//------------------------------// // To Begin Anew // Story: No Heroes Part IV - The Crystal Empress // by PaulAsaran //------------------------------// A month had passed since the crisis, now being dubbed “The Silma Incident”. The citizens of Ponyville and Canterlot returned to their homes, grateful to discover that both the town and city had been spared the destruction. Much of the world had not been so fortunate; entire cities in ruins, smaller nations wasted, millions of ponies killed. Not just ponies, but the griffons, the nilgiri, and all the other races, too. Major seaports had been wiped off the map, leaving naval trade routes unusable and the world economy in a state of freefall. Refugees poured into the more fortunate lands that managed to avoid the devastation, overfilling borders and leading to mass chaos. Riptide had all but destroyed modern pony civilization. Fine and Octavia walked the pale halls of Canterlot Castle’s medical wing. Fine wanted to speak up, but he had no words for his companion. She, in turn, was silent, her mind set upon her own troubles. The medical wing wasn’t so bad as the hospitals in the city itself, which were overflowing with refugees. Here everything was quiet and calm and sterile, like a proper medical center. They came upon the room they’d been seeking, Fine rapping his hoof against the pale door. “It’s open.” Lightning Dust’s room was significant for a mere hospital residence. As one of the heroes of the recent crisis, no expense had been spared for her recovery. Fine had spent some time in one of these rooms himself, as had Upper Crust and Jet Set. Pinkie Pie had been released only recently, though all the others had healed much more quickly. “Hey, guys.” Lightning greeted them with a strained smile. “How’s it goin'?” “You first,” Fine countered, casting a wary look at Octavia’s frown. “Did they figure anything out, yet?” Lightning’s smile grew more honest. “Yeah, they did! The doctors think the muscle’s healing properly, so I should be able to fly. They’re keeping me another week before release, though.” “That’s great news,” Octavia declared, giving their friend a hug. “I’m sure Keen will be thrilled!” Lightning gained a worried expression as they separated. “How is she? Doing okay with Fluttershy?” The question had been directed at Fine, who nodded pleasantly. “She’s just fine. Her lessons with Twilight are going well. She really misses you, though. Sorry we couldn’t bring her along.” “It’s alright,” Lightning replied, though she sagged just a little. “I can’t wait to get out of here. Being cooped up is terrible!” “So you’ve mentioned,” Octavia noted with a weak smile. Lightning gave her a curious look. “What about you, Octy? Any news from Nildia?” Octavia tensed, and for a few seconds she struggled to keep from breaking into tears. “Y-yes…” Fine rubbed her back soothingly before giving Lightning a sad look. “We found out just yesterday. Benjamina’s okay, but Rochette… he didn’t make it.” “Oh.” Lightning wilted. “Octavia, I’m sorry…” “Me too,” she whispered miserably. “But… everypony else is okay… so…” It seemed nopony had come out of the crisis untouched. Foal Mountains had been hit hard, so some of Lightning’s old friends were gone. Jimmy and Nye learned of their father’s death early on, just as Fine had learned of his own father’s demise. Jet Set and Upper Crust had both lost relatives. The Elements of Harmony weren’t spared, either, losing friends from around Equestria. Applejack had been hit the hardest; entire branches of the Apple family tree had been swept away in the catastrophe. But they all pressed on. In the chaotic aftermath, there was no other option. Except maybe to give up, but none of them were ready to do that. Everypony was doing his or her part, and though the month had been long and filled with pain, it had also been a time of progress. And now, something new had come up. “Luna and Celestia have called a meeting today,” Fine told Lightning. “If you’re up for it, we’re here to fetch you.” Lightning sighed, relief and sorrow mixing in her expression. “Please, yes! Anything to get out of here for a little while.” Fine comforted Octavia some more as Lightning got out of her drab hospital attire. She was being unusually cautious about her wing, and even had them wait until a nurse could answer her call and check her bandages, just to be sure, before they left. The risk of never being able to fly again weighed heavily on her mind, and though it took every ounce of willpower not to try and be active, she devoted herself to following the doctor’s orders and keeping rested. At last, the three of them left the medical wing, Lightning’s midsection in a fresh set of bandages. “So,” she asked them curiously, “what this meeting all about?” “Don’t know,” Fine admitted. “For once, Luna’s kept me in the dark.” “As long as we’re not being praised, anymore,” she muttered grumpily. “I know we rescued the Elements of Harmony and the Princesses, but…” “We all feel the same way,” Octavia declared, having finally recovered somewhat from her bought of sadness. “After all that’s happened, none of us are feeling very heroic.” “Maybe not,” Fine agreed, “but now everypony’s looking to us for guidance. It’s rather annoying, really.” “Speak for yourself,” Lightning grumbled. “You were only vaguely mentioned in Celestia’s and Luna’s award speeches, and of course you weren’t there.” “I’m still the Mane Archon,” he noted solemnly, “and the Archons are still a secret organization.” “Which means we get the brunt of the fans,” Octavia noted unhappily. “No thank you.” He offered her a small smile. “Oh come on, just think about what it’s doing for your career.” They were approaching the Royal Conference Room, and were pleased to see a few familiar faces coming from the opposite direction. Jimmy, Nye, Rarity and a still bandaged-up Pinkie greeted them before the large double doors. “Well, look at the lovebirds,” Lightning noted with a grin at Rarity and Jimmy. Jimmy blushed, a common thing nowadays, but Rarity only grinned proudly. She raised her head in a proud fashion. “You’re just jealous at me for catching the best stallion in Equestria.” She snuggled up to Jimmy, who broke into a foolish grin. “Yeah, jealous, that’s it,” Lightning replied with no small amount of sarcasm. “Hey Pinkie, feeling any better?” “Oh, I’m feeling a lot better!” she cried excitedly. “I’m so happy to be back in Ponyville and making friend, friends, so many new friends! I can’t wait till you get back, I’ll introduce you to all-“ She had started to raise her legs in a wide gesture, but cringed and lowered them once more. “Ehehe… Keep forgetting I can’t move around so much right now.” Fine cringed. “Sorry…” She shook her head, wincing only a little at the pain. “It’s okay, you did whatcha had to. I’m glad it was you who did it, I can’t imagine having to fight somepony else!” He tilted his head uncertainly. “Thanks… I think?” Rarity gave him a high-browed, unpleasant frown. “I still think you were too rough on her, Fine. Pinkie might have been a hoof-full, but she’s still-“ Pinkie set a hoof to Rarity's lips with a comforting smile. “I keep telling ya, Rare, it’s okay. I appreciate that he came for me at all.” Octavia took the opportunity to address Nye, who’d been watching the entire scene with a bemused smile. “So, feel any different now that you’re officially a Count?” He chuckled, scratching his head nervously. “Not really. A lot of the refugees keep coming to me as if thinking I’m some super-important figure who can make things happen. They haven’t figured out that it’s just an honorary title.” “You’re still an important figure, Nye,” Fine told him with a pleasant smile. “You better get used to it.” Nye sighed dejectedly. “I guess… I don’t feel so important. Being a Count doesn’t make me feel any better about how things turned out.” The silence that passed amongst them was depressing, and lasted just a little too long. They all felt much the same way. “Well,” Rarity offered with an attempt at a smile, “you all should head in. No doubt the Princesses are waiting for you.” “Wait, you’re not coming?” Nye asked in mild surprise. “Nopies,” Pinkie replied with unusual quietness, “this meeting is for Luna ponies, only.” Fine tilted his head at her. “Then why’d you come all the way out to Canterlot?” “Does a lady need a reason to visit Canterlot?” Rarity asked, batting her eyes at him. But his attention was on Pinkie. She gained a nervous smile and glanced away. “What? I just wanted to come and see you guys, that’s all. Get going, Luna won’t wait forever!” She pushed him to the door with just a little too much force. “They’re right,” Nye noted, opening the doors and giving them all meaningful looks. “Let’s get in there. I think Upper Crust’s already inside.” They bid Pinkie and Rarity adieu for the time being and made their way in. The conference room was dimly lit, and not as big as any of them might have expected. Except Fine, who’d been there before. Just as Nye had predicted, Upper Crust was already sitting near the head of the massive table. “Hey, Crustie,” Lightning called, earning a cringe from Upper Crust. “How’s Equestria’s star dragonslayer?” Upper Crust drooped in a sulking fashion. “Wishing everypony would forget she’s slain a dragon.” “Good luck with that,” Jimmy noted, giving her a friendly hug. “Even the most conservative estimates put the cleanup of the body at something around twenty years.” “And so long as there’s a body, everypony’s gonna think of the pony who killed it,” Nye added, following up his brother’s hug with one of his own. “How’s Jet doing?” “He’s not whining like a foal anymore, if that’s what you mean,” she told him with a grin, turning to hug Lightning very carefully. “He’ll be okay, provided I can get him to stay still and stop fretting over everything.” She held on to Octavia for a few seconds longer than the others. “I don’t suppose you’ve heard anything about what this meeting’s about?” Lightning asked her as they all took seats. It was an awkward sight, a mere six ponies settling down at a table clearly meant for a couple dozen. “Luna didn’t tell any of you?” she asked, clearly surprised by this news. She turned to Fine, who had sat next to her. “What about you? Luna tells you everything.” She offered him a hug, which he accepted in a slow, uncertain manner. “Not everything, it seems,” he answered with a small smile. “And for good reason.” They all turned to see both Princess Luna and Princess Celestia coming from another entrance. They both appeared quite pleased with themselves. It had been Luna who’d spoken. Celestia added as they approached, “The decisions behind this meeting required a lot of dialog between my sister and I, so we couldn’t have explained it properly.” The ponies all stood to bow politely, waiting for the Princesses to take their seats at the head of the table before following suite. That done, Luna spoke with a touch more familiarity; “My sister and I will try to keep this as brief as we can. We’re aware that one of you-“ She nodded sympathetically to Octavia. “-will need to make preparations for a long journey.” Octavia bowed her head a little. “I appreciate that…” Fine leaned forward to eye Luna purposefully. “Alright, so what’s this all about? It sounded pretty important.” The sisters cast knowing looks at one another. It was Celestia who answered. “Tell me, have any of you heard of the Lunar Republic?” Most of them cast clueless looks about the room, but Octavia and Fine both responded with scowls. Octavia was the first to speak. “A group of ruffians who – if you’ll pardon my rough language – bastardized Luna’s name and sullied her reputation.” “Oh, it goes deeper than that,” Fine noted dourly. “Indeed,” Celestia agreed. The others were clearly confused, so she went on. “The Lunar Republic claimed to be a group of ponies dedicated to the rule of my sister. They formed immediately following her exile, supposedly in retaliation for her unjust punishment.” All the ponies present shifted anxiously, not a single one of them daring to ask if she’d just acknowledged something ponies throughout history had been suggesting. Luna coughed distractingly before resuming for her sister. “Who they were and what they intended no longer matters. The Lunar Republic is gone, and it is a good thing.” Nye, clearly confused, asked, “But if they’re all gone, why are we being told about them now?” “For a little background,” Celestia offered cryptically. “In English?” Lightning asked with an annoyed expression. The Princesses shared yet another knowing look. “Celestia and I have been discussing how my role in ruling Equestria is to be revised,” Luna answered. “The events of the past month have revealed many things to me,” Celestia admitted, a touch of shame in her tone. “Things between my sister and I were never truly righted, and now I intend to make amends.” “Make amends how?” Jimmy asked, a modicum of skepticism in his voice. “By reinstating the Lunar Republic,” she replied with a pleasant smile. There was a collective gasp from the ponies. Most appeared no less confused than before… except for Fine, who had a contemplative, grim expression, and Upper Crust, who stood up in anger. “What? Why would you want to do that? Didn’t you just say that the Lunar Republic was corrupt?” Luna nodded. “The leaders of the Republic abused my name, and manipulated thousands of ponies, to enhance their own power. Yet this new order, this ‘New Lunar Republic,’ shall be led by myself. It will do what I would have wanted.” “Which is what?” Octavia asked anxiously. Neither Luna or Celestia answered. A moment of anxious silence passed through the room, all the ponies wondering about the question. In the end, his voice steady, Fine spoke. “To protect Equestria, of course.” Luna gave him a pleased smile. “You understand perfectly.” “But there is more to it than that,” Celestia went on regally. “I, like so many others before me, chose to ignore, or even belittle, the contributions of certain ponies. I even failed to heed the fears of my own sister. Because of this, Equestria – indeed, the entire world – was nearly swept away by corruption.” “I think I see where this is going,” Fine noted, sinking down in his seat fretfully. “Brace yourselves, everypony, we’re about to get praised again.” “We know you all don’t feel like the saviors much of Equestria is touting you to be,” Luna admitted sadly. There was another anxious pause. It was Lightning who finally responded, tone bitter. “We might have rescued you and the Elements, but we’re also responsible for everything else.” “With all due respect,” Jimmy added quietly, “we’re no heroes.” Upper Crust, with head bowed and guilt on her face, spoke. “If anypony here is responsible, it is me. If I hadn’t killed Archon, Riptide-” Fine stood, his steady but firm presence driving her to silence. He cast his looming gaze upon all of them, even the Princesses. “It was my plan, my decision. As I told Archon – and Upper Crust and Jimmy can confirm it – I was prepared to see hundreds of thousands, even millions, perish if it meant protecting posterity from the rule of Silma. I’m not proud, but if the situation occurred a second time I’d do nothing differently.” None of them would debate him. They all bowed their heads, or looked away, but they wouldn’t disagree. Not a single one of them thought any differently. “And that is what makes you all so important,” Celestia announced quietly. They all gave her alarmed looks, not comprehending what might drive her to say something like that. “Fine, that willingness to make the sacrifice is important. It’s one of the reasons Hoofknife chose you as his successor.” “And do not forget,” Luna added with equal solemnity, “that I could have overruled your plan at any time. I did not. We are all guilty; we allowed the world to be horribly scarred to prevent its enslavement. That we feel guilt for the ruination is not a bad thing, provided we remain confident in our view that what we chose was the best decision available. I, for one, have no doubts.” “Nor do I,” Nye added when it was clear she’d finished. “We did what we had to.” “The consequences of our actions are terrible,” Octavia added unhappily, “but, when I think of the alternative…” There were several nods of agreement. “I think we all agree that what we did was necessary,” Upper Crust suggested. Nopony argued. Celestia let her horn shine, not very brightly, but enough to catch their attention. She possessed a regal pose, but when she spoke her voice was soft. “These events have made me aware, as well. I learned a valuable lesson, one that I intend to take to heart. It has been said by many ponies here that Equestria is a land of opposites. For centuries I attempted to bury the darker half of our world in shimmering light. I was afraid of what the darkness might produce, unaware that my very actions were creating these corrupt elements of Equestria.” “The darkness only seems darker when the light grows brighter,” Fine noted in a tone of experience. Celestia shook her head. “So many believe the shadow is a product of the light, but that has never been the case.” This statement made many of the ponies cast questioning looks at one another. Luna, at her sister’s nod, explained. “The sun was created to drive back the darkness. Hence, the darkness was there first. It is the most natural and purest of elements. For centuries, ponies were led to believe that the darkness was corrupt and dangerous.” “A belief spurred on by my neglect and ignorance,” Celestia admitted sadly. “But now I’ve come to understand that darkness is not the source of corruption. Silma proves, beyond any doubt, that those who represent the light can be just as dangerous.” “And you, my little ponies,” Luna concluded happily, “have shown the world what those who represent the darkness are capable of. All of you, in some fashion, have faced the darker side of Equestrian life. Your experiences have made you strong, so strong that you were able to do what the Elements of Harmony could not.” Lightning Dust had been quieter than the others, but now she shook her head. “This one event doesn’t change all that. I mean yeah, we’re famous now, but there are thousands, maybe millions of ponies out there like us who won’t be treated any differently.” “It will be a slow process, that is true,” Celestia admitted kindly, “but it is progress that you all have begun. You six have brought Equestria on its first step to becoming better than it ever was, a step a thousand years in the making. There are things that you can do which I never could.” “Really?” Upper Crust asked, sounding skeptical. “Like what?” Nye added in a similar tone. Celestia smiled sadly and lowered her head. “Like… make the decision to permit so many to perish for the good of the future. I promise you, had I been in that situation, I would not have made the same decision. Even now, knowing that it was the best course of action, I would not be able to do it.” She raised her head, eyes firm. “That is why Equestria needs ponies like you, and like my sister. Such decisions must be made at times, and only those baptized in darkness are truly prepared to make them.” Fine raised his head, eyes lighting up. “The New Lunar Republic.” The others gained expressions of understanding at his words. “Yes,” Luna announced proudly. “We will be the defenders of Equestria.” “I intend to announce the Republic’s formation next week,” Celestia told them. “A new order, under the guidance of Luna. There are countless ponies out there who are dissatisfied, ponies who want things to be different. Luna will lead these ponies; for the first time since Silma’s original rule, my sister will have ponies loyal specifically and only to her.” Jimmy, scratching his head uncertainly, was the first to pose the question. “So, what is the Republic? A new nation? A secret organization?” “Generally speaking,” Luna answered, “all ponies within the Republic will still be citizens of Equestria, but their allegiances will fall to me, rather than Celestia. There will be nothing secretive about who is in the Republic.” “But what about governance?” Octavia asked worriedly. “Will ponies in the Republic be answerable to the same laws as the rest of the citizenry?” “How will it be organized?” Upper Crust added. “What will these ponies be responsible for?” Lightning threw in. Celestia raised a hoof, effectively silencing these questions. “The details need to be worked out, and carefully. The one thing Luna and I have agreed upon is that, just as I have a council of advisors, she will need a council of her own. So, along with the Republic, the first order of business is to assign the Order of Shadow, as Luna wishes to name said council.” Nye leaned back in his seat, appearing not just a little worried. “Is this going where I think it’s going?” Luna gave him a pleased smile. “I think that, for now, a six-seat council will be just right.” The six ponies went silent in combined disbelief. For a long while, nopony could say a single word. Jimmy finally broke the silence. “You want us to be your royal advisors?” Lightning sounded downright frightened. “You want us to lead a nation within a nation?” “Don’t get us wrong,” Celestia added hastily. “We are not pressing any of you into service,” Luna told them reassuringly. “But, as ponies who have more than proven yourselves, and as my personal friends, I want you all.” Fine stood once more, his expression calm. “Two things I want clarified immediately. First: what’s going to happen to the Archons? It almost sounds to me as if they’re being replaced.” “Do not worry, Fine,” Celestia instructed kindly. “The Archons are vital to Equestria’s well-being. These recent events make that more clear than ever. Your ponies aren’t going anywhere.” He breathed a relieved sigh, gaining a small smile at this news. “Good… Second: is this role you’re offering an administrative position, like a governing office? Or is it more of an advising role or, if we’re still to be compared to the Elements of Harmony, a supportive role?” “Leadership is to be expected, of course,” Luna told them, “but when it comes down to it, I will rule the Republic. You will be advisors, and there will be powers assigned to you. But even then, should you all wish to lead your normal lives rather than take a direct leading role, that would be acceptable. As we said, we’re still working out the idea.” “I dunno,” Lightning said hesitantly. “Some of us aren’t exactly decision-makers.” “You do yourself a disservice, Lightning,” Upper Crust declared, and she was curiously confident. “We’ve all had to make big decisions in the past few years.” She turned to look upon Luna, expression calm. “I recently got a taste of real responsibility. It helped me to realize that I don’t want to just sit on the sidelines and let the important decisions be dictated to me. “Of course,” she added with a nod to Jimmy, “I don’t want to quit my current job, either. So I’d be willing to take on an advising role.” Luna beamed at this news. “I am so very glad to hear it!” At this confirmation, Nye leaned forward in a leisurely fashion that defied the mild nervousness in his tone. “I’m already a Count,” he noted. “I appreciate the title, but without at least some sort of responsibility attached, I’m not too comfortable with it. Aside from that, I’m always willing to help you, Luna, in whatever way I can.” “A point you’ve more than proven,” Celestia mentioned, her tone grateful. He smiled at her, blushing as he brushed his mane from his face. “Yeah… so… I’ll be an advisor. I don’t know if anything I say will be worth the air it takes to say it, though.” “Your opinion will be no less valued than that of anypony else,” Luna assured him with a grin. “Good Goddess,” Jimmy muttered, casting a mocking but anxious look at his twin. “If Nye’s on the Council with nopony to talk sense into him, the Republic’s time will be up before it even forms! Now I have to sign on just to protect you from his bad ideas.” Nye whacked Jimmy’s shoulder playfully. “Thanks for the support!” Octavia gave a small sigh, a wry smile on her lips. “A mechanic, a lazy tailchaser, and an estimator. I suppose I must join, now, otherwise who will give the Republic a proper sense of class and culture?” Luna gave a small giggle at her words. “I am sure you will be more than suited to the task.” All eyes fell on Lightning and Fine. He was sitting with elbows on the table and hooves touched just before his muzzle. It was a very serious, contemplative expression that adorned his face. She, on the other hoof, was shifting anxiously in her seat. She glanced at Fine, who’s eyes shifted to her with an intense focus. At last, with head bowed, she spoke. “Tough times are ahead for everypony. We’re already seeing signs of it, and my first concern is for my little filly.” She looked up to gaze upon the Princesses, her anxiety abruptly gone. “Keen is now going to grow up in a world ravaged by Riptide. I want to give her every advantage I can. If my being on this Council will help to make the world better, then for her sake I will do it.” “And you will be most welcome,” Luna agreed. “I can think of no better motivation.” Lightning gave her most confident smile; her decision had been made, and she wouldn’t be turning back. That just left Fine, who was still set in that solemn, firm pose. Everypony was watching him now. A few tried to speak, but something about his demeanor kept them silent. Luna and Celestia both frowned, matching his expression with solemn looks of their own, yet even they didn’t speak. His deliberation – for it was clear that he was considering the situation carefully – made all the others feel as if their decisions might have been hasty. “I am concerned,” he said at last, finally lowering his hooves from his face. “I am the Mane Archon. I have an entire organization of very dangerous ponies with an international reach under my command. Now you’re asking me to have a hoof in the formation and potential leadership of an entirely new national order. I feel as though it’s far too much power for a single pony.” Celestia raised a doubting eyebrow. “I find it difficult to believe that you, Fine Crime, are afraid of being too strong.” “Power corrupts,” he declared. “No disrespect is intended when I say this, Princess, but nopony who has grasped power can honestly claim not to have abused it at some point.” Celestia pursed her lips in an unpleasant scowl, but when she averted her eyes it was as good as conceding his point. “I like being in charge. It makes me feel good. I like to think that I use my powers responsibly… but I do not want to risk it.” Luna spoke up, her voice quiet. “Let me remind you that you would not be leading the Republic, only advising me.” “But leadership is expected,” he countered ominously. “As you said.” They all shared anxious looks, his words clearly worrying them. It was Octavia who spoke. “You’ve proven on many occasions to be a perfectly responsible leader, Fine.” “You got us through the latest crisis,” Jimmy confirmed. “Your plan saved Equestria,” Lightning added. “Without you we wouldn’t even be here,” Upper Crust mentioned. “It wouldn’t feel right without our fearless leader,” Nye told him. Yet despite their praise, Fine did not appear at all swayed. “I’ll make it as clear as I can,” Luna said in a determined tone, eyes locked firmly upon his. “Fine, in a time of crisis, when tough decisions must be chosen, there is no opinion I value more than yours. Indeed, I want you on the Council more than anypony here. Your experience as the Mane Archon makes you perfect for helping us plan the organization of the Republic. Your foresight would be invaluable in planning for the Republic’s merging with the existing Equestrian governing system. And should Equestria come under threat from forces Celestia and her ponies of the light cannot handle, nopony is better suited to lead the Republic against such dangers. I need you on the Council, Fine.” Fine tilted his head, a calm, investigative motion. “So… the first order of business for us would be to help you design the Republic’s governing structure?” She nodded, and he considered this for a long time. None of the others spoke. They only watched him with hopeful, or worried, expressions. “If I am to join this, I want power restrictions,” he said at last. “You suggest that I might be made to aid the Republic in a situation of dire need? I want little to no power, Luna. Unless a situation calls for my direct involvement, this is your show, and I want everypony to know it.” “So you will join?” she asked. “Yes,” he nodded, “but now you let me be clear: if the manner of this Republic’s design appears to be moving towards granting me any powers at all, I’m gone. I am an Archon, and I want my leadership role to stick to them.” “I think that is suitable for everypony,” Celestia declared with a pleased smile, and Luna nodded her acceptance. “In the meantime,” he went on, his manner more relaxed now that his gravest concern had passed, “might I make a starting suggestion? I think the Council will need a leader to oversee what we’ll all be responsible for.” Jimmy leaned back with an annoyed wave of his hoof at Fine. “I thought the same thing, and until a few seconds ago I was going to recommend you.” “I was the leader of the team,” he acknowledged, “but something tells me this will take precedence over that. We’re not a team, anymore; we’re a Council, and I’m washing my hooves of the leading role. Despite all your praise, I really think I’m not best suited to the task anymore. Besides, I already have to lead the Archons in addition to whatever I do with you guys.” “Then who would you suggest lead the Council?” Upper Crust asked. Fine smiled and turned to gesture past her. “Octavia.” “Me?” She sounded mildly surprised, but not worried. “Why me?” “Need I remind you?” he asked. “If Luna hadn’t specifically asked me to lead this team, you would have led it at my recommendation.” “I can see that,” Nye admitted. “You’re smart.” “Brave,” Lightning agreed. “Strong,” Jimmy noted. “Confident,” Upper Crust acknowledged. “The list could go on,” Fine concluded, “but the point is that you’re a natural leader, Octavia. You just haven’t had a chance to prove it.” He cast his eyes upon Luna. The Princess nodded in understanding. “And you’ll get that chance. Assuming you’re willing to accept it?” Octavia looked at all of them, a small smile on her lips. “You guys… I suppose I don’t have a choice, after being heaped with so much praise.” “Then it’s settled.” Celestia nodded to Luna, eyes shining with pride. “I’m sorry it took so long for you to get this, little sister.” The two shared a satisfying moment of silence, but it was short lived. “And now I will be taking my leave.” “What?” Lightning raised her head curiously. “Already?” “The Order of Shadow is having its first meeting,” she declared happily, “and I am not a member. Good luck, everypony.” She departed with head held high and a spring in her step. They all watched her go in silence, a certain happiness filling them for reason most didn’t understand. “What just happened?” Upper Crust asked. “Isn’t it obvious?” Nye asked, grinning up at Luna. “Luna’s been promoted.” “Promoted?” Lightning asked skeptically. “How do you promote your co-ruler?” “By giving her equal powers,” Fine declared, a smug look on his face. “How does it feel to not have her looking over your shoulder, anymore?” “Pleasing beyond words,” the Princess declared with emphasis, her smile and tone matching his wry manner. “I want to thank all of you. I was very hopeful that you’d all agree to this.” Nye stood, catching her eye and speaking in a proud tone. “I said it once already: you’re our Princess. We believe in you, and in turn we believe in this new Republic. It’s about time you got the appreciation you deserve.” “I’ll second that,” Jimmy declared, standing and wrapping a leg around his brother’s shoulder. “I welcome this change.” “As do I,” Octavia announced, standing as well. “This land and its people are in for dire times, and yet I believe that this moment foretells great things in Equestria’s future.” Lightning stood, too. “I’ll admit, I was never very patriotic about Equestria,” she confessed without guilt. “But this? I can get behind the Republic.” “Far be it for me to be left out,” Upper Crust said, joining them. “For the future of Equestria, and for Luna.” Fine, ever calm but no less proud, slowly stood. “For Luna.” The Princess beamed at them, visibly touched by this showing of support. She nodded to them all and breathed a deep, pleased breath. “To the New Lunar Republic, and the future of Equestria.”