A small fire sparkled in the corner, illuminating the room and giving warmth to its inhabitants. Seated nearby sat an old unicorn stallion reading a newspaper. “Grandpa!” Two smiling foals came running into the living room. Folding the paper with his magic, the stallion smiled at the bubbling energy that began to permeate the air. The two foals weaving to and fro around the furniture.
“Ah, my little munchkins. What brings you to this fine room tonight? Have I missed supper again?” asked the stallion as he placed the paper down on a light stand.
“Nope, but Momma said you seemed extra lonely today and told us to tell you to tell us a story! And not just any story, but the story!” exclaimed one of the foals, bouncing up and down, filled with the giddy exuberance any filly her age would have.
“The big one of your life, the great war and stuff. The one you never tell us,” added the other, his smile wide as his eyes lit up.
“Ah. That story, well… that is a very long tale to tell, and I doubt your mother would appreciate me keeping you two here for such a time,” replied the stallion softly, the corners of his mouth twitching with a hint of a smile at his grandchildren's eagerness. “Plus, this story is not like the ones I have told in the past. There are certain events that youngsters such as yourselves should not hear.”
“Well, Momma thinks we are old enough, and you have to tell us sometime! We want to hear it now! We can’t handle the suspense and mystery anymore, and no one ever tells us,” they both said, dancing back and forth around the room. They then moved to sit in front of him, each giving their best puppy eyes. Something told the unicorn that they had rehearsed this many times before confronting him. And emboldened with their mother’s blessing, there would be no way to convince them otherwise.
“Very well, but I cannot tell you the whole story today. Therefore, I want you both to promise me something. Promise me, that wherever I stop, you will not complain. Whether it be a cliffhanger, a momentary lapse in battle, or midway through a conversation, you will not demand more. This truly is a long story. I will tell this tale in parts, and there is a reason why this is important. Each part has pieces of detail that, once combined, will yield a clear picture. Do you promise you will be patient in my telling?”
The two foals were virtually bouncing off the walls. They whooped and hollered, laughing and clopping their hooves together before remembering to answer him. “Yes!” they shouted. After holding up both hooves to settle them down, the old stallion got up from his chair and announced that he needed something to drink before starting the story. “After all, what good is a storyteller if he is parched? Feel free to find a comfortable spot or pull up a bag near the fire. I won’t be gone for long,” he stated, winking and leaving the room.
Grabbing two pillows from a nearby closet, the two immediately started whispering to each other about what wonderful things they might hear. “Ava, are you excited?” asked the colt.
“I don’t know, Orin. You know how good a storyteller Grandpa is. I believe this will be something simply fantastic. Why else would Momma and Dad not tell us?” Looking around, she beckoned Orin to draw closer with a hoof and whispered into his ear, “Do you think… he will tell us how he got his scars?”
“I am sure he will. I don’t think anypony could get scars like that without a cool story,” replied Orin.
After finally finding comfortable positions, the two heard distinct voices slowly drawing near the living room. “--lutely sure they are old enough and ready? You were pretty close to their age, and I definitely remember you having nightmares for weeks afterward.”
“Come on, Dad, they are two years older than I was when you told me. And they are much more mature than you think. I believe they should know now. Their curiosity has gotten the better of them in the past. You remember that incident with the flower?” The two shared a chuckle. “Anyway, who better to tell one of the greatest stories than you? Honestly, I am surprised you have held off this long.” With that statement, a red-furred mare and the stallion entered the room.
“Very well, and you’re sure you don't want to stay for the story, Velvet?” offered the old unicorn.
“As enchanting as the story is, I believe I have heard it once too many times now. And I think if I stayed for this, I might spoil something,” replied Velvet. “And I know that this first time will be a special journey the two will remember forever, best not to ruin the moment.”
“Oh, but I bet you haven’t heard this version of the story. I’ll even add more to your favorite character,” goaded the stallion, raising his eyebrows suggestively.
“Quit it,” called Velvet playfully, nuzzling his chest and making him chuckle. “You know you're my favorite character. And you say that every time, and every time it is different. I don’t know how you do it, but you always seem to suck me in each time. But alas, if I stay here and listen too, who will make supper for all of us?” And with that, she simply nodded at the two and quietly left the room.
“Very well,” sighed the stallion, rubbing his muzzle before turning back to the foals, giving them a soft smile. “Are you two ready?” With vigorous nodding from the two, the old unicorn slowly returned to his spot near the fire. As he mulled over what to say, his gaze swept across the room. His eyes passed over the many tapestries and landscapes that decorated the walls, skipping over a bookshelf that housed a couple thick tomes and a “Best Grandpa” award on top. Eventually, he was fixated on the fire, watching as the embers danced in place. The whole time, the foals waited in anticipation of what he would say next.
“To begin, I must first establish a few things. Long ago, a certain unicorn by the name of Twilight Sparkle read in a book, called Predictions and Prophecies, that Nightmare Moon would return. This Nightmare Moon would exact her revenge on Equestria because she was banished by her sister, Princess Celestia, for a thousand years. Twilight told Celestia, her mentor, yet the princess ignored her and instead advised her to make friends in Ponyville,” he began.
“But Grandpa, we all know what happens, right? What--” asked Orin, but the ancient stallion continued.
“Let me finish. Paying no attention to her warning, Celestia was captured, and it was up to Twilight to defeat the new enemy. With her friends, they searched and found the Elements of Harmony. Except when they found the Elements, Nightmare Moon showed up and destroyed them right in front of Twilight’s eyes. That is where our story begins.”
“But doesn’t Twilight defeat Nightmare Moon?” wondered Ava.
“Ah well, that might be what we have told our next generation. The six were victorious, and peace was restored. And with the Elements, the mares were able to reform Nightmare Moon into Princess Luna. Then, the two royal sisters recognized the power they possessed as alicorns and chose to step down from authority. Vowing to never abuse their immortality, the two slipped into anonymity. That is what we had decided to teach. Except, in my time, Nightmare Moon actually won.”