//------------------------------//
// Chapter Seventeen: Arguing Essences, Alicorn Councils, and Regent Announcments 
// Story: Princess of Shadows, Darkness, and Light 
// by jwizard 
//------------------------------//

Equestria, Canterlot Castle, 06-15-05 A.N.M., 11:22 AM (After Nightmare Moon)


Celestia gazed at the pony that stood before her. Of all the things that had happened recently, learning that there was a conspiracy to perform an Insurrection was on the bottom of the list. “You are certain that at least four of those that cast votes in our favor two days ago are a part of this plot?” she asked.

Clever Marigold nodded. “Bright Knowledge has confirmed it to my satisfaction. Other Lunar Guards-ponies report the same, as well as our contacts in Trottingham. This plan involves at least two decades worth of work your highness.”

Luna snorted from where she was reading the tome Twilight had brought back. “That is nothing Centurion; mine own sister hast laid pranks against me that involved centuries. These foals know not who they deal with.” She looked up at her sister with a smirk. It soon fell at Celestia’s expression.

“I can say that I’ve been caught a little flat-hoofed; I was under the impression that these plans were halted when Ironside was petrified by Twilight.” Celestia’s wings twitched, a sure sign that she would have started pacing were she and her sister alone. “This is troubling; if they are moving now, it means that they will wait until after I and my sister leave to go on our sabbatical. We will have to postpone it.”

Luna shook her head at that. “That will only postpone their efforts, sister dear.” Luna’s smirk returned. “I did not think that they were quite finished, so I’ve made plans of mine own.” Celestia blinked. Luna’s smirk grew. “How do you think we got word of this? I planted mine own spies in their ranks months ago; it was why I was so keen to work with young Twilight. She is quite the astute spymistress.”

Celestia sighed heavily. “Then this means that we cannot give them any reason to alter our plans. How will we be able to stop them without declaring Martial Law, especially being absent?” Luna grinned openly at that.

“Oh sister, things are already in place. Once we leave, Princess Twilight will give the word.” Luna’s grin grew slightly feral. “I have little sympathy for them; the Princess of Friendship really hates it when ponies threaten her land. Too bad we won’t be here to witness it going down.”

Celestia rolled her eyes, a retort on her tongue. A chime interrupted her. “Well, that is likely Princess Twilight and Princess Rainbow.” She turned to Clever Marigold. “Centurion, please let Bright Knowledge know that I expect her to join the Council as well; I may not be able to acknowledge her as an alicorn, but I value her input as one.” The mare nodded, then bowed before trotting off.

Celestia and Luna both made their way to Celestia’s private audience chamber. Luna looked distracted. “Is there something on your mind sister?” the day alicorn asked her lunar counterpart.

Luna looked up at that. “Oh, I’m sorry ‘Tia. ‘Tis just me thinking of something that recently occurred, that’s all.”

Celestia frowned. She was about to ask what her sister meant when she glanced into the chamber. The presence of a young unicorn she was not expecting brought her up short.

Celestia’s eyes filled with tears as Sunset Shimmer greeted her. “Hello, Princess. I’ve come to say--” the mare didn’t  get a chance to finish. She let out a cute squeak as Celestia uncharacteristically lunged at her in the same manner Sunset had to Hope hours earlier.

Both mares cried uninhibitedly as they let loose years of regret. Luna, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight all had tears in their eyes as they looked on. After a few minutes, both mares broke off the hug.

Both Celestia and Sunset used conjured hoofkerchiefs to wipe their eyes. Sunset was the first to speak. “If Twilight hadn’t told me that you’ve become more open, I would have thought you were a Changeling or something,” she said. Everypony present chuckled at that witty comment. “Even when alone, you seldom ever dropped your poise to hug me like that. Especially since I never got a chance to apologize.” Celestia shook her head at that.

“Sunset, you have nothing to apologize for. I was wrong to push you as hard as I did, especially since I knew that it was out of fear for others that made you fight.” For the first time in Sunset’s knowledge, Celestia’s expression became one of unfettered anger. “I was deluded into thinking that the prophecies I was following had worth. Had I been paying attention, I would have seen that yours was a different path.” She sighed. “In any case, we’ll have to make this reunion short; as soon as Bright Knowledge and Princess Hope join us, we’ll be sequestered for a session of the Alicorn Council.”

Sunset tilted her head. “Wouldn’t it be advantageous to have an advisor present?” she asked. Celestia frowned at that before nodding.

They didn’t have to wait long, though they were in for a shock. Instead of the two alicorns they were expecting, there were three. Twilight smiled in happiness as she glomped Cadance.

“Cady! What are you doing here?” she asked. Cadance smiled at her sister-in-law.

“Princess Hope came to get me; she seems to think that some of what is about to be discussed involves the Crystal Empire as well.” She blinked as she saw Sunset Shimmer standing next to Celestia. “Well,  this is unexpected. I wasn’t expecting you back so quickly Sunset.” She surprised the mare yet again by giving her a hug.

Sunset hugged Cadance back just as tightly. “I’m sorry Cady,” she said. Cadance just shook her head at that.

“None of that now Sunset; a certain trio returning has revealed quite a bit concerning what affected you.” The pink alicorn then turned to Celestia. “Well, should we get this meeting started auntie?” Celestia nodded.

“First of all, this is to appraise you all that there are a few things that will be changing soon.” Celestia teleported a scroll onto the table. “Luna and I will be leaving for the start of our sabbatical. For the next two weeks, we’ll be spending time in Neighico. Ordinarily, that wouldn’t be cause for concern; however, an insurrection plot will likely be launched right at that time.”

Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Sunset all snorted at that. “We already know of that plan Celly,” the polychromatic-mane alicorn said. “Twi told me days ago that they’d likely try something.” Celestia bent a stern gaze on her.

“And why wasn’t I informed?” she said.

“Ya didn’t ask,” Rainbow quipped back. Celestia rolled her eyes as the other mares laughed.

Celestia sighed. “This next bit is more concerning. The Elemental Circle recently informed me that the Primal Essences have become highly active as of late. Now, this could mean anything; however, as it is coming on the hocks of the Crystal Empire returning fully, I’m inclined to believe that something else is involved. Star Swirl did have skill where they were involved, and this may be more of his efforts to contain the Dark One.” Celestia scowled. “I’d like to see if there was a way that we could undermine them if that is so; I am no longer tolerating or supporting anything that miserable excuse for a stallion said or taught me.”

“Actually, he had no connection to anything of that. Just before Hope came to get me, Gaia Herself said that an old Crystal Empire prophecy had been fulfilled.” Cadance looked at Sunset as she continued. “This is one that was said to have been given to the last Crystal Emperor by a mare named Astrolia, shortly before Sombra arrived.”

Sunset facehoofed. “Ugh, I cannot catch a break! I was hoping to keep this to myself a little longer.” Sunset let herself return to her new nature. Cadance, Celestia, and Bright Knowledge all blinked.

Celestia’s expression went from shock to anger. Her mane shifted from its pastel shades to one of red and orange flames. In a calm voice filled with Power, Celestia Swore an Oath that few would have ever expected for her to utter. “By all that is holy; By Harmony; By the Blessings of Gaia, Serenity, Dusk, Chronos, Solaris, Selene, Melanie, Diana; By the Sacred Light of Creation; By the Sacred Sword of Justice; and By the Fire of Friendship, let it be known that nothing that Star Swirl has Bound or cast in Equestria will remain so. Let it all Be Unbound!”

All throughout the land, spells and objects that had been enchanted by Star Swirl suddenly came undone. The other mares stared in shock as Celestia teleported away in a flash of light.

Luna shuddered. “Star Swirl has just pissed off the one mare he shouldn’t have,” she said sadly. The others just continued to stare; even Hope hadn’t considered that Celestia would go that far.

With one fell swoop, all of Star Swirl’s back ups in Equestria came undone. All that remained was the Seal; for that had been Bound to other Realms instead of Equestria, in order to maintain it.





Equus, Timeless Place, 06-15-05 A.N.M. (After Nightmare Moon)


The air around them shimmered in hues of color that mortal eyes seldom saw as the ripples of Celestia’s Oath vibrated through them. The assembled Essences shuddered in sympathy; never before had they heard such anger and pain from one that they had known for so long. All had thought that it would take more than just this for Celestia to display such anger.

“I am of Time itself, and even I would have thought it would have taken more,” Chronos said to the assembled Essences. He looked more than shocked; he was stunned. He wasn’t alone; all but one of his brother and sister Essences were also stunned at this development. With one Oath, all that Star Swirl had put in place in Equestria to reestablish his Seal should it fail had been undone. All that was left were those things that he himself had added enchantments to, such as the Scrying Mirror of the Unicorn Royal Family.

Solaris was the only one among them that wasn’t shocked. She rolled her eyes at Chronos. “That is uncharitable of you Chronos; young Sunset Shimmer is as close- if not closer -to being a daughter to Celestia. Even Twilight Sparkle didn’t enjoy the closeness they shared.” The Essence of Sol smirked. “Now that she and I are no longer bound by that misbegotten Demon of Pride, you will see that her pride will do what is right and needful. Especially where those she considers her family are involved.”

The other Essences continued to watch as the Oath vibrated down the other Paths of Power. Even Melanie and Diana were present, as the Oath had included them. Solaris smiled; it had been a long time since all of them had been Called on in such a manner. Even more so was it rare that Melanie and Diana were Called upon; she had long forgotten that Clover had mentioned those two in brief to Celestia, and wasn’t aware that Celestia had always remembered that seemingly off-hoof comment.

Melanie and Diana were even more stunned than Chronos had been. To the knowledge of all the assembled, few outside the Umbral Realm were even aware of the Essence of Darkness. Fewer still had any knowledge of Diana; up until this point, Solaris wasn’t even aware that any save the Magi of Elysium had ever Called on her.

“What stunned me was that she Called on these two,” Selene said, gesturing to the Essences of Darkness and Nature. “Not that I’m complaining, mind; I just find it odd that a passing comment made by Princess Astrolia would have resonated with her as much as it did.”

Harmony was the only one of them that had been willing to accept that Star Swirl would realize that he had crossed a line with Celestia. She had been shocked at the Alicorn of the Sun’s anger. She shuddered. “I’ve seldom felt such rage and pain as I did then,” she said softly, distressed. “I fear for her sanity; though her heart is robust, this may be the one thing that will undo her.”

Solaris walked over to her. “I would have the same fear, except that I know that Sunset Shimmer- as the daughter of her heart -will be there for Celestia.” She sighed as she gazed into the swirling colors. “I just wish that the Breaking of that damnable Barrier didn’t require such pain; Celestia has suffered enough. As has her sister.”

Dusk’s expression soured. “There is more pain to come. Melanie has informed me that the spells Star Swirl had laid upon the object have finally dissolved; all that was keeping them intact was the runes Star Swirl had embedded in that one mirror you like so much.” This last bit was said in playful jest towards Serenity; said Essence had a love for enchanted objects that ponies in particular had crafted.

The assembled Essences felt the surge as the newest Bound Alicorn Called on her power briefly as she used it to find where her mentor had gone. Five more Essences joined with the others. Serenity wrinkled her nose at the Primal Essences.

Each one was as foal-like as the rest of them, though that was certainly by choice; it didn’t reflect on their maturity. However, only one of them was a unicorn; the others had all taken forms matching the Element they were a part of.

Fire was a drake about twice the size of Spike, and very slender. Water was a winged sea-pony. Air was a Nocturne, which was surprising. Metal was an earth pony. The unicorn was of Earth, which caused the other Essences to blink.

“I can understand some of your choices, but why are you a unicorn, Earth?” Diana asked in her quiet way. Earth shrugged.

“We did not choose these forms as you did; it is our princess that shapes us.” The young-looking colt looked at his brother and sisters. “She has more than just a passing understanding of the Primal Elements; we follow her direction, as she is a Sage of great power.” The other Essences blinked.

“I wasn’t aware that she was in training to be a Sage,” Selene said. The five sighed, wearing put upon expressions.

“Who said anything about training? Not every Sage that has ever existed has been one that was trained. Some were simply born.” Fire flicked her tail idly as she continued. “As far as Sunny goes, she already had the instincts; her time in the mirror world strengthened her connection to us further. Her magic was already strong enough. No thanks to her teacher.”

“That is not fair! Celestia was operating under false pretenses! You cannot blame her for Star Swirl’s actions!” The others blinked at the uncharacteristic anger that Melanie displayed. “Where do you get off saying such a thing to your elder?”

“We can say it because it is true,” Water snapped back, surprising her siblings. “And where do you get that Solaris and Selene are our elders?! We are the same age; we Primals formed at the exact same time as those of Sol and Lune! We’ve just been Unbound up until now! No thanks to Star Swirl, and the Pretty Pony Sun Princess! At least she is now able to show courage in being able to do reject what that stallion did; though if he had been dealt with properly, none of this would have been necessary!”

Harmony looked reprovingly at Water. “We do not stand on the rights of mortals, young one.” At that, Serenity snorted.

“Harmony, as much as I respect you, you might want to close your muzzle before you shove your hoof down further,” the Essence of Light said in anger. “I can think of many times where we Essences have removed the power of choice from mortals, not the least of which was both yours and my interference in Rainbow and Twilight’s journey.”

Harmony’s muzzle colored in anger. “This is not the same thing at all; though what Star Swirl did angered me, he had the best of intentions.” Dusk and Melanie both snorted at that.

“Star Swirl is the one case where we should have provided weapons of our crafting, instead of our power. We wouldn’t be where we are if it wasn’t for that.”

“Do you not think that I am not aware of that?! I know, far better than any of you, what drives Star Swirl. He is not Fallen, and it is because of the choices we made then that prevented it. He holds a Soul Fragment of his Enemy within him unknowingly, and it is this that guides his actions.”

It was Wind that responded to this. His tone was of sarcastic derision. “As usual, you and your brother and sister both think that Star Swirl is guided by that Soul Fragment. We would be worse off if he was; his actions are a combination of the brainwashing he underwent as a foal, and his own ridiculous notions.”

“Enough sister; these Five have the right of it. The Soul Fragment had nothing to do with Star Swirl; in spite of his faults, he never gave into Evil. We would have let you Cleanse him if that were the case.” Gaia looked at the other assembled Essences as she continued. “I find it disturbing that this Council is willing to reject the words of our newest members. Young though they may be, they have much to offer us, as mortals have a far closer connection to that which these five are a part of. Also, Solaris and Selene are just as young, and show just as much impetuousness. Your own actions when you first formed bears that out Solaris.” Solaris colored at that reminder.

Gaia walked up to her sister. “I know how much it hurts Harmony. He showed much promise, as did Sombra. As do any of the mortals we cherish. As much as it pains me, we erred where Star Swirl and Sombra both were concerned. That is why we have dealt so harshly with those others who have contained Soul Fragments since then.”

Gaia walked into the center of the loose circle of Essences. “We Essences cannot forget that, powerful as we are, we are still thinking beings. We do not have the presence that She of Creation has; we make mistakes. All we can do is learn from them, and work better. In the end, all of this bears out what we already know; it is not we who will destroy the Dark Shadow, but those we are Bound to. Let us disperse so that we can better serve them in this. Leave Star Swirl- and his actions -in the past where they belong.”

The other Essences nodded. They soon dispersed to silently converse to those they were Bound to. All except for Melanie and Diana; those two went to their respective Realms to wait for those they Chose to choose.





Sunset’s muzzle wore a look of sadness as she heard Celestia’s tears long before she saw her mentor. As she flew down to the hidden grove, she saw Celestia laying beside the apple tree near the center.

Sunset landed next to the day alicorn. Instead of saying anything, she just opened her wings and hooves. Celestia wordlessly melted into the offered hug, continuing to cry.

Sunset was obviously torn. She wasn’t without fault at anything that had happened between her and Celestia; yet it seemed as though Celestia blamed herself more than anypony else. Her words confirmed this.

“Why did I do the things I have done, Sunset? Why wasn’t I able to see through the lies he gave? My own sister told me that my faith in Star Swirl was dangerous, yet I didn’t listen.” She continued to sob in Sunset’s shoulder.

Sunset pulled back so that she could look into her mentor’s eyes. “Princess, whether or not you did what you did because of bunk or not doesn’t change anything. I’ve had seven years to regret the things that I have done; in that time, I’ve learned that regret doesn’t get us anywhere.” Sunset smirked. “Besides, I wouldn’t be where and what I am now if it wasn’t for my friends at CHS. Looking back, it did more good for me than it did evil. So wipe those eyes Celestia, buck up, and move on.”

Celestia smiled down on her erstwhile pupil through her tears. “I see that both Star Swirl and I were mistaken; you were never of Magic, but of Kindness. And you are right; I’ve already had plenty of examples that I should just move on from past mistakes.” The day alicorn had a deep frown as she broke off the hug. “I do wish that I had known his motivations. In any case, what’s done is done. Star Swirl is gone now, and we should consign him to history.”

Sunset shook her head at that. “Something tells me that he may still have a further role to play. I’m just not gonna worry about it.” She smirked as something else occurred to her. “Besides, I’m wondering if a certain somepony has finally managed to find somepony special.” She grinned at the rosy blush that appeared on Celestia’s cheeks. “Any pony I know, Princess?”

“Never you mind young lady; a princess does not discuss such things in polite company,” Celestia said archly. The two held it in for a few seconds before bursting into laughter. “Oh, I have missed you Sunny. Do you have plans to meet with your family?”

Sunset shook her head. “In a word, no. I was already estranged from my adopted parents before I left, Princess. Once the twins were born, they pushed me aside. Well, my adopted father did anyway.”

Celestia nodded at that. “Yes, I can hardly count the number of times either of your adopted parents asked about you. Your mother has yet to stop asking; I get a letter a week. Your father, on the other hoof, hasn’t asked a single time. He always was a disappointment.” Celestia looked at her pupil. “So, how does it feel, knowing that you have such a famous mother?”

Sunset shrugged. “Mostly the same as it ever did. I was raised by her for the first three years of my life; I had suppressed those memories after I was left at the orphanage.”

Celestia scowled. “That is something that I find hard to accept. Why would she even consider it at all is beyond me.” Sunset sighed.

“She really didn’t have much choice; Astrolia had Seen that that was what was needed.” Seeing the look of disbelief on her mentor’s muzzle, Sunset made to explain further. “My sister’s visions aren’t like the ones that Star Swirl got. First of all, she’s like you in that she comes by the ability naturally. Secondly, her connection to the Stars themselves makes it so that what she Sees will come to pass.” She scratched the back of her head with a hoof. “Mother recently told me that her visions are always twofold; what would happen if the vision was followed, and what would happen if it wasn’t. As much as it hurt both her and me, loss of our entire Realm if she didn’t follow through was something she wasn’t willing to risk.”

Celestia tilted her head curiously. Sunset had to fight back a squee as she looked like a much larger version of Twilight as she did so. “This Astrolia is somepony I find myself quite curious about. A passing comment that Hope made it sound as though I met her, yet I do not recall ever doing so.” Sunset chuckled at that.

“Princess, it’s quite simple really; Astrolia and Clover the Clever are one and the same.” Celestia blinked at that.

“If that is the case, then why the subterfuge? I get why Bright Knowledge hid her nature, but it seems as though she did so without need.” Sunset shrugged.

“I don’t have a clue why, I just know that she did. I get the impression that it was more of the same; prophecies that she was unable to avoid.”

“That’s everything in a nutshell Sunny,” said a voice off to the side. Celestia and Sunset both turned to see that Discord had joined them. Celestia blinked as she got a good look at the Draconequus. He smiled as he continued. “Astrolia was the one that Bound me up, back when I was first created. Good thing she did too, as I was completely nuts.”

Sunset tilted her head in thought as she gazed at Discord. She was unaware that she looked like an orange version of Twilight. “So you’re the famous Discord. Well, you do kinda look like that old statue, except your parts are too uniform.”

It was indeed true; Discord no longer had that mismatched appearance that he once sported, other than the horns on his head. He shrugged. “I’ve been changing, that’s all. That’s what you get when somebody like me starts to get what Chaos is truly about.”

Celestia scowled. “As much as having you free has benefitted Equestria, I still stand by the fact that we can do without Chaos.” Both Discord and Sunset shook their heads at that.

“Sunbutt, what I did before wasn’t true Chaos; that was me playing a fiddle.” He snapped his claws, conjuring a golden fiddle. It gave off an evil hiss as he drew back the bow. “Needs tuning.” He then threw the fiddle behind him; it exploded into a blast of cotton candy. “Sunny here gets what Chaos is about, don’t you kid?” Sunset nodded.

“Something I learned at CHS. Chaos is neither Good nor Evil; it simply is. Our world can’t exist without it, as it brings about change.” Discord nodded, grinning.

“If that was true, then what was all that you had done for that reason Discord?” Celestia asked with a snap in her tone. Discord shook his head.

“Did I not just get done saying that it was a good thing that Princess Astrolia had Sealed me away? I think that I did.” Celestia scowled. “I was little more than just a twisted chimera, created as a weapon. A last ditch effort by the Utopian High Council to destroy Astropolis, though I wouldn’t have stopped there. Sealing me away- first by little Astrolia, then by you and Moonbutt -burned off some of that craziness. It took Six true Bearers to really fix me, though; Harmony helped balance the Chaos in me.”

Celestia groaned. “Why am I not surprised? Yet more evidence that that Council was in the thrall of Evil.”

“That whole city was, from what the Five have told me,” Sunset said after a moment.

Celestia sighed. “Well, I’ve tarried long enough; I have an announcement to make at Afternoon Court. Today will be mine and Lulu’s last day for the next fortnight at least.”

Discord grinned. “Oh goody! I get to prank the nobles!” Sunset snorted.

“Don’t you do that anyway?” she retorted.

“Yes yes, but this time I won’t have to worry about Sunbutt or Moonbutt topping my efforts.”

Sunset snickered. “Nah, you’ll only have the Queen of Pranks to deal with. Good luck Dissy.” Celestia giggled at the pensive look Discord had. Abruptly, he face-clawed.

“Wait, you’re naming both Dashie and Sparky as Regent, aren’t you?! Well, I’d better go see if a certain party planner is free. Ciao!” With that, he slalomed before teleporting away. The two mares looked at each other before breaking out into giggles.

“The Epic Prank War starts again!” the two cried, rolling on the ground in their laughter.





Equestria, Canterlot Castle, 06-15-05 A.N.M., 2:54 PM (After Nightmare Moon)


An air of palpable anticipation hung over the crowd as they waited for Afternoon Court. All had their minds on the morning broadcast of the secret ballot vote that the Equestrian Councils had recently cast. Outside of those things involving yet another greedy, power-hungry noble, the ponies were simply unaware of the reasoning behind the ballot being called.

That was par for the course, as voting in Equestria had long been closed to the public. This wasn’t because the public didn’t deserve to know, but was an effort to preserve the validity of the vote in question. At least, that’s what was taught; few ponies- even those of most of the noble houses -were aware of the real reason; votes and ballots were secret to keep commoners in the dark about their rights.

This was about to change.

All the quiet talking that had been going on among petitioners ended as the Diarchs approached the royal dias. Celestia nodded towards the crystal camera-pony off to the side. A microphone boom was brought forwards so that Celestia could address all of Equestria.

“Citizens of Equestria, instead of this being an open session of Afternoon Court as is usual, I and my sister have a few announcements to make.” Celestia paused for a moment to let that sink in before continuing. “As you are all likely aware, a ballot was recently cast in an attempt to remove the Alicorn Council from its place of authority. This is was made all the more ludicrous as those that attempted it did so because they decry the monopoly of the Equestrian government that I and my sister alicorns possess.”

“What this didn’t take into account is that I have only ever had oversight authority in Equestria. Only in those times where a law would affect My Little Ponies adversely have I interfered. To that end, both the High Council and Grand Assembly have reordered themselves. In addition, the Council of Eight has remanded the decision to keep all sessions of the Grand Council secret. All council sessions- save for the Council of Eight and the Alicorn Council -will now be open to the public. The Canterlot Crystal Broadcasting Center has graciously offered broadcasting stations for those times that votes are called.”

Celestia paused to take a sip of water to lubricate her throat before continuing. “Another issue is some of the fallout as a result of the recent conspiracy. Both the High Council and the Grand Assembly were forced to remove some of their key members. To that end, a public vote has been declared to select new members for the Grand Assembly. In addition, four more of the Noble Houses have lost more than just their chief members. Due to the fact that the conspiracy goes all the way to distaff Houses, these four Houses are no longer Noble. To replace them, I am declaring an open campaign for any who wish to petition for the right to take the now open spots. Any applicant will be held to the same standards that have been used in Equestria’s meritocracy system since shortly after Nightmare Moon was sealed.”

Celestia was about to continue when her seneschal handed her a scroll. She blinked as she read the contents. “It seems as though more has happened than originally thought. There has been a restructuring of House Apple, as it has been found that the most senior heir was part of the conspiracy that Clear Mind led. To that end, Lord Bright Apple has named his grandson- Big Macintosh of Ponyville -as his heir.” Celestia allowed herself a small, smug smile at that; Big Mac was every bit the stallion that his grandsire was.

“Now we get to the meat of these announcements. This will be the last day for myself and Luna before we head on a much-needed Sabbatical. To that end, I am naming Princess Twilight Amelia Sparkle Armor as Regent of the Solar Throne.”

Luna stepped forward once her sister was finished speaking. “I name Princess Rainbow Prism Dash as Regent of the Lunar Throne. Also, I appoint the recently returned Sunset Shimmer, and the Draconequus Discord, as Royal Advisors.”

Celestia picked up speaking when her sister was finished. “Should things go well, we will return in two weeks to finish out the rest of our Sabattical. Please do your best to treat Our Regents as well as you treat Us.” Celestia and Luna then stepped down from the dais to hushed whispers.