Author's Note

Page one of my first story: Darkness Only Rests. Feedback greatly appreciated!

Page One

Darkness Only Rests

One-hundred and fifty years after the coronation of Princess Twilight Sparkle everything had gone well. Any problems that had come up were dealt with swiftly and efficiently thanks to the Elements. All evil was supposed to be banished from Equestria. But, as the wielders of the Elements grow old, too old to fight, nobody can be sure about their safety. Princesses aren't immortal, their deaths are simply postponed. The two main Princesses, Celestia and Luna, have used incredible amounts of magic to prolong their lives. It takes a toll, however, and the time has come where even they are losing strength. The sheer amount of fighting that had taken place in the last two hundred years have used more energy then most time periods of their rule combined. The ponies of Equestria simply refer to the former Mane Six as the “Wielders”, because most of those that remember them from long ago have passed. I new generation has been ushered in and they are Guardians of the land, but for not much longer. Since Twilight is the only member to achieve Princess rank, the others have reached the limit for the Death Delay spell that Celestia, Twilight, and Luna created in order to keep them alive. The Elements are incompatible with anyone else, which creates unrest in the kingdom.

The townsponies wonder, What happens when they are gone? Will the evil return? Discord was killed in a final battle seventy six years ago, which caused Fluttershy to become so introverted because of her failure at reforming him, she hasn't spoken since. King Sombra was reported deceased, killed in an uprising by his own subjects. Queen Chryssalis, depraved of any sort of love, even from her own minions, faded away into just a myth. Every form of evil had been exiled from the land or killed, for the kingdom under the rule of the Tri-Alicorn Division of Defense, they began to execute those who refused to leave. “There is no room for the malicious” was the motto, and it was obeyed in absolute. For cases of misdemeanor, there were trials held in the Canterlot Imperial Court of Law, where they would be tried fairly in front of jury, that is, unless the Division decided otherwise. Petty crimes were common, as times were becoming rough. People know trouble is around the corner, and they are trying to do anything to secure a reasonably safe future for their families.

Today is the trial of a thief, and no petty one either. The court will most likely be against his case, if it even gets to go to court. This is different though. The Division of Defense has never had to prosecute one of their own before. Spike. The one non-princess that was allowed to be alive as long as them. He was caught stealing money from multiple stores, with his plea being, “This isn't what is supposed to be like”. Three hours. That is how long before his ruling and his inevitable execution. Twilight, or Defence Minister 3, is probably going to struggle with this one. Celestia knows this. Almost 175 years since he hatched and they were entwined forever as Student and Dragon. There are also rumors floating throughout the cities and towns of Equestria. Rumors that the Princesses are disagreeing, that the whole kingdom's future is in peril. Manehattan has broken off into its own country, along with Cloudsdale. Rainbow Dash was elected Prime Minister in 2122, seven years prior. Two hours until the trial. Tensions are rampant. Ponies are scared. Celestia and Luna are weak. A group of rebellions is growing in size. One hour. What will become of the once all powerful Empire of Equestria. What's left? The court doors open.

The trial began at noon precisely, and all three Princesses were there to hear this one out. Princess Twilight Sparkle began to sweat. How could this happen? Why would he do this? Was anybody else in on this? Why Spike? Why ME? The jury stared with accusing eyes, some out of hate, and some because if they don't participate, they are thrown in prison. One member stuck out of the crowd, but she couldn't figure out why. She seemed ominous in a way. She stared at Twilight, with eyes long accustomed to blaming and hating. Her mane was dark magenta and black, and she wore an outfit that covered almost every inch of her body besides her face. She looked toughened. But by what? What could possibly have made this pony the way she is? She was ripped from her thoughts by Celestia's booming voice.

“ATTENTION ALL SUBJECTS OF THIS ROYAL COURT. WE GATHER TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF THE CRIMES AGAINST THE LAND OF EQUESTRIA BY ONE SPIKE THE DRAGON.” She wasted no breath, and stared coldly towards the door. She looked distant. Now it was Luna's turn to take the podium, she was Head of the Court. “We gather here today due to Spike the Dragon's larceny and will be punished by the full extent of the law, as stated by Article Six-Six-Four-Nine of the Articles of Defense. Spike the Dragon, do you have any say in this decision? Any rebuttal you may have is allowed to be stated now.” He opened his mouth, burped, and a letter came out. Twilight locked up. Memories flooded her conscious, and it became hard to breathe. Both Luna and Celestia were surprised, and heightened in alert. He unrolled the letter. The jury stared wide-eyed at the dragon, standing before the highest court of the law. One pony stood out. The mare with the cold, hardened eyes. The eyes of someone that new something was about to happen. Things started clicking in her mind. Why is Celestia so distant? Why does Luna look tense? It made sense now. She was smart enough to know. Something big was going to happen, but not even Celestia could pin exactly what it was. The mare in the jury seemed to brace herself as Spike opened his mouth. “Dear Princess Celestia, your rule is over. Prepare to die, signed, Your-oh-so-caring sister, Luna.”