Chimera Rebellion

The Equestrian War saga

Prologue

"So this is how it all ends? Is this how your mind conceived it to be, sister?" She stomped her hoof into the ground.

"Luna, I–"

"After all we'd planned, after all we'd accomplished! You wish it throw it away for what?"

"I am only doing what I think is best for my country!" Celestia exploded at her sister. "What I think is best for our lives."

"This? You really think this is best? I cannot let this..this..little girl destroy all we've accomplished, all we've planned, all we've strived for. We have sacrificed too much to have it all ruined by...your feelings for this pony."

"You don't understand. I've come to the conclusion–"

"OH! *You've* come to a conclusion? *We* haven't decided anything!"

"Luna, listen. She's the only chance have for a final unity of the lands. For true peace."

"No. I'm not going to let this happen. There can only be one princess."

"Do you hear yourself? Don't you remember the last time you said that?" Celestia stared her sister in the eye, "It is already decided."

In turn, Luna took a hard look at her sister, "When did this become the Celestian regime?"

"Must have been when you were trapped in the moon." Luna was taken aback. "I... I didn't mean it like that."

Luna turned away. "I thought you were never going to bring that up ever again..."

"I'm sorry. But... this is the way it has to be."

"No. There are thousands of different possibilities! You don't make the rules. What, just because you're the older sister? Just because everypony likes you better?"

"That's not what this is about!"

"Oh, is it? Are you sure?" Luna sat in her throne. "Then tell me, what is this about?"

"This is about Equestria. And the well-being of all Ponykind. This is about our country."

"Oh yes. I have deliberated on my own for a long time now."

Celestia paused. "What? What do you mean?"

"I have met with the council of generals, and we have come to a conclusion. The Celestian way of government has outlasted its utility. We must reform."

Her eyes shot wide open, "Conspiring? Against your own sister? How could you do this, Luna? Are you trying to cause mass panic? Why are you so set on the destruction of the system?"

Luna calmed her voice, "The rule of a Princess is no longer needed. Legitimacy of the throne isn't enough. We have deliberated and formed a representative council to decide matters."

"Oh, so you're deciding without *me* now?"

"We must step down! *This* is the only way!"

"No. I won't let you turn my kingdom against me."

Luna sighed deeply. She looked up at her sister hopelessly. "Then it seems we have reached impasse. Only one resolution remains."

"What are you saying?"

"If we cannot agree together, I. Will. Force you." Celestia looked flabbergasted, no words to say to a sister she barely recognized anymore. "Celestia, I will have my way. It is the only just path."

"Luna, you don't have to do this!"

She looked out the balcony at the towers of Canterlot, at the shining stars, at the moon. "Celestia... my sister..."

"No. I won't let you turn my dream into this nightmare! You can stop this!"

"It is clear that only one of us can rule now; and the only way to decide who is through the ancient way." Luna glared into her sister, "War."

"Please."

"If a nightmare is what you want. Nightmare is who you'll get." Celestia watched as her sister leapt from the balcony. She watched as the stars themselves fell to Equestria, into the dark mare's wings. The pitch black encapsuled her body, erupting into the supernova Celestia thought she'd never have to see again. The fiery darkness of the black hole exploded into the Dark Alicorn of the Night. The shimmering blue of her armor once more shone brightly in the dark of the night. The mare's black coat and shadowed gaze once again struck their visage over the land. She landed on a tower, positioned in front of the glorious full moon. Looking down on her sister, her voice fell to a whisper: "The night shall last..."

Celestia looked on in horror, two words escaping her lips: "Luna, no..."

"Forever."