Night Fall
Thousands of years ago before Star Swirl the Bearded past away, he cast a spell to bring all ponies together. This spell called forth the Windigoes a powerful snow beast, soon after Equestria was born and Chaos was not pleased.
In the land of Chaos there were two ponies that had the hardest jobs, Atlas the Unicorn to turn the world and Sylphia a Pegasus to set the seasons. The two ponies loved each other in this world of chaos, not even the fiery peeks of the scorched lands could keep them apart.
Years later the first two alicorns were born, Selene a dark filly with emerald green eyes and hair like the deepest ocean of stars, and in her teens learned she can move the moon. Soon to follow, her younger sister Celest a white filly with pink eyes and hair like a clear ocean coast, and at an even younger age she learned to move the sun.
Princess Selene and Celest cried to their father to help free the ponies in Equestria from the grip of Chaos. Atlas turned to the Scrolls of Star Swirl and discovers a side note about the elements of harmony. The notes entail that a bond of friendship must be made and a spark will reveal the last element. Atlas looked to his daughters to retrieve the elements while he distracted Chaos. Knowing the location the two sisters soon arrived at the bearded ones secret workshop and retrieved the elements. With haste the two sisters returned to find their father at the knees of Chaos. Chaos looked up to a blinding light of friendship and was soon after turned to stone.
Princess Selene began to charge the already frozen Chaos with her horn set to quake. As she drew closer ready to strike, “NO” Atlas demanded slamming down one hoof. “Don’t come down to his level, you’re better than that Selene” her father explained. That day the world regained order, the sun arose on time, everypony was nice to one another and harmony spread across Equestria once again.
After the defeat of Chaos, Atlas was appointed Sire by all ponies of Equestria for keeping the world safe. Atlas still had his job to do, make the world go round. Every one hundred years atlas would run for ten years, to make the world spin at a steady pace, but after his journey he would have to rest for another forty years. Once at rest a spell is erected to keep out any disturbances. After the Sire’s rest the next few years are spent with family till he would have to run again.
Princess Celest waits by the barrier with Queen Sylphia, today’s the last day of rest and she waits to greet her father upon his awakening. The barrier cracks then shatters into little snowflakes that Celest enjoys to see. Little Celest jumps up and prance beneath the beautiful sparkles. The doors to the great hall fly open releasing a gust of wind down the hall blowing away the crystal snow also bringing down little Celest from her high. Princess Selene slowly strolls down the hall as her sister cuddles next to the queen. The door opens as Selene arrives and stands at attention to await the Sire.
Atlas steps from the shadows of the room to see his beautiful family waiting in anticipation. Knowing his eldest wants to rule, he looks down into her eyes and ask “what’s the report on Equestria” her heart filled with joy even though she didn’t show it from her outward appearance. Selene looked up to her father and gave him a quick rundown of current events. Little Celest waited patiently by the queen for her turn to receive love from father. After Selene’s report he turns and looks down at Celest with a smile, “have you learned any lesson about friendship today my daughter” the Sire so lightly pressed. Celest sprung to life with uncontrollable glee, prancing closer to her father “oh yes, I learned that friends can come in many forms like birds, frogs, pillows, clouds, trees…” Selene rolled her eyes “you can’t be friends with everything silly sister” Celest face quickly turned to a frown and a tear rolled down her cheek. Little Celest began down the hall stomping her hooves all the way, before Selene could apologize Celest cried out “I’m friends with you” the Sire giggles as Selene jaw slung open. Selene raised her head with pride and escorted her father back to his throne. Later that evening Selene raised the moons to light the night sky.
Selene watches over the night like many times before and as always she wouldn’t hear any cheering, nor playing, or anything, even the birds would sleep through the night and not sing for Selene. Frustrated with having the night she would pace through the hall thinking not even the wicked would play in the night, and why would everypony sleep through such a beautiful night with the moon hanging above in all its glory. With all the princesses pacing in the hall she had awoken her sister Celest “big sister what the matter?” little Celest ask with worry in her eyes. Selene notices the worried little filly and slowly walked her sister back to her bed. “I’m ok my little sun goddess” Selene giving comfort to her sister. Celest sat up in bed and looked out the window and giggled, “what is it little sister” Selene asks “it’s the moon I’ve never seen it blue before.” Selene turned to the window to see for herself, “oh” she giggles thinking to herself, “must be because how I feel right now?” she turns and looks back at her sister with a small grin “don’t worry about that just trying something new sister…” little Celest looked up to her sister with a smile of happiness “big sister I love the moon so much, when it rises it make me feel like I get a big hug from you” Selene rolls her eyes to what she’s hearing “you silly filly just get some sleep we have a long day tomorrow” after tucking in her sister, Selene turns and walks to the door, before leaving she hears in a light whisper “I love you sister” as she closes the door.
The next morning in the magic academy, Selene class received a new student by orders of the Sire. The new student entered slowly with his head down, everypony eyes arose to see a mismatched pony as they giggled and laughing at his misfortune. The teacher put her hoof down “now class this is not how proper ponies act, now take your seats!” giving everypony “The EYE”. The teach looks to the young mixed pony “take the first empty seat, please Discord” The teacher giving a soft nudge. All through class the young colts and fillies poked fun at the mismatched pony and the teacher did little to stop them, even Selene took in on the fun.
After class Selene walked Celest home from school. Tired after a long day Selene and her sister took a stroll through the royal garden to find the young Discord sitting next to his father’s statue crying. Celest eyes began to water at the sad sight and walk slowly next to Discord, softly speaking in a comforting tone “why so sad mister” Discord still hurting from earlier, lashes out at the young filly “I’m not crying” but holds back after looking in her eyes, something about her eyes puts his anger to rest. As if his ocean of hate was washing away. Discord felt free of pain for that one moment. Then he turned to see Selene looking down at him with her vengeful baby blues as she had done in class. With a harsh voice Selene calmly ask “what in Equestria are you doing behind castle walls…” then with a burst of anger Selene cry out “GAURDS!” the palace garden soon became over run with guards surrounding Discord and the girls. “Princess what seems to be the matter?” a guard asks with concern, baffling Princess Selene, “don’t you see him, sitting here?” Selene asks with confusion. “Yes my lady has he, done something?” the guard replayed with equal confusion. A strong booming voice calls out for all to listen “He is a guest and will be staying with us for the duration of school, girls be kind to him” Sire Atlas speaking with authority as he turned then walked away. Frustrated Selene galloped to her room for the rest of the day, as the guard’s flew away little Celest put one hoof on Discords paw with a smile “you’ll be ok” with a reassuring voice.
Later that night Selene walks the halls as she has done before thinking “what will my friends say if they find out that discord now lives with me?”. In the need of fresh air Selene walks to the garden to watch the moon, to her surprise the young mismatched pony hasn’t moved from where they last met but now he had a look of peace about him. Selene approaches quietly but enough for him to notice, they make eye contact and then look away. Selene looks up at the moon and ask “why are you still out here?.. You’ll catch a cold” his eyes open to the sound of concern from the dark mare, Discord looked at his feet and paused to think. Selene thinking that he was trying to dodge her question look down to him with a up turned lip “you…” she started “th, the moon” Discord blurts out “I was just thinking it was so beautiful, and how I always love to stay up and watch as the fireflies play in its light” he explained “how I wish I could be a firefly, care free in the world of pain”. Hearing these words made Selene’s heart explode, twice but she refused to show it. Selene stood above him and put one hoof on his shoulder “sorry, sorry about everything I’ve done” Discord looked to her hoof, his heart started to race as his eyes drew up to her face; a smile what a surprise Discord didn’t know she had one. Discord stands and looks away with his chest pumped out “Selene thanks, this means a lot” Discord proudly mention.
The next day at the academy, the ponies were extra mean to Discord and Selene did nothing to stop them nor did she join in. Four ponies from the track team lead by Swift Wind surrounded Discord. Swift looked down to Discord “you don’t belong here monster, if you stay we’ll make it will be twenty percent worst for you everyday” as he turned to walk away he looks back at Discord and gives him a swift buck to the face knocking Discord to the ground, Swift Wind and his boys laugh and walk away. Discord not wanting to lash back thinking that he would get blamed for starting the fight raises and walks over to the drinking hole to wash away the blood from his nose. Later that day in the royal garden Discord confronts Selene. Discord began “why did you not stop them, ya, you could hav…” As Selene face grew with disgust “What! We are, NOT your baby sitter, I have a sister!” she exclaimed!
A few months pass and Discord falls into a routine of studies and evading Swift Wind. In his spare time, Discord would slip away and bury his muzzle into the books of common unicorn spells. As the book draws to a close Discord looks up to find that he has read all the books in the library, except for those in the restricted area. Because everpony trusted each other, there are no barriers to stop anypony from reading such books, except for the one guard who stood watch, Heimdall. On the way out Discord see’s the guard standing at the back of the library, he moves closer to find out why and finds more books lining the walls. Discord approaches the door and is stopped by Heimdall, the guard looks down at the young Discord and speaks “none shall enter!” with a big booming voice. Deterred, Discord leaves thinking that maybe he could get Princess Selene to get him a book or two, with this in mind Discord exits the library with inspiration burning in his eyes, soon to be cut short. “Hey” a burly voice followed by a swift kick to the side. Discord falls to the ground gasping for air. Now standing over Discord with a vary discerning grin, Swift places a hoof on Discords head, speaking in a grungy voice “no more hiding, your grass feed Discard” Swift’s boys laugh as they keep watch for other ponies, one pony recapped “uh-he-he yeah, Discard!”. Swift pushed Discord head to the ground then started his one pony stampede.
The day drew to a close as Discord awoke in the bushes on the edge of the Academy, bruised and beaten Discord manages to hobble back to the royal garden. The moon rose and Selene made her way down to the garden to watch the stars. Under the dim moon light Selene could see discord beneath his father’s statue, thinking he was just taking a small break from his studies, she approached softly not to wake the mismatched pony. Inches away Selene feels something slippery beneath her hoof and takes a small tumble down the steps and lands on the wounded Discord, Selene screams as she rises covered in blood.
The sun rises and peeks through the slightly cracked curtains Discords eyes open ever so slightly; he turns his head to see both Selene and Celest at his bedside. “How long have I been here?” Discord asks in a raspy voice. Celest offers a cup of water as Selene glairs at the bandaged pony “you will tell me everything!” she demanded escorting her little sister out the room as she closed the door. Discord not wanting to make her upset told her of Swift and his friends, asking her not to confront them, wanting to put Selene’s worries to rest, Discord changes the subject “books, I was wondering, if you could get me some books from the restricted area of the library?” disturbed a little from the request Selene gave one condition, “if I do this, you must let me learn with you” Discord in pain nodes his head in agreement.
Weeks became months and a new year had arrived, Selene and Discord train hard increasing their knowledge in magic, and gaining high marks in class. Discord was soon recognized by the Sire for his accomplishments and was offered a permanent place in the palace, which Discord humbly accepted. Discord proudly walked to royal garden to see Selene, prancing like a pony once he hit the first step to the walk way. Discord arrives at the statues to give the good news to his frozen father, “dad, I’m happy for the first time in my life!” Discord in bliss does not see the statue glow. Discord looks into the palms of his hands “by this day next week I will become part of the royal family!” the statues eyes glow red and the stone rumbles, “congratulation” a deep voice from what seem to be coming from everywhere. Discord surprised from the sound looks up to his father’s statue, which is now emitting a glow “fh-father” Discord a little scared backs away from the statue, the eyes seem to focus on him “dear boy, do not be afraid, I only wish to give a fathers praise” Discord heart began to beat fast, a praise from father, the Sire of all disorder, this was the topping of the cake Discord was looking for. Discord stepped closer to his father, placing one claw on the stone “father, thank you” the voice seem to get deeper “boy, I’m not done yet, go to the mountains to the north, there you will find a cave of crystal and it is there waiting, my gift to you” Discord thought about it, a gift from father would be wondrous. Happy with all the praise of the day he didn’t see Selene walking up to him “talking to your father again” Selene joyfully remarks “oh-uh yes, did you hear the news” Discord overwhelmed with joy twirling around the princess then taking a bow. Selene happy to see Discord happy bowed in return “welcome to the family” she smiles “Sir Discord” Discord surprised to see this display of kindness bows again to Selene “the pleasure is mine, my lady” they laugh as they both fall to the grass on the lawn and watch the sun set.
The next day arrives and Discord wakes early to get a head start for his travel to the crystal peeks to the north. Not wanting to wake anypony Discord slips out his bedroom window and takes flight. Discord flew for hours till he reached the summit, to his amazement the cave was right where his father told him. Following the instructions to the letter Discord came upon a glowing green crystal sticking out the glittering wall, Discord grabbed the crystal with his paw but it would not budge, then he places both paws on the stone, tightened his grip and pulled as hard as possible. His arms grew tired from the strain, Discord decided to rest and sat in front of the stone, trying to think of a way to pull it out. The crystal made a small sound, the wall shook and the crystal dislodged itself falling to the ground in front of Discord. The room became dark as the light from the crystal faded. Discord felt around for the stone in the dark placing one paw on it, suddenly a sharp breeze over took the young mixed stallion. Surprised by the wisp of wind Discord thought to himself “wow!” He could feel power pouring from it the crystal more and more the longer he held it. Discord walked out the cave and looked to the sun setting, his eyes opened wide as he realized he was going to be late, Selene always worries for him if he’s out this late, due to the incident with Swift. Discord magically makes a chain to hold the stone and places it around his neck; he takes flight and heads for home.
On the day of his coronation the sun peeks through the window casting a small shadow over the sleeping mixed stallion, pouncing on to the bed landing on him “tee-he-he, time to wake up Discord” Discord stunned by the sudden attack opens his eyes to a young filly resting on his chest “Princess Celest, what time is it?” he asked as he looked out the window “its noon, you’ve been in bed half the day”. Discord rose and stretched, happy this would be the day he becomes one of the family, having the blessing from his father. Discord cleaned up and got ready for his coronation. The day was to be full of meet and greet of the highest officials, the queen would meet them at the main entrance and once inside the Sire would introduce them to Discord. Time seem to move slow as the main court fill with leaders from all over, surprising to Discord the Sire managed to make treaties with the Gryphon’s, Diamond Dogs and the Buffalo, three of the most powerful tribes. At the end all gathered around Discord to start the ceremony. From the throne to the center, a path opened as the Sire stood and walked down to Discord. The Sire spoke “here stands the son of Chaos, will no one here give tolerance to this pony?” the three leaders stepped forward “Aye!” the three voiced proudly, stepping back in place. The Sire spoke “will none here forgive the sins of the father that plagues the son?” again the three stepped forth “Aye!” the Sire then placed on hoof on Discords head “Discord, you are now one of the herd, all your past sins have been forgiven and in this world you will start a new” the crowd stomped, roared and howled as the Sire continued “will you Discord, give a paw to the crafting of the future” after Discord was then presented a white cloak.
With all the cheering and congratulations Discord slipped out to garden to tell father the good news. Discord quickly walked down to the statue garden, placing both paws on his father “do you see father, I made it into the family!” Discord waited for an answer but only heard a faint chanting around him. Five little dark creatures appeared around him and the statue at five points and set themselves aflame, the ground began to tremble and crack releasing a bright light that shot up to the sky, night became day and all are alerted to the garden. The Sire steps out to see Discord standing in front of his father’s statue, glowing just as bright as the statue.
One final shake and the statue explode releasing Chaos. Like a grand dragon Chaos body seems to be endless as it flows from the newly formed storm clouds. Chaos lowers his head to the Sire, showing off his dazzling whites “little Sire, I am free and this world will return to its natural state of disorder, ha-ha-ha!” Selene runs out to see Chaos climbing into the sky carrying Discord in his claw, with a flash of light they were gone, dropping a small crystal before Selene. The world returned to Chaos, In the village to the west it would rain acid and small animal became feral, to the east the plant life would grow and eat any pony in reach, the Gryphon’s returned home to find the mountains in a full whiteout, the Diamond Dogs gave tribute to Chaos to not change their territory. Chaos only wanted one thing from the Dogs. Taking the first born pups and transforming them into Timberwolves, sending them back into the Dog’s lair to kill them.
Day became night every few seconds and the Sire put on his armor and set out to find Chaos’ lair, weeks became years as he searched high and low till he came to an untouched beach stumbling on to the sleeping Dragon resting at the edge of cliff overlooking the ocean “Chaos!” With a mighty neigh, Atlas charged the sleeping beast; Chaos opens one eye and watched as the Sire drew closer. Chaos whipped suddenly knocking the Sire off balance “pathetic little Sire” Chaos snickered. Chaos was now out of reach off Atlas melee attacks, Chaos’ nose flared as he inhaled, releasing a streaming blast of fire, The Sire quickly put his power into a magic shield. Chaos amused, whipped around rustling up a quick storm. The dark clouds grew even darker as he would rub his scales together; The Sire not wanting to test Chaos power directly, flipped his shield to contain Chaos just as he cast his attack, Chaos becoming a large ball of lightning. The shield shatters, Chaos now enraged fires three fireballs at Atlas, Atlas backs up quickly moving the world causing Chaos to slam right into the mountain, leaving him disorientated. The Sire focused putting all his power into the crown of elements, releasing the power of friendship turning Chaos back to stone, sending him to the bottom of the ocean.
Back at the castle Selene cries in her room for the lost of Discord, holding on to the small crystal he would wear around his neck. A flash of light catches her attention, she looks to the garden and sees Discord smoking from the over use of teleporting and runs to his side. She arrives to find the guards ready to attack “back away he’s mine, get back to your post!” she demanded send the guards away. Discord rose and looked back sad at Selene as if to apologize for his existence, Selene opened one wing to give comfort “please don’t be sad, it’s not your fault” Selene lifts her hoof to give back the crystal she found, Discord look at the stone with disgust and looks away “you may have it Selene” with joy Selene puts the chained crystal around her neck. Selene stands and walks to a flower hanging from a bush, Discord looks at his paws thinking “I should tell her how I feel” discord began to approach Selene lifting a paw, Selene sniffs the flower and smiles “I wish for us to remain together forever” Discord freezes in step, happy to hear those words.
The Sire returns home with one though on his mind, Discord “he must pay for his treachery”. The Sire enters the castle and is greeted by Queen Sylphia; the look on her face told it all Discord returned. The Sire rushed to the garden to find Discord reaching out to grab Selene, both Selene and Discord turn their heads to see the Sire enraged. Selene tries to speak up but Atlas quickly bull rushes Discord knocking him to the ground, Discord in a panic raises a claw cutting Atlas. The sharp pain rushes through Atlas’ body lifting him up to his back legs above Discord. Selene in a desperate move to save Discord from her father’s mighty hooves teleports to cover Discord from the blow, the Sire opens his eye to see his target and sees Selene. Not wanting to hurt his daughter Atlas folds his legs and drops on to Selene’s horn. The Queen had just reached the garden to see Atlas being impaled by Selene. The Sire falls to the ground his crown rolls and hit the Queen’s hoof, in a daze the Queen smashes the Crown, her eyes glow and the elements float around her, a tear falls to the ground and forms a broken heart. The elements become bright as a rainbow incases Discord turning him to stone. The Queen looked away from Selene with tears in her eyes screaming for the guards, in a loud booming voice “detain Selene and place her in The Sire’s sleeping chamber!” The Queen demanded as her voice cracked. Surprised by her mother’s words Selene protested “NO! You can’t do this to me mother” two royal guard unicorns cast a binding spell locking Selene in a bubble. Selene floated there immobilizing thinking “it’s not his fault, it’s not my fault!” Selene face changed from one of sadness to one of anger, the crystal round her neck started to glow as to show her rage, she shouts “we are not at fault!” the crystal became as bright as the sun cracking the barrier, tossing the two guards, slamming them to the walls. The shadows of Selene’s cutie mark over took her, changing her in to a nightmare alicorn. Selene stood tall, shadowing over her mother with fierce green eyes “we will not stand for this… Mother!” Sylphia staggered, frighten at her daughters transformation. Sylphia backs away and spreading her wings and lowered her head, summoning vines from the garden. Selene stepped closer to The Queen “release him now, Mother!” Selene demanded as vines swiftly crept up from behind. Before Selene could react the vines ensnared her hind legs dragging her to the ground. Selene looked up, reviling her baby green eyes mother cherished so “baby…” the vines weaken as Sylphia eyes began to water “forgive me” Sylphia spoke softly. A quick flash of light flies from Selene horn, the smell of smoke comes from the Queens chest, unable to stand Sylphia falls to her side, the crown brakes as it hits the ground. Laying there on the ground Sylphia looks up to Selene “forgive me” Sylphia in pain, activates the elements one last time, Selene eyes widen as the elements encircle her, engulfing her in light. Selene struggles to no effect, the Queen mummers in her last breath “I love you” Celest enters the room after hearing the commotion from a far, one of the guards weak from being tossed acts quickly to hold back the young princess as they both watch the sphere of light ascend to the heavens. Little Celest races out to the garden and looks up to the moon as the light merges with the moons glow. In tears the young filly falls to the grass crying.
A month after the crisis a funeral was held for the Sire and Queen, the first two ponies ever to have their lives taken. Ponies from all around gather, mourning the loss of their beloved royal family and cursing the name of Selene. Princess Celest walked slowly behind the pallbearers, tears streaming down to her chin, in her own sadness she does not cry out loud, trying her best to stay strong for the herd. From all around she could hear the whaling cries of the citizens. Every whimper and screech felt like another tear into her heart. Every step Celest took towards the royal tomb, her hooves felt heavier as if she carried the weight of the world. The tomb was now sealed and Celest stood in front of the keep, receiving sympathy from close friends of the family. The line grew shorter by the minute, Celest thanked everypony as they passed. The line stopped moving as a large shadow overtook Celest, young and alone Celest could only think of one that would want to hurt her “Chaos?” Celest whimpers under her breath. A paw touches down before her, dust lifting as it hit the ground. Trembling, the young Princess looks up to meet the giant. Two big piercing orange eyes looked down at the trembling filly “forgive me for startling you Sire” the sun pierced the clouds reviling the handsome Gryphon Prince. The Prince bowed, showing the top of his head and laying his ears back as if to summit. Tears fall to the ground catching Celest’s attention, her ears perked up as the Gryphon started to growl “grr, he was like a father to me” Celest heart began to race, the fear lifted and love started to flow in, Celest stepped forth and placed her head on his. Wiping the tears away they looked deep in to each other’s eyes as if to have an unspoken understanding.
A few years pass and all of Canterlot began pushing the memories of Selene and her deeds to the back of their minds. Princess Celest, alone sits at the peak of the castle tower watching over the land through a makeshift telescope. Every so often Prince Garis of the Gryphon kingdom would pay a visit to the palace, bringing gifts of plenty in his attempt to bring cheer the young alicorn. Every night Celest would look to the moon wondering if her sister still kept her in her memories. Once a year Celest would celebrate the birth of her older sister by casting the moon to overtake the sun during mid day, this would sometimes scare the ponies as they feared the return of Selene. Three years later at the end of fall a dark mark of the lost mare appeared on the face of the moon, like to scream out loud that Selene will not be forgotten. Later that night nopony could sleep and all the small foals trembled in fear that Selene would come through their windows and snatch them from their beds. Early the next day the villagers gathered in the town square to build an altar to appease the goddess Selene. Time pass slow over the years and legend falls in to myth, myth becomes hearsay and all but the book forget the truth.