Luna found herself standing in the streets of Canterlot, at least what was left of it. Buildings were bombed out and burning, mountains of debris marred the streets. Faded posters hung that clung to the remaining walls depicted numerous slogans ranging from ‘BUY WAR BONDS’ to ‘FIGHT THE STRIPED MENACE! ENLIST TODAY!’. In the distance the constant droning of an air raid siren echoed over the city, a somber whining dirge for what was soon to come. Overhead Luna could hear the sound of flapping wings and cries of pain, though whatever caused them was masked by a layer of thick smoky clouds.

Luna looked around the skyline further, her eyes landed on the battered towers of the castle.

“Is this…?” She asked herself, looking down at her hooves and noting that they were coated in ash. “No… This is our dream…” She said to herself, unsure of what the dream meant she was unsure whether she should have dispelled it or not. She took a few steps down the street, her hooves clipping against the debris covered cobblestone. She neared an intersection, and that was when she heard the first sound of other hoofsteps. “Hello?” She called out, she took a step forwards into the street.

“CONTACT LEFT!” Shouted a voice from her right, she instinctively ducked down. Moments later a spell bolt flew over her head. She turned her vision towards where the shot had come from and was shocked to see a battered and bruised guard peeking out from around a corner from an alley, his composite armor covered in dents and scratches. He quickly ducked back behind the corner as an arrow flew over Luna’s head. Her head snapped to the left and spotted the source, a zebra archer and several warriors had stormed out of a building and were moving down the street. “SUPPRESSING FIRE!” Shouted the guard, Luna watched as he and two other stallions poked their weapons around the corner and began to fire towards the enemy while three guards rushed across the street to an identical alley. Several bolts crossed too close to Luna for comfort, and so she ran out of the line of fire.

She shook off her shock at the sight and left the battle to play out, she felt drawn towards the castle. She began trotting faster as it appeared to get closer, her speed quickly came to a halt as her hoof made contact with something round and metal. Luna’s ears began to ring as she stumbled and ended up collapsing against a building. Her leg hurt, she looked down and saw that it was fine. Her gaze shifted to where the object had been, a smoldering crater was all that remained.

Luna’s eyes widened as she realize what the object was, and her vision settled on several bodies that littered the street. Why she hadn’t seen them earlier was beyond her, but she attributed it to her subconscious. Several guards lay dead on the ground, limbs missing and bodies marred with shrapnel rounds. Also among the dead were several zebras, and perhaps most disturbing, a foal. Luna wiped her eyes at the sight, her emotions were becoming harder to quell. There was only so many times she could tell herself ‘It’s just a nightmare’.

Slowly, cautiously, she continued on. She opened her wings and glided just a few feet above the street, not wanting to risk coming into contact with another mine. She landed when her subconscious hinted she was safe.

“Please… Just stop…” She pleaded to her own mind, but her mind was not content to listen. At that moment there was a yell of pain from above, she looked up just in time to see a pegasus guardsmare plummeting from the sky. The pegasus was flapping her remaining wing frantically, but it wasn’t enough. Luna ignited her horn in an attempt to catch her, only to fail as the falling guard passed through her magic and slammed into the ground with a force that horrified the princess. She looked down at where the guard had crashed, not a few feet from her. What was left of the pony was barely recognizable, blood and bone fragments were spattered around the ground like spilled paint.

It was when something warm and red dripped past Luna’s eyes did she realize that she too was coated in blood, frantically the mare tried wiping it off but all she did was smear it further into her fur. Tears welled up in her eyes and she let out a choked sob.

“W-What is thine purpose, foul nightmare…?” She asked herself, her body felt compelled to keep moving past the corpse and towards the castle. Her breaths were shaky as tears streamed down her face and mixed with the ashes under her hooves. Before she knew it, she’d arrived at the gates of the castle. A heavy force of guards stood vigilant outside, as well as a familiar human. Rather than his normal attire, she saw that he wore what he’d called ‘ODs’. Olive Drab pants and a shirt, which seemed to fit with his combat boots and helmet. His face was stoic as he looked out at the large area that surrounded the castle. When his eyes met with Luna’s, he started walking towards her. Off to her left, Luna thought she heard something. Dominic’s eyes widened and he went from a walk to a full on sprint. Time seemed to slow down.

“GET DOWN!” He bellowed as he closed the gap, Luna turned her head to see what was causing him such distress. Her eyes locked with a Zebra archer that had appeared out of one of the cities streets, an arrow had already left his bow. Time got slower and slower as the arrow got closer, her view of the projectile was disrupted as she felt a heavy shove against her shoulder. She clenched her eyes and fell to the ground with a groan, something heavy had landed on her.

Luna felt a chill run down her spine as she felt the limp weight roll off of her and onto the ground. She begged her mind not to force her eyes open, but open them her mind did. Her heart lodged itself in her throat as she found herself staring at a bleeding, spasming body.

“No…” Luna said to herself as she got to her feet, the world around her began to fade. She started shaking when she saw the arrow had passed entirely through Dominic’s throat. Luna bolted up and put her hooves on him, her eyes locking with his. The once brilliant green orbs she’d grown to love were now filled with fear and pain. Blood poured out past his lips and stained her hooves. “No… NO!” Within seconds his eyes had become dead and his face had gone pale, Luna broke down into a fit of sobs. “Oh cruel nightmare, oh foul vision, why must thou torment me!” She cried out, holding the corpse close to her chest and nuzzling his short hair. “Don’t go… Please don’t go…”

“Luna…?” Dominic’s voice pierced through her heart. “Luna!”

[♦]

“LUNA! WAKE UP!” Shouted a panicking voice, the princess felt herself being shaken by her shoulders. “I’m right here! I’m alright!” She opened her eyes and found herself staring into the worried eyes of Dominic, she could feel herself trembling in his grasp. Upon seeing her eyes, the man let out a sigh of relief.

“D-Dominic?” She asked in a shaking voice, Dominic gave her a nod and pulled her into a hug. Luna quickly returned it, burying her face into his shoulder and beginning to cry. He patted the back of her head and shushed her quietly. “We-We’re s-s-sorry… We had such a terrible nightmare, so many awful things happened…”

“It’s okay…” Dominic replied. “You’re okay, you’re okay...” For nearly ten minutes the two sat like that in silence, the man quietly rocking back and forth as she sobbed into his shoulder. Luna broke the embrace and laid back down. Dominic went back to his side of the bed, his face still a picture of worry. “What happened, Luna?”

“We just wish to banish it from our thoughts…” Luna replied, scooching over on the bed and leaning next to Dominic. The man gave a small sigh and put his arm around her, he could still feel her shaking. “Normally, such dreams do not have such an adverse effect on us…” Her eyes went to the window and she could see that the early morning sun was already beginning its rise. “Morning already…” She sighed.

“Yes, morning.” Dominic repeated, patting her on the shoulder. He couldn’t stand to see his friend in such a state, all he wanted to do was help her. Silently he raised his hand to the back of her head and gave her a small scratch behind the ear, Luna paused for a moment before leaning against him and accepting the gesture.

“Dominic… We art still afraid…” Luna said quietly, her eyes scanned the room and fell on her crown. It had fallen off of her during the night, as had most of her regalia and slippers. “There is to be a meeting this morning, we will need to attend… It will be to discuss strategy…” She didn’t take her eyes off of the crown, even as she felt Dominic’s fingers against her ear.

Dominic looked at the mare he held, a strange feeling welling up in his chest. It was a feeling he’d felt years ago, a feeling that had driven him to run into a burning building, a feeling that had made a knife wound far more bearable. He’d never really determined what it was, but he was certain that it would never steer him wrong.

“What can I do?” He asked in a somewhat shaking voice, Luna looked at him from her position beside him. A conflicted expression danced across her face, with a small sigh she opened her mouth to speak. Words seemed to stop in her throat, and after another moment she looked towards the crown on the floor.

“We doubt thou can aid us…” The alicorn mumbled. “The task of leadership is ours to bear.” Her horn ignited and an aura formed around the crown, it floated upwards and hovered in front of Dominic. He slowly took it out of the air, to his surprise the crown was extremely light. “It weighs nearly nothing, yet we fear we will be crushed under its’ burden.” Luna sighed defeatedly.

Dominic couldn’t believe it, looking between the crown and the mare beside him, he found it impossible. A piece of metal that weighed less than his helmet had nearly crushed one of the strongest people he knew in under a day. The man stood up and walked towards the window, his grip on the crown loosened and he let it clatter to the floor.

“Luna.” He said in an almost numb tone. “There are often times I wonder why god saw fit to bring me here, and it is at this point in time I realize that he brought me here because this nation lacks something my world did.” He turned to face Luna, a deadly serious expression across his face. “Backbone. One minor setback, one defeat, and look what happens…” Luna looked at him, a confused look in her eyes. “You are the strongest woman I’ve met in a long time, but when I see you allow this destroy you, I cannot help but be disappointed.”

“This is no setback. This is war.” Luna retorted.

“I have seen war.” Dominic said firmly. “I have seen what man is capable of, I’ve seen what they will do to survive. I’ve DONE some of those things. This is not war.” The man walked over to Luna and grabbed her by the shoulders, with all of his strength he pulled her into a standing position. “You are strong. You showing this fear shows just how much you care, but you have to push through it.” Luna looked at him with even more confusion, she watched as the man picked up the crown. “Fear is a liar. It will beat you down and destroy you if you don’t destroy it.” He set the crown upon Luna’s head. “I cannot believe that the strongest woman I know is succumbing to fear.

“We are not scared.” Luna said, using her magic to adjust the crown. “We… I am Luna, Princess of the night… Defender and finder of lost children!” Dominic smiled as she stood up, he could see the fire in her eyes was burning again.

“What are you going to do?” He asked, taking a step back from her. She cleared her throat, and without using her modern speech spell, she spoke clearly and confidently.

“I am going to go to Canterlot, I am going to face this obstacle, and afterwards I will return here to collect you.” Luna said strongly, Dominic smiled even if he was a bit surprised by her last declaration. “Reporters be damned, you have been forced to hide long enough. It is time for you to come home.” The man was even more surprised as the mare pulled him into a strong hug, but he returned it nonetheless. When they broke the hug, Luna used her magic to quickly attach her ragalia and slip her slippers onto her hooves.

Dominic noticed that her mane seemed to be whipping around a bit more than usual, the stars seemed to be brighter and more plentiful. When she had finished donning her royal wear, she smiled at him and her horn began to glow brighter.

“I shall return soon.” She said, Dominic nodded. He was forced to cover his eyes as a blinding flash of light filled the room, when he opened them he found that Luna had disappeared. The man let out a small sigh and straightened himself up, then walked back to the window and looked towards Canterlot. He smiled as he saw a second flash of light, before walking away from the window and towards his desk. There he looked at the wooden box that he’d been given, an odd feeling came over him.

Silently he opened it and found himself staring at several pieces of metal and other supplies. His hands reached into the box and pulled the steel until he held it at eye level. He stared at it for a moment, in his mind a shape took form. He didn’t know why, but he felt compelled to turn the metal into that shape. It was as if his ancestors as far back as Rome were telling him that was the blade to make, with that thought in his heart he set about drawing the design upon the metal.

[♦]

Luna trotted through the halls of the castle, her head held high. The fear she’d felt the night before was a far cry from her mind, and as she came upon the door that led to the meeting room she let out a small sigh of relief. Her horn glowed and with her magic she yanked the door wide open, revealing the somewhat stunned chiefs of staff as well as her sister.

“Luna.” Celestia began. “I thought you’d gone to think…”

“Not today, sister.” Luna retorted, trotting into the room and closing the door behind her. “Today is a day for action.” She looked about the dimly lit space, noting just how dreary everything seemed to be. Sitting in a line along a large mahogany meeting table were five stallions. Two of which she recognized. General Powder Keg, the chief of the Equestrian Army. The other was Field Marshal Eventide, her commander of the Lunar Corps. The others were familiar to her, but she had neglected to learn their names.

“Princess.” Eventide said dutifully, standing and adjusting his black uniform.

“Your highness.” Added Powder Keg, he was the second to stand. He straightened the black tie that accompanied his olive green uniform. His eyes roved over the other chiefs before he cleared his throat. “Your princess has just entered the room.” He said sourly, the chiefs quickly stood to attention.

“Be seated.” Luna said calmly, Eventide and Powder Keg were the last of the joint chiefs to sit. The princess sat herself beside Celestia and the guards standing by the door sealed it shut with a quick spell. The lights dimmed and on the far wall a spell illuminated to display a map of a relatively small island.

“You may begin your briefing, general.” Celestia said, Powder Keg nodded and stood up. He walked to the screen and picked up a stick that was leaned against the wall. He gestured to the island.

“Gentlecolts, your highness.” The general began. “This is Twin Island, as I’m sure you all know.” He tapped the screen with the stick, causing it to change to an image of two lines. One was red while the other was blue, each seemed to run parallel to each other. “These are the Zebra and Minotaur defensive lines as of yesterday morning.” He tapped the screen once again, now showing the lines were almost twice as thick. “Our naval and aerial observers report that each side has moved previously concealed units to the line. It’s likely that this first battle will go to the minotaurs, if that’s the case we will be forced to withdraw our observation forces from the area.”

“If the Zebra’s are victorious?” Luna asked.

“If they’re victorious, we’ll be able to continue monitoring the island, but it’s likely the bruised pride for the minotaurs would have global repercussions. Especially bad ones if we get involved.” The general gestured to Field Marshal Eventide, who took it as his cue to head up to the screen. He took the pointer and tapped it once more, shifting the image to several concentrations of soldiers on the minotaur side.

“These are Minotaur supply caches, they’re what allow them to field such a massive force at one time.” He would begin explaining while the two princesses looked on, as did the rest of the staff. “It’s a delicate balancing act between guarding them and the border, with the mounting tensions they’ve been left nearly exposed.”

“Are you proposing what I think you’re proposing?” Celestia asked, gaining the attention of every pony in the room. Eventide and Powder Keg nodded. “Absolutely not. This meeting is to assess our options, not start a war!”

“Princess, with all due respect, this is no longer a minute squabble.” Retorted Eventide. “The world is on the brink of war, we need a strategy not more politics!” Celestia looked at the other joint chiefs, all of whom seemed to be scrutinizing the screen in their own way. Her gaze flitted over to Luna, she was surprised to see an intrigued expression on her sister’s face. Luna had always been a tactician at heart, and now was no exception.

“No. Just, tell me what we can and cannot do. I’ll decide what to do.” Celestia stated, Luna as well as the other joint chiefs all looked at her again, there intrigued expressions turned to ones of shock. “I mean we will. Luna, Twilight, and I.” The silence broke after several tense seconds with Eventide tapping the screen once again. Several numbers and graphs popped up.

“Our overall military readiness, excluding town militias.” The Field Marshal said firmly. For nearly an hour the joint chiefs shared their assessments of the armed forces and their recommended courses of action. Almost all of them, with the exception of the chief of the Navy, agreed that land and air forces should take priority in modernization efforts. They covered defensive strategies, made recommendations, until eventually there was nothing left to discuss.

Celestia’s staunch opposition to action was noted by all those in the room over the course of the hour. That was why when the meeting came to an end and Celestia had excused herself the joint chiefs remained, as did Luna. Luna could see the implications of a Minotaur victory, the zebras had flimsy defenses within their homeland and would easily be over run. If that happened, the minotaurs would have reign over almost a quarter of the world. Equestria would then be nearly alone and faced with the minotaurs, whom they had notoriously chilly relations with.

On the flip side, if they attempted something and failed, Equestria would be in the same position. The country would need to be completely neutral, which seemed impossible considering the circumstances. Luna hated going over her sister’s head, but she knew it was for the best. Celestia was an excellent leader in peacetime, but Equestria was faced with war, and so a warrior’s mind was needed. Luna’s thought’s quickly turned to Dominic, he would most likely be able to offer some insight. Coming from the United States, a nation he described as ‘Back to back world war champions’... Her thoughts trailed off as a sudden realization hit her.

“Seal the room.” Luna ordered, the guards nodded again and the doors were shut. The princess cleared her throat and looked to Field Marshal Eventide. “You proposed a strike at their supply caches, correct?” The Field Marshal gestured to Powder Keg.

“It was the General’s idea, your excellency.”

Luna nodded again. “What I am about to propose will seem unorthodox, I expect you will listen nonetheless.”

[♦]

Dominic stood by the blacksmith’s work area, they had finished construction on their equipment and had begun making tools for the guards working on mending the castle’s fortifications. The man, for his part, was making use of a leg vice and a hacksaw. He had been working on the metal since Luna had left nearly two hours before. The soon-to-be blade was nine inches long, including the handle. It had an angular point, while the rest of its edge was reminiscent of a straight razor. Or it would be, once Dominic finished cutting the metal away.

He couldn’t explain why, but he felt more driven than he’d ever felt. Each cut he made, each breath he took, every motion was careful but swift. He hadn’t said a two words to any of the other smiths, and he didn’t notice that whenever they were taking a break or waiting for a bar to heat that they would watch him. Hammered Steel was among them, though he seemed far more stoic than the others. He didn’t notice that several chariots were flying towards the castle, but the other guards did.

The chariots were completely black with no markings whatsoever, even the stallion’s pulling them lacked any true definitive marks on their armor. There were three in total, two of which were loaded down with Lunar guards. The third had none other than Princess Luna on it, as well as two stallions in high ranking uniforms. The chariots circled around the castle a few times as several stallions rushed to the courtyard to guide them down.

The commotion was what broke Dominic from his work, he raised an eyebrow as he saw the guards and the uniformed ponies. Quietly he picked up his jacket and buttoned up, then placed his helmet square on his head. The man looked to Hammered Steel and gestured to his work, the stallion nodded and began walking over. Dominic didn’t wait and immediately began walking towards the chariots. The Lunar guards that had arrived all had something that Dominic noticed, their uniforms lacked any markings.

“President Occisor.” Luna said in a stern tone, this got the man’s attention. He noted the two stallions beside her.

“Not president.” Dominic corrected. “I wasn’t voted into office. Just acting head of state.” Luna nodded. The man was confused to say the least, considering that the alicorn had never referred to his office, and rarely used his last name.

“We can debate the merits of your office later, for now we must discuss something of extreme importance.” Luna continued, she and her two uniformed compatriots stopped a few feet ahead of Dominic. “This is General Powder Keg and Field Marshal Eventide, we have something we’d like to discuss with you.” The man paused for a moment, then nodded and pointed towards the tower that housed his room.

“Let’s get to it then.” He did his best to sound official, he was no politician. The group of four quickly left the courtyard in silence, and Dominic got the uncomfortable feeling in his gut that normally came from new experiences. They walked into the hallway and then up the steps to the tower that served as his room, and once they’d arrived Luna used her magic to seal the door shut. Dominic walked to his desk and sat down in his chair. “What seems to be the problem?”

“There’s no problem, sir.” Said Powder Keg, Dominic regarded him with a somewhat skeptical eye. “At least we’re trying not to have one. We require the United State’s assistance.” Dominic raised an eyebrow at Luna as her horn began to glow, a screen of magic appeared on the ceiling.

“We’re calling it Operation: Rosemoon.” Eventide stated as an image of Twin Island appeared, two points behind a red line were circled. “These are Minotaur supply caches, if we destroy them we’ll cripple their offensive strength and hopefully force a surrender. What we need from the United States, however… Is…”

“We need you to carry out the operation.” Luna said.

“Are you high?” Was Dominic’s swift response, appearing extremely miffed by the statement. He straightened up to speak. “I’m one man, and though it may seem like it, I’m not exactly a juggernaut!” Luna nodded and gestured to the lunar guards out in the courtyard that had arrived on the chariot.

“We understand that, that’s why you won’t be going.” She looked back to the man. “That is the new United State’s Army.” Dominic raised another eyebrow as the two commanders silently watched. The screen on the ceiling faded as he stood up and walked to the window. “Twenty lunar stallions and mares volunteered to shift over from Equestria to the United States, that is, if you let them.”

“You know as well as I do that the United States is just a title…” Dominic said, he turned and looked at Luna with a somewhat solemn expression. “No land, no industry, no imports or exports, no goddamn government!” Luna began to open her mouth, but was cut off. “I don’t count, Luna…” Dominic’s eye went to the generals in the room. “Now you want to use it as a front to attack another country?”

“Dominic, please listen to me.” Luna said, when no retort came she spoke again. “You’re right, the United States is a country in name only… Right now.” Dominic raised an eyebrow at her. “Aid us and we will help rebuild America.” It took a few moments, but Dominic replied.

“Can… Can I have some time to think?” He asked, Luna nodded and gestured for Powder Keg and Eventide to leave. “Perhaps you should go with them as well…” Luna paused, noting the strain that seemed to be on Dominic’s voice, she silently nodded again and left with the two generals.

Once he heard the door close, Dominic let out a pent up breath. He quietly sat back at his desk and looked at the stationery that had been provided to him. He closed his eyes and began to think. He was no world leader, he wasn’t a tactician, if it had been like this on earth he would be the youngest head of state in the world. Still, he found himself in this position, a position that while risky could also breathe new life into a nation he loved so dearly. For nearly an hour he sat there, not opening his eyes.

His thoughts turned to the words of President Reagan, he remembered his words concerning the Soviet Union.

“Should the patriots at Concord Bridge have thrown down their guns and refused to fire the shot heard 'round the world?” He spoke to himself, opening his eyes. He blinked away the brightness of the light and looked out the window at the flagpole, the American flag flew beneath the Equestrian one, still it seemed to dominate the wind. “Should I let this opportunity to bring America back from the brink slip through my fingers…?”

The man straightened up and clicked his pen, then he began to silently write on a piece of his official stationery.

’The U.S. will aid in securing peace over Twin Island in anyway it can. The United States of America is devoted entirely to maintaining peace in the world. We stand against tyranny, and all those who would use fear and violence to gain control. Our resolve in putting an end to such transgressions is unbreakable. We will work hard and endure through all obstacles, for it is our duty to carry on the morals and beliefs of our great nation. We will not falter, nor will we surrender, now or ever. We are Americans.’

Dominic quickly signed the document, then stood up and grabbed it. He quietly readjusted his clothing, straightening his jacket and helmet before walking towards the door. He opened it and descended the steps to the lower hallway. Luna and her generals straightened up at the sight of him and the paper in his hand.

“I’ve come to a decision…” Dominic said, sounding as stoic as he could. He put forth the paper to Luna who took it and read it over. She looked it over whilst the man walked towards the doors. “I want to take a look at them before it becomes official.” Luna stood up, the paper clutched in her magic, and she and her generals followed the man into the courtyard. The work on the fortress came to a halt, the workers seemed to understand that something big was going to happen.

Dominic walked towards the assembled volunteers, upon seeing him they quickly snapped to attention. The man stopped in front of each of them, looking them up and down with a stoic expression. He stopped in front of one thestral mare and raised an eyebrow.

“Errant. You volunteered?” He asked, the mare nodded.

“As did Rolling and Chipped, sir.” She replied, Dominic looked behind her and noted the two thestral stallions were spread out among the other faces. The man let out a small breath, then nodded to Errant and moved on to examine the rest of them. Upon finishing his inspection he walked to the head of the formation and cleared his throat.

“You’ve all volunteered to give up your loyalty to your home, is that correct?” He said loudly.

“Yes, sir!” Replied the formation.

“This is your last chance to back out. If you choose to leave, you can go home an Equestrian…” He would pause for effect, and also to think of more things to say. He was never really good with speeches, after all. “If you stay, you will become Americans! Not just any Americans, but American soldiers! You will fight for AMERICA! You may die for America! I want you to think about that.” He was quiet again, watching the group closely.

The entire fortress watched with rapt attention, Luna couldn’t help but smile inwardly as she watched Dominic. Not because of her feelings, but because of what she was seeing. The makings of a politician were apparent, hidden behind the mask of a youthful wayward warrior.

“Raise your right hooves and repeat after me.” Dominic said loudly, the stallions and mares did as they were told. “I, state your name.” The guards echoed what he’d said, adding their names. “Do solemnly swear.” Dominic heard them repeat him again. “To uphold and defend the constitution and the laws of the United States.” He was repeated once again. “Against all threats, foreign and domestic, so help me god.” With his impromptu oath completed, he let out a light breath. He was no longer staring at a group of Equestrian guards, he was looking at American soldiers.

The weight of it all began to settle on his shoulders. He’d just sworn in soldiers, he had an Army… America had an Army.

“Report to the Equestrian generals for your briefing… Dismissed.” The group saluted before breaking off to go and speak with the two generals. Dominic remained rooted to the spot, a sudden feeling of lightheadedness coming over him. His chest felt as if it was imploding, the world around him was spinning, it was almost impossible to stand.

It all came to a screeching halt as he felt a warm wing wrap itself over his shoulder. He didn’t look away from the spot where the soldiers had been standing, but he could tell from the softness of it that it was Luna.

“What have I done…?” He asked.

“You’ve made your first big decision as a politician.” Luna replied, he could tell from her voice she was attempting to dissuade his fears.

“I never wanted to be a politician, Luna. I was going to be a soldier.” Dominic replied, he felt Luna shift slightly. “I feel like I could have been a great soldier, so why would god put me in a position as a politician? I hate politicians.” Luna was silent for a few moments, she used her wing to turn him towards her. Dominic looked into her eyes, they held a comforting gleam to them.

“What was it you told me?” She asked. “When we spoke about your presidents, you said there was a quote you particularly identified with.” Dominic paused in thought, a small smile crossing his lips.

“Some men are born great...” He spoke with a bit more confidence, gaining a smile from the lunar princess.

“Others have greatness thrust upon them.” Luna finished for him, she pulled him into a tight hug. “I have no doubt that you are capable of great things, Dominic. If you set aside your fears and doubts, I am certain that you too shall see that.” Upon breaking the hug, Luna could see that Dominic’s resolve had be hardened. He smiled a bit and patted Luna on the side. The princess looked off towards Canterlot, noting that as the sun reached the midday point of its rise it gleamed brightly. “Do you want to go back to Canterlot?”

“Maybe for a bit.” Dominic replied, looking over towards the newest American citizens. They stood by a wall as the Field Marshal and General explained the operation to them. He frowned, suddenly realizing that he would need a barracks and a way of supplying his ‘country’. Again the tightness in his chest returned, but a comforting nuzzle from Luna stopped it dead in its tracks.

“You should know that because the United States is aiding us, we will be more than happy to aide the United States should it need anything…” Luna added, almost as if she’d read his mind. Dominic nodded, his mind silently racing. He had an Army, not a big one, not even a division’s worth, but still an army. He had no aspirations of world domination, but he couldn’t help but smile. Both Luna and Dominic began walking towards one of the Chariots that sat parked in the courtyard.

“Sir!” The stallions in charge of pulling it snapped into a salute, now saluting Dominic rather than Luna. It appeared that more than just the twenty had taken the oath. Dominic gave them a quick salute back as they stepped onto the chariot.

“Take us to Canterlot.” Dominic said, sitting down and gripping his seat, Luna took a seat beside him.

“Yes, sir.” The guards opened their wings and began flapping them, the chariot rose into the air and Dominic felt Luna settle herself against him. His mind unconsciously moved his arm around over her shoulder. The man closed his eyes and sighed, again the great speeches of America’s presidents ran through his mind. Eisenhower’s D-Day letter was chief among them.

”The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to victory! I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty, and skill in battle. We will accept nothing other than full victory...!”

Author's Notes:

So here it is, the next chapter. I'm not entirely sure if I'm going in the right direction, but then again, perhaps that's a good thing. Depending on whether or not we get an actual date for Season 5 soon, I may wait until after the first episode. If we don't get an actual date, by let's say, a week from now I'll begin work on the next chapter.

Remember, all comments are good comments. So, feedback is nice, and would be more than greatly appreciated.

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