Heresy

Heresy-Absolute Authority

They always told us to live our lives, doing what we loved. Every day, the sun rose and fell, as did the moon each night. Work hard, make money, spend it, see friends, do hobbies, eat out, acquire more material things, and follow the normal order. The unspoken words were all there in front of us but nopony ever thought of them. "Don't question the natural order o' things. The Princesses know what they're doing. We just need to do what we're told."

In what world could she do such a thing? She hungered for knowledge and every day, she discovered more of what she desired from the history books, of in this case, the lack thereof. Answers to why and how the sun and moon rose each day. Her teacher had always told her that she herself made such a thing happen, but how could that be? The Everfree forest had its own weather patterns, and even now, those sorts of effects were taking place in more places. Ponyville was feeling it harder now.

Clouds moved of their own accord. Rain and snow came down at unprecedented times. The Pegasi couldn't keep up with the workloads. The regents in their high fortress in Canterlot seemed to have nothing to say on the subject. All of their questions were dodged and responded to with "We'll look in to the alleged problems," and after that was said, nopony argued.

Except for her. Twilight Sparkle. What in the name of Starswirl were they doing up there in their castle? Twilight had no other hypotheses besides those that aimed towards the idea that the natural world was taking over again and that no form of magic could stop it. So what if these "wards" placed around certain areas were coming down, and the overlords had no way to renew them? Was it really that bad? Did they really need protection from something that nature intended?

This all brought up more points. None could explain as to how or why the moon and sun rose, outside of what they were told by Celestia. Normally these thoughts would never have crossed the student's mind, but the books she was reading had much speculation as to how the Alicorn race weren't really deities in any way, shape, or form. They were powerful, but by no means were they as powerful as they let on. Oh Ponyfeathers this was taxing.

She couldn't let this continue. She knew that she was tired and that she'd be fine after a good night's sleep. Maybe she herself would write a letter to Celestia, asking her questions about all of this. As her personal student she'd be sure to get a better answer. She'd alleviate all of these bad thoughts and feelings. Yes. That would do it.

The unexpected had occurred, though she supposed that's why it was literally called the, "Unexpected." Celestia had sent a royal guardpony to tell her to cease her questions until the Princess herself arrived in Ponyville to address the town, and that she as the Princess' student, was not to spread any information, speculation, or dissent throughout the community. That threw her off her game.

What kind of upside-down thing could be happening here? None of her friends had any thoughts that were unusual on the matter and none had more to say than to tell her that it was okay, and would all work out eventually.

Twilight knew it was a load of bunk. What kind of thinking was that? The book she was reading was written by Starswirl the Bearded himself and she always trusted his writs as those of absolute knowledge, without fault. They had never failed her before, so why was it now that they seemed to be so...extreme in their condemnations? Revolution was unheard of, and yes, Equestria was a monarchy, but that didn't seem to cause any problems for anypony. They all knew their place and their talents reflected their personalities. It was quite the utopia.

As the day worked itself along, and the young mare became lost in the histories as written by the wise old colt, the sky went dark.

A clarion call of horns announced Celestia's unexpected arrival to the town, but all quickly made their way to City Hall. Clouds blotted out the sky, seemingly enchanted to cover the sun.

Everypony quickly arrived, the few stragglers making it as the Princess regally exited her chariot and took up her place on the podium. She needed no introduction. Her speech, though, demanded the attention of all. Even if the sun itself was blotted out, Celestia seemed to glow with an inner light that none had ever seen before. Not even during the Summer Sun Celebration had this happened.

"Some ponies may not understand the current events taking place. I regret to inform you all, that you are under a citywide martial law, and that none shall disregard the decree that I am about to pass." the great voice of the Princess boomed.

"The weather that has stricken Equestria is unknown to me, and I fear it is another attack from the Griffons and their ilk. I am truly sorry that all of this must take place, but it is for your protection." the benevolent Princess called.

"First, none shall leave their homes after nightfall, and before sunrise. This is for your protection." she called. Twilight's jaw dropped but she stayed silent near the edge of the stands, quietly wishing she could speak to her mentor.

"Second, I will be stationing a full regiment of guards here, to enforce these curfews and insure that they aren't broken. They will be here until further notice as your protection."

"Thirdly, I decree that there shall be no further speak or practice of all forms of religion, save those that acknowledge myself and my sister as your leaders. There shall be no more talk of "Titans" that created our world." Many in the crowd became visibly upset at this but none did more than mutter, except for one brace young colt, who called out that the Princess was a tyrant for such decrees. He was quickly knocked senseless and a bag was forced over his head by a small group of guards that seemed to appear from nowhere in particular.

"Finally, I decree that any slander on mine or my sister's names, shall be punished to the fullest extent of the newly passed laws. If any wish to know more, thou shalt be pleased to be informed that during non-curfew hours, the post office will be sending and receiving more orders from Canterlot. Now, I bid you all a good day."

The world in literally seconds, had just turned itself upside-down.

With that, their once beloved Princess left. It hadn't been more than a few days. A week before, nothing was different, and all of a sudden, it had become a nightmare. Where had these ideas come from? What in the hay had happened? Nothing made sense. This was all too quick. Wouldn't changes like this take time?

She'd had to find out. This thought was first and foremost throughout her mind. She quickly dashed through the dispersing crowd, forgetting about even the young colt who was taken away. This would prove to be a message to all, later.

As she arrived at the library, she locked the doors and quickly took up her book. No sooner had she called for Spike to hide it away, then she heard a knock and a gruff voice call out, "Twilight Sparkle, open up, this is the Canterlot Royal Guard. We must speak with you about a book that you may be in possession of."

Ponyfeathers, Twilight thought.