Chapter 8 The Battle for Survival

Location : Outside of Stalliongrad

With Luna

Everything was ready , our siege weapons , our troops , we were more than ready to defend our home against Celestia .

As I was putting my armor , I thought back to the days when me and her would play , in the sun light . How could she turn out like this ? , it made no sense . She was raised this way , to 'act' nice and in the blink of an eye , turn evil I thought .

Finally the last piece of armor was on , I had strapped my sword and glanced in the mirror , knowing that this was for our survival nothing more .

I stepped out of my room and walked towards the standing army . I saw Captain's Night Shadow , and Star Stream ready for action . That's when I saw Nightmare Moon leading the ponies I had listed off . "Great Job , Nightmare quickly suit up it's time" I said .

Nodding Nightmare told the new ponies to head to there ships . Captains Verigan Storm , Wind Storm , Moon Petal , Salazaar , and Ending Eclipse all headed towards the now larger lunar defense fleet of Lunar Bay .

That's when I saw Lieutenant Rainbow Night , and other ponies that survived the trip back knew what they were getting into . Thank the stars I thought . It was time that I stood in front of my army and give inspirational speech to motivate them .

"Ponies of the Lunar Republic , you all know that this battle will decide either our survival or our destruction , fight for freedom , for justice , for equality , but above all FIGHT FOR YOUR PRINCESS ! Do not let Celestia trick you into joining her side , you have all seen what she had done , I want you all to know , that I fight for a different cause , a cause that will last thousands of years , a cause that may stand the test of time it's self , even if we are forgotten , there will be ponies that will remember us for what we did , ponies that will carry on our legacy , ponies that will soon rise up once again , in the near by future because it's not about technology , it's about what your fighting for , Celestia thinks she knows everything about you ! , she does not , all she cares about is ponies being loyal to her and nothing more , all she wants is NOTHING but your loyalty to her ! , well I say buck that , lets show her what we lunar ponies can do!" I said . I heard a thunderous applause coming from every single person .

"Lets not forget ! , that we are the Night , we are the stars that shine through the blackened abyss , we are THE LUNAR REPBULIC , we are a sovereign nation , a nation that is NOT to be triffled with ! , a nation that protects it's subjects from harm ! , we operate in the night , and sleep during the day , we spy on the solar empire FOR THE LUNAR REPUBLIC !" . I already knew that the solar empire had declared war on us just for open rebellion ! , now it's our turn . "TO WAR ! , LEAVE NOT A SINGLE SOLAR PONY ALIVE! THOU SHALL DIE THIS NIGHT!" . Well , Luna you did it , you have inspired an army to follow you , it's time you join them , it's time that you show the solar empire that you are no longer afraid of them , show them that the night is NOT forgiving to tyrants I thought .

With Celestia

"how far is it captain?" I asked . "Not far Princess , once we have a visual , I'll order the trebuchets to open fire on there walls bringing them down , we know there towers can't reach us" said Captain Phoenix Fury . "Good , that's exactly what I was hoping for" I said . "Also , we have a team standing by to rescue Blitz , as well" Added Neuge.

"Most excellent , Luna won't know what hit her" I said with a smirk. "Indeed she won't , her entire army , Air force AND Navy will be focused on us while you take her on" added Nova .

I looked over the entire army and knew that we would stand an easy chance , with me leading them we should easily beat the lunar republic into submission . You will fall Luna , you and your rebel group I thought with an evil smile .

Lieutenant Myndmon noticed a few things different , and it wasn't just the air I noticed it too . "Princess , I've spotted the castle up ahead" said BolterDash . "Good , Captain you may fire when Ready" I said . "Alright begin unpacking those trebuchets , while we lay give you lot some cover" said Phoenix Fury . Nodding the ponies got right to work , the army , and wonderbolts began to charge . This was going to be all too easy .

With Luna

"Princess Luna , solar troops spotted headed this way , there siege weapons are unpacking" reported Echo. "Very well , have our siege weapons open fire we need to take out as many of there troops as possible" I said .

"Understood" said Echo . With that he flew off to deliver the orders to the siege ponies , meanwhile I waited at that point I saw the solar army , quickly igniting my horn I put a defense spell to , make sure that we don't let them through .

Celestia must have realized her mistake by now and quickly split her army up to take the entire town that we had built . Exactly where I want your army , you tyrannical fool I thought . "Now archers , let them have it" I commanded . I turned my head with my horn still ignited and saw every single pony fall , those that weren't caught in the cross fire , dove behind buildings , or any kind of cover they could find .

That I didn't expect , well no matter I have them pinned I thought .

"Alright I'm going to drop the spell , on my mark Captain Shadow night , take your troops and tear it up with them , Captain Star Stream show those Wonderbolts how things are done in the skies" I said .

Counting to three I dropped the spell and that's when I saw wonderbolts swarming the skies , quickly taking to the skies the shadowbolts shot high into the skies , while our archers kept there army at bay , but I wasn't sure for how long . That's when I saw one of there siege weapons headed right for the wall , realizing what would happen , I quickly had to do something .

With a flap of my wings I shot into the sky and dove right after the solar siege weapon .

I got a good look at it , sure enough it was none other than a battering ram . "Not surprising , but no matter it can handle arrows just fine but what about swords?" I said aloud .

I quickly began to attack the siege weapon , I quickly noticed that it's structure was cracking and beginning fall apart .

The ones inside it , tried to flee but I managed to get them all , with ease . Each of there limbs and or there heads came off and a fountain of blood began to either spurt from there bodies or pour out like if you were pouring out a glass of water into a cup to drink with .

I saw Celestia charge at me after what she saw me do . I quickly raised my sword to block her easily , with my horn igniting again , I fired off several missiles at her , I knew I had her on the defensive .

"It seems that you have improved since Bay Horse Point , that's neither here nor there you and your Lunar republic are doomed to fail and I plan to see it through to the end" said Celestia .

"Tis you who shall fall tyrant!" I spat . "oh tsk tsk Luna , you never did learn your place when you were in Canterlot , I shouldn't be surprised that you of all ponies would lead a rebellion against me" said Celestia . I knew that she was messing with me to throw off my attacks . If she thinks that's going to work , then she's dead wrong I thought .

Quickly I saw an opening , I charged at one of her exposed spots I plunged my sword straight into it , the blade made contact .

She cried out in pain and fired a powerful magic blast at me , knocking me to the ground . I got up knowing I was fine . "I see your out for my head then ! , fine you Luna really did declare war on us , you shall soon regret this decision ! , but know this you will fail and like I said I will be there when you do!" said Celestia . We both charged striking where we could , and this time I wasn't going to go down that easy .

With nightmare Moon

I was ready for battle , this time I figured i'd use a more potent weapon , and what better than an axe . Oh this is going to be fun I thought . Quickly I checked myself over making sure there was no holes in my flight suit .

Perfect , don't want to expose parts of my own body to the enemy to give them any chance to strike at me I thought . I headed out of my room , towards a balcony and took off towards the sky to lend a hoof with the shadowbolts .

We have to push them back , we have to regain control if we can push them back , we may have a chance against them , already we are holding our own I thought . Quickly I saw a wonderbolt , grabbing a hold of my axe with my magic I swung hacking it's head clean off it's body . "now that's how things are done" I said .

"Great swing there Nightmare" said Captain Star Stream . "not a problem they should have …. kept there head on" I joked. "save the jokes for later , we need to push these wonderbolts out of here" said Star stream . Nodding we both charged into the fray once more unto the breach I thought . "Cannon to the left , cannon to the right , cannon in front , boldly they rode into the jaws of death" I said .

"That's a good poem , where did you hear that?" asked Star stream fighting off another wonderbolt . "Something I read in a book once , figured it would work here" I said .

"Well , it's something that I would plan to recite one day or night IF we are still alive that is" said Star Stream . I nodded at that , several more wonderbolts charged at us , swords drawn .

Shaking our heads we readied ourselves but before they could even get to us , I shielded us in a bubble as we saw what we going down on the ground . "what did you do that for?" asked Star Stream . "Look , my sister Luna is going to town on the tyrant" I pointed with my hoof .

Star Stream got a good look and he was right . "Well I'll be , Luna really isn't taking any manure from Celestia" said Star Stream with a smile .

"Indeed , I was the one training her long before this war started" I said . "Well , you trained her well" said Star Stream . I could feel those ponies slamming against the bubble I had created for us . Finally I dropped the spell , we swung our weapons and made contact with there heads or other parts of there bodies .

With admiral Verigan Storm

I saw several solar ships headed our way . I could tell that this wasn't going to be easy , but with me I'd say this fleet has a fifty fifty chance of winning.

"Alright , ready the fleet for battle lets show them how things are done" I said . The other captains nodded with no problems. "Alright surround them and open fire with everything you got , we can't let them land there reinforcements with those troop transports" I said . I knew those towers would easily hold them off , but eventually they would fall .

And that's when things out on the open ocean , would heat up this night . "Alright , bring in the fire ships to begin burning there main bulk , the rest of us take out there transports" I ordered .

I heard about the death of Chrome Thunder , considering that he was my friend I planned on avenging him . "FOR LUNA !" I shouted .

I drew my sword , and pointed it straight at the attacking ships . "Show them no mercy , sink there ships to the bottom of the ocean ! , send them straight to davy jones locker !" I said . So far things on shore were doing good for the army AND the air force , and it was time we played our part as well .

This is it ! , it's time we show them what we can do I thought . So far our fire ships were holding them off , so were our gallies , and galleons although we didn't have any way to make black powder , sooner or later someone would .

With Nightmare Moon

This one Wonderbolt , was flying away from me since I had a crazy look in my eyes . That spelt doom for the wonderbolt , not that I had cared who this one was .

Not that it had mattered , the only way I was gonna get a kill was to chase it through the skies and by the time this wonderbolt is so tired that it has to take a break , I'll make my move . So far I had this one cornered with no way to call for help , this was an easy kill or so I thought .

That's when I saw several more wonderbolts charge at me with there swords drawn . I have to think fast , this axe won't do me any good against them … wait a sec I know we all have swords , time I use mine I thought . Thinking fast , I re strapped my axe and drew my sword . I quickly changed course to intercept them .

Smirking , I knew that this was going to be it for them and NOT me . I have you now I thought . Several more shadowbolts broke off to lend me a hoof , flying along side me . "I would gladly fight along side you Nightmare Moon" said Night Thunder . "As would I , I wouldn't miss this for the world" added Shadow Wing .

We all charged straight at each other , us having the upper hoof . They already drew there swords and clashed with there normal wonderbolts , but that didn't stop me . I spotted one of them "So you betrayed her highness Princess Celestia of the Solar Empire , prepare to meet your end traitor!" spat the wonderbolt .

"I think not , for it is you who will fall beneath the might of the Lunar Republic" I shot back . My idea was to make him angry as possible so I could and an easy strike . With him being distracted , it worked , there were several cuts and stab wounds with blood pouring out of him like a fountain .

He then passed out from blood loss falling from the skies , like a stone . Perfect enough though I thought . I turned my head and saw , that Luna and Celestia were going at it , firing off bolts of magic at each other , and swinging there weapons at each other .

I know you can win this Luna , remember the training that I taught you I thought . That's when I saw that captain of the wonderbolts charging at me .

This , I didn't see coming at me sword drawn . I really should keep my focus on the battle at hoof I thought . I knew that if this kept up I was the one that was going to be injured and stuck in the infirmary .

Thinking fast , I bucked the first wonderbolt in the face , and used my sword to hack his head off , the second one I stabbed right through the head . By the time I noticed what was going on , the solar army was beginning to push towards the wall , narrowing my eyes , I knew what had to be done . "Night Thunder , Shadow Wing hold off the wonderbolts as best you can , I'm headed back to the castle , I have to try and push back the solar army from getting any further" I said . "Go , we'll make sure that your covered" said Night thunder . Nodding I took off like a speeding bullet , I couldn't waste another second .

With Phoenix Fury

"Keep pushing ponies , we must breach that wall" I commanded . "We could always wait till the trebuchets are done smashing it , then we make our move" suggested Blitz . "Good idea , Alright hold off lets wait for the siege weapons to do there work" I commanded .

With that the trebuchets continued there pounding on the wall , we no I knew that it would fall sooner or later .

And with in another hour , it did now was the time for the slaughter to begin . "Everypony , move in ! Slaughter everyone that you see!" I ordered with the gesture of my hoof .

We all began to charge , until we saw a black alicorn stop us with a magical shield . I had a plan for that , use the siege weapons .

With that she pulled back allowing us entry . That's when the lunar army surprised us with an entire hailstorm of arrows coming from all directions, we were trapped inside , and most if not all of us were being killed off and quick might I add .

"Everypony , defense position Omega!" I shouted . While the army got into position , I was struck several times with several arrows from different directions . I looked up to see the wonderbolts pulling back as well , with there real commander , Commander Calcune .

So it wasn't blitz this whole time , I was tricked by Celestia ! , blast and this is how i'm going to die , well crap ! I thought . I looked up to see Captain Night Shadow and Captain Star Stream stand over my now injured body .

I knew I was bleeding out , but before they could dispatch me , another pony came charging down from the sky it was a wonderbolt , I couldn't tell but I think this wonderbolt just saved my own hide . Whoever this pony was able to fend the both of them off , allowing just enough time for two solar medics to get me off the battle field , I passed out after that the entire world becoming black .

With Nightmare Moon

I quickly turn my head , and saw that this wonderbolt had both captains on the defense , redrawing my sword I begin to run , but not before I see this wonderbolt decapitate the army captains head .

His body falling to the ground , blood pouring out of where his head once was . Rage taking me over I charge up my horn , teleport and begin to clash blades with her .

She see's this and turns around and before I know it , she bucks me in the head once to knock me back , and another time to knock me out . She then turns her attention back to Star Stream , who got into a defensible position and was more than ready to die for the lunar republic . She didn't reveal her name , to anyone but her fighting skill was no is impressive .

Quickly two ponies retrieved my body and bring it to the medical tent , they have no idea as to how injured I am . No one took command of the lunar army until from what I heard , lieutenant Star Dust . Remind me to promote him to captain and soon he's earned it , Night Shadow was one of the best but that would make Black bolt from lieutenant junior grade to lieutenant I thought .

With Lieutenant Star Dust

I quickly took command , I knew that I had to avenge my captains death . I quickly charged the unknown wonderbolt .

"Move and he dies" she said . I was trapped , but I had an idea . "Why don't you fight me , one on one" I said . "Are you kidding me?" she asked with a raised eyebrow . "Wanna try me?" I asked . "Fine then , your going to die either way" she smirked .

"Alright" I said . She removed the blade and charged me . I saw this and took to the skies as fast as my bat wings would carry me .

That's when I saw her , she spread her wings and took after me . Alright I should be able to level the playing field I thought . I quickly hid behind one of the clouds , by the time I saw her . She was already waiting , for me .

Oh I have a surprise for you for murdering Captain night Shadow I thought . I saw her shout for endless hours , quickly I drew my sword and charged at her . I was able to knock the wind out of her . She saw who or in this case what attacked her , narrowing her eyes .

She bucked me in the face , I almost lost my balance but I was able to keep myself in the air long enough to block her next attack with my sword . "So you thought you could take me on ?" she asked .

"Actually yes , yes I did and THIS is for killing Captain Night shadow!" I said .

I quickly went on the offensive , slashing at her . She was block most of my wildly attacks , but she left an opening . Not being sure if this was a mistake or a trap I took it . I went right for one of her hooves .

But again it was blocked , by her sword . "Sorry there Star dust , but i'm not going to make this easy on you one single bit" she mocked .

"Well you already know my name , so it's about time I know yours" I said . "Fine them IF you must know it's Calcune , the real second in command of the wonderbolts" said Calcune .

"Fine then Calcune , your going to die alongside your captain!" I said with anger . Her eyes widened at that as she saw me attack her .

She brought her sword up to defend most my attacks , once again I went for her hooves . She screamed out in pain , as she saw me I then went right for one of her wings . Again she blocked it , I bucked her in the face .

Then slashed one of her wings off , the blade didn't go all the way through , but it was enough to send her plummeting straight to the ground . At that point I simply flew down and saw her body laying there motionless but at the sametime bleeding out .

"If you think you can take me on in a one on one fight YOUR wrong , you wonderbolt have no place in the skies among the shadowbolts , we rule the skies and NOT you" I said .

I sheathed my sword and walked away from it all leaving her for dead just like how my captain did , I knew that this personal score was finally settled .

That's when I saw the tyrant Celestia and our princess Luna going at it still trading blows with eachother . Neither one tiring out , maybe my eyes are deceiving me . I got a better look through, one of the telescopes and it looked like Celestia was tiring herself out against Luna .

Considering that Luna has a lot of training behind her , though Celestia hasn't really used her hooves in a while , she can barely hold her own . That would explain how she's barely able to keep up with Luna , I just want to see her dead I thought .

That's when I did a complete double take , Celestia was pretending to tire herself out , outlasting Luna . "Amazing isn't it" said Speck .

"Private Speck? Shouldn't you be in the skies fighting?" I asked . "yea , but the wonderbolts are in full retreat as is most of the army" said Speck . "Ah I see , then you probably saw the death of Captain night shadow" I said .

"Yea a real shame indeed , whoever did this should die!" said Speck angrily . "Can't say I blame you , I think tomorrow we are going to hold a funeral for those that died" I said . "That makes sense , I'll be sure to let the entire army , the navy and the air force to attend" said Speck .

"Good idea , in fact I'll make sure that the dragons come here as well" I added .

"Good , but we are going to need a leader and a second in command" pointed out Midnight Sketch . "I know that , and I would like to take up the mantel of leader in the army" I said . "Well then I'm sure that Black Bolt could be your second in command" said Corporal Blazing Star .

"Alright , I'll be sure to inform Nightmare and Luna after this" I said . I then watched the two princesses duke it out , until one of them pulled back most likely Celestia . Luna told us to hold a funeral , the very next morning .

It was after the funeral that promotions were carried out . I was promoted to Captain of the lunar army while Black Bolt was promoted to commander . Moonshine was promoted to Lieutenant while Night storm was promoted to Lieutenant Commander .

I have a lot of work to do , better get started on that I thought. The wall was repaired , but now Celestia knows about our little location , sooner or later we may have to move out but not before tearing everything down including the castle ! , but where would we go ? Until an idea came to me I quickly pulled out a map of Equestria .

That's when I spotted either Saddle or Chicoltgo or our next best place was to try a place outside of Equestria but where ? .

I noticed that Luna opened the door , upon coming inside . She saw one of the maps spread across the table that I wast trying to setup our next location .

"Captain Star Dust , what are you doing?" asked Luna confused . "I'm trying to find us a safer location for us to live and NOT get attacked by Celestia and her solar forces" I said .

"I see , well my family owns this huge piece of land , that is surrounded on all sides by water , we could use that to setup a colony and go from there" Pointed out Luna .

"Not bad , when do we move Princess?" I asked . "Tonight , inform the army to begin packing up , we leave once we get a chance" said Luna . She soon walked out of the tent to inform everypony else , from there I gathered as many officers as I could .

"Alright listen up , I was informed by Princess Luna that we are leaving Equestria , now then I want you all to start packing up your belongings , while the rest of us pack up our weapons , armor , and load them into carts , we are also packing up the siege weapons as well , we don't have a lot of time so get to it" I said .

With that they quickly dispersed , leaving me to get right to packing up as well . While packing up I came across several files , some of which were mostly on the Navy and Air force . Not having any time to look through them I threw said files into a separate bin all together and loaded it onto the cart .

The Navy was taking cart after cart full of stuff such as weapons , armor , and siege weapons . I know we are going to have to burn down this small place we call home , but not if that home is compromised and it is thanks to Celestia and her forces , no doubt that sooner or later they would come back to finish the job that they had started I thought .

Finally my stuff was packed up , I loaded it onto the cart that was bound for the army boat , while the rest of us noticed a air boat descending from the heavens and landing on the ground allowing transport into the skies . I quickly ordered low ranking grunts to get aboard quick . The pilot was informed to follow us straight to the location that Luna had in mind .

He nodded in understanding , he quickly took on as many as he could , the rest were mostly put on transports that were being protected by the navy .

Speaking of ships , I noticed that we had an entire fleet ready along with several more ships being built and ready along with crews boarding them . Not wasting any time , I got on the army boat and quickly laid out a plan of where we were going to make land fall . Meanwhile Luna and Nightmare moon were packing up there stuff .

With Luna and Nightmare moon

"You know Luna , I didn't expect Celestia to attack" said Nightmare .

"I know , but we were ready for her , and held her forces off" I pointed out . "Yes , but we lost more ponies before" said Nightmare . "I know that , and we are going to make them pay dearly for that" I said with venom .

"Yes , but we need to leave Equestria for good , this place nothing but tainted with Celestia everywhere!" said Nightmare Moon angrily .

Finally we were done packing up , at that point we also invented explosives once we left the castle , well since the maids and butlers took down everything and packed it away .

"Alright everypony , our own air ship is headed here so make sure that everything ready to go" I said . Nodding they grabbed everything that they could either into there saddle bags or with there magic and left as quick as possible , the banners were gone , so were the curtains , as were the carpets , not that we minded at all though.

"Lets go Nightmare , the longer we stay here , the more of a chance that Celestia has a chance to finish what she started by slaughtering the rest of us" I said urgently . Nodding we quickly left , by the time we saw that our air ship had landed , we quickly boarded it along with the maids and butlers .

"ALRIGHT EVERYPONY , LETS LEAVE EQUESTRIA BEHIND ! , IT'S TIME WE SET SAIL FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE!" I shouted .

With that the entire fleet of ships had began to either move into the air or out on the open ocean , but the air ships were flanked with shadowbolts lead by Captain Star Stream and his second in command Crimson Rain , one of the deadliest shadowbolts to live .

The civilians however , they mostly boarded several transports , on the open ocean and are now headed with us to find that 'large' piece of land , that Luna talked about .

Hopefully it's far enough from Equestria and far enough from Celestia and her tyrannical Solar Empire !. Though I am worried about Bay Horse Point and how there going to hold up against Celestia and how she gets propaganda about the solar empire and how joining up would be a 'good' idea !.

TBC in chapter 9 a new home for the Lunar Republic