//------------------------------// // Decisions Decisions // Story: A Kingdom Reborn // by thegreatandpowerfull //------------------------------// Walking through the remains of Canterlot, bodies of ponies who were carrying on with their lives littered the ground. How cruel it was that such innocent ponies met such a gruesome, and violent end. A sense of horror would forever linger in what was once the biggest city in Equstria. How could I, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, rule over both Equstria and the Crystal Empire, as well as help in the rebuilding of Canterlot and the surrounding cities? If only Twilight had tried harder in the Trials. Then she could become the ruler of Equstria. Instead, she goofed up and failed, and now I am stuck with the choice of what to do for the kingdom. Then again, My daughter, Flurry Heart was now a grown Princess, and is nearly ready to rule over the Crystal Empire. If she were to do that, then Shining Armor and I could Stay here in Equstria and help with the recovery. At least the unicorns have agreed to resume the job of raising the sun and moon, so at least that is one problem solved. A problem I don't have to deal with at least. Ah, but there is still so much more that must be done. Decisions that must be made, must be made quickly. "Dear, do you think that Flurry Heart is ready to become the ruler of the Crystal Empire." I must talk to Shining Armor first I thought. After all, it is a very big decision."Although she may need a little guidance in the beginning, I am sure that she would be a wonderful ruler. The Crystal Empire needs more younger leaders as it continues to flourish, ah, no offense." Shining made a good point."No offense." I could not help but smile at that. "Ok, we should tell Flurry Heart, she should have a say in this and if this is something that she wants, she will need to be prepped before the coronation." This was a big decision after all, and if she did not want to become the leader of the Empire, then we would need to find another plan. "Sweetie, can me and dad come in?" Even though I was a grown mare know, my parents insisted on treating me as a filly. "Sure mom, come on in." As they walked in, I could tell that there was something important to be said." Flurry Heart, as you recall, Equstria is in a state of chaos after the tragedy of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. And since I can not rule over both kingdoms, your father and I must ask you if you think you are ready to take over as Princess of the Crystal Empire." I could not believe what I was hearing. The words coming out of my mothers mouth were words that I could not comprehend. "Wait just one minute. You think that I am ready to RULE the Crystal Empire?" I felt dizzy. " If this is something that you want, then your father and I would help you in the beginning. However, we believe that you could be the leader that the Crystal Ponies need. Most of them already respect you anyway. Just remember that we are not forcing you to take the throne. If you do not want to rule or if you do not think that you are ready, then we will not force you to do anything." Ruler of the Crystal Empire, I couldn't believe it. I have been training for this moment ever since I passed the Trials. I have studied our history, I have taken tours of other kingdoms, and I have even taken charge of some of mothers meetings. I am ready for this. " I am ready to become the next ruler of the Crystal Empire, with your guidance for the first few years of course." I tried to sound confident but I colt hear my voice waver. A few months later at Flurry Hearts coronation. Ponies from the Crystal Empire as well as from Equstria came to see Flurry Heart as she would become the next protecter and leader of the Empire from the far north. As Flurry Heart stepped up to receive her crown from Cadence, I, as well as all the other ponies in the stand cheered. Oh how I wish Cherry were here. She would have been cheering along with me. Life seems so empty without her and her snappy remarks. As I watch Flurry Heart step out onto the palace balcony, you can't help but imagine what good things will happen. With Princess Cadence ruling Equstria, Shining Armor helping with the rebuild of our homes, and the Crystal Empire in good hoofs, you can feel that eventually, maybe not soon, but eventually, Equstria WILL be restored to its former glory. Equstria will mourn the deaths of two good princesses. Even though the evil had not been there for long and that they were truly good rulers, I will never forgive them for what they had done. My life long friend is dead, she died a fiery death, because of them. Equstria is in good hoofs, that is all I wished to see. I can not keep living a life without Cherry. With that, I pulled out a long dagger from my clock. I heard gasps from the ponies around me which turned into screams as I stuck the dagger in my chest, and then went to join my dear friend, wherever she may be. Things were going so well at the coronation before it happened. I had been out on the balcony looking out on the citizens when I heard screams from the crowd. I was not allowed out of the castle so I had no way of knowing what had happened, but a few minutes later, a guard came in who was outside. " A pony from the crowd has just killed herself." I could not believe it. I have been a ruler for less then an hour, and already I have just lost a pony. I guess my mother was wrong about the ponies supporting the decision of me claiming the throne. I couldn't believe that this was happening, but I must act like a Princess and give proper orders. "Please Identify who the pony was, and then, if they have any, please alert their family about what has happened. Then bring them here. I want to know what has caused this." Later that day, the guard comes back. "Your majesty, the pony was Sun Flower and she did not have any family prior to that." The guard informs me. I will never know. I will never know why this pony chose to take her life. I know, that among all of the deaths that this event has brought, this one will scar me the most. In a thousand moons, when I think about these hard times, I won't remember the names of the guards who had perished, or anyone else. However, the name Sun Flower will be lodged in my mind for the rest of my immortal days.