The Rise of Passion

Over the next few days, the citizens of Canterlot returned to their homes. News spread quickly of Celestia's defeat, coupled with her good health. A few of the publications even managed to put out that Luna was unharmed, as well, though that wasn't as widely circulated.

In the meantime, Celestia and Luna had been bound in both wing and horn. Their cutie marks had been removed and gifted to Starlight and Gallus, respectively, boosting their own power significantly. Gallus had grown two short, blunt horns out of the back of his head, and Starlight had grown a pair of wings. They weren't impressive, especially as this was Gallus's first cutie mark and foray into magic, and Starlight's wings were barely able to keep her aloft, but they helped the citizens to recognize them as being very important. The guards, at Celestia's command, transferred from trying to hunt Cozy down to protecting her.

The last few days had set Celestia and Luna's minds at ease. With Twilight, Cadance and Flurry speaking of their experiences, the royal sisters were much more willing to listen to Cozy's plan as to how to govern the ponies of Equestria. To their surprise, Cozy wasn't actually going to change very much. It was true that some things would be changed, including opening up an economic door that had been previously closed off for being too uncomfortable. Likewise, a few educational policies would be changed, to better benefit the students, but would cause a fair bit of outrage. While a lot of small things would change, a lot of Equestrian life would not.

The day after everypony returned, there was a speech to be held as Celestia stepped down from the throne, leaving it in the hooves of Cozy Glow. Ponies gathered in droves to hear this speech, as having a change this large was unheard of. Much like Celestia and Luna, they wanted to know what fate had in store for them from the hooves of Cozy Glow.

Celestia walked out first, to scattered applause. A lot of ponies whispered about her missing crown, enough that Celestia would hear their general murmuring. She held up a hoof to silence them, and when a hush fell over the crowd, she began.

"My little ponies, in recent times, we have seen our fair share of adversity in the form of several issues arising across our bountiful countryside. I would first like to state my relief that almost everypony was unharmed by this, and the worst thing to come of these events was fear.

"I also have some happy announcements. Princess Cadance, Prince Shining Armor, and Princess Flurry heart are no longer missing. They have been found, and have been seen to be in good health. In addition, the teachers that were going missing at Princess Twilight Sparkle's School of Friendship have been found, and cures for their conditions are to be administered soon. For these cures, we have somepony to thank.

"It is that very pony that I now abdicate my place as Ruler of Equestria. I will still be around, and in the event that you need to speak to me or Luna personally, we will be made available. However, for the leadership of Equestria, there is nopony I can offer the throne to except for her. Please welcome Queen Cozy Glow."

As Celestia stepped back and Cozy came forward, there was no applause. There was only the dull roar of almost four thousand ponies muttering amongst each other. She wasn't expecting to be accepted right away, but at least a single clap from the crowd would be appreciated.

"My little ponies, I wish you well on this fine day. I have called you all here to announce that there will be some changes to how Equestria operates."

She was met with booing from a few members of the crowd. It was no matter to her.

"Most of you will notice very little of what changes I will be making. If you wish to go about your lives completely ignoring the changes, you may do so. However, for those of you that have been feeling that you have been stopped at every turn; those of you that have suffered at the previous regime; those of you that have been turned away from your dreams because Equestrian society frowns on what it is you want to do, listen well, because it is for those that are suffering that I make these changes.

"First and foremost, for those of you that have ever been with an inexperienced lover, fear no longer, as sexual education will now be a mandatory course in all schools. That's true not just for public schools, but for schools funded by private functions, as well. Too many ponies are confused about their sexuality."

There was some murmuring throughout the crowd, and a few scattered claps, and some visible movement as a few mothers ushered their children away.

"The same is true for students who are homeschooled, as a General Educational Development test will require this knowledge, as well, so if you're thinking of teaching your children yourself, the impetus is on you to educate them."

The movement stopped.

"If you still want to try that route, incestuous relationships are no longer outlawed. The love between a brother and sister does not need to be snuffed out and detested. Instead, let the love blossom and shine as a bright, burning beacon. After all, if you can't trust your family, who can you trust?"

Some mild applause followed that, but it wasn't that much.

"And now, I'd like to announce that there is a brand-new job opportunity opening up. Except, it's not new. It is, in fact, the oldest job in existence. There are already ponies performing and managing this particular job, but now, it's being legalized. That means that the guards providing protection are the same ones that patrol your streets. That means a better cut for those serving. That means lower prices for the customers, because it also means less risk for those already managing the business. Unless, of course, the managers decide to put the money back into the business and build up a stronger, more powerful environment in which to operate. Fillies and Gentlecolts, the brothels are opening. And the first one will be right here in Canterlot."

That brought some more applause. It still wasn't as much as she wanted, but it was almost as much as Celestia had received at the beginning.

"Now, you may be wondering why I spoke of prostitution and sexual education back-to-back. I have a reason for doing so. It is now the rights of your children to decide when their own age of consent will be. It is going to be required that they pass their sexual education course before they can participate at all, but a child with full knowledge of what they are doing makes for a better partner than a stallion who can't even figure out where his uterus is."

There was a slight chuckle, followed by a round of applause that Cozy could be a little bit proud of. Perhaps they were clapping at her joke, or perhaps they truly did like the consent laws being opened up, but they applauded. Perhaps a third of them were actually okay with this, but as Cozy left a few closing remarks, she could see that she was beginning to win them over.

"That was a good speech, Cozy," sighed Celestia.

"It was," she nodded. "Aren't they all glad I opted not to put you in a stone prison?"