Intro
The darkness drapes across the room, with faint reflections of light hinting to the structures in the blackness. A sudden light shines upon Discord, who is dressed in period clothing of the bards of old. Within his paw arm, he holds a skull of a pony. Elevating the skull, Discord readies to deliver his diction. With a deep breath just before speaking. ``... Line?!''
The theater lights come on, and another Discord dressed as a director stands from the seat in the empty room, throwing his hands up in frustration, ``For Aris' sake! Take five!'' As this Discord rants, a number of other Discords start filling the stage to reset for a retake. ``My Kingdom for a decent Troupe...'' His eyes trail over to the reader. ``Oh, expecting a lead in?'' He sighs in frustration. ``This chapter deals with those who will become the Lunar Army, so there you go'' Discord turns away, heading for the prep room. ``Where is my latte?!''
Track 03: Solders of the Night
-A few years before Nightmare Moon's return-
East of Canterlot, not nearly as far as Filly Delphia, and hidden deep in the forest in the shadow of Foal Mountain. A mysterious land of Hallow Shade, a nearly forgotten place by all outside the dense woods. Everfree is known for its dangers, but the forbidden forest with no name is a place of danger and fear. No pony dares the boarders, few choose to even glance into the depths from beyond, dreading a sight that could draw them in, or into madness. Princess Celestia, In the last thousand years has not even braved these lands. Legend surrounded these woods even before, however the events of Nightmare Moon's attack left the place festering in fear and rumor.
The Bat Ponies of Hollow Shade once stood with Princess Luna, and even after against the Solar Empire, and in defeat won a banishment to their home indefinite. Through the ages in exile, the loyal ponies remained the only in Equestria to remember that Princess Luna existed, however the generations had worn down the memories to just why they had been banished. They continued to worship Princess Luna, but nearly all forgot their service to her. The elders have kept the tale going these many moons, but each telling has degraded the story, leaving those who hear it now to believe that one day their princess will return for them, but not the same revenge army as before, but just to bring a new world to them.
``-she then took the throne, and promised our place beside her!'' An old pony cried out in a retelling of the tale of Princess Luna. So advanced in his age, his faded brown coat no longer caught the eyes of others, his ears drooping and frayed more than the normal points, he leathery wings were bound at his sides, no longer able to hold them up, much less use them to fly. He is from an ancient line, ones who drive the tales of their princess return. ``In her return, she will reclaim the lands beyond, and bring Bat Ponies back to the skies beyond our trees. She will make the nights so dark, our suited eyes will not strain against light. Watch the sky upon the thousandth year's longest day, the stars shall aid in her return!''
A group of four younger bat ponies watched at a distance, listening to the ramblings of an old foal. The gather consisted of Bliss Star, a mare with a red coat like the last hints of sun before the end of the day. Her ears were large and rounded, curving slightly back. Her mane was swept back and long, coloured like a comet tail, which also matched her own tail. Her eyes were brown, and seemed to hold a deeper concern, though at the moment she was snickering.
One of the two males one was Shortwing, a violet bat pony with heavily feathered ears, and a wild silver mane of great volume swooping downward in large spikes with a tail to match. His eyes are a shade of emerald, and he was named for his smaller than average wings. He turned to the other stallion, who also had a silver mane and tail. ``There goes your grandfather again, ya?'' The stallion he directed it toward, who is coat is black as night, was not at happy.
Groaning, the dark stallion looked away in shame, hauntingly golden eyes narrowed in disgust. He had similar mane to Shortwing, only shorter and more managed ``Yes Shortwing... and every year on the anniversary of the banishment he goes out and embarrasses me with the nonsense'' He rolled his eyes now, with a slight shake of his head. ``I cannot stand being of the remaining bloodlines who served the princess, and being pushed to keep her story alive'' He flared his wings in annoyance, a much fuller set than his male friend. ``I get that Princess Celestia isn't our ruler, but how much is she doing for us?'' His tone sharpened as he pointed up at the sky to whom he was referring, being the winter solstice it was one of the few times of the year when the fog was thin enough and the sky clear. The Moon shinned into the hidden town, the image of Nightmare Moon looking back at those peering skyward. ``Not doing much up there, so why waste time?''
No longer snickering, Bliss Star now agreed as she added ``Celestia had these years to ready for a return, so who is to say she will win when she couldn't beat Celestia before?''
``Because, Bliss Star'' A forth member of the group, who had been silent, now spoke against the conversation. She is a foggy gray-white colour, who's nose pointed up in the middle. Her eyes were clean water blue, and mane and tail of sea-foam. She kept it short, with the mane swept up above her brow. ``Princess Luna was greater than her sister, and would have defeated her if not for the Elements!'' The three of them looked at her, eyes asking ``so?'' prompting frustrated sigh. ``The Elements were drained that night, they are nothing but stones now. When she returns, she will have had a thousand years of focus to strike back''
``Mare!'' Bliss Star exclaimed. ``I had no idea you were so in that old history, Mist Dancer''
Frustration only growing, the mare responded ``I enjoy history, and how things happen. Like it or not, this is our history, even if it has twisted over time, learning about the past will plan the future. Most have lost the point of the tale those like Roost recounts, all be in lacking in some details, but I know the old words. In a few years, the prophecy will come to pass, and if it comes true, and likely she will win the bout. I expect our princess will come to call,'' The humor of the group receded, as worry grew between them. ``and our ancestor made a pact that we may be faced with honouring it''
``Mare, I don't want to go to war'' Shortwing looked very concerned. ``Equestria may have left us here, but I don't want to fight ponies I don't know'' He nearly receded into himself, looking off timidly.
The grandson of the pony who started their conversation, took the weight heaviest. His linage was only part of the problem. ``We might not have a choice, I certainly won't. When she hears that a pony not only descendant of one of her solders, but also shares his name... She will definitely want another Moonrazor in her ranks''
******
-Thirty years before Nightmare Moon's return-
A gathering of ponies in benches sat in great anticipation at the spectacle not seen in any of their lifetimes, and on the other side of the room stood a gray coloured judge, with a lighter gray mane, and dull blue eyes. He was at his podium ready to finish out a case that was so very clear cut that it was all a display for those collected. Between the observers and the law, a ragged steel-maned stallion stood beside his lawyer, not sharing the defeated look of the council, but rather no expression at all. The metallic pony looked nowhere with soft blue eyes, yet far into his own mind as the judge spoke. ``Have you anything to say in your defense, before I pass my judgement? Have you any words, that could explain your grievous crimes and actions, that are, without a doubt, enacted by nobody else but you?'' He remained silent before the court, sending a wave of muttering in the crowd behind and irritation in the judge before. ``Very well, silence is a roar of the remorseless criminal. Since you offer no defense, with no show of concern in your actions or those surviving them, I can only sentence and convict you to the only penalty our society had deemed worthy of your actions. In accordance with the laws created over seven-hundred years ago, when the last murder had been committed, for your slaughter of three innocent ponies I sentence you to be hung by the neck until dead!'' The Judge raised his hoof to slam it down in solidifying the judgement, he was stopped when Princess Celestia entered the courtroom in purposeful disruption.
``Halt these proceedings!'' She ordered, nopony able to ignore the purity of her white coat, and the shimmering flowing mane. She stood taller than any, for no other Alicorns existed in Equestria. ``I apologize, but I must interrupt''
At first the judge was in shock, as with most of the ponies in the room, even the accused seemed to return to the room to glance back without actually looking at the princess. The Judge became annoyed, though keeping as professional as he could under the circumstances. ``With all due respect, my princess, but in this house, in this room, I hold order. You cannot pardon this pony, and hope to expect any here will accept such an order when there is no question of his guilt and requirement for justice. By the very laws you set forth, I hold the power to condemn him to the punishment fit such a horrible crime and give some peace to those victimized''
Princess Celestia noted his claims, and tried to show him the respect afforded him by his title, yet she was not to stop in her course. ``You do indeed hold court here, and you keep to the laws well, but this law is archaic and cruel. We no longer brand thieves or adulterers, and just because no pony has committed a crime like this in several centuries, does not mean we must dredge up old judgments into a modern court''
Hoping to regain control, the judge responded calmly. ``I agree with you, my princess, had he shown any sign of remorse, but this pony remains silent and indifferent, even as you stand at his defense'' He looked again at the accused, solidifying the fact he was right about the detestable character. ``Justice demands his punishment, and no punishment short of death can satisfy it''
``One life will not return three, nor will it truly undo the suffering of those most afflicted in the wake. It would be a fleeting sense of satisfaction, just as it had done little for the last time such punishment had been served. He must face a punishment, face what he has done, and that can only come from living on to be shown the light of his crimes'' She gestured toward him. ``He is unmoved, I see it clearly, but he can hopefully be affected if we give it time and proper punishment. A sentence of serving time, working off a debt that cannot be fully returned. This can be used for the greater good of society, for more than a forth life taken''
The judge was silent as he pondered the argument, and when he finally spoke he was no longer talking to a princess in his mind, but one questioning his authority. ``You make an interesting proposal, however my judgement still stands, and nothing shale undermine my determination of justice''
Princess Celestia was not yet defeated, and now took her full role as the ruler of Equestria. ``You are a servant of the law, and as such must obey them. You who speaks of upholding outdated rulings, will now be conformed to those very orders. By the old rules, `any case of murder in Equestria shall be overseen and judged by the royalty of Equestria' and so with due respect,'' She now trotted toward the bench, taking a place to see all in the room at once. ``This case is not yours to judge, less you happen to be a prince?'' She awaited, if only in mockery of one who so challenged her own authority, for a response. ``As the one to hold this case, and issue punishment, I sentence you, Silver Grace, to twenty years in prison, to serve laboring for the community, and work off a debt that cannot be paid. The sentence is meant to give back to those you have stolen so much from, and to hopefully make you see the error of your ways. This is not to go soft on the punished, but send a message that something more than death can come from such crimes. I prey you will learn remorse, and understand the pain you inflicted. The only way the souls of the taken can rest, is if you either learn to weep for them, and loose a portion of your life and freedom''
******
-16 Years after Nightmare Moon's Defeat-
Princess Celestia stood before a creature that had some resemblance to a pony, but its form was shadowy and what was detailed enough to see in the darkness of night was demonic. Proportions twisted, and shapes deformed. Between them lay a hero nearly forgotten by time, a crimson pegasus.
She had returned to avenge her friend's loss not so long ago, back on the night Princess Luna betrayed her ponies. This beast had brought low this former champion, only stopped by the royal mare before the final strike. Just as Light Bringer bought time for Princess Celestia with his life, so now Crimson Thunder spends herself.
``Shadow Colt!'' The princess called, knowing her focus was returned. ``You have no where to run, the shadows that hid you in the corners of the land will no longer keep you from my knowing! There is no place to go, and I offer you the only chance to surrender'' The monstrosity only laughed, in a way that seemed to echo with other voices. ``You have spread suffering and darkness since the fall of Nightmare Moon, corrupting countless innocence ponies, killing others, and attempt to break apart this land! Time remains, if you give yourself over, the punishment will be lenient''
``That is your greatest weakness,'' Shadow Colt returned. ``You spared your sister, who will return to ruin you, and now you offer me an easy sentence?'' He spoke with the same many voice sound as his laugh, and as much humor to what he said. ``Look at this pony here'' A tendril of shadow raised Crimson Thunder's head, she was only able to shutter as she clung to the last bits of life. ``She watched as her beloved friend died at Luna's hooves, and countless others suffered her armies. You spare us in her shadows, but punish those in your light. Where is their justice?'' He paused, looking over the broken pony. ``You let him die, as you attempted to save her. Will you repeat this with this with her and I? Just what will it take for you to actually do what is needed?'' He halted again, not seeking a response, but thinking of an idea of just what to do. ``Will witnessing her death be the key? Will this break the great Princess Celestia?!'' Just as he spoke, several spikes of shadows, solid as steel, impaled the dying mare. She gasped in silent pain, not able to even summon the strength to cry out.
It was hard to see the passing life against a coat coloured just the same, only the trails down the blackness, and the growing pools below showed the damage. Princess Celestia cried out as Crimson Thunder could not, unable to stop this horror, unable to save yet another from the endless wickedness that plagued Equestria. She could do no more now, then before. ``The radiant glow of Light Bringer has long faded, and now the echoes of Crimson Thunder finally passes in the cold night! So goes the last hero of the Royal Age'' He laughed in a maddening way, that pierced as deeply as his shadows.
Celestia had fallen silent like the poor, aged champion, laughter was the only sound for a time. A dangerous look began to creep across the Princess' face, brewing into her eyes like a stirring volcano. ``So, you enjoy suffering? Bringing ponies to their breaking point?'' She began, calming the humor in Shadow Colt. ``Since you thrive in the dark, surely you will writhe in the light'' Her caldron eyes, once so full of love and compassion, now erupted into a blaze of fury and spite. Her luminous mane of colours, all turned into a rolling flame, and the yellow glow of her magick roared from her horn like a wild fire.
Shadow Colt watched the change of the princess, his amusement now as dead as the pegasus between them, his mood turning to concerned. None had seen this side of Celestia, nothing more than a raised brow, or a stern voice before, now she was a white hot anger that was directed solely at him. He stepped back, as her glow stretched toward him, the heat of it reaching far sooner and warned of the dangers of the light that hungered for him. As it encompassed the broken form of Crimson Thunder, the corpse smoked, and grass caught fire. Seeing his doom, and folly, Shadow attempted to escape into the fleeting shadow, only to be overtaken in the speed of light. Resisting at first, he soon was over come by the searing pain and cried out as his body burned, his mane curled and singed, his flesh peeled and flared, and his fluids boiled. No longer a being a shadows, barely a figure at all, he collapsed into a heap, every last, bitter part of his existence agonizing in torturous pain without a hope of escape but the now desired escape of death; yet no matter how long he suffered, how much he was torn part by the endless flame, he never found his end.
Princess Celestia had regained herself, and composure, stood observing the stallion rolling around in anguish, and not the chard, crispy heap he believed to be. A royal guard garrison had arrived not long ago, witnessing only the part where the shadow pony was transformed into a screaming mess. They had become confused by this, and one approached. ``What afflicts him, my princess?''
``A Spell,'' She responded with a pain in her tone, by what she was forced into casting. ``He shall be trapped in his own mind, eternally consumed in flame'' Celestia trotted to the body of the fallen pegasus and knelt to her. ``Once, you condemned me for my reluctance to permanently deal with my sister, and you abandoned Equestria. Your returned to save it, and aid me in ending this threatening wickedness. I could not kill her, and still I refuse to take such a course. I prey never to need to make such an order, however I do believe this would have met with your approval. I believe you understand how living on can be a fate worse than death.
She stood again, and looked to her assembly of guards. ``Take Shadow Colt to my Solar Cells, where even if he manages to escape his mind, the endless and all spreading light of those walls will not allow even the tiniest shadow to aid him'' She then looked down at the champion. ``Ensure that Crimson Thunder is laid to rest beside Light Bringer, no place is better for her in death, than by his side. So in life, as in death''
Shaken, and hesitant; either by what was his question, and questioning the princess, the guard responded ``B-but princess, does not the legendary hero rest in the cemetery of Everfree, at the castle ruins?'' Her look raised further doubt in his choice to second guess her orders. ``I merely wonder why such a hero would not be placed in Canterlot, to be honoured by all and not somewhere she would surely go forgotten''
Princess Celestia smiled, only confusing him further. ``I was unable to do right by her with my sister, but I will do right by her in the only desire she had left. To be with her friend, and to be forgotten. In Everfree, she will have both. She will pass to dust, as her pages in history''
******
-After Princess Luna's Return-
The events in Ponyville, during the longest day of the year, would race across Equestria after the six young mares who would become heroes undid the spell of eternal night, and returned not one, but two princesses to the land. Princess Luna's revival became the great surprise of the era, and not one area of Equestria was untouched by the fever of this new royal mare. Where most heard from the regular means of news and gossip, those in Hallow Shade knew by the clear signs that came during the Summer Solstice.
As the thousandth year neared, the seriousness was rekindled in the bat ponies. The ramblings of select elder ponies, became the sermons of the people as they now prepared for the uncertainty of what was coming. When the longest day of the year was delayed, and the haunting image on the moon was gone, the ponies of Hallow Shade knew their princess was back. As each day that fallowed left the bat ponies wondering what would be coming for them, or if she had also forgotten them as the rest of the world.
Into the early moments of the Autumnal Equinox, the moment waited upon with even greater anxiety than the thousandth day. With the air clear, and the moon casting its full glow, a figure briefly returned to her silhouette before landing in the center of the town with the full attention of every eye that saw her approach. Word carried fast, and soon the area was a crowd of every bat pony with a singular focus. She had been silent, taking in the lost members of Equestria, and those who so long suffered for her crimes. It was a powerful moment for princess and ponies, and when she finally spoke, it was not loud, yet nopony missed a word.
``I do not know who among you know of me, or why this stranger has come into your lives when so much of Equestria has avoided even thinking of Hallow Shade'' She had her head level, but eyes low. Slowly, she looked up and around, taking in the faces of these ponies. ``One thousand years ago my mistake cost far more than I had accounted for, and not only did it tarnish the name of those of the night, but dragged those who had been so loyal to me down into my punishment'' Her voice was near to breaking, and vision blurring to the tears dancing at the edges of her eyes. ``Your ancestors stood by me, fell for me, and suffered for me, and that lingered on through the years and generations''
Princess Luna looked up, seeing a statue of herself, or rather of Nightmare Moon looking more like a ruler than a warrior. It almost made her happy, that those who erected it saw her not as the cruel dictator, but as a regal princess even in that form. ``Those ponies made a pact with me, that when I returned they were rejoin my mission to rule Equestria'' The mood quickly shifted, and the crowd had regained their fear. ``I cannot now ask you hold to those words, or continue your suffering for those who had listened then. I did not come here to recruit an army, but free a people. I came to offer my deepest apologies, and demand not loyalty but plea for forgiveness''
Muttering and questions drifted around the crowd, as the princess sought some response, though feared it as well. Now she was place upon the uncertain edge that the ponies here were when she arrived. Not until a single figure made his way toward her, did she see a sign of an end to her waiting. A black pony, with a silver mane and golden eyes. He moved with purpose and dedication, holding himself like one with authority and no hesitation. He only stopped when he was about a few hoof steps away. He looked upon her, and she at him. She study him for his intentions, and he looked more like a soldier.
``After many years,'' He began, speaking with authority. ``We forgot much of what was the cause of our banishment. There were some families that kept the stories, but as each generation went on they turned to legend and myth. Details were lost, but all we knew that Equestria was gone from us, and Princess Celestia shunned us. When the prophecy neared the end date, we became more concerned, and prepared ourselves to be faced with rejoining our ruler'' He paused looking around at his friends, neighbors and family. ``We harbor no ill-will toward the other ponies beyond our forest, and though we have no loyalties to Celestia, we do not wish her any harm. So now that you come, and issue an apology and our freedom... as a free-pony...'' He knelt before her. ``I wish to offer my services to you''
Princess Luna was not alone in surprise, and she took stock of him. ``Why would you give yourself to me, after all the trouble caused by my actions? You know nothing about who I am now, yet you are ready to give me your loyalty?'' Uncertain tears rolled on, as she struggled to grasp this turn of fate.
He glanced up, still keeping his resolve. ``I can see my future with you, beyond all I have known to all that is yet to be learned. You have spent a thousand years away from the world, and I have known nothing but Hallow Shade all my life'' Around them more of the bat ponies talked, and some began to move closer to show their willingness to join Princess Luna.
She felt moved by this display, the sorrow she felt for her mistake turning to joy at the acceptance of those she had sought it nearly as much as her sister's forgiveness. ``I had dared to dream that you would welcome me, but I did not fool myself into thinking any would want to rejoin the ranks of the Night Guard. None of you should feel that you must do this, nothing will change if you do not''
``We have chosen this, we want to serve our Princess. You had once accepted our kind, and now return us to Equestria. I, for one, want to return under your banner''
Looking around, taking in the face of every pony who was standing with her now before returning to the first. ``My court will swell with great ponies, but I must know the name of my first knight''
Shaken for the first time this night, not expecting to be risen to such a rank. He collected himself and responded with a new pride in his linage. ``Moonrazor, seventh to carry the name, and just as the first who stood with you, I now stand proudly with you now''
Searching her memories, she recalled that pony and could see a strong resemblance; Luna understood why she felt a connection to him. ``I could not rule the night, without a Moonrazor''
******
A few moons after Princess Luna's first Nightmare Night
In the lower parts of Canterlot, where the pristine city gives way to a run down pit of those clinging to the fringes of society. A figure shuffled his way through unkempt streets, using anything that looked stable to keep himself from collapsing. Soft blue eyes had faded to a near ghostly hue, and metallic steel coat more like a buried pipe. He did not give much thought to where he was going, or those around him, ignoring those who made effort to not look toward him. He drifted like a tumble weed among the other discarded ponies, giving them no more concern than anything else. Unlike the rest, he was avoided not for his appearance, but his history that invisibly marked him. Silver Grace, the only murderer of the last few centuries.
He had served the sentence, even learning to place a value on life, having lost his for so many years; ten more than intended, as he was left to rot in prison. He was finally released, but his spirit had died in that place, and no one cared that he had nothing now.
Trusting the wrong railing, Silver crashed to the ground, his last bits of life seeming to drift from him as he stared blankly at the ground beyond him. The faint light in his eyes, a struggling ember was now fading to nothing. Just as the last vestige was passing, a shadow draped over him. He no longer had anything to care or more to see who was watching the sight of a murderer die in the gutter. He only believed it to be death, a friend, the only one who was eagerly awaiting him.
``Yet another of our sister's discarded, forgotten projects'' A voice drifted into the fleeting moments of his life, one that he did not know, yet felt knew him. Not in the way others did, but one who had faced trails much like his own. ``Ignored by society, even after enduring punishment many times beyond intention. For shame!'' The last was shouted out to all around. ``Rise, a place yet awaits you in this living realm. A home for thee, where crime is not your label''
Managing a scoff, his breath kicked the dirty ground into small clouds. ``The only place... my only home... is the grave...'' He lingered on that a moment, perhaps to muster more strength. ``...or, the gutter''
Something filled his vision suddenly, and it took a moment for weary eyes to adjust to it. A helmet, much like the royal guard, only darker with a style much the same. ``In a thousand years, much has changed in our home of Equestria. In our time, it was outside forces who threatened ponies, but now it seems they attack one another. Murder is a rare case, though we do not see you as a murderer any longer. Dangers linger all around, and an illusion of perfection is disillusioning the ponies, but ones like you know the truth. We need soldiers like that, ponies able to do what is needed to protect those nursing on their lies'' Listening to her words caused some of what he thought long gone to return, and he could feel himself actually want to live on. ``Take our armor, fly our banner, and throw away a life that has abandoned you, or you can freeze here in the coming winter and be lost to Equestria like fallen leaves or carcasses of dead beasts''
Sparks returned into his eyes, turning into strength to stand again, and now he could see the tall mare who stood with him. Not Princess Celestia, though close to her height, and the same enchanted mane. Where one was so clearly the Princess of Day, this one could only be the one of Night. He did not care to learn the events of the word since his imprisonment, and knew nothing of this pony, who stood with a gaze of absolute resolve and passion. ``W-who... are you?''
She wished to smirk, but the sorrow of knowing that he was so lost to the world he did not learn what every other pony had because of his sentence was too great. ``We are Princess Luna, ruler of the Night, sister to Princess Celestia. We had been imprisoned for a great crime a thousand years ago, but were returned to the world recently''
``Another princess? A thousand years?'' He laughed a little, thinking how small his sentence was compared. ``Why would you seek me, why scrape the scum of the gutter?''
``A battle lies in the darkness, and it must be fought by those who know the dark'' She began, not truly looking at him as she focused on her words. ``Wickedness cannot always be met by the lawful armies of our sister. Only those who have known suffering can know the importance of stopping it at any cost, and doing it!'' The passion in her eyes warmed him, and he felt his life returning as she fueled his own rising desire. ``You are no longer a cold killer, but the world still see you as such. You are suited to cast aside a tragic life, for one as a silent hero. Let this world go, so you can became apart of an army that will save it from itself. We had be given a second chance, now we offer it to thee. Will you be burdened by memories, or bare the torch of a new hope?''
Princess Luna addressed a gathering of ponies, delivering a speech to stir their hearts for a cause she believed so deeply in. Moonrazor was close by his Princess, looking out at the crowd assembled. He was not alone as some of her most trusted knights, another of the ranks was filled by one of his oldest friends, Mist Dancer, who was also taking in the sight.
``I wonder if this is how we looked, when our ancestors were banished?'' Mist whispered to him. ``A broken lot, huddling together to see what the future would be''
Making a thoughtful sound, Moonrazor nodded. ``We share in their plight, as viewed as Equestria's worst. Who would have imagined that some ponies beyond our forest were just as isolated. Maybe not so obvious as us'' He gave his bat ears a flick.
``Don't be so easily foaled by your ignorance of our kind'' Another voice, belonging to a pony who also enjoyed the higher ranks. ``We find criminals just as easy as if they were another species, and we punish them just the same'' She was a blood-red mare, coat and mane. She had a devious look in eyes just as crimson as the rest of her.
She did not linger, moving along to the other side of the stage. ``How is it,'' Mist began, when the mare was far enough from them. ``in an assembly of criminals, deviants, and offenders, Commander Redmare remains the one I am most concerned with? Earth ponies have no magic like Unicorns, nor fly like Pegasus or us, yet...''
Another pony made his way onto the stage, another of the few non-bat ponies in the higher ranks of the Night Guard. Where Moonrazor was a knight, and Mist Dancer a commander, both passed on this new pony's role as Captain of the Guard. He seemed a decent enough pony, but they had not had time in past few moons to get to know Silver Grace as training and gathering more ponies to the cause took all their time. He was a good captain, and was even now speaking, inspiring the gathered as he was once inspired. ``You are the best and greatest, and will leave behind all the weakness of your old lives! You are all now Soldiers of the Night!'' The huddled masses had become an army, stomping together in perfect time, so much that Moonrazor though the earth would split and mountains fall.
Shortly after the great gathering, they were challenged to face the horrors of Discord. Recently awoken, and spreading his chaos across Equestria. Soon the few numbers of troubles, became vast and challenging. The Celestia Guard was at its limits, and the Lunar Knights pushed further and further into actions of questionable nature.
Commander Redmare had used these events to become ever closer to Princess Luna, earning her place as the Royal adviser, and this drew concern in the two he should have been the closest to the princess.
``The lines of good and evil are being blurred in shades of gray, Mist'' Moonrazor said, reflecting on the troubles on their cause and the future of Equestria. The pair sat in a garden of Canterlot, one of many times they had come to get a break from the never ending strife of the world. ``I know we are doing what we must, but just as much as we save the ponies, we spread fear'' He hung his head, not feeling pride he had at the start. It had no been a year, yet it felt like ages ago when they started this journey. ``Princess Luna holds a demon in her highest regard... demons, with those twins Redmare found''
Mist took stock of all around her, keeping her voice low as she spoke. ``Do you think she might become... Nightmare Moon again? Do you think we should speak to Princess Celestia?'' Though she was not one often turned too by the bat ponies, the princess was still of the royal court, and the sister to their princess.
Moonrazor did not like the idea of going behind Princess Luna's back, but he cared less for her turning back into a monster. As Redmare fueled a dangerous fire, and the twins surely fans to it, this maybe the only chance to avoid the risk. ``We are Soldiers of the Night, and we must do what is for the greater good of all Equestria... I only hope Princess Luna will look back on this fondly, and not betrayal... but it must be so''
``I have spoken to her once, and she has proven determined upon this course'' Princess Celestia responded, after Sir Moonrazor and Commander Mist Dancer informed her of the growing concerns. ``I could not sway her then, and was even talked into allow this, but now two of her most loyal are here with similar fears? My sister has a good, loving heart, but passion can cloud judgement, and the wrong words by the right voice can manipulate hearts like that'' She stood from the seat in her private chamber, and trotted toward the pair.''You do well by her, and she is most fortunate to have two so loyal and faithful to her. I will confront her again, and insist that she rethink her actions, and at the very least cast aside that troublesome mare''
Moonrazor and Mist Dancer trotted down the street from their meeting, still not sure in what they had done. Mist was first to speak, hoping to convince her friend as much as herself, that what they had done was right. ``Princess Celestia is the the closest pony to her, and she able to save her''
``Close?'' Another voice came from the dark. ``She is a thousand years away''
The two soldiers took position to defend themselves, yet as they sought a opponent, they saw nothing. ``Show yourself!'' Moonrazor called. ``We are members of Princess Luna's Royal Guard, and in her name we demand you to come out!''
``Not much fun in that, now is there? You who operate in the shadows can't truly expect another to come out?'' Returned the hidden pony. ``You also are diluted to think that blood hold bonds after so long, when those were once challenged. Redmare holds Luna's ear, and the reins of the Lunar Armies''
``She holds nothing but lies and deception, fooling even herself!'' Mist challenged. ``Princess Luna will understand this soon enough!''
Laughing, and openly mocking them, the faceless one went on. ``You bat ponies are all idealistic foals! Living too long in isolation to know who the real world works. Following a lead who was once defeated, and keeping a blind loyalty during exile at her fault. Now, as chaos is swelling, and darkness is ruling, you think your little mare's tale is one to end happily?'' Several Soldiers of the Night formed out of the shadows, and attacked the pair. The swelling numbers was too much for them, and the hidden figure knew this.
Stepping out of the shadows, yet never leaving them, a shadowy stallion form as much of the darkness as a void. ``The wickedness in the world is ancient and all consuming. However, as you two are so ignorant, I shale spare you the suffering of reality that you all fought for falling to ash'' Without motion, he sent two piercing spears of shadows into them, impaling them high into the air. Their blood flowed easily from great wounds, but as it poured out, it was consumed into the shadows of the implements of their deaths. ``Princess Celestia is too soft, and remains so. Sparing the bat ponies may well be fine, but imprisoning me in that cell was a great mistake. She should have killed me, but I will not miss my chances to take out my enemies!''
When satisfied that the pair were dead, he lowered them into voids, that would leave no trace of them. He then turned to the other assembled, with not a single bat in the ranks. ``The bat ponies are a problem, and all must die. They are far too loyal!'' It was now clear that not a single bat pony was in these treacherous ranks. ``Wipe them out, all of them!''
Outro
``Alas we end this tale with lingering tragedy, when a sister blind in her ambition, she could not see how those about her used her. Sister, too accustom to things being well when kindness is given, trots into her... Oh wait, that part will come later. Damned revisions.
``So forlorn our tale, yet barely begun it is. What remains to be told, and will it lead to any other course but what has come before?''
The director Discord looks on at the on on the stage and blinks in disbelieve, standing and shouting out ``What in Tartarus are you doing?! Those aren't the lines!'' Frustrated, he trows the script and storms out.
