A/N: That's right! It's a sequel! I was toying with ideas for one and I believe I found one that would work. Now I'll be updating two stories at a time. Please R&R, as feedback will encourage better quality writing and encourage me to not get lazy.
Enjoy!
Chapter 1: Answers
"There were eight rigged explosives in the capitol building," he said in an emotionless monotone. If you analyzed him further, one would notice a complexion of defeat and pure shame.
"Eight. Are you quite sure of your proclamation?" a female, royal voice inquired in a demanding and stern yet professional tone. There was still an underlying sense of conviction in her meaningless words.
"Yes. I personally oversaw and physically helped along the preparations of the improvised self destruct mechanism in the capitol building," he replied.
"And for what purpose were there eight depots of highly explosive materiel placed within the parameters of a civilian government office, along with stores of other weapons?" a second, younger sounding female voice of royal tone spoke out, fury evident in her tone masqueraded by professionalism.
"In the event the conflict was lost, the center of government would have been taken out, along with any incurring Equestrian forces," the first voice replied. This voice belonged to the lone gryphon in the grand room. The gryphon, the former Kaiser of the now dissolved Gryphon Kingdom stood in the center of a half circular set of high-sit benches. Directly high in front sat the Solar and Lunar Princesses of Equestria on the right and left thrones respectively. He was currently being tried by a royal and military tribunal. To the left and right of the princesses sat Equestrian Parliamentary figures and Military Leaders. The large meeting room was adequately lit, there also being a single light which shone on the gryphon himself, further accentuating the situation of his questionable fate.
"So, you of sound mind and impeccable resolve would willingly sacrifice yourself and become a martyr to which no one would care to remember? Gryphons are not known for taking the coward's way out. I am inclined to believe that there is something you are not divulging to us," Celestia spoke calmly but sternly. It had only been two weeks since that fateful day; that final battle where her faithful student, no, her best friend, was taken from her by the one who stood before her. It took every ounce of strength she had to not attack the gryphon on the spot.
"Pray tell; What subject matter do you still feel necessary to hide from us?" Luna added in. The other ponies on the tribunal leaned forward in anticipation. The gryphon sighed deeply. At this gesture, it was readily apparent that the former gryphon leader was indeed masking his intentions. Fidgetting a bit, Nightwing was scrunching his face in thought, as if attempting to formulate an articulation of said intentions. Luna was growing impatient and leaned forward to speak, but was calmed by Celestia raising a golden clad hoof to her. The gryphon then looked back to the two princesses and began to speak:
"The rigging of the capitol building was also designed to destroy communications and document based 'evidence.' Allow me to elaborate. I'm sure you are aware of the Changeling presence, correct?" Nightwing asked. At the mention of that name, everypony began to stir slightly and whisper amongst each other. Yes, there was the attack on Canterlot, but it appeared that that was not the only incident. Celestia furrowed her brow and her entire face formed into a pensive yet rather concerned demeanor. Luna held her hoof up and that silenced any miscellaneous chatter.
"Indeed, but what do the Changelings have to do with the year-long conflict that you enveloped us in completely by your own volition?" Luna asked, growing rather frustrated. This was his cue to continue:
"As you know, the Changelings have a presence in the West of your nation. Well, they have increased said presence over the last few years and moved in great numbers into Gryphonia's west, largely undetected. We only found out about their presence during a routine patrol of our borders," Nightwing began to explain. The princesses continued to listen attentively, wondering where he was going with this information.
"Upon finding their presence, and as per the shaky agreement our nations had since the beginning, our military launched an immediate offensive into the area to purge them. We succeeded, but only to have them return, stronger and in greater numbers. Soon, newer types of Changelings were being reported, stronger and more frightening than the usual drones that we were used to seeing. Casualties were adding up and it soon became apparent that something simultaneously wasn't adding up. These Changelings were different. They were organized, tactful, and deadly; especially when they began taking the form of our own troops," Nightwing explained. Celestia's brow arched and Luna sat forward in her seat.
"We made one final attempt in Changeling controlled territory. We received reports that something cataclysmic happened during an exchange between them and our troops, but we lost contact with our forces. The force of one thousand was never seen again. The Changeling incursions all but ceased for several years... So we thought. One year ago, a border base was attacked and completely destroyed. Thirty-five soldiers were massacred. Reinforcements came and engaged the attackers during the night. Upon advancing, the bodies were discovered to be those of Equestrian Royal Marines. They seemed much too strong though. Upon this discovery, we immediately broke diplomatic ties with you and declared war," Nightwing said, head hung low. There were many gasps from the ponies and the Princesses looked noticably perplexed and worried. They never ordered an incursion into the Gryphon Kingdom.
"It was halfway into the war that autopsy reports came back from the bodies of whom we thought were your your soldiers. They were Changelings. Soon after, Changelings began coming back to the reclaimed lands, but quietly. We saw this as an opportunity to rid two enemies at once, and use the resources gained from your country to combat the growing Changeling threat. That, obviously did not go as planned," Nightwing finished. The two princesses took in this information and then began to speak:
"That's everything then, correct?" Celestia asked.
"Yes, the complete truth and all that I know," Nightwing stated, looking the Solar Princess in the eyes. Sensing no deception from him, Luna then spoke:
"I find it most unfortunate that your nation's pride got in the way when you broke down diplomacy. Even worse that you continued the conflict when you found out the truth. This could have all been avoided... We could have been allies against this threat. After all, we have been fighting the Changeling insurgency for a few years since the assault on Canterlot. Because of your pride and perverted views of others, 100,000 ponies, 210,000 gryphons, and one of the Elements of Harmony are dead!" Luna raised her voice, especially at the mention of the last part. She smashed her hoof on her throne to further accentuate her anger. Celestia said nothing, but was noticably fuming, and Nightwing merely hung his head low and said nothing as well. Luna was right. They could have eliminated the Changeling threat together, then go back to hating each other like the good old days. For once, he saw himself in the wrong. He finally lifted his dark feathered head to meet the gaze of Luna.
"The information you have supplied is most helpful and imperative, but you still must answer for your crimes against basic sentient rights," Luna said with no emotion in her voice. She had too many thoughts running through her mind at that time to have any energy to put into her inflection. She never wanted to believe that her soldiers' deaths... Twilight's death, was in vain. Had Nightwing died in the attack on Carpathia, this information would have been lost, and who knows what horrors Equestria would inevitably be subjected to. Maybe Twilight didn't die for nothing after all. Nightwing continued to say nothing as he met the gazes of both princesses. He felt at this point, whatever was to be decided for him, he deserved his fate.
"Kaiser Eric Nightwing of the now dissolved Gryphon Kingdom, you are charged with Crimes Against Basic Sentient Rights which include the deaths of over 100,000 ponies as well as an Element of Harmony, use of Chemical and Biological weapons to carry out the ruthless destruction by your war machine, and complete disregard for distinction between civilian and military entities. How do you plead?" Celestia asked as she read off his crimes. His answer is what shocked both of the princesses as well as the entire tribunal:
"Guilty," Nightwing stated with conviction. Luna merely stared at him, nothing being said for a good minute.
"Very well. Let it be known that the defendant pleads guilty as the final verdict. The punishment for the severity of these crimes is death by firing squad" Luna said in respone. As if on cue, four Equestrian Army unicorns appeared from a side door and gently walked in front of Nightwing, staring at him with no emotion in their eyes.
"I understand, Princess," Nightwing said calmly, completely accepting of his fate.
"Do you have any last statements you would like to declare?" Luna asked. He thought for a couple seconds.
"Yes. Yes I do."
"You may speak them now," Celestia replied.
"I know I am to be executed for my crimes, but I ask of your majesties one thing: This threat we face is unlike anything we have seen. If left unchecked, the Changelings will surely bring catastrophy far greater than what Discord or Nightmare Moon wrought. Please, find them, and destroy them. Save Equestria. Save the New Gryphon Republic. Save all who will remain after me," Nightwing stated with great resolve. The two princesses took his words to heart.
"You have our word, Nightwing," Luna stated with a softer voice.
"Thank you, that is all I ask... I'm ready," Nightwing said, bracing himself. Celestia nodded and then spoke:
"Soldiers, charge your magic," she ordered. The unicorn's horns glowed their respective color-auras.
"Aim," Celestia said. The soldiers got into firing stance. Nightwing closed his eyes and shot his hand out:
"D'aret Gryphonät öyevet zuf pfolz!"
"Fire!" Celestia said immediately. The magic bolts struck Nightwing in the chest and he fell down backwards, a calm expression of accepting death etched on his face.
"What did he say?" Luna asked Celestia.
"He said 'Lead the Gryphons to final victory' in their language of Gryphün," Celestia replied.
"Even in death, they are so prideful," Luna added.
"A blessing, yet a curse. I feel sorry that it had to end this way, but at least we got our answers." Celestia spoke with a softer tone.
"Indeed, sister, but will they lead us to the solutions? I fear Equestria may know conflict yet again."
"Only time will tell, Luna," Celestia replied as they exited the tribunal hall.
"Do you believe this Changeling threat holds merit?" Luna asked.
"Yes. The Changelings have caused problems for both our nations from the dawn of time. We might have to see to it that they are finished once and for all." Celestia said. Just then both princesses' ears flicked and they flinched.
"Did you hear that?" Celestia asked.
"Yes, it felt like a magical pulse of some sort... That was odd," Luna replied. They shook it off and returned to their conversation.
"We should probably verify this threat, though," Luna continued. Celestia nodded in agreement.
"Dispatch a unit to the far west. Let us see what we are dealing with..."