Edited by Slayerseba and Clawder.
Prologue
These Are Our Stories
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With a cry, Danny was dragged into the maelstrom of energy, feeling pulled into countless directions as whatever force that took him did so with relentless speed, making it impossible for him to even begin and try to break free. Even then, he struggled, not sure what to expect, but not quite trusting the words of a supposed memory of a dead king he'd never met, until only a few minutes ago and who somehow managed to silence both Eclipse, and Fenris… Two other beings he'd only known for less than a day, or hours in Fenris' case.
As far as first impressions went, he really was not having much luck lately.
As he struggled for his freedom, the pull of the energy that had taken him crossed through the numerous strings of multi-colored energy and more and more Danny's struggle lessened as he became increasingly aware of the strange flashes of unknown beings and landscapes appearing in his mind's eye.
One moment, he fought in his unseen bonds, the next he stood on four legs in the middle of a dense forest, panting heavily while unseen beast moved through the foliage around him.
He was himself again, faltering in his fight when, suddenly she snuck through a filthy alley following a young pony couple in a small village called Fillydelphia; licking her lips in anticipation from the sweet taste of their love she could feel to radiate off of them.
"What the," Danny muttered weakly, shaking his head.
He stood in the shadow of the waterfall cascading down the Hive, looking up at the other colts and fillies still able to fly with sad longing, before his sunken in eyes settled on his useless wings and starved body; a painful growl escaping his empty stomach.
She was a proud warrior, standing at attention before her queen, praised for her skill and cunning which will ensure the continued survival of their city.
He was a skilled baker, loving his craft with all he was, as he created delectable foods infused with the bountiful love they possessed.
She was a mother. A feeling of happiness never felt before as she lay with her egg carefully cradled in her legs, feeling the growing life within.
He was a builder, working with those around him to carve the stone and build towards their dream: a place of their own, a city, a home.
She stood proud with the others, watching the completion of their work. A momentous task started by their great grandparents and something they knew would never truly be finished, as their cheers of joy echoed throughout the Hive.
She was a young hunter, taking a risk greater than any had ever dared to take, knowing it could be the end of her, but doing so all the same, as she carefully approached the strange structures and those who build them.
"Wh- what is going on?"
She looked up at the darkened sky, watching fire rain down upon them as screams of horror rose up and the fear hanging thickly in the air made her throw up.
She looked at the wobbling egg, watching with barely contained excitement and pride as a crack began to form, then grow larger and larger until, with a crunch and a loud chirp, a black muzzle broke through; a tiny horn breaking through the shell moments later before two emerald green eyes blinked owlishly, as she took her first glance at her mother.
He was a farmer, standing in a line of changelings and ponies alike, all aiming their horns, torches, pitchforks, or other tools used for weapons at the monsters that approached; trampling all in their path as they held their ground; the last line of defense as the villagers sought to escape.
She ran through the forest, eyes blurred from tears while timberwolves hunted her down. Unable to escape and eventually trapped, as she stood with her back pressed against a tree, watching the beasts close in for the inevitable kill. But just as the wolves attacked, three young ponies rushed in with a loud cry.
He lay on the ground, cold, weak, unable to move and every breath a struggle, only able to see blurry shapes pass by every now and then, as he grew weaker, and weaker, as the sickness took him.
Danny moved through one flash to the next, watching one moment after the other, losing himself more and more until, with a final pull, he vanished into the maelstrom completely.