> The Decline and Fall of West Equestria:  Twilight's Tale
>  by StormLuna
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prelude
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was something that I never imagined would happen, I never imagined that the great nation of Equestria would be split in two.  I honestly don't think anypony ever imagined it would happen.  However, it was inevitable once I was abducted by Grand Mage Starlight Glimmer, an old foe of mine who is now an incredibly powerful Alicorn.  How she became one remains a mystery to me but it did give her an advantage over me.  

I still remember that night when Starlight managed to break into my castle, get to my bedroom, remove my mark and abduct Spike and myself.  That had to be the scariest night of my life.  While my life was not in danger, I was much more scared during this moment than I was when my friends and I had to face Tirek.  I still remember the humiliation of being locked up in a Fillydelphia jail like a common criminal and seeing Starlight carrying my cutie mark around in a glass jar, giving me the same smirk she gave me when she took my mark up in "Our Town."

I remember Spike and myself being locked up in cages like animals as the princesses were negotiating with Starlight over my release.  I was hoping that Starlight would simply want Eastern ponies to be treated equally.  I never imagined that she would demand land, and lots of it in exchange for my release.  I pleaded with Celestia to not give up so much for me but she would not listen, she would not put the nation ahead of me and despite the good points Luna made, she still signed the agreement that would give Starlight over half of the continent, including the land that has the Tree of Harmony.

It was nearly a year after my capture that Spike and myself were taken to a neutral location along the new border that separated East and West Equestria.  While I was admittedly happy that Celestia would give up so much just for me, one part of me wishes that she would have tried to rescue me in a way that would not have harmed our nation so much.   What is now West Equestria, the land ruled by princesses is at a grave advantage.  We have little in the way of manufacturing, we have very few mines as we had always relied on the ones in the East and a majority of the wealth lies in the East.  Celestia has promised those of us in the West that we will begin to explore our land for resources so that we don't collapse into an economic depression.   The only advantage we have is that a good portion of the apple orchards lie here in the West, but I'm sure Starlight will have plenty of orchards up and running in the East within a year or so.

While I know that Celestia is a great leader, I just worry that the economic problems of this split will cause a lot of unhappiness among our citizens and will lead to disharmony.  For so long it has been the harmony among us ponies that has kept the nation mostly stable.  Disharmony will lead to chaos and perhaps even lead to old evils returning and Celestia forbid, the collapse of West Equestria.   But I do know that if Celestia, Luna and myself work our hardest, West Equestria will not fall and will eventually hold just as much wealth as East Equestria.  
> Returning Home
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Post-Negotiation Discussion

I still remember the afternoon after the agreement was signed.  While Celestia was happy to have freed me, I could sense her sadness as we stepped out onto what is now West Equestrian soil for the very first time.  While we began to discuss where we would head first, Canterlot or Ponyville, the three of us could hear Starlight and her guards laughing over this, I still remember Starlight's exact words, "I tell you, when Tia expelled me and I told her she would regret it, I never imagined I would triumph like this!"

I remember her guard replying, "Well you are a lot smarter than those princess ponies are!"  And what made me the maddest was when she laughed, "Well we were dealing with an overly emotional princess wanting her wannabe daughter back!"

Celesita sighed in frustration and I asked, "Celestia, are you ok?"

She replied, "Yes Twilight, I am ok.  I am just worried about how we are going to be received when we return to our hometowns."

Luna said, "Twilight, we don't think thou will have anything to worry about in Canterlot or Ponyville as thou wast the one who was captured.  Thou didst not sign away any land."

I asked, "What about you two?  How do you think you will be received?"

Celestia replied, "Well in Ponyville I don't think my sister or myself will have any problems but in Canterlot where the ponies are used to the finer things in life, we may not be so well received."

Luna added, "Especially if they have to cut back, which they likely will."

We all nodded at one another and took off towards Canterlot to address what would likely be an angry crowd.  Everypony in both West and East Equestria knew about the split and what the effects on them would be.   Ponies in the East will celebrate the Second Coming of their beloved Grand Mage while our citizens, especially those in Canterlot, will greet us with anger.





Return to Ponyville

Given that it was late in the day when we began our journey home, the three of us decided that we would return to Ponyville first instead.  We decided this for two reasons.  First, it had been over a year since I had seen my friends and second, we did not feel like dealing with an angry mob in the evening.

Just as it was time for Celestia to set the sun and for Luna to raise the moon, we arrived in Ponyville.  The town was abnormally quiet, it seemed too quiet.   As we landed I suggested, "Do you think it is so quiet here because everypony is inside trying to figure out what they are going to do now?"

Luna replied, "They could be.  If we were in their situation, we would be doing that."

As we headed into my castle it was dark, very dark.  It was the kind of dark that would make one feel very nervous.  Suddenly the lights came on and we heard a shout, "SURPRISE!"

I screamed a bit because I was startled but then I saw it was my friends and rushed to them.  We engaged in a group hug.  The first thing to say anything was Rarity, "Twilight darling, it is so good to have you back."

Fluttershy added, "We really missed you Twilight."

Rainbow asked, "What did she do to you Twi?  When are we going to go kick some serious flank?"

I replied, "Rainbow, we can't just go and do that.  If we do, we'd start a war and Starlight would likely take the whole continent."

Pinkie jumped on me and said, "Well all that matters is that our super-duper friend is back!  This calls for a party!"

I sighed, "I'm glad we're back together girls but this isn't really the time for a party.  The three of us are very tired and what happened today is nothing to celebrate, this was a huge loss on our parts."

Pinkie interrupted, "Aww...but we just want to celebrate having you back with us!"

Celestia said, "You know Twilight, maybe a party is what we need to clear our minds."

I replied, "Oh alright, maybe it will help."

While my friends and Celestia were having a good time, Luna seemed rather disinterested and I was quite worried.  I was not worried so much about the reaction of the ponies here in Ponyville, it was the ponies up in Canterlot that worried me, especially the wealthy ones.  I knew that they would be angry and would direct it towards Luna and Celestia.  One part of me worried that there may even be rebellions across the West.

I walked over to Luna and asked, "Princess Luna, I know you two are going back to Canterlot tomorrow.  I am worried about the type of crowd that you will face."

Luna replied, "We should be alright Twilight.  Thy princess of the night knows that she and her sister will likely be confronted with an angry crowd but we can handle it."

I asked, "Would you want me to join you two?  Do you think that maybe if I am there they will be less hostile?"

Luna replied, "We shall speak with our sister and see what she thinks.  We are most sure she will want thou to stay in Ponyville with thy friends but we'll see."

I asked, "Can we talk to her now about this?"

Luna sighed but agreed.  We walked over to Celestia and began to discuss things.  I voiced to her the same concerns I did Luna.  Unlike Luna though, Celestia thought it would be a good idea for me to join them.  She figured that perhaps if I greeted what would likely be an angry crowd first, that it would calm them down.

It was getting late and I shouted out, "Ladies, it is getting late."  This caused everypony to go silent and I continued, "I'm going to join the princesses up in Canterlot tomorrow when they address the crowd."

Applejack asked, "Twilight, don't y'all think you should address the ponies here in Ponyville first?  They've been awful worried about you."

I replied, "I know they have but I really want to be there for these two.  I'm sure the townsponies will understand."

My friends sighed in disappointment but knew that I was not going to change my mind on this.  After they left I asked, "Celestia, what time do you think we should leave tomorrow morning?"

Celestia replied, "Probably around 0400.  That way we can get there well before I have to raise the sun and hopefully before any crowds gather outside of the castle."

Luna added, "Yes, we do not wish to face an angry crowd, especially that early in the morning as we would find it most unpleasant."

We agreed on this and decided to turn in for the night.  We would wind up getting far less sleep than we should have gotten but we wanted to get to Canterlot early as we wanted to beat any crowds that may show up.
> Dealing With an Unpleasant Crowd
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Early morning would arrive all too soon for us as none of us were able to get much sleep.  We were all very worried about how we were going to be received, especially Celestia and Luna.  As we wiped the sleep out of our eyes we headed into the dining hall for a quick snack before taking flight.  Given that none of the chefs were awake, we just had to scrounge around for something quick.  We decided to just eat some uncooked oats and headed on our way.

About thirty minutes later we began to fly over Canterlot.  Unfortunately for us a crowd had already gathered in the courtyard below the balcony where Celestia usually addresses her subjects.  As we flew overhead we were greeted by boos and insults regarding our leadership abilities.  The only positive thing said was a pony who yelled, "We love you Princess Twilight!"   

We quickly landed on the balcony and rushed inside to make plans on how we would handle this.  Celestia was the first to say anything, "Well, it looks like we will be dealing with an unhappy crowd."

Luna added, "We know that this is going to be most difficult for her but we think that it would be best if Twilight headed out onto the balcony first."

I asked, "Why me?"

Luna replied, "We believe it would be best if thou art the first to address them because they are not angry with thee.  They are very angry with us, especially our sister."

Celestia agreed, "Luna makes a good point Twilight.  I know that they love you and know that you are not responsible for what happened.  They know you were taken captive and they showed a lot of support for you during your time in captivity."

I replied, "Well ok, but I think we should eat first and besides you two have your royal duties you must do."

While we waited for breakfast and the time for Celestia and Luna to do their duties, we continued to talk about the direction of the country now that it is split but we became worried as the crowd outside became louder and the demands to speak were becoming more apparent.  Finally the moon had been lowered, the sun had been raised and we were eating breakfast.

While we were eating a royal guard rushed in and said, "Your Majesties, this does not look good.  This crowd is starting to look like a mob.  A few have torches and a couple have pitchforks."

Celestia gasped, "Oh my, this is going to be difficult."

Luna looked at me and could tell that I was very nervous upon hearing this.  Luna gave me a look of confidence and added, "Do not worry Twilight, we know thou will be able to calm them down as they love thee."

I gulped, "I certainly hope so."

We waited a few minutes until we decided to start this address.  Finally as I headed out on the balcony all the boos and heckling changed to a loud cheer.  I stood there at the edge of the balcony and waited for the crowd to quiet down.  Once they quieted down I began, 

"Citizens of Canterlot, you have no idea how happy I am to be able to see you again.  I am going to admit, while I have faced dangerous villains who sought the destruction of Equestria, this past year has probably been the most difficult year of my life.  It has not been myself that I have been worried about, but it has been being able to be here for you that I have worried about.  I want you to know that I love each and every one of you with all my heart and that if there is anything I can do for you, let me know."

The crowd began to cheer and I heard multiple ponies again yelling, "We love you Princess Twilight."

Once the crowd quieted down a bit I heard a less pleasant voice yelling from the crowd, it was Fancy Pants.  He yelled, "Princess Twilight, we demand to speak to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.  We want to know why they would so easily sign away so much of the country."

I replied, "Well uh..."

Fancy Pants yelled, "There is an angry mob down here and we demand answers!"

I said, "Ok."  I headed in to get the princesses and when I arrived I said, "Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, things are not sounding really good.  Fancy Pants is demanding answers."

Luna sighed, "Ugh, he always is the one who thinks the world owes him everything."

Celestia interrupted, "Little sister, he is the one member of the nobility who seems to support us the most."

I asked, "Do you two want me to accompany you back out to the balcony?"

Celestia replied, "Please, they may not react so negatively if you do."

I nodded and we headed out to the balcony where we were greeted by booing, heckling and even some profanity despite me being there.  Fancy Pants yelled, "Princess Celestia, we demand to know why you signed away over half of the continent!  We demand to know why you put us at such an economic disadvantage!"

Celestia began, "Listen everypony, I'm not the one who was in charge of how this land would be split.  Starlight Glimmer was the one who drew up the map regarding the terms for her release."

A pony in the crowd yelled, "Couldn't you have just overpowered her and took Twilight?  Why would you have to negotiate?"

Celestia replied, "Listen, like I said on the TV that day, Starlight is more powerful than me.  I tried to break her aura to retrieve Twilight's cutie mark a couple of times but I couldn't.  Since I couldn't do that her power is greater than mine."

The crowd continued to boo and yell so I decided to step forward and see if I could calm them down.  I added, "Listen, had Celestia not did what she did, I would still have that equals sign cutie mark, me and my assistant would still be locked up in a Fillydelphia jail and a friend of mine would still not have her talent and likely be bankrupt.  Would you really want that?"  I paused for a minute and continued, "What Celestia did was an act of compassion."

Fancy Pants yelled, "What she did was NOT an act of compassion.  This was her putting you and your friend ahead of everypony else because you two are so close with her.  This was an act of nepotism!"

Another pony yelled, "So you think you are more important than the rest of us Twilight?  You think Celestia getting you free was worth putting all of us at an economic disadvantage?"

The crowd began to boo me too and I realized that the way I worded things was probably not the best.  I shrank back and Luna began to float above the balcony with her eyes glowing white.  She yelled, "Silence!  How dare thee accuse Princess Twilight of that!  We can do what we need to do to keep our economy strong."

I was happy when Luna did this as it caused the unhappy crowd to go silent.  I knew right then that if any one of the princesses would protect me from any unruly mobs, it would be Luna.  While Celestia is powerful and loved, Luna has the type of personality that will keep ponies in line.  When she landed I ran to her and said, "Thank you Luna!  Thank you for stopping their booing."

Luna said to me, "Of course Dear Twilight, they do not know of thy situation.  They know not of what it was like for thee to be held prisoner."

It was not long after Luna yelled at them that the crowd dispersed.  They know that when Luna yells, that she means business.  We headed back inside and realized that while Luna is good at causing crowds to disperse, that we would have to put up with more of this.  I looked at my fellow princesses and asked, "Your Majesties, do you think that any of these protests will become violent and that they may try to harm us."

Celestia replied, "I don't think so Twilight.  They know that if they do that they would do serious jail time."

Luna snarled, "If we have our way, we would banish them to the sun for all eternity and if they were to try to assassinate any of us, we would kill them." 

Celestia sighed, "Little sister, I know that you have your own ways of how you would deal out justice but we are benevolent, loving princesses.  The only instance where I would even consider the death penalty would be if they were to actually assassinate one of us."

I could sense that they were likely going to get into a nasty argument over a scenario that had not even happened yet so I decided to lighten the mood and suggest that we have a snack.  While they agreed, I could still sense a bit of tension between them.  After our snack I asked, "Your Majesties, do you think it would be safe for me to return home so I may address the ponies in Ponyville?"

Celestia replied, "Of course Twilight.  I'm sure they would love to hear from you and I know your friends will want to spend more time with you."

I nodded and headed back towards Ponyville.  I felt relatively stress free after this knowing that I will be heading home to my friends and to a town of ponies that for the most part love me.  If there are any angry ponies there, I would certainly hope that they would take their anger up to Canterlot rather than yell at me.


> Addressing Ponyville
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It did not take me too long to make the flight home to Ponyville.  While I was hoping that I could just relax for a while, apparently the news that I had been released from captivity had got out.  The whole town was down at the base of my castle, waiting for me to address them.  As I flew over town I could hear the ponies cheering and like some in Canterlot did, shouted "We love you Princess Twilight."

I wanted to simply tell them that I needed some rest but West Equestria's news network was present as well so I figured I better take care of this.  I landed on my balcony and looked out to the crowd, which was filled with happy, cheering ponies.  I raised and lowered my wings and they went silent. 

I wanted to make this address short and sweet so I could get some rest and spend some quality time with my friends.  I began, 

"Hello everypony, I hope all is going well for you."  I will admit, I was a bit more nervous speaking to the crowd here in Ponyville than I was in Canterlot, maybe because I know them a lot better and live with them.  I continued, "I want you all to know that even though I was imprisoned for a little over a year, my heart was always with all of you.  My true desire was to be able to eventually return home and be with all the ponies that I love so much."

The crowd again cheered and in unison shouted, "We love you Princess Twilight!"

This brought a smile to my face but I knew I had to address serious concerns so I continued, "While I am very happy to be home with the ponies that I love, there are serious issues facing us in West Equestria.  As you all know, the nation split in two a couple days ago and unfortunately most all of the wealth lies in East Equestria.  For now we will have to limit our consumption of certain foods and be frugal when it comes to what we purchase until we can get more factories built and mines operating here in the west."

A filly out in the crowd shouted, "Why?"

I could sense concern but confusion in the filly's voice.  I continued, "Because we don't have that much in the way of our own stuff and having to import from East Equestria will not exactly be cheap and besides, it is ruled by the pony who took me away from all of you for over a year."

The crowd began to boo, "Death to Starlight!  Let's go get her!"  

The stallions then began shouting that they would go to war for me, that they would put their lives on the line for me if it meant reclaiming the east and taking Starlight down.  I had to let them know that was not the way to do things.  I continued, "I appreciate you offering to put your lives on the line to help me along with West Equestria, but war is not the answer."  The crowd sighed in disappointment as I said this but what I would say next was something that was hard for me, something that I said with a bit of anger.  I continued, "East Equestria has a very strong military and Grand Mage Starlight Glimmer the Second has so much power alone that she could easily take not just me, but our military as well."

Saying that, patronizing Starlight like that took a lot of self control.  While it was just West Equestria's news network that was there, I knew Starlight would be watching and knowing how she is, she might just decide to attack, take me again and then demand even more.  That is why I didn't say to the crowd what I really wanted to.  Not all of the crowd would be completely supportive though.  I heard one pony ask, "Princess Twilight, what are we going to do if our livelihood rests on things that happen in cities such as Manehattan?"  His regular question turned into a sneer,  "Are we just supposed to give up our livelihood and do something else?  You're smart, you should be able to figure something out."

I shouted, "Filthy Rich, we can discuss this later in private."

Another pony put her hoof up and shouted, "And what about me?  I need silver to fill teeth and importing silver is expensive.  The east is where we have always had to get it from and they have jacked up the price of it significantly.  I may have to close up shop if something is not done!"

I sighed, "Colgate, we can meet in private and talk about this later as well."  I raised my voice and continued, "If anypony else wishes to speak to me in private just drop by and if I'm not busy, we can talk.  For now though, I just want to get some rest."

While I was expecting the ponies to give me a warm good-bye as I headed in, I just heard grumbling as the crowd dispersed.  I thought to myself, "Oh great, this is all I need, for the ponies here to be dissatisfied with how things are going."

As I headed into my bedroom I ran into Spike.  He asked, "Hi Twilight, how did things go addressing everypony?"

I replied, "Well up in Canterlot things are not looking all that good and here in Ponyville I am getting mixed reactions.  Some of the ponies seem happy I'm back while others are upset with what's going on.  I think they might be mad at me."

Spike scoffed, "Them mad at you?  That's ridiculous!  You know they love you Twilight."

I replied, "What worries me are the businessponies who rely on the east for their way of living.  Filthy Rich doesn't want to have to pay foreign transaction fees and Starlight Glimmer has jacked up the price on the silver they export to us.  This makes silver expensive which affects Colgate and her ability to fill cavities."

Spike asked, "So what are you going to do about it?"

I replied, "Well they want to meet with me about this but there isn't much I can do about it.  I will just have to have them talk to Celestia and Luna about it."  I yawned, "Well I need to clear my mind for a while.  Talk to you later."

Spike replied, "Well ok."

I headed into my bedroom and closed the door.  I laid on my bed and shut my eyes wondering what was going to happen.  I knew that I would not be able to just discuss lowering or getting rid of the foreign transaction fees with Starlight directly nor would I be able to do that involving the price of silver.  I would simply contact Starlight and see if we could address this over the phone but I know she would not agree to that.  Yes there is that neutral meeting place on the border but I would need Celestia or Luna to come with me for protection.  If I went there alone, I know she would capture me, take me back to Fillydelphia and demand even more land to return me again.  All I can do for now is hope for the best. 
> Private Meetings
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

That night I was not able to sleep all that well.  So many things were running through my mind, the upset ponies in Canterlot, Filthy Rich and Colgate's concerns over the costs involved in maintaining their livelihood and the fact that the economy will likely begin to decline kept me awake.  The morning would arrive all too soon for me as the sun shone in through my window.  I thought to myself, "Well Twilight, it is time for breakfast.  Hopefully we can just spend time with our friends today and not have to deal with anypony else."

I headed downstairs and began to eat my breakfast.  While I was eating a guard came into the dining hall and told me that a pony wished to speak with me.  I told him to escort the pony to the dining hall.  When he arrived I was not thrilled, it was Filthy Rich.  I glared at him and asked, "Filthy Rich, why are you here and what are you doing here so early?"

Filthy replied, "Princess Twilight, yesterday during your address to the town you said that we could discuss my concerns regarding the foreign transaction fees in private."

I snapped, "I did but I did not expect you here THIS early."

Filthy replied, "Well I just wanted to come in before I started dealing with my customers' trades."

I asked, "Wait a minute, you are involved in the stock market?  I thought you owned Barnyard Bargains."

Filthy replied, "I do but I am also a stock broker on the side and since the nation split, there is now a foreign transaction fee that must be paid, which I have to pass down to my customers so I don't lose money."

I sighed, "Oh alright, I'll see what can be done about it but I have a feeling this will require a face to face meeting with Starlight Glimmer.  I do not want to have to meet with her unless one of the other princesses is present."

Filthy asked, "Why?"

I replied, "Because if I am there alone, she would likely abduct me again, take me back to Fillydelphia and hold me captive until Celestia would sign over even more land and I am quite sure she would want territory which has a lot of apple orchards, maybe even Ponyville."  I grunted and continued, "You don't want to have to either relocate or live under her rule, do you?"

During my meeting a guard came and told me that another pony wished to speak with me.  I had a feeling that it was Colgate so I told him to go and bring her in.  Sure enough, it was Colgate.  Something didn't seem right about her though.  Normally she always addresses me as Princess or your Majesty, but this time was different.  "Hi Twilight, how's it going?"

I replied, "I'm busy, can you come back later?"

Filthy interrupted, "Princess, I think maybe it would be good if she was here during this discussion since both of us depend on what is now East Equestria for our livelihoods."

I sighed, "Oh alright."  I looked at Colgate and continued, "Colgate, I take it you are here to see if I can do something about getting Starlight to lower the price she charges us for silver?"

Colgate replied, "Yes, I am."

I was admittedly frustrated but I did tell the two that we could discuss things in private regarding their business matters so I felt obligated to continue this meeting, despite it being so early.  I said, "Well there isn't a whole lot I can do on my own.  I would likely need the assistance of Princess Celestia or Princess Luna."

Colgate asked, "Why?"

I replied, "Because like I told Filthy, this will likely involve a face to face meeting with Starlight Glimmer and she has zero respect for me.   Also, with the history we have if I were to meet her alone, she would likely abduct me again and hold me prisoner until even bigger demands are met."

Colgate sighed, "Alright, I understand.  How are we going to get this meeting set up."

I replied, "I will send a letter to Princess Celestia and see when would be good for this and then she would have to contact Starlight to see when she would be available."

Spike came into the dining hall and I ordered, "Spike, take a note."

He replied, "Okey-dokey."

I said, "Dear Princess Celestia, I have a couple of ponies meeting with me whose livelihoods are heavily influenced by materials and transactions in East Equestria.  We are wondering if you could contact Starlight Glimmer about setting up a meeting at the neutral site.  I do not like seeing our subjects suffer financially over this split.  I would appreciate a quick response.

Sincerely,

Twilight Sparkle"

Spike sent the message, I looked at the three and continued, "Well hopefully we will hear from her sooner rather than later."

*BELCH!*

As Spike coughed up a reply I said, "Wow, that was quick."

The letter read, 

"Princess Twilight, my sister and I will head to Ponyville.  We will send a letter to her letting her know that we wish to meet with her at the neutral site as I think it would be the place she would be most likely to work with us.  We will be there soon.

Sincerely,

Princess Celestia"

I looked at the two and finished, "Well the princesses are on their way.  When they get here we can discuss our plans and once we hear back from Starlight, we will head to the neutral meeting site."

Filthy asked, "So will it just be you three going?"

I replied, "No, you two will be coming as well.  I think it would be best if Starlight met the ones who are so dependent upon her country.  You can tell her about your situations.  Besides, I think she has more respect for the common, everyday ponies than she does for me or the other princesses."

Colgate said, "Well that sounds good."





While we were waiting for Celestia and Luna to arrive, we discussed how the split was affecting West Equestria overall and how the nation as a whole would begin to decline.  This was making me very nervous and frustrated, especially with Filthy Rich though as he seemed to constantly bring up how West Equestria was going to fall into an economic depression and either collapse or eventually be invaded by East Equestria and absorbed into it.  Finally Celestia and Luna arrived.  I sighed, "Thank goodness, I don't know how much more of Filthy's negativity I could take."

The two princesses came into the dining hall and gave me a smile.  Celestia said, "Twilight, it is so good to see you again!"

Luna glared at my guests and asked, "Twilight, we take it that these two are the ones who have concerns?"

I replied, "Yes, they are."

Celestia looked at the two and asked, "So what are your concerns?"

Filthy replied, "Well you see, besides owning Barnyard Bargains I am also a stock broker.  Now that the stock market is in East Equestria, any transactions I make, either for my customers or myself, I have to pay a transaction fee and I have to pass that cost down to my customers which is something that I do not want to do."

Colgate added, "And as you know, I, like most dentists, use silver to fill cavities.  All the silver comes from the east.  Before the split everything was fine but now that Starlight Glimmer controls those resources, she has decided to increase the price that I have to pay for it.  I am hoping that maybe you could get her to see how this is hurting not only the dentists here in West Equestria, but our patients as well."

Celestia gave them a smile and replied, "Alright, we'll see what we can do."

I asked, "Princess, is there any way quicker than the ordinary mail that we could send this to her?  I really want to get this done as soon as possible.  I dread having to see her and I don't want to have this looming over me for too long."

Filthy asked, "Couldn't we just send it via Pegasus mail?"

I replied, "I wish.  Thing is, Starlight vowed that if anypony was caught flying over the border from here that she would consider it an act of war and invade."

Colgate asked, "Couldn't we head out to that neutral spot, have somepony deliver the letter to their soldiers and one of their pegasi could deliver it to her?"

Luna replied, "Colgate, thou art a genius!  Let us do that!  That way Twilight won't have to be under so much stress for so long."

I said, "Sounds good, but who should we have write the letter."

Celestia replied, "Little sister, she seems to respect you more.  I think you should write it."

Luna nodded and read aloud as she wrote, 

"Dear Premier Starlight,

We in West Equestria have some ponies whose livelihoods depend upon materials in East Equestria and the economic transactions that take place there.  We are wondering if thou could make some time in thy schedule to meet with us along with the ponies with the concerns at the neutral meeting place.  We hope that thou can reply to us as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Princess Luna"

She asked, "Well everypony, how does that sound."

We all agreed in unison that it sounded good.  I ordered one of my pegasus guards to fly it out to the neutral structure so that it could be delivered to my enemy.  I sighed, "Well hopefully we will hear from her before too long."

Colgate asked, "So what do we do until we hear from her?"

I replied, "Well you and Filthy can go back to doing what you would normally do while the three of us will wait here for a response."

Both of them nodded and left the castle.  I sighed, "I really hoped I would never have to see Starlight again but I guess some things just can't be avoided."

Luna replied, "Twilight, perhaps thou could stay here in Ponyville while we along with our sister could accompany those two out to the meeting place."

Celestia interrupted, "No little sister, I think it would be best if Twilight were there as well.  After all, those two are from here in Ponyville and if Twilight is not there, Starlight may think she doesn't care about her subjects and reject this request immediately.  If Twilight is there, she will know she cares enough about Filthy and Colgate to meet her, despite their past."

Luna replied, "Thou are most likely right big sister.  Once we hear from her, the three of us along with Filthy Rich and Colgate shall head to the meeting place."

I nodded, "Alright."

I will admit, I had absolutely no desire to have to see Starlight and given the fact that Filthy seemed disrespectful towards me, I felt like simply telling Celestia that I would not go, but Colgate has never wronged me and when royal duties call, I have to answer whether I like them or not. 


> Getting Ready for the Meeting
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

While we waited for a reply from Starlight, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna simply waited there at the castle with me.  While Celestia had her concerns that the ponies in Canterlot, especially the nobility would be angry over their extended absence, Luna was able to convince her that this was more important.  This did not surprise me though as Luna has always cared more for the ordinary citizens of Equestria over the gentry and nobility.  Finally after four days a pegasus guard returned with a letter.  I shouted, "Finally!  It is about time."

I open it and the two princesses gather around me.  We read the letter together, which stated, 

"Princess Luna, 

I will meet with you, the other princesses and the two ponies involved in this price dispute.  Meet me at the neutral meeting structure in forty-eight hours.   If you are not there in seventy-two hours, I will assume that this issue is not important to you, head home and reject any further meetings over economic matters.  See you soon.

Sincerely,

Starlight Glimmer"

I suppose it was a good thing to have Luna write the letter.  Starlight signed the letter informally although I'm sure once we arrive and the meeting starts, she will force Celestia, Filthy, Colgate and myself to be formal with her.  I looked at the two princesses and asked, "Well shall we go get those two and head out?  I want to get there and get this taken care of as soon as possible."

Luna replied, "Yes Twilight, we believe that would be best."

We first headed to Barnyard Bargains to get Filthy.  We headed in and he gave us a smile.  He asked, "I take it you have heard from Starlight?"

I replied, "Yes, we have.  She wants us to be out at that neutral structure in forty-eight hours so I think it would be best if we left immediately."

He replied, "I will have to let Diamond Tiara know that I am leaving."  He then shouted towards the back, "Diamond Tiara, I need to speak to you."

We heard her shout, "Ok father, I'm coming."  When she arrived she asked, "Father, you wished to speak to me?"

Filthy replied, "Yes.  I have to go out of town for a couple of days so you will need to stay with your mother."

She immediately had a terrified look on her face.  She stuck her bottom lip out and replied, "But daddy, can't I just stay with Silver Spoon?  Her family is so much nicer to me than mother is."

Filthy said, "I am sorry Diamond Tiara, but you know how your mother will be if you stay with a friend just because I will be gone.  I don't feel like facing her wrath and I'm sure you don't either unless it is absolutely necessary."

Diamond Tiara nodded and replied, "Yes father, I understand."

After what had recently happened involving her and her mother, I couldn't help but feel bad for her as she nervously headed back towards their mansion.  I asked, "Well Filthy, shall we get going?"

Filthy interrupted, "I prefer Rich."

I replied, "Ok Mr. Rich.  Well let's go get Colgate and get going.  I know she is in a hurry to get this done."

Filthy closed the store and we headed over to Colgate's office.   When we arrived we were greeted by her receptionist, her younger sister Lyra Heartstrings.  She gave us a smile and asked, "Hello, how can I help you today?"

I replied, "We need to speak to Colgate involving meeting Starlight over the price of silver."

She said, "Ok, I will go back and get her."

She headed into the back and soon Colgate arrived to speak to us.  She asked, "So everypony, I take it that you have heard from  Premier Starlight."

I replied, "Yes, we have.  She wants us to go out there as soon as possible."

She nodded and said, "Well give me about thirty minutes.  I need to reschedule all my appointments for the next few days."  Before heading back she gave us a smile and continued, "Oh and I think Lyra needs to come along as well.  She is much better with words than I am."

We agreed with her given that Lyra is better with words but something struck me wrong with the way Colgate referred to Starlight.  She referred to her as Premier Starlight.  Once the two headed to the back I looked up at Celestia and asked, "Celestia, is it just me or does it seem like she is paying some sort of homage to Starlight?  She referred to her as Premier Starlight."

Celestia put her wing around me and replied, "I wouldn't worry about it Twilight.  She is likely just readying herself for the meeting.  She likely knows how she will have to address her.  If she starts that now, she will be less likely to slip and just call her Starlight."

Luna added, "Perhaps we should all do that.  Any sort of slip up could cause her to not only deny our requests, but actually increase the fees and the price of silver."

I added, "Good idea princess."

Thirty minutes later Colgate and Lyra returned to the lobby.  Colgate asked, "Well shall we get going?  I want to get this silver price issue taken care of."

I replied, "Yes, let's get going."

We headed to the train station, bought our tickets and headed off to Dodge Junction, which is about five miles from the neutral site.  Yes from there we would have to walk but five miles is not a horribly long distance.  Filthy may not like having to walk that distance but the rest of us should not have any problems.  I was very nervous about seeing Starlight again but I knew this had to be done.  All I could hope for is that this would be a quick meeting, Colgate and Filthy could convince Starlight to lower the prices and we could get home.


> Negotiations and Betrayals 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The train ride to Dodge Junction seemed to take forever.  While everypony else was just casually talking, I was sitting there feeling like I was going to throw up.  I knew that Starlight's power was stronger than that of any of us.  What if she had glass jars with her and took all of our marks, that would leave West Equestria leaderless and it would be easy pickings for her.  What if she was to demand even more land in exchange for making life easier for Filthy and Colgate?  By the time we reached our destination I was basically soaking wet in my own sweat.  Luna saw this and asked, "Twilight, art thou alright.  Thou art soaking wet!"  

I replied, "Not really, I'm just really worried about seeing Starlight again."

Celestia put her wing around me and said, "Don't worry Twilight, we won't let her do anything to you.  With my sister and I present, I promise you that you'll be safe."

I nodded and gave her a nervous smile.  I knew that they would protect me yet I also knew of Starlight's immense power.  Since she ascended to Alicornhood and became a Grand Mage, her power has increased significantly.  I had serious doubts as to whether Celestia and Luna could even stop her using their combined powers.   As we began walking towards the neutral site, I was a bit wobbly so Celestia put her wing around me as to prevent me from falling down.

Finally after what seemed to be forever we arrived at the structure.  While it was the place that I was released, i still got shivers up my spine seeing it.  We were greeted by one of the guards, "Greetings princesses and guests.  I take it you are here for that meeting with Starlight?"

I replied, "Yes, we are."

He said, "Well she is in there waiting.  I hope it goes well."

Celestia opened the door and we headed in.  The very first thing I noticed was Starlight Glimmer, giving me that same nasty smirk she has always given me.  I also noticed that she had two well decorated guards with her, most likely higher ups in her military.   Her smirk changed to a smile and she said, "Welcome!"

Luna, who she seems to respect more replied, "Hello Starlight, how art thou doing today?"

She replied, "I am doing quite well.  How was your trip?"

Luna said, "It was alright, just an ordinary trip."

Starlight replied, "That is good to hear your Majesty."  Her eyes then shifted to me and continued, "So Twilight, I take it these three ponies here are the ones that are being affected negatively by our economic practices?"

I replied, "Yes Starlight....."

She interrupted, "Twilight Sparkle, don't you remember that you are to refer to me as Grand Mage Starlight Glimmer the Second?"  She looked at Celestia and added, "Same goes for you TIA."

I have rarely seen Celestia get mad but this was one of those rare instances.  She shouted, "Just like I told you when I expelled you, NOPONY calls me Tia!"

Starlight frowned, "If you want me to consider easing or getting rid of these price increases, you will let me call you whatever I want."

Celestia sighed, "Fine."

Starlight pointed her wings at our guests and continued, "Would you three step forward and tell me about your situations and how it is negatively affecting your businesses."

What would happen next would shock me.  Colgate and Lyra were the first to approach her.  Suddenly they rushed to her, bowed and said, "Grand Mage Starlight Glimmer the Second!  It is so good to meet you face to face."

Starlight grabbed them in her aura and lifted them from their bow.  She said, "Please do not bow to me, for I am no better than anypony else and I would prefer it if you two would just call me Starlight."

In unison they replied, "Alright Starlight."

Starlight then began to examine the two very closely, she got as close to them as she did me in Our Town.  I knew that ponies getting too close to Colgate bothered her but Starlight doing so did not bother her.  Starlight stepped back and said, "You know, something seems different about you two.  You bow before me and I also sense a special energy from you."  She paused for a minute and continued, "What are your names?"

Colgate replied, "My name is Colgate and this pony here is my sister, Lyra Heartstrings."

Starlight said, "Well Colgate and Lyra, there is something that I must do, something that could affect your futures significantly."

The two had nervous looks on their faces as Starlight grabbed them in her aura.  I wondered why she would grab two ponies that she seems to like in her aura.  I could tell she was trying to remove their marks.  As hard as she tried, she could not unmark them.  She let go of them and smiled, "Colgate, Lyra, you two truly are special, you are Eastern ponies.  Since you are Eastern ponies, rather than face the hardships you are currently dealing with, you could come with me to Fillydelphia and I would make sure you have a job."  Her smile then turned to a look of concern as she continued, "Why didn't you two come to East Equestria when all the mass relocations were happening.  Didn't you see me on the TV, hear me on the radio or see my picture in the newspaper and know that the one to liberate you had arrived?"

Colgate replied, "Actually we did not.  Running a dental practice takes a lot of time and paying attention to the media isn't something that we have a lot of time for."

Starlight motioned for them to go to her side of the structure.  She said, "Well, with that being the case I will make sure you can open your own dental practice and it won't cost you a bit."  She put her wings around the two and continued, "What do you say, do you want to come to your ancestors' homeland and have your own practice or do you wish to stay in West Equestria and struggle?"

Colgate grabbed her and replied, "I'm not sure about Lyra but I'm ready to return to my ancestral homeland."

Lyra added, "As am I."

Starlight gave me a smirk and replied, "I am happy to know that two more ponies of Eastern lineage are returning to East Equestria, where they belong."

I shouted, "Colgate, Lyra, how could you do this?  How could you just abandon all your patients in Ponyville?"

Colgate replied, "You're a princess, I'm sure you could entice some other dentist to go there and take over."

Lyra added, "Besides, we're going to the land where our ancestors came from.  Starlight here is the one we are loyal to."  She pointed her hoof towards Celestia and continued, "And she is the one who liberated all Eastern ponies from your rule."

While Luna seemed to have an indifferent look on her face, I gave the two a scowl and Celestia again became angry.  She shouted, "Oh, so you two are going to spit on the town that brought you so much prosperity?  You suddenly think you are so much better since you know that you are of Eastern lineage?  Well guess what, I am calling in that loan you two got from the Bank of Equestria to start your practice immediately.  You're not just going to relocate to a foreign country without paying West Equestria back first."

Starlight's horn began to glow and she interrupted, "Is that so Tia?"  She grabbed me in her aura and levitated me over to her and continued, "Well then, maybe I should take your little pet captive again and we can negotiate another generous offer for her return."

Celestia grunted, "Fine, they can go to their ancestor's homeland without paying me."

She tossed me back into our side of the room and sneered, "That is good to hear Celestia.  I knew deep down you wouldn't do anything to jeopardize your wannabe daughter's safety or freedom."

She then looked at Filthy and continued, "I take it you are the other pony who is being harmed by my economic policies."

Filthy approached her and replied, "Yes, I am the other one."

Starlight asked, "What is your name and how are my economic practices harming you?"

Filthy began, "My name is Filthy Rich and I do two things for my livelihood.  I own a general store called Barnyard Bargains and I am a stock broker.  While this has not hurt my store any, the foreign transaction fees are very costly.  They are costly enough that I have had to increase how much I charge my customers for executing trades for them."

Starlight replied, "Yeah, and?"

Filthy said, "Well I really don't like having to pass on higher transaction fees to my customers."

Starlight sneered, "Well, I would think that if a pony is wealthy enough to own stocks that a little bit of an extra fee would not harm them."

I interrupted, "Look, Mr. Rich simply does not want to have to pay an extra fee which he then has to pass down to his customers.  Unlike other wealthy businessponies, he does actually care about his customers."

Starlight sneered, "Like I said before if his customers are wealthy enough to have investments in the stock market, then they should be able to handle extra fees."  She got up in Filthy's face and continued, "OR, since you are quite wealthy I am certain you could just pay the fees and still be just fine."

I finally had enough.  I was sick and tired of her repeating herself over and over so I yelled, "Grand Mage Starlight Glimmer the Second, so what are you going to do about the issues we came to see you about?"

Starlight put her wing up to her face and stood there for a minute, giving me that nasty smirk of her's.  She lowered her wing and began, "I have decided that since everypony, rich or poor has to see the dentist, that I will lower the export price of silver to what it is trading at upon the time it is ordered."

I asked, "And what about the foreign transaction fees?"

Starlight replied, "For now, those shall remain in place.  After all, ponies in other countries have to pay the same transaction fees, so why should West Equestria be any different."

Luna, who had been mostly quiet chimed in, "Starlight dost make a good point.  If she did away with the foreign transaction fees for West Equestria, she would have to do the same with other nations."

Like I have said before, seeing Celestia get mad is rare but for her to get mad three times in one day is unheard of.  She got up in Luna's face and yelled, "What makes you say that little sister?  Do you not care about the ponies in West Equestria that have investments?  Do you not care about ponies such as Mr. Rich who have to pay extra on those transactions?"

Luna snapped, "Look big sister, we are looking at things more realistically.  Starlight obviously wants all nations to be treated as equals when it comes to things like this and we think the same way."

Everypony in the room with the exception of Starlight gasped.  I asked, "What?  You're taking her side on this?"

Celestia without thinking smacked Luna with her wing.  She added, "Little sister, what has gotten into you?  You seemed to be on her side during the negotiations regarding Twilight's release, you seemed to be friendly with her when she was returning Twilight to us and now you seem to be on her side regarding the foreign transaction fees."

Luna's eyes began to glow white and she yelled back, "How dare thee smack us big sister.  We were simply stating that our opinion in what we think is fair."

During their argument I could see a huge smile growing on Starlight's face and I knew exactly what was going through her mind.  She was thinking that perhaps this would be her chance to get Luna to defect, return to Fillydelphia, go conquer the Equine Empire and have Luna crowned as queen over there.  

While the two continued to argue, Starlight interrupted, "Stop it you two."  She gave Celestia a stern look and continued, "Celestia, is that any way to treat your sister and co-ruler of your nation?"

Celestia replied, "Well no but I am upset that she is simply wanting to give in to you and not fight for her subjects."

Starlight asked, "But did you really have to smack her?  She then gave Luna a concerned look and continued, "Princess Luna, do you two argue like this on a regular basis and does she smack you like this on a regular basis?"

Luna replied, "No Dear Starlight, the only other time she has smacked us was during our negotiations to free Twilight."

I saw Starlight's look of concern change to one of a very subtle smile.  She asked, "Princess Luna, have you ever wished that you would be viewed as an equal.  Does it ever bother you that Celestia and Twilight are more loved than you?"

Celestia shouted, "No!  You will not take my sister, she will not go with you."

I became really worried when I saw Luna's eyes begin to shine white again.  She turned to Celestia and sternly replied, "Big sister, we have long wished that we were as loved as Twilight and thee and it does upset us that thou art making a decision for us."  She headed over and stood by Starlight.  She continued, "We shall make our own decisions from now on."  She looked over to Starlight and asked, "Starlight, art thy plan for us to take over The Equine Empire still valid if we was to go with you?"

Starlight replied, "Of course your Majesty.  You, my army and myself will go over there, take it over and it shall become your empire.  Why you could become Queen Luna of The Equine Empire."

Luna smiled, "Well then, we shall return with thee to Fillydelphia and then invade The Equine Empire!  We will find being a queen most pleasant!"

I shouted, "Luna no!  Please think this through, think of who you will be associating with.  You will be associating with the pony who held me captive for more than a year AND you will be abandoning your subjects here in West Equestria."

Luna scoffed, "Not any longer Twilight.  We are abdicating as we feel we are not given the respect or power that we should have."  She gave Celestia a death glare and continued, "Tell us big sister, would mother and father wish for thou to be the primary princess?  What would they have thought about thou banishing us to the moon for a thousand years?"  Celestia tried to get something out but only got a sigh.  Luna continued, "No they would not!  They wanted us to have equal power.  We did not have equal power before we became Nightmare Moon, nor do we have it now and they would have been most angry over thou banishing us to the moon!"

Celestia fired some energy at Luna and yelled, "Fine you traitor, good riddance!"

After that Filthy, Celestia and myself stormed out of the structure while Starlight, her soldiers, Luna, Colgate and Lyra headed out of the structure.  While I could clearly see a very scared look on Filthy's face, I saw a look of anger and shock on Celestia's face.  I asked, "Princess, are you ok?"

Celestia broke down into angry tears, "No Twilight, I am not.  My sister betrayed not just me, but all of West Equestria!  Why would she do this?  How could she just let Starlight manipulate her so easily."

I replied, "I guess the thoughts of being a sole monarch appealed to her so much that it made her want sole power."

Celestia mumbled, "Well this wasn't the first time so I guess this shouldn't surprise me."

I asked, "I take it you are talking about when she turned into Nightmare Moon?"

Celestia replied, "Yes, I am."

I looked at Filthy and saw he was very pale.  I asked, "Mr. Rich, are you ok.  You look pale as a ghost."

Filthy replied, "With everything that just happened I am worried about the future and I am worried about you two.  I don't want to see your Majesties really stressed out."

Celestia put her wing around him and replied, "It is ok.  Like I said the day the continent was split, we will do what we have to do to prevent an economic collapse."

He just nodded as we began to head back towards Dodge Junction.  I couldn't help but hear laughter coming from Colgate, Luna, Lyra, Starlight and her guards.  I heard her talking to Luna about how she would become a full fledged monarch which is what she was born to be.  What bothered me most was Luna agreeing with her and talking about how The Equine Empire would become a global power and a strong ally with East Equestria.  I felt like this was another victory for Starlight, another defeat for Celestia and myself at her hooves.  I am not sure how this will affect Celestia in the long term but it will only increase my ambition to bring Starlight down and one day unite the continent under a single banner once more.




> Problems in Ponyville
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Three months had passed since Luna defected and ponies across West Equestria were now beginning to feel the effects of the nation splitting.  Because of shortages of some products and resources, prices of certain items began to go up, this included everything from hay to silver.  The value of the West Equestrian Bit began to decline against other global currencies, especially the East Equestrian Bit so no matter where we had to import from, prices were higher than they used to be.  While your ordinary citizens in Equestria were hurting, even the gentry and nobility up in Canterlot were finding it hard to maintain the lifestyle they had been used to for centuries.





On most mornings I am woken up by the sun shining in my window but one morning was different.  It was not the sun nor was it the crow of a rooster.  Somepony had thrown a brick through my window!  Tied to it was a note that read,

"Princess Twilight,

You and Princess Celestia promised that you would work to make things better for West Equestria but things are getting worse, much worse.  I along with many other ponies here in Ponyville demand answers!

Sincerely,

An Extremely Unhappy Ponyville Resident"

This caused me to turn pale.  Spike noticed this and asked, "Twilight, are you ok?  You look like you've seen a ghost."

I pointed my hoof to the window, handed Spike the note and replied, "No Spike, I am not ok.  The economy is really going downhill and everypony is getting really upset."

We both heard shouting coming from outside.  After having a brick thrown through my window I was not hungry so I headed out to my balcony where I was greeted with boos.  Before me stood a crowd that was angry, very angry.  Some had torches and pitchforks while others tried to charge the castle doors.  Luckily I have guards who know what to do in these types of situations.  I looked out upon them and shouted, "Please calm down so we can talk."

Filthy Rich, who had become much colder towards me since we met with Starlight yelled, "Calm down?  How the hay are we supposed to calm down when we are suffering financially.  Some ponies are even having to shut down their businesses because YOU AND CELESTIA haven't done anything to improve the economy!"

The crowd shouted, "Here, here!"

I replied, "Listen, there isn't much I can do.  I know Celestia has sent crews out to explore for natural resources such as iron and coal.  Mining this stuff and getting it ready for consumption takes time.  Celestia is doing as much as she can."

A pony in the crowd yelled, "You ALWAYS say that."

I replied, "And it is always the truth.  Things don't happen overnight.  Give it time and soon everything will be fine."

The crowd began to boo me again and rocks began to be fired at my castle by the unicorns.  Yes, even though I had palace guards some ponies had the audacity to fire rocks at the castle, some aimed for me.  I quickly rushed inside and was greeted by Spike.  He asked, "Twilight, I take it things did not go well?"

I replied, "No Spike."  I began to sob, "I never imagined things would turn out like this, I never imagined that the ponies in this town would turn against me."

Spike asked, "What about your friends?  Why haven't they been here much in the past couple of weeks?"

I replied, "Because of the threat of them being attacked.  There are always a few ponies out there that are ready to attack anypony who comes to the castle."

Spike suggested, "Well perhaps you could always fly over to Sweet Apple Acres and everypony could gather there.  Nopony has anything against Applejack."

I replied, "Spike, you're a genius.  We could do that and besides, everypony knows not to trespass onto Sweet Apple Acres."

Spike said, "Now that's the Twilight I know so well."

I replied, "Well let's get going.  I can go over there and maybe we could have Apple Bloom go round everypony up.  I just want to be able to hang out with my friends without them being in danger."

Spike and I headed to my balcony.  I levitated him onto my back and we headed off towards Sweet Apple Acres.  I could hear the crowd booing and calling me a coward but I didn't care.  





Very quickly we arrived at Sweet Apple Acres where we were greeted by Applejack.  She rushed to me and said, "Twilight, I've been so worried about you.  Are you ok?"

I sighed, "Not really.  I haven't been able to leave the castle much because of the protesters and I haven't invited any of you over because I am worried that you might get attacked."

Applejack asked, "Twilight, why is all this happening?  When you first became a princess, everypony loved you more than anything."

I replied, "I know.  I am sure it was the split of the nation and the fact that the economy is getting worse is why not just Celestia, but all of the royals are facing pressure and losing support."

Applejack asked, "Do y'all think that is why Luna abdicated and went with Starlight?  Do you think she saw all of this coming and didn't want to deal with it?"

I replied, "No, I think it was just a matter of her and Celestia growing apart and a desire for full power.  Starlight offered to help her get it so she gladly went with her.  Starlight told her that she could be Queen Luna of The Equine Empire and she defected."

Applejack gasped, "Wait a minute Twilight, you were talking about the royals losing support.  Do you think you and Celestia might get overthrown?, that some other form of government might rise?"

I hugged Applejack and began to sob, "I don't think so but anything is possible in this new era."

Apple Bloom heard me crying and ran into the barn.  She asked, "Princess Twilight, what is wrong?  Why are you crying?"

I cried, "Because everypony is turning against me and I can't even have my friends safely come over to the castle anymore."  I calmed down a bit and asked, "Apple Bloom, could you go and round up the rest of my friends.  We should all be able to talk here without any problems."

Apple Bloom nodded and headed off to get the rest of my friends.  While she was doing this angry townsponies began to gather around the entrance to the apple farm.  While this scared me it infuriated Applejack.  She galloped out and yelled, "Y'all get away from my farm!"

One of the ponies yelled, "We know Princess Twilight is here and we have a bone to pick with her.  We need to speak with her now!"

Naturally this brought Big Mac to the rescue.  When he arrived he was giving them a death glare and uncharacteristically yelled, "You heard my sister, get off of our farm!"

Both of them were snorting and getting ready to charge.  While Applejack alone did not bother them too much, they knew that together Applejack and Big Mac would likely injure them so they headed back home.  Applejack said, "Thank you Big Mac, I don't know what I'd do without y'all."

Big Mac simply nodded and said, "Eeyep!"

Ten minutes later Apple Bloom returned with my friends.  Rarity ran up to me, hugged me and said, "Twilight darling, it is so good to see you!  It feels like it has been forever."

I replied, "I know.  Things have been very stressful and uncharacteristically dangerous here lately."

Fluttershy asked, "Why is everypony acting like this?  Why are they so mad?"

Pinkie added, "Yeah, why are they being such meany-meany-mean hooves to you?"

I sighed, "Well I think that the deteriorating economy has a lot to do with it.  There are shortages of some things, the price of everything is going through the roof and some ponies are even blaming Celestia and myself for Luna's defection."

Fluttershy asked, "Why?"

I replied, "Well throughout the entire history of Equestria, Celestia has always been considered the primary princess.  That is what caused Luna to turn into Nightmare Moon so long ago and the fact that she is not treated as an equal now is what probably caused her to leave."  I sighed and continued, "But Starlight Glimmer had a ton to do with it.  She continually pounded the point home to Luna that she is not treated like an equal until she agreed to go back east with her."

Rainbow shouted, "Well let's go kick Starlight's flank and force Luna to come back!"

I replied, "Rainbow, we can't do that.  Like I have said before, Starlight said that if anypony crosses that border she will consider it an act of war and invade."

Rainbow sighed, "Oh alright.  I still wish there was a way we could make her pay for everything she's done."

Before I could say anything else, *BELCH!*  Spike coughed up a message from Celestia.  It read, 

"Princess Twilight,

Could you come up to Canterlot as soon as possible?  There are things going on and events have happened that we really need to discuss.  Fly as high as you possibly can when you get to Canterlot so you won't get hit with rocks and please come alone, I don't want Spike being put in danger.  I hope to see you soon.

Princess Celestia"

Spike asked, "Twilight, why do you think Celestia wants you to go alone?"

I replied, "I have a feeling that the protests there are turning violent.  You know how the upper class ponies get when they can't live life as comfortably as possible."

Spike asked, "Do you want me to send a reply to the princess?"

I replied, "Yes, tell her I am on my way."

While Spike was sending the message I took off towards Canterlot.  Luckily I did not receive any negative attention as I was leaving town but I had a bad feeling that the same would not be true upon my arrival in Canterlot.  From the sounds of Celestia's letter, things up there are likely far worse than they are in Ponyville so I had to be careful.
> Chaos in Canterlot
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Discussion With Celestia

As I was flying west towards Canterlot, there was a nice cool breeze blowing in my face that calmed me down.  That calmness would not last long as once I began to fly over Canterlot, I heard ponies screaming, yelling and calling me names that are usually reserved for the likes of Tirek and Chrysalis.  I sped as quickly as I could to Celestia's castle and went in through the balcony.  As soon as I got in I was greeted by Celestia, "Twilight, I am so happy to see that you got here safely."

I replied, "Thanks.  From the way you sounded in that scroll, I was expecting spears to be fired at me."

Celestia said, "Well you're lucky.  We have had a couple royal guards injured by mobs here recently.  Luckily nopony has tried to do anything to me yet."

I replied, "Well they probably know better.  They know what the punishment would be, that is if the royal guard didn't kill them first."

Celestia sighed, "Well I wouldn't kill them."  She paused for a minute and continued, "Enough with all this negative talk.  It's lunch time and I'm hungry."

I smiled, "I am hungry too.  Let's get something to eat." 

Once we got to the dining hall we began to talk about more serious things.  Before our meal arrived I wanted to now what was so serious that Celestia had to mention it in the scroll.  I asked, "Celestia, what bad has been going on that you were talking about?"

Celestia asked, "Here or elsewhere?"

I replied, "Well from the way things sound there are problems in more places than just Canterlot.  So what has been going on elsewhere?"

Celestia hung her head and began, "Remember how Starlight told my sister than if she went with her that she would help her conquer The Equine Empire?"

I replied, "Yes."

Celestia continued, "Well from what I understand that has happened.   The ponies over there were so dissatisfied with their king and queen that their military didn't even put up a fight.  Now Luna is queen over there, she is building up a strong military and East Equestria has a good, strong ally."

I put my hooves over my face and asked, "And what about here?"

Celestia replied, "Well the protests are getting angrier, ponies always seemed to be gathered down in the courtyard, even at night and like I said earlier, some of these mobs have injured guardsponies recently."

I asked, "How are civilians able to injure our guardsponies?"

Celestia replied, "The quickest, strongest and most agile of them will sneak up behind them and smash rocks either in their face or wrestle them to the ground and break their legs."

I hung my head low and sighed in disgust.  I never imagined that the ponies in Canterlot would engage in the activities that Celestia told me about.  I never imagined that there would be non-stop protests and I certainly never expected royal guards to be attacked and injured.  I asked, "Celestia, what are we going to do about this?"

Celestia replied, "After lunch, we are going to address them.  I know you aren't as popular as you used to be but perhaps you can talk some sense into them."

I replied, "Alright."





Addressing an Angry Crowd

After lunch Celestia and I headed out to the balcony and were immediately greeted with boos, insults and sarcastic comments about the economy.  While I was nervous, Celestia nudged me and told me to address them first.  I stepped to the front of the balcony and began, 

"Citizens of Canterlot, I know things aren't exactly how we would want them to be right now but protesting, booing Celestia and myself and hurling insults will not make things better any quicker.  We have sent crews out to look for natural resources and we have planted hay in the areas where it will easily grow but nothing can happen overnight.  Please understand that I sympathize with all of you but you have to give things time."

The crowd began to boo and ponies began yelling that I didn't understand their problems, that I didn't care, that I knew nothing of what was going on and that I was a liar.  I started crying and backed up towards Celestia.  When the crowd saw this they began mocking my cries "waah-waah-waah."

Celestia put her wing around me and said, "It's ok Twilight.  I'll talk with them and make sure that they know not to direct any anger towards you."

I smiled as Celestia headed to the front of the balcony.  The crowd's boos grew louder and they began to chant "TYRANT" over and over.  Even Celestia raising and lowering her wings did not get them to completely quiet down.  Eventually they did get quiet enough Celestia felt comfortable addressing them.  She began,

"Citizens of Canterlot.  I want you to know that what Twilight is saying is true and I want you to know that she is not the one to direct your hate and anger towards.   Also like what Twilight said, mining for natural resources and harvesting crops does not happen overnight.  We still have to mine enough materials to build things of our own here to start with so for now we will still have to import."

A pony in the crowd shouted, "But you promised that things would get better!  You promised that things would return to normal!"

Celestia replied, "I did but I didn't mean that it would happen overnight."  While I have seen Celestia lose her cool in certain situations, such as with Starlight, I had never seen her get angry in front of a crowd.  She became more agitated as she continued, "Look, like I have said we are doing the best we can but angry mobs are not going to move things along quicker.  All it is doing is causing undue stress among yourselves and creating disharmony."  She began to cry in anger, "And it is the harmony among us ponies that keeps things stable and for the most part keeps evil at bay!"

A pony in the crowd shouted, "Well this harmony sure didn't stop Tirek now did it?"

Another pony yelled, "And it sure didn't stop Chrysalis from attacking either."

A third pony yelled, "Or Nightmare Moon OR Discord."

Celestia had calmed herself down by this point and replied, "No it did not but what I mean to say is that it keeps uprisings from taking place and for the most part keeps the populous happy and now that harmony is gone and look what is happening."

Fancy Pants, who has had to really cut back yelled, "Well if Twilight Sparkle would have had more power and not gotten captured by Starlight Glimmer, we wouldn't be in this mess now would we?"

Celestia yelled, "How dare you bring Twilight into this!  This is not her fault."

I watched in shock as she turned her back to the crowd and stormed inside.  I followed her in and found her sobbing angrily.  I asked, "Princess Celestia, what is wrong?"

Celestia pulled me close and sobbed, "Didn't you see what is happening out there?  They hate me and they hate you.  I honestly don't know how much longer we will be able to hold on."

I replied, "Celestia, we are very powerful and can hold them back plus we have the royal guard to protect us as well."

Celestia laid her head on the table and replied, "I don't know about that anymore Twilight.  The fact that they are injuring royal guards really worries me.  The strongest of them may be able to take the guard by surprise and breach the castle entrance."

I asked, "Is there anything that I can do?"

Celestia replied, "Yeah, could you stay up here tonight?  I would feel better if you stayed up here with me."

I asked, "Would I be sleeping in my old room?"

Celestia replied, "No, I want you sleeping in Luna's old room.  It is right next to mine and if one of us needs the other, we can easily help each other."

I replied, "Alright, I will stay as long as you need me to."

This caused Celestia to give me a smile but I was really nervous.  Celestia is very powerful and would never ask somepony else to stay with her in the event she needs her.  With the increasing anger among the citizens and the fact that royal guardsponies are actually getting injured by civilians causes me a great amount of concern.  The thing that worries me most is what if some of them injured or killed members of the royal guard, got into the castle and attempted to kill Celestia or myself.  All I knew is that it would be a very long night.






> Riots in Canterlot
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Calm Before the Storm

After Celestia and I addressed the crowd that afternoon, they seemed to disperse for the most part although a few of the upper class ponies remained.  While they were not shouting anything we knew that they did not have good intentions.  That evening Celestia and I set down for supper and I asked, "Celestia, do you think things will remain relatively calm tonight or do you think there will be more protests?"

Celestia replied, "Well there are always a couple ponies yelling things at night but it is nothing major.  Unless there is some sort of festival or celebration going on, nights are usually rather quiet."  She put her wing up to her face and continued, "Well except for the royal guards being lynched at night here recently, things have been pretty safe."

I replied, "That is good to hear."

After supper Celestia and I headed out on to the balcony so she could do her royal duties which surprisingly were uneventful.  Celestia gave me a smile when she saw that there were no ponies whatsoever gathered out there.  She said, "Well this is a nice change, normally there are a few ponies down there yelling at me when I am lowering the sun and raising the moon."

I asked, "What do they yell?"

Celestia replied, "Well they yelled at me claiming that I drove Luna away, they yelled at me for not treating her as an equal, they yelled that things would be far better had I let Luna run everything and of course like they shouted today, they yell the word 'tyrant' at me."

We headed inside and I could sense a feeling of relief from Celestia but I did not have the same feelings.  I had a feeling that the peaceful evening was a sign of bad things to come.  Celestia saw my look of concern and asked, "Twilight, what is wrong?  You look concerned."

I replied, "I just have a bad feeling about tonight.  I don't know why but I think that things are going to get violent tonight."

Celestia gave me a half smile and replied, "Twilight, didn't you see how calm and peaceful it was when I did my royal duties?  There wasn't even a single protester out there tonight!  Everything is going to be just fine."

I said, "I certainly hope so."

Before we knew it the time had come for bed.  Celestia headed for her chambers while I headed to Luna's old sleeping chambers.  I couldn't help but feel a little bit weird crawling into her bed but it certainly was comfortable!  It was even more comfortable than my own in Ponyville.  Eventually I was able to get to sleep but that would not last for long.





The Riots Begin

Around midnight I was awaken from my slumber by screaming and yelling outside.   I wanted to get a better look at everything that was going on so I crept out my window and flew to the top of the castle.  What I saw would terrify me.  I saw ponies not only screaming and yelling outside of the castle, in the business district I saw ponies breaking windows out of businesses and looting.  The biggest targets were the jewelry stores.  They probably figured that if they could sell the rings and other items that they could at least stock up on food.  It was almost as if Canterlot had gone from a city of high society to one that would break the law just to survive.

What surprised me the most was that the working class ponies and the upper class ponies were working together in these riots.   Normally you would think that the gentry and nobility would never engage in rioting, much less mingling with the working class.  Then things would only get more terrifying, ponies were beginning to set businesses on fire and calling for the heads of all royalty.  I then looked off in the opposite direction and saw a huge mob headed towards Prince Blueblood's castle.  I knew what was going to happen but when I saw that the guards protecting the castle were being assaulted and ponies were trying to breach the castle entrance, I flew back through my window and shut it.

I crawled in a ball in the corner and began to cry.  During the whole time I lived here and even after I moved to Ponyville, I never imagined things like this would ever happen in Equestria.  I thought that such things were reserved for countries with less stable governments and less loved monarchs.  I guess now we are the less loved monarchs and with the bad economy, this shouldn't have surprised me but it did.  My biggest concern now was that the rioters would breach the entrance and unleash their wrath upon us.  All I can do right now is hope that if they do get inside, the unicorn guards will take care of them.





A Royal Nightmare

While I was incredibly tired, I just couldn't get to sleep.  I looked out the window and smoke from the fires was beginning to fill the sky, the yells were getting louder and then I heard something incredibly scary.  I heard a pony yell, "We did it, we've tore the door down!  Let's go in and kill them!"

It was at this moment that I realized the castle had been breached so I quickly headed into Celestia's room.  I nudged Celestia but she is not an easy pony to wake so I had to figure out a different way to wake her so I yelled, "Princess Celestia, wake up!  The castle has been breached."

This caused Celestia to shoot up in her bed.  She asked, "Twilight, are you ok?"  She began to giggle a little and continued, "I don't know if I was dreaming this but I could have sworn you said that the castle has been breached."

I was in shock that she would take something like that so lightly.  I frantically shouted, "It has Celestia, we have to get out of here.  They are coming for us!"

Celestia sighed, "Twilight, I hear the yells....."  She then sniffed the air and smelled smoke.  She asked, "Twilight, I smell smoke.  Is the castle on fire?"

I replied, "No, but these protests have turned into rioting.  There is looting in the business district and buildings are being set on fire."

Celestia was mortified.  She began to panic, "Twilight, we need to get out of the city.  If they have breached the castle they will likely start fires in here and try to hurt us." 

I nodded and we rushed out the door.  Unfortunately though, we were meet by a huge mob.   Most were armed with pitchforks and spears.  While Celestia would normally know what to do in this situation, she began to panic.  She rushed back into her room and I felt myself being trampled by many, many hooves.  While I was grunting and trying to get up, I heard horrible, painful screams.  It was that of Princess Celestia.  The mob got to her and launched a full attack.  After what seemed to be an eternity I heard the screaming stop.  I heard the mob screaming and cheering before they then came after me.  They began to stab me with their spears and while I screamed at first, I managed to go silent despite still being stabbed.  I realized the only way to survive this was to play dead, and it worked.  Finally they left cheering in victory, believing that they had wiped both of us out.  Once they were out of sight I crawled into Celestia's room to check on her. 

When I got into Celestia's room I found her laying at the foot of her bed.  She was covered in blood and she had many, many stab wounds.  As I crawled closer to her I began to tear up as it looked like the mob had been successful in killing her.  I laid over her and began to cry, "Why?  Why?  Why did this have to happen?  Why did they do this when she has been nothing but kind and loving towards them?"

I felt something move beneath me.  Could it be, could Celestia be alive?  I heard a weak voice say, "Twilight, is that you?"

I got off of her and began to cry, "You're alive?"  I hugged her and continued, "I'm so glad you're alive."

Celestia replied, "Yes, I'm alive, but just barely."

With as badly as she had been injured I knew there was not much I could do except clean her wounds, get her into bed and watch over her.  I said, "Celestia, I am going to have to get something to clean your wounds.  Will you be ok?"

Celestia replied, "Yes Twilight, I will be ok."

I headed to her private bath where I found alcohol pads, gauze, stitching materials and band-aids.  When I returned I saw a guard pony in there with her.  He saw me and asked, "Princess Twilight, did you know that Celestia was attacked?"

I was not thrilled with his question, especially given that he saw me bringing in medical supplies.  I replied, "Yes, I know.  If I hadn't known I wouldn't be bringing in things to clean her wounds now would I?"  I glared at him and continued, "And where were you during this attack?  Why is it just now that you showed up?"

He replied, "Well I was off duty when I heard what was going on.  I got into my armor and got here as fast as I could.  When I finally did arrive, I saw four of my fellow guardsponies had been killed at the entrance, that the doors had been completely torn down and even worse, most of the royal guard has abandoned their posts.  There are only a few of us left to protect you two."

Celestia began to cry, "That is horrible, what are we going to do?"

I looked at the guard and ordered, "I want you to get all the remaining loyal guardsponies and bring them here to protect Celestia."  I then smiled at Celestia and continued, "And I want to get your wounds cleaned up and give you the stitches you need."

Celestia gave me a weak smile and replied, "Thank you Twilight, you have no idea how much this means to me."

The guard left to go round up the remaining guardsponies while I began to work on Celestia.  I know the alcohol was stinging her as she was moaning in pain and she was gritting her teeth as I was stitching her up.  Three hours later I had got her wounds cleaned and had her wounds stitched shut.  Yes I had my own wounds that needed taking care of but taking care of Celestia's wounds is far more important than my own.

Although it was difficult and painful for her, I was finally able to get Celestia into bed and I began working on my own wounds.  While mine weren't as bad, cleaning them still stung and sewing them up was rather painful as well.  I guess this is where being a unicorn or an Alicorn has it's advantages, you can take care of your wounds on your own if you have to. 

I was trying to get Celestia to go to sleep but she just couldn't do it so we talked to keep her mind off of the pain.  Suddenly we heard horrible crying and screaming coming from outside.  I rushed over to the window and saw that the ponies had piled a bunch of wood together and lit it on fire.  I saw a pony that was tied up struggling and trying to get free but it was all for naught.  I took a closer look and it was Prince Blueblood.  I could hear his cries but I heard snide yells from his captors as well.

"Good riddance you parasite!"  yelled one pony

"May you rot in Tartarus for all eternity you miserable waste of space!"  yelled another

A third pony mocked Blueblood's voice, "Eww...Me mingle with commoners?, I think not!"  He then sneered, "Well too bad Bluebitch, tonight you have no choice!"

They then threw the struggling unicorn into the fire and his cries and screams were so loud that Celestia and I could hear it easily in her room.  She tried to sit up and asked, "Twilight, what is going on out there?"

I began to weep, "It's Prince Blueblood.  He was abducted by an angry mob and they are burning him alive in the courtyard below your window."

This caused Celestia to become enraged.  She tried to crawl out of bed and yelled, "They're doing wha.....OWWW!"

She slipped out of bed and tore one of her stitches open so I had to clean it and stitch it up again.  Celestia began to cry, "I know he wasn't the friendliest of ponies or the most well liked member of the royal family but they didn't have to kill him.  He had nothing to do with this."

I replied, "I know Celestia but right now I think they are out to get anyone in the royal system.  We just have to hope that the remaining guards will follow their orders and protect you."

Celestia replied, "I hope so as well......Twilight, with me being in this shape, I won't be able to go outside take care of the moon or sun, what am I going to do?"

I replied, "Well when I had all of the Alicorn magic, I did it from inside the library so maybe you can do it from in here."

Celestia said, "Well it's worth a try.  If I can't do it I guess the land will be shrouded in darkness for a while."

When the time came Celestia did discover that she could lower the moon and raise the sun from her bed.  While I was relieved that she could do that, there were other problems I was worried about.  I was not sure how much food the castle had in it and I had my doubts that there would be any more shipments coming in given the chaotic state the city was in.   Finally after having some breakfast I was able to get Celestia to go to sleep.  Seeing her in this state bothers me so much, not just because she was my teacher and mentor but also because she is like a second mother to me.  Sometimes I feel like she was more of a mother for me than my biological mother ever was.











> Addressing Canterlot
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning Discussions

The days after the attack seemed to drag as Celestia and I were recovering from our wounds but one thing few know is that Alicorns heal rather quickly so two weeks after the attack, both of us were up on our hooves and walking like normal.  Both of us were tired though as the protests had continued to go on nonstop but luckily there had been no rioting since that night.

Celestia and I sat down for breakfast and began to discuss what needed to be done.  I asked, "Celestia, given what happened what are we going to do?  Are we going to address these protesters?"

Celestia replied, "Yes, we are going to address them after breakfast.  I need to let them know that by them looting and burning out businesses, that they have made the situation much worse."  Celestia got a grim look of determination on her face and continued, "I am going to have to let them know that this will not be tolerated.  I am going to let them know that killing guards will not be tolerated and that attempting to assassinate us definitely will not be tolerated."

I asked, "Are you going to do an investigation as to who broke in that night and find the ponies that tried to kill us?"

Celestia replied, "I would like to but given how many ponies charged in, it would be unlikely that we could round them all up and I don't want to put any ponies that did not participate in trying to kill us in prison."

Now while I would round everypony in town up and interrogate them, Celestia, despite nearly being killed, still cared deeply about the residents of Canterlot and would not risk putting any innocent ponies on trial.  She seemed to think that by simply addressing them and showing them that she wants them to stop this, that things will return to normal.  

I asked, "Are you sure that simply telling them that such things won't be tolerated will be enough?  Don't you think that threatening them with punishment would keep them in line?"

Celestia gave me a smile and replied, "Well I do think that telling them that breaking into the castle and trying to kill us will result in jail time, I think we should simply tell them that the rioting won't be tolerated.  I think they are smart enough to know that continued rioting will result in jail time."

I sighed, "Well it is whatever you think is best.  I would be a bit more harsh with them but you are the pony in charge."

While I consider Celestia to be very wise and trust her judgments, I couldn't help but think that her address wouldn't do much good.  I hoped that it will likely stop the assassination attempts, but it probably will not stop the riots and loud protests at night.

Our Address to Canterlot

As Celestia and I headed towards the balcony I was curious as to who was going to go out first.  I asked, "Celestia, which one of us will go out first, you or me?"

Celestia replied, "I think we should go out together but I think that I should be the one to speak first.  If we do it that way, they will know that we mean business."





I replied, "Alright, we'll do it that way."

As we headed towards the balcony I knew that we were going to be greeted with boos and criticism over our leadership skills and as we got to the edge of it, that is exactly what happened.  Celestia raised her wings and lowered them in hopes of quieting them down but it did not work, the boos and the chanting of the word "TYRANTS" only got louder.  Finally I decided something needed to be done.  Using the loudest form of the royal Canterlot voice, I yelled, "SILENCE!"

This quieted the crowd down in a hurry as they had never heard me do that before.  Once they were completely quiet I nodded at Celestia and said, "I think you should begin."

Celestia smiled and began, "Citizens of Canterlot, I know the split of Equestria and the downturn in the economy is harming you all but rioting is not going to help things.  In fact, it is making things worse because now many of you are out of work and there is nowhere for you to purchase the goods you need."

A pony in the crowd yelled, "What does it matter?  Our money is basically worthless with as much as prices have gone up!"

Celestia continued, "I understand that but that does not make the rioting ok.  From what I understand this has not happened in other communities across West Equestria."

One of the working class ponies yelled, "Oh and how do you know this?  Oh that's right, you have been up there in your palace sitting on your throne looking pretty and not having a care in the world while the rest of us have been struggling to make it by and eating the little food we do have!"

I had finally had enough.  I yelled, "You know what?  She has not been sitting on her throne doing nothing.  She has been healing from the multiple stab wounds that some of you inflicted upon her when you killed the guards and broke into the castle!  How dare you accuse her of not caring about anypony or anything!"

One of the wealthy ponies, Jet Set yelled, "Is that so?  Even us upper class ponies have had to lower ourselves to living like these working class scum.  You two need to give us money from the treasury so we can resume our comfortable lives."

Celestia interrupted, "Look, I am not going to put one class of ponies ahead of others.  If I do open up the treasury and give the population here some help, it will be evenly distributed."

Jet Set yelled, "I do not think you should be giving them any money.  They should not be able to live like us."  After that both Jet Set and Upper Crust finished, "Psssh."

Fancy Pants yelled, "Princess Celestia, it has been three and a half months since the split.  I would think that we would have the proper materials and food to allow us to return to our prior lifestyles."

Celestia replied, "Fancy Pants, I do not think you understand.  Crops don't grow overnight, not only do we have to mine the materials but we also have to build the factories to construct the metals into various products."  

I honestly don't think these Canterlot ponies understand much about the world and how things work.  I think the elite ponies think that crops simply show up at the store and other products simply make themselves and the working class ponies are simply feeding off of the negativity projected by the elite.  

Numerous spears were fired from the crowd as they began to chant "TYRANTS!"  I was able to stop them with my magic before they hit us.  I looked over at Celestia she looked terrified.  A pony saw this and yelled, "You tyrant.  I wish it would have been you who left rather than Luna!  She would not have let this happen!"

Another pony sneered, "Just do us a favor and abdicate already, BOTH OF YOU!"

Celestia began to sob, "Is that really how you feel?  Do you really hate us so much you don't us as your princesses anymore?"

A working class pony yelled, "No, we don't.  I would much rather have Starlight Glimmer rule over us!  At least then we could get everything we need and be prosperous again!"

The whole crowd shouted, "Here, here!"

While Celestia was sobbing louder I yelled, "You know what?  You should be happy you don't live in Saddle Arabia where there is a civil war and hundreds of ponies are dying by the day.  Celestia has done nothing but be kind and loving towards you and this is the thanks she gets?  You should all be ashamed of yourselves!"

A wealthy pony yelled, "Well if Celestia would open up the treasury and give us elite ponies the money we are deserving of perhaps she would have our support."

Celestia was sobbing, "Like I said before, I would help all ponies equally."

All the wealthy ponies began yelling, "All of us?  Those low class scum don't need anything!  They're used to being poor."

This caused the working class to clash with the wealthy until I fired a bolt of energy skywards and yelled, "ENOUGH!  THIS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.  EITHER DISPERSE AND GO HOME OR THE ROYAL GUARD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU, ALL OF YOU!"

This caused them to go silent and head home.  Celestia gave me an odd look and asked, "Twilight, I know you want them to calm down but I didn't want this address to end that way."

I was frustrated with Celestia at that moment.  While Celestia meant the world to me, I thought her optimistic attitude was not stopping the problem.  I sighed, "Celestia, had I not done that they would have probably started injuring and killing each other down there in the courtyard."  I stomped my hoof and continued, "If it weren't for those bucking elite ponies thinking the world owes them everything, that clash would not have happened."  I snorted and finished, "And they want us to abdicate?  They think things would be so much better with Starlight Glimmer in charge?  I am sickened that they would even mention such a thing."

Celestia replied, "Twilight, let's just see what happens.  Perhaps they will calm down after what you did."

I said, "I doubt it.  I simply think the tensions in this town are too high for them to calm down anytime soon."

For the rest of the day I was mad, very mad and Celestia could sense it.  While we talked and interacted like we always do, I was becoming extremely frustrated, not just with the ponies in Canterlot but with Celestia.  It seems like she doesn't even understand how mad and hateful the city has become.   I know she likes to keep an optimistic outlook on everything but just like when she had to banish her sister to the moon when she tried to kill her, she needs to take a similar approach to this.  Do I mean she needs to banish them all to the moon?  No I do not but the lawbreakers need to start being punished.  If we don't start punishing them, this chaos will only continue and chances are there will be more assassination attempts.




> Nighttime Massacre
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Argument With Celestia

Despite me being filled with anger that day, night time would arrive soon enough.  Again the protesters had gathered outside the palace, yelling and screaming hoping to keep Celestia and I up.  As we were headed to bed I asked, "Celestia, how much longer are you going to let this keep going before you put your hoof down?  All these sleepless nights can't be good for you."

Celestia replied, "I'm not sure Twilight.  I respect their right to protest, I just don't know how to handle letting them know that they need to keep it limited to the daylight hours."

I suggested, "Celestia, I know you won't like my suggestion but I think that doing what I did earlier today might work.  If it means we can get a good night's sleep, I will do it."

Celestia sighed, "Alright, you can try it.  I don't like the idea of doing that but it's worth a try."

I smiled and headed out to the balcony.  When I got there I was greeted with the usual boos and one pony asked, "Hey Twily, where is Celestia.  Is she too much of a coward to come out and face us?  Is she sitting in her room crying her eyes out?"

The whole crowd began yelling, "Waaah-waaah-waaah."

I had enough of this.  It was time to get these ponies to go home.  I fired a bolt of energy into the sky and yelled, "SILENCE!"  I stood there with my eyes glowing white and that quieted them down.  With my eyes still glowing I continued, "Look, I am sick of this.  Celestia and I need a good night's sleep and maybe if we get that sleep we can make better decisions to get things back to normal sooner."

One pony yelled, "Oooh, what is Tia's little Twily going to do, lecture us some more?"

I fired a bolt of energy at the pony and yelled, "Keep this up and you will find out, and I am certain you will not like it."

This caused the whole crowd to go rushing home.  Yes I know I should not have done that but I was at my wits end.  I was sick of the rioting, the sleepless nights, the assassination attempts and the bucking property destruction.  Even though I did not like him, I was very angry over the brutal murder of Prince Blueblood and I was angry over the deaths of the guards.  I headed back in and I could see a look of anger on Celestia's face.

Celestia asked, "Twilight, what the hay was all that about?  You KNOW that is not how we are supposed to treat our subjects."

I sighed, "Look, I just lost my cool ok.  I'm sick of everything they are doing, keeping us up all night, killing guards, destroying property, the death of Blueblood and them trying to kill us."  I stomped my hoof into the floor and continued, "I'm tired, I'm frustrated and I think that these ponies need to be shown some tough love.  If we keep coddling them, these activities will continue to happen.  If you want this chaos and having to live in fear for your life, fine but I don't want to have to do that and I certainly don't want to see you get hurt or killed."

Celestia replied, "Twilight, the royalty here has never been like this.  We have always been been benevolent, loving....."

I interrupted, "Well they sure the hay weren't benevolent or loving when they charged into your bedroom now were they?"  I headed into Luna's room and growled, "Good night!"





Death and Destruction

I headed into Luna's old sleeping chambers hoping to get a good night's rest but I just couldn't get to sleep.  The anger flowing within me had me pacing back and forth.  If I were sleeping in my old room I probably would have had holes kicked in the wall but I had to contain my anger, I did not feel like waking Celestia and having another argument.  I simply don't understand how she can just sit there and put up with this.  Why does she seem to think that continuing to be nice will work?  It isn't working and while there haven't been any riots in a while, I'm sure there will be again soon once everypony decides they want to destroy other properties, such as the castle or other ponies' homes.

Before I laid down I decided to open the window a bit, hoping that some fresh air would calm me down, which it surprisingly did.  All I could hear coming from outside were a couple owls hooting and the crickets.  I said to myself, "Ah, now this is more like it!  This is how Canterlot is supposed to be at night, nice and quiet!"

I finally got to sleep but a couple hours later I was awoken by the smell of smoke.  At first I thought the castle might be on fire until I heard explosions.  I headed to my window and looked off towards the wealthy side of town and was horrified.  I saw several more explosions, buildings were burning and I could hear ponies screaming in terror.   My first thought was, "Mom and Dad!  They live over there."  While they were visiting Shining Armor and Cadence in the Crystal Empire, I knew that I better go make sure their house is ok so without hesitation I took off out my window and headed to the wealthy end of town.  

When I arrived it was pure chaos, more and more houses were being set on fire, wealthy ponies were being rammed with spears and the houses that hadn't yet been set on fire were being emptied out.   I flew over to where my parents' house was and it was one of the few that had yet to be touched.  I stood there guarding it but that was not going to stop the mobs.  As they approached me they were screaming "TYRANT" and yelling for me to move if I didn't want to die so I did the first thing I could think of, I fired a powerful bolt of energy at them.  That would not stop them though as they had surrounded me and as I took the ones in front of me out, the ones on the side fired spears into my hind legs.  I fell to the ground screaming in pain and despite me crying in agony, they trampled over me and set my parents' house ablaze.

I knew it was lost so I pulled the spears out and headed back to the castle.  Once I got back into Luna's old room I cleaned my wounds and got them stitched up.  I limped into Celestia's room and woke her up.  She turned on the light and saw the injuries to my hind legs and asked, "Twilight, what happened to you?"

I led her over to the window and pointed off towards the fires.  I said, "Celestia, a huge mob has attacked the wealthy side of town.  I went over there to make sure nothing had happened to my parents' house but I got shot with spears."

Celestia hung her head low and sighed, "I know the ponies are frustrated over the way things are going and I know what the elite said to the working class today was very derogatory but I never imagined it would come to this."

I asked, "What do we do?"

Celestia replied, "I don't know if there is much we can do.  It is far too dangerous for us to go over there right now and I'm not sure if we even have any guard ponies left."

I said, "I'll go check the castle to see if any of the ones that didn't already abandon us are left."

I headed into the main part of the castle and searched it from top to bottom but there was not a single guard pony.  I said to myself, "Great, just great.  We don't have any royal guard left."  I headed back up to Celestia's room and said, "Celestia, they're all gone.  We have no royal guard left."

Celestia wiped a tear from her eye and said, "Well Twilight, perhaps the time has come."

I asked, "Time for what?"

Celestia replied, "The time for me to go.  The time for me to go take over in Saddle Arabia and put an end to their war and the time for you to be the sole ruler of West Equestria."  

I began to cry, "You don't really mean that do you?"

Celestia replied, "Yes Twilight, I do.  I am no longer wanted here and with as dissatisfied as they are with their monarchs, I'm quite sure the Saddle Arabians will welcome me with open hooves."

I cried, "But what do I do now?  I don't know if I'm prepared to be a sole monarch."

Celestia replied, "Well I would start by moving the capitol to Ponyville.  Second, I think you should just trust your own judgment when it comes to dealing out with criminals.  Tomorrow morning, if anypony is left alive, I will address them and tell them that I am leaving.  Once I do that, I will fly to Vanhoover, take a ship to Saddle Arabia and West Equestria will be yours."

I saw by the look in her eyes that she was not kidding, that she was serious.  I limped to her and hugged her crying, "I really wish you would reconsider this.  You have been like a second mother to me.  You were a larger part of my life growing up than my parents were.  Please don't go."

Celestia hung her head low and replied, "Twilight, I will miss you as much as you miss me but like I said before, I am no longer wanted here, the ponies here hate both of us and I do not want to rule over a nation where I am despised."

I knew that there was no changing her mind so we just stayed up the rest of the night cherishing the final hours that we would get to spend together.  This day would likely be the hardest day in my life but I know that once I return to Ponyville, my friends will help me through this. 


> The Demise of Canterlot
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia's Abdication 

The time for Celestia to raise the sun would come all too quickly given that we lost track of time in what would be our final, long discussion.  As we headed out for her to raise the sun, the mob that had burned the wealthy side of town was gathered in the courtyard but rather than booing they were celebrating.  That was not normal given how things had been lately.  We looked down into the crowd and found out why they were celebrating, they had dragged the bodies of those they massacred the night before into the courtyard and began yelling, "You're next, you're next!"

Our jaws dropped open, we had never expected such a thing to happen in Equestria, much less Canterlot which up until recently was the most refined, most sophisticated city in all of Equestria.  Now it is nothing more than a burned out shell of itself, a city that is in shambles.  Celestia looked at me and said, "Well Twilight, I will raise the sun one last time and after that I will address them one last time."

I asked, "But who will handle the sun and moon once you are gone?"

Celestia replied, "Once I am gone, the magic that handles the movement of the celestial bodies will be gone so things will return to how they used to be, the sun and moon will move on their own."

I asked, "Celestia, are you completely sure you wish to abdicate?"

Celestia replied, "Yes Twilight, like I said before, I am no longer wanted here and your time has come."

I wept, "Ok Celestia, I will miss you but I respect your decision."

After raising the sun Celestia stood at the edge of the balcony and looked down at the crowd in disgust.  They began to boo her and she did something I never imagined she would do, she fired a bolt of energy at them and yelled, "SILENCE!"

This caused the crowd to gasp in shock before going silent.  Once they were all quiet Celestia began her address, 

"Citizens of Canterlot, I know you are angry over the collapse of the economy and I know what the elite said to you yesterday was not warranted, but that is no reason for you to march into their side of town, burn their homes down and it is certainly not acceptable to slaughter them."  Her voice became more angry as she continued, "All of you sicken me.  I just don't get how all of you could just go and mercilessly kill so many ponies, ponies just like you."

A pony in the crowd yelled, "They were not like us.  They were rich jackasses that thought they were better than us, they had it coming, they asked for this!"

Celestia's anger turned into angry cry, "You know what, I'm done.  You don't respect your fellow ponies, you scream and yell hurtful things at me, you hate me, you see no value in life and I know you don't want me around anymore.  Effective immediately, I am abdicating the throne and Princess Twilight will be the sole ruler of Equestria."

The crowd began to cheer in victory.   I had never been more disgusted in my life.  I looked out into the crowd of cheering ponies and my heart turned to stone.  These ponies, the ones who brutally murdered their fellow Canterlot residents, didn't even seem like ponies anymore to me.  They reminded me more of griffons who will kill others in cold blood.

Celestia could see my disgust, she pulled me close and said, "Twilight, I know you are angry but please don't let your anger consume you.  Please do not stoop to their level, show them that you are the bigger pony."

I replied, "But Celestia, they killed so many ponies!  What am I supposed to do, just let them walk free?"

Celestia said, "Twilight, they have already brought their doom upon themselves.  They have no means to make a living, they have no means in which to acquire what they need to survive and they won't be able to make it up here on their own.  I think they have punished themselves more than you ever could, short of death."

I replied, "Ok Celestia, I will do as you wish.  I will not punish them, I will just leave them here to rot, that should be enough punishment."

Celestia put her wing around me and said, "Well Twilight, I guess this is goodbye.  We will see each other during international summits and I am sure you will probably come visit once I get Saddle Arabia restored."

We hugged and cried for a few minutes before Celestia turned to the crowd and said, "Despite you trying to kill me, despite your hateful shouts, despite your blood lust and despite your disregard for the lives of others, I want you to know that I wish you well.  Goodbye."

As Celestia took off and flew towards Vanhoover, the crowd was cheering in joy.  They then began to cheer, "ONE MORE AND WE'RE FREE, ONE MORE AND WE'RE FREE!"

I wasn't quite sure how to handle this in a way that Celestia would want me to.  I had my own desires of what I would do but I promised Celestia that I would not kill them but I certainly don't want them moving to Ponyville and I will let them know that. 

The End of Canterlot

Given what the crowd started chanting upon Celesta's departure, I was not sure how to handle what I would say to them.  While it would be difficult, I knew I had to keep my composure.  I stood there for a minute, planning on what I would do while they began pointing their hooves at me chanting, "YOU'RE NEXT, YOU'RE NEXT!"

I walked up to the front of the balcony, fired a beam of energy skywards and yelled, "SILENCE!"

Once the crowd quieted down I began, "Citizens of Canterlot, I know you are angry over what has happened in the past few months but like what Celestia said, your actions are uncalled for.  Ok, the protests I can understand, but the riots, the looting, the killing of guards, hateful comments, the attempted assassinations of Celestia and myself, the assassination of Blueblood, the massacre of the wealthy and the destruction of property are uncalled for.

Many of you have committed many, many crimes over the past couple weeks.  Some of you have simply looted but many of you have done much worse.  What really bothers me is how you treated Princess Celestia when she had always been loving and caring towards all of you.  She does that yet you treat her like dirt, some of you tried to kill her and many of you blamed her for things she has no control over.   I will say this, you better be glad you didn't do all of this while Luna was still here because she would have executed anypony who was involved in the riots, the murders and the assassination attempts."

The crowd began to chant, "ABDICATE, ABDICATE."

I just brushed it off and continued, "And now, what to do about this situation.  As all of you can plainly see, this city is a disaster area.  There are no more businesses, half the city is gutted by fire and littered with the corpses of ponies that YOU killed.  I did have plans on how I was going to punish those involved in this but you better thank Celestia for me sparing you my wrath.  She told me that you have already brought enough punishment to yourself.  You have no means of making a living, there are no resources here for you and I have decided to cut train service to Canterlot so anypony who stays here will likely not survive."

A pony in the crowd yelled, "What are we supposed to do Twily?  You were Celestia's little pet, you should know."

I screamed, "You know what?  I don't care, move to another city, go live off the land somewhere but don't even think of relocating to Ponyville, any of you!"

Another pony asked, "Why not?"

I sighed, "Because I am moving the capitol there and I do not need these kinds of activities there."  I took flight and said one final thing to them, "Listen, I don't wish you ill will but I am extremely disappointed in you."

With that I took off towards Ponyville.  I know this might sound bad but I honestly didn't care what happened with those ponies.  They can stay there and rot, they can go to other cities and rot or they could just go live off the land, as long as they didn't try to move to Ponyville I would be ok with it. 
> What Else Could Go Wrong?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Return to Ponyville

After a turbulent absence from Ponyville I finally returned.  I was looking forward to seeing my friends but I would be met by others first.  As I was flying over town I heard shouts of, "Finally coming home coward?" and "Tyrant."

I was hoping that all the negative feelings here in Ponyville had died down but unfortunately that was not the case.  I landed on my balcony and headed into the castle where I was immediately greeted by Spike.  He rushed to me and asked, "Twilight, is everything ok?"

I replied, "No Spike, they are not ok."  I began to sob, "Canterlot has fallen, Celestia has abdicated, many, many ponies have been mercilessly slaughtered, Blueblood was assassinated, some members of the royal guard have been murdered and the ones that weren't have abandoned their posts, Celestia and I were attacked and half of the buildings in Canterlot have been gutted by fire."

Spike hugged me and asked, "What do we do now that Celestia is gone?  Who will raise and lower the sun and moon?"

I replied, "Well with her and Luna gone, the sun and moon will now move on their own.  Also, I am moving the capitol to Ponyville since Canterlot is a disaster area."  I looked towards my balcony and asked, "Have they been yelling and throwing things towards the castle while I have been gone?"

Spike replied, "Well they did until they realized that you were gone.  After that things returned to normal for the most part."

I asked, "For the most part?"

Spike replied, "Yeah, for the most part.  Sugarcube Corner had to close down because the Cakes couldn't afford to import a lot of the ingredients they use in their products."

I asked, "So did Pinkie Pie have to move back to the rock farm?"

Spike replied, "No.  She is living with Applejack helping out around Sweet Apple Acres anyway she can."

I asked, "What about the rest of my friends?"

Spike replied, "Well Fluttershy has had to part with some of her animals, Rainbow Dash still handles the weather, Rarity is really hurting because she can't afford to import fabric anymore and Applejack is worried about ponies not being able to afford to buy her apples or jam anymore."

I said, "I would like to talk with them and relax but I think I should address the town first.  If I tell them everything that has happened, maybe they will calm down and ponies can come to the castle without risk of attack."

Spike replied, "Hopefully, but with as upset as they are I wouldn't count on it."





Calming Down Ponyville

I headed out to my balcony and looked over the town.  Very quickly ponies began to boo and call me names.  This naturally caused other ponies to come out of their homes and gather around my castle.  One most of the town had gathered I shouted, "QUIET!"

Given that they had never heard me yell before that quickly caused them to stop yelling and booing.  I said, "That's better.  Now there are some very important things I need to tell you."

One of the ponies yelled, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, we know about Luna leaving.  That's old news."

I replied, "This is about things that happened in Canterlot while I was up there."  I took a deep breath and continued, "There have been many, many ponies murdered in Canterlot, the royal guard there have left their posts, Prince Blueblood was assassinated, there have been riots up there, many buildings have been set ablaze there..."

A pony in the crowd interrupted, "Oh, so that is why we saw all those flames and smoke up there."

I was frustrated that they would interrupt me but I was able to keep my cool.  I replied, "Yes, that was what happened when the working class attacked and burned the wealthy side of town."  I paused for a minute and continued, "And before you ask, every single wealthy pony in Canterlot was killed."

The crowd appeared to be shocked that such a thing would happen anywhere in Equestria, much less Canterlot.  While they stood there in silence I continued, "Also, there was an angry mob who stormed the castle and attempted to assassinate not just me but Princess Celestia.  Because of this, Princess Celestia abdicated the throne and now I am the only princess left in West Equestria."

The crowd gasped in shock.  I could sense a change in the emotion of the crowd.  When I first started addressing them I saw hateful looks of disgust and suddenly I saw looks of sorrow, sadness and concern in their eyes.  The crowd began to cry and beg me for forgiveness over how they had treated me.  I decided it would be safe to fly down into the crowd where I could continue to speak to them.

"It is ok, I forgive you but we have a lot of work to do.  We are going to have to cooperate with one another and more of us are going to have to learn to grow food if we are to survive."

Filthy Rich asked, "Princess Twilight, I know that will work here in the smaller towns but what about the cities of Las Pegasus and Vanhoover?  What advice would you give them?"

I replied, "You know, I'm honestly not sure what those ponies will do because most of them don't have anywhere to grow their own food, not to mention most city ponies don't know the first thing about growing food to begin with.  I'll figure something out and let them know what needs to be done but for now, I just want to find my friends and relax."

As I flew over towards Sweet Apple Acres the crowd dispersed.  While I had hoped that I would hear ponies shouting, "We love you Princess Twilight." that did not happen.  All I heard was them talking among themselves and figured that was better than being called a tyrant.





An Unexpected Visitor

When I arrived at Sweet Apple Acres I found my friends gathered by the barn enjoying some pie.  I am guessing that this is where we will be getting together to enjoy our sweets from now on.  I said, "Hi girls!  It is so good to see you."

Rarity ran up to me and hugged me, "It is so good to see you too darling!  You were gone for such a long time, is everything ok?"

I replied, "No, things are not ok.  Half of Canterlot has been reduced to burned out buildings, a large percentage of the population was murdered, Prince Blueblood was assassinated and an angry mob attempted to assassinate Celestia and myself."

They all gasped, "They did what?"

I replied, "They tried to kill Celestia and myself."  I began to sob, "And because of that, Celestia has abdicated and headed to Saddle Arabia."

My friends stood there in shock for a minute before Applejack asked, "Twilight, what are we going to do now?  Luna followed Starlight for a power grab abroad and now Celestia has left as well?"

I replied, "I'm not sure about a lot of things but one thing is certain, I am relocating the capitol to Ponyville.  Canterlot is a disaster area and out of the few residents that still do live there, they despise anypony with a large sum of money and of course any pony that is royalty is not hurting."

Rainbow asked, "Twilight, what is going to happen to everything in the treasury up there?  I'm sure they are probably going to try to break into it."

I replied, "I'm not overly worried about it.  Celestia was the only one who knew the spell to get in there and it is built very well.  Once I am certain that the city is fully abandoned, I along with a few guards will go up there and do whatever it takes to get in there."

Pinkie asked, "How will you know when those meanies have left the city?"

I replied, "Well it should be sometime soon.  I have cut off train service to Canterlot and they will have to eat, which will be impossible up there now.  Give it a couple weeks and the city should be empty."

Rarity's eyes grew wide and she asked, "Twilight, when you go to do this could I help?"

When I saw Rarity's eyes grow wide like that when she asked if she could help I knew that she probably wanted to do it for reasons other than to help me.  I replied, "No Rarity, you can not have any of the crown jewels."

Rarity begged, "But Twilight,"

I interrupted, "Rarity, I know you.  Normally you would never want to help with something that would involve heavy labor.  You just want some of the fancy gems don't you?"

Before Rarity could reply we heard roaring off in the distance, coming from Ponyville.  We raced to town and would not be pleased with what we saw.  Cerberus had left his post, again!  "Damn it, damn it!"  I yelled.  My yells became an angry scream as I continued, "Great, just great.  Tirek is probably going to get loose again."

While I was screaming angrily Fluttershy had calmed Cerberus down like she did last time and said, "Uhm, Twilight, if it is ok with you maybe we should get Cerberus back to the gates of Tartarus.  Maybe we can stop anything from escaping."

While I was frustrated and had a feeling that some ancient evil had already got loose, I knew that maybe we could keep at least some of the things in there if we hurried.  I replied, "Alright Fluttershy, let's get him home."

With Fluttershy leading the way we were able to get Cerberus back to his post much quicker but still, he was away long enough that something could have escaped.  While I took a look around in there and didn't see anything out of the ordinary, I remembered that things looked perfectly fine the first time I returned Cerberus to his post.  All I could do is hope that nothing did escape because this time we would not just be able to use the rainbow power to defeat whoever escaped, that was just a one time special thing that happened to be available when we defeated Tirek. 
















> Planning for the Worst
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Expressing My Concerns

Three months had passed since Cerberus left his post and no evil had yet to rear it's ugly head.  Yes the economy continued to suffer, protests continued in the big cities but in the smaller towns where ponies grow their own food, hunger was not a problem.  It wasn't the protests and hunger in the bigger cities that worried me the most.  Despite nothing bad happening since Cerberus left his post, it was quite some time after I returned Cerberus the first time that Tirek finally made his presence known.

Spike came into the throne room while I was pacing back and forth frantically.  He asked, "Twilight, what is wrong?  I haven't seen you act like this since the time travel incident."

I replied, "Spike, I can't help but worry that something bad is going to happen.  What if something bad escaped when Cerberus left his post?"

Spike sighed, "Twilight, you said that when you got him back to his post everything looked ok."

I became more frantic as I replied, "But Spike, that is how it was the first time.  Given that he was not locked up for as long, if Tirek did escape he will recover his strength much more quickly."

Spike replied, "Twilight, calm down, I'm sure everything will be ok."

I sighed, "Ok, maybe you're right but I'm not going to let my guard down."

Spike suggested, "Twilight, I know how you get when you are stressed.  Why don't you go and see your friends?"

I replied, "That is a good idea, seeing them usually helps me unwind when I am stressed."

I headed to my balcony and took flight towards Sweet Apple Acres.  While all of my friends may not be there, I'm sure that Applejack and Pinkie will be.





Bad News Hits Home

When I arrived at Sweet Apple Acres it was abnormally quiet.  As I looked around I couldn't find anypony, not Applejack, not Pinkie nor anypony else.  I couldn't help but wonder what was going on.  Did everypony leave to go visit some relatives?  Did they go out to the rock farm and bond more with Pinkie's family?  I continued walking around the farm for probably an hour looking for my friends but as I was getting ready to leave I suddenly felt the ground disappear beneath me and I began falling down some stairs.

I groaned in pain but that would soon be interrupted, "Twilight, are you ok?"

I was so happy to see a friendly face.  It was Applejack standing over me making sure I was ok.  I replied, "Ugh....not really.  Falling down a bunch of stairs is painful."  I looked around and saw that all of my friends, all of Applejack's family and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were down in the apple cellar.  I asked, "Why is everypony down here?"

Applejack replied, "Ah'm wondering why you would be out and about.  Shouldn't you and Spike be hiding in your castle?"

When she said that, I couldn't help but have a sense of dread strike me.  Given that nopony is scared of Zecora anymore I couldn't help but wonder if something did indeed escape when Cerberus left is post and is just now causing problems.    I asked, "You know something I don't, don't you?"

Before Applejack could reply I heard a quiet "Mhmm" come from the back of the cellar.  I quickly discovered the source of the voice, it was a gray pony, one of Pinkie's sisters.

I looked at her and asked, "Who are you and what is it that all of you know that I don't?"

I would soon learn that this pony was very shy and that Pinkie did most of the talking for her.  Pinkie replied, "Twilight, this is my sister Marble Pie.  She was able to get away from the rock farm before he stole her magic."

Marble confirmed what Pinkie said with, "Mhmm."

I gasped, "What?  She escaped before he stole her magic?  Are you telling me that Tirek escaped?"

Pinkie asked, "You didn't know?  You didn't know that Tirek escaped?"

I replied, "No, I did not."  I cast my gaze upon Marble once more and asked, "Ok, do you know how much magic he stole and where he headed?"

Marble replied, "Mhmm."

I was frustrated that all this pony would say was 'mhmm.'  I glared at her and asked, "Well, how much has he stolen and where did he go?"

Just as Marble was about to say something Pinkie interrupted, "He has stolen quite a bit and headed towards Vanhoover didn't he?"  

Marble replied, "Mhmm."

I sighed, "So I take it he is already in his larger, red muscular form?"

Applejack replied, "Yeah, that is what Marble told us he looked like when he stole her family's magic."

Rainbow interrupted, "Well Twi, it looks like we are going to have to use our rainbow power on him again and send him back to Tartarus."

I replied, "I wish it were that easy Rainbow but that was unleashed when we unlocked the chest.  I don't think the six of us are going to just be able to gather together like that."

Rarity asked, "Twilight, what are we supposed to do then?  How are we going to defeat him?"

Fluttershy asked, "Couldn't we just take the elements from the tree and use them to defeat him?"

I replied, "I wish it were that simple but we can't do that.  The Tree of Harmony is located in East Equestria and if we even attempted to cross the border Starlight would consider it an act of war and invade."  

Applejack asked, "But how would she know that we went there?  That is a mighty long border."

I replied, "It is a long border but she has the area around The Tree heavily militarized.  She knows that at some point we may need the elemets again and if she can keep us from accessing them that we will be doomed."  I began to yell as discussing her made me more angry, "And she wants us to fail!  She wants to have to come in and save us because she knows that if she was to save the ponies here, that they would want her to be their leader."

Applejack asked, "Seriously Twilight?  The ponies here would want her to lead them despite her being an Eastern pony?  Despite her being the one who took you captive?"

I replied, "Unfortunately yes.  You've seen how bad things are here now.  If she took over, the ponies in West Equestria would no longer be cut off from the wealth of East Equestria."

Rainbow finished for me, "Which would mean that things would go back to normal, for the most part anyway."

What Rainbow said hit me wrong.  To me it was a sign of her wanting Starlight to come in and take over so the economy would improve.  I shouted, "What was that?  Things would return to normal for the most part if she took over?"

I think Rainbow could tell that I was upset.  She shied back, "I'm sorry if it came out wrong Twi.  I'm just saying that some ponies may see it that way."

I replied, "Oh it's ok Rainbow.  I just took it wrong.  She has done so much to me in my life that I would likely react negatively to most anything involving her."

Rarity asked, "Twilight, like I asked earlier, what would we do to defeat her?"

I replied, "Well I could always see if Sunset Shimmer would come through the mirror and help.  She does have strong magic if she taps into it."

Rainbow gasped, "What?  You want her to come help you?  You want the one who stole your crown to come help you?  She would probably side with Starlight and betray you!"

I replied, "Girls, Sunset has changed.  When I was in the human world I saw her go from being bad to good.  She has aided in bringing down evil villains there, even the human version of me that turned evil.  I know she would want to help me save West Equestria, she might even want to help me bring down Starlight."

Rarity asked, "Twilight, even if she were to want to help you, would she have enough power to aid in defeating Tirek?"

Applejack added, "And even if she did help you bring down Tirek, who is to say she would be able to help you bring down Starlight?  Y'all know how powerful Starlight is.  Ah don't know if all of us combined could bring her down."

I replied, "You don't know how much Sunset has grown since I defeated her over there.  Well I am going to get going, I am going to try to get in touch with Sunset and see if she will help."

Fluttershy asked, "Is there anything we can do?"

I replied, "Yes, just lay low for now.  If Tirek comes and can't find you, he won't be able to steal your magic."

They all nodded as I left the cellar.  While I looked forward to hopefully seeing Sunset again, there was one thing that I dreaded but knew that it had to be done.  I would have to address the town and let them know that Tirek did indeed escape and let them know to stay indoors.  Who knows where he is now.  He could have stole magic from most of the ponies in West Equestria already and would then set his sights on Ponyville to come and take mine.  All I can do is hope for the best and prepare for the worst. 



> Information Sharing
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Preparing for a Speech

When I arrived back at the castle I was greeted by Spike and a couple of guards.  Spike rushed up to me, hugged me and asked, "Twilight, are you ok?  Have you heard the news?"

I replied, "The news about Tirek escaping?"

One of the guards interrupted, "Yes your Majesty, Tirek has escaped.  We are not sure exactly where he headed but he has stolen a fair amount of magic."

I replied, "I know.  I went over to Sweet Apple Acres and one of Pinkie's sisters escaped his wrath and told us about what happened."

Spike asked, "So is he in his scrawny form or is he in his big, muscular form?"

I replied, "Well from what Pinkie's sister told me, he was already in his larger form and that he headed towards Vanhoover after stealing her family's magic."

This brought about much concern from both Spike and my guards.  Spike asked, "Twilight, are you and your friends going to be able to defeat him like you did last time?"

I replied, "No, that rainbow power was a one time thing and we can't access the elements because they are in East Equestria."

One of my guards asked, "Your Majesty, are you going to address the town over this?"

I replied, "Yes, I am."  I hung my head down in dread and asked, "Could you two go and notify the town that they need to gather at the base of the castle?  Let them know that this is extremely important."

My guards replied, "Yes your Majesty."  

While they headed out to notify the town I just stood there in a paranoid state.  Spike saw this and asked, "Twilight, are you ok?"

I replied, "No Spike, I am not.  Tirek escaped and has begun to steal magic again.  I don't know how exactly I will break it to the town."  I sat down and buried my face in my hooves and continued, "Could you just give me a little bit of space?  I need to figure this out."

Spike left the throne room and I just sat there in a state of dread.  While I knew some of the things I would discuss with the townsponies, it was how they would react that worried me.  Would they blame all of this on me and begin protesting again?  Would they go into a state of panic and flee the town?  Whatever it was, I knew that it would likely not be good.

Addressing Ponyville, Again

Fifteen minutes had passed and I finally decided to step out onto my balcony and see if everypony had gathered for this address.  When they saw me walk up to the railing they went silent.  As I looked out into the crowd, all I saw was looks of concern and fear.  I am guessing that with the royal guard letting them know to gather here that they must know it is something bad.  

I sighed and realized the time to start this address had arrived.  I began, "Citizens of Ponyville, I am sure you are wondering why I had the royal guard notify you that I am going to be speaking to the ground."  I was not handling this very well and began to sob, "I am addressing you because I need to let you know that when Cerberus left his post last time that Tirek escaped and has already begun to steal magic."

A pony in the crowd yelled, "What?  Tirek escaped, AGAIN?  How could you just let this happen?"

I was very nervous as I did not expect any questions like this to pop up.  I took a deep breath and continued, "Look, we can't just stay out there and make sure Cerberus stays where he belongs and when he does leave his post, we can't control what escapes and what stays put."

One pony sneered, "Well I bet if the gates of Tartarus were in East Equestria, Premier Starlight would have troops stationed there to keep that mutt where he belongs.  If Starlight were in power here, none of this would have happened!"

I was stunned and angry.  Even thinking about her angered me but for one of my subjects to actually say that things would be better if she were in charge enraged me.  I screamed, "You know what, if you think Starlight Glimmer is so great why don't you see if you can immigrate there.  I'm sure she would accept a submissive little rat that worships her such as you!"  

At this point I had lost my rational thought and was getting ready to fire some energy at him when I felt something grab my hind leg.  Apparently Spike heard what was going on out here and didn't want me to turn the town against me.  He yelled, "Twilight, calm down!  This isn't like you.  You're trying to reassure the town that things will be ok, not turn them against you."

What Spike said hit me like a ton of bricks.  I hung my head low and replied, "I'm sorry Spike.  I'm so stressed right now that I lost my cool."  I looked out into the crowd and continued, "Uhm, I'm sorry for how I reacted.  I can't talk anymore right now."

That same pony yelled, "Well what are we supposed to do princess?  You're smart, give us some advice."

I replied, "Just stay inside, I'll figure out how to defeat him one way or another."

I ran back into the castle sobbing.  While I was distraught earlier, this was one of those moments where I truly wasn't sure what to do.  I thought about writing Sunset Shimmer and seeing if she would come to help me with this, but realized that I couldn't just make her miss classes and leave her friends to come help me with something that she may not be able to help me with.

I was pacing back in the throne room frantically, which is something i had been doing more than I should have.  Spike could sense my nervousness and asked, "Twilight, what are your plans as to what to do?  I can sense you are thinking about something."

I replied, "Well, I was thinking about writing to Sunset Shimmer to see if she would come and help but then I realized that I just can't ask her to skip her classes and leave her friends to come help me."

Spike said, "But Twilight, you have left here to go to her world on other occasions than just when she stole your crown.  If you can neglect your royal duties to go help save that world, then she can skip a few classes to come help you save Equestria."

What Spike said hit me wrong.  I yelled, "What did you say?  I did not neglect my royal duties.  I went over there because my friends needed me when the sirens were ready to conquer that world."

Spike replied, "Calm down Twilight.  All I am saying is that she could return the favor.  Besides, she originally came from our world so maybe she would want to save her homeland."

I sighed, "Ok, you're right Spike."

Spike asked, "So you're going to write Sunset and see if she will help?"

I replied, "Yes, I will do that.  I just hope she will agree."

Return of a Friend

Spike and I headed upstairs to where the mirror is and I flipped the switch to activate it.  I will admit, one part of me wanted to go through and see my friends over there but I knew that I would be needed if Tirek were to suddenly show up.  I grabbed the book I communicate with Sunset through and wrote, 

"Sunset,

Hi, it's me Twilight.  I know you are probably busy right now with classes but I am wondering if you could come to Equestria and help me with something.  An old villain, Tirek has escaped for the second time from Tartarus and I am wondering if you would help me defeat him.  I ask you this because my friends and I can not use rainbow power like we did the first time and what makes matters worse, The Tree of Harmony is now located in East Equestria.  I await your response.

Sincerely,

Twilight Sparkle"

I closed the book and the message was sent.  I sighed, "I just hope she can read this soon and let me know if she can make it or not."

Spike replied, "Well I'm sure she will read it and come.  You know she thinks very highly of you now."

I said, "I know."


***


At Canterlot High, Sunset Shimmer was sitting with her friends out by the horse statue talking when a glowing light began to flash from Sunset's backpack.  Rainbow saw this and asked, "Sunset, did you know that your bag is glowing?"

Sunset replied, "Really?  I wonder if Twilight is coming?"

Fluttershy commented, "I really hope so, I miss her so much."

Sunset opened her book and read the message out loud.  While she had studied quite a bit during her time in Celestia's school and knew of the ancient powers that Tirek had and knew about his first escape, she was completely shocked over the last part of the message.  She thought out loud, "East Equestria?  What the hay is East Equestria?"

Applejack asked, "East Equestria?  What is that?"

Sunset replied, "I don't know.  I am thinking maybe I better go check on Twilight.  There has to be something wrong because no such place exists."

Sunset wished her friends well as she stepped into the portal.  While Twilight seemed serious in her letter, she thought that maybe she was just overly tired when she mentioned a place called East Equestria.


***


I was waiting anxiously hoping to get a response from Sunset but she would not get one, instead I would see a blinding flash of light and see my friend come through the portal.  When Sunset arrived she ran into my hooves and said, "Princess Twilight, it is so good to see you!"

I replied, "It's good to see you too Sunset.  I just wish it weren't under these circumstances."

Sunset asked, "Twilight, I'm worried about you?  What was up with that message?"

I replied, "Well like I said Tirek has escaped again and my friends and I can't access the elements because the tree is in East Equestria."

Sunset asked, "About that, what in the hay are you talking about?  What is this East Equestria you are talking about?"

At first I was wondering why she was asking me this but then I realized that I had never told her about Starlight taking over half the continent.  I hung my head and replied, "Regarding East Equestria, I had a run in with an incredibly powerful pony named Starlight Glimmer a while back.  I don't know how she did it but she eventually became an Alicorn, broke into my castle, took my cutie mark, kidnapped Spike and me and took us to Fillydelphia.  She forced the princesses to hand over a huge part of the country in exchange for my release.  Because of that, the continent is now split in two and everything east of the wall, including the Tree of Harmony, is now East Equestria."

I saw Sunset's eyes grow wide as she yelled, "Wait a minute, Starlight Glimmer?  As in the Starlight Glimmer that Celestia expelled from her school?"

I replied, "Yes, that Starlight Glimmer."

I could see a fury erupt in Sunset's eyes.  She yelled, "So you mean to tell me that she has her own country now?"

I replied, "Yes, not only is she the premier of East Equestria, but she is also a grand mage.  It all has something to do with her lineage going all the way back to the very first grand mage of the ponies of the east."

Sunset sighed, "Well that would explain why she was always so loyal to her family.  I have heard that they were always more family oriented but that is beside the point."  She calmed down and continued, "Twilight, not only will I help you defeat Tirek, but I will also help you and Celestia take down Starlight so Equestria can become one single nation again."

I replied, "About Celestia.  Her and Luna abdicated when everything began to go downhill in this country.  Luna left with Starlight and conquered The Equine Empire and after there was an assassination attempt on both Celestia and I, she took off for Saddle Arabia."

Sunset asked, "So you're the only princess left."

I replied, "Unfortunately I am."

Sunset asked, "So do you want us to go after him now or are we going to wait until he gets here to take the fight to him?"

I replied, "I think it would be best if we let him come here.  I won't have the same power I did when my friends and I defeated him but I have a feeling that together, we should be able to handle him."

Sunset asked, "So for now, what do we do?"

I replied, "I think we should get something to eat and I'm guessing that you are hungry."

Sunset replied, "Actually, I am.  Let's get something to eat."

We headed downstairs to the dining hall where we had our lunch.  I could tell that Sunset was kind of hesitant to eat the food that the cooks brought to us but given that she has not had a meal in Equestria in ages, I could understand that.





> A Horrible Mistake
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ill Advised Plans

After Twilight left the apple cellar her friends began to talk among themselves.  While they knew that the Tree of Harmony was located in East Equestria and knew what the repercussions of crossing the border without permission were, they also realized that the Elements were the only things that could aid them in defeating Tirek.

Applejack asked, "I know Twilight said that she could find one way or another to defeat Tirek, but I honestly don't think she could do it on her own.  What do you guys think?"

Rainbow replied, "Well I think she's nuts if she thinks she can do it on her own and I don't trust that Sunset Shimmer she is talking about one bit.  Just because she was reformed in the human world doesn't mean that she will come here and be good like Twilight thinks she will."

Fluttershy added, "What if she were to come here and try to overthrow Twilight?"

Pinkie replied, "Fluttershy does make a good point.  I don't trust her, I don't trust her one bit."

Rarity asked, "None of us trust her but how are we supposed to get the Elements.  You heard Twilight, the Tree is in East Equestria, that area is heavily guarded by their military and if anypony from West Equestria crosses the border, Starlight will declare war."

Rainbow replied, "Well there has to be one way."  She stopped and then suggested, "I've got it!  How about we go there at night.  I have a feeling that they will all be asleep.  If we can go there at night, we can hurry up and get the elements and then get back home.  We can take the Elements to Twilight and then we can stand up to our enemy like we did in the old days and defeat him."

Pinkie got excited and continued, "And after we beat that meanie we can go after Starlight."

Rarity suggested, "Well I think all five of us are going to have to go.  After all, it will require unicorn magic to retrieve them from the tree."

Rainbow asked, "What are we going to do with Marble?  I don't think it would be a good idea to take her with us."

Pinkie replied, "Well Marble thinks it would be best if she stayed here with Granny Smith and Big Mac."

Marble said, "Mhmm."

Rainbow suggested, "Alright, a couple hours after the sun sets we will head out and retrieve those elements."

Everypony started cheering realizing that they could get the only things that could help them defeat Tirek.  While they knew that they would be taking a risk by crossing the border, they realized that the benefits of taking the risk would be worth it. 

Quest for the Elements

Two hours after sunset Twilight's friends headed emerged from the cellar and headed towards the border, in the direction of the Tree of Harmony.  Suddenly something struck the five.  While Rainbow and Fluttershy would be able to fly, Pinkie, Applejack and Rarity would have to climb the wall, which would make a decent amount of noise.  Rarity asked, "Rainbow, how are the three of us supposed to get across the border without making a lot of noise?"

Rainbow sighed, "Well Fluttershy and I are going to have to carry you over the border."

Rarity sighed but realized that was their only option.  About an hour after leaving Ponyville they could see the wall off in the distance.  Applejack asked, "So how far is it from the border to the Tree?"

Rainbow replied, "It is immediately on the other side of the border so we won't have to go very far into their territory."

Applejack said, "Alright then, let's get going."

When they arrived at the border they stared up at the wall, which was much taller than they had anticipated.  Fluttershy sighed, "I don't know if I'm going to be able to carry anypony over it.  It is really tall."

Rainbow grunted, "Well you're going to have to try Fluttershy.  It will make it a lot easier if you can at least carry one of them over."

Rarity interrupted, "Well I am the lightest out of us.  Fluttershy, you carry me."

Applejack said, "Shh.....we need to be quiet.  We don't want to get caught."

They finally began the most difficult and dangerous part of their quest.  Fluttershy grabbed Rarity in her hooves and began to fly up and over the wall.  This was very difficult for her, so much so that Rainbow was able to get both Applejack and Pinkie carried over and set down by the time Fluttershy did the same with Rarity.  When they landed they saw approximately a dozen East Equestrian soldiers resting peacefully.  Rainbow whispered, "They're asleep!  Let's go get those elements."

They headed into the cave and before them stood the Tree of Harmony.  A flood of memories came rushing back to them.  They remembered surrendering the elements to the tree to save it and they remembered how they defeated Tirek by unlocking the chest with their keys.  Rarity said, "There are so many memories associated with this place, memories that are simply divine!"

Applejack scolded, "Shhh....look Rarity, we can't have them hearing us or another memory we'll have of this place will be getting captured."

Fluttershy interrupted, "Uhm, if it is ok with you, don't you think we should retrieve the elements and get home.  If we get caught we might start a war."

Everypony agreed and Rarity began to try to retrieve the elements.  Unfortunately for her, her magic simply was not strong enough to dislodge the Elements from the Tree's hold.  She began grunting louder and shouted, "Come on you tree, we need the Elements!"

Rainbow shouted, "Rarity, would you keep it down!  You'll wind up waking them up."

"FREEZE!"

Rarity stopped trying to take the elements and they turned around towards the source of the voice.  They had twelve guards with spears surrounding them.  One of the guards said, "It's a bit late for that.  Both of you woke us up."

Another guard asked, "Who are you, where are you from and what are you doing here."

Rarity replied, "Well, I am Rarity.  These other ponies are Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash and we are all from Ponyville."

The guard asked, "You didn't answer the other part of our question.  What are you doing here?"

Rarity replied, "Well we were trying to get the Elements of Harmony so we can help Twilight defeat....."

The guard poked Rarity with the spear and interrupted, "You five are coming with us.  We are going to contact Premier Starlight and see what she wants us to do with you."

The guards led the five to a holding cell while the main guard headed to the main barracks to contact Starlight.  As Rarity and her friends were being locked up, they couldn't help but worry that something very bad was going to happen.  Applejack grunted, "Ah knew this was going to be a bad idea.  Chances are Starlight is going to declare war."

Rainbow shouted, "You were just as ready to do this as the rest of us Applejack."

Rarity shouted, "Would you two stop it?  Arguing is not going to get us out of this mess."

A guard yelled, "Would you three shut up?  You're driving me up the wall and if you keep this up, I might punish you before Starlight gets the chance!"

They knew now that if Starlight decided to declare war, that they would be the reason.  What really scared them was the prospects of being hauled off to Starlight, having their marks taken and being locked up the same way Twilight had been for over a year. 




> A Declaration of War
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unexpected "Guests"

I was in a very peaceful slumber when the phone rang.  Like it is with other ponies, being woke up in the middle of the night pissed me off.  I turned the light on and answered the phone.  I growled, "Who is this?  This better be important."

The voice on the other end said, "Starlight, I am sorry to bother you at this hour but we have captured some invaders from West Equestria."

I yelled, "What?  What were they doing?"

The voice replied, "Well they were trying to steal the Elements of Harmony.  They said something about retrieving them and taking them to Twilight so they can defeat......"

Oh boy, now this really angered me.  I knew what their plan was, they were going to get them and try to come over and defeat me.  I yelled, "Get them here to Fillydelphia as soon as possible."  I slammed the phone down and yelled, "Ugh, those ponies are not going to get away with this and Twilight will wish she was never born!"

When I woke up the following morning I was dead tired because after that phone call, I could not get to sleep.  I still could not believe that Twilight would have the audacity to send her friends into MY COUNTRY and try to retrieve the Elements.  I had a scowl on my face and my eyes were red when I got to the dinner table.  My parents could sense something was wrong.  My mom asked, "Starlight honey, you look awful!  What happened?"

I replied, "Well I got a rather disturbing phone call last night."

Dad asked, "What kind of phone call."

While I normally would not reveal information like this to anypony except my top military advisers, I knew my parents could be trusted.  I replied, "Don't tell anypony but last night five of Twilight Sparkle's friends illegally crossed the border and were trying to remove the elements from The Tree of Harmony."

Mom yelled, "They did what?"  She calmed down a bit and asked, "So what are you plans?"

I replied, "Well if I were to do what the separation agreement allows, I would declare war immediately but I want to wait until those that were captured are brought here.  I want to get answers from them."

Dad asked, "Starlight, I can tell by the look in your eyes that you have other plans."

I replied, "I might.  I'm going to let you two be just as surprised as everypony else will be!"

Interrogating My Enemies

Two days had passed since I got that phone call when I heard a knock on my office door.  I asked, "Who's there?"

One of the guards peeked his head in and replied, "It is me along with those who crossed the border."

I said, "Bring them in."

As he led them in I could see a sense of nervousness in most of them, except for the blue pegasus who was giving me a cocky, arrogant look that reeked of a superiority complex.  While I knew who they were I decided to see how honest they were.  I glared at them and ordered, "Please state your names."

"Pinkie Pie."

"Fluttershy."

"Applejack."

"Rarity."

Rainbow Dash sneered, "You better let us go or you'll be sorry.  Twilight will make you pay for your crimes."

I laughed, "Ha!  Twilight make me pay for my crimes?  Leave it to the arrogant Rainbow Dash to say that."

Applejack asked, "So Starlight....." 

I interrupted, "That is either Premier Starlight or Grand Mage Starlight Glimmer the Second to you five.  Now would one of you kindly tell me WHY you invaded East Equestria?"

Applejack replied, "Well Premier Starlight, we have a problem over in West Equestria.  You see, Tirek has escaped from Tartarus for the second time and has already begun to steal magic.  We figured that if we had the Elements of Harmony we would be able to defeat him and save this whole continent, both West and East Equestria from his wrath."

I asked, "And you couldn't have just contacted me and let me know about this?  Why didn't you just contact me and let me know what your plans were.  When it comes to Tirek, I would have actually let you get them as long as you returned them to the Tree after defeating him."

Applejack replied, "We didn't tell you that because we figured that you would simply tell us no.  We figured that since Twilight would be involved in this that you would either say no or demand something in return, such as more territory."

I laughed, "Come on now, you really think little old me would say no to something important like this?"  I became more serious and continued, "But, you did not ask me so now you must be punished."

Rainbow growled, "Oh and while you punish us, what is everypony going to do about Tirek?  What are you going to do when he invades East Equestria and begins stealing the magic of your citizens?"

I replied, "Oh I don't think we will have to worry about that.  There is more than one way to handle Tirek, a much more effective way, a much more permanent way."

Applejack asked, "Oh and what do y'all mean by a more permanent way?"

I replied, "Oh you'll eventually find out.  What a pity you will have to hear about it here rather than back in your precious Ponyville with your beloved tyrant Twily."

Rainbow yelled, "Yeah right.  You won't keep us here, Twilight will free us from you." 

I had enough of their smart talking, especially the blue pegasus's bloviating.  I levitated five glass jars to myself, opened them and grabbed the five in my aura.  They screamed in pain as I removed their marks and placed them in my jar.  I couldn't help but smile when I saw them laying on the floor with their equals sign cutie marks.  I laughed, "Well now, it looks like you can be all the same again."

I put my hoof under Fluttershy's chin and added, "You know Fluttershy, despite you exposing me in 'Our Town' I might decide to treat you a bit more special than the others."

Fluttershy asked, "Oh, and how would you do that?"

I asked in return, "What would you think of getting your cutie mark back?"

Her friends began to yell and tell her that I was up to something, that she should not trust me.  I nuzzled her and continued, "Don't listen to them, you know I would never do anything to you."

Fluttershy asked, "What would I have to do to get my cutie mark back."

I started, "Well Fluttershy my dear, being the leader of a country can get very exhausting and very stressful at times.  Sometimes a pony simply has to unwind but sadly I have nopony to unwind with and you are incredibly sexy!"  I gave her a deep, passionate kiss and continued, "Fluttershy, if you will become my lover and someday become my wife, you can have your mark back but you must stay with me.  After all, wives do stay together."

Fluttershy replied, "Uhm."

Rainbow shouted, "Don't do it Fluttershy!  She doesn't really care about you."

Rarity added, "She doesn't and all she would want you for is the sex and the joy of controlling you."

I asked, "Well Fluttershy, do you want your mark back or not?"

Fluttershy yelled, "No!  Not if it means being your wife!  I do not love you and I know you don't love me.  You just want my body!"

I pushed her to the ground and replied, "Aw what a pity.  Well I guess you'll have that equals sign on your flank for the rest of your life."  

Applejack grunted, "So Premier Starlight, what are y'alls plan for us?  Throw us in a dungeon, kill us, force us all to be your love slaves?"

I replied, "Oh you'll see but first there is something very important that must be done and the whole nation will get to see it!"

Addressing the Nation

I led the five into my address room and notified my broadcast crew to be ready to override all the channels in the country so I could let the country know what has happened.  I ordered the five to stay out of the camera's view at first.  Once everything was all set, I ordered the signals to be overrode.  Now on every television screen in the nation I was sitting there behind a desk.  I began, 

"Citizens of East Equestria.  I am coming to you today over a matter of great importance.  Two days ago five invaders from West Equestria, Ponyville to be exact, climbed over the border wall and illegally entered our nation.  Under the terms and conditions involved in the release of Twilight Sparkle which were finalized upon her release, this constitutes an act of war by West Equestria.  Under normal circumstances the moment I was notified of this invasion, I would have immediately sent troops to crush our enemies to the west but given who these ponies are, I wanted them to come and tell me about their situations."

I motioned for them to step into the view of the camera.  Once they were in front of the camera I stood by them and continued, "These five are the best friends of the tyrant princess of West Equestria, Twilight Sparkle.  The blue pegasus is Rainbow Dash, the yellow pegasus is Fluttershy, the white unicorn is Rarity, the pink earth pony is Pinkie Pie and the orange earth pony is Applejack."  I pointed at her and continued, "Applejack, would you kindly tell the citizens of East Equestria what caused you and your friends to invade our sovereign nation?"

Applejack looked directly at the camera and began, "Howdy y'all.  As Premier Starlight said my name is Applejack.  There is a reason we crossed the border and went after the Elements of Harmony.  Ah'm not sure how many of y'all have heard about this but Tirek has escaped from Tartarus and has begun to steal magic from the ponies in mah country.  Mah friends and I do not want him to steal everypony's magic and while y'all probably think y'all are immune, after he steals all the magic from West Equestria, Ah'm pretty sure he would have come for yours as well.  What mah friends, including Twilight could have done with those elements was defeat Tirek and save both East and West Equestria from his dark magic so if y'all really care about East Equestria, y'all will contact Premier Starlight and let her know that y'all wants us to get those elements, use them on Tirek and banish him back to Tartarus."

I ordered them back over to the side and stepped in front of the camera.  I continued, "Citizens of East Equestria, while it may seem that Applejack makes good points there are some things many do not know.  I have done my research on Tirek and there is more than one way to defeat him, and the method I am thinking of would involve a spear that would go far enough into his eye that it would hit his brain and kill him.  After all, that mutt Cerberus likes to leave his post and let Tirek escape so I think it is best if our military and I were to march into West Equestria and KILL Tirek."  My voice grew more grim as I continued, "And while I am at it I can take down Twilight Sparkle and truly avenge our ancestors.  For so long the Western ponies controlled the whole continent, now the time has come for Eastern ponies to control this whole continent.  While it will be one single nation, it shall continue to be known as East Equestria."

I returned to sitting behind my desk and finished, "Because of the violation of our border with West Equestria by these five, I Premier Starlight Glimmer, declare war upon West Equestria.  Twilight Sparkle and her cronies will pay for violating our borders.  The five I presented to you shall remain in prison here in Fillydelphia while I have special plans for Twilight Sparkle."  I began to laugh as I continued, "What a pity Celestia abdicated over there.  At least if she were there this wouldn't be a cakewalk."

Once I finished my address the cameras went black and everypony was returned to their regularly scheduled programming.  I ordered my guards to haul my prisoners to the jail.  I looked at Fluttershy and smiled, "You know Fluttershy, it isn't too late.  You can still get your cutie mark back."  I groped her flank with my wing and continued, "But that is all up to you."

Fluttershy smacked my wing with her's and yelled, "No Starlight!  I am not going to be your little toy."

I sighed, "Whatever.  Guards, get them put in their cells.  I need to gather a thousand soldiers and head to Ponyville.  Their military is weak and fractured so this shouldn't be overly difficult.  I am hoping we can get this over and done with before too long."

My guards saluted me and hauled my prisoners to the jail.  As I headed to the military base I was full off confidence.  I knew that Twilight was all alone over there since Luna is now queen in the Equine Empire and I had heard about how Celestia abdicated and took over in Saddle Arabia.  I said to myself, "Grand Mage Starlight, Mage Meadowbrook, Mage Shadowstar, it won't be long until us Eastern ponies will control the entire continent.  I will not let you down, I will make you proud."

> Journey to the Border
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meeting with My General

When I arrived at the base I was greeted by my top general, Yellow Star.  He had seen my address to the nation and asked, "Starlight, I take it the time has come?"

I replied, "Yes, the time has come.  We are going to march into West Equestria, take down Tirek and then make that tyrant Twilight beg for mercy."

He suggested, "I don't know what you will think of this but I think we should march into Ponyville first, take down Twilight and then wait for Tirek to arrive in Ponyville.  I have heard rumors that he is attacking other cities and given that Twilight lives in Ponyville, he will likely save that place for last when he will be at his strongest."

I replied, "Excellent suggestion General."  I patted him on the back and continued, "You know Yellow Star, given your intelligence I have special plans for you."

He asked, "What sort of plans?"

I replied, "What would you think about being a regional governor?"

He asked, "Seriously?  You want me to be a regional governor?"

I replied, "Yes, I do.  I want you to march with me into battle and when we depose Twilight and kill Tirek, you will be the regional governor there in Ponyville."

He asked, "I do have a question."  He blushed and continued, "Could you see if Morning Glory could leave her post at the university and come out with me."

I gave him a smile, "Oooh....it looks like somepony has a crush!"

He replied, "It is much more than a crush.  We have always been very close and ever since I moved to Fillydelphia, we have kept in contact and realized that our feelings for one another are much more than merely being friends."

I said, "Consider it done.  Once we have Twilight deposed and Tirek killed, if she wishes to do so, she can join you out there."

Yellow Star hugged me and replied, "Thank you Starlight!  That will mean so much to both of us!"

I said, "You're welcome but now back to the issue at hand.  I need you to gather the thousand most capable soldiers from the base.  We will need a good sized army if we are to bring down Tirek."

He asked, "What kinds of ponies do you want?  Do you want a mix of all three races or do you want more of one kind?"

I replied, "While pegasus ponies can come in handy, I think we should take a mostly unicorn army into battle.  After all, they can use their magic to fire those spears into Tirek's eyes with maximum force, hopefully with enough force to penetrate his brain."

He asked, "So when do you want me to have them trained and ready?"

I replied, "I completely forgot that they will need to be prepared for this."  I sighed and continued, "Have them ready in three days and we will head to West Equestria from there."

He nodded and began to choose those he thought would be best for the battle while I headed home frustrated.  I wanted to be able to get this invasion started and win this as soon as possible but the best army is a well prepared one so all I can do is wait.

The Trip to the Border

The three days seemed to drag by but it was also a time for me to get more composed.  Had I decided we should have left the day I addressed the nation, not only would my army had not been ready, I wouldn't exactly have been calm and collected enough.  That day I was too agitated and would not have had everything planned out perfectly.   

After eating breakfast I headed down to the base and would be mostly pleased with what I saw.  There stood General Yellow Star and 1,000 unicorn soldiers, ready for battle.  By Yellow Star's side was Morning Glory.  I rushed into her hooves and said, "Morning Glory!  It is so good to see you!"

She replied, "It is so good to see you too Starlight."

I noticed that she was clad in armor like the rest of my army was.  I asked, "Morning Glory, why are you wearing armor?"

She replied, "Because I am going with you guys.  I want to fight alongside Yellow Star."

My jaw dropped open.  I asked, "What?  You can't be serious."

Morning Glory replied, "I am serious.  I want to help you take down Tirek and depose Twilight."

I asked, "Morning Glory, have you ever engaged in any kind of military exercises?  Do you know how much composure is needed in warfare?"

Morning Glory replied, "Starlight, I'm not as gentle as you think I am.  When I was in high school I was a member of the junior reserves as I initially wanted to go into the military but because of some dumb rule of Celestia's prohibiting mares being in the military, I was not allowed to sign up for the guard."

I sighed, "Well ok, but remember, we are dealing with Tirek."

Yellow Star interrupted, "Starlight, I know for myself that Morning Glory is more than capable of keeping her cool in battle.  Now for the issue of our weapons.  Are the size of spears I have equipped our soldiers with going to be sufficient?"

I replied, "Yes, those will be great."  I saw a much longer, larger spear laying up against the wall behind them.  I levitated it to myself and continued, "I will be taking this one.  When we confront Tirek, I want him to know that I will be ready to destroy him."

Yellow Star asked, "Well shall we take the train to the border and march to Ponyville?"

While I initially wanted to do things the way the armies of ancient times would by marching directly to Ponyville from Fillydelphia, I realized that taking the train to the border and then marching to Ponyville would be a much better way to do things.  Not only would we get there quicker, we would be much more well rested.  I replied, "Yes, let's get going."

We headed to the train station and boarded a train to the neutral location, as I thought it would be the best place to cross.   We remained mostly quiet on the train ride there with the exception of Yellow Star telling Morning Glory about how they would be living in Ponyville once we took it over.  I interrupted them, "Yellow Star, Morning Glory, I know you two are happy that you will have a great future after we take care of all this but you need to focus on the task at hand.  You need to focus on us killing Tirek and then dethroning Twilight, after we do that then you can focus on your future together."

Morning Glory replied, "You're right Starlight.  We shouldn't get ahead of ourselves."

Yellow Star added, "Don't worry Starlight, we know that the battle comes first."

I simply nodded and they went quiet as well.   A couple hours later we reached the border and disembarked from the train.  As we headed towards the structure we were met by a couple of guards.  One of them said, "Wow Starlight, you have quite a few soldiers with you.  I take it the invasion is starting?"

I replied, "Yes, now how the guards on the west side will react I don't know but if they have any problems with us it won't matter.  If they resist, they will meet their demise."  

The guard laughed, "I don't think those western guards will have any issues.  Besides, seeing an army of a thousand will likely terrify them."

I nodded and we proceeded to make our way through the structure and into West Equestria.  As we headed into their country their guards simply gasped at the size of my army.  I looked off to the north and said to my troops, "Well guys, our target is off to the north.  Let's get some rest here and head off to Ponyville tomorrow."

My forces cheered realizing that our objective would soon be realized but I had to reprimand them.  Yes I was confident that we would be able to win this but I was not going to go cheering before we won.  While I doubted it would happen, I actually hoped that Tirek would be in Ponyville when we arrived.  That way we would not have to worry about a difficult battle after deposing Twilight and punishing her in what way I see fit.
> A Frustrating Day
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Missing Friends

Several days had passed and the ponies of Ponyville were no longer hiding in their houses and had resumed their normal activities.  While this didn't bother me too much there was one thing that was really bothering me.  Why haven't my friends come over to see me?  Are they still hiding out in the apple cellar, are they hiding out elsewhere on the farm or did they leave town entirely.  Sunset could tell something was wrong.  She asked, "Twilight, what is wrong?"

I replied, "I'm just worried.  Everypony else has resumed their normal activities but I haven't seen my friends since before you arrived."

Sunset asked, "Do you think maybe we should go and see if they are still at the farm?"

I replied, "Good idea Sunset.  Let's get going."

Sunset and I headed over towards Sweet Apple Acres hoping to find my friends.  The first place we headed to was the cellar.  As I was opening the door to it I heard somepony say, "Twilight, don't bother looking down there.  They're not here."

It was Granny Smith.  I headed over to her and asked, "They're not?  Do you know where they are?"

Granny replied, "I'm not sure where they are but they went to try to get the Elements of Harmony."

I yelled, "They did what?  Didn't they hear me say that we just can't go get them?"  I began to panic, "Oh no, I hope they didn't get captured, I hope she doesn't declare war."

Sunset asked, "What do you mean you hope she doesn't declare war."

I replied, "Well when the agreement was signed that split the nation in two, Starlight put a provision in there that if anypony from West Equestria illegally crossed the border, that it would constitute an act of war.  If they were caught they were likely hauled off to Fillydelphia, interrogated by Starlight and thrown in jail.  After that Starlight would likely be making plans to invade."  

Sunset asked, "If Starlight does invade, where do you think she would lead her army to?"

I replied, "She would likely attack Ponyville.  I am certain that she knows the capitol is here now and if she were to capture me, she would take all of West Equestria and the whole continent would be under her rule."

Sunset asked, "What would happen to you if you were captured?"

I hung my head low and sighed, "I don't even want to think about it.   All I know is that it would likely be just as bad if not worse that what Tirek would do to ponykind."

Granny Smith over heard our conversation and said, "Don't worry Twilight.  You and your friend will beat Tirek and Starlight and rescue your friends."

I replied, "For the sake of all of West Equestria, we better."

Sunset asked, "Twilight, think we should get back to the castle in the event Tirek was to suddenly show up?"

I sighed, "Yeah we probably should and Granny, I would advise that you stay indoors as well."

I was very concerned about what happened to my friends and while it may sound kind of odd, I was irritated that Tirek had yet to show his ugly face.  I just wanted for Sunset and I to defeat him, banish him back to Tartarus and to try to get the nation back up on its hooves.  It has already suffered enough since the split, but everypony having to stay in and hide from Tirek is likely only making things worse.

Tirek Returns

While Sunset and I were returning to the castle Sunset asked, "Twilight, I know you are going to think I am nuts but do you think that you could contact Starlight and see if she does have them in custody?"

I put my hoof up to my face and sighed, "Sunset, are you nuts!  There is no way that Starlight would give me that information and even if she did have them, she would lie to me and say she didn't."  I stomped my hoof into the ground and continued, "And if she did offer to tell me the truth, she would likely demand more territory."

Sunset asked, "Seriously?  She would do that?"

I replied, "Yes Sunset, she would.  I know that pony well enough that she won't be satisfied until the whole continent is under her rule and I have been punished in the worst way imaginable."

Sunset said, "I remember how she was when we were in Celestia's school together and she never seemed to have that kind of greed.  Yeah she had an insatiable hunger for knowledge....."

I interrupted, "Sunset, that Starlight no longer exists.  As soon as she discovered what her true origins were, she considered it her destiny to avenge the wrongs that Celestia did upon her ancestors and now I think she wants everything."

Sunset asked, "Seriously, she would want everything?"

I replied, "Yes.  For over a millennia ponies of Western lineage controlled the whole continent and given the way her mind works, she would say that it is the time for Eastern ponies to rule over everypony else.  To her it would be Karma coming back and biting us."

Sunset asked, "I know this may sound like a silly question but who do you think would be more dangerous to us, Tirek or Starlight."

Again I put my hoof to my forehead and sighed.  This had to be the dumbest question anypony had ever asked.  I grunted, "Sunset, Tirek would be far more dangerous because he can steal all our magic, all Starlight can do is steal our talents.  Besides, Tirek will be so huge when he comes to town he could pick us up and smash us into the side of a mountain."

Once we returned to the castle we headed to the throne room and were discussing what we thought the best plan would be to defeat both Tirek and Starlight when suddenly *STOMP, STOMP, STOMP!*

Sunset shrieked, "What is that?"

I could hear buildings being destroyed and ponies screaming as they were having their magic stolen from them.  I yelled, "It's Tirek.  We must stand our ground Sunset."

Sunset asked, "How?  You had to have all the Alicorn magic in Equestria just to be equal to him last time and we don't have that."

I replied, "Well when he attacked last time he had stolen the magic from most all of the ponies in Equestria, including those that live in the eastern cities.  I have a feeling that he has not crossed over into East Equestria yet, so he shouldn't be as strong."

Sunset sighed in relief but became terrified as we began to hear pounding on the castle.  Tirek yelled, "PRINCESS TWILIGHT, YOU HAVE SOMETHING THAT BELONGS TO ME!"

He continued to pound and pound but he could not breach the castle.  Luckily when the castle formed it was much stronger than Canterlot Castle was, which Tirek had no problems getting into.  I stood in front of the throne room in attack mode while Sunset was hiding behind my throne.  This frustrated me because I knew I would need all the power I could get.  I yelled, "Sunset, I need you.  If he gets in, I need you to use your power on him too."

While Sunset was clearly scared, she joined me and stood in an attack stance.  I gave her a smile and realized that with Tirek likely not as strong and with the two of us having strong magic, we should be able to defeat him.  Then we heard something else, something we did not expect to hear and chances are it was not anything Tirek expected to encounter either.
> Liberation of Ponyville
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Invasion of Ponyville

Five days had passed since we left Fillydelphia and we had been marching for four days since we arrived at the border when we finally saw Ponyville on the horizon.  What shocked me was that most of it lay in ruins and as I took a closer look, I saw Tirek there banging on Twilight's castle.  I ordered my troops to stop and said, "Alright troops, it looks like what I was hoping for has actually happened.  Tirek is in Ponyville."

Yellow Star asked, "Seriously?  What is he doing?"

I replied, "He has destroyed a majority of the town and is now trying to break into Twilight's castle."

One of my soldiers asked, "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

I replied, "It is a good thing.  This is exactly what I was hoping for."  I paused for a minute and continued, "Ok, well I didn't want to see the town in ruins but with him trying to break into the castle, perhaps we can sneak up behind him unnoticed and launch our attack."

Another soldier asked, "What do you think he will do when he feels himself getting pelted with spears?"

This was one of those facehoof moments.  I put my hoof up to my face and said, "He will likely launch an attack on us and try to steal our magic.  I'm going to be honest, he will likely steal a lot of our magic but once one of us kills him, that magic will flow out of his corpse and be restored to everypony he has stolen it from."

Morning Glory asked, "What about those of us who die in battle?  Will his death cause them to be revived?"

This was another question that was rather irritating.  I sighed, "No Morning Glory, if one of us falls, then that is it for them."

Yellow Star asked, "Starlight, if you are killed but we still defeat Tirek and overthrow Twilight, who will rule over East Equestria?"

I replied, "You and Morning Glory would."  I looked back towards Ponyville and continued, "Now let's stop with all the negative talk, let's go and do this!"

My soldiers began to cheer so I looked back and scowled, "We can celebrate after we win guys.  For now, focus!"

We continued our march northwards until we reached the edge of the devastated community.  I looked back and gave them one final bit of advice, "Be strong, be fast, be accurate and keep your cool and we'll win this!"  

The Demise of Tirek

My forces charged towards Tirek while I took flight.  I will admit that this was one of those moments where I wished I had brought some pegasi with me but it was too late for that now.  Once my soldiers got within range I yelled, "Fire!"

At once they fired their spears at him while I began firing magic at him, knocking him backwards so my troops could retrieve their spears and fire again.  He saw me and looked stunned.  He shouted, "Wait a minute.  I thought there were only four Alicorn princesses in Equestria, NOT FIVE!"

I fired my spear at his face and scored a hit.  It did not strike his eye but it did leave a good gash on his face.  I levitated my spear back to myself and yelled, "You are correct Tirek, there are only four Alicorn PRINCESSES in Equestria.  I am no princess, I am something much more, I am something FAR MORE POWERFUL."

A ball of energy formed between his horns and I could tell he was preparing to steal my magic.  This is where teleportation comes in very handy.  I teleported onto his back and began ramming my spear into his neck.  He was screaming in agony but was able to steal a great amount of magic from my troops, causing him to grow larger.  He shook me off and threw me across town.  I crashed onto the ground but luckily I was unharmed.  I was enraged when I saw him steal the magic from the rest of my forces.  From this point on, it was me versus him and I was not about to lose to this creature.

As I flew back towards him I fired a powerful bolt of energy at him, slamming him up against the castle, causing him to fall to the ground.  I began laughing, "Not so strong now are you?"

He yelled back, "Get ready to meet your doom you weak minded equine!"

Weak minded equine?  Weak minded equine?  Oh boy, now this infuriated me.  I yelled, "Well this so called weak minded equine is going to crush you, you pathetic stupid centaur!"

He swung his fist at me and missed.  Unfortunately though, his fist slammed into the ground, killing over one hundred of my soldiers.  I realized I needed to finish this off.  Name calling and magic stealing is one thing, but to kill my soldiers is another.  I fired another powerful beam of magic at him, knocking him backwards again.  While he was getting himself back up I fired my spear at him, striking him straight in the eye!  Jackpot!  He began to stumble around and groan in pain.  I used my magic to force my spear further and further into his head, until finally the very earth shook as he collapsed.

Suddenly a huge burst of magic exploded from the fallen centaur and his body began to shrink in size.  I landed next to the shrinking carcass and kicked it.  He was indeed dead.  As I was pulling my spear out of his head, my soldiers that were not killed were getting up as their cutie marks were restored to them.  Morning Glory and Yellow Star rushed up to me and yelled, "We did it Starlight, we did it!"

The troops began to cheer in victory until I shouted, "Quiet.  The cheering can wait.  Right now we need to remember those who fell in battle."

We bowed our heads in remembrance as a gentle wind blew through Ponyville.  I never was good at words when it came to things like this but we all thanked the Great Creator in our own way.  Yes this made the victory much more solemn but I did not believe that we should be cheering when over a hundred of our own died with a single swing of Tirek's fist.  

I faced towards the entrance to Twilight's castle and said, "Well troops, one down one to go."

Morning Glory asked, "So Starlight, will you be going in first?"

I replied, "No.  I want you and Yellow Star to go in first, followed by the troops.  I will be embedded in the troops and when the time is right, the soldiers will part into two rows and I will make my way forward."

Yellow Star asked, "Why do you want to do it like that?"

I replied, "I just want to do it like this.  I think we will get a better reaction out of that tyrant Twilight that way."

While I had told my soldiers not to cheer and celebrate at this point, I was giddy inside.  Yes I was sad over the loss of lives in this battle but I was about to go in and have one final confrontation with Princess Twilight Sparkle, the pony who was the reason I was expelled from Celestia's school and the one who destroyed the utopia I had created in "Our Town."  But soon, the whole continent would be under the rule of Eastern Ponies.  How ironic, for over a millennia it was under control of Western ponies and now, it will be the opposite.




> An Unwanted Arrival
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Awaiting the Worst

Sunset and I stood at the entrance of the throne room ready to take on Tirek if he was to breach the castle's entrance.  When we heard what sounded like an army attacking him we were shocked.  I was wondering who in their right mind would bring an army into Ponyville and attack Tirek head on.  I was also wondering why an army had marched on Ponyville to start with.

Sunset asked, "Twilight, who do you think that is out there attacking Tirek?"

I replied, "I'm not sure but it sounds like they brought an army with them."

We were very nervous as he continued to pound on the castle.  We were worried that he may just smash his way through the wall but then it was what we would hear next that made us even more nervous.  We heard a female voice yelling and actually taunting Tirek.  Sunset asked, "Twilight, who the hay is that?  How could they be so foolish to taunt someone as powerful as Tirek?"

I replied, "I don't know but I have a feeling that whoever it is, they must be over confident.  You can't just go out and defeat Tirek unless you either have an immense amount of magic or you have something special, like the rainbow power my friends and I had."

The castle shook as something was slammed straight into it.  At first both of us thought maybe Tirek had thrown a huge rock at it until we heard a voice laugh, "Not so strong now are you?"

Yes, we heard a laugh.  Sunset shied back a bit and asked, "Twilight, do you think that whoever that is that they could be more powerful than Tirek?"

I replied, "Sunset, I don't think there is anyone out there who could actually take on Tirek in a physical fight when he is huge like this."

Sunset asked, "Well then why did it sound like he was thrown into the castle?  It would have to be a physical fight since nopony has strong enough magic to take him on."

Suddenly we heard an agonizing scream, a scream that came from Tirek.  His screams only became louder and louder until the very earth shook beneath us.  Then there was the silence, a deafening silence.  Sunset nervously asked, "What do you think happened Twilight?  Do you think Tirek is dead?"

Personally I thought this was an incredibly stupid question but I did not want to make Sunset feel stupid so I calmly replied, "I don't know.  I don't know what force could actually kill him.  I don't think there is anything big enough to take him down."

What would happen next would scare us more than Tirek slamming his fists up against the castle.  I heard the door to my castle unlock.  I gasped, "How could anypony unlock the doors to my castle?  Those doors can only be unlocked by a spell that only I know."

Sunset replied, "I don't mean to upset you Twilight but I do remember that when Starlight and I were in Celestia's school, she had a knack for unlocking doors.  You don't think it could be her do you?"

Now this made me mad.  The fact that she thought that Starlight Glimmer would be able to unlock my doors infuriated me.  I smacked her and yelled, "HOW DARE YOU THINK THAT SHE COULD EVER BREAK ANY SPELL OF MINE."  I raised my voice and continued, "I DO NOT EVER WANT TO HEAR HER NAME IN MY CASTLE AGAIN, GOT IT?"

Sunset yelled, "Look, I'm sorry ok.  It just crossed my mind."

For the first time in quite a while, since my first trip to the human world, there were negative feelings between Sunset and myself.  While I wouldn't say any hatred existed, we suddenly became very cold towards one another but we would have to put our anger aside for what was about to happen next.

Unwanted Visitors

After our argument we heard the doors swing open and suddenly all that anger between us melted away and was replaced with something equally as bad, fear.  We were very nervous about what was coming and I'll admit, when I heard the sounds of many, many hoofsteps I was scared.

I said, "Sunset, I don't like the sounds of this."

She replied, "I know, it sounds like a whole army is marching in here."

Before we knew it we saw a large army marching down the hall towards the throne room.  We backed into the center of the throne room and were soon greeted by two unicorns followed by a massive unicorn army.  The male unicorn said, "Well troops, it looks like we are going to acquire what we came for."

The army began to cheer before the female unicorn yelled, "Calm down guys, we need to make sure these ponies are who we think they are."  She glared at me and commented, "I take it you are Twilight Sparkle, correct?"

I replied, "That is Princess Twilight Sparkle to you........"

She replied, "Morning Glory.  My name is Morning Glory and the unicorn to my left is General Yellow Star."

I asked, "I want to know something.  Where are all of you from and what happened to Tirek?  I want to know why he collapsed and if he did indeed die in battle."

Morning Glory replied, "We are from Fillydelphia...."

I screamed "WHAT?  FILLYDELPHIA?"

She continued, "Yes, we are from Fillydelphia and regarding what happened to Tirek, I think it is best if somepony else lets you know about that."

She looked back and nodded her head, causing the army to split into two separate rows and what emerged from them would anger me greatly.  It was her, it was an Alicorn that I had seen before.  It was Starlight Glimmer.  Before I could say anything she began to laugh, "Well, well, well, what do we have here?"

I yelled, "What are you doing here Starlight and why did you bring a whole army with you?"

She replied, "Oh, let's just say it was something involving your friends and the Elements of Harmony."

I had a strong feeling that they were captured when they went after the elements and that this is what this invasion was about.  I asked, "Starlight, what have you done with my friends?  Why are you invading West Equestria?"

She replied, "Well Twilight, your friends decided to invade my nation and tried to steal the Elements of Harmony.  Because of that, they had to be dealt with properly and the agreement that was drawn up upon the separation of East and West allows for military action if citizens of one nation violates the other nation's border."

I sighed, "I warned them to not try to access the elements, I told them to not even try but obviously they didn't listen!"  I then became angry and yelled, "You said that they were dealt with properly, what do you mean they were dealt with properly?"

She replied, "Don't worry.  They are just in jail and have been equalized."  She then began to laugh, "I must admit though, Fluttershy is a stubborn mare, very stubborn.  I offered to give her her cutie mark back if she would do just one little thing for me but she refused....but I will admit, she is a good kisser!"

I yelled, "You kissed her?"  I calmed down a bit and continued, "Oh and what did you want her to do to get her cutie mark back, become your lover?  Become your wife?"

She replied, "Both actually but that is irrelevant at this point.  The three of us have more things that we must discuss and then we have business to take care of."

I asked, "The three of us?"

She replied, "Yes, the three of us.  You, that traitor Sunset and me."

I did not like the sounds of this and I honestly wondered what she meant by "that traitor Sunset."  What she meant by that I was not completely sure but I couldn't help but wonder if there was a time in the past, the distant past when I was just a very young filly that these two actually got along and that Sunset did something to sabotage a plan that Starlight had.  Perhaps once we discuss things over this "business" Starlight is talking about I will find out.  





> The Fall of West Equestria
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friendship Meltdown

Now that my army and I have surrounded Twilight in her throne room and I have briefed her as to why we invaded, the time for my discussion with her and Sunset had arrived.  While initially I had decided to go more in depth with Twilight first, I decided that forcing Sunset to reveal her past to Twilight first would be the better option.  After all, once Sunset reveals to Twilight that she was on my side when it came to taking her mark as a filly, maybe I could get them to fight.

I glared at Sunset and asked, "So Sunset, what are you doing here?"

Sunset replied, "I came to help Twilight defeat Tirek.  When she notified me of what was going on, I wanted to help her save my homeland."

This made me wonder why Sunset would help Twilight with this.  The last time I saw Sunset, she hated Twilight as much as I did.  I wondered if things had changed between the two so I asked, "So Sunset, why would you help Twilight?  Why would you help the pony that you once tried to prevent from ever becoming an Alicorn princess."

Before Sunset could reply Twilight got in her face and yelled, "What?  You tried to stop me from ever becoming an Alicorn princess?  When was this?"

Sunset shied back and replied, "Well Twilight, it happened when you were just a filly.  It wasn't too long after you were accepted into Celestia's school that Starlight and I believed that Celestia was giving you preferential treatment so we came up with a plan to make sure you would never advance in your studies."

Twilight yelled, "And what did you two do to try and keep me from succeeding?"

I laughed, "Well Twilight, it was quite interesting."  My voice became more monotone as I continued, "Before you were accepted into Celestia's school Sunset and I hated each other.  We viewed one another as enemies and were bound and determined to prove to Celestia which one of us was more suited to fulfill our destiny.  Then you were accepted into Celestia's school and when the two of us saw how much attention Celestia was giving you, we realized that rather than being enemies, that we would have to work together to keep the playing field level."

Twilight glared at Sunset and growled, "Sunset, is this true?"

Sunset lowered her head and replied, "Yes Twilight, it is true.  Both of us believed that she was going to fast track you into being an Alicorn princess and since Starlight can remove cutie marks and strip ponies of their special talents, we decided that she would take your mark and I would take it with me through the mirror."

Twilight slugged her and yelled, "And you never told me this before?  After we became friends you never told me about the other things you did to me besides steal my crown?"

Sunset shouted, "You know what Twilight?  After you got me to see that friendship is much better than manipulating others into fearing me I just wanted to bury my past.  I didn't want to bring up the things that led to me being that mean girl at Canterlot High that would do anything to get her way."

I couldn't help but laugh as Twilight was becoming increasingly agitated.  She yelled, "You know what Sunset?  Perhaps I should have never offered to help you understand the magic of friendship further.  Now that I know this and look back, you are no better than you were when you took my mark to the other world.  You are no better than the knifing wretch that worked with Starlight to get your own way."  

Sunset began to angrily cry, "But Twilight, I have changed.  You defeated me when I became a she-demon, you saw how much I've grown."

Again Twilight smacked her and yelled, "You know what?  I think you were just putting on a show.  I bet you came back here to help me and then after we defeated Tirek you would have done something to take West Equestria for yourself!"

Morning Glory, Yellow Star and I couldn't help but laugh watching those two argue and fight.  I knew that if I could get Sunset to reveal her past and how she aided me in my plans in Celestia's school, that it would cause Twilight to go ballistic.  I said, "Now ladies, fighting isn't the answer.  Remember Twilight, friendship is magic."

Twilight screamed, "You know what?  I do not consider Sunset a friend anymore.  The way she used me and pretended to be my friend is far worse than anything you ever did.  At least you never pretended to be my friend, at least you always let it be known that you hated me."

I joyfully replied, "Well at least you always knew I was your enemy!  At least I never put up a false front."

Sunset interrupted, "You know what Twilight, I never put up a false front but with the way you have treated me today I don't think of you as a friend anymore either."

Twilight yelled, "FINE!"  She grabbed Sunset with her aura and threw her up against the wall.  Sunset cried out in agony as she hit the wall.  

It looked like Twilight was going to fire at her again when I grabbed Twilight with my aura and stepped in front of Sunset.  I calmly said, "Twilight Sparkle, I know you are incredibly angry with Sunset right now but that is no reason for you to try to injure her."

Sunset looked at me with a smile and replied, "Thank you Starlight.  Thank you for stopping her from trying to hurt me."

I replied, "Of course Sunset.  Yes we had our differences in the past and I was upset when I saw that you had joined Twilight's side but now that the real Twilight Sparkle has reared her ugly head, I decided to spare you any more of her wrath."

Twilight began to mock me, "Oh, I decided to save you from any more of Twilight's wrath."  She then sneered, "So Starlight, now you and Sunset are friends?  What are you going to do, punish me in some sort of horrible way?  Banish me somewhere?"

I replied, "You shall soon find out what my plans are for you."

I decided the time had finally come to punish Twilight in the ways that I saw fit.  I already knew how I was going to do it but I will admit, destroying a close friendship she had was an added bonus.  The precious little 'Princess of Friendship' had a meltdown that caused her to lose a friend!  I guess she isn't so good when it comes to friendship after all!

The End of Twilight's Reign

As I stood between Twilight and Sunset I felt a sense of great pride.  I destroyed a once close friendship and got Sunset to see that Twilight wasn't this wonderful, caring princess that she thought she was.  Now the time had come to finally put Twilight in her place.  For me it would be the ultimate victory and for Twilight it would be the defeat of all defeats.

I glared at Twilight and said, "You know Twilight, I wonder what Celestia would think of her precious little 'Princess of Friendship' slugging one of her friends and ending the friendship.  I bet she would be so disappointed."  I began to laugh, "You never know, she might even consider it unbecoming of a princess.  She might even take your wings and strip you of your title!"

Twilight yelled, "She would never do that!  She would realize that what I did was for good reasons."

I looked over at Morning Glory and Yellow Star.  I said, "I need you two and our troops to keep Sunset company.  Twily and I shall be back shortly."

Twilight yelled, "What do you mean we'll be back shortly?"

I replied, "You'll see!"

I grabbed her in my aura and using a great amount of energy, I teleported Twilight and myself into an alternate realm, a realm of stars and darkness.  Twilight was laying down and asked, "Where am I?  What is this place?"  She stood up and continued, "Wait a minute, I've been here before."

I heard her say this and I approached her.  I said, "Congratulations Twilight, I knew you could do it!"

Twilight asked, "Do what?"

I replied, "Fail in your role as the Princess of Friendship."

Before she could say anything images of all the times she screwed up in one way or another, before and after her coronation, popped up around us.

Using the most snide voice possible, I began to sing, 

"You've fallen, so, so far, and
I've monitored you from that very first day.

To see how you might fail, to see what you might do.
To loathe what you've put me through, and
All the ways you've made me pissed at you.

It's time now for the old days to return.
You've screwed up and your new life is done.
To return where you have been, to see what you have seen.
To return to what you used to be. For it's time for you...

...to lose your destiny!" 

I stretched myself vertically as I fired a powerful beam of energy at her and held her in my aura.  An incredibly bright light encircled her as her descension to being a regular unicorn had begun.  I could hear her sobbing and screaming for me to stop as her wings were being removed.  It was not long until both of us returned to the throne room.  While I landed in front of her throne, she plopped down on the floor.  I couldn't help but smile as Twilight got up on her hooves.  I wasn't the only one smiling though.  I could see Sunset standing there with a beaming smile on her face.

Twilight glared at me and yelled, "How could you Starlight?  I know you hate me but why would you do this to me?"

I replied, "You know something Twilight, ever since the day I ascended to Alicornhood and discovered how truly powerful I am, I have waited for this day to arrive."

Twilight yelled, "What, so you can dethrone me and hand power of Ponyville over to your little minions over there?"

Sunset interrupted, "You know what Twilight.  For so long I was loyal to you but today the real you came out.  How in Equestria you ever became the 'Princess of Friendship' is beyond me.  Perhaps you should have become the princess of bitchiness instead."

I said, "Ok everypony.  Let's stop this for now.  There is one more thing that must be done before we can begin to bring the western side of East Equestria back to prosperity."

Twilight shouted, "Western side of East Equestria?  This is not East Equestria, it is West Equestria and I am still the ruler here."

I laughed, "Not anymore Twily.  This whole continent is now the nation of East Equestria."  I looked towards the exit and continued, "Come on everypony, Twilight has one more punishment and then we can move forward."

As we headed out of the castle and off to the north Twilight screamed, "Where are we going?"

I replied, "You'll see Twilight, you'll see."

As we approached the edge of the Everfree Forest Twilight began to struggle.  I decided to let Sunset handle her.  Now with Twilight just being a unicorn, Sunset had no issues dragging her by the tail with her aura.  Finally when we reached the edge of the forest I ordered her to be thrown in.  My soldiers had their spears pointed at her and she froze.  

I pointed my horn at her and began, "Twilight Sparkle, your days of ruling are over.  You have failed Princess Celestia in the role she gave you.  Since she is not here to punish you I shall do it in her stead."  My voice became more stern as I continued, "And for this, you shall be banished to the Everfree Forest for the rest of your days.  No matter how hard you try, no matter how far you walk will you ever escape it's boundaries.  Never again shall you see the lands that lie outside it.   The timberwolves shall always gnaw on you yet you will never die by them, you will experience the pain of their bites till the day you die."  My horn began to glow brightly and I fired a bolt of energy at her and she disappeared.

Sunset asked, "Starlight, I take it she is gone for good?"

I replied, "Yes, she is.  Now let's get back to Ponyville so we can take care of some business.  I must address the nation and let them know what has happened, I must get Morning Glory and Yellow Star established as the regional governors and I need to let you know of the plans I have for you."

Sunset nervously asked, "What are those?"

I replied, "I will wait until we get things situated to tell you but I will tell you one thing, you will like them."

Finally, I did it!  I put Twilight Sparkle in her place.  Ever since the day Celestia started fast tracking her on the path to being an Alicorn princess I had dreamed of a day when I could celebrate a complete and absolute victory over her.  Now that has happened!  I can't wait to tell her friends!  I know their reactions will be priceless!
> Reuniting the Continent
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Planning for the Future

Once we got back to the castle we returned to the throne room.  I looked around and though to myself, "This has to go.  I do not want something this opulent in East Equestria."  Morning Glory could tell the wheels were turning in my head and asked, "Starlight, what is running through your mind?"

I replied, "I am thinking that this has to go.  I do not want a structure in East Equestria that reeks of this much inequality.  I do not want something from the era of the princesses remaining.  Those days are over and the relics from it need to be dismantled."

Yellow Star asked, "I know you want Morning Glory and I to live here and be the regional governors.  Where will the two of us live until a more appropriate structure is built for us to live in?"

This was something I had not thought about.  I guess I was so ready to move this nation forward that it skipped my mind.  I replied, "You two may live in here until an appropriate home is built for you two."

Morning Glory asked, "So how are we going to rebuild this town?  It was leveled by Tirek."

I replied, "We shall quarry Canterlot and the now unnecessary wall for building materials for all buildings that were damaged or destroyed across this part of the country."

Sunset asked, "So Starlight, what are your plans for the mirror that leads to the other world."

At first her question shocked me.  I had been so focused on everything else over the past week, Twilight's friends illegally crossing the border, getting them locked up, my war plans, marching into Ponyville, killing Tirek and finally putting Twilight in her place that I forgot about it.  I replied, "Well, I plan on destroying it.  After all, things may come through it that may not have the best interests of East Equestria in mind."

I could sense a bit of sadness in Sunset.  I continued, "What's wrong Sunset?  All of a sudden you seem so sad."

She replied, "Well it is just a matter of me never being able to see my friends again.  They truly do mean the world to me and I could never imagine life without them."

I had plans for her but given how she stood up to Twilight I decided to give her an option.  I asked, "Sunset, I am going to give you an option.  Would you rather return to the human world and be with your friends OR would you rather come to Fillydelphia and be my assistant?  If you come and be my assistant, you will have a very comfortable life and you will never have to worry about a thing in your life."

I assumed and hoped that she would choose coming to Fillydelphia but I would be surprised.  She replied, "I would like to return to the human world and be with  my friends."

I gasped, "Seriously?  You are picking an uncertain future in that world over living comfortably and job security for life?"

She replied, "Yes Starlight, I am.  I know most ponies would choose what you have to offer but like I said before, I can't imagine life without my friends."

I asked, "Sunset, you do know I plan on destroying that mirror either way don't you?  So if you choose to return to that world, you will never be a pony again and you will never see your homeland again."

I was hoping that would change her mind but without hesitation she replied, "Yes Starlight, I understand that and it is a sacrifice that I am willing to make."

I said, "Well lead me to where this mirror is so you may return to your friends and I can destroy a threat to national security."

She nodded and she led us up to where the mirror was.  She flipped the switch on it and a swirling portal appeared.  I hugged her and asked, "Are you completely sure this is what you want?  Are you sure an uncertain future is what you truly desire?"

She replied, "Yes Starlight, it is.  Everyone who truly cares about me is in the human world."

I said, "I respect your decision Sunset.  I do know one thing, this proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are not the pony that aided me in trying to stop Twilight from becoming a princess.  I wish you luck in whatever endeavors you pursue in the human world and may you be happy for the rest of your days."

She hugged me one more time and replied, "Thank you Starlight.  Goodbye, may you bring about unprecedented prosperity to East Equestria."

She turned around and walked through the mirror one last time.  Once I was certain she was all the way through I deactivated it and smashed it into the wall, causing it to break into at least a thousand pieces.  I will admit, I will miss Sunset given that we were finally on the same page but I simply could not allow such a device to exist in East Equestria.  After all, the thing did open on it's own every thirty moons and who knows what would come through it.

When I arrived back downstairs my eyes were watering and Morning Glory asked, "Starlight, are you ok?  You're going to miss her, aren't you?"

I replied, "Believe it or not but yes, I will miss her.  From the moment when I first met her as a filly all the way up until her fight with Twilight I would not have cared but once she turned on Twilight I realized that she was not a mindless drone of Twilight's, that she was her own pony again."

Yellow Star interrupted, "I don't mean to be a bother but don't you think we should get the media here so you can address the nation Starlight, so that they will know you are the leader of the whole continent and get the western half of the country out of this economic disaster it is in?"

I replied, "Yes, we should."

I contacted both the East Equestrian News Network and what used to be the West Equestrian News Network.  It would take them a couple of days to arrive in Ponyville so we walked around the town and surveyed the damage.  Seeing this damage made me all the happier that we killed Tirek.  I am hoping that once I address the nation, that the citizens of Ponyville will return home and return to their normal lives. 

Addressing a Re-United Nation

Two days had passed and the media had gathered in Ponyville for what would be one of the most important addresses in not just the history of East Equestria, but the whole continent.  I walked out to the edge of the balcony that Twilight used to use and once I was given the signal the cameras were rolling I began my address.

"Citizens of the Equestrian continent,

I am addressing you to let you know that there is a change in power here on the Equestrian continent.  No longer is Twilight Sparkle in power here in Ponyville.  Roughly a week ago some of her friends crossed the wall that separates West and East Equestria illegally.  For those of you who are not familiar with the terms in the agreement that split East and West, the actions that Twilight's friends took were an act of war and thus I led my troops into Ponyville.

When we arrived in Ponyville, Tirek was assaulting the community and while initially we came to make Twilight pay for her friends' crimes, we launched a full assault on Tirek.  In the end I killed him when I rammed a spear completely through his eye and into his brain.  It was after that when we went in and deposed Twilight.  I know many of you may hate me for this but I do have some good news.  The continent has been united as one nation again, East Equestria.  No longer will the cities and towns here in the west be cut off from the mineral and financial resources of the east.  I am making it priority number one to make sure that the economic conditions here in the west will be equal to those in the east.

Also, I know that Tirek destroyed many, many buildings in the cities of the west.  I have ordered that Canterlot along with the now unnecessary wall be quarried for building materials for any and all damaged properties.  While I was portrayed as a villain by the princesses because of my Eastern heritage, I want everypony to know that regardless of their heritage, that they will all be treated as equals.  

I will be keeping East Equestria's capitol in Fillydelphia but I will be placing two regional governors in Ponyville to handle issues in the western half of the nation.  If anypony has any questions regarding the future of the nation or is experiencing problems getting back up on their hooves, either contact Morning Glory and General Yellow Star, who I have appointed as the regional governors or contact me.  

In closing, I want you all to know that I love each and every one of you.  You are all citizens of the greatest nation in the world and are the driving force behind it.  You all have a wonderful day."

I will admit, this address was a liberating one yet at the same time a tough one.  I am pretty sure that letters will be sent and phone calls will be received regarding what happened to Twilight.  Do I expect some ponies to protest over Twilight's disappearance?  In the West I certainly do, in the East her demise will likely be celebrated.  In the end though once prosperity has returned everywhere, they will realize that Twilight wasn't that good of a leader and no longer care that she is gone.

After the address I headed back inside to a very happy Morning Glory and Yellow Star along with a very happy military.  I know that my regional governors were happy that I had got that out of the way and we would be able to get things back to normal in Ponyville and the rest of the west while my soldiers are probably just looking forward to going home.

Yellow Star asked, "So Starlight, what do we do if we are not sure what to do when it comes to things such as protests or riots?"

I replied, "Well I would handle them gently.  Have the soldiers that I will be stationing out here go in and try to calm them down.  If those things do not work, have them rounded up and send them to me.  I know about what happened to Canterlot in it's final days and mark my words, things like that will not happen under my watch."

Morning Glory asked, "How are we going to handle ponies that come by and ask us about Twilight.  I just have a feeling that ponies here will come and ask about her given that she lived here."

This was something that even I didn't know exactly how to respond to.  I replied, "Well just tell them to contact me over it and they can come to Fillydelphia to talk to me about it.  If I have them in my home to discuss this, I will have more leverage in how I tell them what happened."  I looked up at the clock and continued, "Well, I think you two are ready to take this on.  I am going to get going home, after all we have a long march ahead of us back to the old neutral location and I would like to get there before it is too late and after I get home, I have prisoners to deal with."

Morning Glory asked, "So what are your plans for them?  Are you going to keep them in jail, have them executed or what?"

I replied, "I am simply going to release them.  Since Twilight is no longer in the picture they can not harness the power of the Elements and besides, I will not be returning their cutie marks to them."

Yellow Star asked, "Are you sure?  Are you sure they might not be able to do something even without their marks?"

i replied, "They can't do anything without their marks so everything will be fine.  From what the soldiers told me on the night they were captured that the white unicorn couldn't even dislodge the Elements from the Tree so we will be fine."

I could tell that the two had their reservations about my decision to release them but hey, since they are no threat why should I keep them in jail and waste tax dollars to house and feed them.  I'll save that for ponies that pose a threat to society, not ponies who I have now deemed harmless.

Yellow Star asked, "You said something about leaving some troops here.  Will they be from the soldiers you brought with us or will they be from elsewhere?"

I replied, "I am going to leave 250 soldiers here with you.  The rest will be returning home with me.

Yellow Star asked, "So when will building materials start being shipped in so we can rebuild the town?"

I replied, "The city of Canterlot and the wall shall begin to be quarried tomorrow.  I want to get everything rolling as soon as possible."

Given that at the time there was no train service to Ponyville my troops and I would have to march back to the old neutral meeting place and catch a train back to Fillydelphia so we said our farewells and we started our journey home.  While it took a bit longer than I had first anticipated we arrived at our destination before it was too late.  We had to wait for a charter train to come and take us home.  It was later than I would have liked the following day when we got home, I had one more thing to take care of, I had to release the prisoners.

When I arrived in the jail Twilight's friends glared at me.  I smiled and asked, "What are the dirty looks for?  I have some great news for you!"

Rainbow asked, "Oh, and what is that?"

I replied, "I have decided to release the five of you."

Fluttershy asked, "Really?  I can't wait to see Twilight again!"

I replied, "Oh, about Twilight.  You won't see her ever again because I banished her to the Everfree Forest."

Applejack yelled, "Y'all did what?"

I replied, "You heard me."  I unlocked their cells and began to force them out, I did not feel like having to give them supper.  I yelled, "Now get out.  Go home before I change my mind."

Rainbow yelled, "What about our cutie marks?  Don't we get them back?"

I laughed, "Actually no, you will never see them again."  I put my hoof around Fluttershy and continued, "Well Fluttershy, you might get yours back IF you do what I told you earlier."

Fluttershy pushed me back and yelled, "NO!  I will not be your wife nor will I be your lover."

I sighed, "Fine, have it your own way."  As they were leaving the jail I continued, "Oh, and don't expect to return to a nice house.  Tirek destroyed all of them but don't worry, Canterlot is being quarried so there will be building materials going in so Ponyville can be rebuilt."

Finally, the whole continent was under control of Eastern Ponies.  For over a millennia it was controlled by Western Ponies but now the roles are reversed.  While I felt like I had fulfilled my destiny when I took over half of the continent, this was the ultimate fulfillment of my destiny.  Now many may think I would discriminate against Western Ponies but that will not be the case.  I will not stoop to the levels that the princesses did.  With Tirek dead, Luna as Queen of The Equine Empire, Celestia as Queen of Saddle Arabia, Twilight banished forever to the Everfree Forest and me controlling the whole continent, I feel like I have completely and absolutely avenged my ancestors.  I just wish they could be here, I know they would be proud of me.