Darkness loomed over the once fruitful land of Equestria, covering it in complete lifelessness. The lustrous land, the reliable Equinn, the proud Griffen, the fierce dragons, the critters, all suffered in the same horrific fate. There was no hope, there was no happiness. Only poverty and sadness remained. Ponies and other citizens alike began to revolve around the old ways once more, bickering and fighting with mistrust of each other. The Windigoes had roamed free once again, freezing the cold hearted and forced the rest to survive in harsh winters. The highest of monarchs, and even the famous peacekeepers cowered in fear. The cold winters caused a lot of pain, suffering and even death. Population began to shrink lower and lower. They no longer were able to believe that everything would turn out alright. That's what was missing. Trust, hope, reliability, happiness, belief, love, time, life and friendship. Once their beloved ruler disappeared, so did they.
In today's history, many ponies do not fully know how or why their great leader left. In fact that leader is rarely mentioned in any of the known history texts. Even the historians themselves could only find out about so much. If you were to look in a library, you would find towers of books. May you read out of study or just for the bliss of its only solitude. But look as hard as you may, you will never find any information on the once great leader. Only the ancient archives hold what you seek. Those archives belong to those of true royal blood. The only ones who know the true story are much closer that you think.
Once, many eons ago, a strong and majestic castle made of the whitest marble of the proud Griffen Kindom, and golden sandstone of the Saddle Arabian Tribes held its spires and towers high in the far mountains of Equestria, looking over its beloved land. It's towers were as high as the clouds above, it's light brighter than the sun. It was made by all three nations of the pony race. Marking itself as a beacon, to remind everypony of their friendship, their trust to one another. For those who are lost in themselves, this Kingdom will truly welcome you with open arms and a warm smile. That strong magic of hope and righteousness, led to the birth of the Great Prince, the life of the Equestrians. With the guidance of the three tribes, Earth, Sky and Magic, the Prince was raised with the great and righteous heart. He led his pony kin with that kind and true heart he so had. He was more than a ruler to everypony, he was a friend, an equal. Everything was perfect.
That is,
until,
everything,
started to fall.
Equestria: Dark Ages
"You imbeciles wish to defeat me?" Mocked a dark and sinister male voice, "Such foolishness. I must say, unless your asking for a death wish, you're just wasting my time", His luminous golden eyes glowed within the dim lit room. Showing off his pearl white fangs from his snarling frown. The sound of his metal clawed armour clanked on the hard floor with each step he made toward his foe.
"Indeed", added a sleek voice, "To defeat the High Lord is quite the long shot". Two red irised yellow eyes appeared followed by the rest of a mischievous Draconequus. He then magically popped out and armchair and some popcorn. "Although it would be rather entertaining to watch you disintegrate". If there was chaos, he'd be there for it, he'd live for it! But of course, that was why his race was even here was it not? And to serve their rightful high master in provoking the world in sheer utter chaos. It was nearly a dream come true!
"How dare, HOW DARE THOU STAND WHERE HE WAS!", roared a feminine voice of rage, "Thou took him away from us, thou who is the one who stolen thine beloved rulers rightful place! MONSTER!" The pony who owned that voice summoned a three pointed jewelled knife before her and plunged it through the air, straight toward the great Lords heart. But it never made its whole way through. There it stood, no more than three feet high in the air. The beautiful golden shining magic aura that once surrounded the beautiful knife, now turned into an aura of blood red and releasing violet odours replaced it.
The deep voice chuckled in amusement, "Is this truly the best you can do? Such a waste. And you call yourself a royal, what a disappointment". He lifted a large paw and created small illusions of a sun and a moon. He seemed to be playing with them in some way, as if the ponies before him had such a lack of amusement.
"Humf, you really are pathetic", scoffed the the master of Chaos, as he disappeared. If this was contest with an obvious winner it wasn't really worth his while, he'd have much more fun somewhere else. So much chaos not enough time. And so he went.
"Thou will not speak to us in such ways!" growled the others younger sister as she bravely stepped forward in defence. "Thine is more Royal than thou shall or will ever be!"
"Is that so?", he asked. His answer was a silent glare from both young ladies. Imbeciles, it was a rhetorical question. He then looked at the knife still floating in midair, and flipped it right around, facing them. Before the two sisters could even flinch, the same blood red magic aura engulfed them, forcing them to stay put where they were. They screamed in pain as the magic held them down. They felt like a shower of the blacksmiths finest anvils were raining down upon them, hitting them even harder every time. It was torturous. Both tried desperately to break free but to no prevail. He smiled in amusement, the illusions still floating in his paw.
The Lord tutted as he spoke in false pity, "So sad to see such a beautiful knife go to waste", removing his false pity he turned to them, "To impale such unworthy alicorn princesses!" The knife shot through the air like a bullet, both sisters were too stunned to move anymore and so embraced themselves for the worst. They waited, but alas the knife never hit them, but instead they heard something even more frightening. Opening their eyes, they saw that a Royal Knight of the former Great Prince, had taken the knife for them. Piercing right through the rusting platinum armour and into his heart. It was like at that moment, everything felt like it was in slow motion. This couldn't be happening, could it?
The knight turned his noble white head to the petrified sisters behind him and surprisingly, smiled to them, "It has been a great honour to serve you your Highnesses. I am sorry that I could have done more. Please tell my wife, my beautiful hummingbird, and my children, that I love them, and that papa tells them to be good for their Mother. Long live the Prince". Before he collapsed to the ground, releasing his final dying breath.
Both princesses looked to the former guard with shock. The Lord himself was even slightly astonished that such a lowly rebel, would sacrifice for anything. That of course let his guard down slightly. Seeing their chance to break through, the two sisters called the Legendary Elements of Harmony, and broke free of the aura. At an instant, six bright coloured lights shined around them. Each shining like the brightest stars in the sky.
"You choose to use such pitiful artefacts? Suit yourself. It'll be your funeral", The Lord smirked after getting his bearings back. He sounded boastful as if daring to use them.
The sister said nothing but just acted, out of pain, sorrow and anger. The Elements in turn glowed brightly and surrounded them, firing a rainbow beam toward the Dark Lord. He fought back by blasting a laser of his own, emitting from his glowing horn. He stood his ground, Bared his fangs, put everything he could into his great surge of magical power. But his magic wasn't strong enough to withstand the Elements power so he flared his great bat wings, the size of a dragons, to enhance his power even more. But alas after a rather short struggle he was hit and engulfed in a blinding rainbow light.
"Fools! You will never defeat me!" He roared in pain before exploding like a bombed pot.
Tired, drained and sore, the two sister caught their breath and made their way to the Throne Room exit still panting from exhaustion.
"Does thou think he is gone, sister?" Asked the younger one with a mix of hope and exhaust. Her cyan eyes glistening with tears.
"One can only hope, my dear Luna, one can only hope", came her sister's somber reply before she turned her head to the guard's dead body and said sadly, "He shall be rewarded as a Great and Loyal Knight that served his Prince to the very end. You shall be remembered and honoured as a great hero". Turning back to her sister she added softly, "Come sister, we must go tell his family the dire news".
Both headed out with the Elements and the limp body of Captain Right Justice in tow, with heads mournfully low.
After the great double doors closed shut, a pale and light shadow emerged from the ashes. Golden yellow eyes like gold nuggets in the sun, shone bright, followed by a low, sinister chuckle.
"You may think that this war is over my dear princesses", came a croaky yet still dark voice, "But alas, my graceful ones, t'is only the beginning!"
It flew out of the balcony window, and vanished in the thin atmosphere.
Once free of the castle walls, the princesses had to break the tragic news themselves to Sir Justice's family. His wife of course was devastated, his children were no better. His brother, who was once a royal physician, broke down. As did his beloved two nephews. The day's grew to months, months to years, and the years went on to decades and centuries. Captain Right Justice was indeed honoured as a great hero and his memorial still stands in Canterlot's Great Hero's Cemetery to this very day which is inscribed as:
"Here lies Captain Right Justice of the Prince's Royal Protection Table. A fierce and loyal friend, a courageous knight, and a loving Husband, Uncle, and Father.
May he rest in peace and may his soul stay to watch over his many descendants. And may he be loved and remembered by all.
Long live Prince Eternal".
He truly has earned his place in such honour, and of course after the many years, his wife and rest of his family joined him where they could be reunited as a family once more, while his legacy lives on.
During that time, the two Princess's, Celestia and Luna who were next in line, took the roles as to co-rule over Equestria. Through many hardships and tears of those who have moved on, Equestria was once again restored to its wonderful and hopefully everlasting glory. The light had shone through the darkness and new life had begun again.
But of course, all happy stories must come to an end eventually. Even though the Ancient Evil was not strong enough yet to take over, it sent many challenges to buy some time before hand.
The Dark Lord,
was only the beginning
Equestria: Revolution Era
"All rise", The shuffling of hooves echoed through the newly built city hall. The rows of seats were filled to the brim with earth pony and unicorn, while hovering above were many pegasi. "All leaders, please make your way to the court".
As if on que, the graceful sound of royal horns echoed in the hall. All eyes turned to the large oak door at the left side of the hall. Out came the radiant Princess Platinum, followed by Clover the Clever and Royal Steward, Randolph Wolfsbane. Their entrance was followed by the great horns of the Pegasi Clan. From the opposite side of the Royal Unicorns, Highly decorated Commander Hurricane emerged proudly, followed by his newly wed and Second in Command, Liutenent Pansy. And last but certainly not least, the sound of traditional kazoos welcomed the leader of the Earth Pony Tribe, Chansellor Puddinghead. He emerged from the large doors at the back, followed by his trusted secretary and friend, Smart Cookie. All three tribe leaders made their way to the front of the room, where a large wooden door lead to a more private meeting room. All entered and made their way to a large marble meeting table that was situated in the middle of the room. All sat down and started happily talking like the friends they were, while Randolph just stayed behind his mistress at a respectable distance. But outside expressions can only offer so much. Clover, though chatting practically, had thoughts and doubts racing through her mind,
"What do I do? What do I do? Oh sweet sun of Equestria, what do I do now?"
Her panicking mind was cut in by a familiar deep voice. One she immediately knew.
"I strongly believe that the young sir is ready, Lady Clover"
Clover sharply turned to face of the voice. The Stewards bronze eyes stared back at her.
"But he's just a colt! He's not ready for this, and frankly, I don't think that anypony else in this room bar yourself and I, Randolf, is ready for it either!"
"He won't be a colt forever. You and I both know that now is the best time. Besides, he is at the age now where all young colts learn to behave like the stallion they're to become".
"But he is not like all other colts!".
Before either of them could continue, the other delicates of the table had finished the political subjects of the meeting and started up some small talk.
"Before we start anything, I want to congratulate you two on your new marriage. I've always thought you two would make such an adorable couple", Princess Platinum said as she smiled at the two newly wed Pegasi. After her time trapped in a cave, with her heart frozen, the once self-centred bratty princess, truly mellowed down and learned to respect other leaders. In fact they all did.
"I thank you sincerely Platinum for your kind words", the Commander bowed with a smile as he wrapped his wing around his new wife. "It has been a great milestone in my life. I can't understand now why I hadn't taken this beautiful flower sooner". Pansy visibly blushed as she nuzzled her husband on the nose.
"Whoa, get a room before you get carried away there", Smart Cookie commented as he stifled a laugh. "So, any future family plans?" Puddinghead wondered.
Pansy blushed even more at the mention of that.
Hurricane just chuckled whole-heartedly. "In you would be surprised there Smarty. Expect to have a new pair of wings by next late Autumn".
Everyone at the table gasped in surprise.
"My, my, you two certainly didn't waste any time", Platinum cooed as she smirked at the female Pegasus, whose face was a beet red. "Are you excited my dear?"
Pansy snapped out of her embarrassing moment and happily replied, but her face was still warm and a deep shade of pink, "Hm? Oh yes. Very excited, and nervous. I mean, I've always wanted a family of my own. But, well..." She was too embarrassed to continue. Thankfully good friend Platinum heard what she needed to hear.
"That all right my dear. I understand. Let's just be excited now and nervous later. I'm sure you'll adjust as the time comes. As they say, it's the first time for everything".
Clover had her head down slightly, debating with herself whether or not she should bring a new matter up now, or if it was even the right time.
"Just do it!" Randolf's voice boomed inside her head.
Out of instinct from taking orders for many years, Clover the Clever spoke up, "Leaders, there is something that I have been meaning to converse to you all about", all eyes turned to her, "What are we going to do about this country's future rule?"
"Well, Clover dear, I'm sure legacy will do its part", the princess explained.
"Yes, but not everypony is the same, or will be what you expect them to be", the young magician argued at her princesses lack of heritage knowledge. "We need a solution princess and we need it soon. You and I both know that none of us can live for all eternity".
"Then what do you suggest Clover?" The commander questioned as the topic sparked his interest. The mention of legacy brought his concerns of his unborn child.
The cloaked unicorn thought for a bit, sighed, and smiled. She turned her head to the steward and nodded her head. It was a signal. Randolph stuck his head out of the open window beside him and whistled loudly. He brought his head back inside, and seconds after, a grey blur whooshed past him and landed clumsily beside Clover. The others looked shocked. What they saw was a young colt no older than the age of four. That of course meant that he had no Cutie Mark yet. He was a bit of a scrawny looking lad compared to other colts in the lands. His coat was an ash grey while his frizzy mane and tail were a deep violet, though it looked like coal in the dark. His eyes were a bright golden hazel. He smiled goofily at them, showing of his pearly white teeth with a gap near the front of them. So basically he looked like any normal looking young colt. That is. If he didn't have a pair of ash coloured wings and a same coloured horn in just before his hair line. It was a species that they've never seen before.
"Well, here goes nothing",
"Everypony, this is Eternal. The first to be a part of the future rule", Clover explained as causally as she could muster.
"Ha, how, is he?...", for once, Puddinghead was at a a loss for words, "I don't even know if it's a he".
"Clover, are you sure that this is a good idea? Does Startswirl know of this?" Platinum asked worriedly. She wasn't sure whether to feel angry that one of her best friends was doing something like this behind her back, or scared at what this young, thing, could do.
"Yes, Chancellor, t'is a he. And as for your questions your highness, I am positive that this project can and will work. Startswirl has already agreed to the circumstances and as should the rest of you. After all, we'll all be the ones teaching and tutoring him in our different ways and how this land is to be ruled", Clover stated proudly, "For he is of course, our Great Prince".