Chapter 25:

'The Plan'

The Royal Banquet was near. With everypony getting ready and the castle maids and chefs setting everything up for the banquet in the throne room, Princess Luna decided to do her own duty and set out to begin raising the moon.

Celestia wasn't with her at the moment, but she didn't have to be in order to begin lowering the sun. Luna stood outside on the throne room balcony, looking up at the light blue sky, waiting for the sun to be lowered before raising the moon. Just behind her, she could hear all of the tables and chairs being set up inside. The Princess of the Night still didn't like the idea of Twilight Sparkle marrying Dusk, but she knew that if she were to cancel the marriage, Dusk and his troops would return to his castle back in the Frozen North, and she knew better than anypony else that they needed his help if they were to stand a chance against the Iron Empire.

Her attention was caught by the sun as she noticed it was beginning to descend. Wasting no time, Luna took to the sky, her horn glowing as she flew. Closing her eyes and focusing her magic, Luna concentrated and began raising the moon. The bright light that covered the entire land slowly disappeared, everything darkened and the entire land was now being lit by the moonlight itself.

Luna smiled as she opened her eyes and looked up at the starry sky. Unlike a thousand years ago, she knew that everypony now adored her nights, something that made her really happy.

It was night time now, which meant that the banquet was only a couple of hours away. Luna wasted no time and immediately made her way down the castle hallway to her quarters to prepare herself.

Unfortunately, the Princess of the Nights good mood was quickly destroyed when she saw something approaching from up ahead. The rattling metal from his black armour, his loud hoofsteps echoing throughout the entire hallway, his dragon shaped helmet. "Black Lance..." Luna muttered loud enough for the Magister to hear her.

The two continued walking, not stopping at all. As they walked by each other, they finally stopped back to back. "Luna..." Black Lance replied.

Luna narrowed her eyes, looking at the empty hallway in front of her as she replied. "I'm assuming you're going to attend the royal banquet aswell?"

Black Lance smirked behind his helmet. "Does that thought disturb you to no end?"

Luna didn't reply.

Chuckling, Black Lance said, "If you have a problem with me being at the royal banquet, perhaps you shouldn't bother showing. I seem to recall hearing that pathetic excuse for a Prince, Blueblood, had no interest in attending the banquet and left Canterlot to go on a little vacation. Perhaps you could use another vacation aswell. On the moon."

Luna swiftly turned around and glared daggers at the black armoured Magister. "Do not test me Black Lance!"

Black Lance turned also and faced her. Suddenly his horn began to glow. Luna watched as the straps around Black Lance's helmet loosened, the helmet itself was surrounded by the same aura emanating from his horn. Using his magic, Black Lance removed his helmet and revealed his face for the first time.

Luna was taken quite aback by his appearance. At first glance he looked very old, but he wasn't necessarily. He was much older than Shining Armor, that much she did know. His coat was a dark tan colour, he had a slightly long spiky mane that went halfway down his neck, and just like his long spiky tail, it was a dark grey colour. His eyes were a piercing dark shade of blue and he had a large scar that went down his left eye to the bottom of his muzzle.

Black Lance scowled at Luna and said, "Do not test you? Perhaps you should be saying those words to that sister of yours."

Luna's expression immediately changed to one of confusion. "What are you talking about?"

"What do you think I'm talking about? Your past. I know all about what happened a thousand years ago Luna, the day you became Nightmare Moon." Black Lance said.

That was the last thing she wanted to talk about. Luna sighed and said, "That's none of your business."

"Maybe so..." Black Lance said as he frowned at the Princess. "What I don't understand is, how can you possibly continue living like this, knowing your sister is acting like she still rules alone."

Luna glared at him. "She doesn't."

"She does!" Black Lance said in a louder tone, surprising the dark Alicorn. "Think about it. Ever since you returned, she still acted like she was the only one ruling Equestria, she still does. You being here only takes more pressure off of her, as she no longer has to worry about raising and lowering the moon."

"I was learning to adapt to the new civilization at the time Black Lance." Luna replied.

Black Lance raised a brow. "Of course. But still, tell me, don't you still hate your sister for banishing you to the moon?"

Luna looked at the floor and closed her eyes. "I...she...it was Nightmare Moon that she banished. Not me."

"That's where you're wrong. It was still you nonetheless, yet she used the power of the Elements of Harmony to save herself and banished you to the moon. And after that, she steals your duty by taking responsibility for raising and lowering the moon." Black Lance said before looking out one of the windows next to them. "Luna, doesn't it bother you that after being banished to the moon, Celestia just so happens to get all the power of ruling Equestria for herself?"

Luna looked up from the floor and faced him, wondering what he was trying to get at. Black Lance faced her again and said, "If I remember how the story went...you just wanted everypony to appreciate your nights, yet they didn't, putting you into a state of sorrow. That sorrow, turned you into Nightmare Moon and instead of comforting you like a sister should, Celestia took the opportunity to use the Elements of Harmony and sent you to the moon instead, trapping you there and stealing all of the power of ruling Equestria for herself."

Just as Luna was about to reply, Black Lance took a step towards her. "You tell me, not to test you? You will not tolerate my disrespect towards you? Then answer me, why do you tolerate Celestia when she still acts like she rules alone? If I remember correctly, I thought the both of you were supposed to be co-rulers, yet every time, I see no equality between you two. She still acts like she's superior than you and you don't do anything about it."

Once again, Luna looked at the floor. She remembered all of the events that happened that day, and the day she returned and was cleansed by the Elements of Harmony. Suddenly, a thought occurred to her. "Is that why you detest me Black Lance?"

"Hm?" Black Lance raised a brow at her words.

Luna faced him. "Is that why you detest me? Because I allow my sister to believe she is superior?"

Black Lance scowled at her again. "Make no mistake Luna. I detest both of you. I detest you because you allow your sister to continue acting like she rules alone. And I detest your sister BECAUSE she acts like she still rules alone. I detest the two of you because you both believe yourselves to be superior than everypony else. Many years ago, Discord ruled Equestria and the both of you just stepped in and stole his rule for yourselves. True enough he was a fool and his chaos needed to be stopped, but you stole his rule nonetheless when it was never your place to do so. You and Celestia had no right to interfere with his rule."

Luna scowled back at him. "You weren't there Black Lance, you don't know the whole story."

"Maybe not." Black Lance let out a loud sigh and turned to leave. "I'm done wasting my time trying to get through to you. If you weren't such a weakling, maybe, just maybe, I'd be able to find myself respecting you a little. But such a thing is clearly impossible when the one you're speaking to is blind to the truth."

Luna unfurled a wing in his way to stop him from leaving. "I have a question of my own."

Black Lance glared at her. "What?"

"What exactly is your story? How do you know Dusk?" Luna asked. Though she couldn't really bring herself to care, she was too curious and wanted to know about Black Lance's own past.

Facing her, Black Lance said, "My story, Luna, is really none of your business. But I'll satisfy you with a few details. To start off, I used to serve King Grande."

Luna's eyes widened. "What?"

Black Lance nodded. "Yes. King Grande was my leader at one point. Of course, it was during the Dalkia Wars that I abandoned him and left to join Dusk's army. Ah, Dusk was quite the warrior back then, he never spared any mercy, he was a ruthless leader who wasn't so easily fooled like Grande was. Anypony that got in his way, he cut down without hesitation."

"So you joined Dusk simply because he was a merciless killer?" She asked in a disgusted tone.

Chuckling, Black Lance used his magic to place his dragon shaped helmet back on and turned his back to her. "The Iron Empire is full of merciless killers Luna. If you want to stand a chance of defeating them, you need to have merciless killers on your side." He turned his head and faced her, smirking behind his helmet. "Consider yourself lucky that I am on your side. Because if I wasn't, well...hehehe." Black Lance let out a dark chuckle and walked away.

Luna just stood frozen still and watched as he disappeared around the corner of the hallway. She was always suspicious of Black Lance, she never did like him and the conversation they just had made her dislike him even more. The way he said his last few words however left the Princess nervous. Knowing that she couldn't trust the black armoured Magister, Luna concluded that she'd have to have a few guards keep an eye on him. However, despite her dislike for him, Luna couldn't help but ponder on what he said about her and Celestia.

"You tell me, not to test you? You will not tolerate my disrespect towards you? Then answer me, why do you tolerate Celestia when she still acts like she rules alone? If I remember correctly, I thought the both of you were supposed to be co-rulers, yet every time, I see no equality between you two. She still acts like she's superior than you and you don't do anything about it."

Those words echoed through her mind. Though she didn't want to believe it, Black Lance did bring up a slightly good point. Continuing her way back to her quarters, Luna decided that she would speak to her sister about their positions after the banquet.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Queen Chrysalis and the Cloaked Unicorn sat back and watched as Metal Wing slowly moved his hoof about on the large map of Equestria that was set on the table.

Two Iron Guards stood by the doorway, while several more stood by the rusty windows, watching quietly as the three began making their plans.

"Now listen up..." Metal Wing started as he placed his hoof on the map. "My army is already making their way to Canterlot even as we speak. I've already made sure that they are to march at night and night only. They will rest and keep themselves hidden during the day so nopony notices them."

Chrysalis raised a brow. "Night huh? Need I remind you Metal Wing that the Princesses Lunar Guards patrol at night?"

The Cloaked Unicorn spoke up next. "There's no need to worry about Luna's Guards. She believes that you have a secret stronghold set up in the Smokey Mountain, West of Canterlot. Since Luna's Guards will be scouting about in the West, that will take all of their attention away from the East."

Realization hit Chrysalis as she finally figured it out. "Ah I see! Metal Wing's army is circling around the land and making its way to Canterlot from the East, so you had Luna put her full attention on the West so they could move without being detected. I admit, that's quite a smart move." The Changeling Queen turned back to Metal Wing and said, "Tell me though Metal Wing, how long until your army arrives at Canterlot?"

Thinking for a moment, Metal Wing said, "Since they're making their way there by hoof while trying to remain unseen, and since they all have to rest during the day and march at night, I would assume it would take two months before my army arrives at Canterlot."

"And what will you do if they are seen?" Chrysalis asked.

Metal Wing smirked. "Oh, there's no need to worry about them getting seen, my friend here will make sure of that."

The Cloaked Unicorn frowned slightly. "I can only keep Celestia and Luna's attention away from the East for so long. I highly suggest launching a small-scale attack on the Crystal Empire, or Cloudsdale, after all, if you just remain silent and not do anything for two months, they'll wonder why you haven't made any moves and they might realize you're trying to launch a surprise attack."

Before Metal Wing could reply, the doors slammed open. "I happen to have just the idea then!"

Metal Wing, Chrysalis and the Cloaked Unicorn turned to see who had entered. "Blitz Bolt?"

Blitz Bolt chuckled. "Apologies for intruding lord Metal Wing, but I spoke with Lightning Dust and she had some interesting information."

"Oh?" Metal Wing raised a brow.

Seating himself at one part of the table opposite of Metal Wing, Blitz Bolt said, "The Wonderbolts Academy."

"What of it?" The Cloaked Unicorn replied.

Blitz Bolt smirked again. "Lightning Dust told me that The Wonderbolts are exceptionally trained fighters. Apparently, they are just as good at combat as they are at performing their little acrobatic shows. There's a high possibility that Celestia and Luna will ask The Wonderbolts to lend their assistance in the war. What better place to attack than The Wonderbolts Academy itself? Not only will it create a diversion and keep the Princesses from suspecting anything, but we can also get rid of them before the Princesses have the chance to ask for their help. It will keep their numbers low and give us the advantage in the sky."

Metal Wing started pondering on Blitz Bolt's suggestion.

Blitz Bolt wasn't finished however. "With your permission lord Metal Wing, I will gather a number of our troops and personally lead an attack on The Wonderbolts Academy. I will take Lightning Dust with me aswell, since she's already been there before, she may know some of the Academy's weak spots."

Deciding that Blitz Bolt brought up enough good points, Metal Wing said, "Very well Blitz Bolt. First thing tomorrow, I want you to take a number of troops and launch an attack on The Wonderbolts Academy. This is a task that I would normally have Cloud Hunter take care of, but since he seems to have plans of his own, I will be relying on you to eliminate The Wonderbolts."

Blitz Bolt bowed his head. "Thank you lord Metal Wing."

Metal Wing nodded and turned back to the others. "Now then, with an attack on The Wonderbolts, this should keep Celestia and Luna from suspecting anything for atleast long enough for my army to reach Canterlot. By the time they do arrive, their defences will be weak and they will be completely unprepared, our victory will be quick."

Chrysalis raised a brow. "What about the Crystal Empire?"

"Not to worry Chrysalis." Metal Wing said as he placed his armoured hoof on the part of the map that showed the Crystal Empire. "Once Canterlot has been taken and the Princesses have been captured, you will lead your Changelings to attack the Crystal Empire from the North. I will order all of my troops in Canterlot to march on the Crystal Empire from the South. The Crystal Empire will be leaderless, so our victory there will be swift."

The Cloaked Unicorn narrowed his eyes at the Iron King. "Don't forget our deal Metal Wing."

Blitz Bolt spoke up. "What deal? What is he talking about?"

"Of course, of course. Don't worry old friend, I will fulfil my end of the bargain." The Iron King replied as he stood up from his chair and slowly approached the fireplace, his back was now facing them all.

Chrysalis then spoke up. "I expect you to honour our agreement aswell, Metal Wing."

Metal Wing chuckled as he stared directly into the flames in the fireplace. "Of course. When the war is over, I will become the King of Equestria and Canterlot will remain the Capital. Queen Chrysalis shall become the new ruler of the Crystal Empire, and the Crystal Heart itself will provide a limitless supply of love for your Changelings to feed on, and thus, they will never starve again. And as for you old friend..." Metal Wing said as he faced the Cloaked Unicorn. "The Throne of Dalkia will be yours, just like we agreed on."

The Cloaked Unicorn nodded. "Good. It should have been mine to begin with."

"In any case, a most genius plan, I look forward to our victory, Metal Wing." Chrysalis said as she smirked evilly.

The Cloaked Unicorn got off his seat and began to leave. "Well then, I will take my leave. I must return to Canterlot before anypony realises I'm gone."

Metal Wing nodded. "Good luck then."

Chrysalis decided to follow the Cloaked Unicorn's lead and eventually left the hall aswell.

Blitz Bolt looked back at Metal Wing and said, "Lord Metal Wing...I...can I ask you something?"

"Speak your mind." Metal Wing replied.

"Why exactly is he seeking to conquer Equestria? This land is already peaceful, what does he hope to gain by trying to conquer this land too?"

Lightning Dust's question burned in Blitz Bolt's mind. Even he was curious as to why his leader wanted to rule Equestria. He decided it was now or never and asked, "Why do you want to conquer Equestria?"

Metal Wing remained where he stood, still as a statue, it almost seemed as if he didn't hear the question. The only sound filling the air was the flames that danced in the fireplace.

Blitz Bolt started to grow nervous as a minute passed and he still hadn't received an answer.

Finally though, Metal Wing replied. "I don't seek to conquer it."

"What?" Blitz Bolt said in a surprised tone.

Metal Wing sighed. "All I want Blitz Bolt...is to be with Celestia again. All I want, is for us to rule together, like we were meant to."

Blitz Bolt got off of his seat and slowly approached the Iron King. "Lord Metal Wing...why Celestia? Did you used to know her?"

Taking in a deep breath, Metal Wing turned around began to leave. "I'd rather not talk about this. Dismissed Blitz Bolt." He said as he exited through the doors, the large group of Iron Guards eventually followed.

Blitz Bolt sighed and sat down next to the fireplace. "Lord Metal Wing...years ago, you used to be so open to everypony. You always spoke your mind, but now, ever since the day you announced your goal to conquer the world, you've been keeping secrets from all of us. You're not the same Pony you used to be."

The silver Pegasus looked into the flames and started pondering his thoughts in silence.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Cloud Hunter smiled slightly as he felt the warm night air blow against his coat. Despite his own body heat keeping him warm, the warm night air was greatly welcomed.

Just then, a thought occurred to him.

Warm 'Night' air?

Cloud Hunter's eyes shot open and he quickly jumped to his hoofs, ignoring the alarmed shrieks coming from the three fillies next to him. "Darn it..." The blue Pegasus looked up at the night sky and let out a loud growl. "DARN IT!" He slammed his hoof into the ground.

"W-What's wrong Cloud Hunter...?" Sweetie Belle asked.

Cloud Hunter looked at the three fillies and noticed their feared expressions. Taking in a deep breath, he calmed down and said, "I'm sorry..." He looked up at the night sky again. "As I'm sure you noticed, we dozed off."

Apple Bloom nodded as she looked up at the starry sky. "Wow, ah didn't think we were that tired."

Sweetie Belle shook her head. "I wouldn't say tired. I'd say we were just so comfortable that we couldn't help but doze off." She smiled at Cloud Hunter. "Right?"

Cloud Hunter raised a brow at the filly. "You found me comfortable?"

Sweetie Belle blushed madly and quickly looked away. "Well...yes, I mean..."

Scootaloo then spoke up. "Can we just go now?"

Cloud Hunter smirked a little. "Heh, something we agree on. Alright then..." He picked up his saddle bag and put it around him, he then lay down on his stomach and said, "Alright, hop on. The sooner I get you three back to Canterlot the sooner I can get back to my duties."

"What duties is that Cloud Hunter? If...if ya don't mind me askin' that is." Apple Bloom asked as she and Sweetie Belle hopped onto his back..

As soon as Scootaloo jumped into the saddle bag, Cloud Hunter took to the sky, forcing Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle to hold on tight.

"My duties as a Knight." Cloud Hunter said out loud so they could hear him over the wind. "My duties as lord Metal Wing's Commander."

Suddenly, a thought occurred to Sweetie Belle. "Um, Cloud Hunter...have you considered...changing sides?"

Cloud Hunter's eyes widened. "Change sides?"

Sweetie Belle smiled as she replied. "Yeah! You're a lot nicer than the others and I'm sure the Princesses would be glad to have you as one of their Royal Guards!"

"Sorry Sweetie Belle but I can't do that." Cloud Hunter said.

"Aww..." The smile on the filly's face disappeared. "But why not?"

Cloud Hunter sighed. "I swore an oath to lord Metal Wing. And I'll be damned to the deepest depths of Tartarus if I break that oath."

"But-" Sweetie Belle tried to argue but Cloud Hunter cut her off.

"I will NOT betray lord Metal Wing. I would take my own life first before I ever let a thought of betrayal enter my mind." Cloud Hunter said.

Scootaloo stared up at the blue Pegasus in shock. "You would really do that?"

"Yes." Cloud Hunter said.

Apple Bloom then spoke up. "But...why?"

Cloud Hunter rolled his eyes. "Simple. Lord Metal Wing is my leader, my King. I owe him everything. Just like the others, I swore an oath to him, and until the day comes when he releases me from that oath, I will forever remain loyal to him."

The three fillies remained silent. They didn't really know how his oath worked, but after hearing that, they now understood why he couldn't change sides. Him betraying Metal Wing wouldn't be too different from Twilight Sparkle betraying Princess Celestia. They couldn't help but sympathize with him. It made them sad even. He was the enemy and yet here he was, taking them home, to their sisters, to their families. The Cutie Mark Crusaders looked at each other, trying to think of something that could persuade him to change sides, but nothing came. They all let out sad sighs and looked away.

Cloud Hunter, noticing the sad expressions on their faces, let out a low sigh and said, "Hey, do you like stories?"

Their ears perked up at his words. "Yeah!" They all said in unison.

Cloud Hunter chuckled. "Very well then. I'll tell you the story of how I became a Knight..."

They all leaned in slightly to listen, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom being mindful not to lose their grip.

"And how Metal Wing saved the land of Dalkia, and became a hero."