//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: The Split // Story: The Source of All Magic // by Final_Scratch //------------------------------// Historians would refer to the events immediately following the Fillydelphia Proclamation as "The Split", and although it was rarely the focus of historical studies (due to more interesting events immediately following it) there was no more apt term for what transpired across Equestria when Luna announced her intentions to take over. Every group was almost evenly split in their support, despite her absence her followers existed in numbers matching those of her sister. This has since been attributed to a need for change, after a thousand years of seeing the country run the same way many ponies felt that things could be improved. Others were scared that their nation's peace may not last under a new rule. Earth ponies, unicorns, and pegasi from every walk of life populated both sides for reasons as varied as the ponies who stated them. You couldn't avoid the question, it was a fact of life. You were on one side or the other, and that held priority over anything that might have mattered before. It dictated who you hung out with, what events you went to, and for many ponies who you were. Few were undecided and none were unaffected, and every pony in the land was heavily opinionated. ------------ Twilight was studying in her library as she generally did, reading up on astronomy in preperation for some stargazing. It was however more difficult than usual due to the fact that there were actually several other ponies in the library for once, although it took an event the likes of which hadn't been seen in Equestria for a thousand years to get them there. Every one of them was reading about something pertaining to the princesses, from Equestrian history to basic astronomy. Well, they were supposed to be reading but the library had mostly become a location for noisy gossip. Things like who was on what side of the issue and largely about the princesses themselves. Everything from their wardrobes from their favorite foods were set out for the world to see, and rumors were created, debunked, and once in a rare while confirmed in the span of days or even hours. At the center of the rabble was the always attention grabbing Rarity, dishing out the latest and greatest gossip like nopony else could hope to. Twilight just thought it was silly. Why does everypony care so much? Just because somepony likes one princess over the other doesn't make them different ponies. Evidently most ponies didn't share Twilight's views, and Rarity's gossip proved it. "Oh and did you here about Vinyl and Octavia? Why they aren't even speaking anymore!" The dressmaker clearly had the rapt attention of all ponies present, including Twilight, who was in relative disbelief at the last statement. "You must be mistaken Rarity," Twilight protested. "Vinyl and Octavia are one of the closest couples in Ponyville! They have their share of fights, but there's nothing that could keep them apart." "Oh but there is Twilight. See Vinyl is a mare of the night, you know how she loves here raves, although I can't imagine why. Now Octavia is much more like me, much more fond of some well deserved beauty sleep. When they found out that they were on different sides they just couldn't get over it. Of course I doubt I could either, I never did understand those lunar people, so vulgar." The ponies all nodded in agreement, somewhat confusing Twilight. "Wait, are there no Luna supporters here?" Twilight asked. She figured that in a given group of people there's be at least one pony who preferred the night. "Of course not darling! Didn't anypony tell you? Your library is practically the solar headquarters, I mean your the princess's prized pupil for Celestia's sake!" Twilight had an immediate response to this. "Well that would sense, if I ever gave you permission to make my library the headquarters. After all, why would a lunar pony let her library be the headquarters for the opposite side?" Gasps were heard around the room, and Rarity's face was the most shocked of all. "But Twilight darling, I thought you of all ponies would support Celestia. You're practically family, how could you support Luna?" This triggered one of Twilights trademark lectures. "Oh Celestia is a great teacher, but I'm not sure she's the best leader for Equestria. Rarity we've had to help save this country three times, and the only time she actually tried to do anything she got her flank handed to her. And I identify much more with Luna anyhow, you know I was never really good at making friends until I moved to Ponyville, and she kind of has the same problem. It's been a thousand years of the same Rarity, it's time for a change." The ponies in the room had mostly fallen silent at this. Rarity however was angry, and replied with an outburst of her own. "Oh, and Luna is soooo helpful. Need I remind you that of the three times we had to save Equestria the first time was from her? The reason Celestia has ruled Equestria for a thousand years is because she cares about her citizens, and that's why when the changelings attacked she actually tried to do something. Where was Luna? Oh that's right, she slept through the entire thing!" The room had fallen silent at this point. Twilight and Rarity were staring each other down, and most of the other ponies were in shock. The silence was broken by a knocking at the door, followed by the entrance of Pinkie Pie in a ridiculous outfit. She then immediately, to the surprise of nopony, began to sing. This is your singing telegram, I hope it finds you well. You're invited to a party 'if you think that Luna's swell! Luna's gonna take the throne, So help us celebrate-- The cake will be delicious, The festivities first-rate! There will be games and dancing, Bob for apples, cut-a-rug! And when the party's over We'll gather 'round for a group hug. No need to get dressed up, Being there will be enough... We'll talk about our favorite princess, So don't you huff and puff. It won't be the same without you, So we hope that you say "yes." So please, oh please, RSVP And come and be our guest! At this point rather then staring at Rarity and Twilight everypony was staring at Pinkie, until finally Twilight spoke up. "I'd be happy to come Pinkie, in fact do you mind if I just go with you now? I'm not sure I'm particularly welcome here right now." As Twilight left with Pinkie, she realized something. This split really is serious. If it could keep Vinyl and Octavia apart, and it made Rarity and I fight like that, who knows how it's affecting the rest of my friends? ------------ When Twilight left, Rarity was angry. She didn't know how her friend could treat her like that. Twilight supporting Luna. I can't believe it. Although, perhaps I was a bit harsh. Still, she has no right to treat me like that! But she has her right to an opinion too. I should apologize. Rarity teleported to try to catch Twilight and Pinkie, but only made it about halfway across the room. That was strange. Undeterred, she ran to go and catch her friend. Back in the library some of the unicorns there tried to put away their books, but the levitation spells were failing them. There was simply no magic there for them to use.