Six months of chaos and uncertainty; six months since Starlight, Trixie, Discord, and Thorax defeated Queen Chrysalis and saved all of Equestria. Just a couple weeks after that historic victory the first protests sprang up, and the Equestrian Democratic Union issued the Fillydelphia Manifesto, calling for the creation of an Equestrian Republic. At first Twilight had been shocked by even the idea of an Equestria without Alicorn royalty, but the more she’d thought about it the more reasonable some of their demands for representation had begun to seem. It was true, she supposed; the Princesses failed to protect Equestria. Not just this time, but others too. Maybe it was unfair to put all that responsibility on a few ponies, but when you’re practically alone at the head of the state you kinda set yourself up for it. If it wasn’t for Starlight and the others they’d all still be encased in cocoons in a Changeling hive somewhere, getting the love slowly sucked out of them. Maybe it was time for change. Regardless of her personal feelings, the protests had brought Equestria to a halt. Government workers were resigning in droves, rallies and marches were blocking roadways and impeding commerce, strikes were hurting the economy; the country couldn’t go on like this. Even worse, the Princesses’ supporters were taking to the streets as well. It was only a matter of time, she thought, before ponies started making rash decisions. With a slight groan, Twilight raised herself from her bed and stumbled across the darkened floor to a mirror. It was too dark in her room; she cautiously nudged a gap in the curtains and peeked outside. Not even noon yet, but already, just like every day, a small crowd had assembled in front of the castle, chanting for government reform. Twilight sighed and stepped away from the window, casting a look over the barely recognizable mare in the mirror. Her mane was a scraggly mess, her eyes glassy and squinting in the smallest amount of sunlight, the dark circles under them plain to see. She shook her head, trying to force the cloying, cottony feeling out of its insides, and reluctantly picked up a hairbrush. Today, she needed to finally stand up and face the music. Something had to give, had to put a hold on the growing chaos, and Twilight had a feeling the protestors wouldn’t be going anywhere anytime soon. Something, or somepony, else had to.

An hour later, after a shower, some vigorous scrubbing, an intensive ten minutes of mane care, and one minor nervous breakdown, Twilight stepped out of her room and into one of the castle’s hallways. Taking a moment to breathe and calm herself, she could hear Spike and Starlight’s voices echoing faintly from the kitchen a ways away.

“I just don’t get how they can blame Twilight for any of this!” Spike seemed on edge, “Yeah, the Changelings captured her too, but how many times have the Elements of Harmony saved Equestria before? Those ponies can’t be this mad at her over one mistake.”

“You have a point,” Starlight’s voice was muffled, like she was talking with her mouth full, “But that’s just the price you pay for being royalty, I guess; blame by association. Twilight may have a good ‘saving Equestria’ track record, but the reformists have a point about Celestia and Luna. As much as I like them personally, sometimes it seems like they need saving almost as much as the country does. I can understand Celestia’s explanation for losing to Chrysalis at the wedding, since the Queen was hopped up on all of Shining Armor’s love for Cadance, but what the hay happened last ti-”

Starlight cut herself off and went back to chewing on her haycakes as Twilight walked through the kitchen doorway.

“Good morning, everypony.” Twilight glanced around the room. Starlight was sitting at the table, her back to the window, leaning on one hoof and glancing over the morning paper while she ate her breakfast. A plate of half-eaten haycakes and most of a cup of coffee sat in front of her. Spike was at the stove, in his apron, gently lifting up the bottom of a haycake to check how it was browning.

“Morning, Twilight!” Spike turned and gave her a winning smile, “You’re just in time, there’s plenty more breakfast to go around.”

“Good morning,” Starlight took a moment to finish chewing and swallow, “Sleep well?”

“Eh, I’ve had worse nights.” Twilight sat down at the table across from Starlight and rubbed her eyes. She hadn’t quite been able to get rid of the dark circles. “Is there any more coffee?” Starlight nodded and floated the pot and a mug across the room.

“I know what you mean,” Spike neatly flipped the haycake over with a flick of the pan, “I wish the protestors would chant a bit quieter after dark. Sure, they leave eventually, but I like to get to sleep early. A growing dragon needs his rest.”

“It could be worse.” Starlight turned a page of the newspaper, “At least there aren’t that many of them. Only the real diehards stay that late.”

“Yeah, but they’re the loudest ones.” He slid the latest finished haycake atop a small stack and brought the plate over, “Here you go, Twi, this’ll help.”

“Thank you, Spike, I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Twilight dedicated the next few minutes to herself and her breakfast. Spike was right, it did help a bit. Her immediate hunger pangs satisfied, she looked up at her former student. “Could I have a look at that paper when you’re done, Starlight?”

“Sure,” Starlight nodded and slid most of the newspaper across the table to her, “I’m just looking at the comics at the moment, I’ve finished with the rest.” Twilight looked over the headlines; as usual, nothing good. More small businesses closing, dangerous tensions between the reformists and the monarchists on the streets, somepony put a brick through the leader of the Equestrian Democratic Union’s window, a member of the Alliance of Farmers and Laborers drew some threatening graffiti on the sidewalk outside a monarchist organizer’s house… nothing good indeed.

“Somepony needs to do something, we can’t have the reformists and monarchists fighting in the streets.” Twilight sighed and took another bite of her haycakes.

“You think these are more than idle threats?” Starlight raised an eyebrow.

“I don’t know, but that’s what I’m worried about. It’s not a risk we can take or a situation we can control. I’m going to Canterlot to talk to Princess Celestia.”

“And say what? Got any ideas?” Spike took a seat at the table with the two unicorns and got to work on his own breakfast.

“I’m going to advise her and Luna to step down.” The room froze. Starlight’s fork clattered onto the table as she and Spike stared at the princess with their mouths open.

“Are you serious, Twi?” Spike spoke in a hushed tone, “I mean, this is Celestia and Luna we’re talking about here. You know, the ponies who are responsible for literal day and night? They’ve ruled for thousands of years, I can’t even imagine Equestria without them.”

“It wouldn't be an Equestria without them. They don’t have to stop doing everything and just disappear. They can’t, it's impossible.” Twilight’s thoughts raced, she had been having this conversation with Celestia over and over in her head for weeks, “Of course they’ll still need to raise the sun and moon, and I don’t see anything wrong with keeping the titles and some kind of executive role, but clearly something has to give out here if we want to avoid total chaos. The Princesses need to give in for now, just temporarily, to satisfy the protestors and show that they’re open to the idea of reform.”

“That would probably be the best place to start,” Starlight had recomposed herself and now appeared deep in thought as well, “But what about the monarchists? The Alicorn Princesses’ Party? You could alienate a lot of ponies by giving the Princesses that kind of advice. You might find just as many protestors outside your window, just with different slogans.”

“The APP is a lot smaller than the EDU,” Twilight continued, “And my biggest concern is both groups protesting at once. That’s where the potential for violence comes in. If we can get most of the EDU off the streets and into a constructive dialogue, the other parties will want a seat at the table and will follow, but the only way to do that is to make concessions.” Starlight nodded in agreement.

“Well, you’re the smartest one in the room, I guess.” Spike said, hesitantly, “If you think it’s a good idea…”

“I think you’re making the right call, Twilight. Is there any way I can help?” Starlight took another sip of coffee. Twilight shook her head.

“I don’t think so, at least not right now. I need to talk to Celestia and Luna myself. I appreciate it though, thank you.” Twilight gave her friend a smile, which Starlight returned. She reached across the table and touched Twilight’s hoof reassuringly.

“You can do this, Twilight. After all, it can’t be the hardest challenge you’ve faced.” Starlight chuckled, and refocused on the newspaper. Twilight finished her breakfast and stood up, rinsing her dishes and depositing them in the sink.

“I hope you’re right. For Equestria’s sake.”

The next morning, Twilight arrived in Canterlot on the eight o’clock train. Celestia had already brought the sun over the horizon, and its warm glow was steadily spreading across the rooftops and through the streets and alleyways of the capital city. She could hear the steady sound of marching hooves and yelled slogans not too far away; the protests in Canterlot had been going steady for months now. Not only were they among the largest and longest lasting, they were also the riskiest. Canterlot was the beating heart of the monarchy, and there was a great deal of resistance to reform here. Definitely not the sort of thing she wanted to get caught up in. Standing clear of the other passengers disembarking from the train, Twilight spread her wings, feeling the slight breeze whisper through her feathers as they caught the early morning sun, and launched herself high into the sky. Her wings caught the wind and it carried her towards the castle, soaring over the great city. She looked down and saw crowds marching, as she’d expected, but she was too high for any of them to notice her. It didn’t take long for her to reach her destination by air, and after a quick circle of one of the towers she alighted in one of the castle’s many courtyards, the one closest to Princess Celestia’s chambers. She hoped she was early enough to catch the Sun Princess before she became too busy, and before Princess Luna had gone to sleep. Twilight wanted to speak with both of them, but if she could only speak with Celestia that might be okay as well. Celestia could always discuss the matter with her sister later.

The guards flanking the door to Princess Celestia’s chambers snapped to attention and saluted as Twilight came around the corner.

“Good morning, gentlecolts. Is Princess Celestia available right now? There is a matter I urgently need to discuss with her.” Even after spending so much time in Canterlot the formalities still felt slightly forced. One of the guards gave a quick knock at the door and then spoke through it.

“Princess Celestia? Princess Twilight Sparkle is here to see you. She says it is an urgent matter.”

“Thank you, sergeant, please let her in.” Twilight felt a sense of instant relief come over her at the sound of her mentor’s voice; Celestia was the wisest pony Twilight had ever known, surely she would see reason. The guards parted and opened the door, letting Twilight into the Sun Princess’ rooms. Celestia was right there in the small sitting area, lounging gracefully in a chair by the main window, which faced east towards the dawn. She lifted a teacup from the small table in front of her and took a sip from it before gesturing for her student to join her, which Twilight did eagerly.

“Good morning, Princess, I’m so sorry to drop in like this without notice, I hope I’m not interrupting anything, I-” Twilight was cut off by her mentor’s quiet laughter, like a gently ringing bell.

“Oh Twilight, my most faithful student, you know I always have time for you.” Celestia poured Twilight a cup of tea, “There, for your nerves.”

“Is Princess Luna around? I was hoping I could speak with both of you.”

“I am afraid my sister is already asleep, recovering from her nightly duties. However, we could postpone this meeting until later, if you wish.”

“No, no, it’s too important, we need to talk now. It’s okay, you can always speak to Princess Luna about it later.”

“What is troubling you, Twilight? Something so urgent must be of very great importance indeed.”

“Princess, I…” Twilight hesitated. Could she do this? Could she really tell her idol, the pony she had always looked up to, who had taught her everything she knew, who had made her who she was, that she needed to stop ruling Equestria? Celestia looked at her expectantly. “It’s about the protests. Something needs to be done to reduce tensions, before anything terrible happens. Ponies are already losing their jobs, their businesses, are getting threats just for voicing their beliefs… if we don’t do something this could tear Equestria apart.”

“It seems as though you already have a solution in mind.” Celestia gazed at Twilight over the rim of her teacup. Twilight took a deep breath. This was it. This was the moment she had been dreading for weeks now; but she had to do it, for Equestria.

“I think you and Princess Luna need to step down.” She practically blurted it out. Celestia stared at her, the two Alicorns making fixed eye contact. For the briefest moment, Twilight thought she saw the warmth and happiness drain from her teacher’s gaze, before Celestia’s face became an impenetrable mask.

“Oh.” The Sun Princess lowered her teacup to the table. “I see.”

“I’m sorry, Princess, but I genuinely believe that it’s the best option. The only option, really. As much as I hate to admit it, we all failed Equestria when we couldn’t stop the Changeling plot. Maybe the reformists have a point about our country’s leadership. If we show them we’re open to a dialogue, and work with them on reforms, we could still secure a strong position for the monarchy in the future. Letting go of your supreme executive authority would send a powerful message to the opposition that-” Twilight stopped short. Celestia was staring out the window, towards the sun. Twilight looked for anything, the slightest crack in the ruler’s mask, a hint at what her teacher was feeling, but there was nothing there. She felt like crying, but held her emotions back; this was not the time. After the longest, stillest moment in Twilight’s life, Celestia spoke.

“I understand. Perhaps you have a point. I will speak with my sister and consider your advice.” There was a knock at the door. “Come in.” Celestia’s secretary, Raven Inkwell, poked her head through the doorway.

“Excuse me, Your Highness, but the mayor of Cloudsdale is here for your scheduled meeting. Should I tell him you’ll be delayed?”

“No, Ms. Inkwell, I will be there shortly.” Celestia stood and addressed Twilight without looking at her, “My apologies, Princess, but I have matters to attend to. Have a pleasant day.” She left the room, and things felt darker already, as if the sun had gone behind a cloud. Twilight sat there for a few minutes, completely still, staring down at the table. Princess… she’d called Twilight “princess”. No “my most faithful student”. No “Twilight”. The fur on Twilight’s cheeks felt damp, and she wanted to slap herself. Stop crying, you silly filly; her own voice echoed in her head. This isn’t the time or place. You’re doing the right thing. You’re doing this for Equestria. You need to be stronger than this.

A week later, Twilight was reading in her castle library when Spike entered carrying a scroll.

“Hey Twilight, you busy? This letter just arrived. I think you can guess who it’s from.” Spike sounded concerned, and she supposed it was justifiable. She hadn’t done much but mope around and be nervous since she’d gotten back from Canterlot. Filled with dread, Twilight floated the letter over and broke the seal, unrolling the parchment. It wasn’t long, though she wasn’t sure if that was a good sign or a bad one. She read through the letter in its entirety. Then she read it again, and again. She looked over the edge of the parchment at Spike, who raised an eyebrow.

“This has to be a joke. She can’t be serious.” Twilight turned the letter around and held it close to her assistant so he could read it. His eyes went wide as he reached the end.

“Well at least she took your advice seriously, I guess?”

“I didn’t advise her to have the Elements of Harmony temporarily run Equestria and figure this whole mess out, that’s a terrible idea! None of us have any experience or any idea how to govern, we’ll run the country into the ground!”

“Oh come on, Twilight, give yourself and your friends some credit. You’ve saved Equestria from danger loads of times!”

“That’s not the same thing, Spike. Changing a millennia old system and resolving political chaos aren’t tasks that can be solved by rainbow lasers. But, I guess we don’t really have a choice. It’s a royal order, and as of now Princess Celestia is still in charge.” She sighed, “I knew I’d regret telling her to step down, but I didn’t think this would be why.”

“Hey, it’s going to be okay, Twi.” Spike hopped up on the chair next to her and patted her side reassuringly, “You won’t be on your own. It’ll be all the Elements, together, and in Canterlot you’ll be able to get all the expert advice you need, right?”

“Yeah, you’re right.” She smiled down at him, “And I’ll have my number one assistant, too.”

“Of course! You know I’d never let you down.”

“How does ‘Chief of Staff Spike’ sound?”

“Now that’s something I can get behind!” He grinned. The library door creaked slightly as it opened again.

“Twilight, is everything okay? I heard Spike say a letter came from Canterlot.” Starlight stepped into the room. Twilight filled her in on the letter’s contents and watched as Starlight’s face rapidly changed from concern, to shock, to concern again.

“This seems like a lot of pressure for one little pony... are you sure you can handle it?”

“Don’t worry, I won’t be alone.” Twilight smiled, “She’s asking all the Elements. You know, I could really use your help too, Starlight. The more friends to share the burden, the lighter it is.”

“Me?” Starlight raised an eyebrow, “How could I possibly help with this? I’m not an Element of Harmony or a political expert.”

“Well, it’s like you said, running something like this is a lot of responsibility. Of course, Spike will be able to assist me with organization, which will be a huge help, but I won’t be able to be everywhere at once. Whether you'll admit it or not, Starlight, you're a good leader. You have an incredible capability in you if you'll just let it out. It would be good to have somepony who could represent me sometimes, like a-” Twilight sifted through her brain for titles, “Like a Vice President!”

“I-” Starlight hesitated. Twilight stared at her expectantly, attempting a confident and reassuring smile. After a moment, Starlight composed herself, her eyes suddenly blazing with determination. “I’ll do it. What do you need from me first?”

“Yes! The more the merrier!” Spike cheered. Twilight jumped from the chair and tackled Starlight in a big hug.

“Okay okay, I get it, you’re happy!” Starlight couldn’t stop laughing. “But speaking seriously, as your Vice President, what do we even do first? We’ve got a huge mess to sort out.”

“You’re right,” Twilight stood, “Time for business. Get the girls together, we need to figure out who will be responsible for what in the transitional government. I don’t think there’ll be enough of us to take care of everything, so we need to keep in mind what posts will be empty and who we can bring in to fill out the spots. We need to work quickly, time is of the essence. Princess Celestia's letter said she wants the transition to begin in two weeks, so we need to have all parts of the government accounted for by then.” Twilight took a deep breath, reassuring herself. “We can do this. I have nothing but faith in us, and in our friends.” Starlight and Spike nodded with equal notes of grim confidence and lurking anxiety. Every new journey needs something to start with.

Author's Note

Edit 4/28/2021: Attempted to fix what I thought were slight tonal differences between the Prologue and successive chapters, in both descriptive text and dialogue.

Edit 5/23/2021: Did another editing run-through, made some minor wording changes, added a little to some dialogue.

Edit 5/31/2021: You ever get worried your subtext just isn't subtexty enough?