens flanking the path it made them look almost monochrome, but beautiful all the same. As he neared the door he heard loud clopping from behind him. He looked, his eyes met the early morning sun which burnt at his eyes offensively. Before he turned away he noticed the silhouettes of four guards dressed in full armour. He moved to let them past.

As he reached his floor he saw those guards talking to an alert Spitfire with crazy bed hair (A sight that seemed contradictory). She had a stern look on her face as she took in what the guards said. It softened when she saw Icarus.

“What's going on?” Icarus asked as he approached the group

One of the guards turned “Celestia has requested an audience with the Wonderbolts regarding some disturbances in Manehatten.”

“Anything additional?” Icarus said concerned

Spitfire shook her head “Cyrus has apparently set up a briefing in about half an hour”

***

Nothing he could say could get him into that briefing; instead he sat on his hooves like the the rest of the Wonderbolts as Spitfire sat along with the other department heads. Icarus did all he could to quiet the speculations running rampant in his mind. It could be anything, dragon attack, Griffon incursion, or... a rebellion.

“I hope its dragons” Soarin' said with glee “The blades they stick on your wings make you so much more aerodynamic”

“That's only because you can't fly lug face” another pony, Fleet Foot, said mockingly “I hope its Griffins, its been a while since I've used a rifle harness on anything aside from the range”

“I'm sorry I thought you just said I couldn't fly.” Soarin' said mockingly “Followed up by 'I want to take pot shots at some over grown chimeras'”

“Ok, Soarin', if it is Griffins I dare you to volunteer for front runner in your dragon slayer battle dress.” Fleet Foot said

“Don't do it” another Pegasus, Rapid fire, said distantly “Griffins have superior wing span; you'll get cut to shreds”

“Yeah, and besides, isn't front runner normally assigned to the rookie?” Soarin' added looking at Icarus

“Before you start, Standard Operating Procedure when engaging Griffins is to do so at range.” Icarus said coldly

Soarin' grimaced “Looks like he's not going for it gal's”

“Keep at it lug face, you'll balance the books out someday.” Fleet Foot retorted

Their playful bickering turned to white noise as Rapid Fire approached. She had begun to weird Icarus out, she always had a blank expression on her face and talked in a monotone voice; it was like she was... empty.

“Your tone suggests that you are concerned” she said in that flat voice.

“I'm fine.” Icarus said in the same cold voice

“You are not acting like you normally do.”

Icarus looked up at her and forced a nervous smile “It's just my first operation with you guys, that's all”

Even the petty lies were getting tedious

“The position front runner doesn't even exist” She said in what Icarus assumed was her attempt to be reassuring, which unnerved him even more

“I know”

“We can talk-”

The doors to the war room flung open, not a moment too soon. The high ranking officials left the room. Luna walked out escorted by two of Celestia's guards and a deeply confused look on her face, Spitfire wasn't too far behind with a grave look on her face. The Wonderbolts perked up and lined up in formation.

“What's the go?” Soarin' asked dutifully

“Come in” she said, leading them into the now vacant war room

They all trotted in. Icarus looked at the intelligence on the table; in the centre of the stacks of scrolls was a poster with a not to happy Celestia on it, with the word OBEY in big capitol script. Icarus let go a heavy sigh; this was clearly the start of his -

“Insurrection” Spitfire sighed “Or potential insurrection, we're not entirely sure.”

“We're definitely sure its not just some foals being foals?” Fleet Foot asked

Spitfire nodded “We're leaning more towards that, the posters are localised to a few districts in Manehatten, but we're taking it seriously none the less.”

Icarus stood up “Why was Luna escorted by Celestia's guards?” He did his best to hide his fuming rage; he knew why

“Some of us had...” She hesitated for a moment “Concerns. She is simply under observation, nothing more.”

“So what do we do?” Fleet Foot asked

“The Wonderbolts are going back to Manehatten, the most public department will let everypony know that we are taking this matter seriously” Spitfire said with conviction “With the exception of Lieutenant Nightwing”

“Excuse me?” Icarus said with a lot less formality than the situation demanded

Spitfire ignored it “Celestia wants you to go to ponyville and keep an eye on the Avatars.”

“Just me, on my own?” Icarus said bewildered

“I wanted to keep us all together as well, but Celestia convinced me that it was the best course of action. One rookie Wonderbolt will draw less attention than the entirety of the Wonderbolts” The rookie bit kinda stung “We want to downplay the elements importance as an asset, but we still want to keep an eye on them. Go in undercover, and if anything happens alert us and Canterlot guards will be there with in half an hour.”

Icarus restrained the urge to drop his jaw, it was too perfect, and Icarus swore by Murphy's Law “Understood sir.” he said finaly

Spitfire nodded “Ok, pack up and be ready to leave by noon,”

While the rest of the Wonderbolts stood up to leave Icarus stayed behind.

“Celestia said that she wanted you close” Spitfire said intuitively “If it were up to me, you'd be in my flight.”

He could tell that Spitfire wanted a moment, but what she said piqued his interest

“What do you mean she wants me close? She doesn't think-”

“What? No!” Spitfire said taken aback “Well, she seems to think your surfacing recently isn't a coincidence.”

“No offence, but that doesn't help.” He said coldly

“I think its a destiny thing. Besides even if she did, this is Celestia, our loving princess.” Spitfire reassured

Icarus's eyes widened as he forced himself to stop; explaining how he knew differently wasn't exactly a good idea “I suppose you're right” He said finally

“I'm always right” Spitfire said warmly as she approached him

She nuzzled his cheek with affection.

“Well make up for lost time when we get back from lecturing a bunch of misguided foals, ok?” she said with bedroom eyes

As she turned to leave Icarus realised his face was flushed. “I'm in trouble” he thought silently to himself

Rise of the Republic

by Commandobrony

Prologue: The Truth

Chapter I: Adapt or Die

Chapter II: I found it, but it's broken

Chapter III: Illusions

Chapter IV: Thoughts Left Unsaid

Chapter V: Citizen 0