While it was one thing to simply proclaim that things were at peace once again, it was quite another to actually make it so. The reorganization of the government Moony had accomplished as Nightmare Moon - mostly to reduce her own headaches while ruling solely - had necessitated a complete restructuring of the highest level of government, redefining what it meant to be President and Vice-President, as derived from being Princesses.
The first issue was addressing Celestia's ratification of decisions made by Nightmare Moon...which turned out to be unnecessary. A review of the original documentation that passed Platinum, Puddinghead, and Hurricane's authority over Equestria to Celestia and Luna rather than their own heirs showed that there were actually clauses in place to take into account when one or the other Princess became unavailable for whatever reason, up to and including one of them going mad for whatever reason and becoming a danger to the country. It had been rather unnerving to Celestia to discover that their predecessors had perceived the possibility of Nightmare Moon and provided clauses for how it should be dealt with, making her banishment actually legal.
The clauses even covered how to handle the other end of it. According to those clauses, if one of the Princesses was rendered unable to fulfill their duties due to absence, illness, or imprisonment for a given period of time leaving the other to rule solely, then upon the absent Princess's return, they were to be given sole rule for an equivalent period of time to restore balance, or until they felt they had been appropriately repaid for having their authority circumscribed through some other means. Moony considered the four months she ruled as Queen Nightmare Moon to be sufficient repayment, especially as Celestia was rather insistent in letting her keep various other prerogatives from that time as well.
With that out of the way, Celestia and Moony had to hash out exactly what powers each of them had as President and Vice-President. Moony kept trying to push to make them equals in all but name, while Celestia was constantly trying to make up for 'wronging her' by giving her more authority and powers relative to the new system. This debate frequently devolved into them spraying each other with the squirt guns Pinkie Pie had provided them for just that purpose. Thankfully, she'd also had the foresight to provide scrolls, quills, and inkwells enchanted by Twilight to repel water.
Eventually, the only power Moony had as President that Celestia did not have as Vice-President was in the judicial branch of their duties. As each noble now acted as a judge, the final court of appeal in their districts, now was Celestia the final court of appeal for the nation in conflicts between equals, while Moony held court over any conflict between those of different social ranks, especially those between children and adults or nobles and commoners. Moony privately wondered exactly how much of a 'bonus' it was to have the authority to overturn one of Celestia's decisions in a judicial court. It just seemed like more headaches.
One of the first petitions brought before the new Eclipse Court - where Celestia and Moony made decisions together before going about their duties - was to make the inaugural date of the court, when all those details were finally hashed out and ratified, a national holiday celebrating the reconciliation of the Celestial sisters and the rebirth of Equestria under their shared rule. This was of course passed eagerly by both former Princesses, and became part of the traditions of the country, to be celebrated the first time at the next Grand Galloping Gala a few months later, and then officially a year from the actual date. Since part of the celebration was to involve the return of the sun and the restoration of the balance of Day and Night, it was decided that a brief Lunar Eclipse would be part of the festivities the night before the celebration, followed by a glorious sunrise for the day of.
The last of what Moony felt were her 'duties' as Nightmare Moon before she could settle down to being President Moony involved her three 'Nightmare Soldiers' from Ponyville, given how much their own lives and studies had been disrupted by her 'recruitment' of them. She decided the best way to discharge this final duty - especially with what she'd overheard of some of their problems in Ponyville - was to make a personal appearance at their school as a guest speaker.
"Alright, everypony, settle down," Cheerilee called out as class resumed after lunch. "Today we have a special guest speaker that I'm sure you're all looking forward to seeing. So everypone, please join me in welcoming Princess - I mean, President - Moony!"
The whole class applauded as Moony stepped into the classroom. "Greetings, my little ponies," she said happily. As three particular fillies applauded extra loud, she walked up to them. "And how are my little Nightmare Soldiers doing?"
"Pretty good!" Apple Bloom chimed in. "Still grounded for invading Canterlot, though."
"Trying to catch up on homework!" Sweetie Belle added.
"Ponyville's just so boring compared to the palace," Scootaloo pouted.
Chuckling - and noticing two particular fillies staring in shock - Moony returned to the front of the class. "Now, what is the subject of today's class?"
"We're going over Cutie Marks," Cheerilee replied.
"Ah, yes," Moony replied. "Cutie Marks. Tell me class...what do you think a Cutie Mark is?"
"A symbol of your special talent?" Apple Bloom suggested.
"A mark of your dethtiny?" Twist asked.
"It's what makes you special!" Diamond Tiara sneered.
"Of course," Moony replied. "What simple answers to a complex question." She turned. "You say that your Cutie Mark is what makes you special, Diamond Tiara? Why don't you come to the front of the class and tell us all what yours means?"
Smirking, Diamond Tiara strutted to the front of the class and showed off her Cutie Mark. "It means I'm Daddy's Little Princess, better than anypony else!" she proclaimed proudly.
Moony frowned. "I've met Goombas who were more multi-dimensional than that," she gagged, causing a particular propeller beanie wearing colt to squee. "Tell me, how did you get your Cutie Mark? When did it happen?"
Diamond Tiara grinned widely. "I was playing the Princess in a school play, the leading filly, as I performed and strutted my stuff with everyone watching me." Her eyes closed as she lifted her head, getting lost in the memory. "All eyes on me as I spoke the piece I'd practiced and recited until I could do it by heart, putting all of my passion and feeling into the performance...the applause as everyone was cheering for me..." Her eyes opened, and she seemed to realize where she was again. "You know, like it should be," she continued, her voice far less emotional and more aloof. "Everything should be about me. That's just what my Cutie Mark says."
Moony raised an eyebrow. "Really," she stated blandly. "Tell me, are you familiar with Lady Ofillia?"
Diamond Tiara blinked in surprise. "From Hamlet? Who doesn't? It's a really dramatic piece."
"Do you know her lines?"
Diamond scuffed the ground with her hoof. "Somewhat..."
"Perform some for us," Moony instructed.
Diamond Tiara blinked in surprise. "Why should I?" While most would hear only petulant words, the trained ear would detect traces of...embarrassment and shame?
Moony waved her wing, and a Cybug/Changeling took shape in the doorframe. "Because if you aren't performing in the next ten seconds, he's going to eat you," she stated simply. "Ten..."
She didn't mean it, of course. Even transformed into Cybugs, the Changelings would not eat ponies. However, Diamond Tiara obviously didn't know that, and launched into Ofillia's most dramatic monologue from the play without hesitation. A few lines were done badly, and Diamond stumbled over a few of the archaic terms, hesitating occasionally as she wracked her mind for the next line...but the emotion of the performance came through unbroken.
"That's enough," Moony said at last, dismissing the Cybug/Changeling. "Quite a...talented performance for one so young," she murmured. "Especially with so little preparation and without having the script handy. You may take your seat."
Confused and more than a little terrified, Diamond Tiara returned to her seat. Silver Spoon reached over to offer her comfort.
"Silver Spoon!" Moony called out. "You're next. Come to the front of the class and tell us what your Cutie Mark means."
Nervously, Silver Spoon did as directed. "My special talent is...the responsible redistribution of wealth and other assets," she said quickly, struggling to keep her glasses in place.
Moony raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps you could simplify that for the rest of the class?" she suggested.
"I...I'm good at handling money," Silver Spoon admitted, somewhat abashed. "Contracts, taxes, budgets... My Daddy has me go over the account books for the family business with him."
"Hmm...how interesting that you two are such good friends," Moony murmured, glancing towards Diamond Tiara. "Such infrequently combined skill sets...take your seat."
As Silver Spoon returned to her seat, Moony went through the rest of the class who had their Cutie Marks, calling them up to explain their special talent, and then making some obscure comments that made them think about it. At the end, she presented her own Cutie Mark. "What do you all think mine means?" she asked.
"You control the moon?" Sweetie Belle offered.
"You're royalty?" Diamond Tiara guessed.
"You're awesome?" Scootaloo asked, garnering several giggles.
Moony chuckled. "Sweetie Belle is actually the closest. Before my sister and I, it took a whole cadre of unicorns to control the sun and moon. Celestia and I can each control our celestial bodies alone...not because we are each as powerful as a cadre of ancient unicorns - not to say we aren't - but because our magics and the magics of our symbols interact in a unique manner. The sun and moon want to obey us.
"However, I am not solely defined by my connection to the moon. I also set the stars in the sky, reign over the night, guard dreams, command nightmares, and run the government...and I'm pretty damn good at that last, if the polls are to be believed." She smiled as the more politically savvy youngsters giggled at her joke. "But how much of that can be explained by my Cutie Mark?"
Silence greeted her question.
"You see, the problem many ponies of any age have is using a Cutie Mark to define themselves," Moony explained. "But a Cutie Mark does not define you, or your special talent, or your destiny. It represents your talents...and your passions. Something unique about you. It is not something you have to find and discover...it is also something you must choose."
The bell rang before she could say anymore. "Think on my words," she instructed them as they gathered their stuff to leave.
"So how did your visit to the school go?" Celestia asked as Moony returned from Ponyville.
"Rather well, I think," Moony replied. "How goes the planning for the Gala?"
"Well, most of the plans are still in place from before your return," Celestia pointed out. "Though I see you've made some changes...a DJ in addition to the Quartet?"
Moony nodded. "Yes. While some of the Gala will be the usual soiree as the various ponies talk and socialize to peaceful music, I feel it's only appropriate that some of it actually be a party...especially since it's a belated celebration of our reunion. I look forward to seeing you 'shake your groove thang', as the younger ponies say."
Celestia winced, not looking forward to trying to dance. "And...are you certain there won't be a clash of egos?" she asked worriedly.
"But of course," Moony replied. "I asked the leader of the Quartet - the cellist - if she knew of a DJ with whom she and her group would feel comfortable performing. She recommended her roommate." She tapped her chin. "Though I was somewhat confused when she blushed after I said I looked forward to seeing the two of them make sweet music together."
Celestia groaned as she buried her face in her hooves. "Remind me to reassure Miss Melody that you didn't mean it as innuendo."
Moony blinked in confusion. "How is that innuendo?"
Celestia did her best not to burst into giggles.
review
Edit: Oh wow, it's still not over.
Oh, Moony, you can be so innocent sometimes. Thanks for the laugh.
Still a child at heart
Princess Moony wants to see Vinyl and Octavia make sweet music together, while Celestia shakes her "groove thing". I can't see people coming up with an alternative meaning for her name at all!
It's Princess Molestia all over again!
You have quite a few typos and homophone confusion going on in this chapter...
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Care to point them out so I can correct them?
loved teh update and cannot wait for more. I would love to see the Arcade cast again though. Please do tell us we will be seeing em again.
The Grand Galloping Gala might be the perfect time for Discord to come out.
6402863 The story shall never end because THE NIGHT SHALL LAST FOREVER!!!!!!!
Poor Moony...
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Should be polls.
I get the feeling that this story will keep going with Moony-vised versions of the episodes
I sure hope I'm right.
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...unless there's a Poland analogue in the MLP setting and they're especially vocal about Moony's gubernatorial skills.
6402956 Or because we have an infinite amount of quarters.
That will likely never sound right.
Perogatives.
Of.
Roommate is one word.
Someone else already mentioned, and you corrected, the poles/polls one I noticed earlier.
Such a cute chapter
Poor Mooney, she doesnt know theres many a fiddle played on an old tune.
Does this mean Diamond Tiaras best companion, is Trixie?
And Silver Spoons best companion, is Death Of Rats?
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While I thank you for the second two, "prerogatives" is actually the correct spelling, according to both google and dictionary.com.
6403130
Who says they are?
Who says they aren't just embarrassed that everyone assumes that they're more than roommates, but Octavia's too nervous to complain about that to the President?
Now, I won't say I'm not a TaviScratch shipper. I am. But that doesn't mean that they're a couple here.
I know a few goon as who would take offense to that statement, moony... and one of them has a transmorphic katana!
The shippers are going to have a field day with that last part...
6403130 There is one where they are cousins, another where they just roommates and one where they are sisters, but its been so long since I read them I cant remember the names of the stories, but they are out there.
6403130 sisters? That is great idea dude!!!!
You know, I've been presently surprised by this. I was thinking it was going to end with Nightmare moon returning to Equestria, but I really like this alternate return. I eagerly look forward to more.
6403130 the ship sails its self!
6403179 now that you mentioned the one that there sisters I have started looking for the story
sake your booty .[youtube=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7vo8GkdsJQ4] next chapter please.
C-SPAN would be #1 in ratings forever if this was how Congress functioned.
6394014 you forget that Trixie wouldn't have the skill to pull of those spells, even with a power source of that level.
Congratulations Diamond Tiara, you get a Darwin Award Nomination for refusing a simple request from one of your rulers. And excellent chapter and one of the best talks on Cutie Marks I've ever seen. I can't wait to see the Gala with Vinyl playing DJ to one part that's more Pinkie's style! The Crusaders better get invited by Moony, I can totally see her tearing up the dance floor with the three of them bouncing around her or joining her for karaoke.
6403468 oh dear lord, yes. Please do. In fact, everyone who sees your post has to agree to do just that in the event of government position acquirement.
Another enjoyable chapter. Good job.
This is an amazing crossover between mlp and wir. First one every to read.
Keep it up with the plot and great structure.
I can imagine.
Wow. They were GOOD.
Fair enough.
Clever girl.
No clue, I ain't getting involved in politics.
Heh, well, you get used to it.
Right.
Right.
Indeed.
Um, she's got no preparation time whatsoever...
I see, still, for someone with no prep time and under possible threat of death, that's not bad.
I see.
Huh. Not bad.
Yes, not really and quite.
I see.
Heh.
They're still kids, Moony.
Oh god.
...
Oh Moony.
6403361 It was pretty good, but I think it was an action story, its been like a year since I read them, but I found them all at around the same time.... good luck trying to find them though.
So, no chance she will look like Luna again?
I squeed a bit to Button, you're not alone XD hahahaa.
Nice job on this chapter! :D
Ah, Moony took after Vanellope.
Moony... you really spent too much time around your mother...
Anyway, we have a nice little after-bit from the invasion, and I daresay you can end it right now if you wished.
Here's hoping Mooney gets back together with her friends however.
It's spelled 'Ophelia' not 'Ofillia.'
6405200 Actually, the author's correct in this sense. Ofilllia makes much more sense for the pony world than Ophelia.
6405445 Ah! I see!
I say this again: turning the government they had into shitocracy is the stupidest thing they; and by that account you, dear author; could think of.
Do the reforms, the rest stays the same. it would be perfect.
And now? NMM or Tia want to change something, no matter how good it is? Nope, half a year in parliament, tonnes of public money wasted, and it goes down the drain either way, because someone got few bits below the table. Not to mention elections. You like your Moony? BOOM! Now you have Pony Trump.
Why Americans are such whores towards this type of government? It's like a slave getting a stiffy on a thought of having his master whip him.
6408618 so u think a ruthless dictatorship would be better then? if u bothered to look at the actual wording and story, u would have seen that there is no Democracy at Moony and Tias level. they both retain their oversight powers and general legal powers in the government, only now, instead of the Nobles having supreme executive power over the masses, there is a House of Commons full of elected officials representing those masses directly with the Nobles retaining their judicial power and reporting to the higher officials in the Eclipse Court where Moony and Tia sit, a sort of Supreme Court if u will.
all Moony did was streamline the Government while she was in sole power and cut out a lot of the unneeded 'fat' as it were. all of her changes were completely legal and the Ponies found that they liked the new system as it allows their voice to be heard over the nobles, and a few of said Nobles might even prove worthy of their titles as a result. the system they had before had the Nobles in charge of everything and the Princesses in charge of the Nobles, said 'Nobles' being the sons and daughters of the previous Nobles, inheriting power, land and wealth and generally involving themselves in political intrigue for the purpose of garnering greater power for themselves at the expense of others, generally the common Pony. the Noble class was full of privileged brats who never worked a day in their lives, much like Blueblood who was postercolt for the Upperclass Twit of the Year Award six years running...
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Not to mention taking bribes is a lot less appealing when your President for Life can look into your dreams and question your ethics and morals there.
Get a load of this
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While I love Jerry Peet's work for the most part, what does this have to do with my story?