Chapter 2
Candelabra
Darkness. Mildew. A small lamp, its flame swaying and dimming, threatening to fade into oblivion.
Midnight Spark stands in a corner, shrouded in shadow. Next to him are 4 other ponies: a pegasus, a unicorn, and two earth ponies. All of them bear grim expressions.
Another pony, tan with a brown mane and a scythe for a cutie mark, enters from a small door leading to the alleyway outside, nervously glancing behind him, afraid of being followed, of being seen. In his life, one small mistake could mean the end of everything.
The other ponies nod their heads to him in respect, but remain silent. They have learned long ago that it is best to avoid making unnecessary conversation, to avoid being heard. In this time that they live in, voices could be a hazard.
The new pony, their leader, looks each one in the eyes, as if searching for some confirmation of their thoughts. Finally, he speaks, his voice tinged with hope and excitement, but sadness and fear too. "It is ready?"
Midnight Spark speaks for the group. "Yes, sir. We'll do it tomorrow."
The tan pony sighs, his chest moving up and down with each labored breath. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, sir. I tested it myself."
"No, not that." The pony closes his eyes, pauses, thinking about his next words. "Are sure you want to do this? Are you sure this is the best way? This is a big risk, a big sacrifice; for all of you. I can't order any of you to continue, it wouldn't be fair. Are you one hundred percent prepared and willing for what you are to do?"
"Yes. I can't speak for the others, but I know that I have to do this. We can't go on much longer like this. The princess's corruption must end. This is the best way, the only way. Somebody has to do this, for the kingdom, for all of us, and if it's going to be me, then so be it. Whatever the risks are, I'm prepared to take them."
The other ponies nod in agreement.
The tan pony persists. "And If you fail?"
"We won't fail."
"But if you do? You know what that would mean. What about your families?" He looks directly at Midnight Spark. "Your sister? If you fail, she-"
"Will be fine." Midnight Spark cuts him off, averting his gaze. "She's a smart filly. She's strong. She's brave. No matter what happens tomorrow, I know that she will make me proud. She's going to change the world one day, I can feel it. And besides," he adds with a grim smile, "the general plan is to not fail."
"Very well," the tan pony finally says, resignedly. "May fortune smile on you, and the will of the ponies tomorrow. "
Midnight Spark looks up and gives him a small, bitter smile. "In this land, fortune smiles on nopony. If you want things to get better, you have to make it so yourself. But I appreciate the sentiment."
The tan pony nods, acknowledging his remark. "We shall see. But whatever shall happen, I wish you the best. Until we meet again, comrades. Preferably to celebrate your success."
The other ponies nod, repeating his farewells back to him, and to each other, preparing for the morning to come. When we meet again it will be to celebrate the birth of a new order, a new hope. A change for the better.
One by one, they file out of the room, into the deserted streets, hearts heavy with the knowledge of the morning to come.
Empty streets. Shadows. As the last pony leaves the room, the candle on the table flickers and breathes its final breath, dead at last, snuffed out by the wind.
Darkness.
Chapter 3 Posted!
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Notice:
I'm thinking about adding a small section at the end of every chapter, explaining the historical context alluded to in the chapter(e.g. for this chapter, it would be about Lenin's brother Aleksandr's involvement in the socialist movement), as well as any other symbols/themes/motifs I used. Let me know in the comments if this is something you would be interested in. :)