//------------------------------// // Chapter 26 // Story: Internal Darkness // by Silver Sorcerer //------------------------------// Disclaimer: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic and all associated characters, settings and stories are the rightful subjects of Hasbro, the HUB, Studio B, and Lauren Faust. Chapter 26 "What do you mean you won't be coming back to Ponyville?" asked a shocked Twilight. "No, Twilight, we're coming back. We just can't stay there for too long," Rarity stated. "I can't believe you're telling me this! To think my best friends are now helping run Equestria!" "Ah know it's hard, sugarcube, and Ah didn't wanna do it, but Princess Celestia said a day would come when we would need to do more for Equestria as the Elements." "Helping run the government is not doing more with the elements! The Elements of Harmony were never meant to be used for political or economic reasons! They're defense mechanisms to keep Equestria safe from its most dangerous enemies!" "And is this not defending Equestria? Some enemy may try to attack us now that the princesses are gone. If they do, we're now in a position to stop them before they attack," stated Rainbow Dash. "I can't believe you would say that! You're putting Equestria over our friendship!" "I know it's not easy for you, Twilight, but umm…can you see reason?" asked Fluttershy. "Yeah, Magicon did offer to teach you when you are ready," added Pinkie. "But that's not the point! The point is that my friends are now agents of Equestria!" "And we weren't before? Didn't Celestia always ask us to do stuff for the good of all Equestria? What has changed with this?" asked Rainbow. "The fact that Princess Celestia only used us as a last resort. Magicon didn't even bother to consider the other ponies who were qualified for the positions, he just went right after you guys!" "Darling, he said he wanted ponies who were unbiased and had a high opinion of the government. We've never worked in the government before, so we have no prejudices walking in," said Rarity. "But you have no experience." "We'll learn," said Applejack. "I can't believe you guys are abandoning Ponyville, your families, and everything!" "Twilight, I'm sorry, but things have changed," said Fluttershy. "Yes, but how much has to change? Why is he forcing our friendship to end?" "Now hang on just a gosh darned minute. If ya' think this is gonna end our friendship then Ah'm gonna smack a filly. Just because we'll be farther away don't mean our friendship will end," Applejack stated firmly. "We've been through the thick and thin, Twilight. We'll always be the closest of friends," added Pinkie. "But we won't be seeing each other or helping each other." "All the more reason to cherish the moments when we do see each other," Rarity said affectionately. "We won't start until the government is ready which will take months, according to Magicon. We can do a lot together in that time." "Yeah…but what's going to happen to me?" "That's up to you," said Pinkie. "I guess I can move back to Canterlot and start studying with Magicon." "Don't think we're trying to force you into anything," said Rainbow. "We want what is best for you." "But what about you guys?" "We'll manage. We always have. We did before we met you and we can do it again," said Pinkie. "Why do I feel like I'm being kicked to the curb?" "Oh no, Twilight," reassured Fluttershy as she quickly came over and hugged her. "I'm sorry you feel that way, but like what's been said before, we have a job to do." "Yeah, and a job that doesn't involve me." Her ears flipped downwards and her head hung low as worry overcame her friend's faces. "Maybe Magicon can offer you something in the government?" asked Pinkie. "Cadance did mention that he would need somepony to follow in his hoofsteps after he is gone. I suppose being his apprentice would mean I would be his next heir to the throne." The realization hit her harder than a brick wall and she put her hoofs to her head to try and fathom what she just said and everything behind it. "Dear Celestia, did I just say that?" "Ah'm 'fraid so, sugarcube." "No, that's not possible. If I become his apprentice I would be in charge of Equestria after he's gone! No, I can't do that! I can't! Princesses Celestia and Luna were the rightful rulers of Equestria! I understand they put Magicon in charge but I can't follow in their hoofsteps! I'm not good enough for that!" "Twilight, you are the most gifted and talented unicorn I've ever known," complimented Rarity. "If anypony has the skills to rule Equestria one day, it's you." "I just can't do that." "If you don't, who will?" asked Rainbow. "Somepony with more experience, more knowledge, and whatever else they need to rule Equestria." "Twilight, that pony is ya'. One day, you will be the Princess of Equestria," stated Applejack. "No, it won't be! I would rather stay in those mountains again rather than rule Equestria. I can't be Magicon's apprentice if preparing to rule is my ultimate destiny with him!" "Then talk to him," said Pinkie. "He's a good pony. He'll understand where you're coming from. He knows how much Princess Celestia meant to you. I'm sure he'll be perfectly acceptable of taking you on just as a student with no intention of running Equestria when he's gone." 'Yeah, but he didn't want an apprentice anyway right now. We both agreed it was just too soon." "Then it's too soon," said Rarity. "You do whatever you feel is right for you and we'll support you." "Yeah, that's what friends are for: to support each other," added Rainbow. "We risked our lives to save ya', sugarcube, and we ain't gonna let ya' suffer," finalized Applejack. "Thank you girls, you really are all that a pony can ask for," said Twilight as they hugged. "So, what are you going to do?" asked Fluttershy as they broke from the hug. "I guess I'll just head back to Ponyville. Practice my spells, read, take care of Spike." "We're coming back with you," Rainbow comforted. "We won't be needed in Canterlot for a few months anyway." "That's good." "We'll be able ta do a lot of fun things we've always wanted ta do, but never had the chance ta do it," Applejack said with a smile. "Yeah, that'll be fun." "You sure you're going to be alright?" Pinkie asked. "Otherwise I'll have to throw a party for you." "No, I'll be fine. At least you're not leaving tonight or anything so we can still have fun." "We'll write and visit as often as we can once we move to Canterlot," Rarity stated. "I'd like that." They sat in silence afterwards, their breathing being the only audible voices in the room. After a few minutes they agreed that a good nights rest would be the best move for all of them. It had been a long day and so much had happened to all of them. So much was changing but one thing remained: their friendship. The Magic of Friendship would not die as long as they remained together. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ The girls rose and left Canterlot in slow silence, saying good-byes and farewells to Cadance and Magicon, knowing that they would be back sometime in the near future for an entirely different reason. "Promise me you'll let me know when Shining Armor writes," Twilight hoped. "Of course I will," responded Magicon. "I'll be sure to let him know that you are safe and sound and back with your friends in Ponyville." "Thank you, Magicon." "You're welcome, Twilight Sparkle." Those were the final words before the girls said good-bye and left the palace. They boarded their train and began their journey back to Ponyville while Magicon and Cadance watched them depart. But neither of them had much time to dwell on good-byes. Magicon rushed to various meetings and began his reforms while Cadance attended to her courtly duties. Magicon additionally asked Cadance to fill in for his courtly duties, since he had no desire of listening to conservative nobles who were unwilling to try and deal with him. His actions regarding the bureaucracy and the practical closing of the government had sparked an outcry that Cadance was unprepared to deal with. Once again, Magicon had failed to inform her of the events and his actions, annoying and stressing her even more. As for Magicon, he found that thanks to his statements and decisions from last week half of the bureaucracy had been shut down and only a handful of ministers remained, mostly ones that either agreed with his reforms or were too loyal to Equestria to simply abandon it. With those ministers Magicon began the process of reforming the government. One of his first problems though would be how to outline the government. Celestia had created a jumbled government with incompetent ponies and insufficient offices. Clearing out the old wasn't the hard or long part; he had practically done it already in less than a week. The hard part was forming the new government and designing a new, efficient, and workable bureaucracy. "There are so many courses we can go," said one of Magicon's ministers in their meeting. "I know and I have a general sense of where I want the government to go, but I'm no scholar. I don't know the specifics," replied Magicon. "Well, let's highlight what we do know and want," said another minister who telekinetically lifted a clipboard and quill, ready to write down the ideas for the new government. Magicon sighed, "Alright. First, the legislature: Composed of one hundred directly elected representatives, elected every five years. It shall be named Parliament and its chief duty is to write and pass laws. A majority of fifty-one ponies is necessary to pass a law. They will also approve of appointments to the bureaucracy and to the courts and keep up oversight over the bureaucracy to make sure that corruption is festered out." "You have that pretty settled, sir." "Somewhat. I don't how to divide Equestria into equal districts to ensure fair representation and I don't know who should be able to vote or not." "So, you want some scholars to help us?" "Correct." "Alright, what's next?" asked the minister with clipboard. "The Monarchy. It shall be charged with executing the laws and head of the bureaucracy. It's also the Symbol of Equestria, both domestically and abroad. The monarch is the chief foreign diplomat, controlling ambassadors, the military, and meeting with foreign leaders. He will also make recommendations of ponies to sit on the courts and bureaucracy, though parliament must confirm them. The monarch shall be for life and, in case of death or inability to run Equestria, shall have a successor which parliament shall confirm based on merit." "And the courts?" "Pretty much as they currently stand. A Supreme Court with seven judges and various courts under them. However, they will no longer determine whether laws are constitutional according to Celestia's edicts. They will judge laws against the new constitution." "Very good, sir." "So, that's the basics, is it?" asked an advisor. "Yes." "Well, the scholars will offer their advice and help us in anyway they can. But I really think we need a convention of some sort," suggested a minister. "A convention?" "You know, to formally write the constitution and debate the specifics and decide what is best for Equestria." "I was planning on that, but we need to figure out who can attend." "Well, if you ask me, we need a single representative of every major town and city in Equestria," suggested one minister. "That will be hundreds of ponies. How can we hope to accomplish anything with that many?" asked another. "And what about the small towns and villages that may not be large enough to have a representative? How is that fair?" asked another still. "Look, you all bring up valid points," interjected Magicon. "But what we probably first should is look at a map of Equestria and divide it up into the 100 districts. Then we can ask for two or three representatives from each to come to the convention and formally draft a constitution." "Good idea, sir," complimented a minister and the others quickly agreed. So began the next phase of the process: the specifics. They poured over the map of Equestria and studied where ponies lived and discussed the best ways to evenly divide Equestria. By the end of the day, more than half of the map was divided and they agreed that it was enough for one day. Leaving the productive and successful discussion Magicon was already proud to see early signs of his success. Ponies were listening to him, respecting him, and some even debating him. If that was a sign of how his future Equestria would be, he liked it. Deciding the check on Cadance, Magicon took a big gulp and hoped that he wouldn't regret this decision. Arriving in the Throne Room Magicon was relieved to see that it was empty; the nobles having departed once the sun had set. But seated next to his throne was a tired Princess Cadance who gazed over at Magicon. She shook her head, obviously disappointed or annoyed or both by his actions or inactions. Walking over to her, Magicon walked past her and sat in his throne. He felt the magic of it course through him and he felt rejuvenated and refreshed, like if he had just woken from a long nap. He closed his eyes and took in the magic, allowing it him to fill him completely. Only the gentle tap on his right shoulder prevented him from exercising his new magic. Opening his eyes and glancing over he saw Cadance standing next to the throne, looking directly at him. Her eyes seemed to penetrate his soul, yet Magicon stared right back, determined not to let Cadance weaken him. "Good evening, Magicon," she said. "Good evening, Cadance." "How are you?" "Well and you?" "Oh fine, fine, if you consider that I was harassed by your nobles all day!" "Oh, well I'm sorry you had to suffer through that." "Suffering isn't beginning what I went through. You've upset nearly every noblepony in Canterlot! They came in here yelling and screaming at me, demanding to see you. And when I told them you were occupied with reforming the government they went on tirades about you and your government. They were bitching about everything, everything! I had to stand there and listen to it all and try to calm them down! They accused of me being your little puppet and accused of you as having no interest in the ways and traditions of old Equestria!" "Listen, Cadance, I'm really sorry you had to go through all of that." "I did my best to deal with them, but it still wasn't enough. You've upset everypony in Canterlot and they're taking it out on me! I refuse to suffer through that again!" "You must be joking." "Do I look like I'm joking?" "Err…no. Well, what do you want me to do? I'm modernizing Equestria for the betterment of all ponies. I know change is difficult and the nobility would be the ponies to understand it the least but think of the benefits: a legislature for everypony, a government that allows for new thoughts, ideas, and inventions for everypony, and a monarch that treats his subjects with fairness and respect." "But at what cost? From what the nobles said, it sounds like you have no respect for Celestia and everything she did. They say you want to erase everything that she was involved in. They also consider your changes a direct attack of Celestia and themselves. They think you want to steal their money, their land, and Celestia knows what else." Magicon couldn't resist letting out a full laugh at those words, much to Cadance's annoyance. "I'm…sorry, Cadance…that was just too funny. You see how pathetic those nobles are? They think I'm after their wealth or land? Ha! I have no interest in either. And they think I'm erasing Celestia's work? Nonsense. Many of her rules are being kept or modernized and ponies everywhere will remember her for her contributions to Equestria. Statues, memorials, biographies, paintings, compositions, and who knows what else are being built and written about her. The same goes for Princess Luna too. "Oh, Cadance, you must understand that this change is necessary and I know it may look hopeless or anger some ponies. But, there is a light at the end of this tunnel, a light that will make Equestria shine like never before. And one day, you will thank me for guiding Equestria to this light." Cadance squinted her eyes and said, "I'm not sure if you were arrogant or thankful by that last statement." Magicon shrugged. "Take it as you will, I don't care." "Alright then, what am I going to do about those nobles? I can't handle them alone." "I don't what to tell you Cadance. I can't banish them from the court and I was hoping somepony would be able to talk to them and at least appease them." "Magicon, there is no way to appease them unless you do exactly as they say." "And I have no intention of doing that. Celestia and Luna may have been fine with snobby and soulless nobles, but I won't. My Equestria is about the common pony, not the rich ones." "Regardless of what kind of Equestria you're destined to make, I'm still not going to deal with them again." "But isn't it your duty to deal with them?" "It was my duty until this evening." "Are you sure?" "Absolutely." Magicon sighed and sunk lower in his chair, his hoofs in his lap as he thought. "Then come with me, Cadance." He rose and exited towards the bedrooms. Cadance followed him, unsure of what Magicon had planned for her. They didn't speak as they walked and Cadance kept her distance from Magicon. He just seemed off to her. Something was different. She couldn't put her hoof on it but Magicon had changed someway and somehow. Arriving at Magicon's bedroom they both entered and Cadance stood near the door as Magicon lit the candles in his chamber. "Umm…Magicon, what exactly do you want with me?" "Oh, just a little thing. You'll be out of here and on your way soon enough." He kept his back turned toward her as he went over to his bookshelf and did the impossible: he pulled his ancient book from the back of the shelf. Telekinetically laying it on the bed Magicon motioned Cadance over as he flipped through the book. "Do you know what this book is?" he asked. Cadance glanced at the pages and shook her head. The cursive was flawless though the pages were yellow and old. "If figured as much. Well, allow me to enlighten you, this book is an ancient spell-book specializing in dark magic." "Dark magic? Magicon! You know that dark magic is forbidden in Equestria." "Was forbidden. There are a few exceptions to that rule." "And I suppose you're one of them?" "Correct. Now, let's see, ah here we are." "What is it?" "It's a spell that will help you." "I doubt dark magic can help me, Magicon. Thank you kindly for the offer but I must decline. I better get going." She turned to head for the door but found it locked. Trying to open it telekinetically Cadance was knocked backwards by an enchantment preventing her from opening the lock. Turning back to Magicon she saw his horn glowing his signature lavender and felt herself hoisted over to him. "No, I don't think you'll want to leave right now, Cadance. I have plans for you." Suddenly Cadance felt frightened and in danger. Her very life might be at stake. She struggled to break Magicon's hold on her, but her lack of experience with dark magic or even with powerful magic was seriously hindering her. "Let me go this instant!" "Oh, I'll let you go as soon as you behave yourself." "Behave myself?" "That's right, Cadance. You see I need somepony to deal with the nobles and though I have one in the wings she has business to finish up in Ponyville. Until that time I need you to take care of it. Since you won't cooperate with me, I'm forced to subjugate you." "You wouldn't dare!" she spat. "Watch me," he said as chains rose out of the floor and locked themselves onto Cadance. She struggled to avoid them but it was no use. In less than ten seconds Cadance was bolted to the floor, unable to move, unable to break free. Only her head was able move and she looked up at Magicon with desperate and determined eyes. She cast a spell which nearly hit Magicon and she prepared top cast another until she felt a hoof press onto her horn and force her head to the ground. Looking up, she saw Magicon standing practically on top of her. He spoke with menace and intensity in his voice. "You will obey me or I will hurt you, Cadance. I don't want to, but if you force me to, I will do it. Now, you're going to be a good pony and do as I say." "I won't!" Cadance rebutted. "Oh you will, you will." His horn began glowing and a lavender mist surrounded Cadance's and Magicon's heads. Everything else disappeared as their two heads seemed disconnected from their bodies and from Equestria. The world was spinning around both of them and wind pounded her face from all directions. Cadance panicked and struggled to break free, to no avail, while Magicon remained calm and unemotional. "Will you listen to me?" His voice seemed deeper, powerful, and loud. "No!" Cadance screamed. "Let's try that again, will you listen to me?" the wind picked up and Cadance heard an intense buzzing sound in her head. "No," she stammered. The buzzing grew louder and the sound of scratches and screeches were now blasting in Cadance's ears. She had no way of stopping them and her mind was losing it. "Alright, alright! I give in!" The sounds immediately ceased and the winds died down, but Cadance felt lost and extremely confused. "Good, now you will listen to me, Princess Mi Amore Cadanza. You will obey every word I say. You will continue to attend your courtly duties. You will not complain to me or anypony about them. You will do everything I ask you to do. You will stop asking about your husband, Shining Armor. You will stop worrying about him. You will believe every word I say about him. You will not question me. You will not attack me. You will not argue with me. Do you understand?" While Magicon commanded Cadance, she felt herself trying to resist, desperate for anyway to escape. As he spoke, his words grew louder and more powerful. She felt herself losing control over her will. It was slipping and she couldn't save it. The winds rose again and began blasting her from all directions and there was nothing she could do. Then the ear-splitting sounds were heard again and Cadance closed her eyes to try and block them out but they were just too loud. She was desperate to escape, anyway she could but there was nothing, absolutely nothing she could do. "Open your eyes!" she heard and, without thinking, opened them. Immediately she felt pure darkness penetrate her and run through her head. She lost all feeling in her head and body, taking away every sense that was keeping her alive. She lost her senses and now stared blankly at Magicon. "Princess Cadance, will you go to your courtly duties tomorrow?" "Yes," she responded blindly. "Will you engage with the nobility?" "Yes." "Will you complain to me about their problems?" "No." "Will you attack me?" "No." "Will you worry about your husband?" "No." "Will you obey my every word and action?" "Yes." Then she saw a light hit her which brought all feeling back to her. But instead of hearing pain or ear-splitting sounds, she heard nothing. Instead of feeling the brutal wind, she felt only her body. Instead of seeing Magicon's head and the purple mist around them, she saw the bedroom refocus around her. The chains had disappeared and looking at Magicon she saw his magical aurora fading. Getting up she put her hoof to her head and looked over at Magicon who had closed his book and was putting it back on his shelf. "Sit, Princess Cadance," he said with his back turned toward her. She blindly obliged and sat, waiting for her next orders. Magicon came back to her and looked her directly in the eye. "What are you going to do tomorrow?" "I'm going to attend my courtly duties." "Anything else?" "No." He smiled. "That's a good mare. Now, off you go." She rose and left in military-like fashion and closed the door behind her as Magicon prepared his sheets for his long rest. One problem had been solved, but another one rose on his hoofs, one that he didn't know about. In his rush to subjugate Princess Cadance Magicon had forgotten to construct a sound barrier. The two royal guards outside heard everything.