Princess Celestia: The Fall of Canterlot (MLP AU)

Chapter 80: The Fall of the Crown

              The palace of Canterlot was cloaked in an oppressive silence, the kind that often follows great loss. The usual vibrancy of the halls, filled with laughter and joy, had dimmed, overshadowed by the tragic news that had rippled through the kingdom like a violent storm. Galaxia, the beloved queen and mother of the realm, had succumbed to her illness, leaving behind an echo of grief that seemed to seep into the very walls of the castle.

Cosmos stood alone in the dimly lit chamber that had once been a sanctuary of warmth and love. The ornate furnishings and elaborate tapestries, which celebrated the kingdom's storied history, now felt like heavy reminders of a happier past that had slipped away. He stared at the empty bed where his wife had spent her final days, a wave of sorrow washing over him as he recalled her gentle laughter and unwavering support.

"Where did it all go wrong?" he whispered to himself, feeling the weight of his sorrow bear down upon him. His heart ached for the companionship he had lost—the confidante who had stood by him through every trial and tribulation. She had been his strength, and now he felt adrift in a stormy sea without a compass.

The day had been heavy with grief, yet Cosmos forced himself to attend to the affairs of state. He met with Lord Varen and the cabinet, discussing pressing matters such as agricultural reforms and economic stability, hoping that burying himself in work might help to dull the pain. Yet, no matter how hard he tried, the haunting memories of Galaxia's smile and the love they had shared followed him like a shadow.

As the sun dipped below the horizon on that particularly somber evening, Cosmos retreated to his private chambers, the flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows across the room. The silence felt deafening, a constant reminder of the loss that had reshaped his world. He found himself pacing the floor, unable to find peace in his own thoughts.

His mind raced with the decisions he needed to make, the weight of leadership pressing down on him like a heavy mantle. "Galaxia would want me to be strong," he reminded himself, though the words felt hollow in his heart.

Then came the moment that would alter the course of the kingdom forever. A messenger arrived with urgent news—Obsidian Crest was demanding a meeting. Cosmos hesitated, the painful memory of his beloved wife still fresh in his mind. But he could not afford to show weakness. He steeled himself for what was to come, hoping to negotiate a path toward peace and honor Galaxia's legacy.

As he donned his royal armor and cloak, an uneasy feeling settled in his stomach. "Your Majesty, are you certain you want to go through with this meeting?" one of the guards asked, concern etched on his features. "We can send a message instead. You need time to grieve."

"No," Cosmos replied firmly, his determination solidifying despite the turmoil within. "If there's a chance for peace, I must pursue it. Galaxia wouldn't want me to shy away from it, and I won't dishonor her memory."

With a heavy heart, Cosmos mounted his trusted steed and began the journey to Obsidian's hideout, flanked by a contingent of elite guards. As they rode through the darkened woods, the atmosphere grew tense, the trees seeming to whisper warnings in the wind. Every rustle of leaves and snap of twigs set their nerves on edge, but they pressed on, driven by the hope of a better future.

As they approached a clearing where the unassuming structure of Obsidian's hideout stood, dread coiled in Cosmos's gut. The guards exchanged worried glances, their instincts honed by years of service. They dismounted, and Cosmos gestured for them to remain vigilant outside while he entered alone. The heavy door creaked ominously as he pushed it open, revealing a dimly lit interior that was steeped in shadows.

"Welcome, King Cosmos," Obsidian's voice slithered through the darkness like smoke. The warlord emerged from the shadows, his expression a mix of amusement and malice. "I trust your journey was pleasant?"

Cosmos's eyes narrowed as he sensed the underlying hostility. "Let's get to the point, Obsidian. What do you want?"

Obsidian chuckled, the sound cold and devoid of warmth. "You're in no position to demand anything. You are but a shadow of your former self—your queen is gone, and your kingdom is weakened. The time for negotiations is over. I will take what is mine."

At that moment, the atmosphere shifted sharply. Cosmos felt a surge of adrenaline course through him, realization dawning with horrifying clarity. This was not a peace talk; it was a setup. He turned to flee, panic igniting in his chest, but before he could reach the door, a sharp pain pierced through his side.

A crossbow bolt, fired from the shadows, struck him with unerring accuracy. He staggered back, the world tilting as he felt warmth pooling around him, his blood spilling onto the cold stone floor. Shouts echoed outside as his guards rushed to his aid, but it was too late.

Cosmos collapsed, his vision blurring as he fought to remain conscious. The echoes of his guards' voices faded, and the world around him dimmed into darkness. "Not like this..." he thought, desperation gripping him as the weight of his kingdom pressed down, threatening to suffocate him.

At that very moment, in the palace, Galaxia lay still in her chamber, her breath growing shallow. The illness that had plagued her for so long had finally taken its toll, and she felt herself slipping away. She had fought valiantly, but the strength that had sustained her for so long was waning. Her heart ached for her beloved Cosmos, knowing that he was facing his own battles.

As she closed her eyes, a sense of peace enveloped her. She thought of the love they had shared, the laughter, the joy, and the dreams they had built together. "I'll always be with you, my love," she whispered to the air, her final breath escaping her lips.

Meanwhile, the guards burst into Obsidian's lair only to find their king lying lifeless on the ground, a pool of blood spreading beneath him. The betrayal hung thick in the air, and the guards felt a collective surge of rage and despair.

Back in the palace, Galaxia's stillness was met with a heartbreaking silence. The air grew heavy with sorrow, and in that moment, the kingdom of Canterlot lost not just a queen but a beacon of hope.

The deaths of Galaxia and Cosmos, occurring almost simultaneously, sent shockwaves through the kingdom. As news spread like wildfire, the realm plunged into chaos. The vibrant life that had once filled the streets of Canterlot turned into a mournful procession of grief-stricken citizens, their voices rising in a collective wail of sorrow.

The once-mighty kingdom now faced an uncertain future, bereft of its royal couple, their legacy shattered in the wake of treachery and loss. As the sun set on that fateful day, it marked the end of an era—a time of hope, love, and unity that would echo through the ages as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the darkness that lurked in the hearts of those who sought power at any cost.