Cosmos and Galaxia: The Birth of a Kingdom (MLP AU)

Chapter 100: The Rise of Obsidian Crest

                   The once-mighty kingdom of Canterlot was no longer the realm of peace and prosperity. In the wake of Princess Celestia's exile, public trust in King Cosmos and Queen Galaxia faltered like a dying flame. The people, once full of reverence for their rulers, now saw cracks in the royal facade. Whispers of dissent echoed through the capital city, and the throne that once stood as the embodiment of stability seemed more fragile than ever.

King Cosmos had hoped that by banishing his daughter, he would quell the growing unrest. Yet, the decision had backfired. What he thought would bring order only deepened the kingdom's fractures. Celestia's exile became a symbol of injustice to the people, and many saw it as the first indication that their rulers no longer acted for the good of the kingdom but to protect their own power.

While the kingdom teetered on the edge of revolt, Princess Luna found herself walking through the bustling streets of Canterlot. Her heart was heavy, weighed down by sorrow and guilt. She had tried to intervene on her sister's behalf, but her efforts were in vain. Celestia had been banished, stripped of her title, and condemned to a lonely life on an isolated island. The kingdom's citizens did not forget this easily, and their sympathy for Celestia grew stronger with each passing day.

As Luna passed through the markets and public squares, the gazes of the citizens followed her. Some smiled in her direction, offering her a respectful bow, but beneath the surface, Luna could feel their unease. The loyalty they once reserved for the monarchy was waning, replaced by doubt and resentment.

"I feel awful for Celestia," whispered a mare as Luna passed by, her voice barely audible. "She didn't deserve such a fate."

"And Luna," another voice added from the crowd. "She must miss her sister terribly. I don't know how she endures it."

Luna walked with her head held high, but inside, her emotions churned. She missed Celestia more than words could express, and the guilt gnawed at her soul. Every reminder of her sister's absence felt like a fresh wound reopening. The sight of children playing in the streets reminded her of the laughter she once shared with Celestia, and now, every moment they were apart seemed like an eternity.

But it wasn't just personal grief that weighed on Luna's mind. The people's sympathy for her sister was palpable, and it was clear that the public's opinion of her father had shifted drastically. Luna herself had become more beloved than ever, seen as a beacon of compassion and understanding in contrast to Cosmos' increasingly authoritarian rule. Her popularity soared, yet it was bittersweet, for she knew the people's affection for her came, in part, from their disillusionment with the rest of the royal family.

Back at the royal palace, King Cosmos and Queen Galaxia remained resolute in their decisions. Despite the growing public outcry, Cosmos refused to step down or yield any of his power. In fact, he only tightened his grip on the throne, determined to maintain his control over the kingdom. He saw any sign of weakness as an invitation for rebellion, and in his eyes, it was imperative to keep the kingdom under firm rule.

Cosmos spent hours locked away in his private chambers, poring over reports from Parliament, the military, and various advisors. He knew the kingdom was fracturing, but he also believed that the only way to preserve order was through strength. Queen Galaxia, ever loyal to her husband, stood by his side, offering her support. They were determined to weather the storm together, no matter the cost.

Meanwhile, in the halls of Parliament, a different storm was brewing. Tensions between the monarchy and the government had reached a breaking point. The younger members of Parliament were growing restless, and their dissatisfaction with Cosmos' rule became impossible to ignore. Among these emerging voices was Obsidian Crest, a charismatic and ambitious politician who had rapidly gained influence within the assembly.

Obsidian Crest was a pony with bold ideas and a sharp intellect. Unlike the traditionalists who upheld the monarchy's authority, he advocated for a complete restructuring of Canterlot's political system. His ideas were radical, and his speeches were electrifying. He called for the abolition of the monarchy, advocating for a new form of government—one where power would be shared equally among the people. His vision was nothing less than a revolution.

"The time for change has come," Obsidian Crest proclaimed during a secret meeting of his supporters. "King Cosmos rules through fear, not wisdom. His decisions are based on maintaining his power, not the prosperity of his subjects. We cannot allow this injustice to continue! The people of Canterlot deserve a voice—a real voice! We must rise up and create a society where every pony is equal, where wealth and power are shared by all. The monarchy is a relic of the past, and it's time for us to forge a new path forward."

The crowd of young parliamentarians and dissidents nodded in agreement, their eyes alight with the fire of revolution. Obsidian Crest's ideas were dangerous, but they were also inspiring. He spoke to the frustrations of those who felt unheard, those who believed that King Cosmos' rule no longer served the people. Obsidian Crest was not just a politician; he was a visionary. And slowly but surely, he began to amass followers—ponies who believed in his radical ideology.

Word of Obsidian Crest's rising influence did not go unnoticed. King Cosmos' advisors whispered warnings about the young politician, but the king dismissed them as mere noise. After all, he had faced dissent before and crushed it with ease. He saw no real threat in Obsidian Crest's movement, considering it a minor nuisance rather than a legitimate challenge to his rule. But little did he know, the seeds of revolution were already being sown.

As Luna returned to the palace, she couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible was on the horizon. The kingdom was unraveling, and her father's refusal to acknowledge the people's discontent only made things worse. She missed Celestia more than ever, not just as her sister but as an ally in navigating the increasingly treacherous political landscape.

In the quiet of the night, Luna often found herself gazing up at the stars, wondering if her sister was doing the same from her isolated island. The bond they shared was unbreakable, but the physical distance between them felt like a chasm that would never close. And as she lay awake in her chambers, she couldn't help but wonder if there would ever be a way to heal the wounds that had torn their family and their kingdom apart.

Meanwhile, deep within Parliament's shadowy corners, Obsidian Crest continued to plan his next move. His vision for a new Canterlot was becoming clearer, and his influence was spreading. The kingdom was on the brink of something unprecedented—a transformation that could change the course of history forever. The only question that remained was whether Canterlot would survive the coming storm.

To be continued...