1: A Change in Course

5 years and 133 days

The date is 2-5-1006

I am Anonymous, and I’ve been here for over half a decade now

Even now I remember coming here like it was yesterday.

During a visit to a historical ritual site of a cult, I had accidentally pricked my finger while examining some of their tools. Then a portal opened, and I just jumped in without really thinking about it.

Why were cultists working on a portal to a land full of cartoon ponies? Who knows, people are strange.

Not like I could go back and change that, I’m stuck here now. This is my new home.

Of course, me being a human and all didn’t go over well in the beginning. After appearing in the middle of Ponyville, and causing quite a mass panic I was ran out of town.

And what a panic it was, I was almost lynched by its inhabitants and subsequently almost was blasted by the Elements of Harmony. After a bit of running, I was backed up into the woods, and somehow eventually managed to talk the Elements down to a good old interrogation.

Once they realized that I wasn’t going to be any kind of threat, nor was I some bio-engineered monstrosity from the Gryphon Empire, they were quite kind. Hell, they were essentially fighting to be my friend.

While I was being questioned, I let them know that I was a history teacher and had come through a portal from a different world.

This peaked Twilights interest, who basically begged me to move in with her and work at her library as an assistant.

It didn't pay good, and Purple Smart never stopped picking my brain to figure out how I thought, or trying her “experiments” on me to see how I ticked, but it was still a job and not many people were hiring.

So I’d been quite content in the humble position of assistant librarian

That is, until news came about a massive diplomatic blowup with the Gryphons

Such a simple statement from one diplomat or another about Equestrian ore independence had apparently been blown out of proportion

The damage control was handled extremely poor, and I had a talk with Twilight about it.

“Listen Twi, all I’m saying is that the offending diplomat should just apologize” I added “and if that doesn’t work he should be fired. That’ll calm the Gryphons down enough to talk about this.”

“Anon, that’s genius! Why aren’t the diplomats half as smart as you.” Twilight remarked

While it did feel good to have my ego stroked, it was pretty frightening to know that the diplomats here couldn’t even think of offering an apology, no matter how much they hated the Gryphons.

Not even a day later I was in the throne room, surrounded by dozens of diplomats and Celestia herself, telling them possible options to return the diplomatic ties to their normal status

They all stood around me, listening to my suggestions of ways to reconcile their relations.

“Is that all? That sounds… simple.” Celestia remarked.

I sighed a bit and repeated myself. “So yes, just apologize. If it doesn’t work, fire your diplomat and have him replaced. And if that still fails, then you need to give them a better deal on the ore trade of you want to have a good relationship with they Gryphon Empire.”

To my surprise, they followed my instructions to the letter.

Soon after this, I was offered a place in the Foreign Ministry and soon had risen to the position of the lead minister.

Various ponies had described my methods as anywhere from dishonest and rude to downright unethical. They were right, but all this was done in the interest of Equestria.

Like the time I bargained with Diamond Dogs to have them no longer kidnap ponies in exchange for having exclusive rights to their mines.

Or when I had the yaks sign a deal that had them give up almost half of their lands so we could have pony settlers move in, in exchange for protection from the changelings.

However, no crisis had ever arisen from a case that had landed on my desk, not yet at least.

Even if she didn't agree with how the results were obtained, Celestia agree with the results themselves.

The only thing Celestia didn’t agree with was my suggestions to form the army.

I tried to plead with her. “Celestia, I have experience in this field. It’s plain the Gryphons don’t really like us, and the Changelings could come back at any minute. We need a standing army. Even something like reserve forces could make both the Gryphons and Changelings think twice before trying anything.”

Celestia shrugged this off. “Anonymous, Equestria has both me and my sister, the Elements of Harmony, the royal guard, and could call on the wonderbolts if a crisis occurred. We don’t even have the ponies willing to join an army, and wouldn’t know where to begin with forming it again.”

Sometimes I hated the way she spoke down to me, like a mother lecturing a child. But as much as I hated it she was my boss, and the person who paid me.

I had settled into this job, and after many headaches, migraines, and ulcers from the stress I had proven my worth as lead minister.

And so it was that I was now rushing to the throne room, before the sun had even risen, at the personal request of Celestia herself

The alicorn seemed to be in a tizzy, completely different from her usually well composed self. Her mane was frazzled and there were heavy, dark circles under her eyes.

“Woah Celestia, you look like shit. Are you ok? And what’s so important that you have to wake me at sunup? You know I like sleeping until noon.” I said while adjusting my suits tie.

As soon as she heard me, she turned and levitated a suitcase and trotted up to me.

“Anonymous, my apologies for the short notice but I haven't the time to explain. I need you to step in as governor of Equestria for the time being.” She half shouted in a hurry.

She turned and prepared to take off. As she spreads her wings, I held up my hands to give her pause.

“Whoa, hold on Celestia. This is a bit much to spring on me all at once. First off, why not Luna, and why would ponies accept a human as their leader?”

She rolled her eyes and said “Did I not just say there's no time? Luna has not yet had time to garner the trust she lost in the Fall, and they will accept you because there is a royal decree drafted and being announced come sunrise. I've wasted too much time as it is, I'll be taking Twilight as well. Good luck, Anonymous.”

With that, Celestia took off into the pre-dawn morning and rocketed away from Canterlot.

I stood there a moment, in shock and bewildered. Me as leader of Equestria? There’s no way this could end well. I heard a cough behind me, and I turned about and find an auburn coloured, bookish looking pony behind me.

She looks as terrified about this as I felt, but I’m the leader now, I can't let such things show. I had to follow Celestia's usual example of stoicism .

With a deep breath, I gave her as gentle a smile as I could.

“Good morning, who might you be?”

The pony, an Earth pony to my surprise, took a deep breath before speaking. ”My name is Cursive Quill. I'm one of Princess Celestia's assistants, she appointed me to ease you into this position.”

I noticed the nearly bursting saddlebags, paper sticking out from the openings.

“Is all that important? Do I need to memorize anything?” I said with a smile to try and lighten the mood.

Cursive Quill smiled back, and replied “No, well actually… nothing besides some proper court manners. But you are, or were, the lead minister of Foreign Affairs so you should know most of this already.”

Looking over the balcony into the streets of Canterlot, I saw the morning sun begin to rise and the hum of people beginning their daily routines.

With a long, suffering sigh, I gave Quill a hollow smile.

“Well then, let's get to work running this kingdom.”

2: Petty Politics

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Not even an hour into filling in for Celestia, and I already had a splitting headache.

And of course, Equestria hadn't developed Tylenol.

So I was treating my near migraine with some cider.

Quill had balked at first when I’d asked for a pint this early in the morning, but with a pointed glare she'd done as I told.

A glance at her position told me she was wishing she'd taken a pint for herself

The first thing in the packed schedule had been a meeting with the Royal Guard to discuss the protection of Canterlot.

Of course, most of the guards didn’t accept me as their new ruler. They had opinions ranging from mistrust to downright hostility.

No matter, they’d accept me in due time.

The next thing in the packed schedule had been a meeting with the other ministers to discuss exactly what was going to happen.

The first half hour had been a combination of bellyaching that they were more deserving of the position, yelling at me for having the position, and questioning my competence with racial slurs I’d never even heard of back on Earth.

After that it devolved into the ministers yelling at each other as to why they'd done nothing to stop Celestia from leaving, and questioning what would cause her to leave so suddenly.

But enough was enough.

I slammed my now empty mug of cider onto the oak table with enough force to crack the wrought iron hoops holding the staves.

The loud smash drew the attention of everyone in the room and silenced the arguing in an instant

“ENOUGH! EVERYONE, QUIET!” I bellowed.

Finally, I stood and took a deep breath

“My fellow ministers, I don't know why Celestia singled me out among all of us. Perhaps it was all your petty bickering, perhaps it was your utter inability to make your ministries excel at their work.”

The shock from me slamming the mug had clearly worn off, but the ministers remained silent, jaws agape at my words.

So I continued to speak in the silence.

“Whatever the reason, the fact remains that I am acting in her stead. And I cannot run a government alone, so put aside how much you hate me, and each other, and let's get to work. We'll start with reports on various projects.”

With that, I sat down once more and folded my hands, doing my best to remain composed, and not let the pain of this headache show.

After a silent moment, the defense minister begins his updates.

The rest follow suit afterwards, delivering their own progress reports, ideas for new projects, and concerns.

Finally, I came to one of the key reasons for the high tensions this morning.

The budgetary debate was due to take place today, in fact the rest of the schedule had been cleared for it

Clearly the other ministers had concerns about where I would authorize funds to go.

The cultural minister began her impassioned plea for more funding

“Since the last budgetary period, Equestria has enjoyed a fantastic upswing in the arts, in fact a recent report from the foreign ministry noted an increase in tourist visas being issued, and the revenue from tourism has increased by 3%. With more subsidization, Equestria stands to become a monolith of the arts and a cultural bastion.”

After she had finished, there was polite clopping for her, and then the minister of industry spoke.

He noted that there had been a decrease in productivity in many factories, blamed on the lack of new equipment, as well as a great downswing in the quality of imported ores.

Again, a pause, then the next minister.

It continued for another half hour, and the ensuing debate raged on well into the night.

Jesus, I knew ponies were just like humans but debates this cold and calculated seemed wrong coming from small horses.

Finally, after many hours and with an intensely sore throat, I announced the final proposal.

“So then, it is decided by this parliament, with a five percent increase in national revenue, that the following budgetary changes are in order. Cultural ministry: eight percent lower; industrial ministry, four percent higher; transport ministry, two percent higher; employment ministry, one percent lower; science and research ministry, ten percent higher; defense ministry, thirteen percent higher; health ministry, one percent higher; and finally the foreign ministry, no increase or decrease in budget.”

Ignoring the grumbling of the other ministers, I had signed the final paper to issue the decree of the budget and added it to the rather minuscule stack of decrees that had actually been finished today.

One detailing the person who would fill in for me, and several more detailing the circumstances under which I would step down from my new position, ruler of Equestria.

Still doesn’t sound right to say, but then again, it’s only been one day.

It all essentially meant that if I did anything illegal I’d be removed prematurely, and unless that were the case, then I’d step down upon Celestia's return in good health.

If she returned that is.

God, if she didn’t that would be a disaster.

With that, I called the session to a close, and remained seated until all the ministers but the science, industry, and defense heads had left the room.

They all moved up the long table so that no one would have to raise their voice to be heard.

I had asked them all to stay behind so that I could address exactly where their large budget increases would be prioritized.

Clearing my throat, I began to speak in a quiet, but firm tone. “Gentlecolts, your departments have been stagnating for the past decade. I fully understand that it is due in no small part to funding cuts and various other factors, but make no mistake I will be far more vicious if you waste this opportunity. Am I clear?”

The three shared a look, then nodded.

I gave them a warm smile and continued. “Excellent. I want you all to work together to improve your various jurisdictions. In industry, we can build more factories yes, but work with the researchers to make more efficient furnaces, smoke filtering enchantments, and other things like this. Further, the defense forces can both expand in numbers and update equipment. Again, work with the researchers to push the cutting edge, and the industry for rapid prototyping. Share your budgets, your information, and make weekly reports on your progress. Do you have any questions?”

The defense minister, Colonel Stalwart Shield, coughed quietly and raised a hoof before speaking. ”Anonymous, why the sudden increase in these three ministries in particular? It's hard to complain about having sufficient funds for once, but I'd like to know your reasoning.”

I sighed and leaned back, looking up at the mural on the ceiling.

“Stalwart, in the five years I've lived in Equestria, I've seen two dragon attacks, a dozen Diamond Dog attacks, though they were closer to insurrections, and close calls with an invasion from the Gryphons. All these events were thankfully averted, but only by the action of the Elements of Harmony. They won't be around forever, and even now we can't leave the defense of an entire nation to five mares.”

Stalwart asked “Well, what about Luna? She may not be as powerful as Celestia, but she could easily defend Equestria.”

“Do you really trust the defense of a nation to one pony?” I asked Stalwart, then added “Even if she was as powerful as Celestia, one pony can’t stop an entire army. One pony won’t save the day, we need many to stop any threats on our lands.”

Stalwart nods, apparently accepting my answer.

He'd taken over from Shining Armor as the defense minister, but had left the Royal Guard to focus more on his position in government.

Ever pragmatic and blunt, I had enjoyed working with him on the many assignments that our jurisdictions often crossed.

I looked around the table and see the other two apparently satisfied, so I dismissed them with a wave.

Finally, I’m alone in the room.

Except for Quill, of course.

She clears her throat quietly, and I looked over at her with tired eyes.

”Well that went better than most debates over money. I can't believe you got them all to agree on such drastic changes!”

I smiled indulgently and scratched my cheek.

“It's amazing what you can get people to agree to when you say you won't be taking a piece of their pie for yourself.”

She nods at my words and looks down, scuffing a hoof on the stones of the floor. “Do you...really believe what you said? About the expansion of the defense forces and all the departments sharing budgets?”

I nodded my head, giving a solemn look.

“Equestria is at the forefront of culture in the world, but we've fallen behind the gryphons in sciences, and especially in military. As it stands, they're the largest threat, and there have been some disturbing reports from the frontier about confrontations with their villagers. The Elements can't enforce a border, so we need military parity at minimum to keep the homesteaders safe.”

She grinned widely at my words, before checking a timepiece in her ever present saddlebags.

”Well, we've got another early start tomorrow. You're due for a tour about the nation, greeting important people and putting on a friendly face and all that. We'll be taking off tomorrow at dawn for that.”

Again I nod, sleepiness finally taking over my brain and making me yawn loudly.

“Alright Quill, I'll see you tomorrow at dawn.”

With that, we both headed our separate ways, I head back to my bedchambers and immediately faceplanting on the mattress.

Before I drifted off to sleep, I allowed myself a moment of pride.

I actually managed to do better than Celestia at something.

Take that sunbutt.

3: A Friendly Talk

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The buzzing of my timepiece pulls me from a pleasant dream.

I'd been relaxing on a small ranch sitting back in a chair and watching the sun set.

So comfy.

Fucking clocks, why did Celestia get up so early? How could she do this for so long?

With sleep caked eyes, I stared at the offending machine before remembering why I’d wanted to be awake an hour before dawn dared to peek over the horizon.

I dressed myself in a set of dark, formal clothes that Rarity had made for me when she had heard I was taking a job in Canterlot.

'You can't be seen as a shabbily dressed ape! I won't allow it.' She had said.

She wasn't really the worst pony.

After a bit of reminiscing, I steal myself away into the dark corridors of the palace.

Some time later I had finally reached my goal and entered the throne room as quietly as I could.

As expected, Luna is perched atop the throne she shared with her sister, eyes wide and empty.

A dead giveaway that she's dreamwalking tonight.

I chose to wait patiently, this was why I chose to awake so early after all.

Finally, she stirs and her gaze fixed fixed firmly on me.

“Anonymous.”

I gave her give a short bow and said “Luna, you had a productive night I trust?”

She gives me a cold smile and snorted in amusement. ”We are always productive, whether you believe it or not.”

Years earlier, I had expressed that dreamwalking may not be the best use of her time.

Neither of the sisters had let me live it down since then, even after I realized that it was actually helpful for the ponies.

Luna especially tended to approach me with a cold distance after the incident.

“I'm not here to bicker, Luna. I came to ask something of you.”

Again she snorted and walked to the veranda of the room, and I followed behind her as she speaks.

“Having trouble with my dear Celestia's station already? I'm surprised she could possibly pick someone with so little resolve for the role.”

I chose to stay silent and grit my teeth, before taking a deep breath to calm myself before responding.

I wouldn't let any of her barbs get to me, not tonight.

“We both know the reason for her passing over you, Luna. It has nothing to do with you, or with me.”

She turns and gave me a disbelieving look, and said ”Oh no, I'm certain my sister passed up her own flesh and blood for someone that's not even a pony out of the goodness of her heart.”

With a heavy sigh, I stepped forward to the railing of the balcony.

This was as much a test of my resolve as it was of hers.

“Luna, if you were suddenly the sole ruler of Equestria, there would be riots in the streets. The rebel princess, exiled for a thousand years and now on the throne she betrayed her sister for not a decade after coming back? They would believe you had forged the documents and taken the throne by force.”

The princess of the night looked away, the steel of her gaze buckling at my words.

“But it wouldn't be true, I'd never do such a thing again.”

The protest is weak, sounding petulant and childish despite the ancient being it had came from.

I gave her an understanding gaze, and my face softens before I spoke again. “I know that Luna, the fact that you haven't shoved me off the balcony is good enough reason for me to trust your word. But the ponies outside Canterlot, even outside the palace, haven't let go of the past yet.”

She stared up at me, the fire in her gaze returning, but flickering weakly.

”But I visit their dreams every night! I help them, guide them, and ask nothing in return.”

I nodded solemnly and continued. “Yes, but even you have your limit to how many you can see a night. And for whatever reason, both Celestia and the government as a whole have neglected to even attempt to right ponies' outlook on you.”

Luna opened her mouth, but quickly shuts it, looking down at the stone cobbles of the floor

I knelt down to be at the same level as her and rest a hand gently on her withers.

Her wings twitched, but she remained staring at the ground.

She was deep in thought, I don’t think she even noticed me anymore.

After a moment of silence, I chose to tell her why I had come here. “Listen, I'm starting a tour of the country today, something to bring this sudden change down to earth for ponies to understand. And I want you to come with me.”

Luna looked up suddenly, her eyes full of suspicion for my motives.

”And why is that? You want to show the country that my sister picked you over me?”

My face twitched in annoyance. For a several thousand year old being, Luna, and for that matter Celestia, could be astonishingly childish.

“No, because I want to show that, despite an unfamiliar face as the head of state, there is unity in the capital. Celestia neglected to show ponies the cooperation of the throne and the ministry, and that's something that I feel must be corrected.”

I stood and returned my gaze to the horizon, light beginning to appear over the mountains in the East.

“I also feel the record needs to be set straight about you. I want ponies to realize as I do that you're trustworthy once more and have their best interests at heart.”

I heard Luna plod up beside me. For a moment, there's nothing but the sound of birds chirping and a gentle breeze rustling the leaves.

Luna broke the silence. ”This is something that you truly feel strongly about, isn't it Anonymous?”

I turned my head and saw her gazing up at me, a new emotion on her face.

There's caution, but she is distinctly excited about the prospect of being trusted by her people once again.

“It is. Now more than ever, Equestria must be united. Not only under the royalty, but by every stallion, mare, and colt. Pegasi, unicorns, earth ponies, alicorns, must all become Equestrians first. And as leaders, we must set the example for them. And besides, you’ve been dealt a rotten hand, and I aim to turn that around. So what do you say, Princess Luna?”

At the saying of her title, a spark of confidence returned to her, and she stands tall, with her chest thrust out.

She extended a hoof to me, a far warmer smile now gracing her features.

”I'm with you, Anonymous. Let the people see that we ARE united.”

With a grin, I took her hoof and shook it. As the sun rose and we went back inside, a feeling of calm focus descended upon me.

There was no way I would be able to rule a kingdom without help, without someone the ponies could see as a legitimate ruler. And now, I had all the help I could ask for.

With Luna in tow and the sun breaking over the mountains, we both headed towards the foyer of the throne room.

As we approached, Cursive Quill, who was busy writing out something, turned and gasped at us. She widened her eyes at the sight of Luna.

”So you actually managed to convince her? I'm impressed, sir.”

I hunched down to pat Quill's head condescendingly as I passed her by.

“Of course I did, I told you I was a very persuasive person.”

Quill sighed at the contact and turned to follow behind me and the princess.

”Yes you did, sir. I arranged the expanded carriage as you ordered.”

Luna looked up at me indignantly. ”Was I just the subject of a bet, Anonymous?”

I feigned shock and placed a hand on my chest. “Absolutely not, my princess. We would never dream of gambling about royalty!”

Quill hid a smirk at my performance behind a hoof.

Luna sticks her snout up in the air, but the spring in her step makes it clear that she's not actually offended.

As the three of us boarded the carriage and take off, the mood is light. Not long after takeoff, Quill scoots closer to me and takes a sheaf of papers from her bags

”Alright sir, let's go over the schedule. Our visit today will be Ponyville, first step is a meeting with the mayor. After that, you'll have a tour of industry and shops, sampling goods and whatnot. Then visiting farms, a meeting with the Elements of Harmony, a trip to the Castle of the Two Sisters. And finally we'll end with the speech for the town and monument announcement.”

I nodded along with her as she goes over each point.

At the mention of the monument, Luna interjected. ”What sort of monument are you establishing in Ponyville, Anonymous? It's where the Elements were found, but what other momentous events took place in that little town?”

I gave her my best warm smile, as Quill put the schedule away and takes out another bunch of papers.

“Why it was where you returned to us, Luna. Quill, show her the plan.”

Quill turned a piece of draft paper over to Luna. Luna spent long minutes gazing at the sketch, occasionally flicking glances up at me and Quill.

”You designed this?”

I shook my head, and said “I suggested the monument and a possible composition about four months ago, Quill was the one who actually did the work. Apparently she was quite taken with the idea.”

For her part, Quill gave a curt nod in affirmation.

Luna's eyes misted over, and her voice trembled when she speaks once more. “I don't know how...It's wonderful, I cannot thank you enough for this.”

Quill hopped over to the seat Luna is on and sat beside her.

Even as Luna is barely keeping herself together, Quill places a comforting hoof on her withers.

Much of the ride is in solemn silence, as I going over my speech notes, Quill checking and double checking the schedule, and Luna clutching the monument blueprint to her chest.

Before long, we arrived in Ponyville.

I rose first and stretched out my limbs. “Well, time to put on a show. Shall we?”

They both nodded, and the door opens, letting in the light of a beautiful spring day. As we stepped from the carriage and waved to the large crowd of ponies, instead of applause or cheering, I was greeted by a wave of murmuring and whispers.

To be fair, I hadn't expected any sort of ecstatic welcome.

After all, I was known only as the old assistant librarian, and many were still unsure of me. Especially with the rumors of how I handled business as the lead minister of Foreign Affairs. But I knew they would come to appreciate me.

When Luna stepped out of the carriage however, the crowd cheered enthusiastically.

Even with many regarding her poorly in other cities, the ponies here knew that she was reformed.

Quill stepped into my shadow, even as Luna strode beside me with her wings outstretched, greeting the crowd.

The three of us waved to the crowd as we made our way into the town hall and to the mayors office.

When we made our way to the office, I turned to my entourage of Royal Guardsmen.

“Keep post outside this door, and stay put until we return.”

But the Royal guards ignored me, simply following Luna instead.

Luna, upon noticing them disobey my orders, repeated it for me.

“Ah, keep post outside here.”

Faithfully, the Royal Guardsmen went to their positions.

Why hadn’t they listened to me?

Pushing the thought aside, I turned to enter the office.

When the doors click shut behind me, the sounds of the crowd died away. We were escorted to the meeting area and left alone.

It's not long before me and Luna are joined by Mayor Mare and a camera crew. Finally, it was time to get down to business.

“Good morning, Ms. Mare. I trust you're well today?”

The elderly matron bowed to me before taking her seat and responding. ”Quite well indeed, Anonymous. Who would ever have thought that a lowly librarian from Ponyville would one day sit on the throne of Equestria.”

Ah, the politicking had begun already. How nice. I knew that Celestia's decision wouldn't be popular, especially among those in leadership positions.

But that didn't matter, I had to be sure to sway them to my side. Or else my tenure as the ruler wouldn’t be so smooth.

“You flatter me, Ms. Mare. In truth, Princess Luna is the sole occupier of the throne at the moment. My duty is merely to keep the ministers from killing each other to secure their own power in Princess Celestia's absence.”

Mayor Mare smiled politely at the joke, and the camera crew shared a quiet chuckle. Good, humor builds trust, and I need them to trust me.

The mayor continued after I spoke. ”I see you brought her along as well. How are you doing today, Princess Luna?”

Luna gave the mayor a pleasant, if chilly, smile. “We are most pleased to once more return to the place of our redemption. It carries mixed feelings, but we appreciate the efforts of Ponyville's great citizens to a degree we can hardly express.”

The mayor bowed her head to Luna, before turning her attention back to me. ”So what can the citizens of Ponyville do for the rulers of the nation?”

I glanced at Luna, before turning back to the mayor. “Well Ms. Mayor, we have plans to meet with some of the ponies that provide Ponyville with services, bakery workers, store owners, farmers. We plan to speak with the Elements of Harmony as well, visit a couple landmarks, and conclude the day with a special announcement.”

The mayor's gaze narrowed at me. “And that is all? A bunch of meetings and an announcement? Please pardon me if I have the opinion that there is something else you want.”

I shook my head as a sad smile touched my face. “We're here to make connections with the ponies of Equestria. I have no doubt that such a sudden change in leadership after a thousand years under one monarch is jarring. I hope that with this tour, I can ease the transition through and ensure peace and unity in uncertain times.”

Both Luna and Mayor Mare nodded approvingly at these words. This was going well, too well. Something was up, I don’t think Mayor Mare trusted me.

The mayor paused for a moment, as though gathering her thoughts. “Fine words, but words come cheap. I sincerely pray that you follow through on your desire.”

The camera crew signals that they've cut filming, and I sighed as I leaned back slightly in my chair. It was a damn comfortable chair.

Mayor Mare's face hardened the moment the camera cuts. ”Let me be perfectly clear, Anonymous. I do not agree with Princess Celestia's decision in the slightest. You are utterly unqualified, have no values that you share with other ponies, and aren't even a pony yourself. I don't know what sort of wool you're trying to spin, but I want no part of it.”

My easy smile cooled at her sharp words. “Ms. Mayor, in my world I served for eight years valiantly in my home nations army, and in my world I also studied politics at a credible college for three years. I've been a part of the Foreign Ministry for three more years here, and I've done a fine job in that regard. Not once has a crisis occurred when I was the one dealing with the case. I get that you may not trust me, but just listen to me. What I am trying to do with this trip is get a grasp on the state of the nation.”

Mayor Mare opened her mouth to respond, but I cut her off quickly. “Furthermore, I'm attempting to do something that neither Celestia, nor anypony else in the government has even made an attempt to do. I am going to show Equestria that Princess Luna is no longer Nightmare Moon, that she is trustworthy and an equal to her sister.”

The mayor scoffed at my words. ”Ponies already understand this, it is merely a matter of time before trust in her returns.”

I leaned forward in my chair, the smile completely wiped from my face, and replaced with a cold glare. “If that were the case, Ms. Mayor, then Nightmare Night would have been abolished years ago. You may believe that everyone has forgotten the past because many in this singular town have. But elsewhere? Well, I believe the princess can tell you better than I.”

Mayor Mare looked to Luna sympathetically, but the princess betrayed no emotion on her face before speaking.

“It is no lie, Ms. Mare. When We dreamwalk, ponies react with fear when they see us. Their dreams twist and distort the first time We enter in. Certainly, after some time they calm down and understand that We are there to help, but there are hundreds of thousands of ponies in Equestria, and We cannot visit so many in a single night. Anonymous is right in his intention, and his execution is sound.”

The mayor's face softens at Luna's words, and the fight leaves her body.

I took the monument blueprint from my coat and handed it to her. “I suppose I can spoil the surprise for you; this is what I intend to announce at the end of our day here. It is a monument to Luna's return and redemption, an expression of the new found unity and wholeness of Equestria with the return of their lost princess. Of course, we need your approval for zoning the land, but it is my hope that you can appreciate the importance of such a memorial.”

The mayor gazed silently at the piece for some time, then turned to look at me with a warmer look on her face.

”I still don't believe you're the right being to take Celestia's place, Anonymous. But I wholeheartedly agree with this. If nothing else, this action will be seen as one that benefits Equestria. I will be watching closely to see what else you can do as ruler.”

With my smile returned, I leaned back once more and took the picture when she offered it back.

“As I said, Ms. Mare, I have no intent to keep this position. I am where I am in order to provide a stern voice to the ministers and keep the nation from ruin. When Celestia returns to us in good health, I will immediately abdicate my position and return to the Foreign Ministry. In this, you have my word.”

The mayor nodded, and the three of us rose from our seats, heading back towards the entry of the hall.

Mayor Mare stayed silent a moment, then said ”Rest assured that I will hold you to that promise, Anonymous.”

At the door, I gave her a short bow and turned to exit. “I have no doubt you will, Ms. Mare. Have a pleasant day.

4: Trust in me

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The moment I exited the front of the town hall, a pink blur took over my vision.

”Hi Nonny! I haven't seen you around here for a while! Did you forget about us?”

Pinkie, because it's her of course, gasps loudly. ”Did you forget about Ponyville? Is that why you came here, to remember? Is it like that Roboclop movie where he forgets everyone?”

As Pinkie opened her mouth to launch another tirade, I put a hand gently on her muzzle.

“Hello Pinkie, you seem cheerful as ever.”

I’ve learned by now that the best way to deal with Pinkie Pie was to push the conversation straight through her odd questions

She backed off a bit, and I could finally see something besides pink. I noticed the rest of the Elements were close by.

The moment I stopped physically shushing Pinkie, she started talking again. “Why wouldn't I be cheerful? Nonny is back in town, and he's bigger than ever! Aww, you're still wearing the suit Rarity made. You see that Rarity? He hasn't forgotten us!”

Rarity stepped forward and patted Pinkie's withers.

”Yes, dear, I see he's still wearing that drab thing. Honestly Anonymous, four years in Canterlot and you haven't found a seamstress? I ought to make you a new outfit while you're in town.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Quill tapping her hoof impatiently.

I knew there was a schedule to keep, but I still wanted to talk with my friends as friends, not like national assets. I felt like something like this wouldn’t be possible for a long time, so I might as well exploit the moment.

“Come now Rarity, as if I could find someone to do a better job than you. Besides, I haven't had the time to even visit a tailor between preventing diplomatic blowups and traveling to all corners of the world.”

Rarity's smile widened and she scuffed a hoof on the ground. “You flatter me, Anonymous. I'm no better than most of the designers from the big city, and worse than most. But still, I insist on designing you a new suit. Stop by, won't you?”

I nodded to answer her question and she let out a small sigh.

Dash hovered over to me and slugged my shoulder. Damn that stung, she still hit like a truck.

”So you're a stuffy politician for real? I thought Twi was pulling our legs when she told us, but hey whadya know. I guess that means you're not coming back for real huh?”

I laughed at the shocked look on Luna and Quill's faces when Dash punched me.

“Unfortunately not for now. Maybe when Celestia gets back she'll finally give me a vacation, but until then I'm just spending a day or so.”

Dash looked dejected and landed, kicking the dirt.

Fluttershy peeked out from behind her, but stayed quiet.

I squatted down and smiled at her. “Hey Fluttershy, has Angel been treating you well?”

She smiled shyly, blushing and looking down. “He's still sweet, but he's getting older. I don't have to gallop to keep up with him anymore, but it's sad to see him like that.”

I had gotten along with Fluttershy better than anyone else. Something about her made me feel at peace, which was a rare thing to experience here.

Sure, this was my new home. But it always felt… hollow. Fake. As if I’d wake up from a long coma and realize this was just a dream.

Pretty nice dream though, I must admit. And besides, I passed the pinch test over and over again, so this couldn’t be a dream.

Any time I could get away from the library, I visited and helped Fluttershy with the animals. It had been fulfilling for me, deep down..

Maybe it was like the farm dream I’d had as a young man, but whatever the reason, I had loved it.

I put a hand, gently, on her back and she looked up at me, her smile sad. “I'm sorry to hear that, Shy. If you ever find the time, you should come by Canterlot. We could always use volunteers at the shelters.”

She nodded and looked back down at the dirt. As I stood again, Dash nuzzles her comfortingly.

I looked around, but Applejack is nowhere to be seen.

As though reading my mind, Fluttershy pipes up in an apologetic tone. ”Um, it's planting season so Applejack wasn't able to make it. Sorry.”

I gave her another smile and stretched out my arms. “That's alright, I'll be paying farms a visit anyway. I'll be sure to stop in to say hello while I'm out there.”

Fluttershy nodded and stepped back a few feet as Cursive Quill walked ahead of me. ”Sir, we need to go. We do have a schedule to keep.”

I waved my hand dismissively. “Relax Quill, schedules can slip. I believe talking to my friends without getting work involved can be fit in.”

She snorted and scribbled on a planner she has attached to a harness.

I glanced over my shoulder and saw the Elements chatting amicably with Luna.

It's still shocking how easily they carry casual conversation with her, but even more surprising is how well she gets on with them.

I suppose it shouldn't be surprising, considering they were the ones that we they key to her redemption. Even so...

I was suddenly pulled from my thoughts by Quill clearing her throat. “We really do need to go sir, especially since we have to be in Baltimare tomorrow.”

I frowned and scratched my chin. “I don't believe one day is enough to actually accomplish everything that you've planned, unless we do it at absolutely breakneck pace. It's already past noon, Quill. At this rate I'd be making the speech past sundown.”

Quill grumbled and kicked at a rock in frustration ”I guess my schedule was a little...idealized. I'll change it and future ones to reflect certain delays.”

I rested one of my hands on the top of her head. “Thanks Quill. Why don't you take the night off after we've done the tour of industry? Or at least don't spend it fretting about timings, alright?”

She sighed and turned away from me. ”Fine, fine, but let's get on with the tour. We still have to accomplish something today, sir.”

She was being surprisingly lenient. Unusual for her, but of ultimately no concern.

Besides, I can't really fight her on that one though, but it's an easy compromise.

“I agree. Princess Luna, shall we go?”

Luna looks up, startled. ”Uh, yes! Let us carry on, I'll speak with you another time girls.”

The Elements say their various goodbyes, and Quill leads me and Luna away from the hall.

Soon, the three of us were in the commercial area of the town, visiting many of the small shops and talking with their owners.

We had to question them on their daily lives, and policies that effect them. The topics varied from how healthy their business has been, to the impact of events on their income, and of course how exactly the current government policies affect their business.

For the most part, the shop owners are quite happy with how the government has been, and even moreso that you're visiting simply to ask their opinions.

A few discuss the difficulties of some of the unnatural disasters that have befallen Ponyville and remark that it may be better to have some Royal Guardsmen stationed in the town.

If only Celestia approved of my plans for an army when I asked 3 years ago, then this wouldn’t be a problem.

With a sigh, I assured those few that petitioned for a Royal Guard garrison that a defense review was one of the first things I had discussed when I began filling in for Celestia.

They seemed to be quite satisfied with the answer, so I continued on.

I concluded the day with the visit to the Castle of the Two Sisters, touring the grounds but avoiding the interior of the decaying citadel.

The visit seems to hit Luna the hardest, and she spent much of the visit quiet and frowning.

It's understandable that the castle would revive bad memories. I silently cursed at myself internally for not giving her the option to stay behind while me, Quill, and our guide visited. But before long you head back to town, as the sun sets behind us.

The final stop of the day is the Golden Oak library, and I noticed a new face at the front desk. Seems like Twilight replaced me.

She's a lavender coated pony, smiling widely at me.

”Good evening! I'm sorry to say that the library is going to be closed soon, so you'll have to be quick!”

Quill scrunched up her muzzle and took an indignant step forward. “Excuse you! Don't you realize who you're speaking with?”

The lavender librarian blinked and looked at the three of us. ”Well, uh, I recognize Princess Luna, who is of course welcome here anytime! But I don't recognize the tall one, Mr. uh...”

I held out a hand to her and smiled. “Call me Anonymous. I'm the one filling Princess Celestia's shoes while she's off on...business. And who might you be?”

The librarian's eyes widened and she lowered her head reverently. “Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry! My name is Starlight Glimmer, I am...was Twilight Sparkle's student. I'm filling in as librarian while she's away traveling.”

I took my hand back and scratched my cheek sheepishly. “Relax, relax. It's nice to meet you anyway, I guess you took my role after I left. I used to be Twi's assistant librarian before I got a government job.”

Starlight nodded very slowly. “Yes, I believe she mentioned you before. I don't recall her saying you were a...uh.”

She trailed off, pawing at the desk absently as she tried to recall.

I answered for her with a small smile. “Human?”

Her ears perked up. “Yes, exactly! Anyway, what can I do for you, sir? We do have the largest collection of rare books outside Canterlot. However most of them do belong to Princess Twilight so I don't believe I can loan them.”

I waved away the offer. “Not to worry, I'm simply here to visit. Though since you're a new face, I'd like to ask your opinion of some things if you have a moment.”

Starlight nods ecstatically. ”Oh absolutely, ask whatever you'd like and I'll answer as best I can.”

I scratched my chin in thought and decided to start with something generic. “What do you think of the current government policies on defense and law enforcement?”

In and instant, her demeanor changes entirely. Her eyes cool several degrees, and her lips became pensive and flat.

“Quite frankly, especially given Equestria's recent history, it's utterly appalling. Defense has been an entirely neglected government sector for far too long, and outside the big cities, law enforcement is sparse at best. The system needs a total overhaul and rethinking of Equestria's place in the world.”

I failed to suppress my eyes from widening in surprise. This definitely wasn't what I had expected from this mare. Her way of thinking is totally different to the other ponies in town. And it's taken my interest. What lead a pony to think like that?

“I can't say I disagree with that. What of industry, especially factory production and foreign trade.”

She scoffed at the question, as though her answer were obvious. ”Equestrian heavy industry has been neglected for as long as I can remember, and longer if the history books are to be believed. As for trade deals, they seem to inordinately favour the nation we're trading with above ours. Perhaps it's to curry goodwill, but as shown by the incident four years ago, it's given rise to a sense of foreign entitlement.”

Quill's jaw dropped as Starlight speaks, Luna's eyes look like miniature moons, and even I was shocked into silence, unable to even think of your next question. This was peculiar. She could be useful if I ever needed someone new to run the Ministry of Production.

Starlight's eyes flicked between the three of us, and she shook her head. In a moment, her cheery attitude had returned and there's no sign of the pony that had answered your questions.

“Sorry about that! Politics is something I studied for years, and I get a bit passionate when discussing domestic policy!”

I straightened my suit jacket and cleared my throat. This is the first time I’ve met a pony like Starlight, and it's aroused my curiosity.

“No need to apologize, it’s honestly refreshing to hear something so… strong. Your opinions are certainly different than other ponies around here. Where are you from, Ms. Glimmer?”

She shrugged off the question and gave me a nervous grin. “Oh, just a little town a ways North of Manehattan. A real nowhere town, if I'm truly honest.”

I narrowed my eyes a bit, suspicious at the answer. This answer, it doesn't line up with her intense interest in politics. She’s lying to me, I can tell. She thinks I don’t know.

I quickly spoke. “Indeed, how did you come to study under Twilight?”

Again, Starlight shrugged and looked at the desk. “I got into some trouble and she… helped get me out of it. Since then I've been under her tutelage, and it's helped a great deal.”

She’s dodging me. I wanted to push her more heavily for answers. For the truth.

But I can feel this isn't going to go further than it already has. I’ve spent too long arguing with people for a living that I can tell she’s going to just keep deflecting my attempts to poke and prod.

“Well, That's quite the story, I must say. Thank you for the insight, it's always helpful to hear the opinions of ponies who are directly affected by policies that I help establish.”

Starlight offered me a curt bow. “Of course sir, it's a pleasure to help those who serve us all. Was there anything else I can help you with tonight?”

I shook my head, despite the looks Quill and Luna gave me. No point in pressing this issue further.

“That will be all, now we'd best be off. Goodnight, Ms. Glimmer, and be safe out there.”

She stood a moment, wondering what I meant by “be safe.” She shrugged it off and waved as we exited the library.

While I and my companions headed to our inn, Quill spoke to me in a quiet voice. ”You know she was hiding something, don't you? None of that adds up.”

I nodded in response. It was a valid question after all. She was hiding something, and while it could have been important, I feel like it wouldn’t be useful in the end.

“That much was obvious. However, there was no way for you or I to get that information from her. I'm certain Luna or a unicorn could get it by force, but I'm not about to invade the privacy of our citizens to satisfy personal curiosity.”

Quill lowered her head, seeming to agree with me.

As she does, Luna speaks up. ”I'm certain she could be goaded or otherwise manipulated into revealing such information. There are more subtle ways that I can act in without abusing my magic.”

Again, I nodded in response. “True, but ultimately it's not information we need. What we did get was quite valuable, and shows that we certainly can't disregard even small towns when we're asking about public opinion. There may be valuable insight anywhere.”

Luna hummed in agreement. The rest of the walk remained quiet.

We checked into the inn, two rooms reserved in advance of your visit. Luna took one with a single bed, and me and Quill chose to share the twin bed room. As I laid down, fatigue and aches quickly caught up to me.

Since when did I get so old?

Oh right, that started happening 8 years ago. It has been a long day, after all. Before long, I was fast asleep, dreaming of a quiet life.

My eyes crack open, and already I felt like going straight back to sleep. But as I shut my eyes and try to slip back into my peaceful slumber, I heard the rhythmic scratching of a pen on parchment.

I laid still for a while, waiting for it to stop. But after some time, it's clear that it won't. Pushing through my fatigue, I slowly looked around the small room.

At first, I was confused. This isn't my chamber in the castle, it's some quaint little room you'd expect to see in a one-horse town.

Finally, my brain started waking up properly and I remembered the where and why.

I was in Ponyville, sharing a room with Cursive Quill.

Wait, Quill? That means she’s the one who woke me at this ungodly hour.

Or it’s some other pony forging a suicide note! Did I already get assassins after me this quickly?

The room is lit by the glow of a pair of candles on a desk opposite the twin beds, a flickering shadow is cast by the figure sitting at the writing table, and I quietly rose from the bed.

The moment I did, the persistent sound of the scratching quill stops, and the silhouette at the desk stills. ”I'm sorry to wake you, sir. Please, go back to bed, I'll be done in just a moment.”

It's Cursive Quill, of course. Who else would it be? I’m not sure why that little detail had slipped my sleep-addled mind. Jesus, paranoia four days into ruling? That’s gotta be a record.

Rubbing my eyes against their desire to shut once more, I pushed the covers off myself. “Don't worry about it Quill. Just what time is it anyway?”

Looking over, I saw her tapping a hoof against her chin. ”I believe it's a couple hours past midnight. You really ought to get some rest, sir. We have quite a busy schedule tomorrow.”

I yawned loudly, my body obviously agreeing with her. “You're right, but you ought to get some rest too. It wouldn't do to be late because you fell asleep and forgot to needle me onto the next event of the day.”

I chuckled tiredly at my terrible humor. But Quill merely shook her head in the gloom of the night.

“I'm just finishing up some last minute details, I'll sleep after that.”

With a roll of my eyes, I got up from the bed and slowly walked over to the desk. By god, I was going to get this pony to bed or fall asleep trying. And It's not clear which is more likely at this point.

“Well let's go over it together then. I could do with an advanced review, it may even keep me on time for once.”

As I approached her, she hurriedly shuffles some papers around and leans over top of them.

I frowned as I peered down at her, and she refuses to meet my eyes.

”Don't worry about it sir, I'll keep you on time like always. Just go back to bed.”

My eyes narrowed at this blatant attempt at hiding something.

“Quill, I’m very good at detecting bullshit. Almost supernaturally so. So tell me, what are you doing?”

Quill went to move the papers into her saddlebags, and said “Nothing sir, it’s nothing. Just go back to bed.”

It's way too late for this shit. I pushed her hooves off the paper, even as she protested against me.

”Come on sir, it's really nothing we can't cover tomorrow! Just go back to sleep and I’ll be done before you know it!”

Finally, I managed to snatch the piece of parchment she was trying so desperately to keep hidden.

Ah, sweet triumph, Anonymous 1, Quill 0.

Quill quickly covered up most of her face using her hooves, but I could see she looked absolutely mortified.

I wondered why, it was just a schedule after all.

Then my eyes widened as you actually take in what is written down. This isn’t a schedule at all.

The script is gorgeous, cursive writing, befitting the name of the writer I supposed. From that alone, I can infer that it's certainly not a schedule. It took me a moment to get used to reading the calligraphic letters.

But once I finally understood what it was I was reading, it became crystal clear why she was so intent on hiding it, and her absolute embarrassment.

It's a poem. Not just any poem, but probably the sweetest, charming love composition you've ever read. Granted, I hadn't exactly read much poetry, ever really. Just wasn’t my thing.

But even inexperienced as I was at writing, I could appreciate the piece. It was clear that Quill had put a great deal of effort and passion into the poem. And it made me feel a bit uncomfortable to read. No scratch that, I felt like Equestria’s biggest dick.

There was something deeply intimate about the words, even as they obscured who it might be about. The verse was clearly meant to be read by only a single person besides its author, and now it felt like I was intruding on it.

Now I felt like an even worse asshole.

But there was no way to take back reading it, so I had to go for the next best thing. I put the poem back on the desk, and laid a gentle hand on Quill's withers.

She flinched when I touched her, and tries to cover her face more thoroughly.

I simply stroked her back, as gently as I could, and tried to keep myvoice quiet and kind. “It's a beautiful poem, Quill. You ought to be proud of that, it's a gift to have that kind of skill with writing.”

She shook her head silently. Clearly she's still hung up on you reading it

“Listen, I'm sorry I snuck a peek at it, it's obviously meant for someone very special to you.”

She finally uncovered her face and looked up at me.

Her lower lip wobbles as she nods to affirm your statement.

It broke my heart to see her like this, so I just kept trying to comfort her.

“I can’t take back reading it, but if you want I won't bring it up again.”

Probably, almost definitely. Maybe to tease her, every so often. Sometimes I couldn't help it, she was just so adorable when she was flustered.

Maybe I’m a bit of an asshole, but it’s all in good fun. Right?

Her lower lip stills as she speaks up at last. ”You just don't--! I can't even begin to--! Rrr, why are you so frustrating?” She growls as she pushes her head into my chest

I’m surprised at the display. Quill is usually cold and composed, hardly even reacting to my light jibes. But now, it seems her mask has fallen off and she's being entirely genuine. I chose to just continue stroking her back, and I felt her heave a deep sigh.

”It's fine, I guess. I shouldn't have been working this late anyway so it's my own fault.”
She trails off, and you interject with a firm but still kind tone.

“Don't blame yourself, I shouldn't have been so nosy. That said, we do seriously need to get some sleep. Like you said, we've got a long day tomorrow.”

I felt her rub against your chest as she nods. Dammit, when did this mare get so cute?

As I stood to go back to bed, she clung onto me. It brought a smile to my face, and I lifted her up as I blew out the candles. Maybe it's just her being tired, but she seems far more clingy than I had expected.

I laid her down, gently, in her bed before sliding under the covers of my own.

Not even two minutes later, I felt the mattress bounce. Silently, a warm weight settles down against your back. Reactively, I almost spoke up to ask what she's doing. But, as I heard her begin to breathe slow and deep, I felt a little twinge in my heart that kept me quiet.

Besides, after what I had done, it's only fair that I simply let her get comfortable again. And besides, I can't imagine anything more pleasant than a pony cuddling up to me while I sleep. Not to mention, that letter wasn’t meant for me, so it would be fine to indulge her just this once.

As I drift back to sleep, one last thought creeps into my mind.

Who was the poem meant for?

When I pried my eyes open, it was to a score of whistling birds and the sounds of merchants setting up market stalls.

Sleepily, I began to stumble to the bathroom and begin washing up with the large basin. No running water for a shower, but then again this wasn't exactly the lap of luxury.

Maybe I could draft some kind of bill with the industrial minister to expand quality of life standards. It's something to think about to be sure. Call it a “quality of life bill” or something nice sounding.

I dried off with a rough towel that had been hung off the hook of the door. It was a bit wet, you assume it must have been from Quill, since she'd been nowhere in the room when you had awoken. As I was pulling on my pants, there was a knock at the door.

Jesus Christ it scared me, but I yelled back. “Just a second!”

I hurriedly threw a shirt over my bare chest and pulled open the door. “Oh, good morning Quill. Did you sleep alright?”

Outside a slight blush as I mention 'sleep' she retains a look of a cold businesspony. Still, it was better than no reaction at all. “Yes sir. You’re almost ready for the day, I presume? We still have a half hour before the farm tour begins, so I took the liberty of booking the three of us in for breakfast at a little cafe down the block.”

I finally noticed Luna peering over her shoulder. Huh, it had never occurred to me that Quill was significantly taller than most earth ponies. Not quite as tall as Luna or Celestia, but certainly near challenging them in height.

Pushing that thought aside, I nodded in agreement with her choice. “That's some good thinking, Quill. Let me just throw on my jacket and we can head down then.”

Before I turned to get my jacket, I could see the blush on her cheeks deepen a fair bit.

Damn she's cute. And she’s also my secretary, and I’m not some fat man in those doujin I shamefully read back on Earth, I’m a straight and honourable politician dammit!

But she really is adorable. After snapping myself out of that endless cycle of questions, I had finally stepped out the door.

Looking down at the lunar princess on your left, I smiled.

“How did you sleep, Luna?”

She smiled right back, though I could clearly see some heavy lines under her eyes. “Terribly! I believe the mattress was, in fact, made of several large boulders!”

And despite her complaints, she was incredibly chipper. “Well, that sounds awful. Why on gods green earth are you smiling then?”

Her grin just widened even further. “I'm quite excited for your announcement today, the first step towards the princess of the night once more being beloved of the people!”

Ok, that is a fair reason to be excited. I can't even imagine what it was like to be totally isolated for a thousand years. The madness that could have taken root and destroyed her. Thank goodness the Elements of Harmony existed.

But as I walked to the cafe with my companions, that thought starts a cascade of others. What was it that originally led to Luna becoming Nightmare Moon? Sure the history books say it was jealousy, and that probably played some kind of role. But history is written by the winners, and Luna definitely hadn't won in her rebellion. In a weird way, it was as though you were talking with Milton's Lucifer. Though to be fair, Luna was far more penitent than he ever had been.

But it just brings me back to wondering about the entire mythology of Equestria in general. Hold on a damn minute, you had one of the first gods right here. Why not just ask her?

“Luna, what was Equestria like in the beginning? Before Discord, before you two, before all that.”

She looked up at me, confusion evident on her face. ”What ever do you mean? That's all in the books, ancient history by now.”

Her tone is dismissive, but carries an undercurrent of curiosity. It's clear she regards it as a pointless topic. Before I can answer her, we arrived to the cafe. It only takes a moment to be seated and order.

Quill takes a number of papers from her bags almost immediately and begins working. I took the quiet moment to return to my earlier conversation with Luna.

“I mean what was it really like. The books don't go into any real detail. It merely says you met Star Swirl and were crowned, some time after the Crystal Empire had been founded, and well after Equestria existed. So where did you come from, and why?”

Luna's ears press against her skull, and she looks down at the table. ”Truly? I know not. For one, a millennium of isolation with my only company being the voice of darkness itself in my mind did not treat my consciousness kindly. Second, I am truly not certain even my sister knows. When we met Star Swirl, we but were fillies. He called us the shards of the Cosm, said we fell from outside the sky itself. I do not know if he was telling us true, or simply telling a tale.”

She pauses for a long moment. It gave me some time to digest what she's said. While I’m not surprised that her thousand year imprisonment had taken a toll, I hadn't realized just how deeply it had dug into her mind.

It made you wonder how much the ponies of Equestria knew about their princesses. How much they cared to know.

Luna raises her head, and begins speaking again. ”Star Swirl was already old when he found us. And it wasn't long before he gave over to us the duty of raising and lowering both sun and moon. It was what earned us our marks. Though before he had mentioned us to the ponies that followed under him, it was only now he truly introduced us as rulers to the masses. He tutored us in his mystic and mysterious ways of magic, imparting his arcane knowledge, much of which we cannot dare reveal. Truly, I believe he burdened us as much as he gifted us.”

She trailed off as your food arrives. It had taken some getting used to, but you'd adjusted to a vegetarian diet many years ago. Meat was a rare treat, reserved almost exclusively for time spent with the griffons. But somehow, you survived taking your eggs without bacon

The meal passes in solemn silence, and it gave me even more time to mull about your impromptu history lesson.

It's hard to separate truth from reality sometimes. Especially when I’m living in a world that I had once thought impossible to exist. That's certainly something that still woke me in a fit of cold sweat and fear sometimes, even now.

Oftentimes, the deeper I delved into this world, the closer I had brushed with true madness. It certainly was, on the surface, idyllic and peaceful. If I had simply stayed in Ponyville, who knows how long I could have seen it so simply.

Sure the occasional monster attack would have been frightening, but it would have become so much as any other rare event in time.

But near as soon as I had entered Celestia's court, the veil had begun to peel back. The immense undertaking of the leadership to keep that ideal life a reality for ponies that were nominally their subjects. The absurdity of deliberating with predators the likes of dragons and griffons.

Perhaps that was why I had excelled, unlike ponies, I was predatory in nature. All humans were after all. We were top of the food chain for a reason, and it was that same aggression and drive that had thrown me to the top so quickly, and now forced me into the position of the fulcrum of the most imbalanced scale in history.

Or was it a mere cosmic quirk; a bizzare, but truly random event that merely placed me at the logical head of a line of succession riddled with greedy, incompetent, or untrustworthy fellows that I was now forced to call subordinates.

A prod in my arm drags you away from you dive into the ocean of entropic philosophy. Quill is staring at you pointedly, and as I began to register my surroundings, I saw a number of ponies staring at me.

Another heartbeat, and I realized that I had the egg I was eating, still whole, hanging half out of my mouth. My eyes widened and I quickly gulp it down, smiling sheepishly at the onlookers.

At the very least, I had known many of the ponies in town. I had been the town oddity for a year, after all. As I made eye contact with the other ponies with my embarrassed grin, many of the ponies smile and giggle before turning back to their meals.

Being the singular example of my species did have its benefits sometimes.

Even if the drawbacks were almost crippling at times.

Without running back into my deep introspection, I quickly finished my breakfast and leaned back, looking up at the perfectly blue sky.

I wondered if Celestia, wherever she is, is still raising the sun. Hell, I wonder if she is really responsible for it raising at all.

In the corner of my eye, I saw Luna looking up at the sky as well, a beatific smile on her face

A pang of happiness touched my heart. The idea of someone receiving redemption, true redemption, and finally becoming loved once more is beautiful. It almost made me jealous, it was a feeling that I would never know. But how far she had come, she had more than earned it.

At my other side, Quill has her eyes closed. Not asleep, her occasional shifting told you that, but perhaps collecting her thoughts? Such an organized pony as her, I’d never think she was able to be confused. And yet, she was a pony, a mortal. No matter how I saw her, she was like me, muddling her way through life as best she could.

Clearly she muddled better than most, it was rare to see an earth pony in the palace, let alone serving directly under Celestia herself, and now me. She had a deep drive in her, something that had made her grind her way up the ladder of society until she was looking down at most other ponies.

At some point, I certainly intended to ask Quill about herself. But as the clock tolls out eight times, and her eyes snap open, I understand now is not the time. The three of us stand without a word, all of you understand what the plan is for the day. Quill places some bits on the table to pay for the meal, with a generous tip, and I walked away from the cafe.

A small crowd begins to follow behind us as the three of us walked into the countryside of Ponyville.

And as I reflected, a small grin of satisfaction on my face, and I knew that they would be getting a show.

5: Farewell to Ponyville

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Finally, I had come to the last stop on my tour of Ponyville farms.

It's been quite a long day for the three of us, there were dozens of farms around the town.

After hearing the opinions of so many farmers, I had already begun formulating a bill that may help them.

I would need a bit more input, of course, but I could at least begin to wrap my head around their hardships.

I knocked on the door of the last farmhouse and put on an easy smile.

Sweet Apple Acres, the final stop of my tour. I’d decided to postpone this to both have a friend to look forward to at the end, and to let Applejack finish her planting season.

A small, yellow coated filly opens the door and her eyes brighten as she saw me.

“Howdy Mr. Anonymous! We ain't seen you around these parts for a long time! Oh wow, you brought Princess Luna too? I shoulda got on my formal bow! And howdy there miss uh...well I don't know ya, but if you're a friend of Mr. Anonymous I'm sure you're a good pony!”

I ruffled Applebloom's bright mane and my smile widened a tad bit. “Hey Applebloom, is your sister home?”

I heard a tired voice call down the stairs. ”Who in tarnation is at the door?”

Applebloom turns around and hollers back up the stairs. ”It's Mr. Anonymous and Princess Luna, an' they wanna talk with ya!”

The sudden noise of galloping hooves comes from within the house. In a few seconds, Applejack is in front of me and panting. Her mane is tousled and there are dark bags under her eyes. But she has an eager smile on her face all the same.

”Howdy yer majesty and uh...sir? What can I do for ya today?”

My smile shrunk a bit, I hadn't wanted to impose on her but she was important to talk to. She was in charge of one of the most important farms in Equestria after all.

Where other farms may employ farmhands, Applejack did most of the work by herself and with Big Mac

She likely knew the needs of a farm better than anypony around.

“Come on AJ, just Anon is fine. We came here to learn of way to help out farmers with our policies in government and wanted to speak with you, if that's alright.”

She nodded and gestured for me to come inside.

Without further thought, I walked inside, and my companions followed, sitting at the kitchen table as she asks me to do so.

Finally, she gives a weary sigh and sits down herself. ”Applebloom, you mind getting some milk for me and our guests?”

The little filly perked up and scampered away. She was dependable like that. Applejack must’ve been proud of her.

Applejack turned her attention to the three of us and smiled warmly. ”Now, what can I do for y'all?”

I glanced at my companions, and then took the lead to talk. “We'd like to know how current government policies are effecting farmers, and how we can help you out.”

Applejack purses her lips and scrapes her hoof on the table. Her unease is clear, but eventually she finds her voice.

“Well, I can't speak for the others around town, but this here farm's been through a few bramble patches in the last couple years. Vampire fruit bats, family illness during the harvest, poor crops, timberwolves. We've been hit by just about every natural and unnatural disaster you care to name. Insurance only covers so much these days, and no matter the state of the crop, taxes are based on the usual crop for an orchard our size, whether or not it fails.”

Applejack massages her temples as Applebloom comes back balancing a tray with glasses of milk on her head. The three of us took a glass each, and Applejack pats her sister on the head.

Finally, she turns back to me and continues.

“Now I'm not sayin' we shouldn't be paying taxes, but maybe there could be a local arbitrator. Someone who knows farming, who could decide what's fair depending on what's been happening in the season. It ain't always an exact science around here.”

I nodded in agreement, Ponyville was never a regular place and that likely made it hard for people who depended on predictability. And besides. Her suggestion wasn't an unreasonable one, especially compared to some of her peers. Nothing of subsidies, heavy protectionist policies, or price regulation. Applejack must have misinterpreted my silence though, as she begins to quickly speak again.

”I know that setting up somethin' like that ain't a priority or anything, it's just a suggestion. Y'all probably have more crises up there than I could dream of.”

I took a breath and smiled warmly at Applejack. “Not at all, Applejack. In fact, I was more surprised by how reasonable your idea is. I believe that would be a wonderful thing in fact. I'll be sure to bring it up when I return to Canterlot. Off the topic of business and politics, how have you been? The girls said you were busy with planting, so you didn't come down to the hall.”

AJ looks less exhausted when she looks up again. It seems she's happy to get off the topic of work. I couldn’t blame her.

”Well it's been a heck of a time if I'm honest. I wasn't mentioning them things in vain, Ponyville's practically been under siege with strange happenings. And none of it has done my crop any good. But the Apple family ain't quitters, and we ain't complainers.”

I nodded to her and began to rise from my seat. “Well, I'm glad to hear, AJ. Well we've taken enough of your time, and judging by how you look you need to get some sleep.”

She smiled and nodded her head slowly. ”I'm plum tired from all the work over the past couple weeks, but it's all done now. I could use a nap, but y'all are welcome for dinner if you'd like.”

This time it's Luna who interjects, giving Applejack a matronly look. ”We couldn't impose on your family more than we already have, Applejack. Perhaps another time, when you're not so exhausted.”

AJ nods her head in agreement with Luna.

All of us rise from the kitchen table and Applebloom walks us out as her sister heads back to bed. The filly seems disappointed that we’re leaving so quickly.

“Y'all could really stay around for dinner, I'm sure sis wouldn't mind!”

I stopped in the doorframe, behind my companions. A small twinge of guilt plucked at my heart from her voice.

Applebloom looked up at me with the look of a pleading puppy.

I turned around and knelt down to ruffle her mane cheerfully.

“Don't you worry Applebloom, I'm sure we will sometime. But your sister needs to get some rest, and we still have some work to do before we head to Baltimare.”

Applebloom looks down, disappointed. Luna noticed my dallying and turned around, trotting up to Applebloom and holding out a hoof.

”How about this, little one. Hold onto this for me, it's a rock from the moon itself. We carry it with us as a reminder, but we want you to hold on to it. Think of it as a promise for our return, hm?”

Applebloom takes the rock and sniffs at it. “A-are ya sure princess? I don't wanna take anything that means so much to ya.”

Luna just shook her head and patted Applebloom’s mane.

”Just be sure to take good care of it for me. We will be expecting to see it the next time we visit.”

Applebloom clutches the pebble to her chest. ”Yes ma'am! It'll be safe with me!”

Luna smiles indulgently and we both leave to catch up with Quill and head back to town. Quill gives us both a questioning look.

I waved away the concern.

“Just saying goodbye to a friend, Quill. Has everything been set up for the speech?”

She gives a long sigh, then nods. ”Yes sir. The criers were dispatched before we left, and the crew has been working on it since the morning. Everything has likely been ready for an hour or more.”

At her words, my shoulders tensed up. It always happened before public addresses for me. No matter how prepared, how much practice, how many times I made a speech, I was still afraid.

But as I entered the town and approached the stage that had been set up for me, another feeling joins the fear. As tense as I was now, as I walked up the steps to the podium in front of what must be half the town, I recognized it.

Now, for the first and only time, I felt excited to be in front of a crowd.

I leaned on the podium, before a nearly silent crowd of ponies, waiting to see what I had gathered them for.

I started to speak with a smile.

“Good afternoon, Ponyville!”

There are a few nervous mumblings from the crowd, and I heard Pinkie shouting 'Hey Anon' from the back.

I had expected this, however.

“I understand that many of you have trepidation over my appointment to Celestia's position, and I can appreciate why. After all, not only am I relatively new in the government, but I'm not even a pony!”

I saw a few nods from the crowd, and more than a few downward cast gazes.

“But rest assured, I know my duty all too well.”

Now those ponies that were once looking about, anywhere but the stage, begin to focus at your firm tone.

“I came her as a stranger, a species nopony has seen before or since. But you, you were kind, accepting, and friendly towards me. You, ponies of Ponyville, gave me shelter, work, and you were diligent in integrating me to your town.”

I saw Spike, standing on Rarity's back, giving me a wide grin and a thumbs up. He had been the one to suggest to Twilight to give you a place to stay initially. No doubt he knew what it was to be the odd one out.

I smiled and nodded back at him before continuing.

“With your help, I became a man in good standing in Equestria, the first man in fact! And so, when the opportunity to serve Equestria was offered to me, I accepted without hesitation.”

I could see more nods through the audience, and a few chests swelling outwards. Good.

This was exactly the reaction I had wanted to see.

“That was four years ago now. Through tireless work and an endless desire to pay the debt I incurred by accepting your kindness, your friendship, I rose to become a head minister. And when a time came that Celestia needed to vacate the seat of power temporarily, she saw that I would not be one to abuse such a position. And I promise you that, in no uncertain terms, I. Shall. Not.”

Several ponies in the crowd begin to slowly applaud, but before it can spread I held my hands out, spread wide to quiet it before it gets too loud.

“However, no one can rule a country alone. In this regard, I thank my fellow ministers for their support in these unstable times. Though I may be above you in rank, I will heed any advice you care to give me. You are all the heads of ministry for a reason. Further, I wish to thank Princess Luna for supporting her sister's decision. I will show all Equestria that you are indeed trustworthy once more, and a fine equal of your sister!”

Luna bows when I address her, but a nervous mutter runs through the crowd.

Again I quiet them before continuing.

“My friends, many of you saw her reformed, and many more have heard it through the Elements of Harmony. I beg of you, as you once did for me, accept her. Cherish her. Allow her to once more be YOUR princess.”

I walked over to her and placed a hand on her withers.

Quill walked up on my other side, and I placed my other hand on her as well. This was an important image to embed in their minds, to have shown to all Equestria.

“Let us not allow mistrust and discord to run amok. Now, more than ever before, since the time when the Windigos ruled, we must all be united as one people. As Equestrians!”

A scattering of applause runs through the crowd, and begins to build. Eventually it broke into a full standing ovation.

I didn’t think my speech was that good, but it seemed to hit all the right notes just well enough to spark this commotion and zeal within the ponies.

When it finally calms down, I returned to the podium.

I still have one more thing to reveal after all.

“Citizens of Ponyville, friends, I have an announcement as well. Your town was the place of redemption for Princess Luna. It was here that the Elements of Harmony removed the sickness that was Nightmare Moon. Until now, this has been unfairly ignored. But no longer. My friends, it is with a humble heart I reveal to you, the Redemption Memorial!”

I pulled a large drape off a posterboard with the plan for the monument on it.

The picture shows a large statue of a redeemed Luna touching hooves with the six Elements of Harmony, all smiling beatifically. There are a number of gasps through the crowd.

This is all going well.

“With this, all may know that this is the ground where our princess of the night returned to Equestria. All may know this is the home of the ponies that saved her from darkness. And all may know that Princess Luna is once more one of us.”

The applause and cheers come in a massive barrage of sound. It took a long while for the noise to die down.

Finally, I gestured to Luna to take the podium. She hadn't originally wanted to give a speech, but I insisted so that the ponies understood this was not a sole undertaking

She clears her throat and begins speaking hesitantly.

”Ponies of Ponyville, We thank you from the bottom of our heart. It was five of you who helped us come back to you. And for this, we owe you a debt we cannot ever repay.”

She pauses for a moment, before blinking a few times and swallowing.

Then she continues, her voice becoming thick with emotion.

”The madness that took us was a terrible, vile sickness. And though we were cleansed of it by the Elements, it left us broken for a long while after, and our bonds of trust with you were shattered. It is for this reason that our sister's position was entrusted with Anonymous over us. We do not begrudge our sister for this choice.”

I could see her eyes begin to well up with tears. Unlike a practiced speech, her emotion here was real. One choked with both pride and overwhelming.

Her voice becomes more hoarse as tears begin to streak the fur on her muzzle.

”W-we...I do not know if I will ever be worthy of your trust again. But it is my prayer, that with determination and dedication to Equestria, I can one day be truly redeemed in your eyes. It is my greatest desire to finally atone for all the pain I caused, for the damage I did, both to Equestria as a whole, and to the ponies I see as my family.”

She finally breaks down, so I knelt and placed a gentle hand on her back to steady her.

All according to plan, nobody can argue with this image. The new ruler comforting the reformed villain. I knew I had at least one town I could rely on to support me.

Quill comes in and hugs Luna as I looked out into the audience.

Many of them are openly crying, many more are struggling to hold back their emotions. A speech done right, one to sway the narrative in my favor.

But as one, they applaud for Luna. Applaud for Equestria. Applaud for me.

As their applause continues, I lead my companions off the stage and towards the train waiting in the station to whisk me towards Baltimare.

We needed to do this song and dance again and again after all. One town isn’t enough. At least half is that I’m aiming for.

Just before I boarded the train, I heard the galloping of hooves behind me.

Turning about, I found four of the Elements of Harmony standing there. Pinkie and Fluttershy have streaks on their muzzle from fresh tears, and Rarity is wiping away mascara from her face.

Even Dash's eyes are misty, though I know she'd never cry so openly.

Pinkie hugged onto my leg on the platform.

”Don't go so quickly Nonny! Can't you stay for just one more day?”

I gave her a gentle pat on the top of her mane with a gentle hand.

“Sorry Pinkie, we still have a lot of cities to visit, and a great many more ponies to talk with.”

I knelt down and opened my arms.

They all piled in to hug me, even Dash alights and embraced me and her friends.

“I will miss you all, but I still have a lot of work to do. I promise, the next time I'm in Ponyville, I'll treat you all to dinner and we'll hang out, like old times. How does that sound?”

They stepped back and all nodded.

I put a hand on Fluttershy's back, she seems to be taking you leaving again harder than her friends

“When I'm back, I'm going to come give you a hand with your furry friends again, okay Shy?”

She looks up at me with a sad smile, and nods quietly.

After a moment, I rose and stepped of the platform and onto the train

I paused in the doorway and looked back to see your friends waving at you.

Deep down, I truly wanted nothing more than to get off the train. But with a jerk, the train pulls away from the platform, leaving the town, and your friends, behind you. With my mood soured by the sight, I turned into the car and found an empty seat to sit alone.

For a long while, I simply gazed out the window, lost in my own thoughts as the scenery passed me by. As the sky begins to darken, I felt a weight shift due to someone sliding onto the seat beside you

”Sir...Anonymous, are you alright? You've been back here for a while.”

I turned back to find Quill giving me a look filled with worry.

With the biggest smile I could muster, I put a hand on the top of her head.

“I'm fine Quill, just...thinking about this. About Ponyville. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine.”

She doesn't ask you to elaborate, nor does she even offer any words to you. Instead she huddled up to me, nuzzling against my chest. Wordlessly, I placed an arm around her and embrace her tightly.

There's no need to speak, both of you know exactly why. And as I gazed out into the newly born night, you find it easy, for the first time in a long time, to find the sleep you're looking for.

And so I drifted off, with the sound of the trains engine in the background.

6: Calm Before the Storm

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I opened my eyes to the sound of squealing train brakes.

Morning already?

It feels like I’d barely fallen asleep but now the sun was rising over the train platform.

I smiled as the rays of the early morning hit my face.

Finally, I was back in Ponyville.

It had been a long, three month tour of all Equestria.

Every small town, to every big city. From Appleloosa to Manehattan, I’d done the same routine. Speech, crying, and clapping.

I had been run ragged with speeches, consultations, petty politics, and polling.

But it was over, and I was on my way back to Canterlot at long last.

First though, I was making a little stop. I promised I would.

With an impressive amount of begging, cajoling, and nearing the point of bribery, I’d managed to convince both Luna and, more importantly, Quill, to make stop for a day in Ponyville again.

With Luna, I had impressed upon her the need to make a second appearance to see how ponies were accepting her, and to see the finished monument

Quill though, I had to persuade that a day of vacation after three months of work was acceptable.

It had been a concerted effort, but I had eventually managed it.

The secretary in question stretches out in my lap and yawns loudly.

She had got in the habit of falling asleep on me when we were traveling between cities and towns.

And I certainly didn't mind it.

As she opens her eyes and looks up at me, a smile graces her face. ”Good morning, sir. Ready for your vacation?”

It's clearly too early for her to muster any sarcasm, and I wasn’t about to poke fun at her for it. Not so early I’m at least.

So instead, I chose to just rub the back of her neck gently.

She lets out a noise that makes you wonder if she's part cat, and stretches out once more.

Finally, she hopped off the bench and made her way forward to the dining car.

Looking out the window once more, I realized that the train had merely been slowing for a curve in the track and we were nowhere near Ponyville.

Damn.

Might as well join Quill and Luna for breakfast.

I stretched out my legs and stood, making my way to the next car.

When I clambered inside the undersized door, I found Quill and Luna chatting amicably

All three of you had become less formal with each other over the course of the trip.

The nature of living in such close quarters for so long, you suppose.

Fortunately, we all got along well together, no fights besides petty arguments.

Doubly fortunate was that the more open we were, the more ideas seemed to come up almost from thin air.

Luna's total refusal to attend a dinner that Quill hadn't been invited to in order to show solidarity between the royalty and common people resulted in the three of you avoiding a massive blowout as one of the city councilors had been arrested, resulting in quite a messy chase around the dining hall.

No injuries, fortunately, but a great deal of embarrassment for all involved.

It was little things like this that had kept our spirits high over the course of the damned tour.

And all three of our morales had soared to greater heights as the lengthy trip was at a well deserved end.

As I approached, I could catch snippets of their conversation, but they hushed up when I joined them at the table.

Mare talk, I assumed.

“Alright ladies, what are they trying to poison us with today?”

Luna and Quill giggle at the memory of the day you'd spent in the lavatory after eating some bad eggs.

They hadn't quite stopped teasing you about that either.

Quill pipes up with an answer for me.

”They're making waffles for us, and using that syrup we picked up in Mountpelier!”

An easy grin touches my face at the mention. “Excellent, a good start to the last day out of Canterlot hm?”

Quill nods as the sous chef and his cooks come through the door with three platters. They lay them on the table and make a hasty retreat.

I could imagine the staff are feeling the length of the trip as well as the rest of us, probably more so. After all, they were the ones driving this train, feeding us, and coordinating routes.

None of us had anyone waiting for us in Canterlot besides government officials, unlike many ponies on the staff.

I resolved to give the crew that had accompanied you on this tour a bonus for their efforts. They deserved it.

Small incidents aside, like the poisoning egg, they had all done excellent jobs.

The three of us dug in eagerly to breakfast, filling our mouths too fast to hold conversation.

Before long, we’ve all finished and are stacking our plates for the staff to clean. Perks of being a ruler, I could say.

I paused and looked out the window, seeing the farms bordering Ponyville passing by. Excitement builds in my gut, I would actually get a chance to just relax for the first time in nearly five years.

As the train pulled into the station, Quill and Luna have got back to conversing quietly.

When I asked what it's all about, they waved me off and told me 'filly stuff' dismissively.

It obviously was something else, but I wasn’t going to pry. Not worth it, I reasoned.

Besides, I have bigger things on my mind. As I exit the train, I’m greeted by a number of ponies.

Most of them immediately crowd around Luna and, by default, Quill.

But five of them immediately make a beeline for me.

It's the five Elements, of course, and they crowded around me with smiles on their face. For half the day, they dragged me around town to various places.

Pinky makes me try a new kind of sweet she invented, and by its taste it had probably given me diabetes

Applejack and Rainbow Dash treated me to some cider. It was far less strong than what I had drank back before you'd come to Equestria, and even weaker than most drinks at a Canterlot dinner party. But it was enough for the two who were treating me to become friendly with a few stallions.

Rarity dragged me into her dress shop for an hour and takes my measurements to ensure they were still the same as when she'd first tailored for me, thankfully. After that, she showed me a design for a new suit more fitting to your role in the political sphere. A white jacket with gold coloured cuffs, trim, and sash across my chest with a matching pair of pants similar to old riding pants. The jacket was emblazoned with a large icon of the sun on the right breast, a pair of knee high black boots completed the look, and made for an all around imposing look, at least on paper.

Rarity explained that she desired it to invoke the image of Celestia, in order to remind ponies of who it was who was their ruler, but also that I was her current successor. I liked the design, and when I gave her the okay and she immediately kicked me out of the shop and gets to work.

Finally, Fluttershy took me with her to her place. I spent hours with her, feeding the various animals she took care of, helping her treat their injuries, and then cleaning up their enclosures. It's not easy, but I enjoy both the work, and simply spending time with Fluttershy. I haven’t talked with her in years.

Finally, we both finished the work she had for the day, and are able to simply sit inside relaxing and catching up with her over tea.

Eventually, our conversation lapses into silence, and she joins me on her little loveseat, resting her chin on your lap as I stroked her mane

I and Fluttershy both jolted awake suddenly, as a sharp knock sounds from the door. Fluttershy jumps at the sudden sound, huddling against me immediately as a shout comes from the other side of the door.

”Open up this door immediately, we have an emergency telegram for Anonymous.”

I calmly pulled away from Fluttershy and walked to the door, though the shy pony huddles up against my legs as you do. Opening the door, I saw a grey stallion in a mail carrier uniform huffing for breath.

“What's the emergency?”

Without speaking, he hands you a sealed envelope and sits on the doorstep, trying to catch his breath.

As I opened and read the telegram, Fluttershy stands on her hind legs, trying to get a view.

”W-what's the emergency, Anon? Did somepony get hurt? Oh dear, I hope that your friends are alright!”

As I reread the lines of ink, my hands begun to shake and my eyes had widened in shock.

I read it several times over, just to be sure that I wasn’t hallucinating this whole thing.

“When did this come in?”

The stallion puffs out his chest and takes a deep breath. “About ten minutes ago, sir. As soon as I found where you were, I rushed right over!”

I looked down at him and nodded grimly “Good work, run back and tell them I'll be there shortly. Make sure the train is prepared for immediate departure.”

The mail worker nodded and galloped off towards town as I clenched the letter tightly.

Fluttershy tugs on my pant leg, speaking up with worry in her voice. ”What's the matter? Why do you have to go so suddenly?”

I knelt down and placed a hand on her mane.“An emergency meeting of the ministers was called today. Apparently we've received an ultimatum from the gryphons. I need to get there as soon as I can.”

Fluttershy looked at the floor, her eyes misting over. ”B-but you were finally back, a-at least for a little while. And you already have to go? Can't they handle it without you?”

I couldn’t bear to meet her eyes, so I just ended up looking at the floor as well. “I wish I could, but for this I need to be there to take control of things. I'm sorry.”

As she sniffles and tries to hold back tears, I wrapped my arms around her and embraced her tightly

Her voice is thick with emotion when she speaks again. ”It's not fair, you finally came back after five years and you're leaving already! Why can't you stay for just another few minutes?”

She sobs as I held her tightly, not objecting when I rose and picked her up with me.

I held her in my arms as I walked back to town, back to the train station.

The conductor there was waiting for me, tapping his hoof impatiently. ”We're holding up other trains to get this into Canterlot as soon as we can, sir. And frankly we've already delayed too long.”

Without waiting for an answer, he boarded the train, leaving me alone on the platform with Fluttershy.

She had calmed down some on the walk into town, now just sniffling quietly. It had surprised me, I hadn't believed she thought this much of me. And despite its suddenness, it broke my heart to make her cry.

But my duty to Equestria came first.

I lifted her chin up and gave her the warmest smile you can, even though there's ice in my veins and a pit in my gut. “Don't worry Shy, it's probably just a trade dispute. After I help the ministers settle things down, I'll make time to come back again, okay?”

She nodded and smiles back, her tears finally slowing. ”A-alright. I'll hold you to that, Anon! Y-you'd better be back as soon as you can to help with the animals!”

My smile grew as I stroked her mane gently. “Of course! I know you have such a hard time without me after all.”

Neither of us bothered to say what remains unspoken. We both knew, deep down, it's going to be a long time before I came back. The train whistle blows, and I hopped aboard the train just as it starts to move.

Looking back, I could see Fluttershy waving from the platform, a sad smile on her face. Neither of us had said what both of you felt. And deep down, I knew that those feelings were going to be left unspoken for a long time. No matter what lies you told yourself. With a sigh, I walked into the dining car, only to find Quill and Luna gathered with a messenger around the table.

Steeling myself and straightening my jacket, I took my place and addressed the pegasus courier with a grim tone and a hardened face. “So, what is this ultimatum?”

7: If You Want Peace, Prepare For War

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“That's about it, sir.”

I clasped my hands in front of me, and a headache begins to well up behind my eyes.

We really need to get Tylenol in this world.

But back to the matter at hand...

If I’m to be really honest with myself, it's hard to fault the griffons.

With Celestia gone, and me gallivanting about the country, and the recent reorganization of the military, it was the perfect time for them to press for better trade deals.

I could feel the train straining to push itself faster as the ponies overloaded its furnace and stressed its boiler to the absolute limits.

Once more, in silence, I had went over the information given to me.

The griffons were displeased with the reduction in ore exporting to Equestria, which had been brought about by their giving of low quality ore.

They were demanding an immediate increase in Equestrian ore importation, acceptance of poor grade ore, and an inflated price.

On top of that, they were attempting to order a size restriction on the military, and arms limitations.

All absurd demands, impossible for me to accede to.

And they knew it.

They wanted a war with us.

They wanted control of the shipping lanes on the sea, and to wrest the Northern Narrows from the joint Equestrian and Crystal Empire control

A decade ago the griffons had shown themselves to be militarily powerful, defeating the neighbouring Capras in what was being called 'lightning war’.

I knew what it was, it was a blitzkrieg. I also knew they wouldn't be negotiating their terms, I had been the Equestrian representative in the Griffon Empire for much of my political career. They were a steadfast species, ready to fight.

So a country that hadn't fought a war in centuries was now forced to the brink of it.

I could see Luna and Quill staring at me, worry highlighting their faces as the sun began its slow rise.

I had been up all night going over the information again and again, reviewing all possible options I had with the others.

At long last, I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. A plan was beginning to come together into my mind, but I needed more information.

I wasn’t a strategist, I was a simple foot soldier. I could order a small group, not an entire army.

Fortunately I had Luna, but she was still most likely out of date with the new technology of the day. And being so long out of touch with the ministers, I didn't know if research and prototyping had progressed to where you had a technological edge.

So we had to wait. Hope the griffons were slow in their response. In solemn silence, I waited to reach Canterlot, hoping against hope that I could still somehow defuse the situation without war. Not very likely, but I had to try.

Celest-, no, my little ponies weren’t ready for a war.

After what felt like an eternity, the train screeched to a halt at the platform nearest to the castle

I, Luna, and Quill charge off the train and begin the sprint to the castle. As foolish as it must appear, Luna had told me there were certain magical defenses around the castle now to prevent teleportation.

It figured. Defenses would be on high alert right now. Good thinking really.

We had stumbled through the main gates, heaving for breath and sweating heavily.

I took a moment to collect myself, I could not allow myself to appear panicked or exhausted before my peers. They could not know. They must not.

Finally, after what felt like a painful minute of racing thought, I was ready.

Steeling my face and straightening my ruffled clothes, I had the guards open the doors to the Chamber of Star Swirl, the meeting place of the government.

The heads of ministry were already seated about the large table, looking terribly worried, and terrified of the being at the table whose presence surprised me.

“Well if it isn't my old diplomatic nemesis, Anonymous the Human. How is the new position treating you, my good man?”

Grinning like a particularly smug cat, Alistair, former liaison to Equestria and now head of the Griffon Embassy in Canterlot, sat on a cushioned chair.

Instinctively, I began to grind my teeth together when I saw him.

The single worst part of being a minister of Foreign Affairs, he had been the toughest part of any diplomatic assignment I’d had been a part of.

So of course he would be sitting in on this session, most likely he had delivered the ultimatum at the request of his betters.

But I would not allow him the satisfaction of seeing me off kilter. I wouldn’t allow him to have this moment.

So I gave him the most predatory smile I could muster. “Ah, so it was you I smelled when I entered the palace. I wasn't sure whether it could possibly be something of such low status here, especially a bastard child, but yet again you've surprised me Alistair.”

I could see his face twitch when I mentioned his status. Pride was always such an easy nerve to tweak with griffons, and it was something I was always ready to pounce on. Foolish birds, so prideful, so sinful.

But even at that, his smile grows as he gestured for me to take a seat.

“Well now that our last guest has so lately arrived, I can make my announcement at last.”

He rose from his chair and cleared his throat obnoxiously. ”Whereas the Equestrian government has not acceded to the reasonable demands of the Right Emperor Gunnar and the Griffon Empire; therefore be it resolved by the Grand Council and the Griffon people, that the state of war between the Griffon Empire and the Kingdom of Equestria, which has been demanded by the peoples of the Empire, is hereby formally declared; and that the Emperor be, and he is hereby authorized and directed to employ the entire naval and military forces of the Griffon Empire and the resources of the Grand Council to carry on war against the Kindgdom of Equestria; and to bring the conflict to a successful termination all the resources of the country are hereby pledged to the Grand Council and the Griffon Empire.”

A pounding echoes on the door of the chamber, and the ministers jump to their hooves shouting at Alistair in disbelief, anger, and fear.

My hands began to death grip each other tight enough that my bones began to creak in protest.

And Alistair gazed at me, his smile growing ever wider.

I’d fucking kill him, that damned bird. He’s a dead man! I’ll have him sent to the dungeons and his eyes ripped out and…

No. No, I can’t. What message would that send the gryphons? What would that tell my little ponies? I’m not a monster. I can’t be a monster to them. They needed to look at me with respect, not fear.

After a lengthy time of shouting and questioning, the door to the chamber is finally flung open, and an exhausted looking pegasus guardsmare gallops overseer to me and whispered into my ear.

”Sir, we've just received word that a large force of griffons has laid siege to and have taken Trottingham. A naval task force was dispatched but we've yet to hear anything. What should we do sir?”

The icy ball that had been growing in my stomach had become a boiling sphere of lava.

I wanted nothing more than to gut this fool, kill this damned beast who dared carry himself with any pride.

But my anger had quickly turned into a dark realization. Without provocation, a war, and without any experienced troops, or war industry to speak of. It was worse than a nightmare

I rose from my chair, and the other ministers began to quiet down as I stood.

With as much acid in my tone as I could muster, I addressed Alistair directly.

“So, the mighty Griffon Empire is reduced to surprise attacks and childish demands? How galling that we must be neighbours with such creatures as you. You’re no better than dogs. And mark my words, you will die like one”

Alistair simply shrugged at the barb. ”This announcement was supposed to be made earlier, Anonymous. Unfortunately, you were busy on vacation so I had to delay until now. Truly unfortunate for you.”

The guardsmare remained at my shoulder, trembling noticeably. As calmly as I could, I addressed her directly and loud enough for all in the room to hear.

“Lieutenant, I want you to gather a platoon of guards and blockade the embassy. As well, send runners to the barracks around the city, every griffon in Canterlot is to be placed under detention inside the embassy. Ensure they are fed and watered, but they are not allowed to leave the embassy grounds until further notice.”

The Guard paused for a moment.

“But sir, we ca-“

I cut her off before she could speak further.

“I don’t recall asking for your opinion on this. Go out and do as told.”

The pegasus guard gave me a half hearted salute and galloped out the door, and Alistair rose, his smile noticeably less smug than before.

“You know this won't have any--”

I cut him off, raising my voice over his, now addressing the highest ranking guard left in the chamber.

“Sergeant, it seems that a filthy griffon has infiltrated the palace. Arrest him and throw him in the castle prison.”

The Sergeant stood there a moment, unsure of whether or not to follow my commands.

“Well sergeant? What are you waiting for?”

The sergeant and his fellow guardsman immediately moved on Alistair, even as he shouted at me.

“You can't do this! My fellow diplomats and I have immunity!”

The guards hesitated at the protest, and looked back at me for further instructions, but I simply shook my head at the gryphon.

“You lost any right to claim immunity when you decided to announce your declaration of war after the invasion had already begun. Congratulations Alistair, you've become Equestria's first prisoner of war in centuries. I'm certain you'll be remembered for ages to come.”

He continues to rant and rave as he is dragged from the room.

Finally, the room stills. The other ministers are in various states from nervously tapping their hooves on the table to outright nervous breakdowns.

Even Luna is showing how frightened she is at the prospect of war, I could hear her teeth grinding together. It was time to take control of the situation. Time to show that I could lead them in these times.

Even though I was beginning to feel ill at the situation I had been thrust into, but now was not the time to freeze in place. Now was the time to fight, to win. For Equestria.

“Stiles, was a dispatch sent to the Crystal Empire when the ultimatum was issued?”

Shaky Stiles, my replacement as foreign minister, looked up from under the table. He wasn’t the smartest or bravest, but he was malleable. A useful puppet, someone who would follow my words no matter what.

”Uh, yes sir. They sent word back that Shining Armor was coming to Canterlot with a detachment of troops, while another battalion went to ensure the security of the Northern Narrows.”

I let out a relieved sigh. Good, at least I wouldn't be alone in this unexpected fight.

The Crystal Empire had a far better trained military than Equestria, so at least I wouldn't have to worry too much about the Northern theater.

And with Shining Armor coming straight to Canterlot, I could expect to have a level of experienced command staff to assist me.

I walked over to where a grim faced Stalwart Shield sat, his forehoof tapping the table in an odd pattern.

“Colonel, as soon as we finish up here, I want you to show me how far our reforms have come. Understood?”

He nodded and I continued around the table, speaking as calmly as possible.

“Heavy Hammer, I want you to oversee the shift into war industry. We must be prepared to give over much of the industrial base in order to out produce our enemy. Flashy Image, establish a department of propaganda and ensure the people understand that this war is not by any choice of ours, but forced by the griffons. Stir up some patriotic fever and assist the defense ministry in a recruitment drive. I don't want to chance anything by suddenly engaging in mass conscription.”

The minsters of industry and culture acknowledged my words and seem calmed by the solid direction they've been given.

“The rest of you, continue on as normal as you can. I understand that none of you are experienced in matter of war, but I am. With determination and unity, we will prevail. Now, let us adjourn and face the people with fire in our hearts and steel in our gaze. We must show them that even in times of crisis, they can trust in the resolve of those elected to rule them. You are all dismissed.”

The ministers gave me a short, polite applause before immediately departing to take care of their respective tasks.

All but Colonel Shield, who waits for me as ordered.

I gestured to Luna and Quill, both of whom remained still after I had adjourned the council.

“Accompany the good colonel and myself, wouldn't you? We ought to address this nightmare of a situation together.”

They nodded and followed me out the door, even as I follow the defense minister. There was no doubt, this entire scenario was a total disaster.

But we would all face it together. No matter what the outcome.

Stalwart Shield brought the three of us through a military depot, the only one in Canterlot, explaining the progress they had made in the relatively short time you'd been gone.

“As you can see, Anonymous, while we have settled on a weapon design, but serial production has only started recently. We have two hundred rifles and 150 harnesses to go with them. With the harness, anypony could use one, but without it would be exclusively for unicorns.”

He took a cartridge from a box of ammunition, handing it to me to inspect.

”We had our alchemists devise a way to stabilize mercurial fulminate and put a small amount inside this paper cartridge. Inside the rifle, there is a pin that, when the trigger is pulled, strikes the fulminate, which in turn ignites the powder in the cartridge and propels the projectile out the barrel.”

I don't completely get it. Guns were never really my 'thing.’ I used them, I didn’t build them.

But it sounds like they've developed an old style rifle. Which considering that until this point, most of their weapons looked like old flintlocks from a revolutionary war movie, this was quite a jump.

I had realized something though.

“But that's barely enough to equip a battalion.”

Stalwart grimaced and faced you.

“That is the problem. We don't have the industrial capacity to produce more than maybe a hundred guns per month, currently anyway. We're expanding as quickly as we can, but until then stocks are going to be limited.”

The grimace gives way to an almost sheepish smile.

”The good news is that ammunition is easier to produce than ever, so we won't lack for shots.”

I scratched at the short stubble growing on my face. In the past two days, I hadn't even seen a razor to take care of it. But that was the least of my concerns. A bit of stubble is nothing when Equestrian sovereignty is threatened.

And besides, I was miles outside of my depth of skills, and Shining Armor was still a day away at best.

”What if, instead of planning to equip our entire force at one time, we draw upon a single battalion and use it to augment our forces instead?” Luna's suggestion interrupts your thoughts.

Immediately I began to berate myself internally for not even thinking to ask her thoughts on the matter.

”If we give it to a force of ponies who have military experience already, we can cut down on training time. As well, a single light battalion is far more mobile than large divisions would be.”

Me, Stalwart, and Quill all stared agape at Luna.

She looked at us for a moment, then blushed and pawed at the ground, looking like an embarrassed filly. ”I studied the Griffon-Capra Conflict extensively on my return, it was the most recent war after all. If the griffons have remained static in their strategy, a highly mobile and well trained force would be most effective against them.”

Stalwart shook off his stupor, cursing at himself for not thinking of such a deployment strategy.

”W-well princess, that certainly is a logical decision. But how would such a force act as it stands to a regular army?”

Luna puffed her chest out, more confident with the approval of the defense minister. ”As regular units engaged in battle, this battalion would work to outflank and encircle the enemy, forcing them to either retreat or become completely encircled. Either choice results in heavy casualties for them and, so long as our regular troops are entrenched, minimizing our own losses.”

A feeling of relief washed over me. It's so strong that it triggers a bark of laughter from me.

My companions look startled at the outburst, but that doesn't wipe the smile off my face.

After my laughter had died down, I said “Well Luna, I sure hope you were aiming for a promotion. Congratulations general, as long as Stalwart here approves, I say carry out your experiment.”

Stalwart looked to Luna, then back at me.

”Well, I suppose she does merit the promotion, even if her service was thousands of years past. And we most certainly need qualified strategists now. Very well, I only ask that, should an idea of yours be opposed by the entire defense staff, please at least consider us, princess.”

She nodded her head eagerly.

Excitement seemed to pour off of her in waves of energy, and her mood was infectious. I just hoped that this enthusiasm would translate into vigor. Lord knows we all needed someone else to rely on.

Stalwart broke into a grin himself and lead me out of the arms store.

”I'll push the resources through to you, General Luna, and look forward to the results of your experiment. Go join the other staff officers at HQ, if you would. I believe they may take some persuasion.”

Luna nods and gallops off to the headquarters across the plaza, while Stalwart lead me onward to the cannon stores.

”We've had some marginal success in designing a new, large bore gun for the troops. We've made it breech loading as well, through use of a heavy block that seals up the end for firing. Add to that the new storage we have for powder and the ignition system and it makes for a highly effective weapon. A fair bit more complex to produce than older models, but promising. Development has begun on an even larger gun to be fitted on the new ship that's been laid down, EGS Celestia.”

My eyes has widened, naval development hadn't even occurred to me when I had been debating the budget.

My own experience and own concerns leaned more towards securing land borders with the sea being an afterthought.

Such a foolish mistake, in retrospect. Guess it goes to show me that I can’t do this alone.

Stalwart Shield continued, unaware of my introspective moment.

”She'll be the first fully iron-hulled ship we've produced. Four boilers and two steam turbines larger than we've ever produced before. A new design, able to outgun anything on the high seas for years to come. They plan for her to displace an astonish ten thousand tonnes! She'll be the heaviest ship put to sea in history.”

He sighed heavily and scuffs a hoof against the stone floor. “Unfortunately she won't be finished for at least a year or two, even with additional labour. We have several smaller ironclads under construction however, to augment our fleet. We should at least outstrip the damned griffons in naval power if nothing else.”

Well now, this wasn’t good. I didn’t want my new super weapon to take two whole years to be made.

He continued on, showing me the operation of the new cannon, how it only required a single unicorn in a full crew to function optimally, how the amount of powder could be increased to fire further, and that it elevated more than any other gun in the inventory.

They had managed to design and all around excellent gun. The drawbacks were many, however. Production was slow because the currently poor quality of steel coming from the factories required the barrel to be wire wrapped, then sleeved with harder steel to stand up to the rigours of firing in a battery.

That meant only four were available immediately, with production numbers only projected for ten a month.

I was assured that, when the ore quality improved as new shipments came in domestically, those numbers would easily quadruple. They were still producing conventional cannons alongside it, but had changed their bore to accommodate the new powder loading. The more he told me, the more my head began to ache.

Pony Tylenol needs to be a thing, why had it I not petitioned the Research Ministry with this yet?

Wrapping my mind around the intricacies of foreign diplomacy was one thing, but trying to sort out the details of military logistics was mind-boggling.

How did they do it back on Earth? They didn’t even have magic to make this easier.

Even Quill, for whom logistics came easy, was clearly becoming troubled as she crunched the numbers.

As Stalwart wrapped up the briefing and tour, he gave me a wry smile.

”It's not as simple as putting bullets in guns and pulling the trigger, is it sir?”

I massaged my temples and took a deep breath before speaking. “So let's just make sure I'm understanding everything. We can currently field two regiments of regular infantry, plus Luna's battalion when it's ready. We have around a hundred large bore guns, and three hundred medium bore guns for artillery support. Two wings of pegasi lancers, plus the Wonderbolts if we dare to put them on the line, and finally sixty ships of varying tonnage. Overall, we can outmatch the griffons at sea, and have an even fight in the air, but have no hope of a protracted land or air campaign without massive expansion. Is that about it?”

Stalwart's grin faltered at my grim tone. “That's about the size of it, sir. We don't lack for food at the very least, but that's a small comfort. Perhaps we ought to join Luna and the general staff to actually discuss how to wage the war, hm?”

Right now, all I wanted to do is have several stiff drinks and go back to Ponyville for a nice visit to the spa. But this was war, and I had a role to play in it. A very important one.

“Yes, colonel, let's go figure out how to win this war.”

Because I knew, winning was the only option we had. The griffons would pay. We would make them.

When I walked into the strategy chamber, Luna was already engaged with the staff officers.

I’m was surprised to see not a single one of the military staff with the laurels of a general.

I asked a question. “I thought you said that we were here to meet the general staff.”

Stalwart Shield cleared his throat and answered me bashfully. “Yes sir, this is the General Staff of the Equestrian Defense Force. Colonels Brave Buck and Black Buck, Lieutenant Colonel Steel Helm, and finally Major Glancing Blow. Gentlemen, I don't believe you've personally been introduced to the new Commander in Chief.”

The four interrupted their conversation to salute me.

One of the colonels, Black Buck I assumed, speaks up as he lowers his hoof. “Technically sir, we're just the HQ staff. Even though we're officially the general staff, Equestria hasn't had a general in command since the Great Eastern Rebellion around eight hundred years ago. After that, the army was disbanded and the new defense force was instated. Admirals are the closest to ranking generals we've had since then.”

An army without a general. What a shame. I needed to fix this.

Well, with Luna there was actually one now. But one general? There was a lot more than one general per army back on Earth. And it made sense, soldiers need leaders.

But still, why would a ruler purposely weaken her nation in such a way? How foolish was Celestia? An over reliance on a strong naval arm and diplomacy, or perhaps she simply staved off war by being the goddess of the sun.

Whatever the reason, it was here to bite me in the ass.

“Well that's no good, we're raising an army and we need leadership. Stalwart, congratulations on your new position of Major General. I trust you'll be able to run this place without too much of my input, I don't exactly have experience in running an army, only being part of one.”

Stalwart Shield's jaw hung open, and the rest of his staff look stunned.

Only Luna seemed to be unruffled by my words, and more than slightly amused by the reactions of the others.

Finally, Stalwart regained his composure for long enough to respond. “Y-yes sir, I believe I can do that. If you would please join us, we can begin planning.”

Me and Quill joined the staff around a large map of Equestria and its surrounding countries, far more detailed than most would be. Major Glancing tapped the map on a small island in the North of the Celestial Sea.

”As I was saying, the reasoning behind the griffons taking Trottingham is sound. They wish to land a large force in Equestria, but lack the naval resources to contest the open sea. So instead they wish to secure passage over the Northern Narrows, and to that end took the naval outpost here.”

The others nodded, and Lt. Colonel Steel spoke up next, gesturing to the southern tip of the island.

”They seem to have focused their forces around the city, if the escapees reports are to be believed. Landing a force here and marching through the forests to surprise them may be the best course of action.”

The other colonel, Brave Buck, shakes his head at the suggestion.

“Out of the question, we don't have the ability to move the heavy guns through that sort of terrain. Even with our entire air and ground forces on the island, we wouldn't be nearly a match for the griffons without artillery.”

Black Buck spoke up, tapping the empty shoreline to the East of Trottingham.

“Why not here? If our ships could suppress the griffons long enough, we could land the entire strength of the land forces, heavy artillery and all.”

Luna took a step closer to the table and nodded. ”And if we brought the pegasi along on the ships, they could provide cover from any marauders the griffons may send from the sky.”

The others nod, seeing the wisdom in the plan. But Luna tapped the southern tip of the island again

”However, even with the full might of our forces, we would still find ourselves outnumbered. I suggest something slightly different. Instead of marching to meet whatever forces the griffons surely would have in wait, we have a small, lightly equipped force draw them in as soon as we have fortified positions. Moreover, I would land my battalion on the southern tip. We would be unburdened by heavy guns and more than able to make our way through the forests.”

She places the tip of a hoof on a small, marked lowland between the shore and Trottingham itself. ”And were we able to draw them to this area, my force would easily be able to outflank them, even as your cannons break the back of their pursuit. With them kettled in, it would be a simple thing to totally annihilate their force and retake the city.”

I saw nods from all around the table. It's refreshing to see that there are at least some ponies in high places that take pride in efficiency instead of arguing for its own sake

Taking a chance to finally leave, I spoke. “Well it seems like you have it under control. General Shield, General Luna, I leave it to you to determine the specifics of your operation. When it's ready, please ensure a copy is delivered to me for a final review. I may not be well versed in strategy, but who knows what a fresh pair of eyes may bring.”

The staff saluted me, and Luna gave me a warm, genuine smile.

I returned her smile with one of my own, though it was more tired than hers.

With that, I took my leave.

After a few moments of walking down the streets of Canterlot in silence, basking in the glow of the evening sun, Quill speaks up.

”Sir...Anonymous, are we really at war?”

What a stupid question.

I turned my head, surprised that such a usually reasonable mare was asking such a seemingly absurd question. But as I thought about it, I understood it more.

Eight hundred years, that was when the last war was. How could it seem like anything but a legend at this point? It must be utter madness to other ponies that didn't even have the benefit of knowing they were relatively safe, protected by the nature of geography.

The sudden realization struck my heart, and my voice went hoarse as I finally answered. “Yes, Quill, we are.”

I saw her ears flatten against her head, and our walk continues in silence. Even as the two of us returned to the castle and walked through its eerily silent halls, no sound comes from either of us but the echoing footsteps upon marble.

Fatigue seems to slow the pace down to an utter crawl, and the halls seem to stretch into infinity. But in reality, it's hardly any time at all before we arrived at the door to our chambers.

As I pushed the door open, finally allowing myself to succumb to the exhaustion fast approaching, I felt a tug on my pants.

Quill was staring up at me, her eyes beginning to mist over.

”Anon...I'm scared.”

Maybe it's the sleepiness, maybe it was the madness of my newfound reality, or maybe it was the crippling loneliness of being the only human, but something in me made me reach out and caress her mane, gently, as soothing as possible.

“Come on then, we could both use some sleep.”

Maybe I was making a grave mistake. I had learned that attachment usually led to heartbreak. But something in my mind had decided that this was the way to go.

She gave me a nervous smile as we both entered the bedroom.

The doors swung shut, their closure echoing in the halls, as the sunset painted the castle in a bloody red.

8: It’s a Long Way to Trottingham

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The past month had gone by in a blur. To my utter surprise, outside some probing attacks in the North, the griffons had not launched any major campaigns.

Even those attacks had been non-commital and easily repelled with the joint garrison. In the intervening time, the Equestrian military production had quadrupled, factories once producing non-vital infrastructure changing over to wartime supplies.

Metallurgy issues had been solved, and steel was of a higher quality than before thanks to the contributions of a team of unicorn alchemists. The budget increases had paid off.

Four ironclads had been completed, and work was progressing well on the EGS Celestia. It was no longer two years away from completion, but only one.

The army had grown explosively, with numbers rising from three thousand to thirty thousand. Five new infantry regiments had been established, taking names and colours from units long past. The artillery too thrived, dozens of guns were being produced weekly, many of them of the new breech-loading type, and seven batteries had risen to organize them.

Of course, the majority of ponies in the military were still in support roles, as the combat arms grew they needed exponentially more support staff.

Luna's personal battalion, the Black Bats, had been undergoing grueling training until just two days ago, when she finally deemed them prepared. They seemed to be the toughest soldier I'd ever seen, with fanatical devotion that made the SS look like heathens.

And so it was that I was sitting at my teak desk, Quill at my side, reviewing their final plan to retake Trottingham.

A beach landing at dawn, when the low morning sun would blind the eyes of observers and defenders alike. Luna's group would be landed a day earlier on the Southern tip of the island and proceed to wait near the lowlands East of Trottingham. Pegasi would be providing air cover and harry any scouts the enemy may send. What's more is that a part of the fleet, mostly ironclads, would besiege the Trottingham port, drawing the enemy away while also blockading their ships and supplies.

The landed forces would then push inland and occupy a ridge ten miles Southeast of the city, digging in and drawing up prepared fields of fire for the guns. And finally, with all pieces in place, a small force of ponies would attack the griffons in a wide line, and once engaged would draw the enemy out, into the lowlands, where they would be under direct assault from every gun that could be brought to bear.

On top of that, Luna's force would break from the forest and begin to outflank the griffons, kettling them in and holding off any reinforcements that could be mustered.

There were further contingencies for all sorts of scenarios, some possible, some ludicrous, but it did seem to cover anything I cared to imagine.

Overall, it was an almost foolproof plan.
Stalwart stands before my desk at rapt attention, Luna beside him.

They had both answered any questions I’d asked, pointing out what certain symbols represented.

And, with a wry grin, I handed the sheaf of papers back to Stalwart.

“I can't find anything wrong with your plan, Stalwart. You and your staff have done an excellent job with the plan. When will you be ready to carry on with it?”

The general relaxed and smiled viciously. “Three days, sir. One to muster the troops, one to equip them, and then we sail, landing in the morning. Princess Luna's troops have been ready since their training was complete.”

Luna nods and takes a step forward. ”Stalwart Shield is correct, Lord Anonymous. My troops are ready to sail at the order. Their ammunition stores and weapons and never further than a quick trot away.”

After a month of quietude, the first large battle of the war was ready to go.

Finally, after all the fear of the citizens, the sweat and blood of the troops holding the North, and the pain the residents of Trottingham had surely been through, action would be taken.

And it would be truly telling. A grand battle for the history books. Something to inspire the ponies of Equestria.

“Alright, do it. I pray to see the Equestrian flag raised over the city by next week. Good luck, and do be careful. I don't want to see my friends hurt.”

Stalwart salutes and turns sharply, Luna turning after him after giving me a warm grin.

Luna had been in fine spirits ever since getting a command of her own. She seemed to thrive in a military environment, easily catching onto new strategies and coming up with her own in remarkable time. When all is said and done, she will have earned the trust of the people a dozen times over, I’m sure of it.

And if not, then maybe a couple military parades are in order. Or some propaganda to let them know she’s a model Equestrian hero…

Quill nudged my leg, breaking me from my thoughts. She looked pointedly at her schedule, then to me.

She had hardly left my side since the war began.

Every night, she curled up beside me, and most of those nights, I was woken by her shivering and crying under the cold moon. Even when I silently comforted her, I never brought it up.

She would talk about it when she was ready, and not a moment sooner. And all the while, I would keep soothing her, lulling her back to sleep, and stay silent all the while.

No matter what rumors ponies came up with after seeing her enter my chambers night after night, no matter that it may damage part of my image.

”Sir.”

She interrupted my reverie with a single word.

”Shining Armor is waiting for you to receive him in the council chambers. Shall we go?”

I stand and stretched out my back, yawning. “Yes we had better. I need to get out of the office today anyhow. Anything else on the agenda after meeting with him?”

She flips through several pages before looking back at me. ”No sir, the evening is clear.”

I nodded as we both walked down the hall towards the chamber.

Looking down at Quill, I gave her a cheeky grin.

“Well if the evening is free, how about you join me for dinner in town?”

She gasped and immediately started coughing loudly.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at her antics, and she regained her composure quickly.

”I'm not sure that would be appropriate, sir. Not with the state of Equestria as it is now.”

Well damn. It's hard to argue, since she's objectively right. I had just wanted to treat her to a night out, and maybe distract her from whatever had been eating away at her.

“Fine, fine. Once we win though, I'm taking you out. No matter how much you object.”

I could see her cheeks flush before she turns her face away.

“I believe I'd like that, sir.”

What am I doing? What part of me snapped and decided that I could be happy with a pony? This wasn’t right… and I just kept lying to myself about it.

After struggling with my own thoughts, I shoved them aside the closer we got to the council chamber. And finally, we were at the doors to the council chamber. I pushed them open wide and smiled jovially at the white coated pony sitting at the table, hiding my inner turmoil.

“General Shining Armor, how are you doing today?”

He smiled back and puts his hoof in my hand when I offered it to him. Shining begins speaking as me and Quill took our seats across from him.

“Well enough I suppose. There hasn't been any action in the North for a few days, and the last sortie of griffons didn't even inflict a single casualty. I don't believe they have it in them to even attempt and invasion.”

My grin only widened at the news.

“That's wonderful news, general. And how is little Flurry Heart doing? It's been a while since you've returned to the Empire hasn't it?”

Shining's grin shrinks and I saw a touch of sadness on his face. ”Yes sir, it has. Cadence—...the princess says she misses me and keeps wandering about the castle calling out for 'dada'.”

I offered a gentle pat on his foreleg and a reassuring look. Children. Something that was forever robbed from me.

No, don’t think about it. I can’t think about it. Keep smiling.

“Don't worry too much, general. Even as we speak, preparations are being made to retake Trottingham.”

Shining looks surprised as I mention that. The plan had been on lockdown since its inception after all.

Even with all the griffons either holed up in the embassy or outright deported, the General Staff wasn't taking chances with information leaks. They had been clever to design drills around sections of the plan, but disguise them as simply part of their new basic training scheme.

“That's great news sir! Once you take back Trottingham, we can force them into peace talks and end this war.”

I grimaced and look at Quill, who wore a similar expression.

Shining Armor simply looked confused.

”That's the goal isn't it, to get them to accept a peace treaty?”

I sighed and furrowed my brow.

“It is, but Shining...we're not stopping at Trottingham. That's why we asked to meet you here today. The overall war strategy is to conduct a naval invasion in the South, while simultaneously conducting an operation in the North. The current ruler and government of the griffons have shown themselves to be warmongers, first with the Capras and now with us. We plan to take Griffonstone and force them to give up their holds and overthrow their current government. After that, we can mandate a proper, abiding peace.”

Shining Armor looks totally shocked at my straight delivery of this plan.

Quill hands him several papers, one of them a treaty that would give him command of Equestrian units in the North for the duration of the campaign

He takes a long while reading them, shuffling back and forth between the sheets several times. At long last, he puts the papers down and looks back at me.

“You're serious about this. Anonymous, we ponies aren't warriors; we don't march into enemy lands and take them for our own. There's no way that everyone will accept this plan, it goes against our very nature.”

I frowned at his statement. It seems he would be harder to convince than I’d thought.

“General, I'm not entirely sure you understand our position. It has been eight centuries since the last war, and though ponies may have forgotten its ways, no doubt they now remember its horror. If we merely take back Trottingham and leave it at that, the griffon leadership will nurse feelings of resentment, strengthen their military to a point we can't contest it, and roll over us inside twenty years. I can not and will not allow that to happen. With this plan, they will only be under our administration until a new Grand Council is elected, and then they will be their own country once more.”

Shining Armor looks slightly less incredulous, but no more inclined to agree with me.

“This still isn't going to be widely acceptable. And what about the griffons, don't they get a say in this? Are you going to throw every single one of them out of the country?”

I shared a look with Quill, now starting to get annoyed with these wild accusations.

“General, the current strategy is the one outlined in those pages. The only deportations have occurred in Canterlot, and only because of the delicacy of the military reform and of the new strategies. And they will get a say when the war that THEY started is over, not a moment sooner.”

Shining Armor sighs and rises from his seat, trotting to the doorway.

“I will discuss your strategy with Princess Cadence. If some madness takes her and she agrees with it, we shall see if such an offensive is in our interests.”

With that, he marches out, presumably to find the telegraph station.

The moment the door shuts, Quill jumps into my lap and curls up. Without thinking about it, I found my hand stroking her mane, and she sighed deeply. She had been getting more clingy as the days went by.

Not that ‘that’ part of my mind cared of course. The other part was screaming to see reason.

As I stroked her, she speaks in a quiet, calm voice.

”I'm sorry about all this, sir.”

A confused look comes over my face as I continued to run my fingers through her silky mane.

“What do you mean, Quill? You've done excellent work over the past month.”

I felt her weight shift in my lap, and she rests her chin on my thigh.

”No sir, I mean this. Always clinging to you whether inappropriate or no. I'm not sure why you haven't reprimanded me yet, so feel I should apologize.”

I laid my hand at the base of her neck, gently stroking her soft fur. She makes a contented coo and rolls her head to the side, looking up at you curiously

“You haven't done anything wrong, Quill. If I'm honest, I've felt a fair bit less stressed than I ought to be as of late. And outside the occasional midnight wake up, I've enjoyed it.”

Wait, shit. I hadn't meant to mention her late night episodes. Immediately, my brain began both cursing itself and thinking up damage control for the statement.

But Quill just sighed sadly, resting her forehead on my leg.

”I knew that would come up eventually. I was hoping I wouldn't have to talk about it at all.”

Her resignation stops my brain for a moment. That was what I had figured she wanted, but I messed it all up.

Before I could reassure her that I don't mind her silence, she speaks up again.

“You know I moved here when I was a filly right? Well I was born in a little hamlet a ways outside Trottingham. It's not there anymore, but it used to be a nice, quiet little farm town.”

I could feel little droplets strike my leg where she rests her head, and she takes a shuddering sigh before continuing.

”At the time, the island was a joint jurisdiction between Equestria and the Griffon Empire. So when a group of griffons tried to settle on the Equestrian side of the island, there was a significant dispute.”

She sniffles and I saw her body shudder at the memory.

”One thing led to another, and a bunch of griffons in that settler group attacked our hamlet, the closest one to the border. Burned a bunch of barns and most of the crop before they got driven off; hurt a lot of ponies too. After that, my mother packed our bags and bundled me off to Canterlot. We stayed with some family for a while until we got our hooves back, and that's that.”

She took a deep breath, and when she speaks again her voice is steady and soft.

“I still get nightmares sometimes, about the burning barns, about finding...It's been worse since the war started, the constant reminders about Trottingham being taken on the radio, in briefings. I'll be glad when this war is over.”

I scratched her behind her ears, and she makes a sound that almost sounds like purring.

“We all will. Maybe you can bring this up with Shining Armor? It may have more mileage coming from another pony instead of a human he believes is a warmonger.”

Her ears flattened against her head and she snorted.

”I don't want word getting out about this. Next thing you know, ponies are going to be staring at me with pitiful looks. 'There goes that mare who survived the griffon attack. Oh the poor dear.' I don't want something like that in my life.”

I could understand her sentiment, simply wanting to be left alone to her life.

I knew what it felt like to be pitied, to be seen as a lost soul.

It was something I had idealized too, but life had strange ways to get around what I wanted.

It always had to ruin everything.

The door of the chamber clicks, and Quill hopped off my lap and sits back in her own seat without a fuss.

Shining walks back in and takes his seat across from me and Quill, looking incredibly displeased.

”I suppose it's good news for you, Anonymous. Princess Cadence, while not liking your plans, sees it as the only way to ensure lasting peace. However, she wanted me to deliver a warning, and it's one I would have given you anyway. If you in any way abuse the griffons or your administration of their land, the Crystal Empire will not hesitate to intervene, treaties be damned.”

Damn, as angered as I was by his suspicious nature, I forced myself to plaster a warm smile over my face.

I had to put on a show of friendliness, even at such bald-faced accusations.

“I assure you, general, we will do everything we can to ensure the safety of the griffon people. And as soon as their occupation of Capra territories is ended and their leadership changed, we will return administration to the griffons. Simple and secure. All I want is to ensure the security of Equestria, even when I will no longer be holding this station.”

My words seemed to mollify him, and he levitates an ink quill over the new treaty. He signs the papers, as do I, then rises from his seat.

”I'll be holding you to your word, Anonymous. Let us pray for a swift end to this war, for both our countries.”

I gave him a smile and a curt bow before responding. “And for the safety of generations to come.”

He snorts and walks out the door, his hoofbeats echoing in the stone halls

Finally, I allowed myself to collapse into a chair and let out a deep sigh. I had done it, I had managed to ensure that the Crystal Empire dedicated forces to helping the war effort.

Even though a small number of volunteers had been asking at the Equestrian embassy in the Empire to join the Equestrian army and aid the war effort, I wasn’t sure what public sentiments were in the Crystal Empire.

A few foreign volunteers does not equate to approval, as thankful as I was for the extra bodies.

Already I was thinking of how I was supposed to sell the Trottingham offensive to the public.

I knew it was doable, the polling on the war was closing on a hundred percent support, and the cultural ministry was doing a fine job with their own propaganda campaign.

Hell, I had just manged to sell war to the princess of love. How ironic.

As I sat idly in the seat, Quill once against hopped onto my lap, this time laying her head against my chest.

Part of me was happy to indulge her, satisfied that I did my job as best I could. The other part wanted to shove her away.

Personal thoughts aside, it was up to the military to accomplish what they had sold me on. I had my faith that all would go well.

They knew what would happen if they failed after all.

9: Sacred War

View Online

You are Freidrich van den Tann, general of the Griffon Empire, marshal of the Grand Army of the East.

It was you who Emperor Willem Gunnar had charged with taking and holding the Island of Griffisch, that the ponies called Trottingham.

And you had done so in spectacular fashion.

Not a day after the war declaration was supposed to be announced, your forces had already crushed the meagre garrison and either seized or scuttled their ships in port

After that, it was simple police work until the next movement order came.

But then, things slowed to a standstill. For reasons still not known to you, you hadn't received further orders.

Word came down through gossip that General Wiborg had failed to take the Northern Narrows, despite commanding an army larger than your own.

The damnable glory seeking fool.

But then it had come down that the Equestrians were mobilizing an army, and the Crystal Empire had expanded their forces as well.

So you gave the order that you had never desired to give, for it meant defeat was a possibility.

You ordered your soldiers to dig in. A mile outside the city, you'd had your thousands strong army establish a front of trenches, embanked guns, and pitfalls.

Your initial supplies had not included any proper fortifying equipment, so you had confiscated shovels, picks, and hoes from the farmers on the island.

There had been complaints, but no real opposition. Not that the ponies even posed a threat anymore. Even more worrying was that the supply runs had been sending fewer ships through as the Equestrian Navy began to close a noose around the harbor.

Just this morning, they had begun to bombard the few ships you had at anchor.

Fortunately you'd had the foresight to move most of what supplies were left off the boats. But you'd still lost twenty griffons and perhaps five hundred tons of supplies, much of it food.

And now your army was running low on it.

Discipline was starting to fall apart, and more cases of abuse of the pony residents had begun to crop up. And despite your crackdowns on movement of the troops, you knew that it would continue.

This was the nature of an army that had been on the warpath, and now was relegated to standing still.

Professional or conscripted, no soldier could stand up to boredom for long. And so it was you found yourself on the battlements, staring out at the masts and funnels of enemy ships

A tap on your shoulder reminds you of the company you're keeping this morning.

“Sir, shall we get to it?”

Your adjudant, Major Granwall, stands behind you with a colonel from the disciplinary corps.

The same colonel that had refused to give him anything but his rank, simply producing the crest of the emperor to prove who he was.

A pain, but you know why it was as it was.

“Yes, we may as well.”

The major nodded and turned to the inside of the fortifications.

“Brigade, atten-tion! Prepare for general inspection!”

A thousand griffons snap to attention as one, lined up in ranks with muskets at the ready. With a quiet sigh, you began to walk down the first rank of troops, giving quick glances to their equipment and randomly picking an individual to inspect in more detail. Overall, and to your surprise, the majority are in good order.

You had expected a poor turnout because of the lack of discipline, but this was a pleasant surprise. You would have to be sure to compliment the CO of this brigade, Griffonstone Homeguard judging by the unit insignia. They're living up to the name of the glorious capital, it seems.

The inspection continues for another two hours, perusing line upon line of troops. It's actions like this that truly give you a sense of scale for your force.

Five brigades of the eastern group, a total of seven thousand infantry, four hundred heavy guns with their crews, forty squadrons of airborne cuirassiers, and various support personnel.

The largest gathering of the military might the Empire had see. Since the Capra Wars twenty years ago.

You'd been a cuirassier yourself back then, eager to get your bayonet into the enemy after the opening volley.

But this would be a different war. The ponies, though seemingly weak, still challenged the might of the griffons.

But with their precious sun goddess gone, her sister a barely sane degenerate, and a semi-intelligent monkey leading them, this was the time to strike to their heart.

So as you walked down the lines of your troops, the question still weighed upon you.

Why did the government delay sending orders to move?

A sounding bugle snaps you out of your reverie. You recognized the series of notes immediately, a scout had caught sight of the enemy.

The soldiers on parade look around in confusion, unsure of whether to stay in line or man the battlements.

A ragged looking runner comes on the .wing, shouting urgently for your attention

Despite the sudden knot forming in your stomach, you calmly turn to face him.

“Report, corporal.”

The low ranked NCO thrusts out his chest, breathing heavily from the flight

”Corporal Kriggsen reporting, first squadron, Blackhearth Shrikes sir. A large enemy force has been sighted heading straight for us. Numbers unknown, but their front is a mile wide sir!”

You can't stop your eyes from widening at the report. Certainly, you had heard the ponies had been mobilizing forces, but to muster a number to cover an entire mile of front?

This was not something that you had planned for. Who could expect a nation with virtually no soldiers to muster enough to retaliate this quickly?

Having heard the report, Major Granwall is already shouting order to the troops, having them get to their positions and prepare for immediate combat.

The dust and chaos of thousands of griffons taking to wing to get to their posts to quickly is overwhelming.

But through it all, you stand still, a rock in a stormy sea of madness. This was what it meant to be a general at war

The corporal takes off to join his own squadron, and you walk back to an observation tower behind the battlements.

You needed your own assessment of the enemy before you made any immediate decisions.

You climbed the tower and were joined at the top by the major, the colonel from the discipline corps having disappeared like a ghost.

A slight shiver runs through your spine, noticed only by Granwall.

”I know sir, those discipline members are certainly something.”

Major Granwall had been with you for a decade now, and understood you better than even your wife did now. He was an officer well on his way to one day becoming a general in his own right.

But for now, you were glad to have his help.

“Indeed, now let's get a look at what these ponies have mustered.”

You take up your spyglass from a table with several optics and signal flags and put it to your eye, scanning the horizon for the enemy.

There, you couldn't see the ponies themselves, but there was an immense cloud of dust, with unit pennants flapping in the wind. It was as the scout had said, a mile wide front.

The sight chilled you, for so many troops would be an incredibly difficult fight.

At the very least, they couldn't be too well trained, they'd only have had a month to train for this.

Maybe they had turned to using massive waves like the Stallionists. In the distance, you hear the muffled thud of artillery. Scanning for the source, you see several odd looking ironclads with lumps on their decks.

As you continued to observe the ships, there are puffs of smoke issuing from those lumps at a steady rate.

Guns, you realize. But what could they be firing at?

The answer comes seconds later as a pillar of dust rises from positions a few hundred yards down the line from you. Another shiver runs through your bones, and you find your wings twitching at your side. How in the name of the gods were they able to throw shells so far?

Even the largest guns on your ships could only fire perhaps a mile, and certainly not accurately. That ship was at least five miles distant, and it was pounding your troops. What devils were the ponies dealing with these days, you wondered.

No matter, your troops were better disciplined and as well equipped as the enemy, surely you would triumph. The staccato noise of volley fire runs up and down the lines as at last the enemy is in range. Return fire is meagre at best, a few shots coming in every so often. Such was the nature of assaults such as this, troops on the march had to conserve as much ammunition as possible.

But you had the benefit of fortifications and an excess of ammunition and powder. What's more, you think at the thuds of artillery sound off, you had the guns. The kings of the battlefield.

The sounds of battle ebb and flow for the next fifteen minutes, a familiar rhythm. Far down the line, further away from the shore, you hear a bugle sounding, but confusion swells over you. Why was it sounding the pursuit of a retreating force?

Sighting in the source, you see the pennants of the enemy falling back on that flank. Clearly the attack had broken there, but that was no reason to leave the battlements.

With a sigh, you said “Major, signal to the Imperial Legion to reign in that charge. We mustn't allow ourselves to be drawn into a foolish opening so quickly.”

Even as Granwall takes up the flags and begins signaling, you can already see it's too late. Half of that brigade was already out of their trenches and pursuing the enemy.

You sighed heavily, Colonel Aachen wouldn't be holding his position for long after this. But even as you vow to send the offender home, you can see the other pennants begin to shift backwards. It seems the threat of even an ill-advised charge was enough to force a general retreat.

Another bugle sounds, this time on the side of the trenches that had weathered bombardment. It seemed yet another brigade was preparing to join in the pursuit of a fleeing enemy. Even as you sympathize with their desire to escape the inexplicable barrage, you grind your teeth quietly.

Though it may not have been evident in the inspection, it was clear that discipline issues were in all ranks of your force. Fortunately, the three central brigades at the core of the lines had seen the signals and remained in the defenses.

But it didn't change that nearly two and a half thousand troops were running away from their posts, and away from the cover of the cannons.

“Granwall, signal four squadrons to fly cover for those idiots. I don't want them getting picked to pieces because they fled their cover.”

He nodded and turns to relay the message with his flags.

You continue to observe the retreat of the enemy, and subsequent advance of your own forces. As mad as the charge was, it didn't seem anything was going wrong with it. It was a rather disciplined march at double time, not a headlong dash of glory.

Perhaps this would result in a crushing victory and you'd be seen as an overly cautious old man.

Perhaps.

But deep down, you knew it was better to be cautious than reckless. You had known too well the price of being rash.

Your rebuilt left leg was a testament to that.

You are Thunderous Hooves, captain of a small platoon of the Equestrian Army, and heir to the Hooves fortune.

You were a noble.

And right now you were longing for the stodgy boredom of Canterlot.

You had been charged with making your platoon seem like a far larger force. To that end, they had been spread as wide as they could be while still being able to be commanded.

You'd been given three different unit pennants as well, to further confuse observers. And finally, you were kicking up as much dust on the march as you could.

Overall, it made for quite the convincing illusion of strength, especially with half a regiment spread all across a massive front line.

No heavy guns of course.

The mission was simply to get within maximum shooting distance, engage for a little while, then retreat in a seemingly disordered fashion to lure out the griffons.

Casualties would be minimal, according to the generals that planned this. It still didn't stop you from shivering when the dull thuds of heavy guns reached your ears.

Fortunately, the griffons seemed to be holding their fliers in reserve, instead of using them to spot where shots were landing.

That meant that, at the very least, their shells weren't landing with any kind of accuracy. Finally, the crackle of shots from the defenders means you're in rifle range.

You laid on your belly, planting the banner in the ground and fire off a round in the general direction of the griffons.

Slowly, smoothly, you load another round just as you've been trained. It was a simple drill, taught to you by the trainers in Canterlot. Rotate bolt open, draw back, place round inside, rotate bolt closed, aim, fire.

You continued the rhythm for what feels like ages, until you hear the sound of a bugle in the distance.

The enemy, you realized, signaling a charge. But they wouldn't charge unless they felt they needed to give chase. And that meant it was time.

Shouting to the ponies nearby, you call for a retreat, picking up your pennant and slinging your rifle. You begin falling back, away from the enemy rifles and guns, through the smoke and dust of a barrage.

Not running flat out, but going fast enough to keep ahead.

Another bugle sounds behind you, on the opposite flank to the first.

A second charge, from a different unit.

Perfect. No more horns blared, and outside the quieting shellfire and panting of your own breath, things begin to hush.

You didn't have far to go, just a couple miles until you're safe.

Internally, you damned the policy that makes young nobles automatically officers in times of war. Worse was that you had simply drawn the short straw to be deployed.

Emphasis on “young noble”, you had hardly turned 18 last summer.

But right now was no time for griping though, you had to stay ahead of the enemy. Besides, if you survived this, there would be some glory in it for you.

The march feels as though it goes on forever, the shrieks of the griffons dogging your heels the whole way. But at long last, you come over the last hill and jump into the waiting trenches.

You barely had time to catch your breath, finally beside your fellow soldiers once more, before you hear the griffons drawing close.

A voice echoes down the line as you stand over the lip of the trench, rifle ready.

“Hold fire!”

A bead of sweat trickles down your face, stinging your eye.

You could see the griffons charging down the hill across from you now. It was just like the generals had planned.

A cacophony of noise assaults your ears as the big guns open up, just as the griffons hit the middle of the lowland.

Through the ringing in your ears, you can hear the order.

”Fire!”

You don't hesitate, and along the line the deafening volley blasts forth and tears into the ranks of the charging griffons. Their entire first rank collapses, even as their fellows push on.

As fast as you can ram cartridges into the chamber, you're firing.

You don't even take the time to have careful aim, simply sending lead into the seemingly endless horde of griffons.

Distantly, you register the dirt and bodies sent skyward by detonating shells as your artillery zeroes in.

But in almost an instant, the big guns cease firing, and through the settling smoke you see there are still innumerable enemies standing in the field.

You hold your fire, as does most of the line, letting your weapon cool.

They seem to be milling about aimlessly, and in the distant sky you see small, flapping shapes approaching rapidly. It was only a matter of time till they charged again, and the fliers were on you.

But for whatever reason, you could not bring yourself to load and fire again.

You dove for cover as a number of bullets strike the dirt and ponies around you.

Their screams echoed in your ears as you huddle in the bottom of the trench.

The bodies and blood of your fellow soldiers pooled into the trenches, staining the dark earth a crimson red.

You hugged yourself as you laid in the trench.

You just want to go back to Canterlot.

You just wanted to go home.

You wanted your mom.

In the distance, you can clearly hear the cacophony of battle.

Your blood rises, and your wings instinctively spread at the noise, both from excitement and fear.

As the guns thud in the distance, your heart beats in time.

You wanted nothing more than to get in there and make sure the battle is won.

But Princess Luna has ordered you to hold position, and you dare not question her, no matter how anxious you are.

You are Spitfire, leader of the Wonderbolts, and right now, you are impatient.

More than that, your nerves are alight even more than your first day at the academy. Half of the reserves had been called up to bolster the ranks of the newly organized Equestrian Army Air Division.

At least you had avoided the burden of any rank higher than commander.
And besides, it meant that you could still see action instead of being a boring officer.

Being handpicked for a mission by the princess of the night helped with that too, of course.

You and the Wonderbolts First Squadron had been selected as the air arm of Luna's Black Bats, and had received extensive training with the use of both lances and specialized carbines made specifically for fliers.

Your orders were to break the spine of any enemy air assault with a violence that left them unable to continue to dream of fighting.

You had grinned like a devil when Luna outlined your mission like that.

Since fillyhood, you'd been far more aggressive than most ponies, and your first CO had even remarked that you must be part dragon.

It was hard to argue with that one when you'd topped the combat drills and set records that stood for years.

And now, finally, your years of training would be put to good use.

Your second in command, Soarin, comes up beside you and chuckles quietly.

“This is getting you all hot and bothered, eh boss?”

You can't stifle the sudden burst of laughter, and you punch him in the shoulder.

“And what about you, is that a cannon in your pants or are you just happy to see me?”

He's quick with a response, like he always is.

“You know me, I'm a sucker for a woman in uniform.”

You both shared a laugh before quieting down and staying awkwardly silent.

Pre-fight jitters were getting to you, and him as well. It didn't take a unicorn to see the slight tremble in Soarin's frame, or Fleetfoot further down the line, fiddling with her mane.

Even Blaze, usually more reckless than even you were, is clicking her teeth together nervously.

Only Luna, standing a few feet in front of you, seemed to be calm.

She stands firm, resplendent and intimidating in her deep blue armour, her usually flowing mane restricted by a tight ponytail. It’s like she was born for this.

Others lay in wait beside her, unicorns and earth ponies who had passed the rigours of her vicious training.

Even you with your years of experience with such methods was taxed by how far she took it.

But here you were now, waiting to fight. You shifted your legs to lower yourself into a more stable stance, only recently having become used to the small metal plates that had been added to your uniform for protection. They could stop most things the gryphons used, short of a cannon blast. But they were heavy, and made flying slower.

You only hope the protection is worth it.

A light helmet with a metal guard for your muzzle had been issued as well, protection against fragments that were sure to come.

You see Luna raise her right hoof, straight into the air as though beckoning the stars themselves to aid her. You know the signal and put the metal guard over your mouth, your pulse echoing loudly in your ears

Luna continues to hold her hoof up for several heartbeats that drag into an eternity.

But then, finally, it falls.

In an instant, you and the other Wonderbolts burst through the treetops, winging towards the enemy as hard as you can. Immediately, you zero in on exactly what you were to attack

Four squadron sized elements of griffon cuirassiers were moving to support their badly mauled and retreating ground forces.

The wind rushing against you rattles the long lance held at your side with a brace

Four to one odds? Easy.

Adrenaline surges through you as you charge forth, the near mile distance vanishing rapidly

You pushed yourself to go fast, your wings straining to keep up such a speed.

As you push even further, it feels as though the air is turning into syrup, sticking against you and slowing you.

You strained to push yourself faster, but you recognize just how close you are to the enemy.

You start to draw your lance out from under you, ready to kill.

Pure reaction drives your movements, your wings snap tight against your body, your head lowers, and you clench your teeth for the terminal strike.

With a force that rattles your skull and seems to shake the earth, your lance slams home into the griffon you had been charging

As designed, the weapons midsection shatters, leaving you free to carry on as the head falls to the dirt inside a very dead griffon.

A rapid succession of crashes and screams of pain echo around you as the other Wonderbolts all strike their targets

But you've pushed beyond, wings wide open and dragging you higher.

Your wings still and, at the peak of your glide, hold you steady. From your left side, you take the carbine from its cradle and sight in on a griffon who was floating in the air, stunned by the sudden attack.

The weapon in your hooves recoils and the overwhelmed avian plummets to join his fellows on the ground.

What griffons remain in the air after the alpha strike mill about in disarray that mirrors the chaos of their fellows in the infantry.

But you and your squadron continued to fire. Before long, the broken enemy wings away as fast as they can.

You take a moment and draw a long, shuddering breath. You and your friends had done it.

Below you, Luna's forces have engaged the flank of the enemy, ensuring there was no retreat for them.

But you weren’t done just yet.

You and your fellow Wonderbolts climb to higher altitudes to observe the movement of any reserves the griffons had.

But there were no more coming.

And suddenly, there is naught but silence over the fields.

Looking down, you see numerous griffons waving whatever white cloth they could find.

You're pretty sure one is even swinging his underwear wildly in the breeze.

A foalish giggle winds its way out of your throat, and a moment later you're laughing like a lunatic.

Soarin comes over to see what the fuss is about, and you simply point out the one griffon. He too joins you in a giggle fit, and it's not long before all of you are laughing like fools.

The battle had been won, and so easily! All that worrying, comforting ponies who were terrified to actually fight, staring sleeplessly into the night on watch praying that no ambush comes.

Eventually, the laughter subsides and you see Luna gesturing for you to come down.

As you lazily descend in a wide circle, you take in the remains of the griffon forces being rounded up.

You note, with a bit of squeamishness, the number of stretcher bearers coming onto the field.

Before long, you're standing before Luna, breathing heavily even as she smiles down at you.

“Excellent work, Commander Spitfire. You and your Wonderbolts did a fine job of shattering their aerial forces. We are most impressed. Take your squadron and get a meal and some rest, but do not let your guard down. We still have a city to capture.”

You snapped a salute to her smartly.

“Yes ma'am!”

Your voice echoes terribly inside the mouth guard you still haven't removed, and Luna stifles a giggle with a hoof.

Embarrassed, you remove the offending equipment, salute again, and trot away to join the rest of your fellows.

They've landed on the crest of a nearby hill, chatting amicably with each other. You see a great deal of gore coating their right sides, and you imagine you look much the same.

It was the main drawback to weapons like lances, but after today it was hard to debate their effectiveness.

The follow-up of climbing and shooting too was highly effective, and less dirty.

The Wonderbolts greet you with cheers as you climb up to them, and you take it with good grace.

“Yes, yes, I know how amazing I am already. Give it a rest.”

They chuckle at you, and you continue. “Alright, we've been ordered to grab some grub and take a breather. I guess we're leaving clean-up to the infantry. But don't drop your guard, we've still got a town to liberate and I bet hay to horseapples we're not stopping till we take Trottingham.”

Your audience nods solemnly, still smiling from the high of battle.

“Alright, get outta here. Rest up and be ready to go.”

They salute and responded as one.

”Yes ma'am!”

With that, they trotted past you, heading towards the trenches behind you.

You take a moment, staring at the city in the distance, and the banks and towers in front of it.

Yes, you had won a serious victory today, perhaps THE victory that would push the griffons out of your homeland.

But as you stared back at the carnage, seeing not just griffons on stretchers but ponies as well, you wonder just what that ultimate victory would cost.

Perhaps too much.

No that was impossible. We were right in this war, they attacked us first, you thought to yourself.

Glory to Equestria.

10: Into the Coals

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The clocks ticking is, mercifully, the only noise in the room right now.

I am Lord Anonymous, and I’ve been listening to the various ministers yell at me all morning.

It was only when we had convened today that I finally had told them of the ongoing military operation in Trottingham.

Certainly not that I thought they would give information to the enemy.

No, it was simply that I didn't trust them not to speak of it within earshot of less trustworthy ponies.

So until now, it was only me, Quill, and the military involved that knew of the battle of Trottingham.

Of course, my fellows took it to heart. Took it as a personal insult.

”You dared to approve a war plan without taking it to cabinet first? Do you plan on conducting a coup next?”

Flashy Image, minister of culture, ever the diva even in the face of something so minor.

”Fool, we could have organized supplies for this campaign far easier if you'd told us. Perhaps we could have even made way for more arms to be produced, but now who knows how they fare?”

Heavy Hammer, minister of industry, pragmatic but quite the worrywart and a micromanager to the core.

”Half of the new equipment was forced into early production. Who knows what kind of flaws could still be in their systems.”

Sharp Mind, minister of research, excellent at directing research where it needed to go, but totally neurotic and sure of failure, as if it was the only outcome.

And on and on with the rest, complaint after complaint, each one building on the case of the last.

But I sat there stoically, not letting my true annoyance show through.

I had placed my absolute trust in Stalwart Shield and Luna, they were experts of their craft and surely they would prevail. I had something the ministers lacked.

Faith.

As the clock continued ticking, I noticed Quill becoming more and more antsy.

Usually as cool and collected as the pair of us were in these situations, the mare has begun to subtly paw at the table, and her brow has a crease of worry.

It seems others in the room have noticed, their own nervous tics coming to the fore.

Even I had begun clicking my molars together, an old and terrible habit I had thought long gone.

Another ten minutes passed in silence, then Heavy Hammer jumps to his hooves

”So that's it then! We've committed our force to a doomed attack, and now we only have a few reserve troops and the Royal Guard left to defend ourselves. Brilliant work, human, by going around us you have ensured our defeat!”

I could see a vein pulsing in his forehead, and his hooves tremble on the table.

Taking a deep breath, I looked him directly in the eyes, my face tight with stress.

“You misunderstand, Mr. Hooves. As much secrecy as possible was absolutely required for this operation. The more ponies that know, the more ponies that can accidentally mention the wrong thing to the wrong being. Keeping you all in the dark was necessary till this point. Even now, I dare not discuss battle plans I was shown, in case the campaign drags on.”

He grit his teeth, but Flashy Image speaks before he can.

”And if our forces suffer defeat, what then?
You simply shrug your shoulders and carry on as though it never happened? No, Anonymous, you can rest assured that this little farce will be laid squarely at your feet.”

I had to restrain myself from lashing out. To that, I can had no response that was respectful, simply breathing deep to calm myself.

Eventually, Heavy Hooves sat back down, laying his head on the table.

The mood in the room has gone from tense to dismal in just a few moments. But, despite my nerves, I still had faith that the military will prevail.

They have to.

Moments later, the door to the minister chamber bursts open, and a tired looking pegasus wearing a Messenger Corps uniform bolts in and and snaps to attention.

He faced me and saluted sharply, then barked out his message in a precise, almost robotic manner.

“Sir, we've received a telegram addressed to you, high priority. Permission to proceed?”

I simply nodded at the exhausted pony.

He took a deep breath before practically shouting.

“Tyger, Tyger. Repeat, Tyger, Tyger.”

Oh thank god.

I stood from my seat at the head of the table, smiling ferociously at the assembled ministers.

“Ladies, gentlecolts, I am pleased to inform you that Operation Red Harbour has been successful. As of this moment, Trottingham is back under the control of Equestria and the enemy has been completely routed. Another operation is planned as soon as our valiant soldiers rearm and rest. I assure you, a follow up report will be on your desks soon. This meeting is adjourned.”

The room exploded into noise, all the ministers trying to shout over me.

But I simply turned and left, Quill following behind me. It's all I can do to not break into a run as I walked through the palace.

In a matter of seconds, I had gone from doubtful and nervous to ecstatic and already planning how to spin this.

I’d need to make an appearance in Trottingham to be sure. For the ponies, seeing their leader in their recently liberated city, confident and charismatic, would serve to make the next stage of the war more palatable.

My grin widens as I remembered the delivery from Rarity that had arrived only a few days past.

That suit was definitely going to strike a chord with my ponies.

After a while, I arrived at the war room in the East wing, walking in on an atmosphere of celebration.

When I entered, despite the cheer, the ponies there immediately snap to attention and saluted me.

My smile grows once more as I returned their salutes and then gestured for them to relax.

“Fine work, soldiers! Damn fine work! Capturing the city within two days of beginning the operation is nothing short of miraculous. I'll order the cooks to prepare a feast for you, it's the least I can do to reward your efforts.”

The staffs cheers redouble at the announcement, and I exit the room as quickly as I had entered while they roar in celebration.

They deserved this after all, why spoil it for them?

I breathed a long sigh as I head back to my room.

My heart thumps, beats like a war drum, making me eager to rush straight to the front and join in the fight. Just like how I used to…

And I can imagine the feeling will be much the same for the ponies when the liberation of Trottingham is announced.

On my way to my quarters, I spoke up to Quill.

“How soon do you think we can be in Trottingham?”

I heard her hum as she considers the answer.

”Well sir, by sea it will take a full day. An early train to a port, then taking a vessel across and we'll arrive late in the evening. It would be about half that time were we to take a pegasi chariot, but with the war, I wouldn't risk that even over areas we control.”

Nodding my head, I considered the options

Certainly air would be quicker, but as she said, the war made such transport riskier than I’d like.

Can’t have the ruler dying on them.

But a full day of travel wasn't conducive to the quick arrival in the city I wanted to have.

Suddenly, it struck me. I snapped my fingers

“What if we took a civilian train today? When does the next one leave for Manehattan?”

I heard her rustle some papers, surprisingly not questioning my thoughts.

“Forty minutes sir. We'd have ten minutes to prepare and be on our way to the station.”

I slowed down and looked at her.

“Alright Quill, in ten minutes we'll meet up at the main gates. Let's go!”

I took off sprinting down the halls, leaving a hesitant Quill in the dust.

Even leaving so suddenly, I knew that she would be ready before even I was, somehow.

Despite being an earth pony, that mare was damn near magical when it came to keeping time.

It took two long minutes for my headlong sprint to bring me to my room, and left a trail of confused servants in my wake.

But I didn’t care, I thought to myself as I stuffed well folded clothes into a suitcase.

I was giddy as a child, and no number of weird looks could stop that. Another five minutes, and I’m sprinting from my room, a change of my regular suits and the special outfit from Rarity packed away safely into my suitcase.

I skid to a halt before a serving cart, remembering my earlier promise to the military staff.

Letting out a quick breath, I spoke quickly.

“Pass this message along to the chefs, they're to prepare a celebratory banquet. Ensure the ministers and general staff are all invited to attend. Understand?”

The two stunned unicorns nodded in unison, and I almost took off once more, determined to finally be earlier than Quill.

But I needed something else from these mares. One last thing before I went to Trottingham.

I had a certain… request.

“Also, could you pass along a message for Heavy Hammer to have a new type of weapon made specially for me? I have the blueprint in my quarters, you may grab it.”

I arrived in front of the gates, heaving for breath. It was about time I got back in shape. Last time I was happy about how I looked, I was still fighting for Uncle Sam.

After the war, I promised to myself, I’ll have Quill schedule an hour for exercise every day.

No matter how early or late it was! But only after the war.

Grinning to myself, I looked around and didn’t see Quill anywhere nearby.

I had finally done it, I had beaten the mistress of schedules to a timing.

Oh how sweet victory would be when I--

”Ah, you've arrived sir, and a full minute early! Let's be on our way then.”

For once, I was glad I didn’t have the appearance of a pony. At least like this, I didn't have ears that would be pressed against my head in despair

“Sir?”

I patted her head and began walking down the road.

“Let's be going, Quill. No time to waste.”

She smiled up at me, and trotted along beside me.

It's not a quick pace, but we managed to arrive at the train station with plenty of time to spare.

Quill goes to the counter and orders a pair of tickets to Manehattan, and I took a seat on one of the benches.

Almost immediately, I was aware of the stares from the other ponies waiting for the train.

For a moment, I was confused, but I quickly remembered that I was not exactly inconspicuous in a land of pastel ponies. No matter what they called me. I was their ruler after all, they wouldn’t dare to speak down to me.

But that was no problem, as I simply grin amicably and wave to those who are staring.

Celestia probably had to deal with the same things when she was in charge, though it was likely easier for her given that she at least looked like a pony.

As Quill comes and say beside me, a few of the bystanders timidly approached.

They asked questions about the war, about what's going on with the military, if I know when their son will be home since he had already missed a few dinners.

I deftly deflected the questions, speaking of military security, and reassuring them that as soon as resolution came, it would be back to business as usual.

Another lie of course. But it seemed I was pretty good at that.

They seem satisfied with the answers and go about what they were doing before, leaving me and Quill waiting quietly.

It's not long at all before the train pulls into the station.

Quill and I got on as soon as the arriving crowd thins, and a conductor shows us to our seats in an economy car.

Couldn’t pay for some luxury apparently.

The two of us sat on a firmly cushioned bench, and I tried to get comfortable in the furniture made for beings half my size.

Quill gave me an apologetic gaze.

“There weren't any other tickets left, sir.”

Made sense, this was a last minute decision.

I waved her remorseful words away and gave her a warm smile.

“It was my idea to leave so suddenly. But this way we ought to arrive in the city around noon tomorrow, right?”

She nodded her head and began scratching a quill on a sheet a paper.

I left Quill to her notes and namesake, shutting my eyes as the train slowly chugs away from the station.

As I tried to rest, my worries prickled me in spite of the incredible news of the day. Certainly, the liberation of Trottingham was a great victory, perhaps decisive in nature.

But how many more would there have to be before the war finally ended?.

It's early in the morning, I and a very sleepy Quill have boarded a military ship in Manehattan bound for Trottingham.

It was part of a resupply convoy, and they were more than happy to have us aboard.

Or just me, at least.

The Captain even gave up his quarters to us two. What a kind stallion! I’d be sure to remember that Captain Surehoof deserved a raise.

After the rather painful half day on the train, I certainly wasn’t going to complain about a bit of extra cushion.

Still, I had managed to get a bit of sleep on the ride.

Not like Quill, who stayed up for the entire trip, then what was left of the night we arrived

She told me it was all to make the schedule as efficient as possible.

I’m pretty sure I saw her drawing, though.

Of course, I wasn’t going to admit to her I had peeked over her shoulder once or twice.

That would be stupid, never mind that it would go against the very nature of a politician to admit to any perceived wrongdoing.

From what I saw, she was pretty good at it though.

Not to mention a very lewd little pony. If I were to talk to her about it, I’d ask where she learned to draw like that.

But I certainly hadn't watched for any longer than five minutes. Probably

Whatever the reason she hadn't rested, it made for a very tired, grumpy mare.

As soon as the boat sounded its horn and set sail with the other ships, she took to the bed and laid down with a huff.

”Damn that train and its uncomfortable seating, I couldn't get a wink!”

I sat on the bed beside her, dropping my suitcase at the foot of it.

“You could have slept when we got into town. We had a good three hours until the ship was set to sail.”

She shakes her head and rolls onto her back.

”I know my luck, sir. I'd have overslept and you wouldn't have been able to wake me up and been forced to board the ship alone.”

I cocked an eyebrow at her.

“That's a very specific this to be afraid of.”

She gave me a strangely whimsical smile.

”I have very specific dreams.”

I scratched the tuft of fur that puffed out from her chest.

She let out a contented coo as I scratch, her breath slowing. This pony has to be half cat.

“Very peculiar ones too.”

She lets out a little giggle, truly relaxing for the first time since the war began.

”I'm a very peculiar pony, Anon.”

She definitely was. Peculiar to make me think twice about my beliefs about a human-pony relationship.

I still couldn’t commit to it yet. It just seemed so wrong. Like a violation of the natural order.

Shacking those thoughts away, I grinned, enjoying the easy banter.

“I'll say. Who else could I find that enjoys making schedules so much?”

She snickers again, giving me a cheeky smile.

“Who else could you find that would actually manage to keep you on schedule?”

I scratched my chin, as if pondering a deep question.

“Well, I suppose I could get one of the guards to, I hear they're quite good at keeping timings.”

Quill pushes a hoof against my side, her face twisting into mock disgust.

“I suppose you could if you wanted him to follow you everywhere, even the toilet.”

Now it was my turn to give her a smug grin.

“Come now, a mare can be a guard as well.”

She scrunches her muzzle in annoyance at my comment. It takes her a moment, and I realized that I finally had gained the upper hand.

”I suppose so, but imagine what kind of battle axe she'd be. I mean, what kind of mare goes into a line of work like that willingly?”

“A true Equestrian patriot.”

Both of us shared a laugh, and the conversation lapses into a cheery silence.

I leaned back against the hull as the boat gently rocks, massaging Quill's chest as she hums contentedly.

After a while laying in silence, Quill speaks up in a quiet, timid tone.

”You wouldn't actually replace me, right?”

I almost riposte her with a snide remark.

But something in her tone, some deep kind of insecurity perhaps, stops me from making a mockery of it.

“Of course not, Quill. I'm a firm believer in not fixing what isn't broken.”

She huffed quietly and nodded her head in affirmation.

”Good, I don't want to go around trying to get a new job.”

Her tone suggested she's simply brushing it off as an extension to my earlier teasing. But her face suggests she's genuinely relieved.

I pulled her onto my lap and started stroking her mane gently.

She lets out a little 'eep' as I did so, but soon settled into the new position.

After a while relaxing in my lap, Quill opens her mouth and lets out a ferocious yawn.

I chuckled and mussed her mane.

“Ought to catch up on your sleep. We'll be in Trottingham before you know it, and I need somepony to keep me on time.”

She smiled and nodded at me slowly.

”Yeah, I suppose I could do with a nap. Promise you won't leave me on the ship?”

I booped her muzzle, much to her annoyance, and smiled warmly.

“Of course not, don't be silly. Now get some sleep.”

She snorts and lays her head down on my lap, yawning again. It's not long before she's fast asleep, her ears flicking as the boat continues to rock like a cradle.

I let out a yawn as well.

The short, uncomfortable nap on the train hadn't been enough, and the excitement of yesterday was finally catching up with me.

Shifting Quill to the side, I laid down in the bed and curl myself around her so we both fit.

It still felt wrong, but slowly I was starting to accept this. It’s not like any more humans would be as unlucky, or lucky, as I was.

She nuzzled against my chest, letting out a long sigh.

As I begin to nod off, Quill's mane burying my face, I know we’ll be in Trottingham before we know it.

But for now, I would enjoy this time with my sweet secretary.

I still have to question if these thoughts are mine. When did I find ponies cute?

Once more, I cast away the thoughts. A philosophical debate could wait for the morning.

The blaring of ship horns brought me out of my comfortable nap.

I blinked away the sleep encrusting my eyes and sat up in the miniature bed, stretching my limbs and yawning.

Quill stirred beside me, standing and stretching out like a cat.

I scratched behind her ears, and she pushed her head against my attentive fingers.

“Did you sleep well, Quill?”

She nods her head silently, hopping off the bed and walking over to the dresser of the cabin.

I stood from the bed as she begins brushing her mane.

I’m rather impressed that she's able to do it so well without any magic to assist her.

Or hands.

Even managing to style it into a neat ponytail, all without the kind of dexterity I'd expect that to need.

I waited my turn, taking out my straight razor in the meantime. Finally I would get a chance to shave.

Needed to look presentable for my troops.

It doesn't take long for Quill to finish up, nor for me to clear the stubble from my cheeks.

I shooed her from the cabin and open up my suitcase.

I knew we’ll be pulling into the harbor soon, I can hear the faint echoing of other ships responding to the blares of my own ship horn.

When we arrive, I figured that I ought to arrive looking the part of a leader though.

Certainly, my old suits had been enough for working in the foreign ministry, even as the head minister I hadn't been expected to meet with anyone above my office position.

But now I was the ruler, and I figured that I needed to look the part.

As I took out Rarity's creation and looked it over again, I couldn’t help but whistle.

It more than looked the part of a regal outfit. The suit, no the uniform, was made of stark white cloth, softer than silk to the touch, but surprisingly elastic.

On the shoulder were two gold coloured epaulettes with great curtains of bullion fringe hanging from them. The cuffs and seams too were gold in colour, as was a long, braided sash of rope that ran from shoulder to waist.

On the right breast of the uniform, a large sun in the style of Celestia's cutie mark was embroidered, invoking the lineage I now represented.

A peaked cap with a badge of the Equestrian crest and laurels around the brim and a pair of white gloves were worn alongside the ensemble. Were this outfit any color but white, it would cut an imposing image of tyranny. But it was a cream white, representing the purity of my rule.

At least, that’s what I told myself.

And finally, a pair of jet black jackboots were worn over the pants, coming to mid knee, the toes polished to a mirror finish.

It was a striking uniform, not truly gaudy, but certainly created with letting ponies know who I was at even a sidelong glance.

For the first time, I donned the uniform.

I was surprised by how comfortable it is, and incredibly light. It fit me like a glove, not astonishing given that Rarity had insisted on getting my measurements the last time I was in town.

I held the cap at my waist and looked at myself in the mirror.

It’s so beautiful. It's even better than I’d ever hoped it to be.

The figure I cut was striking, especially with my natural height.

This uniform was more than fitting for my role, and even better to present myself to the ponies of the newly liberated Trottingham. Without delaying any further, I walked outside onto the busy deck, suitcase in hand.

Quill, upon seeing me, freezes in her tracks, seemingly stunned by the new outfit.

The captain of the vessel, Captain Surehoof if I could recall, who had been conversing with her, snapped sharply to attention and salutes me hastily.

I returned the salute and gave the two a devilish grin.

“It's a good look, eh?”

After looking me up and down slowly, Quill returned my smile.

“I couldn't agree more sir. It's about time you had some clothes befitting your new station.”

The two of us walked towards the bow of the ship, returning the hasty salutes of ratings as we passed them by.

Finally we arrived, and just in time to catch a spectacular view of the Trottingham port as the ship begins to pull in.

The harbour is a truly massive affair, befitting the role of the city as a trade port between Equestra, the Crystal Empire, and the griffons.

Of course they would attack this city first, it was the lifeblood to Equestrian trade.

Around the mouth of the port, and prowling its waters, various armed ships-of-the-line and ironclads belch smoke from their boilers into the fresh sea air.

I noted the turrets on one ironclad tracking my ship as it sailed into the harbor proper.

For an enemy, it would be an imposing sight.

For me, it reminds me of the warships back on Earth.

It bellowed its horn, as if warning us against doing anything foolish in the city.

As the ship passes through the mouth into the bay of the harbour, the view becomes even further crowded.

The tall masts of the sailing ships clutter the sky, and the cries of hundreds of gulls pollute the air.

Looking towards the shore, I could see a number of captured griffon ships, their distinctive construction sticking out among the more conventional Equestrian vessels.

Beneath the waves, dark silhouettes of sunken and scuttled vessels litter the entire area.

It truly illustrated just how dominant Equestria was on the seas, and despite the victory here, that may be the only guaranteed place of power.

The griffons had underestimated us, and now they had woken the sleeping giant.

It reminded me of America and Japan.

Just how outclassed Japan was when America had turned its full might towards them.

History repeats itself, after all.

In the distance, thick clouds of smoke billow outside the city, and the breeze carries the scent of burnt fat. The scent of death.

A reminder of the battle that occurred only days ago.

That would certainly be one of the first things I’d ask about once ashore.

The shouts of sailors and wharf hands echo over the noise of the gulls, calling for mooring line to be set

As the deckhands hurry about securing the vessel, a ramp is lowered to the dock below.

The captain comes and guides me and Quill out of the way and to the dock.

“Thank you for having us aboard, captain. I wish you all the best in your voyages.”

The elder stallion smiles and salutes me.

“Thank you sir, a pleasure having you along for the trip. You’ve done a number for morale for my crew.”

With that, he turns back and begins directing the crew, and I turned to greet the two stunned soldiers at the end of the pier.

I approached them with a calm smile and wave away the hasty salutes they throw up.

“Relax, troops. Could you point us in the direction of your headquarters? We'd like to congratulate the commanders personally.”

They look at each other, nervous, and one of the two speaks up hesitantly.

“I can escort you there sir, if you'd like. This city is a bit of a maze.”

I clasped my hands together.

“Splendid! Let's be on our way then.”

With another salute, the private that had offered to escort me turned about and started walking into town.

Quill and I began to follow him, and the slow pace he sets gives us some time to admire the scenery.

The buildings are quite reminiscent of old port towns back on Earth, all thick timbers and stone.

Around the wharf, they buildings crowd together, but they thin out as I moved further in town. The ponies I passed by gape at me, some of the younger fillies and colts smiling and cheering as I passed them by.

It still surprises me sometimes how easily recognized I am.

That was why I went on tour, I supposed.

People need to recognize their ruler at a glance.

For a city that had gone through two sieges in the span of a month, Trottingham is remarkably intact.

Only one or two buildings I save had sustained serious damage, and only a few more have smaller scars of battle.

The fighting must have not taken place inside the city proper, or if it had, it had all been repaired quickly.

Here and there, I saw work crews of griffons in tattered uniforms, cleaning the streets, repairing some damage, or even tilling gardens.

All under heavy guard, of course.

The soldiers are stoic and professional, snapping quick salutes when I passed them, but never took an eye off their wards.

Good, they’re punishment would come eventually. Until then, might as well work them.

Eventually, we came to the center of town and lay eyes on the city hall.

Here, I finally see where the fighting really happened.

The plaza is heavily damaged, craters all over the stonework, the fountain shattered. The building is half burned down and lined with sandbags and wooden obstacles.

It seems this was the last stand of what few soldiers the town had garrisoned in it when the griffons arrived.

Judging by just how much damage there was, they must have held out for quite some time before finally giving up.

I’d be sure to commemorate their valiant efforts.

Maybe a statue or two would do.

The guards outside the building ushered me inside, and more damage is revealed.

Bullet strikes all over the walls and floor, burn damage everywhere, and most doors clearly blown off their hinges

It will be quite the effort to fix it, but I’m sure the ponies of Trottingham are up to the task.

The guards guided me to an intact set of heavy oak doors, struck but unbroken by stray rounds.

I raised my fist and knocked heavily on the door, and the noise echoes in the long halls

The hinges creaked, and the doors open to reveal an exhausted looking Luna.

When she laid her eyes on me, her face brightens and a great smile grows on her face.

She pushes the doors fully open, revealing a great table with a number of officers around it with a sweeping motion of her foreleg

”Welcome to Trottingham, Anonymous.”

11: Requiem for the Dead

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I returned her smile and clapped a hand on her withers.

“Thanks Luna. And congratulations on taking the city so quickly. The ministers were near in conniptions when I left.”

Her smile grew more malicious as I mentioned the ministers.

”They couldn't handle being left in the dark, hm?”

I just nodded and stepped inside the room.

The meeting table was covered with a large map of the city that's been littered with all sorts of markings.

The rest of the room is crowded with all sorts of electronic and assorted materiel.

I instantly recognized a telegraph station and some bulky radio machinery crowding up half the room.

Magic really has carried these ponies advancements for too long.

Most of the remaining space is occupied by various crates, which several of the officers have taken as their seats.

I joined them at the table, meeting each of their eyes in turn.

“Gentlecolts. First of all, let me extend my congratulations to you as well. Your professionalism, dedication, and courage has ensured a swift end to the griffon occupation of Trottingham.”

Nods occurred all around and some happy muttering was heard.

I allowed them to quiet down before continuing.

“But don't rest easy. We have merely taken back what was ours. The Griffon Empire will not stop until they have taken it from us once more. We must continue to push them back, and make it so they do not threaten our country and its citizens again.”

The response this time is louder and far more firm.

The officers at the table, and even the technicians manning the machinery shout their approval.

I grinned at the response and raised my hands for quiet.

“I am confident that the general staff have developed a strategy that is sure to bring our nation to victory. And I am confident that your bravery and skill shall bring it to fruition.”

A resounding 'yes sir' echoes in the chamber.

I gestured to Luna who comes over to my side.

“Well then, princess, if you wouldn't terribly mind I'd like to see the site of the battle.”

Luna smiles at me and gave the officers an apologetic look.

”Of course Anonymous. I'd be more than happy to show you around.”

I returned my gaze to the officers seated around the map table.

“I'm sorry to cut my time short troops, but there's quite a bit of business to attend to. And I'm sure you have your own duties to attend. Good day.”

I turned and walked from the room as they salute, followed by Quill and Luna.

The three of us do our best to avoid the well populated halls, neither of us wanting to be held up by anything.

Eventually, we reached the foyer and leave without pause.

As we walk through the streets towards the exit of the city, I caught up with Luna.

“So it only took you a day to recapture the city. How in the world did you accomplish that? Surely the griffons were dug in.”

Luna chuckles as we passed by a building with a large hole in the wall.

”Indeed they were, like a tick. But just as with ticks, we simply applied a liberal amount of heat. The plan to lure them out worked incredibly well. We drew near half their forces into the ambush and further damaged their morale and support base with a full night of artillery fire. Those new guns easily outranged the griffon cannons and made it a breeze to harass them all through the evening. Come the morn, it was a simple thing to encircle them, even with their defense built so in depth. They simply did not have enough troops to cover their defenses thoroughly.”

My eyes widened at her descriptions of the situation.

“Surely you're exaggerating. Was the expectation not that they would only commit a light force to the pursuit?”

Luna nods eagerly, grinning like a wolf.

”That was indeed what we'd though. According to the general in charge of their force 'the blasted fools thought they could have an easy victory were blinded to the very idea they could be beaten.' He's quite the clever strategist, actually. We would do well to learn from the techniques he's employed here.”

I’m not sure whether I was more surprised at the plan working so flawlessly, or that Luna was praising a griffon.

Before this battle, she had long advocated an invasion and total takeover of their country. The only way to ensure a permanent peace' she had argued.

And though I didn't disagree, I knew that it would just create more enemies for the future, so I’d taken her idea with a grain of salt.

“What sort of strategies do you mean?”

As we reached the edge of the city, she gestured to the field in front of me.

Though churned up with shell craters, it's immediately apparent what she means. Perhaps half a mile ahead, though clearly visible, a large series of dugouts has been worked into the landscape.

Some are still filled in with the wreckage of a cannon, and connecting them all is a long, snaking trench line.

The trench worms its way around the city until it vanishes from my sight at both ends.

Dear lord.

They made trench warfare.

Immediately ahead of me is a tall observation tower, pockmarked with shrapnel scars but otherwise untouched.

A series of flags hang from it, but the centerpiece is a large, white cloth draped from the roof.

“That was an officer's tower?”

Her grin grows as she stares up at it.

”The general's in fact. He stayed up there to the bitter end of the fighting when I suppose he'd had enough of his troops dying. In some ways, it takes a braver stallion to surrender than to fight to extermination.”

Her grin falters and her eyes seem to be seeing something a thousand miles away

I gently tapped her shoulder, and she shook herself out of it.

”Anyway, his initial defense would have been much harder to defeat, and probably would have taken weeks and cost many more lives. The deployment of his guns is such that each one can fire grapeshot and essentially cover the entire line. And of course, between each gun is an astonishing number of infantry. What's more, there was a further garrison inside the city itself, ready to reinforce the line when necessary.”

I whistled quietly, impressed by the thought of just how many griffons had been defending the city.

“It's a good thing everything worked as planned then. What were the final tallies for casualties?”

Luna, stood for a moment.

She looked up, clearly trying to recall the exact number

”I believe it was four hundred ponies lost, and a further eight hundred forty-three wounded. The griffons took far more casualties due to their charges, with 1352 dead and 4980 wounded or missing. Their aerial forces alone took perhaps eighty percent of their strength in casualties. It was a good thing I was approved to bring the Wonderbolts, they did more than their share of damage.”

Ah, good.

“But there was also another slight problem.”

I turned to Luna, giving her a quizzical look.

“The Royal Guardsmen that had been attached to our forces didn’t listen to orders from anyone who wasn’t a noble. We could’ve have a much lower casualty count if they had listened.

That wasn’t very good, I’d need to deal with that later.

But I had to push that thought aside.

As I approached the trench, I noticed numerous pillars of black smoke rising in the distance.

I recalled what I had meant to find out as I was coming into the port.

I gestured towards off towards the pillars of smoke while speaking.

“What's going on over there.”

Luna turns her head to follow my gesture, and I could see her jaw tighten.

”The griffons requested they be allowed to tend to their dead as tradition dictated. We allowed it, of course. Do not worry, we have a great number of soldiers keeping watch over it, but it seems they have no intention of trying to escape.”

I nodded in understanding, it would have been unlike the ponies to deny such a thing. At the very least, they were taking precautions

Luna turned her gaze up to me, nervously tracing circles in the earth with a hoof.

”Anonymous...what do you plan to do with these enemy soldiers? We have them in work parties, but after that we don't have any idea where to house so many. There are nearly eight thousand left, and the ponies of Trottingham certainly won't allow them to quarter in their city.”

I scratched my chin, pondering the question as the smoke in the distance thickens.

It was something that not even I had considered until now.

“Perhaps we can set up some sort of camp outside the city? We could put them to work tilling the soil and planting short harvest crops. That would keep them busy and prevent any food shortages should this war drag into the winter. And I'm certain we could bring a detachment of guards from the mainland so as to not tie up the bulk of our forces. We'll need soldiers to garrison in the city anyway.”

She nods and returns her gaze to the horizon.

“Perhaps so, I'll bring it up with the officers and I'm certain we'll figure it out before leaving the city. Of course, you'll have the final say in it if you wish.”

I held up my hands to her.

“No no, I trust you and the officers to make a good decision. I was never in charge of holding prisoners. I don't know anything about keeping prisoners, so better to leave that to people with some understanding of it.”

She nods and smiles approvingly.

Most of the military had been quite happy about my approach to their craft.

For the most part, I had let them run everything as they saw fit, so long as they submitted major proposals for review first.

It seemed they were used to a tight leash. Celestia simply had to control everything.

“Say Luna, what was the military like before Nightmare Moon?”

Her body goes rigid, and I immediately cursed at myself for my wording.

“Excuse me, Anonymous?”

I held up my hands to forestall any snap she may have.

“I mean what was it like say, two thousand years ago? How was it run and stuff like that?”

She relaxed a touch, her face softening a bit.

”Ah, well, my sister left that mostly to me. I was quite happy with the arrangement if I'm entirely honest. We enjoyed many years of security and overall peace, outside small incursions from the likes of diamond dogs and the occasional dragon raid.”

She blushed and scuffed her hoof on the grass.

“I will admit, I tended to...micromanage a bit. And according to Stalwart Shield, my sister did as well, even after the reformation. He quite enjoys the breathing room, by the way.”

I smiled at her, then sat down on the grass.

“I'm more than happy to let him and the officer corps run the war. I'm merely here to set a firm objective and take the blame if anything terrible happens.”

Luna chuckles and joins me on the grass, her eyes glossing as she stares towards the forest

I plucked at the strands of grass, and Quill laid her head on one of my legs, heedless of Luna's presence.

For her part, Luna doesn't question the closeness of the two of us.

It's refreshing to not have to hide my affection, for once.

Together, we watched the smoke begin to fade in the dimming sky

The day hadn't been very eventful, but it certainly had passed quickly.

I looked over at Luna, and I noticed a shining tear fall from one of her eyes.

And more quickly started to follow.

Gently, I had place da hand on her withers, and her head snapped around to face me.

Her eyes are glistening with tears and red rimmed. But just the same, she's not looking at me, her gaze is far away from where I was now.

Her voice is quiet and shaky, when she speaks up

”I didn't meant to do it, I swear. It was just too much, you understand right? It was all too much for me to do alone.”

She may as well have been talking Hebrew for all I understood.

But even without understanding why she was crying, I simply kept stroking her back, from the base of her neck to her tail, gentle and repetitive.

She continues to babble, and I continue to comfort her.

Quill had fallen asleep at some point, and Luna hadn't woken her up with her sobbing.

I’m quite glad for that.

Slowly, to not disturb the sleeping pony on my lap, I pulled Luna closer and shushed her, stroking her mane with a calm hand.

Eventually, she quiets down, her quiet sobs giving way to shaky breathing. As the sun drops below the horizon, she's calmed down to a steadier place

But neither of us move or speak.

I’m comfortable with that, if I’m being honest with myself.

I’ll wait with her as long as I must

After a long time, I felt Luna pull away from me.

The tone of her voice makes it clear she's fully recovered from...whatever that breakdown was.

”Thank you, Anonymous. It goes without saying that you don't mention this to anypony.”

I gave her a smile and ruffled her mane playfully.

“Of course not Luna.”

She returns the smile and nuzzles my hand.

After a moments pause, she looks to the rising moons

“We had best be getting back to the city now.”

I nod and gave Quill a gentle shake to rouse her.

She stirs and rises from my lap, stretching her limbs and back with a yawn.

“You go ahead with Quill, I want to enjoy the night air for a bit longer.”

Quill gives me a questioning gaze, but says nothing as Luna gestures her along.

They were so very understanding.

So they’d hopefully understand what I was going to do soon.

I took a moment and stared off towards the forest, noting the blaze of pyres had subsided to a faint glow.

It's hard to believe the day had passed so quickly. But here I was, alone under the moon, feeling the night breeze on my cheeks.

After a few minutes, I stood and began to walk along the trenches.

I had a strange desire to see firsthand what my approval had wrought on the land.

The stark glow of the full moon, accompanied by the faint lights of the city, cast the trenches in an eerie light.

The shadows of blown-up cannons stretched in twisted forms, unknown but obvious stains denote things best left unthought.

After a few moments of walking, my route had ground to a halt.

In front of me laid a crater, unlike any of the others that dot the landscape.

It's gargantuan in size to the others.

Even in the dark, I can see it's easily twenty meters across and at least half that deep.

As the sounds of clanking chains drift by on the breeze, I knelt down at the edge of the veritable sinkhole.

I ran my fingers through the dirt of the pit, rubbing a pinch between the tips.

It feels like… glass?

Yes, it felt like crushed glass, all hard edges and corners.

”Inspecting your handiwork?”

A quiet but commanding voice behind me gave me a start and I leapt to my feet, spinning to face the speaker.

I saw, just a few feet behind me, was an older looking griffon in chains and flanked by two bored looking soldiers.

The griffon is dressed in an ornate, if tattered, uniform decorated with all manner of gilded thread and medals lining its breast.

“General den Tann, I presume.”

I can see his teeth glinting in the moonlight, and he gave me a short bow.

“As you say, and judging by your non-pony appearance and the wild descriptions Alistair has waxed about many times at meetings, you must be Anonymous.”

I raised my hands in mock surrender.

“Guilty as charged, sir.”

He scratches the feathers under his beak, looking me up and down.

Sizing me up, it feels like.

”Indeed, though I must say any being who can vex that pompous mule of a griffon cannot be so bad as one may think.”

I shrugged my shoulders, perhaps not the most eloquent gesture but I had long run out of steam to act my part of a leader today.

“I certainly try. I will admit to a small amount of pleasure in frustrating him.”

The general's smile shrinks as he comes to stand beside me, staring into the depths of the crater.

“I must say though, you must see us as a grave threat to unleash such destruction on us.”

I followed his gaze and see the moonlight shimmering on the glassy earth of the pit

“I don't know what you mean, sir. My troops had guns and rifles, nothing more.”

His voice grows grim and filled with venom

“No, you had a goddess.”

It had finally clicked together for me.

The crying.

The apology.

She did this.

This was Luna's work.

“What happened here, general?”

He sighed and sat on the grass, motioning for me to join him.

I do, and he looks up at the moon, then begins his tale.

“It started when those damnable upstart commanders on the flank ordered a charge. I did my best to order them back, but they either did not see or ignored my flags. And then they got themselves outflanked and annihilated. My entire order of battle had to be shifted, ranks thinned, reinforcements forced to the front early. A bloody mess.”

He scratches at the glassy dirt, drawing an outline of the front.

“Then an entire night of being blasted by your artillery and ships. It didn't cause many casualties directly, but not one soldier could get a wink of sleep. And as if things couldn't possibly get worse, coming right on the heels of the dawn, a full assault. I deployed my cuirrasiers immediately, but, and I cannot believe I'm saying this, they were outflown and beaten inside four minutes. You have some fine lancers, sir.”

His tone becomes bitter once more as he carries on.

”Besides the aerial combat, we were managing to hold down rather well. Somehow even the flanks stayed intact. But no good thing lasts forever. She came from the night side, like a black valkyrie. The first spell from her annihilated this flank, there was nothing to recover of the griffons who were stationed here. Four guns, their crews, and near fifty griffons in the trench, gone in a heartbeat. Once I saw that, I broke. I would not, could not, subject my troops to a massacre of that nature. The flag was struck, and we laid down our arms.”

He stared into the pit, a mix of shame and sorrow twisting his face.

”I wondered what sort of being could order such butchery, but it seems you had no idea what you had wrought. I hope you have some understanding of the power under you, Anonymous. Good night.”

Without another word, he turns away and walks back to the city with his two guards.

I’m left alone at the crater, the sounds of the night drifting gently on the breeze.

It's hard for me to digest the words of the griffon general.

Surely is was just some sort of mine that the ponies had laid the night before.

Even an alicorn couldn't bring this much magic to bear.

Whatever this was had turned the earth to glass, and there was simply no remains of anything inside the crater.

Not even bones…

But what else besides magic could it be?

Perhaps some team of unicorns had enchanted an artillery shell with fire magic?

I can't be sure, but it can't be Luna.

This is what I told myself as I slowly meander back to town.

Putting my hands in my pockets, I found a small scrap of paper

‘Albatross Inn', it must be where I’m staying the night

Incredible that Quill had managed to get this into my pocket without me noticing.

And that she knew where in town to stay.

Though, she had been Celestia's scheduler for a solid five years before she fulfilled the same role for me.

So I wandered through the streets in the harsh glow of lamps, looking for my quarters.

It doesn't take too long to find, it's quite near the city hall in fact.

I walked inside and found myself in a rather quiet bar, a tired looking barkeep wiping down the counter.

As I approached, he noticed me and puts on a wide, if false, smile.

“Good evening, sir! Princess Luna and your other companion have already checked in. You're in the Monarch Room, top floor, can't miss it sir!”

The monarch room? Kind of trying a little hard there pal.

He placed a key on the bar in front of him and goes straight back to cleaning.

As much as I’d like a stiff drink, I can’t fault him for trying to close up, it's late.

So I simply thanked him, took the key, and headed up the stairs at the back of the room.

At the end of the stairs is an out-of-place, ornate door with an emblem of the sun on it.

The barkeeper was right, I really couldn't miss it.

As quiet as I could, I opened the door and walked inside the room.

In the moonlight through the window, I saw my friends laying on the single, massive bed in the suite.

One bed.

For three people.

It’s too late to cause a fit, so I just sighed and walked in.

Tiptoeing, I grabbed my suitcase and went into the bathroom.

As quiet as I could, I changed from my grand uniform into my simple sleepwear.

Despite my mind still racing from what the general had said, I couldn’t deny how tired I was.

So putting aside my uneasy thoughts about Luna, I slipped into bed between the two mares.

Silently, Quill rolls over and nuzzles against my chest, and I felt one of Luna's wings lay on top of me.

It takes me nearly an hour to find the sleep I craved.

12: A Small Peace

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Despite filling in for the Goddess of the sun, I’d never been one for early rising, sleeping as long as I possibly could was more my speed.

But for some reason, I find myself rising with the dawn, and unable to get back to sleep.

Luna had shifted during the night, furling her wings around herself and curling into a ball.

Quill now had her back to me, but was still pressed tight against my chest.

Smoothly, quietly, I crawled out of bed and grabbed a shirt and slacks from my suitcase.

I wasn’t planning on going out, but my stomach was growling audibly.

There was a bar downstairs. I wonder if they had breakfast?

I opened the door silently and tread lightly down the stairs to the pub on the ground floor.

Just as last night, a barkeeper is wiping down the counter with a cloth.

The only difference is this one is a mare.

She notices me and gives a matronly smile.

”Good morning, sir. How did you find your room?”

I took a seat at the bar and returned her smile

“It was quite comfortable, thank you. I'm rather surprised beds as large as the one up there even exist.”

She giggles and sets the cloth down, grabbing a glass from behind the counter.

“So what can I get for you this morning, coffee, tea, something perhaps a bit stronger?”

She wiggles her eyebrows at the last part, making me chuckle.

“I'd best not start on that so early, I won't stop. Just a coffee will be fine, perhaps with some honey.”

She nods and gestures to a jar of honey with a wooden spoon before turning to get my drink.

When she sets the coffee down in front of me, she gives me another smile.

”Perhaps some breakfast as well? I have some fresh bread that I made just this morning, still warm!”

I nodded, considering what to eat.

Something simple and quick to make would probably be best.

“How about some scrambled eggs and a couple slices of that bread.”

She nods her head, grinning widely.

“Comin' right up, hon!”

She walks to the back, and I heard the sound of hooves on the stairs.

Without speaking, Quill hops up on the stool beside me.

She looked at me with tired eyes, then looks down at my coffee.

I didn’t say a word, simply pushing the cup over to her.

Quill gave me a tired smile and takes a small sip, grimacing at the bitter taste but looking all the more awake for it.

“I didn’t get to add honey yet. Sorry.”

Quill just put the cup back down.

The barkeep comes back and smiled at me and Quill.

“Well look who's come to join us. I'll get you another coffee sir, and would you like anything to eat dear?”

Quill shook her head and, after putting another coffee in front of me, the bartender returns to the kitchen

I dole a copious amount of honey into the black liquid and take a long draught.

Perfect.

It doesn't take long for the mare to come out of the kitchen with my food.

She places the plate in front of me, smiling all the while.

”Just holler if you need anything else.”

Man, this mare was just all smiles. It’s nice to see people being happy. Especially the ones that lived in Trottingham.

With that, she leaves me and Quill alone.

Quill continues to drink my--, her coffee as I gazed down at my meal.

The eggs are perfectly scrambled and the heap on the plate is properly massive.

Two slices of golden, fluffy bread lay on top of it, smeared with rich looking butter.

I couldn't imagine a more gorgeous breakfast.

Out of the corner of my eye, Quill was gazing longingly at the plate.

With a sigh, I handed a slice of the bread to her.

Women.

Even back on Earth they always said they didn’t want anything, just to take my food instead.

Some things never change.

No way was I giving her more than that though.

And so, we both tucked in to our separate meal.

Despite the giant portion, it barely takes a few minutes to finish it all, and before long I’m left with an empty plate and full belly.

Content, I leaned back on the stool, sighing as I finish the last of my coffee.

Quill looks pointedly up at me, then at the door, and back to me.

It doesn't take a genius to figure out what she wanted.

With another sigh, I placed a few bits on the bar, enough to cover the meal and give a healthy tip on top of that.

“You know Quill, you can talk. Stop miming what you want”

Having paid for the food, I left the inn with Quill trailing behind me.

The two of us wandered the streets for a time, quietly enjoying the early morning sun coming over the rooftops of the town.

After a while, I took a seat on a park bench, warming myself in the now fully risen sun.

Quill keeps a bit of distance between the two of us, but eventually speaks up with a quiet voice.

”You ought to make a speech today, sir.”

I looked over at her lazily.

“What makes you say that?”

She looks back, her face neutral and eyes bored looking.

Her business look.

”Word has begun to spread of your arrival, but I heard more than a few ponies wondering why you hadn't made a properly public appearance. At this rate, the other ministers are going to claim that it was the council that made decisions on this, not you.”

I blinked slowly, the gears turning in my head for a moment before I shot upright.

That’s something they would’ve jumped at the chance to do.

The only 3 ministers who supported me would be outvoted in this decision.

If they had even voted before talking.

“Blast, I forgot about those bloody vultures.”

Appearance bought more political clout in Canterlot than any other kind of physical or imaginary currency.

For whatever reason, the nobility of Canterlot, the ponies who channeled a great deal of money into the coffers of the country, had felt less apprehension about me and more curiosity.

I was exotic to them, instead of alien as I was when I had first appeared.

It had given me a fair few supporters in the upper crust of the country, but that had begun to dry up after a time.

More pull had been gained when I had started to solve diplomatic issues with tactics the ponies had never dreamed of, and even more when I had gained the position of foreign minister.

And now that I was at the head of the Equestrian government, I needed that respect more than ever.

With the war, I had nearly forgotten the games of petty politicking and schmoozing that came with a position in government.

But with Quill's reminder, my mind was already changing gears.

I straightened my face and smoothed out some of the creases on my shirt.

“Quill, I need you to go down to the mayor and get him to plan a time for something to be set up. Rope in some officers, and as many reporters as you can get your hooves on, the place ought to be swarming with them. I'm thinking we use that observation tower outside the city as a backdrop, really get the message out of their surrender. Meet me at the inn when you're ready, alright.”

Her stony exterior cracks and a predatory grin spreads over her face.

“Understood sir. And you had best get something written down, and make sure that fine uniform is well pressed. I'll be sure to go over whatever notes you make before anything, ensure there's nothing you've missed.”

Without further words, the two of us headed off to our goals, Quill to the city hall, and me back to the inn.

It doesn't take long before I arrived, and I began to head straight up to the suite.

Luna is still sleeping, so after wiping some stray grass from the uniform, I woke her up with a gentle nudge.

She stirs, and her wings draw back to reveal a very sleepy looking princess.

”Huh! Whazzat? I'm up, I'm up!”

I smiled and pointed to the timepiece on the drawers beside the bed.

“It’s almost noon, and we've got a presentation to plan, Luna. No time for sleeping on the job.”

Her eyes brightened immediately, and she hops off the bed as I began dressing myself.

She circled around me, an expression of curiousity on her face

”What presentation, Anonymous? I thought we had nothing planned for the day.”

As I balanced on one foot, donning my boots, I replied with a fair amount of effort.

“We didn't have anything planned until just a few minutes ago. I've been so busy with the war I forgot I had a job as a politician too. Quill is setting up a time and place to make a presentation, and I've got to write a speech and figure out some way to promote the military and my own part in all this, all while sidelining the ministers.”

She narrows her eyes at my wording.

“Did they not have a part in all this too, Anonymous? Why in Equestria would you try and write them out?”

I sighed and scratched my cheek.

As easily as the thought of pushing aside the other ministers had come, it wasn't a welcome one.

I understood politics, even embraced them, but I had never enjoyed the vile things I had to do in order to achieve my goals.

“It's simple, Luna. If I don't, they push both myself and the military to the side. The majority of the ministers didn't at all want the expansion and reformation of the army. And the only way I was able to ensure the larger budget for the war was using the veto I technically have in Celestia's place. The fact is, in order to make sure that we can win this war, I need the total approval of everypony. That means I need to be seen, alongside the military, as the upholder of Equestria. I don't like it, but it's simply a cruel necessity of politics.”

Luna takes a long moment, mulling my words over silently.

I just couldn't imagine that she of all ponies likes the idea of manipulation and guile to get the better of others.

But she had to understand the urgency of the situation

Finally, she raises her head and looks me into my eyes.

“Very well, Anonymous. I accept that this is the way things must be done, but only for now. We must not abuse such trust often.”

If only she knew what I had planned for the ministry.

I smiled and guided her over to the desk before I sat down at it, taking up a quill and sheet of paper.

I lied as naturally as I breathed.

“Of course not, Luna. Now let's get to work.”

Three hours and two full revisions later, it was ready.

Forty minutes ago, Quill had burst into the room, demanding to see the draft of the speech.

She had forced the second revision, giving me notes along the way of how to direct the flow of my words.

But finally, I had finished it.

Possibly my most calculated speech to date, I made sure to keep certain sections of it on cards so I didn't mess anything up.

This would be astoundingly important to get right.

The first major victory in the first war in eight hundred years.

The liberation of the third largest city in all Equestria, and the forced surrender of its occupying force.

Momentous events like this simply did not happen every day.

The ponies monitoring radio and telegraph transmissions had not found any statements given by the ministers as of yet.

But even with their bickering, that window of opportunity would soon pass me by.

The speech had to be made soon. I wouldn’t, couldn’t let them take credit for this.

I chose go over the plan again as the three of us stormed out of the room and romped down the stairs, only slowing once we had reached the pub below, even though it was empty.

Quill had strong-armed the mayor into setting up an attendance-encouraged rally on the outskirts of town this afternoon.

I imagined that it didn't need to be too highly encouraged, word had spread of my arrival in town like wildfire.

In addition to roping the mayor into doing the actual set up, she had got the guarantee of General Stalwart Shield and a number of high ranking officers for their own part in it.

And finally, she had even managed to cajole the radiomen to relay to Canterlot a message for everypony to tune in and listen to the speech happening live.

And so, as professionally as possible, the three of us were rushing to the outskirts of town.

On the way there, we had run into a pair of Royal Guardsmen, keeping watch outside the Field Command center.

Perfect, a chance to bolster my image with the Royal Guard.

Just having them stand near me when I gave the speech would give the image of them being supportive of my rule.

“Ah, Royal Guardsmen. I need the two of you to come and join me.”

The Royal Guardsmen stood there, ignoring me.

One of the pair, an earth pony, had finally spoken.

“Sorry, we only listen to orders from royalty. We will not obey your order.”

I turned to Luna, expecting an explanation.

“Tis true, the Royal Guard have been ordered to only listen to royalty. It’s been this way for years.”

Hmm.

Not wanting to press the issue further, I turned to leave, with Quill and Luna following shortly behind me.

The streets were quiet, and once the buildings start thinning out, I could see why.

In front of a stage set up before the observation tower that was still flying the griffon flag of surrender is the largest single gathering of ponies I had ever seen.

It appeared that the entire city was in attendance.

At the very front of the crowd there were several ponies with film cameras and some with microphones.

On the stage itself, a podium equipped with half a dozen microphones stood as a centerpiece.

Flanking that were several high ranking officers and the mayor himself.

But the crowd was what really drew my eye.

There must have been tens of thousands, appearing to cover the entire site where there had been a battle raging hardly two days ago

So when they saw the three of us approaching the side of the stage, a quiet murmur turns into a dull roar, and finally rises into a cacophony that must have rivaled the battle itself.

When I took to the stage, Quill and Luna join the others up there as I approached the podium with my arms outstretched.

The cheering continues for a solid minute, somehow growing louder, until I slowly lowered my arms.

A few stray cheers still echo from the back, but near every pony is awaiting me with bated breath.

I could feel my back dampen instantly with sweat, and my head becomes so hot that I removed my cap.

But after a moment, I had managed to steel myself with a long, slow breath.

Finally, I smiled out at the crowd.

“Ponies of Trottingham, you are free!”

The crowd explodes with noise, and it takes them quite some time to calm back down. But they do, and once more gazed up at me with eager smiles.

“You have weathered attack, occupation, and abuse at the hands of the griffons. You were overrun in a cowardly sneak attack, stabbed in the back by an empire we once forged great trade routes with. But now here you stand, unfettered before, and I see such strength that I am humbled. Humbled by the thought that such strength lies in even the lowliest of ponies, by the knowledge that you placed trust in me to lead you. And now that I stand before you, have I not fulfilled that sacred trust?”

Another, overwhelmingly positive cheer from the crowd, lasting longer than even the last.

It makes a bubble of pride swell in my chest, but I pushed it down as best I could.

To be prideful was dangerous, especially with the seat I now occupied.

The ponies quiet once more, and I carry on.

“But even with all your trust vested in me, I could not hope to bring the enemy low on my own. It was the bravery and ingenuity of the mighty Equestrian military that put the griffons on their knees and forced them to strike their colours! With great sacrifice, they broke the yoke that had chained you, and for every pain caused by the occupiers, they paid it back a thousandfold! For this, the grand divisions that fought on your behalf shall be well rewarded, but such decoration must be put on hold for the next phase.”

An uncertain mutter runs through the crowd, and I saw more than a few smiles falter.

But now was the time to strike, while the iron of their hearts was still hot, and their blood was aflame with passion.

“The griffons attack must be answered for! This treachery, this underhanded cowardice, must be answered for. Many of you are old enough to remember the griffon invasion of Capra, a wrong that Equestria did nothing to right. But now they stab straight at our heart. I know I speak for every pony when I say, this is too much! The leadership of the griffons has shown their true heart, and we must put these wrongs to right. We will march on Griffonstone itself, we will excise the vile monsters that have mislead the griffon peoples, and we shall guide them back to the righteous path! So what do you say, ponies of Trottingham, ponies that I am glad to once more have back in the fold, what do you say?”

There is a beat of silence, enough for me to feel a bead of sweat drip into my right eye.

But then, a roar of approval that could shy a charging army breaks out. It swells over the open fields, seeming to shake the very soil of the earth.

Even the officers and officials behind me seemed to have been swept up in the feeling, standing and cheering along with the crowd.

As I surrendered the podium to General Shield, the cheer still goes on. It takes a long while before he's able to speak over the crowd.

His own speech doesn't seem to get nearly the response from the citizens, but his troops are caught up in the excitement of it. After him, Luna makes a very short speech extolling the ease with which I had filled Celestia's role, and the strong bond between myself and the brave soldiers of Equestria.

And finally, the mayor made his own speech thanking me and especially the military for the liberation of Trottingham, and promising a monument to the brave fallen who gave everything to free his city.

At long last, the great ceremony is over. The crowd disperses, the officials and officers return to their duties, and I’m left alone with my companions once more, basking in the sunset.

I’ve finally calmed down from the excitement of the day, and I’m left with an odd sort of pressure in my chest. It's not a feeling I can describe well, but as I stroked Quill's mane, I realized I didn't have to.

Because as long as I’m with these mares, it can't possibly be bad.

After a long while, Luna speaks up in the silence.

”Well, it has certainly been a pleasure to be with you both again. Unfortunately, I must get back to the other officers. With the next phase of the war coming on fast, we will need every moment we can have to ensure a swift victory.”

She stands from her position beside me and gives the pair of us a short bow.

”I pray you will make it home safely.”

I smiled up at her, feeling tiredness clinging to every move I made.

“And we'll pray for your safety and quick success. Good night and good luck, Luna.”

Luna returns the smile, then trots away towards the city.

Me and Quill are left alone to enjoy the last rays of the sun as it falls below the horizon.

There's an feeling of finality in the air, and despite the warmth of the sun and the rush of the day, a sense of creeping dread weighed heavy on my heart.

It's formless, coming from nowhere in particular, but everywhere at once.

I rested a shaking hand on Quill's mane, breathing deeply to calm myself.

This was something new, and something I didn't understand.

And that only led to more fear.

As though she knew what I was feeling, Quill cuddles against my side and sighs deeply.

”You know you can talk with me, sir. I'm good for more than just writing your schedule.”

I looked down and see a soft smile on her face.

Giving her my own shaky smile, I scratched behind her ears to distract myself.

“I know, but I don't want to just foist my own thoughts on you. Besides, I wouldn't even know how to start.”

Quill sighs and lays her chin on my leg.

”How about you start with why your hand was shaking like you were eighty?”

I grimaced at the confrontational tone. Not only had she noticed my physical response to what I felt, but she wasn't going to let this go either.

I tried to speak as nonchalantly as possible, even with how weak my tone was.

“Come on it's not that bad. I'm just tired.”

Quill stayed quiet, but her look clearly shows she doesn't believe me.

With a sigh, I start again.

“I don't really know what it is. Something just isn't sitting right with me. Maybe it's how easy everything has been, maybe it's something that griffon general said, maybe I'm just paranoid.”

Her hoof gently rubs on my thigh, encouraging me to continue.

“That griffon, General den Tann, approached me that night after you and Luna went back to the inn. He talked about the conquest, about the battle, about what Luna did. He told me he wanted to see 'what kind of being could order such butchery'. I guess it had a greater effect on me than I thought.”

Quill climbed on my lap, stretching up and nuzzling my chin.

”But that's not all is it?”

I let out a heavy sigh, slumping in my chair.

“Well, there’s also… us.”

Quill looked at me puzzled.

“Nothing. Just forget about it Quill.”

She just stared at me.

I kept digging my hole deeper.

I chose to stay silent.

Without another word I stood, turning back to the town.

“It's getting late, we ought to head back into town.”

I put her down before starting the walk back to Trottingham, Quill trotting along beside me.

I stayed silent for the entire walk to the inn, despite Quill continuing to ask questions about what I had meant. About what I really felt.

While a part of me wanted to talk, just to see if it would help overcome my reluctance, more of me is scared to be overheard.

Moreso, scared to stress Quill even more with what I’m thinking.

Despite the late hour, the streets are still crowded.

Ponies are reveling with mugs of cider in their hooves, and I can hear fireworks and boisterous music in the distance

But when me and Quill come through, they parted like they were the Red Sea, and I Moses.

As soon as we pass, they get straight back to drinking and celebrating.

It makes me wonder about just how sensitive ponies are to the moods of others.

Quill was able to tell straight away that not only was something bothering me, but it wasn't just a single thing.

Maybe it's some kind of innate empathy? It would certainly explain their skills in keeping the peace for so long.

But if they could tell how conflicted I was, would they know why?

I entered the tavern at the ground floor of the inn, and am greeted by the sounds of a massive celebration.

I can barely squeeze through the crowd, and the bar staff is running their tails off getting orders.

But eventually, I made it to the stairs and climbed to my suite.

Even on the stairs outside my room, there are ponies, though they're far quieter than the crowd downstairs.

I don't stick around to find out why they're here, merely entering through the ornate door and shutting it behind me.

The noise of the party is muffled, but just audible at the edge of hearing. I fell backwards onto the bed, letting out a long sigh.

Quill hopped up beside me and laid her head down on my chest.

The two of us stayed silent for a moment, enjoying the closeness and warmth we shared.

Quill is the first to speak up, her tone gentle and kind.

“I know it's probably hard for you to talk about how you're feeling. You don't want to be seen as a weak leader. But it's just me here, Anonymous, we're together and we're alone. There's nothing to hold back.”

I stared up at the ceiling, thinking for a moment, then I took a deep breath and turned to talk with her.

“It's just, the general got me thinking. Am I the kind of person that would order such terrible things if it meant winning the battle? Humans have done so many terrible things, and for so many years, maybe it's simply part of who I am. Like a cutie mark, maybe it just takes the right time and circumstance to come out.”

I looked down at her, finding a bit of solace in her kind, warm gaze

Her eyes are the color of the deep sea

My cheeks had gone flush, and I continued to speak, focused on her beautiful eyes.

“But does it really matter if I'm doing it to protect Equestria? Just where is the line that separates a soldier from a monster?”

Quill lets out a deep sigh, nuzzling against my chin.

A heavy silence hangs in the room. Even the sounds of the party seem to have died to give birth to the lack of sound in the suite.

Fireworks burst in the distance, showering the room in an eerie red glow

My hand gently strokes Quill's mane, and I willed her to speak, to respond, to make me feel even marginally better in some way.

”I don't know, Anon. Maybe there isn't a real line though, maybe being a soldier and a monster isn't something that you can clearly segregate.”

I drew in a long breath, listening to the bursts of fireworks in the distance.

“Maybe to be a soldier you have to be a bit of a monster. I guess the question is really, how much of one can you be before you go mad?”

Quill's hoof traces circles onto my chest as she thinks.

I took another deep breath, her mane smells like a spring day after the rain.

She inches closer to mine, and I could feel her hot breath on my cheeks.

”Maybe it doesn't matter, as long as you're protecting those you love.”

I felt my blush deepen, and my body began to tense up.

Another firework bursts, painting her in bright blue light.

Her eyes shimmered in the fading glow, and I could see her own blush in the dying light.

The distance between us closed further.

Did she always have those freckles that now stood out starkly on her cheeks?

Her nose brushes against mine, and she breathes in sharply at the contact.

Another rocket bursted in the night sky.

Self doubt and inner struggle be damned, it was now or never.

I finally moved in.

I pressed my lips onto hers, and the hushed atmosphere is broken with a cheer from the downstairs.

What convenient timing.

Our lips separated, and Quill breathes heavily against me, her eyes wide.

The noise quiets once more, and the night air stills.

Quill moved in again, more intense in pressing herself against me.

I pressed back, just as eager as she was.

The night sky erupts in noise and color again, and the two of us with it.

No matter if she was a pony, I just wanted to be happy.

13: Return to Canterlot

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I laid awake in bed, staring at the ceiling. The sun had risen, and pulled me out of my fitful dreams.

Soon, I would need to get up and prepare to board the boat that would take me back to the mainland.

My little 'vacation' was over, and it was time to be the leader of the country once more.

The warm weight laying on my chest keeps me from rising immediately though.

Since I had woke, I had been doing nothing but thinking about her.

Every conversation replayed, every little gesture brought back, tiny snippets of talk pored over as though I was looking for grains of salt on a white sand beach.

Despite my apprehension about a relationship, I couldn't deny my attraction to her, and certainly it seemed she felt the same feelings for me.

But a lingering barrier remained, despite last night.

The knowledge that, no matter what, I could never show this feeling before anyone else.

Even Luna, as accepting as she had been about the casual contact and closeness the two of us shared, could not be allowed to see this new facet of us two.

A stirring on my chest brings me back to the present.

Quill gazes up at me, a tired smile gracing her face, her mane mussed in an adorable way.

“Good morning, Anon.”

I returned her smile and stroke; her ruffled mane.

“Morning, Quill. Did you sleep alright?”

She nods and lets out a great yawn.

”Yeah, I feel like a whole new pony.”

With a foalish giggle, she nuzzles against my neck and stretches her legs out.

This mare and her nuzzling.

I chuckled softly and shifted so I was sitting up against the backboard.

“Well this new pony in my bed had best be ready to get up to catch the boat back to Baltimare.”

She gave me the strongest pout she could muster at this early hour.

It's strange that a pony so stoic like her was suddenly acting so goofy.

It really was like a totally different pony had woken up beside me.

But I quite liked it, I had thought to myself as I ruffled her mane and swung my legs off the bed.

“Come on now, we still have a country to run. And as much as I wish it were possible, we can't do that from bed.”

I stood up, and Quill hopped from the bed beside me.

After stretching out, I took a suit from my suitcase and dress myself quickly. I carefully folded the white uniform that had been my attire for the past few days and stash it away in the luggage.

As much as I liked it, I couldn’t wear it everyday. Otherwise it would lose its appeal to the masses.

Quill gave me a cheeky grin as she brushes her tail against my legs on the way to the door.

I grabbed my luggage and followed her out the door, giving the luxurious suite one last glance before shutting it behind us.

The two of us quietly walk past a sleepy looking barmaid and left the inn.

The misty streets glowed like fire with the rays of the sunrise. I saw a few ponies as we were walking down to the docks, mostly anglers and sailors it seemed.

It made sense, no one who didn't have to be up would be after a night like the last.

Even if I hadn't taken part in the revelry, I could practically feel the weight of the near universal hangover.

Ponies could party hard.

But the warm morning was quickly dispelling any poor feelings that had been set on my chest.

The cries of gulls mingle with the faint horns of ships in the outer harbour, and the smell of the sea grows stronger as we approached the docks.

A great many military ponies crowded around the great cargo ships that we're waiting to bring them back to the mainland.

Not wanting to be on in a large crowd, I approached one of the smaller boats, the small crowd of junior officers letting me pass by without comment and a brief salute.

Many of them were bandaged in various ways, and shy away from any contact from me or their fellows.

The wounded and lame. They were going home.

I pushed down the lump forming in my throat, and approach an earth pony in the uniform of a captain.

I smiled at him as he turned to address me.

“Good morning, sir! Have you got room on your craft for two wayward travelers?”

He looked at the two of us and let out a weary sigh.

”Of course sir, we're not quite overloaded yet. We'll be boarding in ten minutes, please feel free to mingle with the others while we prepare.”

I don't question the abruptness of his speech, he looks utterly exhausted.

Instead, I just walked to the edge of the dock and gazed out at the mouth of the harbor.

Quill sat beside me, and the two of us watched the masts of ships breaking above the still foggy seas.

Before long, the captain of my vessel calls out for boarding, and I joined the line of injured ponies.

Remind me of when I had left Vietnam.

It's a quiet, solemn endeavour, the captain calling out names, and the other ponies responding quietly.

The silence when someone’s name was called, and there was no response, was palpable.

Not long after I had settled my luggage in the hold, I heard the call for the lines to be cast off.

I quickly ran up the stairs, just in time to watch the ships pull out of port as one, and blast their foghorns into the misty morning.

The cries of gulls accompany the ships as they form a line and sail out from the port. After some time, the sun has fully come over the horizon, and the only noise comes from the rumble of the engines and crashing of waves against the bow.

Quill walks up and stands beside me at the side of the boat.

We shared the quiet air, relishing in the quiet moments we both knew would so soon be coming to an end.

After a while, she placed a hoof on top of my hand.

“Come on, Anon, let's find a place to get settled below. We ought to be ready for our arrival.”

I simply nod, and followed her below decks, taking one last look at the port of Trottingham slowly fading into the fog behind me.

It's late in the day, as the train clacks along the tracks on its way to Canterlot.

Quill is napping on one of the bench seats as I stared out the window at the passing scenery.

I decided that I had been sitting long enough, and as quiet as I could, I left the seat and wandered about the train.

As I crossed into another car, I caught the eye of a pony wearing the uniform of the Wonderbolts.

A grey coated mare, her wings are braced and bandaged, taking up most of the bench she's sitting on.

I slid into the seat across from her, giving the mare an easy smile.

“How're the wings doing, soldier?”

She returns the smile, and I saw the tips of her wings twitch.

”They're alright sir, just a touch sore now. The doc says I should be winging around again in a few months.”

My smile had broadened at the mare's easy temperament.

“That's good to hear. What is your name?”

Her smile falters and her wingtips twitched again.

”Second Lieutenant High Winds sir, Wonderbolts First Squadron lancer.”

I held out a hand to her, a glimmer in my eye.

“Anonymous, King of Equestria. And may I say, it's a pleasure to meet a pony that was serving under General Luna personally. You and yours did damn fine work in Trottingham.”

Her smile grew again as she shook my hand with a hoof.

“Thanks very much sir, and I gotta thank you for the new equipment. It kept me from being hurt too bad.”

I swallowed hard as I glance towards her wings.

“So uh, if you don't mind me asking, what happened?”

She grimaced and stroked the bandages with a hoof.

”I don't mind sir. It was griffon grapeshot, the bastards somehow managed to elevate one of their cannons up. Got off a shot at me before we could take them out. The plate took most of it, but my wings...well they're a little harder to armour up so a few balls got into them. Hurt something awful, but the rest of the guys busted that crew and got me out before they could get to me. Made a real mess of things for me, though, but I'm still here.”

I nodded along with the story, and Winds looks forlornly out the window, quieting right up.

”I feel like I'm abandoning them though, sir. Even with busted wings, I'm sure I could do something.”

I laid a gentle hand on her withers.

“I know what you’re feeling. You're doing the best thing for them right now, Winds. The absolute best thing is that you recover and get back to them ready to fight. Hard to do that with injured wings, right?”

She looks back at you a bit confused.

”What do you mean by ‘I know what you’re feeling’ were you a soldier?”

I grimaced.

I would have to talk about it now.

“Yes, I fought in a war back home that I never wanted to fight.”

Sensing my apprehension, she didn’t ask further questions.

“Well, thanks for the advice sir.”

I pat her back gently and stood up from the bench.

“Don't you worry, I bet you'll get back to your squadron just in time to take Griffonstone.”

Her grins grows and she nods eagerly.

I said my goodbyes and walked back to the car I had come from.

There were many wounded, ranging from shrapnel wounds to missing wings.

It's a strange feeling, knowing that there were others like her who had been hurt in the fighting, but still wanted to press onward.

Partially inspiring, but there's something terribly tragic about it as well.

These ponies reminded me of humans too much.

I sat down beside the still sleeping Quill, and return to watching the hills pass by in the fading glow of the sunset.

I rested a hand on my sleeping friend's back as I gazed out the window.

And I could only pray that she never ends up that way.

Ends up like the Wonderbolt.

Ends up like me.

Ah Canterlot, as little as I was looking forward to getting back to work, it was good to be back.

The train platform was crowded with well wishers and families welcoming their brothers, sisters, and fathers back home.

The atmosphere is electric all through town, like a reflection of how Trottingham had been.

Banners of the various units taking part in the campaign waved all through the streets.

Streamers were hung from the gutters and blew in the gentle breeze that flowed through the winding streets.

As I was walking to the castle, a great deal of ponies stopped me to ask questions or give their congratulations.

On any other day, I would have paused to entertain their curiosities for a moment or two, but today I had a little too much on my mind.

So instead I employed every ounce of skill to dodge around their questions and move on.

It still delayed me by near a half-hour.

Fortunately, my train had made good time to Canterlot and I still had a few minutes to spare before I had called for a general assembly.

It was a bit more than the usual minister meeting, encompassing not just the heads of ministry, but high level nobles, ranking officers of the general staff, even some industry leaders

A properly full house, and allowing proper use of the audience chamber for the first time since I’d first sat on the throne.

It also marked the first occasion I would actually be sitting upon the throne.

The first time I would cement my rule.

That was something I had avoided since taking Celestia's place, I had wanted to be seen as a caretaker rather than a ruler.

But now I had come to understand, symbolic gestures aside, I was the new leader of Equestria.

And I needed to start truly showing it.

When I finally reached the castle foyer, I sent Quill off to clean herself up, and I went to do the same.

Twenty minutes later, and I’m in the already packed audience chamber, sitting atop Celestia's throne dressed in my white regalia.

Every seat at the round table that had been brought into the room is filled, and a great many more ponies are standing to the sides of it.

Even knowing how many had been invited, the crowd surprises me.

From the lowliest house, to nobles the likes of Blueblood.

But before long, the doors are shut with a dull crash and I stood to address the ponies gathered before me.

“Good evening, everyone. Allow me to first give my congratulations and thanks to the leaders of industry that have made time in their hectic schedules to appear with us. Your diligence has given Equestria a strength in arms that no others can equal. And to the nobility, who have endured the hefty taxes that these unfortunate times have forced upon us, I thank you for the bits that sustain the defense of this great nation. And of course, my fellow ministers, I am grateful for your assistance in ensuring this nation does not crumble into chaos.”

There's a scattering of polite applause that dies down quickly.

“But I have not called you here only to give you praise, no matter how well deserved. For as the leaders of Equestria, we must look ever forward to the dawn, even in the darkest of nights. I have invited you here this evening because we must discuss the future of the nation, beyond this vile war we have been thrust into. We must have a plan for development beyond war industry, for construction beyond warships, for training beyond rifle drills. And so we assemble here, in the audience chambers of the princess sisters, so that we may plan a bright future for the country they have protected for millennia.”

Another round of quiet clopping accompanies the end of my little speech, followed by low murmuring that fills the chamber.

I allowed the chatter to go on for a few moments, but soon it's time to get back on track.

“Now then.”

The ponies quiet up immediately, gazing up at the throne with various expressions.

“I would like to first ask the ponies of industry, what sort of development along economic and logistical lines might you think of? Perhaps something to do with the rail system, or a new idea for research? Please be courteous to your fellow industrialists and raise your hooves with suggestions.”

After a moment of awkward silence, I see a hoof raise from the right side of the room

I gestured vaguely in the direction of the outstretched limb.

“Yes, the mare with the beige and brown mane, please.”

The mare in question widens her eyes and hesitantly begins to speak.

”I-I'm Shod Hooves sir, manager of Aurora Rail, the largest rail corporation in Equestria. We've recently begun preliminary plans to twin the rail lines across the country, and for the expansion of switching yards in the larger cities. With the resurgence of domestic production, and the movement of the military and contracted trains, the lines have been quite entangled. To twin the lines would allow greater volume of cargo and ponies to be moved across the land, and the expansion of the yards would ensure a smooth transition of cars to other lines.”

Despite concluding in a firm tone, there's a clear display of worry on her face.

But I smiled good-naturedly.

The idea had crossed my mind before to twin the rails, but there had never been a great deal of support when there was no need.

But now, the idea may gain some traction with the clout of the leading rail corporation.

“Thank you for the suggestion, Ms. Hooves. I cannot speak for my fellow ministers, but we shall certainly take the idea under consideration. Please have your engineers and managers submit a full proposal the moment it is prepared.”

She nods her head eagerly and steps back, melding into the crowd again.

I gazed around the room, and see a white hoof thrust up into the air, waving earnestly.

With another gesture and little encouragement, the pony speaks up.

”Sir, Furious Fire, I'm the lead engineer of the Canterlot Armoury. Though my development is usually arms focused, most recently a member of my crew has come up with a way to reduce the soot produced by any coal burning apparatus. We would like, if possible, to receive research assistance from the factory engineers to expand on this technology. It would be of great use for maintaining air quality as more foundries are built.”

I scratched my chin at the suggestion.

Environmental impact of the industry hadn't actually been considered too serious, but if there was a way to nip pollution in the bud, it was best to start looking at it sooner than later

“Thank you very much Mr. Fire. We'll look into devoting some researchers to the technology. Next?”

And on it goes, well into the night.

Some of the suggestions are excellent, such as standardizing safety measures across workplaces, others are ludicrous like issuing larger and larger coins for progressively greater sums.

I’d seen how that one did on Earth.

Inflation. A dollar losing its value. Never again.

But Quill faithfully writes down even the most mad suggestion.

More than a few opinions were voiced on the war itself, and though I allowed the ponies to say their piece, I avoided talking about it as much as possible.

This forum was for planning the national economy, not its defense.

And besides, that was up to me and the General Staff alone.

Many hours later, and I’m exhausted, but yet another hoof rises from the audience.

I pray to whatever pony god there and my own god, that it's the last one.

Without prompting, the stallion speaks in a strong, if oddly scratchy sounding voice.

”Well sir, I haven't heard what plans there are for the changelings. If the griffons took Celestia's absence for a sign to attack, could they not as well? Perhaps it's best we move to find them now, and sort them before they become a problem.”

I narrowed my eyes at the stallion, an odd feeling of suspicion creeping into my gut.

It's hard to put a finger on it, but this wasn't right.

He seemed oddly aggressive, especially for nobility, who were normally passive compared to other ponies.

“I'm sorry, sir, I missed your name.”

He stomps a hoof on the marble tiles of the chamber.

”That's not important, sir. What's important is a solution!”

I shared a sidelong glance with Quill before turning my attention back on the pony.

“Well despite their attack on Canterlot, I don't believe any aggressive action is in order. If possible, I'd prefer to engage diplomatically with them and come to a resolution that doesn't needlessly endanger anypony.”

The stallion heaves a great sigh...of relief?

Yes, that was definitely relief. This wasn’t good.

“Thank you, sir.”

Without further hesitation, he's engulfed in sparkling emerald fire.

The ponies immediately near him scream led and backed away as rapidly as the crowd allows.

A general atmosphere of panic begins to pervade the room, and a number of guards surrounded the drone with rifles at the ready.

Finally, the flames dissipate and standing before me is a changeling.

He appeared larger than the average drone, and bore a pair of bright eyes the colour of dried amber.

But as I looked closer, I saw that he was in far worse shape than depictions of his species were shown.

Along his side, ribs could be seen pressing against the soft areas of his midsection, and his legs seemed to be shaking with effort.

The captain of the guard looks up to me, and I raised a hand for him to hold fire.

“Do not shoot him unless he presented an immediate threat to your men or the ponies, captain.”

The guard nods as I rise from the throne, slowly approaching the changeling.

To his credit, the chitinous creature holds his head high, not betraying any kind of fear or even discomfort with his situation.

But when I stood before him, he lowers his head to me.

Either in respect or fear, I didn’t care.

”Lord Anonymous, I come before you on behalf of the great hive queen Chrysalis. She believes that, with the change of Equestria's throne, a peaceful resolution between our peoples may be possible. She acknowledges the wrongness of attacking Canterlot, and prays that you might forgive past transgressions in order to forge a new, prosperous relationship.”

He sounds earnest and honest in his address. But moreover, it carries a pleading tone, one born of desperation and hunger.

I didn’t trust him yet.

“Tell me, changeling, why does she send an emissary now, and more why did you come before us as a spy, disguised so no one could see? Just who was it you have replaced with yourself?”

The changeling keeps his head bowed as he speaks.

”The queen believes that, with your recent war, you may be more willing to engage in diplomacy, instead of interrogating me and gaining the location of our hive to crush us underhoof. She acknowledges she may be wrong of course, and preparations are made for their continued hiding. As for coming in form, I would not be allowed to enter Canterlot as I am now, so a form was required. Worry not, he was a pony of no stature from a town far West of here, and he is at home with his family. A simple trick of hypnosis allowed me into the great halls, and nopony has been harmed by my actions. I do apologize for the subterfuge, but it was necessary to address you directly, lord.”

I considered his words, gazing around the hall at the shocked expressions.

But in those fearful gazes, I saw more than a few looks of curiousity.

It's hard to fault Chrysalis' logic in this situation, with a war already ongoing it would be difficult, nigh impossible, to open another front, especially one born of aggression, without a great deal of ill will.

And it wouldn’t go over well with the people.

Attacking the griffons was seen as a noble cause, they attacked first. But attacking the changelings would open up a second front, and a cowardly gambit.

I looked specifically towards my fellow ministers.

Their own shock has faded, and was replaced with varying gazes of everything from disgust to interest.

I decided that this could wait, at least for long enough for the shock to fade.

“I cannot answer you immediately, changeling, but nor will I turn you away. Though it pains me to begin a potentially beneficial relationship with aggressive action, you will be kept in the cells until we can address this tomorrow. I do not believe my fellow Equestrians would tolerate rash judgment in matters such as this.”

The changeling lowers his head further, in a bow.

“As you see fit, lord. My queen has ordered me to be at your service until such a time as I receive an answer. I shall abide your decision.”

I gestured to the guards, and they form a box around the changeling and lead him out of the audience chamber.

I yelled as they left.

“Make sure he’s safe and fed!”

When the doors shut behind the troops, I smiled widely at the ponies in the room.

“Well ladies and gentlecolts, I believe that's quiet enough excitement for tonight. I thank you all for your valuable contributions to the development of the nation, and look forward to the implementation of the ideas you have brought forth tonight. I wish you all a pleasant evening.”

The guards that remained in the chamber open the door once more, and amidst a wave of murmuring, the ponies exit the throne room.

As the last ones exit, I trailed behind them, accompanied by Quill to my bedchamber.

Before entering my room, one of the guards stopped me.

“Sir, we have the weapon you asked for.”

I gave the guard a small smile.

“Excellent. Have it sent up to me tomorrow.

After turning from the guard and entering the room, Quill began looking around furtively, she entered the room behind me, doffing her bags and hopping onto the bed.

I massaged my aching temples and collapsed on the bed beside her.

She laid her head on my chest and let out a low chuckle.

”Who would have thought that, after all these years, the changelings would be back and suing for peace. It's like some kind of farce is being played out before our eyes.”

I let out a low chuckle myself.

“You're not kidding, I nearly had a heart attack when he showed up. At least it put a cork in anymore questions for the night.”

I could feel Quill nod against my chest.

“I can't believe some of their ideas. I mean, expanding the grounds of the Canterlot Gardens. Where, off the side of a cliff? Honestly, some ponies...”

She trails off with a laugh, but begins breathing deeply. After a few minutes of silence, I gave her side a gentle poke.

All I got is a sleepy murmur, and a twitch of her legs.

I sighed and made myself more comfortable in my bed.

I hadn't planned to sleep with Quill tonight, but I certainly wasn’t going to wake her up and send her away.

Besides, I thought as I yawned, I could hardly deny myself the comfort of curling up with a warm pony after a long day.

14: A Disaster

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It's mid-morning, I’m exhausted, and in front of me is the most cooperative changeling I’ve ever met.

Granted, he was also the only one I met so I could be biased in my assessment.

But his relatively friendly attitude did nothing to quell the churning in in my guts.

Bugs had always weirded me out, so a horse sized one certainly wasn't doing me any good.

At the very least, I was able to keep my composure.

“Let's start with your name.”

The changeling's wings twitched as I addressed him.

In a chittering voice, he answered me without hesitation.

“My queen has named me Chitin, my lord.”

How original of her.

Still, his answer was direct and delivered politely, so he understood diplomacy.

It seemed Chrysalis didn't take me for a fool then.

She knew better most likely.

“So then, Chitin, you said last night that Queen Chrysalis had sent you on a diplomatic mission. What exactly is she proposing?”

Chitin clears his throat, a sound that makes the guards in each corner of the cell tense up.

They were understandably on edge, many of them had served in the Royal Guard during the invasion.

And those that didn’t had heard the stories.

I had objected to these specific ponies as the guards of the changeling, but it was hard to argue with their experience.

If Chitin had been insulted by it, he betrayed no such feelings.

In fact, his face showed so little expression it made me wonder if he could actually feel emotion.

His voice interrupted my thoughts.

“My queen desires the opening of negotiations with your government. Of special concern for her is the foundation of nesting grounds and pony actions toward sister hives. While our hive has yet to be found by ponies, others have not been so lucky. During the last brooding alone, sisters reached a mortality of three-quarters.”

Though I don't entirely understand the time period, anything resulting in a mortality rate that high was more than a crisis.

I steepled my fingers and gaze. evenly into Chitin's aquamarine, faceted eyes.

“Help me understand some things, Chitin. First of all, what exactly is a 'sister hive'? How many are there, and are any of them willing to engage us as you are now? While I understand the desperation of the situation, I can hardly commit to actions that could risk ponies on the word of a single changeling. My ponies would never accept such a thing, and even with the situation explained and the absolute guarantee of their safety, it would be a hard pill for them to swallow.”

Chitin breathes deeply, the plates of his namesake expanding outward.

”Our sister hives are just as they sound, lord. Their queens are kin of ours and through this we foster cooperation. As for their number, I cannot say for fear of endangering them, but they have expressed their willingness to follow suit with us, should our own diplomatic ventures succeed.”

I scratched my chin, thinking about all I knew. This was most likely all I was going to get out of him, and it's only barely enough to make a decision.

Granted, this was only a preliminary discussion and no real commitment had to be made just yet. But if engaging in diplomacy meant removing a possible threat to Equestria, it was hard to argue against at least trying.

I let out a long sigh and sat up.

“Well, I certainly can't commit to any terms at this point. However I believe that we might be able to establish some sort of peace talks. Do you have some way to contact your hive, Chitin?”

For the first time, I saw him smile.

It looks more like a snarl, but his disposition doesn’t match it.

He sat up straighter, his chitinous plates clicking as they fit closer together.

”I will contact her immediately, lord. My queen will be most pleased to hear of your...welcoming nature compared to your predecessor. May I have a moment?”

I made eye contact with each of the guards, and one of them wears an expression of distaste.

“I believe we can accommodate that. Afterwards, I'll have you put up in a proper guest room, still under guard of course. I'm certain you understand.”

Chitin bows his head as I stood from my uncomfortable chair.

“As you say, lord.”

I made a gesture to the guards and they followed me as I exited, shutting the door behind them.

None of them say a word, but I can practically feel the aversion radiating from them.

They probably wouldn't be the best ones to have keeping an eye on Chitin, going forward.

As I exit, Quill approaches me with an uneasy expression on her face.

”How did it go, sir?”

I beamed at her, for once happy with diplomacy.

“Better than I could have thought. Arrange for our guest to be put up in some proper chambers, it wouldn't do to have our first changeling emissary kept in a cell.”

I saw her face twitch, but she merely nods at my order.

She doesn’t agree with my decision.

Good thing she isn’t the one making them.

”Of course sir. Are you ready for the press conference? The reporters certainly weren't ecstatic about the delay.”

I’d almost forgotten about that, if I was to be honest.

The conference had been bumped forward so I could speak with the changeling immediately, and hopefully get some answers.

It had worked out, of course, but it was unsurprising that the press wasn't happy about being kept waiting.

“Yes, I believe I am, Quill. Shall we?”

She nods again and leads me through the winding halls of the castle.

Despite the size of the castle grounds, it's not long before we’ve arrived to the receiving chamber for the press.

Quill trots over to the microphones and announces my arrival.

Before stepping up to the podium that had been set up, I straightened my suit and paste the best grin I could onto my face.

Needed to look presentable. Time to face the music.

“Good afternoon, everypony. How are you all today?”

A smattering of voices, most positive, resound through the crowded room, and I drive on.

“I'm certain I don't need to explain the rules of courtesy to you all, so let us begin without further delay.”

Immediately as I finished, a hoof shoots up straight in front of me.

I pointed to its owner, and he begins without preamble.

”Mr. Anonymous, in your most recent address you made a great number of remarks that could be considered inflammatory. We thought the plan was to make peace with the griffons, not to drag the war out further.”

My cheek twitches at the rebuke.

Though it wasn't truly surprising that the speech was being brought up, I hadn't expected it to be the first question.

“Thank you for your question. You are correct, the plan certainly is to make peace with the griffons. However, as they have shown, that peace cannot be sustained from a position of perceived parity in power. Moreover, a secondary goal had been set before that address. Namely, the liberation of the Capra lands that had been conquered decades ago by the same regime that has attacked us. I'm certain you can agree that, especially given their recent behaviour, the current griffon leadership is in dire need of an adjustment in perspective.”

A bead of sweat trickled down my back, but the pony doesn't push further with his line of questioning.

I prayed it's because he was satisfied with my answer.

Another hoof, and another question, come on the heels of my answer.

“Mr. Anonymous, we know of the recent conference for economic development after the war, but what of a plan to end this war?”

I began to grind my teeth together, knowing my answers in this regard are limited by necessity.

“As of this time, I can only discuss that there is in fact a plan in place. However, I cannot speak of specifics, as they are military secrets by obligation. The consequences of their leaking prior to their implementation could have disastrous effects on the campaign, and I must implore you to limit your questions to already implemented plans.”

Without so much as a pause, another hoof was raised and another question asked.

”Then can you answer why everypony, including your fellow ministers, were kept in the dark about the fact that a campaign had even been launched? According to our sources, the plan had not even been discussed prior to the deployment in force.”

My grip on the podium tightened, my knuckles going a ghastly white.

Hadn't I JUST explained that these were military secrets for a reason?

“As I stated before, this information was classified. The matter, however, was brought to me as a completed presentation and received my approval prior to its implementation. Again, any leak of this sort of information could prove deadly to the soldiers involved and as such it is extremely compartmentalized.”

Another question, hard and fast.

”So why were you the singular being they brought the plan to? Are you entwined so much with the military that they consider you as their absolute voice?”

I felt my teeth grinding at how oblivious some of these questions are.

“As I am filling the position of Princess Celestia, I also fill the role of commander-in-chief. This is simply the nature of the position. However, the approval of these plans is not made lightly.”

The reporter continued.

”And what about this news of a changeling showing up in the capital? Are you doing nothing to ensure good security of Canterlot?”

Well, the rules could only last so long, I supposed.

“Yes, a changeling did appear last night. And rest assured, he was taken into custody. However, he came to us with overtures of peace and diplomacy and as such is of no threat to us. In fact, this opens new avenues of security for the country, without any lives needing to be taken.”

The questions kept coming, one after another, for over an hour.

They asked about everything, from speculation of just how many changelings had infiltrated to exact budgetary breakdowns now that the war economy was coming into swing.

And so, so many questions about the war itself.

Deployed numbers, casualty numbers, logistical plans, equipment statistics, ship building progression, and on and on.

But finally, mercifully, and thankfully, the conference was called to an end.

As soon as the last press pony exits the receiving room, Quill was at my side with a glass of cold water.

I drank from it, praising the princesses for sending you such an amazing assistant.

Not long after I had quenched your thirst, Quill spoke up.

”They seem to be quite the vultures, sir.”

I chuckled at her comment.

“I can't disagree with that. Who knew that even after getting an answer, they'd ask the same question eight more times with different words?”

The two of us shared a laugh, taking a moment to relax.

But the moment cannot last, unfortunately, for there's still work to be done.

“Well Quill, shall we see how our new ambassador is settling in? I'm sure he's had time to contact his hive by now.”

She nods and gestures for me to follow her

You are Chitin, sent to Canterlot to discuss peace.

Anonymous, the King of this land, had graciously given you a room.

One that wasn’t a cell, thankfully.

Despite your orders to not cause a fuss, it was quite the embarrassment to be put into chains willingly.

But you had orders, and you wouldn’t break them.

No matter what.

And now you had to wait for the human to finish what he was doing.

You had already contacted the Queen, and she was on her way.

All that remained was painful waiting.

After hours of boredom, you climbed into bed.

Might as well rest until he finished his business.

Then he would pay his visit, speak his peace, and talk with your Queen later.

As you rested, the door clicked open.

Sitting up to see what it was, you instantly laid back down.

Two guards were walking in.

You looked at them, not even rising from the bed again.

You wondered what they wanted.

Was Anonymous done already?

Had he sent them to fetch you for a meeting?

They got closer and closer, and then you could see it.

They walked with a purpose.

A violent intent.

You could sense it, all changelings could read feelings well after all.

They wanted to hurt you.

It made sense, relations between ponies and changelings were always poor.

Then they started to pummel you with their hooves.

It hurt.

It hurt terribly.

But you had orders.

As much as you wanted to, you couldn’t dare lay a hoof on them.

So you laid there, enduring the beating, and praying they would quit soon.

And thankfully, they left as soon as they had entered.

You let out a groan, and passed into unconsciousness.

It didn’t take long to find the room, its door flanked by a pair of Royal Guards in resplendent gold.

I knocked on the door, courtesy was always best after all.

“Chitin, how are you settling in?”

Silence.

I knocked a bit harder, perhaps he's merely asleep?

This time, as I pressed my ear to the door, I could hear a faint wheeze.

My eyes widened, and I shoved my way into the room.

Lying on the bed, the gaps in his hard plates leaking green ichor, lays Chitin.

Without pausing, I sprinted over to him immediately, pausing and giving Quill a pointed look.

“Get a doctor, now. GO!”

She gallops off, and the guards burst into the room as she leaves.

I bared my teeth at them, looking as predatory as I could.

“Out.”

Despite themselves, they immediately return to their posts outside the room.

Sometimes it was a blessing to not be a pony.

They wouldn’t fear me as much if I was.

“Chitin, are you alright? What happened to you?”

He doesn't answer, simply wheezing unhealthily.

I broke into a nervous sweat, cradling a diplomatic disaster in my arms.

15: Arresting the Aggressors

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An hour later, my feet are sore from pacing back and forth outside the room.

I could feel a stitch developing in my side, and once more swore to start exercising properly.

Quill was still away, gathering the ponies I had asked her to as soon as she'd returned with the doctor.

And finally, the doctor exits the darkened room, wiping his hooves with a cloth.

I halted in front of him, and he stares up at me with tired eyes

”Well my lord, you can thank Celestia for making me study changeling anatomy after their attack on Canterlot. That one's fairly beat up, broken snout, small rupture in the thorax, but they're hardy creatures. He'll pull through, just needs some rest now, and bandage changes once a day.”

The doctor taps his hoof on the ground, his brow furrowing.

“The injuries were consistent with a truly violent beating, and I'm rather certain there was the imprint of a shod hoof in one of the changelings plates. Take that as you will, my lord, but I'm fairly certain whoever did this was a pony.”

The doctor lowered his head and began to walk away slowly.

As I went to go enter the room, his quiet voice from behind me made me pause.

”My lord, even though he's just a changeling, do find whatever beast did this and make him pay. My oath won’t let this go unanswered.”

I turned and gave the doctor an empty smile.

“Of course, doc. You can rest assured that I'll be losing a lot of fucking sleep until this bastard is found.”

The doctor nods, a small smirk touching his face at my cursing.

It was quite the rare occurrence for me to curse, especially these days.

Chitin's room is quiet, the windows shuttered and curtained to replicate the darkness of a hive, for his comfort.

A soft and eerie glow comes from the bed, organized in twisted and weird shapes

Bioluminescence, I quickly realized.

The glow pitches up and fades, in time with Chitin's now soft breathing.

Gone was the desperate wheeze I had heard earlier, he sounded quite comfortable in fact

I suppose that doctor must really know what he was doing.

As I took a seat by his bedside, the changeling stirs in his slumber.

The hisses and clicks he makes are unnerving, but I was going to wait here until he woke up.

It was impossible to leave him alone at this point.

And if those who attacked him came back, I would be ready.

A gentle knock comes from the door and it creaks open on its old hinges.

”Anonymous, sir? The officers from the deployment section are here as you asked.”

I turned, giving a tight smile. At least something was going right, for now.

“Excellent, please come in gentlecolts.”

The two officers, and Quill, come and sit on their haunches in front of me.

I leaned forward, my expression growing grim.

“As Quill may or may not have told you, the changeling ambassador was under security lockdown by the Royal Guard, until this afternoon. Quill and I found him lying in bed, beaten and bleeding. As of approximately three hours past noon, the Royal Guards have been dismissed in their diplomatic security roles. This is where you come in.”

My hands grip on themselves tightened and I began to grit my teeth.

As distasteful as this was, it was absolutely necessary

“What I need your section to organize is two things. First of all, assigning soldiers to guard the changeling ambassador against assault and worse. Soldiers from outside Canterlot only, if you please. The second is a section of military police, again from outside Canterlot, to arrest the entire roster of guards assigned to this duty.”

Even in the gloom of the darkened room, I could see the eyes of all the ponies widen.

I hadn't informed Quill of this before her leaving, and though it pained me, it was what was required to ensure no guardponies got wind of this before they were taken into custody.

They wouldn’t get the chance to retaliate.

“I understand this isn't an easy order to follow, and I assure you it's just as hard to give. But make no mistake, whether or not the ambassador is a changeling, assault is assault. I don't need to tell you what havoc an entire hive of furious changelings could wreak on a nation in wartime. I want to be sure they're wreaking it on our enemies. Do either of you have any questions?”

The two officers share a look, then the younger of the two opened his mouth.

”Sir, what do we do if they resist?”

I leaned back, a frown tugging down the edges of my mouth.

“Treat them as you would any other pony resisting arrest.”

I could see the two of them swallow hard, and the elder speaks up in a hesitant voice.

”A-and if they band together?”

I closed my eyes and sighed heavily.

“We don't need another war on our hands, so try and keep it non-lethal. But if they shoot first, cut them down like chaff. I won't tolerate seditious behavior, even if they are Royal Guards. Am I clear?”

They shared another look, more sure but still clearly nervous.

”Yes sir.”

They answered in unison, a firmness entering their eyes.

I dismissed the officers and leaned further back in my chair as Quill leans against my legs and lays her chin onto my knees.

”Sir, is this really a good idea? I know the military has a firm support base, but I believe a great many ponies will side with the Royal Guards, especially here in Canterlot. There's no love lost for changelings here.”

I laid a hand on her head and began to rub it gently.

“That may be, Quill, but guards or not, they are under the law. Assault is assault, whether on a pony or another species.”

She nods, but her voice still held uncertainty.

”Still sir, I don't think we need any more destabilization.”

I sighed heavily, rubbing my eyes.

She's right of course, but that doesn’t mean I had to like it.

On one hand, I could simply tell Chitin that it was a complete unknown as to who attacked him, and there was no proof to indict anyone.

Of course he may have seen his attacker, which would reflect even more poorly on me that even saying I couldn't find the guilty

But on the other hand, there was an investigation into the Royal Guards, an organization that had existed for thousands of years.

They certainly wouldn't take kindly to being investigated, and I wasn’t sure how they would act if one of their own was charged with the assault.

If I was anywhere but Canterlot, I would see no problems with simply rounding up the guards in public and performing a thorough, invasive investigation.

But here in the capital, public opinion sided firmly with the throne, and the Royal Guards by extension.

Even if I had taken over Celestia's position, I wasn’t a part of the royal lineage and that meant to many in Canterlot, I had no claim to the throne.

They wouldn’t accept me unless they had to.

It was in part why I had gone to such lengths to ensure ponies accepted Luna as reformed, so that I could maintain a semblance of royal endorsement.

I pinched the bridge of my nose, the days events taking their toll on me.

As though sensing my state, Quill clambered into my lap and curled up.

My eyelids began to weigh on me, feeling as though they weighed a thousand pounds, and my eyes like they are caked in sand.

Chitin still wasn't stirring, and the castle was quiet.

The warm air of the summer evening was pulling me closer to sleep.

It couldn't hurt, I supposed, to take a short nap.

In what felt like minutes, I was once more awake.

There was a knocking on the door.

Cautiously, I put Quill onto the chair next to me, and went to open the door.

As I opened the door, I saw a pegasus messenger holding a box.

“Sir, here’s the weapon you requested for.”

Ah right, that thing. I had requested for it before I left for Trottingham. I almost forgot about it.

“Thank you, miss. You may continue on your way.”

I grabbed the box and carried in into the room, closing the door behind me.

I opened the box, grabbing what was inside.

A beautiful pistol, styled after the Colt M1911 from my old days in the army.

It served me well.

This wasn’t an ordinary one though, not anymore.

After all, I wasn’t a soldier anymore. I was a king.

And my personal weapon should fit that.

Decorated in a polished silver, and with a Myrtle wood grip, it was now befitting of a king.

Not to mention the barrel was made smaller, for easier concealment.

It also served another purpose.

A weapon for my officers and medics.

Before this, they had no weapons at all, simply relying on other soldiers to defend them.

Now they could at least shoot back.

As I was admiring the beauty of my new weapon, I heard a sudden fit of coughing.

I felt my heart jump straight into my throat and let out a muffled choking noise.

A soft, hissing voice comes from the area of the orbs, and finally resolves just what it was.

”My apologies, lord. I did not mean to frighten you so.”

Of course, I had fallen asleep in Chitin's room, it shouldn't have surprised me. But sleep always had this effect on my memory.

“Don't worry about it, Chitin. How are you feeling?”

A chittering chuckle echoes dryly in the small room.

”Considering the damage sustained, I am alright. Whichever of your ponies worked to heal me did well, though my organs ache.”

I grimaced at the casual tone his voice carried.

He focuses in on me and continued to speak, his voice growing more serious.

”I have not informed my queen of this, my lord. I believe that would compromise any diplomatic efforts we go to.”

I sat back in my chair, stunned, and elated.

My expectation was an immediate termination of any kind of talks followed by the coincidental leaking of classified documents to the griffons.

As though reading my mind, Chitin continued.

“My queen ordered me to...'turn the other cheek' unless my life were in danger. And since I am still alive, my life was not in danger and so I do not need to report this immediately.”

A bead of sweat stings my eyes, and my tongue darted out to wet my dried lips.

“W-well I must thank you for this. I've had the military launch an investigation into the incident separate of the Royal Guards, and using ponies from outside Canterlot. Hopefully this will alleviate some of the possible bias the ponies of Canterlot have towards changelings. Do you remember at all who attacked you? Any sort of information would be of great help to us in bringing the culprit to justice.”

The glowing orbs shifted, and somehow I was able to tell he's looking straight into my eyes, despite the gloom.

He gets closer, and his voice becomes quiet and monotone.

”I have no memory of who attacked me, my lord. They were royal guardsmen, but that is all I could recall. It is something you shall have to find on your own, unfortunately.”

The galloping of hooves sounds in the halls as I realized the implication.

While he wasn't going to report this to Chrysalis, he couldn’t help in aiding me in finding the culprit either.

It wasn't that he didn't hold ill will over the incident, it was that he was forcing an apology of a different kind.

'Either find who did it, or you'll never find us'

Blackmail.

A pounding at the door snaps me from my thoughts, and Chitin retreated to under the covers of his bed.

The moment he does, the door bursts open and a frantic looking soldier gallops in, panting heavily.

”My lord Anonymous, there's an incident in the guard barracks!”

I opened my mouth to ask for clarity, when a singular crack of a gunshot echoes through the halls.

The soldiers eyes widened, as mine mirrored his.

Quill starts violently and falls off the chair I placed her on, but she's just an afterthought in the shock of the moment.

Without a word, the soldier turns and gallops toward the sound of the shot, and I began to follow, hot on his hooves.

16: Crisis in Canterlot

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The impromptu command center was a hive of activity.

Messengers ran to and fro frantically speaking into officer ears wherever they happened to be.

Fresh soldiers were taken in, pushed along, and sent off every second.

A miasma of madness hung in the warm evening air, the scent of summer overwhelmed by the reek of adrenaline and sweat.

At the center of it all, a command table laid out on several large crates.

A number of officers, including one of the two I’d spoken with earlier, crowded around it amidst a heated argument..

But when I approached, their conversation cuts off and they saluted me sharply.

I returned the gesture and leaned my hands on the makeshift table, hunching over to come closer to their level.

“Alright troops, what's the situation?”

The senior officer, a major, tells me the whole story.

Apparently instead of a section of MPs, an entire platoon had been assigned to the detainment of the guards.

They couldn’t even get a simple damn order right.

I’d have words with whoever was responsible later

Of course, sixty well armed ponies walking into the barracks and demanding the surrender of any guard that was assigned to the ambassador went over poorly.

A heated argument began, questioning lines of authority, the jurisdiction of the Royal Guards, who technically weren't a part of the military, and the veracity of the orders

It had sparked a brawl, and finally shots to be exchanged, between the parties.

It was unknown which group had fired first, but the result was several wounded guards and soldiers, and the imprisonment of two soldiers who hadn't managed to retreat with their comrades.

Of course, now there was a standoff between every guard in the barracks and at least two platoons of regular infantry, plus the MPs.

I could feel a migraine developing at the base of my neck.

It seemed there was always some new, creative disaster happening.

Though I couldn’t deny my own hand in this one.

I should’ve been more clear, maybe assigned a different officer to the task, had Quill relay my order more clearly, anything else.

But there was no time to pass the blame around the room.

“Alright, do we have a solution to this? Preferably one that doesn't involve artillery and fusillades, I'd rather not have a civil war."

There were some nervous glances all around the room.

One of the officers spoke first.

A stallion with a white coat and blond mane.

"W-well sir, we were hoping that you could help us with a diplomatic solution. After all the solutions you hammered out with the griffons when you were in the foreign ministry, we're confident that you can solve this with no trouble."

I blinked slowly and glanced at his rank insignia.

Only a captain, and a quick look around tells me he's the senior officer here.

So it wasn't incompetence, it was inexperience that was the enemy of the day.

Figures, it always boiled down to inexperienced people making mistakes causing massive issues for me.

He was probably one of the nobles that had been snapped up at the beginning of the war and had been put on the accelerated curriculum.

It didn't make this any less of a fine mess.

I glanced around the room, my eyes landing on a crate with the stencil of a piece of armour on it.

A small smile took on my face as the gears in my mind begin to turn.

Makeshift body armor.

It was no M-69, but it might’ve stopped a guardsman from hurting me too much.

"Alright then, where exactly are these guards holed up?"

Twenty minutes later, I was stood behind a makeshift barricade with a group of antsy soldiers.

I adjusted the ill fitting armour that had been strapped to form a makeshift breastplate.

Individually, the various pieces were too small, the wrong shape, or just plain useless to me.

It was pony shaped after all, and I was obviously not a pony.

But with a bit of engineering, and copious leather straps, I and the ponies had managed to slap together something that provided a modicum of protection for me.

Better than the cotton of my white uniform did at least.

And I wasn’t completely harmless either.

My new pistol would make sure of that, tucked safely into my breast pocket.

I’d have to look into getting some proper armour fitted, especially if I needed to visit hostile lands.

Going to Trottingham with no armor was dangerous enough thinking back, but the high of the moment had clouded thoughts of safety.

But for now, the armor was good enough even if it appeared I had simply decided to wear the entire kitchen.

And so, despite the urging of the officers and the pit in my stomach, I cautiously stepped over the barricade and called out to the obstacles the guards had erected themselves.

"This is...”

I trailed off, unsure of exactly how to address myself.

‘Lord' seemed to be the most common form, but technically I wasn’t a noble.

'Regent' also seemed applicable, but I felt it constituted the presumption of an ending of my post.

As if I’d give up this throne willingly.

It was mine now, after all.

But then, it dawned on me, the perfect title to fit my roles both past and present.

To show I wasn’t a noble, but that I would also be here to stay.

“This is Chancellor Anonymous, I demand to speak to the officer in charge of this section of the Royal Guard.”

In the stillness that followed my pronouncement, I could clearly hear shuffling from behind the opposing battlement.

The helmeted head of a guardsman pops up, a garish crest denoting his commanding role.

”I'm watch commander Buckler, senior officer here. Pardon me saying so, but it's about time you showed up to cow this peasant army into backing down.”

Peasant army? How snobbish of him.

The sneer on his face shows his clear disdain for the ponies of the army that were opposite him.

My eyebrow twitched at the 'peasant army' comment, and I could hear a jeer from behind me.

“What I'm here to do, guard, is to negotiate your standing down, the return of the ponies you've taken prisoner, and discussion of detaining the roster of guards responsible for the changeling ambassador becoming injured.”

I saw the eyes of the guard widen in alarm.

He turned from the barricade, apparently to confer with other ponies at the barricade.

After a moment, he turns back to me.

”We're willing to negotiate, please come this way sir and we can discuss your terms.”

I blinked, momentarily stunned at their easy cooperation.

I had expected to need to convince them a bit first.

Or to gun them all down for this little insurrection.

But my surprise was replaced immediately with with suspicion.

“Before I come over, you're going to release the ponies you've taken prisoner. Once they're safe with the military, I'll come over and we can talk.”

Another moment of hushed conference.

”We'll have them sent over the battlements. We'll have them walk over as you come to us.”

It seemed that I would become their bargaining chip if things went wrong.

I nodded firmly and spoke.

“Done.”

A few painstakingly long minutes later me and the soldiers who were taken hostage, one of whom was wounded, traded places, and I joined the guards who lead me to their barracks.

A table had been set up, and the pony I’d been speaking to before was seated there across from me with a nervous look on his face.

”Please sir, have a seat.”

I sat down across from him and prepared to avert a rebellion.

“Sir we could not have known--”

I cut the guard off with a sharp gesture.

“I'm not interested in excuses or laying blame, commander. I'm here to bring a conclusion to this madness.”

The guard, Buckler was his name if I could recall, seemed taken aback by my pointed words, and his tone when he spoke again was more subdued than before.

“Yes sir, of course. I and my guards only want to reach a peaceful resolution to this...unfortunate circumstance.”

I narrowed my eyes at his wording.

It was clear he was trying to worm out of any punishment I cared to dispense to them.

I simply let out a quiet sigh.

“Let me set something straight. Commander, the way I see it, your cohorts directly disobeyed orders, beat a defenseless changeling diplomat half to death on virtue of his race alone, and subsequently mutinied against lawful rule when proper authority came to arrest the aggressors. The only peace resolution comes with your total surrender, and the surrender of every other guardsman in this building.”

I saw the commander swallow hard, and his eyes flitted about the room.

When he remains silent, I continued.

“Rest assured commander, I only want to bring the ponies that assaulted the changeling diplomat. Assuming no further resistance or injury, I give you my word that the punishment for this incident will be light.”

Buckler narrowed his eyes at my apparent easy acquiescence.

“Pardon my Prench sir, but where's the catch? Nothing is ever so easy as that.”

My face and eyes hardened, growing severe, and I leaned forward across the table.

“You're right, commander. While there may be little to no direct punishments dispensed, outside those who committed willful assault, the Royal Guard as you know it will be no more. You will keep your posts, but shall be rolled into the military proper in a ceremonial role. This means adherence to the chain of command, to lawful orders given by your superiors, and of course thorough accountability measures.”

The watch commander chokes back either a scream or a guffaw, making me narrow my eyes at him.

After composing himself he speaks in a disbelieving tone.

”You can't honestly believe that the elite Royal Guard would ever allow themselves to be rolled into a peasant army like that, sir! Surely you're joking.”

A frown began to grow on my face and I had knitted my brows together, the insinuation irking me.

“I'm not, and don't call me shirley.”

Buckler blinked rapidly, and I could see a bead of sweat begin to streak down his forehead.

”Sir, the others certainly won't stand for this. There will be a proper mutiny if you do this!”

I shook my head slowly, sadly.

“Then they'll stand before the guns of the infantry. Peaceful or not, this little insurgency will end. The only question is whether the Guard will remain an entity within the military, or be forgotten as a relic of the past, who fought against the betterment of Equestria.”

There is a long, pregnant pause as Buckler considered his next choice.

I’m considerably surprised at his hesitation, anyone would think this an easy choice for even the most prideful pony.

After all, it wasn't just his own life that he was taking into account, but the lives of every pony in the barracks and opposing him.

Hell, even the lives of those outside of Canterlot.

Even in the many years I’d spent in both Canterlot and the army, I couldn't think of a single time anyone had been more callous.

Even the most steadfast and glory seeking of officers on Earth cared more about their soldiers.

Finally, Buckler speaks once more.

”I'm going to need it, in writing, you won't bring undue prosecution against my men. The ones who committed assault, sure, but not the ones who participated in this. They only had the interests of their brother-in-arms at heart, not malice.”

He stared down at the table as he makes his proclamation, and I felt more than a little ashamed.

Despite my living with them, I still held ponies to the same ideas I held for humans.

Old habits, I suppose, but it's a firm lesson for me.

“Of course commander, if you would allow it I'll have somepony bring in parchment and we'll draw up the agreement right here.”

He nods and holds out a hoof to me

”I'll escort you to the barricade, sir.”

I shook his hoof and followed him back to the battlements.

The tension is palpable, but as we crossed the lines again, it seems to thin just a bit.

I’m immediately approached by the nervous captain I had spoken with before, looking more distraught than ever.

”Sir? I've drawn up a plan for a full out assault, we can have their lines broken inside a few hours.”

I chastened him with a dismissive gesture, a modicum of my earlier cynicism returning.

“No need, captain. I just need some parchment, peace in our time and all that.”

He let out a breath, visibly relieved by my words.

”Oh thank Celestia, I was praying that they would see reason. I was right to call you immediately, sir.”

I gave the white stallion a withering gaze, and addressed him with a note of aggression in my tone.

“You wouldn't have needed to call me if you'd listened to orders. I said a section of military police, not a fucking platoon of regular infantry. What on Gods green Earth was running through your goddamned head you idiot?”

He balked and stared at his hooves, kicking at the cobblestones underhoof.

”I-I needed to ensure security sir. The Royal Guards are elite, they would have easily overpowered a mere section.”

My voice rose, as did my temper, at the weak excuse.

“They wouldn't have tried to resist, captain. If you had brought a force reasonable to your demands, they would have complied, but instead you brought overwhelming numbers and they took it to mean you were acting on your own!”

The Captain stared up and me, quivering slightly.

I had no sympathy for him.

“You really are a sad excuse for an officer.
I should have you shot for this! No, you know what? You’re done. As of today, you have been officially relieved, captain. Send for your former subordinate and go to deployment to be reassigned. I hope you can handle yourself on the battlefield better than this, because you won’t survive a day out there if you can’t even follow simple commands.”

The Captains quivering had turned into a full blown shaking.

I just continued.

“Noble or not, I have no respect for someone so damned inept at his job. Get out of my fucking sight right now.”

The captain looked up at me, his eyes large as dinner plates.

”B-but sir, I only did what I thought was necessary!”

My cheek twitched as he continues to protest.

How could he not understand that, whether here or on a battlefield, using too much wasn't always, or even usually, a good thing.

Sending a battalion to attack a platoon would waste troops, ammunition, and time that could be better spent on different things.

Perhaps though, the ponies in the troop assignment group could find a better fit for him.

“Enough! You're dismissed. Get the hell out of here now.”

He's finally silent, hanging his head low as he leaves the command center.

The room is silent as they watched him go, and as the door shuts there are nervous looks all around.

Looks like they never expected me to be capable of such a tirade.

Or they didn’t expect me to strip someone of all rank immediately.

Or maybe this pony was a well known noble who they expected me to care for.

Whatever they thought, it didn’t matter.

I massaged my temples, trying to ease the sudden pressure I was feeling behind my eyes.

An odd, leathery flapping made my ears perk, and I looked around the room for the source.

When I didn’t find the source, I began speaking with a random soldier near me.

“Trooper, can you send for someone from the foreign ministry? I need an unbiased pony to witness these negotiations, otherwise I'm certain somepony is going to make a greater fuss than before with this.”

The flapping sounds again, and I’m able to zero in on the source above me.

A pair of yellow eyes with slitted pupils stared down from the rafters above my head, and I started for my gun at the sudden appearance.

An assassin? Right now?

There couldn’t be worse timing.

But as I was pulling out my pistol, I recognized it as the shape of a pony.

A pair of dark, leathery wings unfolded and the bat pony dropped gracefully to the floor in front of me.

He bowed low before me as he speaks up in a rasping voice.

”My lord Anonymous, please allow me to bear witness to thy negotiations. I can substitute as a third party, and we have interests in these proceedings as well.”

My words failed me for a long moment.

It was the first time I had actually seen one of Luna's guards, unlike the Royal Guards, the Thestral Wardens acted subtly and used more subversive methods to ensure security of their princess.

There were many rumours about them, from their being able to turn invisible, to them eating meat.

The only clear thing about them was that they unnerved regular ponies, but right now I felt more curious than fearful.

Mainly because if he tried anything hostile, he would be killed by me or one of the many soldiers in the tent with me.

“And what is your name, warden?”

He rises and grins, baring the fangs that had such a fearsome reputation.

“My name is Dusk Echo, lord. I am the one appointed as liaison by the Unseen. Please lord, allow me to accompany you and ensure your safety through these trials.”

It doesn't take me long to consider the offer.

After all, this was a group of ponies that I hadn't seen before, let alone had time to speak with and understand.

And his appearance would be likely to dissuade any opposition to the terms I would set down.

“Very well, Dusk, let's be on our way.”

Without another word, the two of us departed to cross the lines once more.

Out of the frying pan, into the fire.

When we entered the barracks again, I took a bit of satisfaction from seeing Buckler flinch at the sight of Echo.

But for his part, the bat pony merely grins and addresses the watch commander in his raspy voice.

”Good day to you, watch commander. And how are you, in this hour of fading light?”

He had a strange, rather esoteric way of speaking.

Formal and oddly poetic, it seemed to serve as a counterpoint to his savage appearance.

Like Frankenstein from the old books I remembered from Earth.

And it seemed to work at unnerving my diplomatic partner, so without acknowledging it in any blatant way, I merely sat at the table.

“Well then, shall we begin Mr. Buckler?”

I forwent his title deliberately, making it clear the position he was in.

My slight against him doesn't go unnoticed, but the guard takes his own seat, accompanied by a young looking officer.

Perhaps his aide, or the only other officer here, I thought to myself as they leaned over the tabletop.

But when they spoke, they didn’t address me, to my surprise.

“Warden Echo, what a pleasant surprise that you would be joining these negotiations. You're here as a witness, I presume?”

His tone indicated anything but warm feelings.

But Echo, to his credit, responds in a far more gentle tone than I would have thought.

”Partially, watch commander. But also I come to negotiate the position of the Thestral Wardens and communicate the desires of my superiors. Consider me as a witness and an interested party, if you would.”

Both the guards furrow their brows, and the younger one bursts out.

“That's unacceptable! These negotiations are between the Royal Guard and the military alone!”

The three of us shot him withering gazes, not even his commander appreciated the sentiment it seemed.

Clearing his throat, Buckler speaks up as his colleague sits abashedly.

”Yes well, this is most unexpected. But be mindful warden, these are primarily to determine the state of affairs of the current situation. I would request you do not try and turn this to selfish objectives.”

Echo's grin only widens further.

”I would never dream of it, watch commander. My interests lie solely with the best interests of Equestria as a whole.”

The way he says it is unnerving, even to me.

It sounded almost as though there was a sinister edge to his voice, but if Buckler had detected it, he made no comment on it.

Instead, he fixes his gaze on me.

”I do hope there will be no more...surprises.”

I smiled warmly at the officers and showed them my open palms.

“Not at all, Mr. Buckler. I simply believed it would be a fine idea to have an impartial witness to the proceedings.”

He stared at me with a fiery gaze.

Either furious at my idea of an impartial witness or certain I was lying to his face.

Frankly, it didn’t matter which one he thought.

“So then, you agree that the Royal Guard, as it is today, shall be placed under the command structure of the military. Furthermore, a full investigation of the ponies involved in the assault on the ambassador will be conducted and you ensure the full cooperation of your stallions in said investigation.”

Buckler furrowed his brow and shot a gaze at the younger guard beside him to keep the junior quiet.

”Yes, as I said it's distasteful but I can agree to it. In return, you promise fair treatment and light punishment for those involved in this unfortunate scuffle. As I stated before, they only had the interests of their fellow guards at heart. I assume of course that, as a branch of the Guard, the Thestral Wardens shall be incorporated into the military structure as well.”

I hadn't actually thought of that before sitting at the table.

It would make sense of course, putting them into the intelligence branch would be an incredible asset for the troops on the ground.

Night reconnaissance, I began thinking.

Perhaps they might even train some units to specialize in night fighting, or clandestine operations, or who knows what.

My own little green berets.

My train of thought was interrupted by Echo clearing his throat.

”That is, in fact, why I've come to this discussion. By the nature of our organization, to become part of the military would be exceedingly troublesome. Without revealing any dangerous information, we require the freedom of our own command structure to be as effective as we are.”

I looked over at the bat pony, not expecting him to chime in so quickly.

But out of the corner of my eye, I saw Buckler fuming as Echo continued.

”As per our previous agreement with Her Majesty Princess Celestia, we desire to retain our autonomy from the bureaucracy that can hobble other organizations. And in return, we shall of course continue to serve in the capacity we already do.”

Buckler slammed his hooves down on the table, startling me and drawing Echo's full attention.

”Absolutely unacceptable! The Royal Guard has served the princess for millenia, through the most troubling times in our history. Our proud heritage dates even prior to the Wardens existing, and yet you would deny us the self-same treatment as you? Unthinkable, it would be a deplorable stab in the back!”

Echo's smile doesn't falter and he keeps an even tone as he responds.

”On the contrary, it would merely be upholding agreements that were put in place for the betterment of all Equestria.”

Buckler began to grind his teeth together, and his subordinate speaks up in his place.

”Is that what you call being allowed to slink around in the dark, cutting deals that would never be allowed, and 'disappearing' anypony that tries to stop you? At the very least, WE protect ponies and ensure proper security. You and your ilk are just a criminal gang that happens to work with the government.”

The only sign of his annoyance is a twitch in Echo's cheek.

His tone has lost any semblance of respect and carries a midnight chill when he retorts.

”You may think of us what you wish, but do not dare question our dedication to ensuring the safety of Equestria and the princesses. Your beliefs of our activities are irrelevant so long as you understand we are your allies.”

As Buckler opened his mouth to continue, I felt that this had gone on long enough already.

“Enough! We’ve strayed far enough from the topic at hand already. I believe some form of autonomy is permissible, Echo, but I would like to foster cooperation as well. Perhaps the devotion of a full team of Wardens to liaise with different levels of government and military?”

Echo's brow furrowed in thought, but Buckler shouts in exclamation before he can offer a response.

“You can't seriously be considering this, Anonymous! These...these creatures fought on the side of Nightmare Moon in the rebellion! They caused havoc for Equestria for nearly three centuries after, there's no way they can be trusted without heavy oversight!”

Echo's gaze turns thoughtful as he replies to Buckler, his tone not carrying the same edge it had before.

”It is true, we fought on the side of our princess. And would you not have done the same, had Celestia raised your kin from ash and ruin? Unlike you, our oath is in our very blood, not words on parchment. I could no more betray the lunar princess than you could become an alicorn, watch commander. But the fact of the matter is we were welcomed back into the fold by Princess Celestia, and absolved of the crimes of our fathers. And now we come in an attempt to ensure a peaceful resolution to your own rebellion against the crown and you believe we work against you? Not even Discord is so mad.”

This was going nowhere fast.

The two guards shout over each other at the bat pony, who simply endures the tirade with a neutral mask on his face

Evidently, bringing Echo in had been a giant mistake, but at the same time did the liaison of the sister unit to the Royal Guard not deserve to be privy to this?

Perhaps it was just the stress of the situation, but there's no doubt the guards were overreacting to his mere presence.

Before long, I tired of the petty insults that the shouting has devolved into.

I slammed a closed fist down on the table, silencing their bickering in an instant.

“Enough! Watch commander, while I can appreciate how you feel to a degree, I don't think you understand just how little room to bargain you have. And what little you have is rapidly being burned away by your petty whining. I will give you one more chance; accept the terms as they have been laid out or you will no longer be considered anything more than seditious elements to be eradicated. And believe me, you WILL be eradicated if you do not sign this deal”

I saw the understanding and fear dawn in the eyes of the young officer, an officer cadet I noted, finally recognizing his rank.

Buckler's face twisted in a series of emotional displays, but finally settles into a scowl of defiance.

I felt a pang in my heart as he gave his answer, filled with venom and vitriol.

”So be it. I'll not stand by while my brothers are thrown aside like livestock. All Equestria shall know of the discord you spread amongst even the tightest ranks, Anonymous. I pray that peace never visits you and every victory turns to ash in your mouth. You're not fit to even speak the name of Princess Celestia, much less take her throne. You are nothing but a tyrant playing leader. Begone.”

Oh…

So that’s what it would be then.

Fine.

In silence, me and Echo rose and left the room.

As I crossed the lines for the last time, my heart was heavy.

Everything had been going as well as it possibly could, I had never expected letting in one pony could have such an impact.

It wasn’t hard to find blame in Echo and his sudden appearance, but I couldn't let blame rest entirely with him.

I was certain that I could have found an acceptable deal for all parties involved

I knew it.

But I hadn't, I’d lost my temper, and let my anger consume me into delivering an ultimatum that would make even the griffons balk.

And instead of having the desired effect of cowing Buckler, it had hardened his heart.

So it is that I found myself back in the command room, my head in my hands, with a crowd of soldiers and officers waiting to hear my words.

And I had no idea what to say.

Negotiations had fallen through. There was no choice but to exterminate these rebels before word could spread.

God help us all.

17: Crushing the Rebellion

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This was a disaster.

A hoof brushed against my arm, and I looked down to see Echo staring at me with an almost sheepish look on his face.

”My deepest apologies, lord. I had not expected his reaction to my presence to be so poor.”

I shook my head slowly, my foul mood deepening further.

“No, I shouldn't have brought an unknown into that. Novice mistake on my part, don't worry too much about it.”

Echo absently kicks a hoof against the cobbles looking down, but looks back at me with firmness returned to his gaze.

”Nevertheless, for my part in it I must take responsibility. Have the troops hold their position, we shall take care of this mess.”

He eyes the darkening sky as he speaks, and a chill ran up my spine.

I could imagine exactly how an autonomous 'security' organization would deal with this type of problem.

But I wasn’t about to give up on the guards quite yet.

Maybe some of them could still be reasoned with.

Not all of them had to die for nothing.

“Before you do anything of the sort, I'm going to try and talk some sense into them one more time.”

He lowered his head in a shallow bow, but I could see the start of savage smile beginning on his face.

”As you wish, lord. I shall prepare for the inevitable, but hold for your word.”

Another shiver, and I could feel goosebumps rise on my neck.

But I pushed down the unease and turned to an officer bearing the emblem of lieutenant.

“Soldier, get me a megaphone. I have an announcement to make.”

The officer saluted me sharply.

”At once sir!”

A few moments later, I was standing behind the barricade beside a number of soldiers manning it.

Just in case they thought now was the time to attack.

I lifted the megaphone to my mouth and addressed the rebel guards across the courtyard.

“Royal Guards of Equestria, your dedication to your brothers is admirable, and you have made clear that your courage does not waver. Truly, you have shown you are more than deserving of your status as guardians of the princess and Equestria.”

I paused for a moment, considering the weight of my next words and just how they might be received.

“But now, that dedication has led you astray. You stand in opposition to the crown and against the defenders of the realm, and this sedition threatens the harmony of Equestria itself. Even as I appreciate your loyalty to your brothers, this is something that cannot stand. I ask you, I beg you, look within and truly question if a mere misunderstanding is worth upsetting the delicate position Equestria stands in. Your actions reflect poorly on Equestria as a whole. Would you continue along the path of disharmony and discord you have slipped onto, or turn back to the light?”

I let the words hang for a moment in the still air of the deepening night.

Nothing.

When I resumed, there was a touch of genuine touch of emotion in my voice.

“Please, I do not wish to see any blood shed over such a petty mistake as this. With all here as my witnesses, if you come back to us, back to harmony, there shall be no repercussions. You will be welcomed as prodigal sons, celebrated for your understanding of the value of unity, and for the wisdom of your choice.”

Again, I paused, struggling to find my next words.

This situation was affecting me far more than I would have thought.

“I will even roll back the proposed changes if you just surrender. Please, just stop this. Just come back to us.”

One last pause.

“I will give you time to think. Please, loyal guardians of Equestria, come back to us.”

I trailed off, unable to think of anything else to say.

So I stood at the barricade, staring across the hall as the minutes stretch out before us.

As I was about to turn away in despair, to give Echo the order, I heard muffled shouting from the direction of the Royal Guards.

After a final, shouted exclamation, I saw a young looking pony hop over the barricade and sprint over to my side, his weapon cast to the ground.

As he charged toward me, a pair of soldiers push a crate aside to make room for him.

He slid to a stop behind the battlements, panting heavily, his mouth beginning to foam from the exertion.

At my feet, he bowed deeply, professing an apology with every desperate breath he takes.

Getting over my shock, I laid a hand on his withers gently.

He twitches at the contact and looks up at me with wide, fearful eyes.

But his return has salved my spirit, at least a small amount.

There was still some hope that the rest could return to see reason.

I gave him a warm, paternal smile and patted his back soothingly.

“All is forgiven, young one, go get some rest. See the lieutenant back there, he'll get you a place to rest.”

The young guard quiets down and nods, tears welling up in his eyes as he gallops into the command room.

After another few minutes of waiting for more to trickle to our side, I returned to the command room, a sudden tiredness pressing down on my shoulders

I took a seat at the table in the center of it all, rubbing my eyes.

A sergeant approached me cautiously, standing beside me and delivering a rigid salute.

”Sir, there's a pony at the door to see you. We've kept her outside the command room, but she swears she knows you. One Cursive Quill?”

My tiredness was immediately replaced with a flare of anger.

These idiots should have known who she was.

I reigned the feeling back as I recalled that I had specifically ordered troops from outside the city to be deployed.

Instead I settled on a sigh of resignation to show how I felt about his actions.

“Send her in, please. And spread the word, she's permitted wherever she needs to go.”

The sergeant nodded and trots off.

Moments later, a frantic galloping reaches my ears and a very distraught looking Quill hops onto my lap.

She buried her face into my chest, heaving great gasps of air and choking back sobs.

A quick look around tells me that many ponies have vacated the room, and the remaining ones are pointedly ignoring us.

Gently shushing her, I stroked her back to calm her, wrapping my arms around and tightly embracing her.

It takes a long while for her to calm down enough to speak, still hiccuping as she looks up at me with a tear streaked face.

”I was s-so worried Anon! Th-the guards, they wouldn't let me in, and there was all the shouting! I thought you'd been hurt!”

Quill trails off, burying her face into my chest again.

I stroked her mane to calm her, not saying a word.

Right now she just needed to be comforted, not given excuses.

An hour later, she's calmed down and fallen asleep in your lap, and the command room is quiet around us.

A number more of the Royal Guards had passed through, some tearful, others with their heads held high.

But it had been at least a half hour since the last one had passed through, and a report from the barricade said the only ones left just happened to be the ones who had been on the guard roster for Chitin.

And of course, Buckler had stayed as well.

Echo had returned ten minutes ago, informing me that he and the other Wardens were prepared to 'solve the problem'.

But I was hesitant.

I certainly didn't want this crisis to go on any longer than it had to, but to use such methods?

It was strange in a way, going to war with the griffons hadn't affected me in the slightest, I had even felt gleeful at hearing of their total defeat in Trottingham.

Even killing other humans was never a problem to me during the war.

Perhaps it was because these were ponies, not my own people, but they had taken me in when I had nowhere else to go.

I had seen what was bad about humanity, but only what was positive about these ponies so far.

It made sense for me to be more attached to them, but it was only now I understood how deeply these attachments ran.

But now, I steeled myself, putting on the politicians mask of neutrality I had perfected.

“Go.”

At the word, Echo trots away silently, leaving the command post behind.

A small part of my heart breaks, and I can't stop a couple stray tears from falling from my eyes.

I had just authorized the murder of 20 guardsmen.

A nuzzling at my belly reminded me of why I had made this choice though.

It was ponies like Quill, like Fluttershy, like all my friends in Ponyville that I stained my hands with these decisions.

I made these choices so no one else had to.

The cost of upholding harmony and unity had to be paid.

But just how much of my soul would that cost be?

Maybe it would cost too much, and I would become a monster.

Glory to Equestria.

You are Echo.

Lord Anonymous has approved of your ‘solution’ to this little rebellion.

Anything the Royal Guardsmen do reflect poorly onto the Wardens after all.

You were essentially mirror agencies after all.

And now you had to kill your own brothers.

But you held no love for them.

They hated you and your fellow Wardens after all.

And they tried to have your true brothers dragged down with them, trying to have your order punished for their mistakes.

Believing you were no more than murderers and thieves.

It didn’t matter if there was no Celestia, they pledged to the throne itself.

It didn’t matter if a human or a pony sat on it, orders must be obeyed.

As you and the other Wardens got into position, you noted one last thing.

Their final moments would be spent expecting a final siege, a chance to prove their valor.

And the Wardens would deny them that final wish.

The irony wasn’t lost on you.

I didn’t sleep at all that night.

Even though the number of soldiers had dwindled to a skeleton crew and the lines have been quiet all night.

Perhaps it was because, a few moments after that true, deathly quiet had begun, Echo had sidled up to me and told me that the situation had been resolved.

I may have been optimistic, but I wasn’t naive, I knew exactly what he was implying.

Perhaps it was because I’d sent a protesting Quill off to her own room.

It had taken a great deal of assurance that I would be perfectly safe, especially with the resolution and being surrounded by military troops.

But eventually, she'd listened to me.

I didn't want her around to feed off my stewing mood.

Perhaps it was the inspection of the guard barracks I had undertaken after getting word of the completion of Echo's...work.

It had been clean, disturbingly so.

Better organized and cleaned than it had been when I had been in there negotiating for peace.

I had ordered the troops manning the barricade to solemn silence and to take down the fortifications.

I’d have to deal with the press in the morning for certain, maybe that was what weighed so heavily on me.

How would ponies react to knowing their beloved Royal Guards had rebelled against me?

Though it hadn't been all of them, in fact it hadn't even constituted a military platoon.

And perhaps more importantly, none of the other guards around the palace had come to their rescue, remaining faithfully at their posts.

Maybe this was just a fringe case?

And truly, how many ponies knew exactly how many had actually rebelled?

Besides the military, who was loyal to me, who else truly knew?

I could spin it as though they had all come back over peacefully after understanding their mistake.

In fact, that would be practically easy compared to other options.

It had some actual truth to it after all. Well over half of them came back.

40 coming back to 20 being killed wasn’t exactly the best numbers, but it was still just barely over half.

But I left that choice for later, worrying away at it would do nothing but give me an ulcer.

Still, I hadn't found rest despite giving up on worrying.

Much later in the evening, perhaps it was early in the morning though, I found Echo at my side.

After some time sitting in silence, I decided to distract myself with conversation.

“Do you mind if I ask you a question, Echo?”

He glances about the empty room, then inclines his head in a curt bow.

“So long as it does not compromise the security of my kind, I shall do my best to answer, lord.”

I scratched at my chin, wondering exactly what the boundaries were.

“Well how about the beginning. Where did you guys come from? I mean, you're not exactly pegasi right?”

He let out a thoughtful hum and looks at the table I was sat at.

”We were, once. In eons past, just after the unification of ponykind, we were pegasi. So the stories go, we had build the grand city of Cumulopolis, the city that touched the sky. So high up was the cloud base that it was a mere speck to those who could not soar as we did. We were so high that many of us dreamed we could even touch the stars themselves.”

He trailed off, gazing out the window with a distant look and a sad smile.

When he doesn't speak for a long moment, I continued the line of questioning.

“Where was Cumulopolis? I've never seen reference to that outside old legends, hell I didn't think it was real.”

He turned his face to me, his look grim.

”The moon wept.”

I blinked slowly at the cryptic turn of phrase.

“Explain.”

He sighed and returned his gaze to the stars outside, his gaze one of fanciful desire.

”A piece of the moon herself broke off and fell through the sky. All of our ancestors gathered and gazed at the tear the moon had shed with wonder. Then it seemed to shatter across the night sky. Mere moments later, the city was totally destroyed. Anypony that survived the calamity was...changed. No longer could they walk in the day with ease, nor navigate by the rays of the sun. They were stripped of their feathers, their wings becoming dark and leathery. They became outcasts among their own people, the pegasi. They thought themselves punished for daring to brush their wings against the dome of the sky”

His gaze took on a beatific quality as he continued to stare at the moon high above.

”But Princess Luna came to them, sought them out of the caves they had sequestered themselves in. Though she did not know why the moon wept, she swore that she would not stop seeking a way to give us back our first bodies. And so they swore their blood, and ours, to the princess of the night. Though many millenia have passed since then, we still keep faith that she shall return us to how we were.”

He continued to gaze wistfully at the night sky, his eyes unfocused and misty.

I took some time to consider the tale.

It was easy to dismiss it as just an origin myth, something to explain why the bat ponies were so different from every other kind of pony.

But the conviction Echo had relayed it with, and the care he had taken in choosing his words, kept me from simply calling it a story and being done with it.

It certainly explained their devotion to Luna.

And their willingness to die for her if necessary.

And perhaps that moon rock had some kind of magic in it, it certainly wouldn't be far-fetched that that would be the case.

After all, I had seen stranger things even in my short time in Equestria.

“But why take on the role that you have? You could have easily been taken under the Royal Guard, you probably would have even been welcome to the night shift.”

He let out a short chuckle and returned to looking me.

”Nay, we had seen a need for a force such as ourselves. We had become an old mare's tale, the pegasi that flew to close to the moon and were struck down for hubris. We embraced it, eventually. Only a few of us would ever be in the public eye, and only accompanying Princess Luna. Later we established the role I now fill, as we realized that sometimes we must...coerce certain ponies to help in tasks. And so it came to be that we would be the wall in the night, doing things that no reasonable pony would consider, all in order to keep Equestria safe and serve the will of our princess.”

I scratched my chin and remember something that one of the guards had mentioned earlier.

“And you sided with Luna during the Fall, right?”

His ears flattened against his skull.

I probably could have phrased that far better, but I was totally exhausted dammit.

His answer is hesitant, as though expecting a rebuke at any second.

”Yes, we sided with Nightmare Moon. Stories from those of the time recount some inexplicable...draw to her. They knew their actions would harm Equestria but...it didn't matter for some reason. Even the tales have nothing but speculation, that perhaps it was the same blessing that made us as we are which had us so unquestioningly loyal. The princess is inexorably tied to the moon, after all. But it does not matter, we fought against Equestria openly then and continued to foster rebellion for two centuries after until Celestia herself found our homes and brought us back under Equestrian rule.”

My eyes had widened at the mention of rebellion even two hundred years after Luna's banishment.

That would have been the Great Eastern Rebellion that had seen the disbanding of the military as a whole.

'The Eastern Frontier in Flames', that had been the title of the book I had read all about it.

How long ago was that now?

Long before I’d taken the throne certainly.

And now with the reestablishment of the military proper, and Luna being one of the top generals, the bat ponies were coming and offering me their service.

Circles within circles.

Maybe it was just how tired I was, but the thought sends a chill up my spine.

I had spent so long studying and participating in politics that I began to see double meanings everywhere.

But this kind of recursivity was something that felt new, and entirely unwelcome.

The horizon had begun to brighten while I stewed over the information I had garnered.

I saw Echo's gaze flicking to where the sun would soon appear and back to me.

With a wave, I was about to dismiss him, his thoughts easy to understand.

But there was one last matter that had to be dealt with.

“Echo, from the Wardens actions today, I have no choice but limit some of your autonomy.”

Echo looked up at me, puzzled.

I continued.

“Because of your actions, the Royal Guards trust has been permanently been lost. And while the Wardens have fixed the problem they have caused, I still must do this. From today onwards, the Thestral Wardens will obey my orders as if they were Luna’s orders. You will report directly to me, you will still report to Luna. The only reason you will not be enrolled into the army’s command structure is because of your nature. Am I clear?”

Echo thought on it for a bit.

“Of course, Lord Anonymous. Your terms are fair, and we will vow to uphold the unity of Equestria.”

The Wardens didn’t have any real choice, and this deal was much fairer than what was offered the Royal Guards.

The Wardens didn’t disobey my orders and question my authority, so for that I chose to grant leniency.

“Good, very good. You are dismissed”

He gave me a deep bow and trots out the door, leaving me alone in the room lit only by the predawn light.

There was so much to do today, I’d be addressing the media about the matter of the guards, still going on with the changeling talks, poring over military and industrial reports, and who knew what else

I tried to rub the sandpaper feeling from my eyes, knowing that I had to at least appear attentive to the ponies.

I began to wander back to my room, determined to go about a regular routine for the day.

Or as regular as I could make it.

Something to distract me from all the excitement of late.

Boring was fine, it just had to be regular, routine.

Anything normal to distract from this madness.

18: A Broken Mask

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Your room is encompassed in a deep darkness, such that you cannot see your hoof in front of your face.

Despite the late hour and the excitement of the day, you find yourself totally unable to sleep.

Anon had sent you away, and now you're worrying over why exactly he had done so, among other issues.

Like your feelings towards him, the weight of your duty to Equestria, and the assignment you had been given from the lips of Celestia herself.

You are Cursive Quill, and you're starting to wonder where it all went wrong.

It had been such a simple job, being detached from what little there had been of the Equestrian Defense Force intelligence section and assigned to watch Anonymous.

And of course, to intervene if need be.

Of course, Princess Celestia had not defined the point at which you were to intervene, nor HOW to intervene.

Were you supposed to take him down with force or make him resign?

And what would happen if he resisted?

He had the love of the public and the army, the only people who would side with you would be a now weakened Royal Guard.

That in itself was a problem, but another major roadblock was how you felt lately.

Being around him made you giddy, made you want to prance around like a little filly and catch his attention at every turn

But you tried your best to remain professional around him, totally composed as you had been taught.

Mostly.

But you were fuming about your display earlier.

Breaking down in front of a bunch of rank and file soldiers, being comforted by the person that was supposed to be your boss, never mind showing off how close you were to him.

The worst part of it was, no matter how illogical it had been, that feeling of worry and fear was all too genuine.

You had dismissed stories of agents 'going native' or siding with the targets they were supposed to be spying on.

Now you knew better.

You had seen it coming too, back in Ponyville when he'd made that first speech.

You knew that it was just acting, that he was pretending to feel what he said in the words, you were sure of it.

So many years working as an analyst had told you exactly how those words were calculated to stir feelings in the hearts of ponies.

And yet it still worked on you.

Maybe it was because he had shown through actions that he truly did mean what he said, or at the very least strove to do as he said.

He was a mixed bag of traits. Kind, earnest, brave, and intelligent, and for whatever reason it touched you in a way that had compromised your work.

But he wasn’t perfect.

You had seen the cracks in his mask.

Just how much he enjoyed this power he now had.

And just how far he would go to keep Equestria whole.

But at the same time, it was relieving to just place your faith in someone. To just trust that he would make it all ok.

It was hard to believe anyone, much less a non-pony, could break you of your cynicism at this point.

But he had, and he'd given you hope.

Something you hadn't really felt since...

No.

You wouldn't fall down the hole of thinking about that, not now, not ever.

From beneath your hooves, your face peeked out and stared towards the heavy curtains covering the window.

You let out a huff and get out of bed, trotting over and throwing the curtains open to reveal the full moon gazing down on you.

You stared straight back, fury in your eyes.

”You know, don't you Luna? You always knew but you never told him, why not? Could it be you don't trust him, or do you just get your entertainment watching me fall further from Celestia's grace every time I get near him? Does it make you giddy watching me torture myself every second I spend with him?”

The second you finished your little rant at the moon, a dark shadow began to spread across it.

You felt a shiver run up your back as the shadow stretches into the room, drawing ever closer to you.

A voice, cold as the night sky but tinged with heartache, echoes behind you in the dark room.

”Is that truly what you think of me, Cursive Quill?”

You whirl about and find Luna herself standing there.

Your face twists in a sneer as it all comes together at last.

Obviously you had fallen asleep, and now you were dreaming that the princess of the night was before you herself.

Of course, she was directing a campaign so this was just an apparition of your own making.

You replied to the phantasm towering over the black space where the door had been, your voice dripping with bile and venom.

“Of course it's what I think of you, Luna. The great lunar princess, who presided over all things miltiary, couldn't spot an intelligence plant. That or the redeemed princess who just loves to watch a subject suffer while she watches quietly.”

“Luna's” ears flatten against her skull and she look downright ashamed.

So of course, you continued, your anger was boiling now, how could you not?

“But you've been enjoying that for years haven't you? Oh of course, you've found time to visit the dreams of every pony in Ponyville, every guard and scribe in the palace. Even half the nobles who've had barely any troubles get a dreamwalk from the radiant princess Luna to help them solve their problems. But me? No, I guess giving my entire life to the throne, having my fillyhood destroyed, and never finding a real home just isn't enough to warrant a bit of help.”

You blinked back bitter, stinging tears as the illusion of the princess appears more and more piteous.

It almost, almost, stopped you from continuing.

This had weighed and worn on you so much that even in a dream it was offering catharsis.

But before you can carry on with your tirade, words too quiet from “Luna's” mouth stop you.

They're choked out with a sob and so soft you can't believe what you had heard.

“What was that, 'princess'?”

She draws herself up, puffing out her chest and even with tears glistening in the false moonlight of the imaginary sky manages to look noble

“Luna” steps up in front of you, but even her enormity in size did not cow your resolve.

You know she isn't real.

But the wing that wraps itself around you, the warmth of her body, the sorrow you can physically feel emanating from her.

It feels so real.

Her voice cracks as she speaks softly, her tone almost maternal.

“I'm sorry, Quill.”

You felt your heart speed up, but you're not about to give in to an illusion.

“Yeah, whatever. This is all in my head anyway.”

You feel the wing tighten around your back, and a warm droplet hits your forehead.

”You truly believe that? It is indeed me, Cursive Quill.”

No.

It couldn't be…

You pushed against the lump forming in your throat, the part of you that desperately desires this all to be real.

You can't quite keep the hope from your voice, but it still comes tinged with bitterness.

“Prove it.”

One of the wings pushed your chin up so you were looking into her teary, red eyes.

Her voice is firm, absolute, more than befitting of a diarch such as her.

”In the morning, after you and I awaken, I shall send a telegram to Canterlot. It shall be an official report, but will have in it the phrase 'the love of a mother'.”

You can feel your heart breaking in two at even the idea of reading those words.

Instead of facing her any longer, you squeezed your eyes shut and pulled your face away from her wing.

“Just...just go. Don't give me something else to be disappointed about.”

You felt her pull away from you and against your better judgment, you turned to watch.

As she stepped towards a door that had appeared in the void across from the window, she faced you with a sad smile.

”I shall show you, Quill, the love you have yearned for.”

You grit your teeth in a snarl at her words, even as hot tears pour down your face.

But she's gone before you can retort, leaving you alone to bask in the rays of the unreal moon, crying like a lost filly.

The room around you fades away, and you feel a warm feeling spread across your face.

When you next open your eyes, the morning sun sparkles through the fine glass of the windows, warming the tracks the tears had made on your muzzle.

You sniffled a bit as you recalled the dream, but as you trek to the shower to prepare yourself for the day, you steel your heart against the feelings.

It wouldn't do for you to appear so disheveled in public.

Especially not for a mere dream.

The day is boring, as many days tended to be for you.

Anon met with the press first thing, and as ever you accompanied him.

Before the conference, you'd offered some cards about what to say to certain questions.

Cards that, against your better judgment, you had spent a solid half-hour making instead of doing other things.

Like compiling observations, you know, doing your job if spying on him?

But you had wasted it on working for HIM.

The day had only become worse from there.

After the dreary questions of the media, half of which were just constantly regurgitated ones of the status of the Royal Guards and the standoff.

The official story surrounding the Royal Guard was a small group attempted to coup Anonymous and the government, and the public ate it up. After all, the other members of the Royal Guard had said this was what happened.

They wanted to save face, and have some dignity in their disgrace.

Bored, you left the meeting room, you'd gone to speak more with Chitin.

Even though you weren't personally affected by their previous invasion, being around him was enough to make your skin crawl

It didn't help that, sometimes, he seemed to be giving you an almost hungered look.

Maybe he could feel your love, and it made him hungry.

You weren't sure how to interpret his gazes, it was just a gut feeling.

Still, the talks went surprisingly well, and Chitin had opened up after Anonymous told him of the... results from the guard uprising.

You'd nearly curled your lips in a sneer at the mention of that incident.

Damned elitists, they could have made things so much easier if they had just gone along with the investigation.

You didn't even hold anything against them for wanting to retain independence, if anything you understand the feeling well.

It was just...damn.

At least the changeling seemed pleased that his attackers had been 'taken care of', as it had been so delicately put.

But the ground had been laid for proper peace talks, you'd even sent a message off to the Crystal Empire on behalf of Anonymous.

If you could get them on board, it was possible the Changelings as a whole would never have to hunt for food again.

And as an intelligence plant, you couldn't deny their utility as spies.

They were practically built for the job from the genetic level up.

The day continues on, a boring meeting with officials that you take notes on, for Anonymous of course.

Eager as he was, he had some bad habits. Like never, ever taking a note himself unless he was speech writing.

Sometimes you're amazed he made it this far, but mostly you're impressed by how well he's done.

After all, he wasn't even a pony.

You really did admire him, both professionally and...otherwise.

He was determined to see the best in everything, to work towards a peaceful solution to whatever problems there had been.

Truly, a being after Celestia's own heart.

But his way of ensuring peace was quite different to hers.

He'd once confided in you about it, as he had come to do after a while.

His world was one of constant violence and strife, even coming to, as he had horrifyingly called them, 'world wars.’

As in plural.

It had sent a shudder up your spine to even imagine it.

Millions of beings throwing their lives away, and for what?

He swore to you he wanted that fate to be avoided for Equestria, that he wanted everypony to be able to live happy, healthy lives in comfort.

It had become clear to you both after the gryphons declared war that such a peace would not be easy to come by.

So Anonymous had laid his plans bare before you and Luna.

Under his plan, Equestria would become the most powerful country the world had ever known, militarily and economically.

The idea would have been considered abhorrent even a single year ago.

But war had a way of moulding even the most hardy of wills.

Nopony knew where Celestia and Twilight had gone, and without the security of the Elements of Harmony and, no offense to Luna, the most powerful magic users in Equestria, this was it.

But he wasn't a bad pon-, person, he was just trying to make the best of a nightmare.

He was kind, gentle, loving, you'd seen what lay beneath the iron shackles he kept on his heart during business hours.

A steeled will, and a willingness to keep peace at any cost. To protect those he cared about.

And anyone who didn’t agree was no longer considered one of his own.

But you loved him.

You mulled that thought over as the day goes on.

Yes, loved, like a mare does a stallion.

There was no more getting around it, certainly not after Trottingham.

Oh the bliss of that night in the glow of fireworks, his lips against yours, the warmth of his embrace.

To think he was hesitant about it at all was strange.

It gave you shivers just to think about it.

Your gaze is far away, reliving that night, as he parades before a crowd, making a speech about the unity of all ponies from guards to grocers or some such.

It's all blather, taking up the little time the day had left.

The time before you could let down your persona of a prim and proper scribe and just be his.

Luna knew, you knew she knew, but she had never made a comment about it, never given you a look of distaste or any sign of discomfort with the way you acted.

Luna....

She said that there would be word today, just for you.

A frantic messenger charged up to the two of you as Anon finishes receiving his applause from the crowd.

You perked up immediately, he's wearing a military outfit and the sigil of the communication brigade.

”Chancellor, a message from the army!”

Your eyes widened, this was it!

Anonymous nodded his consent and the pegasus messenger opened the paper and cleared his throat…

Almost delirious, you leaned in to catch every word he says, holding your breath in anticipation.

Your dream...

”Contact with enemy. Stop. Beachhead currently under bombardment. Stop. Landing delayed. Stop. Glory to Equestria. END.”

...was just a dream

You wanted to cry, to scream, to demand more of the messenger.

But even as your body shook subtly, Anonymous thanked and dismissed the messenger.

He lays a hand on your withers, a slight touch to direct you, and you follow after him numbly.

You're not sure why you had thought the dream to be real.

Maybe you had just wanted some kind of hope, something to hold on to.

It barely registers when the door clicks shut behind you and Anonymous lays back on his bed.

Without prompting, you hop up beside him.

You NEEDED him.

He lays a gentle hand on your mane, without force, without intent.

His voice is quiet, kind, warm like an island sunset.

”What's the matter, Quill?”

The way he said your name, never 'Cursive', never in anger, never formal when you were together.

It was all just too much.

You broke down on his chest, sobbing about the dream that had never come, about the snake of a Luna that had come to you in the night, promising love and mending.

He strokes your mane, listening without judgment, without the bored affectation of a professional.

You loved him.

You HATE this.

But you loved him.

I awoke to my little assistant clutching me fiercely

I just couldn’t resist reaching down and scratching behind her ears, and she gives a contented murmur as she presses her face against my chest.

Come to think of it, she had been incredibly clingy in what little private time we had shared as of late.

If I didn't know better, I’d think she was insecure, afraid I would leave her.

But that was silly, she knew exactly how I felt about her.

I had some doubts, but I had ultimately decided that a pony was just as good as a human.

She shifted, nuzzling against me and throwing a hoof over my chest.

Damn she was cute.

When did I start falling for this mare, or for mares in general?

Couldn't have been long ago.

But then, it wasn't as though I had went around gawking at mares about town.

Not only because it was unprofessional and completely unbecoming of a ruler, but I simply had no frame of reference to find them attractive.

So why was Quill the exception?

I considered this as I listened to her slow, deep breathing and the quiet thud of her heartbeat.

For one, she was the most adorable thing I’d seen, here or in the last world.

Sure, some would say 'oh but that's subjective', but dammit I worked hard to get to where I was and by god, I would make her the standard for a cuteness law if I needed to!

But it wasn't just that.

Since I had been forced into this role, she had been by my side whenever I had needed her, and even when I hadn't.

She was loyal to the point that it practically put the element of loyalty herself to shame.

Speaking of Dash, I wondered how they were doing.

I had ordered them to stay in Ponyville, in case we needed them quickly for anything.

They weren’t at full strength though since Twilight was missing.

After a long time thinking, I decided what had made me love Quill.

It fell into place, at long last.

She felt the same way I did.

Not just that she loved me, nor that she may or may not find me attractive.

No, she felt the same way I did, deep inside where I never let anyone else, pony or otherwise, in.

She was alone and scarred, just like me.

Maybe not physically scared, but definitely mentally.

And not for the same reasons I was either.

It was not in the same sense that she was the last of her kind, but I had seen how she'd acted around everyone, besides Luna and myself of course.

Never rude or unkind but...distant.

I had never asked her about her friends, but nor had she ever talked about having any.

The fact was, outside me and Luna, her social circle seemed non-existent.

Just the same way I had been when I’d arrived, even before I’d arrived perhaps.

Most of my old friends were dead and gone, the rest having gone their separate ways.

Sure, over time I had grown close with some ponies, Fluttershy especially, but there had always been some kind of wall between us.

It hadn't really mattered, caused no problems, but I hadn't really been at home with them.

But Quill was different.

There hadn't been any sort of barrier between the two of us, even in the worst situations I had always been happy with her around, or at least better than without.

The little pony lets out a quiet whimper, and I stroked her cheek gently

No, the two of us complemented each other well, it was only natural that eventually you would share these feelings.

And they were shared...right?

The sun that has been lazily creeping over the covers now rests squarely in my eyes, pulling me from that train of thought.

It was time to start the day.

I gave Quill a little shake and she snorts, stretching her limbs out as much as she can with how she was sleeping.

”Whas-- 'non, time to get up?”

I scratched behind her ears and she let out a little sigh, bringing a grin to my face.

“Yeah, time to get up and face the adoring public once more.”

She scoffs and bit and stares up at me with a disapproving gaze.

“We don't have any public appearances today though, didn't you read the schedule.”

Of course I had. I always did.

I ruffled her mane and sat up a bit in bed.

“Just a little joke, Quill. Come on though, we don't want to make the changelings wait.”

As I swing my legs over the side of the mattress, I recalled exactly what Chitin had told me.

The queen herself was coming today.

All it had taken was my telling him of the fate of the guards, he had apparently sent word immediately.

That had sat poorly with me until I had fallen asleep.

I was more willing to forgive and make peace with them than most, it seemed, but it made me question my efforts.

Just how close were they to Equestria, how deeply burrowed into society had they become since their banishment?

Close enough to make me nervous, it seemed, deep enough to be a problem if it came down to it.

As I stood under the stream of the shower, my train of thought was broken as Quill tried to join me.

I jumped back as Quill hopped into the small tub with me.

With pure instinct, I covered myself up and my temper rose a bit.

“What do you think you're doing, Quill?”

Her tone is sleepy when she responds.

”I'm getting a shower, duh. Scooch over please?”

She turns and I could see her half open eyes immediately flit to my crotch.

Instantly they flew open and she scrambled out of the tub.

”Sorry, sorry! I didn't mean to Anon!”

You regret snapping at her, but are mostly surprised with her reaction

Surely it wasn't the first time she'd seen me naked, right?

I blush my, as I hurriedly begin scrubbing my body to take my mind off the fact that it was indeed the first time.

“D-don't worry about it, Quill. Honest mistake.”

Definitely need to just focus on washing.

As I stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around my waist, I saw Quill facing a corner of the small bathroom.

“Hey, it's all yours Quill.”

She simply nods, staying exactly where she is.

“You okay?”

She once more nods her head, this time speaking up in a quiet voice.

”Yeah, just fine. I'll be done in a few minutes, okay?”

I left the bathroom without speaking again.

She was probably just embarrassed, I thought to myself while dressing up in my pristine white uniform once more.

Nothing to worry about, really.

I eyes the uniform as I pulled it on.

Odd…

Apparently somebody had managed to clean and press it while I had been asleep.

I was not entirely sure when or how, but I certainly appreciated the effort.

It wouldn't do to show up before the changeling queen herself looking dreary and mussed.

Quill trots out of the bathroom a few moments after I finished changing, her mane already pulled back tightly and glasses donned.

Less than a minute later, she's standing beside the door, saddlebags on and ready for the day.

I smiled and kneeled down to be on her level and began to gently stroke her cheek.

“Well then, my little pony, shall we start the day?”

Quill gave me a half-grin as I parroted Celestia's common form of address.

Before I stood to leave, I gave her a quick peck on the cheek.

She blushed fiercely, but didn't object to it.

Was I being overly affectionate today?

Maybe so, but I thought I had earned the right to be a bit lovey, and Quill more than deserved it.

Because at the end of it all, we would face down everything that came against us.

Hopefully, together.

19: Unholy Alliance

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It was now time.

A pair of MPs pushed open the great oaken doors to the Grand Receiving Chamber.

Possibly the most heavily decorated place outside the throne room itself, I had always felt that it would be the perfect place for such deliberations as this to take place.

Especially when working with one of Queen Chrysalis temperament.

I had been briefed of course, about what to expect when speaking with her.

Still, I wasn’t entirely sure that I was prepared to deal with such a being as her.

For instance, the broad smile I had plastered on my face nearly faltered when I saw her lounging on one of the chairs at the table.

But it still keeps, and I spread my arms in a welcoming gesture.

“Queen Chrysalis, I do apologize if I've kept you waiting. Have you found the accommodations to your liking?”

Her eyes flick up to meet mine, and she gave me a chilling, almost predatory, smile.

”Chancellor Anonymous, yes they are quite pretty. I thank you for meeting with me at long last.”

Her gaze turned on Quill and that smile definitely became predatory.

”And who is this young mare?”

Quill takes an involuntary step back as Chrysalis turns her attention to her.

I laid a comforting hand on her withers and cooled my tone of voice.

“This is my assistant, Cursive Quill. She will be helping us to draft the first outlines for any kind of treaty.”

Chrysalis returned her gaze to me and raised a brow, but doesn't question me any further.

Instead she stretches and sits up in the chair, her face settling into a more neutral expression.

”I believe we've wasted enough time on pleasantries, shall we begin?”

I took a seat, as does Quill beside me, and folded my hands over one another, setting my own neutral expression.

“Down to business then? Very well, since you made overtures towards us I can assume you have some conditions you want fulfilled. Of course, I must be sure that whatever agreement we come to can benefit Equestria as a whole, you understand.”

She seems to feign boredom and looks at her hoof before responding.

”Yes, yes, of course. My demands are quite simple, chancellor, my changelings shall not be hunted and accosted. In return, we shall not kidnap ponies to sustain ourselves, only skim the bare minimum of love we need to survive. It's not a convoluted deal.”

I leaned forward on the table, unconvinced by her act.

“Come now, Queen Chrysalis, I’m not a child. I’m 32. And I know the last time you were in Canterlot you attempted to overthrow the throne. I doubt someone with your...ambition would stop your demands there.”

It seemed she couldn’t stop her slight grin at my commentary, though it doesn't touch her eyes in the slightest.

”To a degree, you are correct. I have many demands I would make of you, however I understand the position I am in. I imagine you have something you want though, do you not?”

Chrysalis glances down at Quill, as if to make a point.

I simply returned her empty smile and replied in a neutral tone.

“There are some things I would like to negotiate on. But for now, Quill please note down these as a possible baseline for us to come back to.”

Quill nods silently, scratching her namesake on the paper in front of her.

My smile drops away once more as I faced Chrysalis.

I knew it wouldn’t be easy to convince her of what I had wanted, even less so with the uncertainty of what I was going to offer in exchange.

“Well now, Queen Chrysalis, I would like us to perform a...cultural exchange of sorts.”

She leans forward, smiling coldly.

”I must say, chancellor, we do not exactly produce great works of art or epic stories. I wonder if you truly wish for a 'cultural exchange' as you so politely put it.”

My cheek twitched, she saw straight through my attempt at subtlety.

It was my hope that we could ease into this idea, but it seemed Chrysalis wanted to skip straight to the point.

So be it, I had no problem avoiding politicking about.

“I applaud your directness, queen. You are correct, given the current state Equestria finds itself in I would like to propose not just peace accords, but possibly military cooperation.”

Chrysalis’s eyes widened as Quill whips around to face me, and they spoke as one.

”What?!”

I tapped a finger against the wood of the large, round table.

“I understand our kinds have no history of cooperation, however--”

Quill whispered into my ear, cutting ne off from finishing my statement.

”Sir, you can't be serious about this. They've preyed off ponies for the past hundred years, this isn't something that will just go away overnight.”

Chrysalis appeared to be snarling at the very idea herself.

I took a deep breath, it was time to step this back a notch.

“My apologies, I was getting a bit ahead of myself. Allow me to explain, Queen Chrysalis. You see, I studied the aftermath of the Canterlot incursion and found something to be rather interesting. It seemed, of all the changelings captured, killed, or witnessed by ponies, not one was armed. What's more, only very few bore armour of any kind. I do not mean to be presumptuous, but I believe this points to a deficiency with your hive, a lack of soldiers.”

This was a gamble, certainly what I said was as true as the reports were

Of course, the reports could’ve been wrong.

But the conclusion I had drawn from it was only the most likely of the various possibilities, not a fact in itself.

Chrysalis’s face had drawn tight, and she leans in.

When she speaks her voice is a low growl.

”Continue.”

It's not a request.

“Well, if your species has any similarities besides appearance to some from my home, a soldier caste is overspecialized for a species without a firm resource base. I would suspect that, adept as they may be with infiltration and magic, your drones are far from warriors. Especially considering that six mares with no training outside schoolyard scraps at best were able to defeat so many.”

With the way the changeling queen is looking at me, I was surprised I hadn't been dissolved in a puddle of acid

But with how furious she is, I knew I had either read the situation perfectly, or had committed a gaffe with no hope of recovery.

I only hoped this gamble paid off.

I could feel the sweat pricking my back as I simply tried to focus on breathing evenly, to not give any show of how nervous I was.

After a long, painful silence, Chrysalis's gaze softened and she gave a defeated sigh.

”I must say, chancellor, your intelligence resources far outstrip what we had thought they were. You're correct, my drones are not soldiers, far from it. However that is all the more reason to not cooperate with you militarily, it's far too early for us to dare trust you with such a thing.”

Well it had been an ambitious idea.

Especially with nothing firm to offer in return, but as the saying went, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

“A fair point, Queen Chrysalis. One thing that is certain is how you must appear in the public eye.”

Chrysalis squinted her eyes at me and she leaned forward.

”And what exactly do you mean by that, chancellor?”

I held out my open palms to forestall any protest from her.

“I mean that it's not likely that ponies will simply trust your word up front. Just like Discord did, you will have to prove your intentions.”

She taps a hoof against her chin, thoughtfully.

”Perhaps I could give some help in your current conflict. We would, of course, need to discuss some kind of compensation for the efforts of my drones.”

I gave her an easy smile and nod.

“Of course, of course. Once the last party finally joins us, we can truly get into the details of this truce, along with any compensation you require.”

Chrysalis gave me what seemed to be her first genuine smile.

”I look forward to that then, chancellor.”

Her gaze flicks down to Quill once more and her face becomes stern.

”There is a matter I would like to discuss with you as well, of the record.”

I nodded to Quill, who laid her writing quill on the table.

Chrysalis shakes her head, looking at Quill more pointedly

”In private, if possible.”

Quill looked up at me, her trepidation clear and her look one of silent disapproval.

But someone had to make a first step towards trust.

“Very well. Quill, if you would?”

I gestured to the door, and Quill hesitantly leaves through it.

The great door shut with a soft booming behind her, and Chrysalis faced me once more, leaning forward with her predatory gaze back in place.

”Now then, shall we discuss your little love affair?”

To my credit, I managed to not react to her words or the mocking tone that they came with.

But my gaze cooled and I leaned back in my chair, taking a deep breath to control any outburst.

I have a brief nervous chuckle.

“I'm sorry, Queen Chrysalis, I can't say I know what you're talking about.”

She gave me a disbelieving look and arches a brow at me.

”Truly, chancellor? You are not a foal trying to hide something from your mother. I would have expected honesty at negotiations like this.”

I maintained the cold stare and blank face as I responded.

“I believe I would be aware of any affair I was having, and I certainly do not appreciate the insinuation.”

Chrysalis rolled her eyes and lounges on the chair she had been seated in.

”Oh please, chancellor, even if I weren't able to sense the love practically pouring from you, I'd see it in your actions. You and that delectable assistant you have, such an adorable couple. She's a bit bookish for most stallions, but you're hardly most stallions, or even one at all.”

I felt a touch of anger at her coy grin, and more than a little flush of embarrassment at being found out so easily.

“How did you know?”

She let out a giggle and leans back in the chair.

”As I said, I can feel your love for her. And hers for you, of course. It's rather adorable, the great leader and little assistant, all business in public and desperately in love behind the curtain. The kind of thing cheap romance novels are made of.”

Despite my best efforts to keep a stoic demeanor, I could feel my ears heating at such open discussion of the topic.

It elicits another laugh from Chrysalis, who seems to be enjoying herself with this.

”Don't worry chancellor, I don't plan to air your dirty laundry to the masses. Frankly, the fact that you even have such feelings makes you much easier to deal with. Those princesses are so far removed from their ponies that it's not even maternal love they feel. I dare say, Celestia seems to care only for her ponies as she would care for her jewelry or hoofcups. That is a dangerous way to feel for your subjects, but you do truly care.”

Though my ego swelled at the praise, my gut was chilled by her description of Celestia.

She must have been toying with me, feeding you little hints to make me prideful and thus easier to predict and control.

Hopefully.

Without any prompting, she carries on.

”Little Quill though, she seems rather conflicted. Though her love is sweet and delicious, there's a faint hint of despair and desperation to it. A poison dart in the apple tart, if you would.”

She had baited me perfectly.

I was too curious about what she was talking about, and couldn’t keep the question from my lips.

“What do you mean?”

She looked at me incredulously, evidently not believing my question was genuine.

However, she indulges it anyway.

”Her love has itself attached to sharp strings, it has the distinct taste of things that love should not be. Yours is sweet and good, as is hers but for the bitter taste of desperation.”

I leaned forward, resting my chin on a fist.

“Speak plainly, Chrysalis. I need to know whether this is going to be an obstacle or not.”

She leaned forward as well, her face taking on a more serious look.

“She does love you, there's no doubt about that Anonymous. But her love is hurting as much as it may feel good. She is desperate to love you, but there are darker emotions that drag on that love. I am no expert in human relationships, but I dare say I know ponies better than they know themselves. Were I you, I would take her aside and speak with her.”

I leaned back, taking in what she told me. A long breath that I didn't know I had been holding finally escapes my lips.

So far, she seems to have been telling the truth.

But, and it was a big but, she was the queen of a species that was built for infiltration and subversion.

Still, she had been sincere enough to shake me to my core.

Perhaps that had been the intent, to shake me up so I would be easier to manipulate during the proper negotiations for peace. To get favourable terms for herself while limiting anything I could get from her.

That would be just like something like her--

My downward spiral of thought was interrupted by a knock at the great door.

Briefly, I wondered where that thought had come from, but I cleared it from my mind and called out to the knocker.

“Come on in.”

A messenger enters and lays down a telegram copy on the table before beating a hasty retreat.

I didn't even have time to thank him.

As I read the telegram, a relieved smile comes over my face.

I silently gave my thanks to God for having granted me this little favour, for only a God could have made something like this happen.

Clearly noticing the sudden relief, Chrysalis speaks up in a curious, though teasing, tone.

”Well that must be good news, is your marefriend pregnant?”

Now it's my turn to roll my eyes, but I took the snipe in good humor.

“I don’t think humans and ponies can have kids. And no, this is excellent for the both of us. The Crystal Empire has agreed to send a delegation to these peace accords, they'll arrive tomorrow.”

Chrysalis’s face turned up in a sneer.

”And why, pray tell, are you bringing that wench and her cuckold of a husband into peace accords between Equestria and the Grand Hive?”

I barely held back a snort at the grandiose name she's applied to her kingdom, with how little it was.

Still, I had to entertain her question.

“Equestria's war transferred over to the Crystal Empire when it changed hands, or hooves as it is. As well, she is the princess of love, and she controls an artifact that is powered by and puts out love. Would that not solve any problems you have with food? Would that not make it easy for you to uphold your promise of not kidnapping or draining any ponies?”

Chrysalis opens her snarling mouth to answer, but I forestalled her with a raised hand.

“I understand how you must feel about her, she and Shining Armor are the reason your attack on Canterlot failed. But with you trying to make amends it's important, now more than ever, to include all parties that were wronged. The only reason I'm not recalling Luna is that she's leading a campaign, and the elements don't need the additional stress. Trust me, as you did with Chitin, all will be well.”

She closes her mouth and stares at me for a long moment.

Finally, she replied.

”Very well, chancellor. I will abide this invitation, though I do not appreciate being led about by the nose. I will be most displeased if this does not go as well as you have planned.”

I let out a short sigh and smiled at her again.

“Thank you, Queen Chrysalis. Now, perhaps a short tour is in order? Just a little publicity stunt really, and a few questions from some news ponies. Nothing intrusive, I had them submit their questions for screening before you arrived.”

She stands from her seat and gives me a strange grin. Her moods seem more fickle and prone to sudden change than the weather back on Earth.

”I suppose I can live with that. At the very least you had the basic courtesy to ask me first.”

The remark is tinged with a bit of sarcasm, but I had been fully prepared for her to refuse me.

So I opened the door and gestured to the wide hall beyond, where a team of military police wait to escort us.

“After you, queen.”

She lets out an airy laugh and brushed my shin with her tail as she passed me by.

”Quite the gentlecolt, thank you chancellor.”

I followed her out and joined the army stallions in walking through the halls.

Time to put on a little show for my little ponies.

Hours later, Shining Armor and Princess Cadence had arrived.

I was sat at the head of a rather small, old oak table.

I had decided to move the negotiations proper to a more intimate and less ornate chamber, minimizing any possible divides between the sides.

Of course, this decision had been made before I’d actually known just who would be representing the Crystal Empire

When I had received Princess Cadence and Shining Armor would show up themselves, I had been shocked.

It was entirely unexpected that either would show up for this, let alone both.

I had even thought Shining to be off leading troops in the North.

They were taking this seriously then, at the very least.

But their presence coupled with the choice of room had brought about an all new problem.

The atmosphere was almost hostile.

It was so thick that no knife could even try and cut it, and so tense it could support a bridge.

And I could almost smell the hate in the air.

The first ten minutes had been spent trading barbs, and after that had finally petered out in uncomfortable silence.

The primary reason I’d been hoping for someone other that Cadence or Shining had been precisely because of this.

At least it was only ten minutes.

Finally, I clapped my hands together.

“Well, with such...pleasant greetings out of the way, shall we get down to the business of the day?”

Silents nods all around the table.

The legal adviser I had asked to come gave me a strange look, but nods along with me anyways.

I had elected to send Quill off on errands, and besides, I needed someone more versed in the specifics of this sort of thing to ensure everything was above board.

Fortunately the ministry of justice was happy to provide.

I smiled broadly at the relative cooperation, and leaned forward on the table.

“Well then, let's get straight to it. Princess Cadence, I would like to propose that the changelings be granted a small amount of love from the Crystal Heart in order to ensure they don't starve and have no need to feed of ponies in order to survive. It would be beneficial for all of us if--”

Cadence cut me off with a raised hoof.

”Absolutely unacceptable, we will not compromise the security of our ponies and borders just to allow the enemy to thrive off our kindness. I am more than certain there is another way, Anonymous.”

Chrysalis let out a long suffering sigh and speaks up in a dismissive tone.

”There are, in fact, two other ways. We could skim bits of love from villages near our hive, or perhaps move nearer to a large city. However, this would require us to fully integrate into pony society.”

Shining pipes up in a relatively cheerful tone.

”Well that's a good thing, isn't it?”

Both Cadence, Chrysalis, and I gave him an incredulous look.

I spoke first.

“General, you understand the depth of the divides between ponies and changeling right?”

He blinked a couple times and snorted.

”I understand better than anyone, chancellor. Perhaps you forgot that that bug foalnapped my wife and tried to take her place, not to mention imprisoning my sister and invading Canterlot.”

I leaned back in my seat, taking the tirade easily.

“Then you especially should understand why such integration simply isn't possible at this time. Especially not in the middle of a war, as we are. People would think we’ve lost our minds.”

Chrysalis leans forward on the table and smirks before speaking up sarcastically.

”You're forgetting the second option of course. We go back to foalnapping and draining, treating you as prey once again.”

Cadence and Shining look appropriately appalled, but I just gave Chrysalis a withering glare.

Her smirk turns to a frown when she looks at me, sensing my intense disapproval, and she cleared her throat.

”Of course we have no plans to return to that method. It's entirely unsustainable with our current population, let alone with the rapid expansion and advancement of the Equestrian military. No, we want a lasting peace where we can raise drones to adulthood without fear of being hunted and exterminated or starving to death.”

There's a moment of uncomfortable silence, a long moment.

I decided, at last, to be the one to break it and move on.

“So then, let us come back to this issue later. For now, let's discuss the cessation of hostilities between our species.”

Nods all around the table, so I continued.

“First of all, the conditions. Equestria and now the Crystal Empire will stop any and all ongoing hunts of changelings. We will not engage in any military or civil operations against their hives. In return, the changelings will immediately cease any and all operations within the territories of Equestria and the Crystal Empire. All infiltrators will return to their hives at once, and no more will enter Equestrian or Crystal Empire territory in disguise.”

Both Chrysalis and Cadence nodded, but Shining narrowed his eyes.

”And how exactly do you plan to enforce that? They can be literally any creature they want to.”

Chrysalis cleared her throat.

”Not quite any creature. The vast majority of my changelings are restricted to quadrupedal forms. Only the most advanced shapeshifters can take on bipedal or other sorts of forms, and only after years of work.”

Shining Armor rolls his eyes at her response.

”Oh, my mistake. You can only change into the creatures that inhabit the lands you want to make peace with.”

Time to stop this before it got out of hand, again.

I would not have a repeat of what happened with the Royal Guard.

“In terms of preventing their infiltration, our magical researchers have made a recent breakthrough in the detection of illusion magic. I cannot reveal the details, but I am more than certain it will be sufficient when we can deploy it generally.”

All three of my peers looked at me with wide eyes.

Shining is the first to break the stunned silence.

”And why, pray tell, have you not shared this research and information with us before? Are we not your allies?”

The legal adviser gives me a cautionary glance. An unnecessary reminder to watch my next words.

“General, I'm sure you don't need a reminder of the sensitive nature of magical research. Aside from that, this project was already underway when Celestia was on the throne, you would be better asking her. She was the one who hid it from you, I simply followed her actions. Perhaps it's simply because there are no technology sharing agreements between our countries.”

Cadence leans forward, a look of confusion on her face.

”Is that true, do we have no such agreements? I thought for certain we had something in place...”

This time it's Balanced Scales, the legal adviser, who speaks up.

”There was an agreement that was planned to go through a year ago, but it lapsed due to more pressing issues. I was part of the team reviewing the measures that were to be taken if it came to negotiations, but was called away in a late stage. Perhaps we might discuss it more, now that it is relevant once again.”

I nodded in agreement.

“Yes, let’s. Just so, we could even include it in these negotiations if you wish. After all, it's more relevant here than anywhere else.”

Both Shining and Cadence nodded in agreement, though Chrysalis seemed rather unhappy with the idea.

”So if it comes to pass that we must skim from excess love to survive, we won't be allowed to do so in disguise? How exactly would you propose we accomplish that, then?”

Cadence shrugged at the question.

”That's not our problem, Chrysalis. You're the one that got yourself into this mess, you ought to be glad we're having this discussion at all.”

Shining adds onto his wife's words with some of his own.

”Exactly, you're the one that initiated hostilities here. Now you want us to just give you sustenance for nothing at all? Preposterous.”

I could see Chrysalis seething at their outright refusal.

Not again.

I cleared my throat and leaned into the discussion.

“Perhaps she might be able to offer something in return, hm? We're at war remember, changelings could be a valuable augmentation to our intelligence services.”

Chrysalis shoots me a glare, but now it's Shining that leans in with a smile.

The military was his department, after all.

”Now that's certainly an interesting proposal. Of course, we would need to somehow keep them on a leash. Not to mention that certainly does not pay for the feeding of an entire hive of the creatures.”

To my surprise, Chrysalis doesn't simply shoot down the idea of cooperation at this point as she had the day before.

Perhaps she understood that this was one of the few things that could be used as a bargaining chip.

“Well what do you propose then, general? I'm not certain the changelings have a massive industry in order to buy your sustenance.”

His smile turns on me, growing a bit wider as it does.

I could already tell I wasn’t going to like this

”We hear you're building a new kind of ship, chancellor. We want one.”

He knew about the EGS Celestia.

My super weapon.

I clenched my teeth so hard they creaked, feeling as though they may break.

Certainly, the uptick in naval shipbuilding hadn't been clandestine, but the Celestia was being kept under wraps for the most part.

Officially it was just a mass transport of unprecedented tonnage, a joint contract between the military and shipping industry.

Work hadn't even been completed to the point of reinforcing where the turrets would go, so there wasn't anything obvious to give it away.

I’d be having a long conversation with Dusk Echo about these leaks. They were meant to keep an eye on these things, and they had already let it slip.

Damn! Blindsided twice in two days by ponies knowing things they shouldn't.

Who was leaking this information? They had to be close to me to know all this, so who was the rat in Canterlot? It was all getting so tiresome.

Was it a minister?

Well, I’d just have to grin and bear it for now.

“That's classified information, general.”

He shrugged and leaned back in his seat.

”What's a little classified information between allies? Now then, we both know that the Crystal Empire doesn't have much in the way of naval strength. I believe it to be in both our best interests to change that.”

Well, that I can't deny at least.

The Crystal Empire did have a coastline that bridged the Northern Passage, not to mention joint control of the Northern Narrows.

But it was still so soon after Sombra had been vanquished, there simply had been other projects that needed their funds.

Now of course, they saw an easy way to strengthen their navy without burning through their admittedly considerable budget.

Technically, it wasn't blackmail, just regular extortion.

But I still wouldn't stand for it.

“Whether or not we are building a new ship class, we would not simply give it away if it was even being developed.”

I saw the legal adviser smirk his approval at my skating around the truth of the matter.

Truthfully, I had despised this sort of politicking. It would be so much simpler of all parties could just lay out their desires and negotiate from there. But this was the way of things, and so I participated.

Shining Armor nods and makes an open gesture with his hooves.

”Nor would we expect such a thing, chancellor, merely a simple...discount.”

I shared a glance with Scales, and a quick look tells you Chrysalis seems to be enjoying the tit for tat.

Shining carries on, Cadence's approval clear on her face.

”We will, of course, pay material costs for the construction. But we want our own engineers working alongside yours, learning how to build these new warships. You, of course, could easily accommodate such ponies I'm certain.”

I leaned forward, and when I spoke, my tone sounded as though the air itself would freeze.

“General, we're amidst the first war Equestria has fought in eight centuries. We're on the brink of making peace with one of the few species that preys on ponies, and we're beginning a new technological revolution. While we are happy to share with our allies, we will not allow our good graces to be exploited. Equestrian technology is for the Equestrian people only.”

Shining opens his mouth to respond, but Cadence cuts him off.

”Perhaps it can wait until after the war, hm? We are merely thinking of our security for the future, Anonymous. No one wishes for better relations with Equestria than myself, but please try and understand our perspective. Your proposal compromises our security, so why would we not ask for something to help that same security to be more robust?”

She's an excellent diplomat, but that smile is wrong. It’s not genuine.

It doesn't quite reach her eyes, and I felt like it's just there to mollify me.

I already knew she didn’t approve of my actions or politics, and cares even less for the considerable influence I held over Luna.

I would have to keep an eye on her, but for now I would play nice.

“That would be more agreeable. We can discuss more specifics at a later date, but I assume this means you're open to the idea of changelings feeding from the Crystal Heart?”

Shining grits his teeth as tight as J had earlier

Cadence though, maintains her relatively cheerful demeanor.

“Possibly. First we would need to get our hooves on this detection spell to ensure no clandestine infiltration occurs.”

Chrysalis chuckled and spoke up in a mockingly wounded voice.

”Oh please, princess. Do you not trust me?”

Cadence's smile nearly falters, but her tone is steely.

”Frankly, no I do not. But if this ensure none of my little ponies will be foalnapped and drained dry, then I may consider it.”

Chrysalis nods in approval.

”Perhaps you are fit to rule that frozen waste. Tell me Anonymous, would we be able to help this research along in any way? Once that enchantment is complete we can truly prove our good intentions and speed all this business along.”

This time it's Balanced Scales who gives an answer.

Well, he was a unicorn, so it would make sense for him to know a bit spellcrafting.

”While I cannot get into specifics, it would make things go much easier if we had...subjects to test with. Nothing invasive of course, but we lack a great deal of knowledge about changeling magic, so to have changelings transforming for us would make it much simpler to tailor.”

Chrysalis leans forward and nods her consent. ”Very well, and perhaps in exchange they may be allowed to skim love for the hive? You cannot get something for nothing after all.”

Scales nodded and I smiled at the changeling queen.

“That sounds more than acceptable, Queen Chrysalis. I'll get word to the research team about this as soon as a deal is signed.”

Cadence speaks up from her side of the table.

”And what of us, chancellor? Will we be involved in this spellcrafting? We have a number of powerful mages and a vast repository of mystical knowledge.”

I waved the suggestion away dismissively.

“No need, Princess Cadence. When the enchantment is perfected we will be sure to share it with you, especially if it will assist you in trusting the changelings.”

She nods and leans back, apparently satisfied.

Shining remains leaning on the table, so I addressed what I assumed he was still wondering about.

“As for the ship, we were planning to announce her building in four months, when the guns are scheduled to be installed. You will keep silent on this matter until such a time, and then you may approach the shipyard to negotiate a contract. I'm sure we can provide some...leniency when it comes to payments”

I glanced at Balanced Scales, who nods his confirmation.

Good, still within the boundaries of the legal system at least.

Shining nods as well, seemingly satisfied with the terms you'd laid down as well.

“Good, then let's start drafting the documents. Balanced Scales, if you would?”

The unicorn takes a sheaf of papers and lays them on the table in front of him.

Time to get to the real work.

You are Cursive Quill, assistant and marefriend to the most powerful being in Equestria.

You're waiting for him in the foyer of the small meeting chamber he had chosen for negotiations.

And you're fuming silently while you wait.

Not only had he sent you away from the first meeting with Queen Chrysalis, but now he had sent you on errands while negotiations were going on and had replaced you with another pony.

The logical administrative assistant in your head tells you that the other pony was just a legal expert, someone to make sure everything in the treaty agreement was above board.

Of course, it's drowned out by the jealous mare that is full of abandonment issues and far worse

Was Anon bisexual?

No, he hadn't shown any signs of it before.

But then again, before he'd been thrust into Celestia's throne, he had never shown signs of strong leadership either.

Or of being capable of any cruelty.

Besides, it's not like they could do anything in front of sovereigns of other nations.

So you were clear on that. Probably

You cursed yourself silently in every language you can think of.

Why was it this one being, not even a stallion.

What happened to your decade of training, and the professional mare that had come out of it?

The answer was obvious of course.

Anon had happened, and Celestia had thrown you at his feet.

You're not sure which of them you resented more at this point.

Probably Celestia, you respected her but you loved Anon.

And then there was Luna, the dream walker who had never laid a single hoof in your dreams really, despite your delusions of it.

Even now that still weighed on your heart.

Of course, some foalish part of you still believe she would come through.

After all, her last message was sent when she was under attack.

Maybe she just didn't have time to include the little phrase she had told you.

The phrase that has echoed in your mind every day.

'The love of a mother'

Buck her, and her damned magic.

Next time you saw her you'd...

Probably do nothing. You couldn’t lay hands on a princess.

You laid down on the bench as your thoughts spiral ever downward.

A spy, a sneak, a rat. That's all you were.

Not some powerful guard or a stoic soldier, nor even a simple but strong farmer helping Equestria along.

You were just a lurker, hiding in the shadows, stabbing in the back.

When Celestia returned and everything was laid bare, would you do that to Anon?

Could you bring yourself to shatter his heart, would it be the straw that finally breaks you?

The worst part is, no matter your decision, you'll be a traitor.

But which betrayal would be worse?

You supposed it would depend on what happened between now and when Celestia returned.

Anonymous had done his absolute best with what he had been given, and really hadn't done anything to intentionally harm Equestria.

What happened with the Royal Guardsmen was just a one off incident.

At least, you hoped so.

So you wouldn't really have to do anything but tell that to Celestia.

Maybe you could even leave the intelligence corps, become his assistant for real.

Or maybe even his wife, you think with a blush colouring your cheeks.

Can humans and ponies even have foals, you wondered.

Well adoption was always an option if not, or getting a donor, or…

No! Stop that!

You shook your head roughly and let out a quiet sigh.

Sure it was better than thinking down about yourself, but hardly a good thing besides.

You don't even know that Anon would want to marry you, let alone have foals.

Dammit, this sort of thinking is making you feel like a school filly obsessing over a crush. You're a grown mare, you'll face this stuff when it comes down to it.

With a huff, you rise from the seat and trot through the halls of the palace.

You certainly didn't need all this right now, a quick trot through the empty passages would clear your mind well enough.

After a while, you find yourself in one of the darker passages decorated with all many of tapestries, instead of the usual great stained glass windows.

Here was the history before the sisters, before the founding of Equestria even.

The cloths alternated between the three tribes it seemed, showing everything from the founding of Cloudsdale to the Southern Expansion, and even the discovery of the Crystal Empire.

So many great ponies through history, so many stories and myths.

Everypony carried a piece of that history within them, an inexorable tie to those gone before.

It was almost enough to cheer you up. But in some ways, you feel you had tarnished that ancient reputation.

Earth ponies were strong, proud, and stubborn to a fault. You were stubborn to be sure, but your body carried little more strength than a unicorn and you were more servile than proud.

You looked up at Strongback the Pathfinder, founder of Trottingham who had led a thousand ponies against the inhabitants of the Griffisch Isles and won without a single casualty.

His eyes are kinder than you would ever have thought, almost paternal you decided.

Did he lead them away to find a better life, despite others opposing him?

Even though the rulers at the time considered him a betrayer, now he was one of the heroes of Equestria.
[
How would you be seen when everything was said and done?

How would Anonymous be seen when Celestia returned to her throne?

Anonymous had committed some actions that would be looked down upon if the public learned about it.

But in the future? Would he be a hero who saved Equestria, or a tyrant who brought a dark age?

Strongback holds no answers for you, so you turned to continue your walk.

From the shadows beneath one of the many tapestries, a deep, hissing voice echoes forth.

”So, the little spy looks for answers in the long dead eyes of her kin. How strange that such an agent could not find answers of her own.”

You whirled about, dropping instinctively into a more stable stance to defend yourself.

Seeming to slide from the deep darkness beneath a tapestry depicting the Crystal Heart, the changeling ambassador Chitin appears.

You don't let your guard down even for a heartbeat as he approaches you.

“You shouldn't be here, changeling.”

He gives you a quizzical look and gazes up at the tapestries around the hall.

”And why ever not, agent? There is nothing valuable here but the lessons of your ancestors, and not even we would dream to take that from you.”

You shook your head and rose slightly.

“I mean that you have an escort and they shouldn't have let you off on your own.”

His eyes return to yours and his lips carry a small smile on them.

”You mean those foals playing at soldier? Please, they couldn't escort a cart of apples, much less a changeling such as I. But if you're worried about my skulking about, you needn't be. My queen has given me strict orders to be approachable and friendly. And I was, for as many reporters as I could stand.”

He lets out a long sigh, and you feel a touch of sympathy for him. Journalists were some of the worst examples of ponies in all the land, you couldn't fault him for getting tired of them

”I asked one of the soldiers where I could learn more of the history of your kind. He pointed me to the Royal Archives, where I wasn't allowed. However, the archivist mentioned these tapestries and the windows that were on public display, so I thought I might venture and learn.”

You cocked your head at him.

“What for, to blend better with ponies?”

He looks up, thinking for a long moment before answering.

”No, though that is important. The reason I came here was because I realized that, though I know your modern culture and ways well, I know not of where you came from. I knew little of the roots of the traditions you practiced, nor the tales you told of those gone by.”

He brushes the tassels at the bottom of one of the many banners.

”I was curious to see the world through the eyes of an identity not stolen, but gifted. And these are those gazes woven in silk.”

You stared up at the tapestry, one showing the first meeting of unicorns and earth ponies. An interesting choice for him to draw attention to.

“I'm not sure I entirely understand, ambassador.”

He turned back to you and gives you a solemn smile.

”Please, just Chitin is fine; and I'm rather surprised you wouldn't. Does the good chancellor know then, that you are the sun's agent in his court? That you are to intervene if you personally view his actions as harmful? I had not thought you so open about such things.”

Your ears fell flat against your skull and you took a step back.

“H-how did you...?

He chuckles and sits on the marble tiled floor.

”These walls may not have ears, but they are not deaf, Cursive Quill. Your room is not far from mine, and the stone carries sound better than still air.”

Your mouth is drier than the Badlands and you could feel sweat pricking the back of your neck.

Chitin comes no closer than he is, but seems to loom over you all the same.

”Worry not, your internal politics are of no concern to me if they do not interfere with this peace. Though I do wonder why the sun would plant an agent so close to one she personally chose to lead her country. Perhaps the sun wished to play matchmaker as her niece does?”

You clenched your teeth until they creak, wishing you had never begun wandering the palace.

“So if you don't care, why confront me?”

He taps one of his holey hooves on his chin, silent for a moment.

”I suppose I wished to see if I was correct, for one. It proves I am still adept at gathering intelligence despite being in the hive so long. But as well, you hold a position similar to my own in days gone past, and you are perhaps one of the only ponies who could ever hope to relate to an infiltrator. Perhaps I am just getting sentimental in my old age.”

You want to stop indulging him, but your curiosity has taken the reins from your initial fear.

“What do you mean, you don't look older than any other changeling.”

He chuckled and gave you a mocking half-bow.

”I thank you, Cursive Quill, but I am one of the oldest in my hive. I am one of three from Queen Thoraxia's final brood, and before she met her end, she bade me to stand by the side of her daughter. At the time Chrysalis was quite rash, and I was given order that, were she to ever endanger the hive irrationally, she was to be immediately destroyed. Of course, she never did and I fell into the role of her aide-de-camp. I did much the same as you do now, though with a hive instead of a nation.”

He pauses, brushing the cloth above again.

”So I did indeed hope you could see as I did, and perhaps that I could offer you a modicum of comfort. But just so, I had hoped you might understand as I do, as all changelings do, the feelings that come with leading the life of someone who is not you.”

You stared down at the lifeless tiles, tracing the veins running through the marble. Yes, now you understood exactly what he mean

You had no desire to, but you did.

That was the life you had led in the intelligence corps, and the life you still led now because of Celestia's last order.

You had a nagging question.

“How do you deal with it, Chitin? I can't anymore, I just want to be Cursive Quill, assistant to the chancellor. Not Cursive Quill, agent to the Equestrian Intelligence Corps.”

His grin widens and his voice carries a bit of mirth in its hissing tones.

”Just his assistant?”

You blushed at the implication, but he continues on in a more soothing voice.

”I jest, but the answer is not a desirable one. In truth, changeling infiltrators are retired from their field duties after ten years. Beyond this, it has been found that they grow more attached to those they are supposed to spy on, they grow sympathetic to their fears and hopes. I suppose I am the last example of one of those who skirted that far-gone line. Even in the most untenable times, I supported Queen Chrysalis. Not out of fear or blind devotion, but because I believed that her choices were not made hastily or foolishly. She cared for her subjects, even when she had to sacrifice them, and in turn I began to care for her.”

He sighs and looks down the hall wistfully.

”An infiltrator in love is an ineffective tool, no more valuable than a broken chisel. So I retired myself from my task in the only way I could. I met with Queen Chrysalis away from any others, I knelt before her, and I told her everything.”

His hoof scuffs the tiles and he looks back at you, his eyes still far away.

”The infiltrator Chitin died at her feet. In his place was Chitin, the aide of Queen Chrysalis, a devoted drone who willingly abandoned the yoke of one for the chains of another. But though I was chained, I was me for the first time in over a decade. That alone carries far more value than to be free but not I.”

He stands and approaches you, laying a holey limb on your sunken withers.

It feels far warmer than you had thought it would, softer too.

“Perhaps the chancellor will forgive you, understanding that you bore him no ill will. Perhaps he will have you executed. Perhaps he will have you thrown into a prison to rot for standing against him. But even should he decide to cast your bones to the wolves, you will be you. To die as yourself is the kindest thing this world can offer.”

Though his words sound cold, you understand the intention behind them. You lifted your head and meet his kind gaze with a smile.

In that moment, he looked almost like Strongback.

“Thank you Chitin, I think I know what to do.”

He pats you gently then turns about and slinks away into the growing shadows of the hallway.

”Of course, Ms. Quill. I am always happy to help the staff of an ally.”

With that he seems to vanish, leaving you alone once again but with a new found ember of hope in your heart.

The ember flares and sends warmth through your limbs as you begin to canter back to the foyer of the meeting chamber. You felt certain again, as though the mire you had found yourself drowning in had suddenly given way to solid ground once more.

When you arrive in the foyer, you find it occupied by a rather frazzled looking messenger.

The moment he spots you, he canters over and stands bolt upright.

”Ma'am I have a telegram for the chancellor, but he's currently still engaged in negotiations. I duties that still need tending, would you mind passing it along to him?”

You offered the stallion, no, this was a colt, a kind smile and nod.

“Of course, soldier. I'll be sure he gets it.”

He lets out a breath and smiles eagerly.

”Thanks a ton ma'am! Here, just don't open it. It's eyes only and all that.”

He hands the telegram to you and you nodded in confirmation.

With that, he trots from the room and into the otherwise quiet halls. You stared at the wax seal on the paper, wondering just what it could be.

Troop movements?

News of Griffonstone being taken?

You glanced around surreptitiously, seeing that the room was indeed quite empty.

Perhaps a little peek wouldn't hurt...

You do have clearance for this sort of thing after all.

With deftness that your hooves belie, you opened the seal without breaking it.

You quickly skimmed the letter with a trained eye.

It's a battle report from the front line from Luna herself!

A pang of disappointment goes through your heart and you nearly closed the paper up.

But something in you, a little tug at your heart, makes you read it again more carefully.

You reached the end and your eyes widened.

It couldn't be…

No, it had just been a dream, there was no way.

But yet there it was…

‘The love of a mother’

Your eyes grew misty as you closed the telegram and make it seem as though it was never read:

The door to the meeting chamber creaked open and Anonymous walks out with a wide grin on his face.

”Oh, hello there Quill! What's that you've got, telegram for me?”

You nodded and handed it to him, swiping a foreleg across your eyes.

Without opening the seal, he kneels down and looks at you with concern on his face.

”Hey, is everything okay Quill?”

You nodded and give his knee a little nuzzle, heedless of who might be watching.

Everything was just perfect.

20: Tightening the Grip

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I walked down the hall at a brisk pace, speeding towards a small meeting room.

This castle had too many damn rooms. What kind of monarch builds this many rooms?

There had to be at least one for every occasion. There was a damn room for cake making! Who makes a room solely for making cakes? Didn’t the kitchen already have that covered?

It wasn’t even a bakery, it was just for cakes!

Ignoring my thoughts on Princess Celestias house design, I started to have a small smile grow on my face.

As I opened the door to a small, out of the way meeting room, I had new thoughts racing through my mind.

Today was a special day. After a successful peace agreement with Chrysalis and her “grand hive”, I had more politics to settle.

The status of Capra.

The Capras were a hardy people, but lacking in any self identity after ten years of occupation.

Not to mention their newfound lack of a royal family.

In fact, it was almost impossible to find any heirs to their nation since the Griffonian conquest of their lands caused them to scatter into Equestria and the Crystal Empire as refugees.

But we had found one. A young colt, by the name of Riverplume Erobos.

The Thestral Wardens confirmed reports of the young colt wandering the streets of Baltimare.

Reports that were made when Celestia was still on the throne.

She knew about him. And she did nothing.

How a young colt got that far alone was an incredible feat.

The way he was found was a strange affair.

He was found living in the streets, since no one believed his stories of being a prince.

And apparently he was too proud to visit a homeless shelter and wasn’t willing to go to an orphanage.

It wasn’t like he had any family left either. His family hadn’t survived under the griffons rule, being killed off to prevent an uprising. And those that fled were the sick and elderly ones of that family, dying off in the ten year period of occupation.

He was the sole survivor of their royal bloodline. No one else remained but him.

Capras had a monarchy, but was in no way similar to Equestria or the Crystal Empire.

For starters, he wasn’t an Alicorn. He was just a normal pony. An Earth pony too, strangely enough.

As strange as it was, this was the rightful heir to Capras.

But this worked to my advantage. A child Prince would be more malleable to my will. After all, he wasn’t fit to rule on his own, and he had no family left.

And now he would be eternally grateful to us rescuing him from a fate as a beggar.

Snapping myself from my thoughts, I looked at the boy prince seated across from me.

He was so fragile, so small. It looked as if he hadn’t eaten a good meal in a while.

He was bathed and fed before I had him brought to me, but he still looked like skin and bones. It would be a while before he regained a normal body shape.

He was looking around the room nervously, waiting for me to speak.

The young Prince knew respect. Good.

“Hello there Riverplume, how are you feeling today.”

The young Prince locked his eyes with mine, and spoke.

“I’m feeling great Chancellor Anonymous. You wanted to speak with me about something?

He was surprisingly well spoken for a colt hardly eleven years old.

This was good, wouldn’t want an idiot in the throne.

“Yes, I would like to discuss the future of Capras.”

He looked up at me in shock, not believing what I had said.

“What? But-“

I cut him off with a raise of my hand. He needed to hear me speak first.

“Riverplume, as a part of defeating the griffons, we’d like to reinstate the Caprisan monarchy. Seeing as you are the sole surviving heir, you will lead them.”

He looked down.

“But I’m not an adult yet…”

“I know this, and will have a regency council in place until you are 18. The second you are 18, you will gain full autonomy of your nation.”

The young Prince looked up at me, his face trying to hide a somber smile. Something was wrong with him. He didn’t look happy at this news.

“Riverplume, you look sad. What’s wrong?”

He looked up from the floor.

“Why are you being nice to me?”

What? Had this colt never had someone just be kind?

Trying my best not to look shocked, I spoke again.

“What are you talking about Riverplume. Has no one been kind to you before?”

He looked at me a moment, then softly shook his head.

Poor thing. He wasn’t lying.

“Well, where did you live before my people picked you up?”

I already knew the answer of course, I just wanted to see if he trusted me enough.

Speaking softly, the young Prince spoke, “I lived in the streets of Baltimare. I wandered from place to place, looking for a home.”

So the reports were true. He really was homeless until now.

I gave him a soft and paternal smile, and spoke softly.

“Listen to me Riverplume, your old life is gone. No more begging, no more wondering if you can eat, and no more cold and sleepless nights. You are safe now. I just want to help.”

It was only partially a lie.

I did want to see him safe, but I also wanted someone who was loyal to me on the throne.

But that was almost nothing to be concerned with as of right now.

A child would listen to anything I told them as long as I had a smile and made them feel loved.

The only real problem left was to convince him to take the throne.

“But Chancellor, I don’t know how to run a country! What if they hate me for leaving? How will I run a country if my own people don’t like me. Won’t they hate me for leaving them to suffer? What if th-“

I cut him off with a raise of my hand.

“Riverplume, your lineage may be gone, but you still remain. You are still a royal. This is your birthright, your destiny. You were always meant to be in this throne. The people of Capras want you on this throne. Would you really be so selfish as to reject their wishes because you think you aren’t worthy?”

Riverplume looked at me a moment, then looked down in shame.

I continued.

“Your people won’t hate you. They wouldn’t blame you for their suffering. You were just a foal when you left, do you really think they’d blame a colt for their hardships? No, they’ll accept you with open arms. They’ll be happy that someone at all has a claim to the throne.”

Riverplume slowly looked up at me.

“But what if the griffons come back?”

I gave him a somber smile.

“They won’t. I’ll make sure they never have the power to threaten anyone again.”

Riverplume looked as if he was deep in thought.

“Ok Chancellor Anonymo-“

I smiled and spoke.

“Please, just call me Anon. We’re friends here after all.”

The young Prince gave me his first smile of the night, and spoke again.

“Ok Anon, I trust you. But until Capras is taken back, where should I go?”

I gave the young Prince another paternal smile.

“Your living arrangements have already been covered. You will stay in the Canterlot castle. Your bedroom has already been prepared.

Riverplume looked shocked.

“My own room?”

My smile died down a little.

“Yes, your own room.”

Standing up, I extended my hand out.

“I believe that we’re done here today, so what do you say we leave and get something to eat?”

He gave me his second smile of the entire night, and took my hand with his hoof.

“Yes Anon, I’m starving.”

I didn’t doubt that one bit.

After settling the Capras affair, the day had calmed down. It was a slow day in Canterlot.

More settling the affairs of the realm. From arguments over land ownership and factories petitioning for government funding, it never seemed to end.

The time slowly ticked, and finally, thankfully, the day had come to a close.

At least, in regards to Celestias duties. I still had my own duties left to perform.

Quill looked as happy about it as I felt.

But something was off about her.

Not just today, but this whole week she had been acting strange.

As if she was battling her own thoughts, she had been distant recently, not responding to my affection at all.

Coupled with her crying at night, and near breakdown the previous day, I had started to get worried for her.

So after we had both left the main chamber, I turned to her and spoke.

“Quill, what’s wrong? You haven’t been yourself lately.

Quill ignored me and walked off.

Strange. She wasn’t one to hide how she felt from me.

Shrugging it off, I had one last little meeting left before I could turn in for the day.

What would become of the Ministry.

Namely, Sharp Mind and Flashy Image.

I had already approached Heavy Hammer, Stalwart Shield, and Shaky Stiles with a proposal.

Stalwart would remain a general and serve directly under Luna for now. When the war ended, he would serve as her equal in regards to the army. He would remain loyal to me at all costs. He would become a Field Marshal.

Heavy would be given an indirect stake in the economy of Equestria in exchange for his loyalty, and would continue to serve me under his new title of “Chief of Industry.”

Shaky Stiles would continue to serve in foreign affairs, as a simple foreign affairs adviser. I needed someone on the inside after all. And besides, he wouldn’t dare go against me.

That only left Sharp Mind and Flashy Image. The two I didn’t approach with such offers.

They were both distrusting in my actions, and thought of me like how the Royal Guard did.

Namely, they believed that I would leave eventually, so didn’t respect me.

But that almost didn’t matter now, since this meeting would solve that little “problem” one way or another.

Either they’d submit to me, or they wouldn’t be around anymore.

It was just time to wait.

You are Midnight Wail.

Lord Anonymous has called you in for a special task this fine night.

He wanted you to stand guard for a special meeting he was holding with two ministers.

The room had a standard soundproofing spell casted inside already.

You had no idea what he was planning, but whatever it was wouldn’t end well for them.

You could see it in his eyes, the way he spoke in a cryptic fashion about them.

He wanted them gone.

But you weren’t around to question, you were around to serve.

And after the deal he reached with Echo, your order of Thestrals were more than happy to serve him just as they were to serve Luna.

The clock ticked down to midnight, signaling that the meeting would begin soon.

The ministers were approaching.

It was almost time.

The clock was ticking.

Where the hell where the ministers at?

As if on cue, the door swung open.

Sharp Mind and Flashy Image were both standing in the doorway, unsure of themselves. They had every right to be nervous.

Motioning for them to sit, I remained standing.

They both took their seats, and a pair of Thestral Wardens closed the doors.

Midnight Wail and Starry Skies. I always preferred to know the names of those who were on my side.

Besides, I would need them present if things went poorly.

After a moment of silence, I finally spoke.

“Do you two know why I’ve had you brought here?”

Sharp Mind looked around nervously, but Flashy Image had gone from fearful to defiant. She spoke first.

“Have you finally decided to get rid of us? To replace us with loyal little puppets? Do you really think the ponies wil-“

I cut her off with a raise of my hands.

“Do I think? Yes, I do. You don’t seem to understand something, so let me teach you something that you don’t understand.”

I walked forwards a bit.

“The ponies here love me. They can understand I have their best interests in mind.”

Flashy Image scoffed.

“Are you even listening to yourself? Do you have any idea how you sound! You’ve officially lost your bucking mind if you really think that.”

I just gave a slight chuckle.

“Believe me, in recent studies I’ve had performed the ponies love me. They either see me as on par or surpassing Celestia.

Sharp Mind gave a small gasp, but I paid him no mind and continued on.

“I know, surprising right? How much they want me instead of Celestia. It almost makes one wonder, just what did Celestia even do for Equestria? I’ve given my blood, sweat, and tears for this country. And what has she done?”

I paused, letting them think.

“I’ll tell you what she’s done, Ignore all my suggestions at every turn! Think of all the dead ponies that could’ve been saved if she had let my suggested reforms pass sooner! Imagine all they lives that could’ve been, snuffed out because of HER!”

I banged my fist on the table as I finished.

Flashy Image opened her mouth to retort on behalf of her beloved Princess, but I didn’t let her speak.

“She let Capras get occupied and brutalized by the griffons. She let their royal family be murdered. She let their sole heir roam the streets as an orphan. She stood by as injustice after injustice happened. Do you really think she has what it takes to rule?” I stared into Flashy Image’s eyes, before speaking again.

“She thinks everything can be solved with diplomacy and a smile, when sometimes you just need some bullets and a firm hand.”

I started to tear up slightly. I didn’t know I even held these feelings until now.

“So decide, do you want to help me in building a new and better Equestria, free of all the incompetence she had?”

I paused again.

“Or do you want to be remembered as a traitor to the Equestrian people?”

Flashy Image stared at me, still defiant.

But Sharp Mind spoke up for the first time this meeting, surprising me slightly.

He said one simple word.

“Yes.”

I gave him a slight smile.

He spoke again.

“Celestia never let us do the research we wanted. She wouldn’t let us perform study certain fields that she deemed too violent.”

Sharp started to get some anger in his eyes.

“She made us stand around doing nothing. Even after the changeling invasion she wouldn’t let us research ways to upgrade our armor, deeming it to be a warlike endeavor. Think of all the lives we could’ve saved Flashy!”

Still, Flashy Image stayed defiant.

She turned to Sharp Mind, and this time I let her speak.

“Sharp Mind, we both pledged to Princess Celestia, not to this thing! It doesn’t matter if he’s Starswirl reincarnated or just some random monkey, he isn’t our master! We don’t have to listen to him. He can’t tell us what to do, and besides… what if Celestia comes back?”

Sharp Mind pondered a moment, and finally replied.

“And what if she doesn’t?”

Flashy Image almost looked shocked.

“Wha-“

Sharp stood up.

“What if she never comes back? How long will you continue to believe in Celestia? She left us with nothing, she didn’t even tell us she was going to leave! She chose Anonymous as her successor, and ignored Luna! Anonymous righted that wrong, and has split his power with Luna, what kind of person would do that willingly?”

Flashy went to speak, but Sharp cut her off again.

“If he’s really a monster as you say, then why would he give Luna power, power that Celestia never gave her? Do you think Celestia would trust Luna with an army? She still didn’t trust Luna, but Anonymous does!”

I just stood there as Sharp Mind continued to defend me, the pair getting into a shouting match.

I never expected that he would be the one to say this. I never even knew he felt this way.

But this was a good thing, maybe he could convince Flashy Image to turn from Celestia to me.

I was pulled from my thoughts as their yelling grew more heated.

“-I DONT CARE IF CELESTIA NEVER COMES BACK, THIS THING ISNT FIT TO RULE. HE KILLED THE ROYAL GUARD!”

With that, the room fell silent.

Nobody spoke. Nobody moved.

I started to slowly reach into my coat pocket.

Flashy Image turned to me, infuriated.

“You killed the Royal Guard, and now you want to kill us!”

Sharp Mind looked at me, incredulous. If he believed her, or was simply in shock at what she had said, his face didn’t show.

I continued to reach deeper into the coat, speaking clearly and calmly.

“Flashy Image. Such things aren’t kind to say. And besides, you have no proof that this event even occurred.”

Flashy Image turned back to Sharp Mind.

“See! He’s lying to us!”

Sharp Mind finally spoke again.

“Where’s your proof? Do you expect me to believe he had Royal Guardsmen killed? Why would he even do that? He isn’t a monster, Flashy!”

The pair continued to bicker.

This little charade had gone on long enough.

Fully pulling out what was in my coat pocket, Flashy Image still had her side turned to me.

Putting it behind my back, I still wanted to give her one last chance.

“Flashy, I will ask you one last time. Are you going to help me in preserving Equestria, or will you seek to destroy it?”

Flashy Image spoke, a defiant flame in her eyes.

“Burn in Tartarus.”

I looked over at Sharp Mind.

“And how about you? Do you vow to preserve Equestria, or will you join her in seeking to destroy it?

Sharp Mind had an equal level of conviction in his eyes.

“I promise, I will serve to protect the unity of Equestria.”

Good, at least one could be saved.

Sighing, I pulled out what had been hidden from behind my back.

A fully loaded pistol, styled after a M1911 pistol. At least, as best as ponies could make it.

“What is th-“

*BANG*

Before she could finish that sentence, she was already dead.

Sharp Mind stumbled back in a daze, clearly in shock at what had just happened.

The two Thestral Wardens I had in reserve just stood there silently.

Blood pooled on the pristine white of the marble floor. That would be hell to clean up.

Flashy Image twitched as she died, her face wearing a look of shock and fear.

Slowly and solemnly, I put the gun back into my coat pocket. It dawned on me, this was the first time I’d killed a pony.

Not just a living being, but a pony.

I never wanted this to happen, but if she knew about what had happened with the Royal Guard and stood against me, then she put Equestrian unity in jeopardy.

She should’ve just submitted.

Stepping back, I let out a deep sigh and rubbed my head.

“I think it goes without saying, Sharp, that what happened here today stays unspoken. No one will ever find out about today.”

Looking towards him, I spoke again.

“And if someone does find out, then we’re going to be the ones in trouble here. Understood?”

Sharp stood up from the floor, and looked at me.

“Y-yes sir! Not a word!”

I gave him a small smile.

“Good, now get out.”

He went to leave, but paused at the door and looked back at me.

“Sir, did she have to die? Couldn’t we have thrown her into a prison?”

I shook my head slowly and softly.

“No, my little pony, we could not have done that. She was much too dangerous to keep alive. She put Equestria itself at risk.”

Sharp Mind went to leave again, but turned back again.

“Was she telling the truth? Did you really have Royal Guardsmen killed?”

I looked him into his green eyes.

“Of course not, my little pony. That’s why she was so dangerous, she was willing to lie to suit her needs. Could you imagine that? Someone breaking one of the elements so brazenly? She truly was a threat to the ponies of Equestria.”

Seemingly satisfied, Sharp Mind finally left.

Looking at the body of Flashy Image, a cold smile began to form.

All the ministry was no more. Four out of five joining me wasn’t too bad either.

But still, this was a waste of life. If only she listened…

She knew what would happen. Nobody threatened Equestrian unity as much as she had in that moment.

At least in the face of monsters like Tirek and Discord, Equestria stood united.

Strangely, I wondered how the boy Prince, Riverplume Erobos, was doing. He reminded me of myself a bit.

Before I became so cold.

I only prayed that he would never become like me.

21: The Difficult Choice

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I stood on the balcony of my room, overlooking Canterlot.

It was so serene, to watch as my little ponies went about their daily activities.

I came here to ponder and debate myself most of the time. It was the only part of the castle where I could rest without someone asking me questions or bothering me with the war.

It had been about a month since Flashy Image was “removed.”

Nobody knew what happened. A good thing. She had no family. No real friends. A real outcast by social standards. Nobody would miss her.

All had calmed down in Canterlot. No more tension, no more doubts about me.

And the war was ending soon.

The ponies didn’t know. But I could almost smell it. The air lost the ammonical smell that permeated about, and had returned to a crisp cold it usually held in the mountains.

The campaign had been going extremely well. A small skirmish outside of a town, some brief resistance in the streets, then surrender. Repeat for every small town.

My ponies hadn’t given them a chance to regroup. Luna had kept the pressure on them, and did a damn good job of it too.

They even managed to surround Griffonstone.

This wasn’t all good news though.

The reports I had gotten back told me that Griffonstone turned out to be a hardier fortress than my generals had anticipated when they arrived.

No matter. A new weapon would be given to Luna’s 1st army of Equestria to ensure our success.

Simple artillery shells with a bit more kick. Who knew magic could stick and burn like napalm?

It would roast those birds from their little holes in Griffonstone. They’d have no choice but to give up then.

Heh, roasted bird. Sounds delectable. Probably smells better than burnt corpses too.

The supplies would arrive by next morning, along with a simple letter for Luna as to what to use the shells for.

I almost didn’t go through with this plan.

The prospect of killing innocents was something I had never wanted to do. I had done it before, and had my doubts then, but it had to be done. War calls for drastic measures, and artillery doesn’t discriminate.

It was either this, or a full force invasion.

That many ponies dying would’ve been an effective way to kill my tenure on the throne though.

No, it had to be this way.

Hearing trotting behind me, I turned and saw Quill approaching.

“What’s the matter Anon?”

I forced a small smile.

“Nothing, Quill. Everything is fine”

And everything would be fine. Give it ten years, and this’ll just be a bad dream for me.

And the ponies would never have to hear about this. If the generals and newspapers listened to me, then what happened at Griffonstone would never be known.

Yes, I would have to censor news of this. We couldn’t have an Equestrian Mỹ Lai leak. News of this would never be allowed to spread.

The things I did for peace.

This was a nightmare.

The charts on the table, the poor communication ability, the supplies now drying up.

You are Princess Luna, leading a campaign in crisis.

The past month had actually been quite the blitz of the griffons.

From the first landing to where you now stand, outside the walls of Griffonstone, had been relatively simple to roll over.

Casualties had been low, and unrest had hardly cropped up.

Though perhaps that lack of unrest was due to the only non-pony standing around the tactical map.

General van den Tann had been of immense help in the conquered towns, promising fine treatment and an end to the reign of their corrupt emperor.

It seemed he was rather popular among the populous, as outside of some scattered, small protests here and there had been no resistance to the new rule.

Of course, nothing was free, and he'd been promised the possibility of a place in the new administration.

That wasn't something you were looking forward to addressing with Anonymous, when the time came.

Then again, perhaps he'd simply trust your judgment.

He always knew best when it came to politics. Or at least, more than you did.

None of it pertained to the matter at hand, though. All the villages and towns you had fought through and shed blood to take we nothing compared to Griffonstone.

A mountaintop city, similar to Canterlot in that regard, Griffonstone was a monstrous fortress.

Ten meter high walls surrounded the city itself, and the sole path that wound round the mountain had dozens of blocks and battlements obstructing the path.

It was at the foot of a grand mountain range that blocked all but a single side of it, and the cliffs were nigh unscalable.

You did have some form of a plan though.

Unfortunately, it required far more ammunition than you had at your immediate disposal.

Something about a bad batch of shells and mass shipper bottleneck that meant you weren't getting what you'd requested.

Still, you would make do with what you had.

”Princess, I shouldn't need to tell you that this plan borders on criminal.”

It was Colonel Shod, commander of the artillery battery that had managed to keep up with the breakneck pace of the war. He was an excellent officer, if a bit staunch in how he took to fighting.

You let out a quiet sigh and tap the marks you had made on the map.

“Borders on but, with the notice we've been issuing over all radio bands and the leaflets we've dropped, isn't.”

You recalled Anonymous’s words about how ‘winners don’t get punished for war crimes.’

The colonel grimaced and stared down at the papers as though they may leap for his throat.

You understood his uneasiness, this was not something that you would have considered even a week ago.

But Anonymous had given a direct order.

Rereading the letter, it was only two sentences long.

”Take that city all costs. Kill all of them if you have to, we’re winning this war one way or another.”

As laid out, the plan was to shell the city until its inhabitants gave in and surrendered. This alone was a terrible undertaking, but it was the only way to ensure the unconditional surrender of the griffons.

But you had made an addition to this plan, on behalf of Anonymous’s orders, something that made it far worse.

Magic infused shells.

Just this very morning, you had received a special shipment of profoundly special artillery shells.

Sharp Mind himself made the idea of these shells.

Something happened in Canterlot. Sharp seemed to trust Anonymous much more than he used to. But that wasn’t too surprising, given that Anonymous was the only one who had ever heard him out about his ideas.

Embedded in each one was a stabilized resonance crystal, a physical manifestation of mana.

With these in the shells, and certain inscriptions laid on them, a unicorn of even moderate potential could turn a lethal high explosive shell into a cataclysmic weapon of absolute devastation.

Magic that, in theory, could stick and burn the poor souls it landed on. Truly gut wrenching.

The violence of even one of these items, let alone a thousand, was enough to turn the stomach of even the most stoic of soldiers.

Which is why you had told no one but Colonel Shod about the new weapon.

And now you had laid the plan bare to him, he was the only pony that you could trust to execute it.

For as mired in morality and the laws of warfare this would be, he would follow his orders even if they sent him into Tartarus.

You tried to comfort him.

“If it makes you feel any better colonel, I would rather do this any other way. But with our numbers, resources, and the result of that damned foalish general's 'probing' assault, it's this or we march home.”

Shod stays quiet for a long moment, and you can see he is truly weighing these options. You knew how he felt, for you felt the same feeling he held.

And were you Celestia, you know what your choice would have been.

She believed it was better to be shamed and destroyed than to have a blood drenched soul.

But you are not your sister.

You are the princess militant, the baleful moon, the Nightmare.

The elements had removed the taint of Nightmare Moon from your soul, but you could still remember everything.

You knew well how terrible war was, and the cost of winning. But you also knew the rush of conquest and destruction. Anonymous also knew that too.

Perhaps that’s why the two of you got along so well. You both hid a darkness from others.

In recent times, you even felt that old, hideous tug at your heart, trying to lull you back to the depth of the Nightmare.

Oh how easy it would be to walk that path and turn this city to dust with a flick of your mind.

But no, you would never succumb to the ancient foe again.

Finally, the colonel lets out a long sigh and hangs his head.

”As you say, princess. I cannot see any other way without shedding the blood of everypony here and coming. I will tell my troops to load and sight in, we will await your command to begin.”

Without waiting for a reply, he exits the command tent with a new weight resting on his shoulders.

You're left alone with General van den Tann, who looks at you with a mixture of sorrow and resolve in his gaze.

“So then, we will be forced to rebuild our greatest city on the bones of our people.”

You give him a sympathetic look and close your eyes.

“I would rather you not have to rebuild at all, general. I truly am sorry.”

The griffon breathes slowly and shakes his head.

”No matter, this is war. We are resilient, we will weather this as we have every conflict before.”

You nodded and held open the flap of the tent.

“Well then, general, I'll have them escort you back to your quarters. I must inspect the troops.”

General van den Tann gives you a curt bow and leaves the tent, two ponies following after him. He was quite a strange being, you thought as you began to wander the camp under the afternoon sun.

Instead of being broken in defeat, he had offered his assistance to you.

And what help he had been, a number of times he had offered valuable strategic input and he was able to engage with the griffons on a level that no pony could ever hope to. Of course since he was a griffon, but it was more than just that

From what you gathered, he had come from a village at the Southern tip of the Empire and had garnered great respect for his high position from such lowly birth.

It had certainly made the village elders and town leadership capitulate much easier than you was thought possible.

But here, at this great city, that respect had long since grown threadbare.

You can see your pegasi messengers returning to the camp, and you have no doubts of the tidings they bring with them.

When they report, your heart sinks lower than ever before.

You had expected some unacceptable terms of surrender, or perhaps some modicum of kindness for the civilians in the city. Perhaps news of fleeing civilians.

But it was not to be. There would be no surrender, and every last griffon in the city was blood-sworn to resist according to the messengers. Even the children had been armed and told to fight to their last breath.

So it was as you reported to Colonel Shod who stood beside his several dozen guns with a tired expression mirroring your own.

The crews stood by, shells and powder bags prepared, an extra unicorn standing by the reserve shell pool for each quartet of artillery pieces.

Shod gazed up at you, a remorseful look writ upon his face.

You knew he would carry this day to his grave.

”Permission to begin the fire mission, my princess?”

You know the answer he wants, and the one you want to give him.

To hold his fire, to simply wait out the griffons in a traditional siege, to spare them the horrors about to be unleashed on their city.

You don't trust your words, so you simply nod.

The slight movement feels exhausting, your head feeling as though it it made of iron.

Shod's gaze steels as he turns to his gun crews and draws a deep breath before speaking.

”Troops, load high explosive, check elevation, and make ready to fire.”

It takes them only a moment to follow through and perform their final checks.

Shod opened his mouth to give the final order, but you stopped him short with a gentle hoof on his withers.

He looked up at you and took a step back, understanding your intentions.

You wouldn't allow this blood to be on his hooves. You were already tainted. What’s a couple more lives?

After a deep breath, you gave the command that damns you.

”OPEN FIRE!”

For the rest of the day, and well into the evening, the guns kept up a constant stream of shells.

Nopony in the camp sleeps, least of all you.

The chatter of the radios carries on with the barrage, pegasi spotters calling in hits and adjustments as needed.

By the time the moon has risen fully, the conventional explosive munitions are totally exhausted.

You're surprised the supply lasted as long as it did, but then you didn't have a full battery of guns either.

The gun crews retire to their tents, you've decided to give them some respite and resume bombardment with the dawn.

In the mean time, they could get some food, water, and much needed sleep.

Atop the distant mountain, Griffonstone burns. The shells had shattered anything they hit, then had set fire to the ruins.

You could see great pillars of smoke glowing in the dim, ruddy firelight and smell the devastation that your order had wrought.

You feel your face grow damp beneath your eyes.

Crying, you're crying at doing your duty.

It just went to show then, despite all the titles, infamy, and legends surrounding you, you still had morals. Deep down, you were still a pony.

You wiped the tears away with your forehoof, and felt a strange compulsion to look at the damp fur.

Your tears…

They were pitch black…

Your guts churn and you hurriedly wiped away the rest of the liquid from your cheeks.

Only now did you notice how thick it feels, almost like syrup.

You take a deep, shuddering breath and force down the bile that threatened to rise from your guts.

“No, not now...”

You quiet mutter is quickly cut off as you hear the approach of steps behind you.

You finished wiping away the dark fluid from your face and returned your gaze to the burning city.

The gruff, unmistakable voice of General van den Tann speaks up from beside you

”It is quite the sight, is it not?”

A glance at him shows tracks of glistening tears streaking down the downy feathers on his face.

In some small way, you're surprised at how soft-hearted he was at the sight of this, but you do understand and it soothes some of the fears you held over your promise to him.

“Indeed it is, general. Though I must admit some distaste at such wanton destruction.”

He shakes his head and heaves a long sigh.

”It is of no concern, princess. My brethren have supped the wine of victory for so long they are well drunk. Though I regret that such an object lesson is require, I pray the biting hunger of defeat will blunt their future appetites.”

You allowed yourself a small smirk at the analogy.

It's quite fitting for the reaction that your call for surrender had brought, overconfidence that only a drunk could muster.

“Still, I shall personally see to it that Griffonstone is restored as quick as we can allow. Needless suffering is not something we wish to inflict.”

The general lets out a bitter chuckle and gestures to the distant spires with a claw.

”It seems that such suffering will not be needless. Look how the Imperial flag still flies over the city, they show only the foolhardy bravery of a nestlet. Their arrogance is destroying the city where I met my wife, destroying the city where my chicks were born. This alone ought to be cause enough for the emperor's execution, he acts as though he is a chick playing at fantasy.”

You can't help but silently agree with his assessment, harsh though it may be.

It seemed that the griffon emperor cared little for those who ought to be in his direct care, and less for the consequences his resistance would have.

The baleful glow of the fires begins to dull, either being purposefully extinguished or guttering out with a lack of fuel.

You pray it is the former.

“I do hope he shall see reason by dawn, general. I have held our most destructive weapons in reserve, but if they shall not surrender then I'll have no choice but to unleash them.”

He looks up at you with tearful eyes and nods.

”Yes, I can smell the mana leaking from those remaining shells. I'm no sorcerer, but even a man blind, deaf, and dumb could sense what lies within that unforgiving steel.”

His beak turns up in a rueful smile as he looks back at the dull glow from the depths of the griffon capital.

”There is a small part of me that wishes to see just what such weapons are capable of, though. Perhaps, deep down, we griffons are hopelessly addicted to war. I must admit, when this war began I marched at the head of my troops with pride in my chest and a smile on my face. Despite all the hardships, casualties, and the humiliation of defeat, I cannot say that I was disappointed by you princess.”

His gaze grows distant and wistful as the glow of fire is replaced by that of the moon.

”Baiting two full brigades into abandoning their defensive positions, luring them into a perfect ambush, the maneuver from the forest. If you ever grow tired of being a princess, do consider coming to us. Your strategy would be a welcome breath of air from some of the other fools about the court.”

You gave him a smile and gazed at the horizon as the moon you had lifted almost unconsciously into the sky begins to sink below the distant mountains.

“Perhaps, in the future, our forces might train together. I don't believe I could ever abandon my ponies though, and I'm sure you feel the same about your own people.”

He nods, letting out a tired sigh and turning about.

”Indeed I do, princess. Well, the hour grows late and these old bones require some kind of sleep. Do be so kind as to keep the barrage quiet, wouldn't you?”

You quietly chuckled at the jest.

“Of course, I'll ensure the guns are not too loud just for you.”

With that, he's gone.

You see the gun crews beginning to stir from their tents, and you know the final shots of this war are about to be fired.

Colonel Shod approaches you, a grim expression on his stoic face.

”The flag still flies, my princess?”

You nodded solemnly, all traces of your previous mirth gone.

”Then I shall have the gun laid and loaded shortly. We shall await your orders.”

Without another word, he walks stiffly towards the raised barrels of the artillery pieces.

You cannot fault his shortness, he is no doubt taking this harder than you.

For a while longer, you stare out at the distant city, hoping against hope that someone in there may see reason and raise a white flag, or that a messenger would come at a blazing pace to bring news of a surrender.

But nothing comes, and the sun has long broken over the horizon.

It was time then.

You approached the artillery crews, your face grim.

The magic leaking from the breeches is easily apparent to you, and the wrongness of it does not go amiss.

Still, this was the only way to ensure they surrendered without too bloody a sacrifice from your ponies.

And so you addresses the troops as they stood ready, one extra round for each gun sitting beside the great instruments of war.

That was all it would take, after all.

“Mares, stallions, my subjects, my charges, my friends. This is a dire hour indeed. We find ourselves faced with an unrepentant enemy that refuses to surrender until their last breath is drawn. I do not dare to throw away the lives of ponies when we have such a small force as it stands. And so it comes to this, the razing of the city. Know that, were there any other way that this could be resolved I would shed my own blood to make it so.”

You drew a deep breath as the churning in your stomach worsens.

“But we have tried, and we have waited as long as we can. Know that not one of you carries the blame for this action. This blight rests squarely upon the shoulders of the griffon emperor and on my own. I bear it with no remorse, for I know by this order that thousands of ponies shall live long lives where they may not have.”

You paused a moment to let your words sink in before steeling yourself.

“Troops, make ready!”

Final checks are made, breeches sealed, and at last the guns stand ready for their hellish work.

What would Celestia say if she saw this?

”FIRE!”

A deafening eruption blasts over you as the battery fires as one.

While the shells are still in flight, you issue your next orders.

”LOAD!”

The action is done as a wave of violent mana backwash rushes over you.

An eerie violet hue eclipses the sun momentarily before you gave what you hoped would be the final order of the war.

”FIRE!”

Another blast, this time you turned to see the results even as the acrid taste of bile coated your tongue.

In the distance, the city once more comes alight with brilliant hues of purple and vibrant cobalt.

Again, the wash of tortured mana comes over you, and you're compelled to your knees.

You cannot hold the bile back any longer, and you opened your mouth as a torrent of vomit soaks the ground beneath you.

Your ears picked up the sound of other unicorns becoming sick as well, the distortion of the world that they could sense all too well overcoming them.

A look down at the puddle terrified you, and you hurriedly kick dirt over the black puddle.

The Nightmare was starting to come back.

But you were stronger than her. You would never fall to her again.

You wiped your face and rose to your hooves shakily, staring out at the city.

Its walls were shattered, its once great spires thrown to the ground beneath and shattered.

Within moments, you saw on the single standing parapet of the castle, the flag has finally been taken down.

Your wish finally becomes reality as a stark, white banner unfurls itself over the devastation that the city had become.

The war was finally over.

Victory had never come so bitter.

22: The End of the War

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The streets of Canterlot are awash in celebration.

Cider flows like water, as it has for the past several days, but today the revelers are especially boisterous.

Today was the day that Emperor Willem Gunnar finally came to Canterlot to sign the peace treaty with myself and Princess Cadence.

It’s been a long war, and I feel as if a weight finally lifted from my chest.

Five months of war was already too much, the several thousand ponies that had given their lives was orders of magnitude too many.

But the sacrifice was not in vain, Equestria was finally safe.

The feeling of the city has swept over Quill as well, she has a spring in her step as she wanders the streets beside me.

It's something I haven't seen since well before the war began, and I couldn't be happier today.

The victory, the mood, Quill's return to happiness, even the public appearance of the treaty signing and public speech couldn't drag me down from my high spirits.

Eventually, I reached the train station.

I’d had some difficulty making my way through the press of ponies, but had somehow made it with my clothes unstained and sober as the day I was born.

Quill was a bit worse for wear, having been pulled into an impromptu song and dance, but was more than able to remain at my side

And so we waited among a massive crowd waiting to welcome home the first victors Equestria had seen in centuries.

At least they had allowed me to the front, as befit the ruler of a nation.

Ruler of a nation. A Chancellor. I prayed this would last forever.

I stood beside a few remaining ministers on the platform, making small talk while the distant trail of smoke grows larger.

The disappearance of Flashy Image could be felt. Still, no one questioned why she was gone. The other ministers could infer why, but the public was clueless.

It was of no matter. What they don’t know won’t hurt them.

But we had a simple discussion of implementing ideas like pollution clearing spells and expansion of the rail lines, nothing I wouldn't have spoken of at a meeting.

After all these were my former colleagues, and now my political puppets.

To speak outside the realms of business was wasteful, and possibly dangerous to boot.

But as the brakes of the train begin to squeal while it pulls into the station, the conversation stops as the cars do the same.

Steam hisses from the engine as the machine settles, and after a moment the doors open to reveal Princess Luna and General Iron Greaves.

But just behind them is the true guest of honour, and as they step out so to does the former griffon emperor, Willem Gunnar.

Even in defeat, his clothes tattered and fur unkempt, he keeps a regal posture and exudes arrogance.

A small, smug smirk touches my lips and I spread my arms wide.

I had to shout to make myself heard over the raucous cheers.

“Welcome home, our victorious heroes!”

The cheering redoubles as Luna and Iron Greaves gave a short bow. I finally focused in on Luna, and noticed the state she was in.

She looks totally exhausted, dark eye crescents clear even on her deep, blue coat, her normally flowing mane subdued and dirty, and her eyes a bloodshot red.

My orders of a direct barrage could be seen on her eyes. Just how much she had been able to tolerate had almost been strained too far.

Iron Greaves too looks tired, though less bedraggled than the night princess.

But the state that Luna was in makes me realize that, if this was the effect on a princess, then the effect on the general soldiery must be shocking.

Not much difference in how I and many others felt after leaving Vietnam.

I could now understand just how deep the mistakes that the politicians of Earth had made ran.

But I would not fall into the same traps, I silently vowed to establish a fund for their wellbeing as soon as I could. A fund I never got to use, a fund that could’ve made me happy.

Perhaps even using some of the stores liberated from the griffons, it would be true poetry to use what was meant to fund a war to aid those who had taken it from them.

But that would have to wait, for now I would be parading with Gunnar and his escort to the Grand Plaza of the city.

He would be paraded around the city. Humiliated by the crowds. And I had planned on taking the long route.

This was going to be fun.

Princess Cadence was already waiting there for the official signing.

As I walked towards the table, the escort was busy keeping the crowd back the whole while.

I’m surprised at the obscenities and racial slurs I heard from them, even though they're almost cute in their language, I hadn't thought ponies to have so much bile in them.

But proof of just how much hate they held was heaped on me for every step I took.

Behind the escort, a procession of troops was welcomed with cheering and ecstatic shouts.

The switch from one to the other was jarring, but the troops more than deserved such praise, but all managed to stay professional while enjoying it.

All told, it takes a half hour for what should have been a ten minute walk.

At the very least, the former emperor hadn't been struck by anything more than a rotten tomato.

But he remained quiet and held his head high for the entire gauntlet.

I could respect him for his will, even if I had hated the arrogance that it stemmed from.

The two of us left the escort behind as we climb the steps to the stage that the table had been set on.

Cadence sits with a stern expression on her face, taking up one end of the ornate table.

I seated myself at the center and har Gunnar at the other end.

A terse silence remains between the three of us as General Stalwart Shield, the former defense minister, and newly appointed Field Marshal, made a short speech to summarize the events of the day.

Finally, he floats a scroll over to the table and rolls it out in front of the three of us.

In turn, with the griffon signing first, all three of us signee the instruments of the Griffon Empire's surrender.

Gunnar had held his pen over the document for a long while, but finally he had issued his signature.

Cadence and I didn't take nearly so long, and within a few minutes Stalwart Shield was showing the document off to an ecstatic crowd and media cameras.

I would have this document preserved, a standing testament to the success of my rule...

After a moment of grand standing, he gestured to me, pulling me from my thoughts.

It was time for me to make the grandest speech I ever had given.

The cheers died down as I took to the center of the stage, and I took a deep breath before beginning.

“Mares and gentlecolts, today marks a new cornerstone in the history of Equestria. In just four months, I have transformed our ill-equipped and meager defense force into the mightiest force the world has seen.”

I saw Stalwart Shield swell with pride, along with the soldiers who line the crowd.

“It is that force that has delivered us from the brink of disaster, that force who so bravely sallied into the first battles in eight hundred years. That so bravely went into the hell that is war. And what battles they fought! At Trottingham they defeated a force twice their size, and at the gates of Griffonstone a mere five thousand ponies took the capital itself!”

A loud cheer goes up from the crowd, who could not be more elated at the news of such victories.

Was the praise over the top? Certainly, but in such a victory like this dramatics were more than welcome to heighten the mood ever further.

To be happy in victory was what could help heal the wounds of war.

“The flag of Equestria flies over the battlements at Griffonstone, but let us not forget the cost of war. Not just to our own, but to our allies and enemies alike. To Princess Cadence of the Crystal Empire, you and your husband have my eternal gratitude for your invaluable aid in keeping the enemy at bay in the North. And even now, the Equestrian Corps of Engineers has been sent to Griffonstone to help rebuild the city.”

I paused to take a breath, and the crowd holds their own in anticipation.

“We must keep in mind that this war was not one of conquest, but of liberation. Our military does not stand to take the lands of others, but to protect our home and the homes of those we call friends. Even now, a delegation from Capras comes to discuss the independence of their nation and a team of experts seek griffons to serve on a new high council. Never again shall the griffons find themselves led by their beaks into a war they did not want. Never again shall they need to endure the atrocious conditions of war without necessity. We shall assist them in rebuilding their nation and ensure their peaceful return to the world stage.”

Lies. All of it was lies. There was no delegation but a boy Prince, and there was no high council, just oligarchs appointed by me.

The crowd doesn't cheer for this, sensible enough I supposed, but they applaud the feeling behind them.

When they fell silent again, I continued.

“So let us carry onward, on to a bright future of peace and prosperity. And let us leave not one of our allies behind, but carry them forth with us into a new golden age!”

The applause builds slowly at first, but soon grows into a deafening raucous.

I smiled warmly and waved to the crowd, and Princess Cadence comes and joins me.

Gunnar was led away to be spoken with later, I still had to discuss what was to become of him and his nation.

So far, Freidrich van den Tann, the griffon general, had been promised a position in this new council. I didn’t know much about him, but I trusted Luna’s judgment of him.

Allistair had also surprisingly offered to join as a member of the “high council.”

A surprise, but a welcome one. He feared me. He wouldn’t have the courage to defy me.

The only person left to ensure legitimacy was Willem. And if he didn’t agree, we could always find another willing noble. The royal family of the griffons wasn’t exactly small.

But that could all wait for later. For now, I still had some public relations to do with Princess Cadence.

I looked over to her and held out a hand to shake.

“So then princess, shall we go together?”

For perhaps the first time I’ve ever seen, she gave me a genuine smile instead of a fake one, as she takes my hand and shakes it.

“Yes, chancellor, let's.”

And so we walked off the stage, and into a Equestria's new golden age.

Anon von Bismarck

by WojakWriter

1: A Change in Course

2: Petty Politics

3: A Friendly Talk

4: Trust in me

5: Farewell to Ponyville

6: Calm Before the Storm

7: If You Want Peace, Prepare For War

8: It’s a Long Way to Trottingham

9: Sacred War

10: Into the Coals

11: Requiem for the Dead

12: A Small Peace

13: Return to Canterlot

14: A Disaster

15: Arresting the Aggressors

16: Crisis in Canterlot

17: Crushing the Rebellion

18: A Broken Mask

19: Unholy Alliance

20: Tightening the Grip

21: The Difficult Choice

22: The End of the War

Epilogue: News From EDN

EQUESTRIAN DAILY NEWS