//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: The Cost of Utopia // by Dr Freedom MLP //------------------------------// “Experience has shown, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny.” ― Thomas Jefferson Chapter 1 ______________________________________________________________________________ Princess Celestia strode through the elegant hallways of Canterlot castle with her sister by her side once again. As they walked, they admired the fine tapestries and stunning stained glass windows, color flowing through them and splashing over the floors. "It's good to have you back again, Luna," Celestia said as she smiled over at her sister. "'Tis good to be back," Luna replied. "As much as I fancy the moon, a thousand years is a bit too much." They both laughed, glad to be in each other's company once again. "I forgot how elegant our home is," Luna stated, examining one of the nearby windows that was recently put in. It depicted six young mares defeating Nightmare Moon. Luna winced at remembering the pain and suffering she had endured in the recent past. "Yes, well... if it were not for the fine ponies we rule, none of this would be possible," Celestia commented, knowing her sister may have forgotten how things worked in Equestria. It was good that not much had changed since Luna's imprisonment; it made life easier on her weary sister. "Tis so true. We should go see our subjects now that I am back from my imprisonment." "I quite like that idea." Both alicorns headed for the palace doors, making small talk as they went. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Once outside, the two made their way towards the Anadolu District. The Anadolu ponies were the lowest class in the Equestrian system. They generally worked for the higher classes, fulfilling occupations such as waiters or factory workers. As they walked, the older sister said hello to almost everypony they passed. Luna felt somewhat out-of-place for not knowing anypony, since she had been away for so long. As they approached the center of the district, a gray stallion with a black mane cantered up, practically brimming with happiness at Equestria's leaders unexpected visit. "Howdy!" he shouted towards the princesses. "Good day," Celestia replied, rolling her eyes at the informal salutation. "How goes the production of our necessary resources?" "Everythin's on track n’ we're workin’ hard," he replied with a smile, knowing that that was exactly what she had wanted to hear. "Any problems arise recently?" the white Alicorn asked, raising an eyebrow. She already knew a certain filly had caused some mischief— nothing too serious, but enough that it should be mentioned. She needed to test him, so as to make sure that she was told everything and that nothing slipped by. “Well, there was a small... incident wit’ a filly earlier, but thas’ all under control now.” Good; there was no need to worry. Sometimes Celestia felt that she acted paranoid, but it was the only way to stay in power. Although most of the ponies would never betray her, she couldn't be too careful. “Are thoust ready to depart, my sister?” Luna's voice snapped the white pony back to reality. “Hm? Oh yes of course,” the elder replied, having been slightly startled. They trotted back to the palace, talking as they went. “So what shall we do with your responsibilities?” Celestia asked. “Are you ready to resume your duties or should I slowly give them back to you as you become ready?” Luna pondered this for a moment, honestly wondering if she was ready. “I believe I am prepared to make a full return,” she finally stated, seeming somewhat hesitant. “Are you sure? You seem a bit apprehensive.” Luna breathed deeply. “I’m positive.” She gave a weak smile. Celestia smiled back, trying to hide her concern. Luna always tried to be strong even if it was detrimental to her health. That’s why she had been sent to the moon. Luna had slowly become insane and was a mental hazard to anypony near her, including Celestia. She had secretly cast a spell to turn Luna into Nightmare Moon, allowing Celestia to banish her without criticism from the public. If they knew that one of the rulers had gone insane because of their duties... The elder shook her head as she looked over at Luna, who was apparently lost in her own thoughts. At least that gave her time to think as well. The regular Cleansing was coming up. She always attended, so as to make sure none of the workers got a weak stomach and ran out. Not that that ever happened, or that she expected it, but... the Cleansing was one of the most important and secret operations she— Celestia looked over at Luna before correcting herself, they— ran. Luna had never been to a Cleansing before; it had been created after her banishment. It was used to control the unruly and make sure there were no more problems created than necessary. The white alicorn decided to stop thinking about it. She shouldn’t dwell on that topic too much. It was for the greater good: save the majority at the cost of a few. They arrived at the castle gates just as Celestia made the sun set, nodding to Luna so she would know to raise the moon. It took no effort for either of them at this point; it was as simple as breathing. It could be controlled, yes, but there was no need to... not anymore, anyway. Celestia remembered keeping the sun up for days so as to weaken her sister enough to transform her into Nightmare Moon. Looking down she shook her head, trying to forget the atrocities of the past. When she looked up the moon was right in front of her, a wondrous backdrop for the sisters' palace. The night isn’t too bad, thought the sun princess. In fact, the moon is almost as beautiful as the sun. Its glow gave everything it touched a soft blue tint. The topiaries in the garden leading up to the entrance of the palace seemed to relish the night air. Their leaves rustled in a calm breeze, causing them to gain an air of life around them. They were so realistically done that one might have thought they would just get up and walk away if they had not noticed the flora were not real ponies. A set of guards saluted as the sisters passed by, entering the palace. They made their way up the marble staircase to the dining room slowly after a long day. Up at 6 and back to bed at 10 left much to be desired, but it got the job done. Arriving at the table, they sat across from each other. The table was not too large but large enough to accommodate the two of them. Carvings in the teak wood showing past events such as the Great War and the first banishment of Discord were coated over by a thin magical seal, protecting the history from unnecessary scratches and defacement. Luna cleared her throat just loud enough to interrupt her sister’s train of thought. “I’ve been thinking,” Luna began. “Has anything changed since my... leave?” Celestia's searched her mind for anything that Luna should know. Of course there was the Cleansing, and she couldn't forget the Cutie Mark Creators, but not much else came to mind. "Only a few things have changed," She replied, looking around to make sure none of the servants were listening in before continuing. "The Cleansing is coming up in a couple of days, and then there’s the Cutie Mark Creation Bureau, but I feel both would be better explained if you saw them. We can visit the CMCB tomorrow and then the Cleansing is two days from now so I'll explain those when we get to them. But other than that, not much has changed." In truth much had changed. When Celestia had transformed Luna into Nightmare Moon the older brainwashed the younger so she wouldn't remember how she had become Nightmare Moon. When Luna returned she wouldn't blame her sister. It worked, but with such powerful, and evil magic comes a price. Celestia herself had debated using the spell in the first place. Every moral fiber in her body had told her "This is wrong. She is your sister. What are you doing?" But, with arguable advisement, she proceeded with the plan. The price she paid for the spell was great. While chunks of memory were removed from Luna's mind parts of Celestia's mind were twisted. What had seemed morally wrong at the time seemed like the correct decision afterwards. From there the wrongs began to grow. The ideas behind the "greater good" began to form and slowly over time, unknown to everypony, including Celestia herself, she was corrupted. Eventual he CMCB was formed and then the Cleansing began to take place. Over time Celestia began making changes to the way society worked, and during 1000 years of unchecked dictatorship a lot can happen. Across the table Luna smiled at her sister. Inside though she wrestled with her thoughts, unsure of what was ahead yet wary of the things to come. “Well I’m glad to hear we did not miss too much during our absence,” Luna replied, obviously unsettled. “You’ll be fine. Don’t worry so much.” Her sister reassured her. “Thank you.” Luna smiled, but behind her façade, her mind was racing. What had her sister done while she was gone? Neither of the things she named sounded like they would do any good. This “Cleansing” she spoke of sound like it would end badly and this Bureau... Nothing good could come of changing what nature should control. At least that’s what it sounded like these ponies were doing. Creating cutie marks was supposed to be nature’s responsibility. Maybe I’m overreacting, she thought. It can’t be that bad right? My sister wouldn’t do anything that she didn't think made Equestria a better place. She decided to just wait and see. Once their dinner was served they quickly ate. Tonight’s meal was the finest grain in Equestria. Their drink was 100-year fermented red wine and dessert was a vanilla cake. It was multi-layered, coated in white icing and blue fondant. After their filling meal, most of which had been left unfinished, they made their way upstairs. They then got into their four-post beds with silk sheets matching their respective color and slowly drifted to sleep.