The Final Battle

by TN-Scotsman

The war for Equestria had been raging for several months now.  Both princesses had lost battles and suffered heavy losses. Both princesses were tired of the conflict.  Therefore, it had been agreed that tonight would be the final battle.

Luna's faithful assistant, Moon Chaser, was briefing his princess with the latest intel.

"I'm afraid the news is grim my princess.  It would appear that some of our battle plans have been leaked to your sister. There is no word on how much of your plans were compromised, or if they have made their way to her yet.  Time is definitely against us." Moon Chaser held his head low while bearing the bad news.

Luna simply stared out into nothing.  She had spent weeks on those plans.  They could have guaranteed her a victory tonight.  Now they are partially in the hands of her sister’s advisers and generals.  She knew they would study them quickly and devise a defense against her attack.  “This is not good news Moon Chaser.” Luna paused and released a heavy sigh "but we have no choice.  There is no time to draft up new plans.  We will simply have to make do.  There will be many casualties, of this I'm sure, but we must be victorious this night."

"Yes my princess.  It is nearly time. We must finish the preparations."

^-^/)(\^-^  *****  ^-^/)(\^-^  *****  ^-^/)(\^-^

In Canterlot castle a similar conversation was occurring.  Sun Chaser, Celestia's assistant and brother to Moon Chaser, was briefing his princess on the news of the captured plans.

"The plans are incomplete, your highness, but we know her opening strategy.  Your advisers and generals have looked over the papers and prepared appropriate defenses.  They have also developed three options for her concluding her attacks.  Would you like to see them now?"

"Sun Chaser, if we study these plans, the battle could end faster, but there will be a much higher death rate I fear.  I know my sister.  She will not alter her plans.  She will send her forces into a slaughter." Celestia hung her head low at the thought.

"Yes your highness, as always you are correct.  However, this knowledge will aid us in victory once and for all, and spare many of your loyal subjects.  The only ones that will perish are those that stand against you." Sun Chaser's voice was cold and calculated.  "I know it is not easy to hear, your highness, but victory cannot be guaranteed otherwise."

Celestia raised her head and closed her eyes tightly.  He was right. This had to end, and some would have to fall.

"Sun Chaser you are correct.  Let's look over the plans, quickly.  There is not much time."

^-^/)(\^-^  *****  ^-^/)(\^-^  *****  ^-^/)(\^-^

The two regal Alicorns strode onto the battlefield, their troops before them.  The night air was tense with the looming battle adding a sense of dread.  Both princesses reaching deep to summon all their energy in order to persevere through what was to come.

"Celestia! This will be the final battle and we will be victorious.  Spare your troops and surrender now!"

"Luna, your battle plans have been compromised.  We are ready for your attack.  Surrender.  Please."  Celestia knew her plead would fall on deaf ears, but she had to try.  She was tired of this.  She was tired of watching each side take losses.  This had drawn out for far too long.  “Please sister.  Listen to reason.  You will lose.  I don’t want to do this anymore.” Celestia whispered to herself.

"NEVER!" Luna cried.  "It ends tonight!"

"If you won't back down Luna, then the first move is yours."

With that the two Alicorns walked toward their troops, both ready for the vicious battle that was ahead.

"Thank you gracious sister." Luna sarcastically replied and began to study the board in front of her.

"Lu?"

"Yeah Tia?"

"Why do we make our weekly chess game so dramatic?"

"You know, I have no idea. I'm just glad this is the last game. I'm tired of chess.  I'm looking forward to getting back to Trivial Pursuit night." Luna said without ever lifting her eyes from the board.

“I am too.  I know Twilight and Rainbow Dash are looking forward to it also.”

"Hmm...good. Now remember, Rainbow is on your team this time, and I get Twilight.  Fair is fair, right?" Luna said, just lifting her eyes from the board.

"Yes, yes. Fair is fair." Celestia put her hoof against her head remembering how bad Rainbow was the last time and how mad she got.  Celestia wasn't even sure if they had found all the pieces from when Rainbow threw the board.

"OK, your move Tia."