//------------------------------// // Epilogue: Beyond The Victory // Story: Fall Of Dark Tyrant Eclipse // by The REAL Mister Pkmn //------------------------------// One Year Later… A criminal is being escorted into the throne room of Canterlot. The inside of the room is not yet refurbished, but it has started. The floor has been cleaned to shine a pristine gray stone, and the pillars of the room have been replaced with ones of marble and ones of onyx. Instead of the old throne of the Tyrant, there are now seven thrones in a semicircle that had the fronts facing the hall. From left to right, this is how they were: A throne of red felt that had embedded upon it the Cutie Mark of the Councilor of Devotion, Lightning Dust. A throne of orange wood that had embedded upon it the Cutie Mark of the Councilor of Honor, Octavia Melody. A throne of yellow satin that had embedded upon it the Cutie Mark of the Councilor of Compassion, Moondancer. A throne of green lace that had embedded upon it the Cutie Mark of the Councilor of Charity, Flutterbat. A throne of blue cotton candy that had embedded upon it the Cutie Mark of the Councilor of Humor, Screwball. A throne of indigo crystal that had etched into it the Cutie Mark of the Councilor of Inspiration, Sapphiron Rubeus Emerald. A throne of purple velvet that had pressed upon it the Cutie Mark of the Councilor of Connections, Trixie D’Glamour Lulamoon. All of the councilors were present, and the criminal shrank before them. Trixie addressed the guards that had brought him in. “What crime has this pony committed, that it warrants bringing him to us?” The one on the left of the criminal cleared his throat. “This stallion has been spotted in various cities, trying to incite riots. He is of the Cult of Eclipse, and he has been spotted trying to recruit for this vile organization. He has also been seen stealing from the poor.” Sapphiron glared at the criminal, causing him to shrink further. “So, you are fond of the old ways then? You would wish us to go back to suffering under the iron hoof of Eclipse? Trust me. You don’t want him back.” He turned to the others as his countenance calmed. “So. Should we send him through rehabilitation?” Moondancer gave a nod. “A second chance for all is what we have built this new Equestria on. If he still deigns to cause trouble after that, he will regret that decision.” Lightning gave her thoughts. “I’m not so sure about that. This guy feels like trouble. He might just play along to get out, like others have. If he is to be rehabilitated, I say that he should be monitored.” Octavia chipped in. “Lightning has a point. We can’t afford another Starlight Incident. I vote that we monitor him.” Flutterbat shook her head. “Be that as it may, we should give him a chance to be sincere. I say we only lightly monitor him at first, and adjust accordingly depending on his sincerity.” A giggle came from Screwball. “Sure! Let’s do it! I don’t see a problem with it.” Trixie gave a nod. “Very well. It is hereby decreed that the defendant shall be sent through Rehabilitation with monitoring. Should he improve to be fit for society, he shall be let on parole until it is confirmed that he is sincere. Should he not reform within the parameter of one year, he will be sent off to prison.” The two guards grabbed him, and the criminal looked manic as he was dragged off. “No, you don’t understand! You’re ruining everything! Just give him back!” Whatever else he might have said was cut off as the doors shut behind him. Sapphiron let out a sigh as he stood. “Well, there goes another one. How many is that now?” Moondancer adjusted her glasses. “About 50 members of the Cult of Eclipse have been found, but who knows just how many are out there.” Flutterbat twitched her wings. “I really wish we knew why they insist on bringing him back… Don’t they understand how dangerous he is?” Lightning shook her head. “If they do, I don’t think that they care. Most have taken well to the new direction of Equestria, but… There were always going to be those who would resist.” Octavia gave a nod. “Even so, we must show strength. We have been guided by the Elements to establish this Council, so it is our duty to ensure that this nation continues to heal.” Screwball stretched. “Well, if that’s all for today…” She jumped into the air to let her propeller beanie carry her. “I’ll be off! I heard there’s a town that needs serious cheering up!” She gave a giggle, and was off faster than one might expect. Trixie stepped off her throne, and looked around. “Look at all of this. None of us wanted to rule, yet it was thrust upon us as a group. I suppose that if it were to be anyone… it was best that it wound up being us, rather than letting it drift aimlessly.” Octavia gave a firm nod as she got out of her chair. “That is true. Who else could it possibly be, though? All of the other candidates are either in Tartarus for cimes, or in stone for insanity, or just straight up dead.” She shook her head. “We can not worry about what might have been, though. We did what was necessary to save Equestria, and we got stuck with the bill.” She picked up her cello. “I best be off now. My concert awaits.” She left through the front doors of the throne room. Sapphiron popped his neck as he landed. “Ugh. I swear, that happens every time.” He looked towards Lightning as she was about to head through the window, eyebrow raised. “Going back to work, then?” She gave a nod. “Yeah. Those pegasai won’t train themselves, you know. Be seeing you!” She then flew off as the window went translucent so she wouldn’t end up breaking it. Moondancer gave an impressed look to Sapphiron. “It never ceases to amaze that you put that enchantment there.” She jumped off her throne and rolled her shoulders a bit. “I best get back to the school. My students need me.” Without another word, she teleported away. Flutterbat looked around the room, and realized that she was the only one still there with Sapphiron and Trixie. She blushed. “O-oh! I-i should probably get going myself… the pet shelter needs me.” She cleared away the blush, and smiled as she lifted off. “See you! Maybe next time, we can get together for something fun, rather than…” She cleared her throat and shook her head. “Bye!” She then flew off through the translucent window. Trixie grinned. “I thought that they would never leave us alone…” Sapphiron chuckled. “Well, it is a bit awkward for them, I guess.” He brought his face close to hers. “Now. Where were we?” He grinned. “Ah yes, I remember.” The two leaned in, but just before they locked lips, Sapphiron turns to look at the screen. “Don’t you think that you have seen quite enough already?” He then shoves the viewer outside the door as it shuts. THE END