//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 // Story: The Death of Equestria // by Starlight Comet //------------------------------// As Starlight walked into the throne room, he saw that he was not the only one that Celestia had called forth. He looked around the room to see not only Celestia and Luna, but Princesses Cadence and Twilight Sparkle, Shining Armor, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash. As he walked toward everypony, Cadence gave him a smile which he returned. Twilight also smiled at Starlight, but in a loving way. However, her smile faded when Starlight indicated that Shining Armor was watching. "Good to see that you finally joined us, my son." Celestia said in the sweetest voice she could muster. Although she tried to act and look calm, Starlight could sense some tension she was holding inside herself. "We were just discussing," Celestia continued, "about how wrong it was for my sister to DISOBEY MY ORDERS!!!" The use of her equestrian voice caused all but Cadence, Twilight, and Starlight to shudder. "I specifically told you, Luna," Celestia said angrily, "that civil war would be inevitable if two forms of government were to exist in Equestria. But because of your ignorance, you went behind my back and established this 'republic' of your's." Luna then looked up at her sister. "True," she said, "I went against your word and did something behind your back. But I did it for the sake of ponies who believe that they should have a say in political matters. I was only trying to help them, Tia; I care about the citizens of our world." Celestia's expression, which was of anger, suddenly turned to concern. "I know, Luna," she said calmly, "you care too much about the ponies of our world. You just wanted them to have a say in things. But why would you break a promise to me?" "Maybe..." Luna started to say, but she paused and then looked at her sister with a look of rage. "Maybe I did it," she said through gritted teeth, "because I know exactly how they are feeling about being controlled everyday by someone else." Although she knew where this was going, Celestia decided to act confused and asked, "Whatever do you mean, Luna?" "DON'T GIVE ME THAT, CELESTIA!!!!" Luna yelled in anger. "You know exactly what I mean. I can relate to those ponies because you impose the same exact rules on me. I am never given a say in matters and the only things I do around here are raising the moon and creating the stars at night. But when I constructed my castle and the village, I felt alive. I could be my own self and nopony would argue or care." As Luna continued talking, Starlight noticed that both her's and Celestia's horns were glowing brightly. He knew at that instant that there was going to be trouble. "But YOU, sister," Luna continued, "YOU have to be the almighty ruler of this land; YOU have to be right all the time. To me, you are a pathetic ruler and an even more pathetic sister!!!" At this, Celestia shot a beam of energy at Luna. Realizing this, Luna responded with a beam of equal power. "EVERYPONY, TAKE COVER!!!" Starlight yelled as the beams of energy collided with each other. A shockwave erupted, shattering all of the stained glass and sending most of the others off the feet. When the dust settled, Princesses Celestia and Luna were standing face to face, glaring at each other. "It seems that as of now, we are at war." Luna panted. "Indeed, 'dear sister'" Celestia replied through gritted teeth. She then turned to Starlight and the others and said, "You all must choose a side. Remember, though, that you will be fighting against each other if any of you switch sides. The choice is your's, and your's alone." After a few moments, Shining Armor, Cadence, Twilight, Applejack, and Rarity stood next to her. Twilight, Applejack, and Rarity looked around for the rest of their friends and saw Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie standing next to Luna. All three of them looked sadly downward, avoiding the gazes of their friends. Only Starlight remained; however, he knew what his answer was. "Starlight," Celestia said, "please come here." Starlight looked up at his mother and said, "no." Celestia, obviously annoyed, stated "Come now, son. Now is not the time for..." "I...said....NO!!!" Starlight cried out. "I am not choosing any side. Mother, you cannot expect to rule over a land where ponies have little to know rights. They would no doubt start a revolution. And Aunt Luna," he continued, turning his attentions to the princess of the night, "I applaud you for establishing a government in which ponies have a say in political matters. However, what you are establishing is a republic, where a majority of the political powers go to the states. Without order, the federal government can impose little to no power over the people. There must be a balance of each power in a single government." "HOW DARE YOU!!" Princess Celestia exclaimed. "I asked you to protect Equestria when I was gone because I felt that you were up to the task of ruling this world wisely. Now it seems that I was wrong; you are nothing but an ignorant colt!" "AND YOU ARE A STUBBORN PRINCESS AND A FOOL!!!!!!" roared Starlight. Gasps came from Twilght and her friends as they heard those harsh words. Starlight did not care, however; his mother had to know the truth. After staring daggers at each other, Starlight turned and walked toward the door. Before he went through, however, he turned and looked at those standing around Celestia and Luna. "I will be establishing my own government," he said, "one in which ponies will have liberties and rights granted upon them by a federal government. Does anyone wish to join me?" As he looked around, he saw that everypony was looking down at the ground, either in shame or in defiance. When nopony stepped forward, Starlight haughtily said, "Some friends I had." Then he turned to Celestia and Luna and said, "I do not wish to be part of your war. But if either of you decide to attack my government, I will strike both of you down." As he flew out from one of the open windows, Luna turned to Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. "I think it is time we left." she said. Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie nodded their heads in agreement. Just before they left, the three friends looked at Twilight, Rarity, and Applejack. "Goodbye, Twilight." Rainbow Dash said, "Stay out of trouble, will you?" Twilight nodded as she embraced Rainbow with tears in her eyes. "Good luck to ya, Fluttershy." Applejack addressed the yellow Pegasus pony with sadness in her tone. "I'll try to watch over the critters while you're gone, kay?" "okay..." Fluttershy said with a sniffle. As the friends ended their goodbyes, Luna motioned for Pinkie to get on her back. As soon as Pinkie was situated, Luna, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy flew out the window and out of sight. As she watched her friends leave, Twilight's knees gave way and she started to cry.