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1.
Word had spread like wildfire across the city that the Elder Council had called for a public assembly in the great hall of Canterlot Castle. Every pony in the city must have been crammed into the enormous room but despite the huge crowd, only the sound of hooves shuffling against the stone floor and the occasional murmur could be heard.
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2.
No official reason was given for the assembly, but everyone knew it was about the maelstrom. Even now, it's dull magenta glow could be seen shining through the high arched windows that lined the walls of the vast hall, casting an ominous light on the gathered crowd.
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3.
The Maelstrom had loomed over the land for over a thousand years, but recently, the raging storm had settled into a stillness that was somehow more unnerving than the chaos and destruction that had preceded it. The occasional rumble or flash of lightning could be seen, but other than that, it remained dormant.
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4.
You being here was a bit odd in of itself, you had never been invited to such a gathering before, mainly because you weren't even a pony. Many of the ponies surrounding you sent wary glances your way but you'd come to learn that wasn't anything out of the ordinary for them. Creatures from beyond Equestria were usually seen as dangerous and untrustworthy.
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5.
The only reason you were even in Canterlot to begin with was because you didn't have magic. It was something of a curiosity to the scholars here, especially when it came to learning that you weren't even from their world. You tried your best not to stand out too much. Hard to do when you loomed over these ponies but you did your best to look inconspicuous, wearing a long brown cloak with a hood which concealed your features.
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6.
It probably made you look more suspicious but there was something comforting about not being seen. Plus, a lot of the ponies here had never seen you before since you spent most of your time secluded in your room or the libraries. So hopefully you'd go unnoticed.
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7.
Looking out over the sea of ponies and trying to ignore the multitude of eyes that had drifted in your direction, a loud creaking sound emanated from the double doors at the far end of the hall. Every pony turned at once, staring towards the entrance. A hush fell over the hall and as the doors were pushed open and a single figure stepped inside.
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8.
They were wearing a dark blue cloak with many symbols of the stars and moons and a large pointed hat, which jingled quietly with the many bells sewn along the rim. As they stepped up onto the platform, you got a better look at their face. He seemed rather young for what you imagined an elder would be, a deep grey coat, blue eyes and a flowing beard of dark brown hair which framed his face.
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9.
He stood before the congregation in silence for several long moments, looking out over everyone in attendance. After what felt like ages, he finally spoke, his voice boomed across the chamber in a unnatural way, much louder than it had any right to be yet he didn't look like he was straining at all.
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10.
"Citizens of Canterlot..."
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11.
He paused for a moment and glanced around the chamber again. Everyone was silent and hanging on his every word.
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12.
"As you are already aware, the maelstrom has remained motionless in the skies over Equestria for weeks now and I suspect that by now many of you have come to the same conclusions I have..."
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13.
Contemplating his next words carefully, he looked out over the crowd of expectant faces.
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14.
"Discord... Is no longer in control of the Maelstrom."
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15.
The room erupted into gasps and hushed whispers, yet he didn't give them much chance to fully react. Holding up a hoof for silence.
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16.
"His current whereabouts are unknown, but he is still very much alive and for reasons unclear to the council- he has abandoned his rule over Equestria."
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17.
His words hung in the air, you honestly weren't sure what you was expecting but there was no applause. There wasn't much of anything really. Just a collective stunned silence as everyone tried to process what had just been said.
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18.
Discord, the Draconequus who had ruled Equestria unopposed for one thousand years. The living embodiment of chaos and destruction who had brought terror to all their lives had just... left?
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19.
No one would believe it, they just kept staring like he hadn't even spoken. Their expressions ranging from bewilderment to outright shock.
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20.
"That is all, return to your homes and go about your business."
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21.
With that, he turned and began walking away. He made it maybe two steps before the entire room erupted into a uproar, most began panicking while others swarmed around him, trying to shout over the deafening noise as he tried to shuffle his way past the growing mob.
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22.
You could barely move yourself, even standing at the back of the hall you had several dozen ponies pushing past you as they rushed towards the exit. The entire hall descended into pure carnage, as everyone was stampeding for the door or pushing towards the lone wizard who by now was completely surrounded.
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23.
Then without warning, his voice thundered across the hall.
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24.
"EEEEENOUGH!"
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25.
You felt the walls shake as he bellowed, cowing the entire room into submission. He then addressed them very calmly.
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26.
"Panic will solve nothing, you have my and the council's assurance that the situation is under control, return to your homes and await further instruction."
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27.
The crowd seemed hesitant but then he spoke up again.
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28.
"Now."
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29.
The last word was forceful and commanding but it was surreal watching an entire room that was moments ago in complete hysterics simply obey him without question. They parted and cleared a pathway for him, heads bowed low as he passed. As soon as he was gone, the crowd began talking amongst themselves but they nonetheless, did as instructed and started filtering towards the exits.
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30.
You were in no hurry to leave and decided to stay in place while the crowd cleared but mostly, you were just processing what you had heard. Every book you'd read insisted Discord couldn't possibly be defeated. The maelstrom was his way of assuring his control over Equestria and everyone in it. Which left only one question...
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31.
Who, or what, was powerful enough to conquer him?