Princess Celestia: The Fall of Canterlot (MLP AU)

Chapter 98: A New Republic's Dawn

                       The dawn over Canterlot broke quietly, casting a serene glow over the palace and city below, yet this peace was deceptive. Only days before, Canterlot had been a kingdom. Now, under a newly ratified constitution, it was a republic. The kingdom's most influential political figure, Dewdrop, had swiftly appointed himself as President. With this final act, the monarchy had been dissolved, and Canterlot officially embraced a new era of democracy and governance. Yet, behind this idealistic shift, the question of Dewdrop's ambitions cast a long shadow over the city.

For Celestia, Luna, and Orion, this transition marked an unexpected chapter. Though no longer in positions of authority, they remained in the palace, their roles and responsibilities profoundly altered. In their quiet lives, each of them dealt with the change differently. Celestia found herself wandering the palace gardens each morning, following the familiar paths in search of a sense of grounding. Luna, ever introspective, withdrew to her studies of ancient texts and magic, finding solace in the knowledge she held. Orion, more outwardly comfortable, remained close to his family, a quiet, protective presence as they adjusted to this uncertain future.

Despite the royal family's seemingly subdued lives, a profound tension simmered within the palace walls. Dewdrop's new republic had not settled peacefully with every Canterlot citizen, and even some of his closest allies worried about his swift consolidation of power. Dewdrop's quick rise to presidency, though achieved under the new constitution, unsettled many. For some, his self-appointment felt like a prelude to a new form of tyranny rather than a beacon of democratic values. This unease rippled through Canterlot's streets, filling its citizens with both hope and trepidation.

Obsidian Crest, ever watchful, saw Dewdrop's rise as an unexpected boon to his own plans. From his hidden stronghold, he scrutinized the unfolding events, his ambitions sharpening with each report. Where some saw a republic in its infancy, Obsidian saw only an opportunity—a fractured government led by a single figure whom he deemed weak, incapable of inspiring true loyalty among Canterlot's citizens. To him, Dewdrop was a temporary placeholder, a figurehead who had already sown the seeds of his own downfall by removing the monarchy.

For Obsidian, the fall of the monarchy meant that Celestia, Luna, and Orion were now mere symbols rather than powerful leaders. Yet, symbols had power of their own, especially those who had once ruled Canterlot with strength and stability. It was clear to him that to secure his vision of Canterlot, he would need to destroy any remaining attachment to the old ways—including, and perhaps especially, the royal family. In his secluded chambers, surrounded by loyalists, Obsidian plotted, his whispers laced with promises of revenge and a future led by his vision alone.

In the palace, Luna felt a persistent unease that she couldn't quite shake. Finally, she brought her concerns to Celestia and Orion. "This republic may feel like a new beginning," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "but I fear it's more fragile than we realize. Obsidian has been waiting for a moment like this, a fracture in the old foundation. And we... we are still part of that foundation, no matter what titles we no longer hold."

Celestia nodded thoughtfully. "You're right, Luna. There's a restlessness in Canterlot, one that's growing beyond these walls. I've tried to step back, to give this republic a chance. But if Dewdrop falters—and I believe he might—we will once again be in the crosshairs, reminders of an old world that Obsidian despises."

Orion, who had been listening intently, added, "This republic is young, barely a day old in terms of stability. If Dewdrop's rule doesn't inspire confidence, Obsidian will seize the opportunity. And he will aim not only at Dewdrop but at us as well." Orion's tone grew dark, laced with the knowledge that they were more than just bystanders in this new era.

The palace halls, which had once bustled with advisors, servants, and the weight of governance, now held a profound silence. The royal family was safe for now, but they knew this calm was temporary. Outside the palace, citizens gathered in groups, debating whether the republic would truly bring the prosperity and equality that Dewdrop had promised. A current of uncertainty swirled, and even the palace guards shifted uneasily, caught between old loyalties and new mandates.

Obsidian Crest, aware of the growing dissatisfaction, bided his time. Each piece of news from the capital fueled his ambitions further. For him, this political unrest was the golden opportunity he had been waiting for, a moment when the people's disillusionment might lead them to turn to a different kind of ruler—one who promised security, even if it came through power rather than freedom. The downfall of the monarchy had only cleared his path, and now all that remained was to solidify his influence.

Luna's unease only grew, and she confided her fears to Celestia late one night. "Obsidian has always been a threat, but now he has an open path to act against us. And with Dewdrop focused solely on securing his own power, I'm afraid we have no one left to protect us."

Celestia met her sister's gaze, her expression resolute yet tinged with sadness. "I never imagined it would come to this, Luna. But I will protect us, no matter the cost. And if Dewdrop's vision for Canterlot begins to harm our people, then I will stand against him, even if it means rekindling the spirit of the monarchy in a new form."

As the days passed, the royal family found themselves caught in a delicate balance between loyalty to the new republic and an unspoken readiness to act if the situation spiraled out of control. They had no official roles, yet their very presence held an implicit authority that could not be erased overnight. They were symbols of the past, yes, but also potential leaders for a future yet undecided.

And so, with both anticipation and dread, the former royal family watched the dawn of the new republic, knowing that in the shadows, an unseen battle was already brewing. The fall of the monarchy had marked the end of one chapter in Canterlot's history. Yet, as Obsidian Crest tightened his hold on his plans and Dewdrop assumed his presidency, it was clear that the struggle for power, influence, and survival had only just begun.