POV Rio
Today was the day of my meeting with the French President. I was not the most ecstatic about meeting with him as I knew what he was going to ask for.
'I don't understand why he is so upset about his own decisions. He signed the treaty. Now he needs to live with the consequences.'
France had been practically split in three. The French Republic had three main factions. The Pro-Imperium Faction, the Fascist Party, and finally, the Neutrality Faction. The current French president was from the Neutrality Faction. He was extremely popular amongst the public, but he had no real control over the government. He only had control over the military in Paris; all other members of the Military were part of the Fascist Party.
'And now he will request I somehow help him without upsetting the internal balance of France. He will most likely request I control the Pro-Imperium Faction, as clearly I must be behind them. Despite it is very clear we have nothing to do with them. It isn't my fault that they see the Imperium is vastly superior to the rest of the world but refuse to leave their homes.'
As I am complaining in my mind, I arrive at the meeting, and we start chatting about this and that until he finally gets to the point.
Pierre: "Your Highness, I have come to this meeting to see if you could control the Pro-Imperium Faction within my borders. There have been disturbing rumors that they intend on seceding from the Republic."
Rio: "President Pierre, as I have stated in the past, the Imperium has nothing to do with that group. And further, what they are doing is not illegal according to your republic's laws. They are expressing their opinions. And from what I have heard I think they are unlikely to cause any problems. The south is far more dangerous."
Pierre: "That may be so, but I cannot do anything in the South. With the leaders of Italy and Spain being Fascists, any attempt I would make to dismantle the Fascist Party would see intervention forces arriving in France. Not to mention the Fascist Party controls the Military. Which I would like to inquire about purchasing weapons from the Imperium."
Rio: "No, the Imperium is neutral, and it will remain that way. Honestly, we have no need to get involved. The Imperium doesn't need more citizens or land. We have everything we could ever want. We have half a dozen planets in the Imperium, all with resources and habitable land. You chose this when you decided against joining the Imperium when given the chance. We give you energy and food and stay out of French internal affairs, and in exchange, you vote in our favor in the UN. If you want help, then talk with the UN, and we will vote with you."
Pierre: "You know that is pointless. The UN doesn't exist in anything other than name. The UN forces have long since been disbanded. Most of the member states don't even exist anymore. I know that I signed the agreement, but surely there is something you can do to help us. The French people are innocent and being used by the Fascists."
Rio: "Sigh. Sorry, but I cannot send my people to war or death when there is no logical reason to do so. If you want help I would suggest contacting Hyrule or the USA. They might be more willing to help. especially the Enclave in the USA who I currently fighting Hydra. And don't try to deny you don't know Hydra is the main supporter of the French Fascist Party."
Pierre: "If you don't help us, then we may be forced to join Hydra."
Rio: "You are free to do so. Like I said, the Imperium has no need to get involved in the affairs of the rest of Earth. We have everything we could need, and if Hydra or anyone else tried to attack us, then they are free to try, but I know they won't accomplish much, if anything."
Pierre: "I understand. Thank you for listening to me, but it is clear that we will not be able to make a deal. I must return to France."
I can sense his anger, but it is not just aimed at me. We shake hands, and he leaves.
'Finally. I don't know why he bothers when the answer is the same every time. But I doubt this will change much. Despite his threats, he would never join Hydra or the Fascist Party. He may act all nice and polite, but I know he despises Fascism and comes from a family that was a leader in the French Resistance.'
I review the current affairs of the world. Hydra had started shipping massive amounts of weapons and munitions from the rest of the world to the USA. Hydra had fallen into the Sunk Cost Fallacy and was unwilling to give up on claiming the Enclaves Technology. The Imperium had actually been assisting Hydra in transporting the materials to the USA as it meant that the rest of the world was weakened. As a serious shortage of the materials needed to produce Gunpowder has been crippling the worlds weapons trade. The US Dollar had become nearly worthless.
'Hmm, it seems that immigration is starting to decrease.'
Asia had lost a total population of a little over 2 Billion. Almost all of them joined the Imperium. China alone lost over a Billion. The Americas lost most of their population as most were already unhappy with their lives, and when given the chance at a better life with almost no strings attached, many left without hesitation. The population that remained in the Americas lives mostly in the USA region due to Hydra getting involved. Europe also lost a lot of population. Around 80 Million. Most came from Italy and Spain. France is now the most populous non-Imperium country in Europe with around 45 Million. The next highest is Spain with only 24 Million. Then Italy with 21 Million. Then Switzerland with 9 Million. Then lastly Portugual with 6.6 Million.
'Africa, unfortunately, had very few immigrants, with most coming from Egypt and a few random countries elsewhere. If I recall correctly, only 2 Million stayed in Egypt, thanks to my ties with the Egyptian Gods. Turns out many were still tied to them despite the many years it has been since they were worshiped massively. Though, I think it is more likely because Egypt worshipped actual beings, and due to this being the Marvel Universe, that fact never truly went away.'
From the data I read, the total population of Humans on Earth was only 2.13 Billion. Of which 1.72 Billion exist outside of the Imperium. With that number constantly decreasing as many die under Hydra or flee to the Imperium. As for the 0.41 Billion that exist in the Imperium is also constantly decreasing as more and more change their species to something more impressive or interesting.
'Oh, look at the time. It's time to help Chrysalis with her homework.'
A Few Days Later...
It was time for Chrysalis's first play, and I was getting my ticket when I saw the principal approach me.
Mrs. Poppy: "Your Highness, I must say it is an honor that you have come."
Rio: "Please, Mrs. Poppy, I am here as a father, not a monarch. I don't want to cause anyone to be nervous, so if anyone is worried, just let them know I am rooting for them."
Mrs. Poppy: "Ehem, uh, yes. I will let them know. I am sure Chrysalis will be ecstatic to know you are here."
I get seated for this play. The play was of A Hearth's Warming Tale. A favorite of mine, and I was excited for Chrysalis as she was playing the Spirit Of Hearth's Warming Yet To Come. I made sure that this was being recorded as I will need to embarrass her later in life by showing everyone how cute she was when she was a kid.
POV Chrysalis
I suddenly felt a shiver run down my spine as if something very bad was going to happen in the far future. I shake my head to clear the thoughts and focus on getting ready for my part.
POV Rio
Some Time Later...
I was excited as Chrysalis's part was about to start.
Spirit Of Hearth's Warming Present: "Me too. Too bad it's going to be the last one ever, ever, ever..."
Fog takes over the stage, and I can see they are switching the props.
Snowfall: "Spirit? What do you mean? What's going to happen?"
The fog fades, and I see Chrysalis in her costume. The sound of howling winds starts.
'Oh, here comes the really good part.'
Snowfall: "Who are you?"
Chrysalis: "I am the Spirit Of Hearth's Warming Yet To Come."
Snowfall: "Are you here to show me what future Hearth's Warming Eves are like?"
Chrysalis: "No, for there are no more Hearth's Waming Eves for me to show."
Snowfall: "Why not?"
Chrysalis: "You will succeed in erasing the holiday. As you wished!"
Snowfall: "And what happens?"
(AN: Play MLP:FiM | Music | Luna's Future | HD on YouTube for the music. Or for the Instrumental, watch Luna's Future - Instrumental on YouTube. You will have to skip to the 17-second mark to catch up with the song now.)
Chrysalis: "I see a cold wind blowing through.
I see days neither fun nor free.
I see a future caused by you.
I see a path not meant to be.
The future should be filled with magic.
Dreams and wishes brought to life.
But the days ahead are dark and tragic.
No time for hope when all is strife.
Whatever might have been.
All the dreams that ponies share.
Because of you, Snowfall Frost.
Now the future is a cold nightmaaaaaaare...
Snowfall: "Windigos? They aren't real. It's just a little filly story."
Chrysalis: "They are all too real, Snowfall. And your actions will allow them to return. The Future of Equestria shall be bathed in a blanket of eternal snow!"
Snowfall: "No! I never meant for this to happen! I didn't understand! I didn't see how important Hearth's Warming Eve was! Please Spirit! I haven't cast the spell yet! Is there still time?! I'M SORRY!"
With a flash of light, the stage changes completely, and Snowfall is back in her home. It ends similar to A Christmas Carol with Snowfall showing her appreciation for those around her.
'Impressive special effects.'
Once the play was over, all the actors did a little bow, and we all clapped. I went to collect Chrysalis and congratulate her on an amazing performance. She gave me a big hug and I learn that she wasn't wearing a costume. She used her transformation ability. After I was certain she was done cleaning up, we went out for ice cream.
------------------
Authors Note:
What a nice thing to end with. Little Bug Horse is an actor. Which I just now realized makes a lot of sense. Oh, and yeah, the Imperium is technically not very involved in Earthly affairs other than in the Americas. Fun Fact: Italy is or was run by a member of the Fascist Party as of May 2024. Fascism in Italy and, to some extent, Spain were left alone by the Allies after WW2 as they were more worried about the Soviet Union. So you can imagine how, with Hydra existing in the MCU, that would make the situation even worse. Also, Ciao is Italian for goodbye and hello. Until Next Time Ciao.