Equestria, 03-10-05 A.N.M., Before Sunrise (After Nightmare Moon)
Light
Color.
Her world was full of both light and color. Sounds, smells, and even her ability to taste were all in color. Every vibrant shade of color that could be found, even those that couldn’t be seen by normal eyes, could be seen.
Where am I? Who am I? How did I get here? Thoughts such as these began filtering past the colors that she could see around her. Images and shapes began to form, all sharper than one would expect. Faces that she knew, ponies that she loved, with one pony, one PRINCESS that she held dear in her heart being most prominent. The images began to flow faster, and then the colors began to change. Solid shapes began to form.
Above her was a bright sky, with the colors of the Light that comes from the Crystal Heart twisting in brilliant shapes. She was standing on a plateau, with winds swirling all around it. A copse of trees near a pond were here, along with a stone altar. This is a place of worship, she thought to herself. Suddenly, the shape on the altar came into greater detail. A purple furred pony, with wings and horn, was lying on the altar, as though she was some sort of sacrifice. Her hooves were decorated with gold hoof boots, and around her neck was a purple and gold petrayal, with her starburst cutie mark prominently displayed. My Princess!! She’s my Princess!! With little thought, she moved closer to the form, only to see that the horn was wrong. It was red, curved, and looked to be made of crystal. The form stirred, and opened her eyes. They were a dark purple, almost black. Her pupils were slitted, like a dragon’s. Tendrils of green shadow energy trailed from the sides of her eyes.
Stumbling, she began to back away, only to see a sword lying next to her Princess. Another shape came, this one crawling out of the shadows to the side of the altar. A form she thought long dead began to take shape; a black unicorn, wearing a red cloak, with a curved horn, stepped out of the pooling shadows. With a crafty, evil smirk, he turned to her, then to the form on the altar.
“If you want to stop me, make your choice.”
Rainbow Dash woke up screaming.
“Ugh, that dream again. When is it going to stop?” Grumbling, Rainbow Dash rolled off her cloud mattress to begin her day.
For the last few days, Rainbow had been having a recurring nightmare. She was never able to remember any details beyond light, and a sense of fear so profound, that she woke up screaming every time.
“Eh, thinking about it like this isn’t gonna get anything done. I need a shower, and something to eat before I head to the office to see the new weather schedule.” Rainbow made her way to her kitchen to grab a couple of apples and a bag of unsalted peanuts. Like most pegasi, Rainbow needed more protein than was found in fruits and vegetables. Usually, she’d get a bag of peanuts or a granola bar to eat before she went to work.
Carrying her food under one wing (and only noticing subconsciously that she had actually levitated the bag of peanuts), Rainbow sat down at her kitchen table before making short work of her breakfast. She then made her way to her bathroom to take her morning shower.
Minutes later, she was done, and made her way to Ponyville’s Weather Control Center.
Equestria, Canterlot Castle, 03-10-05 A.N.M., 9:36 AM (After Nightmare Moon)
In Canterlot Castle, Princess Celestia was currently debating whether or not she wanted to continue to listen to what the pony currently before her had to say. On any other day, Prince Blueblood would be a considerable nuisance, even considering his kinship with herself and her sister. Today, however, his insistence in harping on issues that he had no control over was more than an annoyance, since there were other, more pressing matters she had to attend to. Namely, trying to finish her breakfast before morning Court.
“...furthermore, not only do I think it a waste to continue to divert precious taxes to the maintenance of that eyesore of a palace, but I still believe that Princess Twilight Sparkle would better serve Equestria as a whole as a magic advisor. I must insist, the idea of a Princess of Friendship of all things is a difficult thing to accept, let alone explain…”
A thump from the seat next to her brought Celestia out of her thoughts, as well as interrupted whatever else Blueblood was about to say. “Nephew, I have heard your arguments concerning this issue, and frankly, they’re not any of your concern. First of all, Ponyville, as a primarily Earth Pony settlement, is naturally autonomous to Canterlot to begin with. At least, that is my understanding of the current laws. I do understand that Princess Sparkle’s position changes things; however, she is under no obligation to pay anything outside of the 10% in taxes that all autonomous regions send to the royal coffers. Any extra taxes that are acquired are naturally given to her to use for her demesnes’ budget, and not to further the coffers of the Council.” Princess Luna looked down at her least favorite nephew. “Secondly, her continued position as heir to House Armor gives her considerable freedom, more so since her ascension. Lastly, I do not understand why you persist in saying her power and position as Princess of Friendship is one that makes no sense, considering your own SISTER’S position as Princess of Love.”
Blueblood haughtily snorted. “As much as it pains me, I, along with those who are truly interested in what is best for Equestria, have had little respect for my adopted sister’s position as Princess of Love. Her current role as Crystal Princess makes more sense, and frankly, she’s better off there.”
Celestia looked up from her waffles with a frown. “Pardon, dear nephew, but I was under the impression that you don’t actually have the best interests of Equestria in mind, considering your refusal to serve either in the military, or in the public sector. Complaining about things you would have no authority over even if you were sitting in the Seat of House Blueblood accomplishes nothing. Aside from that, it was a ruling I gave long before you were born that future alicorns were under no obligation to pay obeisance to either myself or the Council, whether or not they had an official title.” Turning her full, disapproving gaze upon her now sweating nephew, Celestia continued to grill the irritant bore of a stallion. “Most of all, I find the fact that you are in agreement with that faction of the titled nobility that think that Twilight’s position is useless most disappointing. It seems that you have never gotten over the fact that she rebuffed your advances when she was still here in Canterlot. Frankly, nephew, I’ve grown quite tired of you harping on issues that you have no control over, and never will, considering your desire to avoid any kind of useful occupation.” Shaking her head sadly, Celestia turned back to her meal.
Blueblood, fully aware that he had struck a nerve with his aunt, decided that now was not a good time to inform her of the nobles’ decision concerning Princess Twilight. However, he had an obligation to fulfill to his peers, who were dissatisfied over the increase in power that Twilight had, especially considering her position in House Sparkle. “Well, dear aunt, much as I regret that Princess Twilight rebuffed me, I cannot simply disregard how myself and the other titled nobles feel about recent developments. In fact, they are all planning to petition for a full council to discuss this issue. Regrettably, it will mean an embargo on all trade between Canterlot and Ponyville,” he said the word with a sneer, “as well as the other towns now under her demesne.”
In that moment, Celestia realized that everything that had been said about her nephew was true; that he was as glory-grabbing as the nobles of old. Before Luna’s temper could get the better of her, Celestia decided that they needed to end things on at least a neutral note. “Well, dear nephew, I hope at least that you will remember that Ponyville is no more answerable to Canterlot than Manehattan is.” She raised an eyebrow at her ‘beloved nephew’. “Or haven’t you forgotten Equestrian law? Laws that have been in place since shortly after your aunt left us?”
Blueblood blanched at this, perhaps realizing that he had overstepped things. “Excuse me, dear Aunt, but there’s a matter I remembered that I must attend to.” Leaving as hurriedly as decorum would allow, Blueblood left the two sisters to finish their meal in relative peace. Seeing the humorous look in her sister’s eyes, Luna’s anger was lessened, as she knew that look. It was the same one that her sister used to use just after she pranked somepony (usually Luna herself).
Equestria, Canterlot Castle, 03-10-05 A.N.M., 11:42 AM (After Nightmare Moon)
For a country like Equestria, where each territory was self-governing in many ways, there was one ruling body that had a presence. This body, for one thousand years, had been run by one Princess. And while Cadance’s appearance as a pegacorn first, and later as the Princess of Love might have taken some of the burden off the Princess, she had never held any real power. This was due largely because the natural Heir to House Platinum, Blueblood, did all he could in recent years to lessen the pull that Cadance had among the higher houses.
Day Court was a traditional time for anypony with grievances against Equestria’s nobles could air their concerns. So it was a shock to see both princesses present this morning. Especially considering the lobbied plan of some of the more dissatisfied moneyed nobles, those that hadn’t cut it in the meritocracy system that Equestria employed. With Luna arrayed with her sister, however, it meant that both Courts were present.
None of this concerned Blueblood, as his resources had guaranteed the support of many of the more influential Houses, though few of the seated nobles had deigned to hear his proposal. While he truly loved his aunt, he needed to show solidarity to his peers, as he knew that a common mare like Twilight Sparkle was unfit to lead. Little did he know, that he was about to dig his own grave politically, and come close to true banishment.
“Will the next petitioner please address the Court?” Searching Scroll, Celestia’s Seneschal said, her formal tones carrying to all present. Knowing that this was his cue, Blueblood stepped before his aunts, carrying with him the proposal he had spent months on.
“My dearest Aunt Celestia, while I have done my level best to prevent this from happening, it seems that I can no longer ignore the injustice that has been done to myself and my peers.” Smirking inwardly, though with some misgiving, he presented the scroll to his aunt, only to have her pass it to her sister. Unbeknownst to Blueblood, Celestia was already well aware what he was proposing, as it was all things she had seen before.
As Luna began to read the bullet points, she was both disturbed and angered by the level of vindictiveness that Blueblood displayed to Twilight. Stomping her hoof in anger, Luna balled the scroll up before incinerating it with a burst of plasma.
Luna turned to Blueblood, preparing to put him- and by extension, the entire crop of his peers -in his place. “Blueblood, thou hast proved to me how much of an idiot thou art.” Struggling back her habit of talking in Old Equestrian when agitated, Luna continued. “The entirety of the titled nobles have less authority in the Council than my seneschal's assistant. However, since your words prove that none of you have ANY sense at all, nor respect for a mare that has saved this land more times than any of you put together, let me make something perfectly clear.” Rising from her seat, Luna proceeded to end the discussion in a way that would put home to the wastrel that he had crossed a line. “With the authority of my seat as Co-Diarch of Equestria, as well as the full authority of the Council, I hereby decree that any and all unseated members of the nobility will not be able to petition myself or my sister without the express permission of the full Alicorn Council for a period of no less than two years. I suggest you leave and inform the other useless nobles that their last gambit has failed.”
Blueblood turned to his aunt, pleadingly. Rising, Princess Celestia dashed all of his hopes. “I, Princess Celestia, Co-Diarch of Equestria, hereby second my sister’s motion. Further, I hereby decree that any and all titled nobles who wish to REMAIN titled must agree to serve in the meritocracy system within the next thirty days. Furthermore, since you have already served some community service that would make you eligible, I hereby decree that, should you wish to remain titled, you, Prince Blueblood, must serve under House Armor in whatever capacity they choose. Alternatively, you can serve under Prince Armor in a military capacity, provided you manage to pass Basic Training.” Celestia then smirked, before replying, “Since you show an almost ridiculous fear of getting messy, I very much doubt that you will survive the latter.”
Equestria, Canterlot Castle, 03-10-05 A.N.M., 10:42 AM, (After Nightmare Moon)
Elsewhere in the castle…
It had been many years since the full Council of Eight had met; in fact, the last time was before the youngest of the alicorn princesses had even been born. Equestria had been at peace for a long time, such that it was seldom necessary for the council to meet to vote on anything, merely allowing their proxies be used to ratify whatever rulings Princess Celestia gave.
However, recent events that had been barely averted, as well as the actions of the powerless, yet titled young nobles had pushed this issue to the forefront. Lord Prism of House Dash had long since realized that this, and other issues shouldn’t have been left as unresolved as they had.
Prism turned his head to gaze at the member of House Belle. Shimmering Belle was still as stunning as she ever was, and had passed both her charms and her wits onto her granddaughters. It’s truly a shame that status as a Bearer of Harmony supersedes any other duty; Rarity would make a wonderful replacement. Shimmer looked at the aging stallion, smirking as she did so. Further playful flirting between the two was ended by the imperious stomp of a lilac-colored hoof. Turning, both regarded the Archmage of Canterlot, one of the only two members of the Eight that wasn’t descended from the original Six.
Clover the Wise frowned at the two Councilors, as if to say, ‘Save the games for later.’ Shrugging, the two settled further into their chairs, awaiting the attention of the other members. Seeing that the two more troublesome ponies were behaving (for the time being anyway), Clover looked satisfied. Turning, the middle-aged mare levitated the scroll containing the first order of business before the Council; the ratification of the meritocracy system for the nobility.
“My fellow Councilors,” Clover started, “I know that we have usually ratified the meritocracy system for the traditional period of one-quarter-century, as said method has always proven enough to cut the wheat from the chaff as far as the noble families are concerned.” She then shook her head. “However, their numbers are far in excess of what even my own predecessor had to deal with, and their children bid fair to turn out worse. Without a permanent declaration, I fear that this issue will be brought up before the General Assembly.”
The assembled ponies blanched at that. The General Assembly was the one body in Equestria that still retained the power to overthrow any unratified proclamation made by the Alicorn Sisters, or the Alicorn Council. And since the Assembly was made up of the representatives of Equestria’s individual territories, it often felt the pressure that both the titled-but-powerless nobles, and the moneyed lot would bring.
Clover nodded sharply at seeing the looks on her peers’ faces. This Council existed as the pure voice of Equestria, and had always had the best interests of all Equestria’s ponies in mind. Back in the days when the Equestrian High Council held more power, it was only the Six Prime Families that kept things from going pear-shaped. Clover knew that they would do whatever was needed, no matter how unfair it would seem to those young nobles that were proving themselves.
“So, in light of recent events, I motion that we permanently ratify the use of the meritocracy system in determining a potential noble-ponies’ worth.” A sly grin started to form on the mare’s muzzle as she said her next piece. “I also motion that we declare the right for members of common houses that have served the public faithfully be given the right to petition for gentry status.” The other ponies looked at each other, then looked at their spokes-pony.
Shimmering Belle waved her hoof before replying to the unspoken question. Normally, the Council would have discussed this issue for several hours before reaching a decision; however, Shimmer could see that the others agreed with the Archmage’s motion in this case. “I second the motion put before the Council,” she stated in her sweet voice, as beautiful now as it had been in her youth. “All in favor?”
A raising of hooves answered her. All except for one; Lord Apple Bright of House Apple. As the eldest of the assembled, his words carried great weight. “What assurances can you give me and my House that this will end Blueblood’s posturing?” he asked. “No matter how inept he is, he still has a great deal of pull with the moneyed lot, as well as many of those with industrial concerns in his back pocket. Will said motion guarantee that he won’t be able to further interfere with those he deems unsuitable?” Clover frowned at that.
“As to that, there is little I’m afraid. I’m putting this forward to block the efforts of those outside his circle, and not him personally.” She then gestured to the other item sitting on the council table, something that had recently been discovered in the Archives. “We may have to deal with Blueblood directly; it all depends on whether or not he decides to force the issue. All signs indicate that he will make his move today.”
Apple Bright smiled nastily at the expression on Clover’s face. “Then I have no further objections.” Clover smiled, then presented the scroll containing the motion before each of them, to receive both their signatures, and a magical stamp from their proxy seals.
The rest of the morning was taken up in discussing how best to deal with the inevitable confrontation with Blueblood. Much of this was new, as not everypony present was privy to what had recently been uncovered. Most certainly, the information was verified by other sources; just not from the ponies’ mouth as such. With the journal present, and the other scrolls that had been found, many written by enemies of Platinum Belle, there was nothing that could be contested. This made Clover happy. She felt sure that Twilight and her friends had long since proven their worth, and anything the Council could do to put such belligerent, homophobic stallions such as Blueblood in their place was an honor. No matter who he was connected to, as recent actions would deny him even that protection.
Several hours passed, and Blueblood was in his private study in the palace, wondering what exactly went wrong. No matter what anypony said, he truly had the best interest of Equestria in trying to keep such an unworthy mare from having power that she was unworthy of. No matter what anypony said, a mare like her, simply couldn’t be trusted. Especially since she wasn’t a noble, no matter who her parents were. Unlike himself, who was directly descended from unicorn nobility.
Further musings were cut short, however, as the doors to his study were rudely shoved open. Glaring in anger, he whirled to give the ponies in question a lashing, only to blanch as he saw members of the Royal Guard, with a representative of the Equestrian High Council.
The stallion on the left looked at the Prince with a cold expression. “Prince Blueblood, the Council has requested your presence in their chamber. You can, of course, decline. However, I suggest you answer it, as Princess Celestia has directed me to escort you out of Canterlot if you do not comply.”
Blueblood shivered. He knew what this meant. It was something that the Council had always threatened, yet had never done. He realized the only chance he had to salvage the situation was to agree to the Council’s demands.
Several minutes later, Blueblood was at least composed when he was escorted into the Council chamber. However, on seeing the ponies that were arrayed before him, his calm began to shatter.
The eight ponies sitting in a semi-circle had not, to Blueblood’s knowledge, ever been gathered in one place like this. These ponies were nothing less than the Heads of the Eight Prime Families, those that made up the ruling Council body. Nearly every single one of them here was a direct descendant of those ponies that had helped shape Equestria into what it was today. Those that weren't were the heads of two of the four plebeian families that had distinguished themselves after the crisis that was Nightmare Moon.
He knew what this meant. Oh, how he knew. His accusations and claims, things he had never been able to prove floated in his mind. He was most definitely in trouble.
The Lady on the far right rose from her seat. Archmage of Canterlot, successor to a pony personally trained by the apprentice of the greatest mage that had ever lived. She had taken on the name of a common pony, one whom had served the Royal Pony Sisters for generations, far before the time of Discord.
“Prince Blueblood, when we heard what you and the other young moneyed nobles were seeking to do, we realized that we had indeed left the question of Twilight Sparkle’s Ascension too vague.” Clover the Wise stated. Only a few Archmages had earned the right to name themselves after the first Clover to hold the position, something that set the elder mare apart from other pony mages.
Clover shook her head. “While it is true that Twilight herself considers herself to be of common stock,” and here she grimaced, as if the idea of a common stock was any different than so-called ‘pure’ unicorn families, “the fact remains that neither her, her brother, or her parents are common. None of the family have been overtly involved with Canterlot politics for the last several generations, preferring the public sector.”
“Another thing that had to be rectified is your claim to Princess Platinum’s throne.” Here, Clover paused, a sly smirk briefly illuminated on her face. “When we looked through the Archives to verify this, we found something curious.” Rising, Clover moved to the table in the center, where an ornate book lay. “This record, thought to have been lost ages ago, is the personal journal of Platinum Posey, the last daughter of Prince Blueblood the XVIII.” Turning to the other Council members, who were of course aware of all of this beforehand, Clover continued.
“We’ve managed to confirm, by other books Platinum managed to preserve, that she was the last of the Blueblood dynasty, and had handed her rights over to the two daughters and one son that she would later have with her soulbound mate, Angel Hearts.” Blueblood flinched at this; it was a well-known fact that he was severely homophobic.
“Your claim to the seat of House Blueblood has never gone to you simply because you have rejected participating in the laws concerning meritocracy. However, after Blueblood was saved from an assassin, he ratified the decision by abdicating his seat in favor of his daughter.” Clover looked coldly at Blueblood. “Prince Blueblood, your house, and seat, have been held in trust for others; and in light of this evidence, verified by other sources, was never yours to claim.”
“Two of the Elements of Harmony actually have claim to the seat you so cherish. One is a descendant of House Sparkle. The other is a descendant of House Belle.” Clover’s expression turned to one of amusement. “And here we are, you having made this issue all the easier for us. Something Princess Celestia neglected to mention is that a law permanently ratifying the meritocracy system was placed before the Equestrian Assembly. In other words, it’s permanent.”
Pointing her hoof at Blueblood, Clover snorted derisively. “You never had the right to what you claim, and you never will. The mare that you called common has more royal blood in her than you ever will, and has PROVED herself as a public servant. Meanwhile, all you have done is try to stand in her way simply because she rebuffed your unwanted advances.” A look of disgust passed over her muzzle before she spat on the floor in front of the now shaking stallion. “Blueblood, it is the decision of this council for you to be banished from Canterlot for the next year. If you wish to prove yourself suitable for the seat you still do have, I suggest you petition House Sparkle as soon as possible.” Now shaking violently, Blueblood was escorted out of the Council chamber, and over to a teleport array used to eject unwanted ponies from the city. With a glow of mana, Blueblood was teleported to the train station just outside of Ponyville.
Far to the north of Equestria, a dark presence screamed as one of its few tenuous links to Equestria was severed before it could do any real damage…