Discord wasn't always bad. His past has a story to tell...
History isn't fair. Books tell of the terrible spirit of disharmony, Discord, and how he ruled Equestria in a perpetual state of unrest and unhappiness. But, what is there to be found when we delve deeper into the past? What are the origins of this mysterious and chaotic creature? Take a dive into the past, to the time forgotten by all, except one.
Books wait here, in this silent cage, Their dusty pages worn out by age, Hidden from sight, kept from the light, Kept in shadows, regarded with spite.
Long lost knowledge and memories of old Are gathered here, in this forgotten place. Among other things there's the story not told Of the being estranged by grace.
Four simple tomes, tarnished by dust, Recall all the things that in time were lost.
August 17, 754
Hello there diary! I'm so excited about finally having a diary! Today was my 6 birthday. They gave me many fun toys, but what I like the most was daddy's gift. He gave me you! All my friends came over to celebrate. I really enjoyed myself today, hope tomorrow is just as fun!
August 18, 754
Not many things happened today; it was quite boring. I played with my new toys for a while before going to sit in the hill. I like it up there, at times it can be so quiet I forget about the things my mother tells me all the time. "Wash you teeth", "Clean your room", "Eat everything there is in your plate". I wonder why are parents so bossy. And the best part of being on top of the hill, is that I can see Flare. She usually spends her day playing ball with her brothers, and she's really good at it! Today, one of her brothers was blocking her way, but that didn't stop her! She jumped as high as she could, and passed right over her brother. The look on his face was so funny I couldn't hold a laugh. Flare noticed and smiled at me, she actually smiled at me! After that, the day wasn't very boring anymore.
August 19, 754
Today I joined one of Flare's games. Her brothers weren't at home, so other kids that live nearby came and played with us. I was on the same team as she was, and I tried to score as many points as I could, but it was nothing compared to what Flare scored. She's amazing! She slithered past the other team, her wings allowing her to move so fast across the field I lost sight of her more than once. But the game didn't last long. Some bullies came over and stole the ball. I hate ponies. They are just like my parents, they come and ruin all the fun, and then they try to boss you around. Just when we were about to fight back, some adults come over and recover the ball for us so we could continue playing. Then, those bullies' parents come over and punish them and take them away. After that, they didn't came back, but I was still angry.
August 20, 754
Break's over, back to school. I don't like going to school, all they talk about is history and science and math. I really don't care about any of those things, but I still understand them. I have to, otherwise it would turn from boring to hard, and that wouldn't be nice for me. Just thinking about being stuck inside my house all day solving some math problems I don't understand makes my head hurt. So I study. Thanks to that I can finish my work quickly and go out to play with my friends after school. Bad part is, some of my friends do have problems and they can't come out as soon as I do. Good part is, Flare is as intelligent as I am, so she goes out more or less at the same time I got out, and when she does we talk about a lot of things and we play some games.
August 21, 754
The bullies came back today. They wanted to take my lunch, but I didn't gave them anything, so we fought. At first there were four ponies against me, but then, some of my friends came and helped me. Then there were five draconequi against four ponies. In the end, a teacher came and stopped the fighting. I was really bruised because they stomped me two times, but I was able to cut one of them with my eagle claw. When we were pushed apart, the one I had slashed called me freak. I didn't knew what that meant and when I asked my mother in the afternoon she said that it meant I was different from him, and that he meant it as an insult. I don't see the bad thing in us being different. Anyway I'm grounded for two weeks so I won't be able to play with my friends. It was all those bullies' fault.
Augus-... re-... this afternoon... ponies... draconequus... he-... and then my fri-...
June 8, 755
Summer vacations are here! From this day on, nothing to do but to enjoy my days with my friends and Flare. Hope those pony bullies don't try to get even from yesterday's prank, or things could get ugly.
wh-... those bullies thought the-... my father... they constantly talk about us being different, but it all sounds stup-... -im, and Flare...
July 20, 755
This is the worst day of my life. Today Flare's family came over to have dinner with us, and they told us they were moving to a far away place. When I asked Flare why they were moving, she told me she didn't know. After dinner, my father and hers went to a different room. Flare and I tried to spy on their conversation, but we couldn't make out anything from outside. When it was time for them to go, Flare gave me a kiss in the cheek. I felt as my face became hot, and Flare giggled. I was a bit embarrassed, but it was nice. I also had a gift for her; a small necklace I made one day. She told me she would never forget me, and I told her I would never forget her.
he-... and he said... today I was gro-... -nd they said tha-...
December 14, 755
I lost most of my diary today. Almost all of it was ripped off by those idiot bullies. I was in the forest writing, when suddenly they show up and attack me. My friends weren't around, so I had to fight alone, but four against one is not fair. Although my mom is out of her mind, I really don't worry much about myself. I just got a couple cuts and bruises, nothing serious, but when I was down, those stupid ponies took my diary and started ripping pages of out it. When they were done, they threw it at me, and trotted away laughing. When I checked the damage, almost all of my entries were gone, and they ripped out most of the blank pages I had too. I just have a few pages left now, so I think I'll just write important entries from now on.
December 25, 755
Today is an important day for ponies. They call this day Hearth's Warming Eve. They usually go outside and sing songs all night long. Although neither me nor any of my friends celebrate because we are not ponies, some of their happiness sticks to us. I usually spend my time at my bedroom window, looking outside where ponies sing with big smiles on their faces. I wonder what Flare's doing right now and if there are ponies where she went because if there aren't any then that means there is no Hearth's Warming Eve at all.
August 17, 756
I'm eight now, but I'm not very happy. There was no party. Like Flare, all of my friends moved away to different places, so I don't have any friends now. There are a couple of draconequi my age still living in town. Mom says I should get near to them and make friends, but I don't like them. All they talk about is pranking others, and I think that's not nice. Without my friends, defending myself from the bullies has become harder. I'm kind of getting the hang on taking more than one pony at once, but they still manage to overpower me must of the time.
September 10, 756
Today was supposed to be the first day of school after summer vacations, but my father told me I didn't have to go anymore if I didn't want. Truth is, I hate school now. I don't have any more friends and by the end of the last year I got bullied all the time. The other draconequi always came to my defense, but that only made me feel worse because I have no intentions of joining their pranking. I already told them that, and they answered that it was alright, that they didn't ask anything of me but that I should still consider joining forces with them. After that, I tried to make friends with them, but I don't like their pranking ways.
October 4, 756
This is the last page of my diary. Curiously, this is also a very important day. Dad had been about moving to a very different place. He told me that there was a chance my friends would be where we were going. That sounds good enough for me! Anyway, we're going tomorrow. My room's empty, only my bed remains, and although I now hate this place, I can't help but remember all the wonderful times I spent in this village with my old friends and with Flare. But that doesn't have me any less excited about tomorrow! I won't write anything on a long while, but I promise I'll get a new diary when I can, and then I will continue writing.
Hello there diary. It has been quite some time since I wrote in a diary for the last time, and so much has changed! First of, I'm fifteen now, one of the "big boys". I bought you with the money my father gave me for my birthday. Second, we moved. draconequi were leaving my home village, so to avoid staying all by ourselves, we had to join the other families. Now we live in Trottingham, a town with a way larger draconequi population, and relations with ponies are becoming stable. Back at my home town, there was some clash between the ponies and us because we are so different. I remember all the bullies at school were ponies, and they constantly called us "freaks" and "weirdos". Ha! They look like the real weirdos to me. Their bodies are incredibly boring, with just one color for the coat and at most two colors for their mane. The only thing interesting about them is their cutie mark, which could be anything. Then look at us, draconequi, "dragon horse" as my ancient languages teacher says. And if the name wasn't enough, we are also made out of various different animals, not to mention they are not the same animals for each one of us. For instance, I have an eagle's claw and a lion's paw for hands, while my mother has a deer's hoof and an elefant's foot, and my father has an otter's fin and a monkey's hand. I admit some of us just look like some kind of messed up collage, but even if it looks freaky, it's way better than just having three colors and a picture on the flank to differentiate yourself from others. Moving was the best thing my family could have done. School was insufferable cause of all those stupid bullies and because of my lack of friends. In here, I have found almost all of my old friends, and made tons of new ones, ponies and draconequi alike. School is awesome and I'm at the top of my class. I'm really looking forward to the start of classes in September, for it is my last year. After that, I can find a job and live by myself. It will be bucking awesome. And there's one more thing. Guess who I found in this new town. Yeah, you guessed it. I found Flare. I didn't find her immediately after we arrived, however. She was living at the other side of town so I didn't see her until about a year ago. Gosh she has changed. The years have transformed her from the little girl she was into a young lady. Her scales are always clean and shiny, and her wings are majestic! I think I'm in love, but I don't have time for love now. Now I just have to worry about this teen age that although awesome, has its conflicts. I can also be very boring at times, so to avoid stuffing my new diary with unimportant memories, I will just write when something worthy happens.
September 1, 763
School's back on, and it looks like it's going to be a sweet year. I was at recess, chatting with some of my friends, when we noticed one of the tables was overcrowded. When we got near to see what was going on, we found a colt from first grade playing cards with our classmates. Last time we saw that kid, he was still a blank-flank. Now he has two aces printed on his rear side, and he sure lived up to the mark. In just three hands, all of my mates had their pockets empty. Although I wanted to give it a try, I had no money, and that kid wouldn't allow me to play on credit. That colt is a complete danger to our wallets, but when he was done winning our bits, he said he would continue organizing gambling sessions in recess. After today, I don't think anyone will ever want to play against him again.
September 23, 763
Exams start tomorrow, but I got them all in the bag. While others spend their whole afternoons studying, I just have to give a quick glance at my books and everything comes back to me. Tomorrow I have literature and history exams. Just as a way to keep in everything, I'll write down everything I have to know for the exams: For literature I have to know the biography of Star Swirl the Bearded. He was a stallion that lived eight hundred years ago. He wasn't just a great novel writer, but also a pioneer in spell development for unicorn ponies. Legend has it that he created over two hundred spells, but that is just speculation. To protect his research, he seldom wrote it down. As a result, most of his finding were lost when he died in an accident while experimenting with magic. His pupil, Clover the Clever, was a very valuable asset at recovering her master's work. Out of pure memory, Clover was able to recall what Star Swirl had confided to her about his research. It wasn't much, but it was a starting point, and with that information, unicorn researchers were able to rediscover most of the spells that were lost with Star Swirl's death. Unfortunately, it is believed that much knowledge is still lost. For history I must know all of Equestria's history until now. Equestria was funded 763 years ago by the representatives of the three tribes of ponies, who were looking for a new land to call home because their old homeland was frozen by a never-ending blizzard. Equestria was officially funded in the 25th of December, and that day is now known to ponies as Hearth's Warming Eve. All the tribes were back at square one, but with the help of one another, they managed to keep going. Some time after their arrival, the tribes discovered another civilization that already had plenty of years living in Equestria. It was composed of beings that came to be known as draconequi. Ponies and draconequi developed an alliance, and with their help, Equestria expanded quickly. That's it. This exams are going to be easy.
September 24, 763
Tomorrow I have the science and math exams. Same as yesterday, I'm going to review my knowledge. Right now we're studying evolution in science class. Evolution is defined as the change something undergoes. When animals are evolving, it means their bodies are changing to adapt to their environment. It is sparked by mutation, or a strange change in an animal's body. If the animal survives with its mutation, then it reproduces and the change passes on to its offsprings. Researchers are interested in the way sentient creatures like draconequi and ponies evolve. Ruins of ancient civilizations have led researchers to believe that the world can only support a given number of sentient species at a time. For math I have to remember the quadratic equation, the vertex equation and the discriminant equation. I also have to remember how to draw graphs. I already know all of those things. The only thing that I must keep in mind is under which conditions the line in a graph is dotted.
September 25, 763
This day's exams were too easy. Tomorrow I have the grammar and ancient languages exams. The awesome part is that I don't have to study. I got perfect grades on both subjects so I'm not taking the exams, and that also means I already finished exams. The day after tomorrow we'll start next month's topics.
November 6, 763
I'm starting to get the hang of playing cards. Today I won more than fifty bits. But of course I noticed that the game does not only depend on luck. Those who actually think fortune decides the winner in gambles is either too honest, or stupid. For one to actually start winning good money at playing games of chance, like cards, one must study the art of cheating. I learned plenty of tricks to appear and disappear cards, but I don't use them for entertainment, obviously; I use them to cheat. No one notices when I pull out an ace from my special hiding place, nor when I arrange the cards to get the best when they are sort out. Yet, I'm still not the best cheater around here. Fortune Daze is still king, winning every hand he plays. Not even I am able to figure out where he pulls his cards from. Yet, I'm starting to gain on him. Bad part is, I'm also getting quite infamous. If nopony wants to play with me anymore, I'll be out of practice, and I won't be able to take Daze's crown. If it comes to it, I might consider playing cards outside of school.
December 25, 763
Heath's Warming Eve. I remember that back at my hometown, only ponies celebrated this day, but here, we all celebrate it. It's kind of touching to see everyone singing carols and exchanging gifts, like a big family. Yet, it also gets in my nerves. We are all hypocrites; this day, we sing and play like if we were all brothers. But everyday else, we constantly get in the way of one another on purpose just to annoy or get something for ourselves, like me cheating in card games. I'm being such a cynic. There are just as many ponies out there constantly working for the common good as there are who don't. Besides, today was a good day. Flare's family came over to have dinner at my place. Both our families have become tied together in a strong friendship, but me and Flare, it's something even stronger. When we get to be alone, we always have such a good time that I'm almost sure she is in love with me just as I'm in love with her. But, I'm sure both our families would vote against a relationship. My parents have told me multiple times that I'm still too young to have a girlfriend, so I respect that, even if I don't believe it myself. I also have to admit it wouldn't be easy. She lives at the other side of town and goes to a different school. Back at the small village of my childhood, it wouldn't matter, but this place is way larger. Actually, I think I read in the newspaper that we are on the brink of being considered a city, rather than a town. Just a little patience. I'm halfway across the final school year. After that, things can get real.
January 8, 764
One of my buddies told me that no one at school will play cards against me anymore. It seems Fortune Daze told everyone of my cheats. I must say, that colt is smart for somepony his age. Not only did he get me off the competition, but he protected himself. If I say anything about his cheating, no one will believe me because they will think I'm just lying to get even. The one thing he did not consider however, was that I already had plans to get into the big games. There, I will learn far more tricks than I could have in school. In the end, the only thing he did was to force me to take the better option. His crown will be mine.
January 24, 764
Street gambling is a though business. I heard once that there will always be somepony better than you, and playing outside of school has only confirmed the saying. Tricks that used to work all the time are failing me. Right now, I have a huge debt that I have to cover or things could get ugly. But I don't regret anything. My skill is only increasing by the day, and I constantly learn new tricks from others. At first it was impossible, but fooling the card dealer is becoming easier. I'm sure I'll be able to repay my debt tomorrow, and maybe even get some extra bits to buy a nice little present for Flare.
February 14, 764
Hearts and Hooves Day. There's much love in the air. It can almost be smelled. I guess that's why I've felt nauseous. Again, the street is filled with hypocrites. Ponies that would never call each other friends exchange gifts and hugs. There are also some couples, but I know neither will survive for long. Right now they think they are so in love, but tomorrow they will fall for somepony else and that's it. End of relation. I kind of fear that the same will apply to me. Flare and I had kind of a date today. I invited her to a restaurant I know downtown. I don't remember if the food was good; I was too distracted with Flare. After we ate, we went for a walk in a nearby park, where we talked for hours until nightfall. When I dropped her off at her home, I gave her a gift I had bought with my gambling money. It was just a small obsidian figurine of a turtle, but she loved it. Before parting, she gave me a kiss in the cheek. Same cheek I won't wash for a very long time.
March 3, 764
I don't know whether to feel sorry or happy. We were having dinner when someone knocked on the door. My father and I went to see, and we found all of Flare's family standing there below the rain. They asked if they could come in, and once they were warm and dry, they told us what happened. We are having stormy times; it rained all day long and lightning stroke everywhere. One reached Flare's house. They told us that in just a few minutes, their whole house was blazing, and the rain wasn't enough to extinguish the fire before it consumed pretty much everything that was inside. Everyone's safe though, thank the stars. We're happy to give them refuge while they look for someplace else to live. Flare's sleeping in the room just down the corridor. I should feel sorry for what happened to them, but I can't. The thought that she will be living with me for the next weeks, maybe even months, is overwhelming. I feel both mad with joy because of this, and ashamed of myself because I shouldn't be celebrating. I hate it when my emotions crush me like this.
March 14, 764
The storm's still going. This is complete madness! School was canceled, shops were closed, all because of this mad weather! The few news that actually reach us are all bad. The lower parts of the city are all flooded and neighborhoods in the hills have been evacuated in case of a mudslide. Every single refuge is filled to the brink and the shops were raided. We have been able to hold out in the house, not that we have another option: the roads are blocked too. Flare's father calculated we still have enough food for two weeks, that if the storage doesn't flood or something. At least the days aren't boring. Flare's brothers and I spend our time playing cards while she spends hers either learning how to cook and sew from our mothers, or watching our games. They already noticed I'm a professional cheater. Good thing we aren't actually gambling, or they would have refused to continue playing a long time ago. Flare is impressed by my tricks. She is too innocent to realize I have already used my skills to win bits, and it would be best if it remained like that. Her company has kept me sane for the last two weeks. So much irony; out there, the world's falling apart. Here, a love story is being written.
March 20, 764
Storm's still going, but I no longer care. I was walking down the corridor, when suddenly I got the feeling I had to go up, to the roof. I found Flare there, standing in the rain, soaking wet. I went to her side, and when she looked at me, I could read so much sadness in her eyes that I shivered. She had been crying; the rain was unable to hide the tears from me. When I asked her what was wrong, she said the weather scared her. She allowed everything off her chest: her concern on her friends, on her relatives, and on us. She said she had spent every night worrying about what could happen the next day; a flood, a mudslide, something that would mean the end to all of us. Lightning stroke, illuminating the night, and every time a thunder roared, Flare cowered a little. I don't know what happened next. Acting out of pure emotions, I hugged her. My wings wrapped around her, protecting her from the rain. Flare gasped when I did that, but then, she relaxed, and hugged me back. I have no idea how much time passed after that; us standing below the rain. Every time lightning flashed, I knew time was passing, but that was not important. All my love manifested on that same moment; everything with just one move. After what seemed like hours, we finally headed into the house. We dried ourselves and drank something warm to get the chill off our bones. Not a word was spoken, except for a little "goodnight" when we went to our rooms. Now that I'm sitting here, alone in my room, I kind of wonder if I'll be sick tomorrow. Who cares?
March 22, 764
Today the storm finally ended. I was playing cards with Flare's brothers, when suddenly Wisp noticed the soft panting of the raindrops was gone. We looked out the window, and it wasn't raining anymore! Overwhelmed with joy, we immediately started singing and laughing. Our parents came in, thinking we had gone mad, but when we showed them that the rain was gone, they started laughing too. We rushed outside. Flare's brothers ran in every direction, yelling to the top of their lungs "The rain's gone!" while they sprang here and there in a sort of silly dance. I just stood there, excited but unable to move. While I was in my trance, Flare walked to my side, and grabbed my hand. The clouds allowed some sunlight through just when I turned to look at her. Her scales gleamed beautifully. We smiled to one another, and stood there for a long while admiring the sun. Later that day, news started flowing again. The storm's destruction was incredible. Unicorn researchers were completely baffled by what they called "The worst storm in the history of the world." At least two major towns located near the mountains were buried by mudslides, along with many other smaller settlements the survivors claim were scattered through the area. Many pegasai died trying to control the storm and countless more are missing. Every city lost at least three neighborhoods to the floods and thousands are homeless. In a week's time a special ceremony will be held. It will be a time for prayer in which ponies and draconequi will beg for the souls of the dead and the missing. I thank the stars, for I didn't lose anyone in this tragic ordeal.
April 2, 764
Trottingham is making its best to recover from the catastrophe. Many roads are still blocked, but many more are now clear. Stores are up again and school's back on the line. In normal circumstances, I would be really unhappy about going back to school. No matter how much you like it, when you have a break as long as the one I just had, you'll feel bad when it's over. But not now. Just three more months and school's over. All I need is a small push and I'll be free. Flare's family is still looking for a new place to live. In the meantime they will continue to live at my house. Because her old school is now a long way across town, not to mention the roads there are still impassable, Flare's going to my school now. That's good news for me. My business is back online too. Today was the first gambling session in ages. I was a bit out of practice, Flare's brothers weren't enough, but everypony else was too so I still got a decent amount of bits. But, that isn't the important part. For the first time, I heard of The King, the best cheater in all of Trottingham. His crown is the real thing. Fortune Daze can wait, I'm now hunting for bigger game.
April 25, 764
My efforts finally yielded some results. After I heard of the king, I began playing for big money, cheating with the real pros. I imagined that winning in that circle would get me the attention of The King. For three weeks nothing happened, but today a pony came by and gave me a note. It said "I got my eye on you, fella. Best be careful." It was signed "The King". I know there must be plenty of ponies out there who call themselves "The King", but I got a feeling this is the one.
June 25, 764
Finally, prom day. Flare was with me. We spent our night laughing, eating, and dancing to our heart's content. The hours merged together and flied away like birds. It was truly the best night ever. When the slow music began, Flare took me to the roof, where we would be alone. We danced together to the muffled music being played below. She looked so beautiful below the moonlight, with her lovely dress and deer antlers. It might sound cheesy, but it truly was a magical time. And then, suddenly, she pressed her lips against mine. And that, dear diary, is the best thing ever. To be kissed by the one you love, it's simply beyond words. Just like the romance novels my mother loves to read: below the moonlight, only us, in a place with an excellent view... After that, the party went on like a blur. There was nothing else it could offer me; I already had what I wanted.
July 2, 764
I was walking down the street, when suddenly a carriage stopped besides me and the ponies inside ordered me to enter. When I asked why, they told me The King wanted to see me. No doubt crossed my mind and I entered. I was taken to an abandoned office building. There, I noticed what being The King actually meant. I used to think The King was only the best cheater in all of Trottingham. Being good at card games earns you the place, but it is much more than just a title. The King is a crime lord. Not a single gamble is made without him knowing, and he gets a share of all the bets in the city. Every single mayor playing center is controlled by him. Quite a high budget business. But, who is the The King? I was directed to a room with a desk and an expensive businesspony chair behind it. When I arrived, the chair turned, revealing a red colt. It was Fortune Daze! I don't know how he did it, but the little fool somehow got the place. His special talent is cheating after all, but I expected someone much older. Daze challenged me to a game of cards in two days. The winner will keep the crown. The loser will be expelled from gambling forever. This are quite high stakes, just as I like it.
July 4, 764
Now, I am The King. Fortune Daze will no longer be able to practice his special talent. How sad... but I don't care at all. My two major goals in life are now complete, with just one hand. The card dealer was an expert at discerning any funny business, not to mention I noticed he was in Daze's side, but I'm a master. He didn't notice any move I made. In the final hand, I managed to pull out the four aces, and with them, I finally won the crown and the place I always wanted over that annoying red foal. My life is pretty much solved now. Thousands of bits will go into my pocket every day, and I don't even have to move from my house. Not bad for a newly graduated draconequus.
October 7, 768
Hello there diary. Ever since my last entry, I've been a really busy draconequus. Being The King wasn't as easy as I expected, but the profit is worth every single effort. I bought a house and moved from my parent's home. They have told me multiple times how sad their house is now that I do not live there, but I visit them regularly. I have donated plenty of money to reconstruction programs throughout Equestria. This has earned me the public's love. If they only knew where the bits came from... Trottingham has completely recovered from the storm, but its memory still lingers in the minds of everypony. The weather control team has gotten really paranoid. Because of that, the sky is clear most of the time. It's for the better; the government created a special team of unicorns to keep an eye on the weather at all times and alert the population if something developed. Nothing serious has happened, but those unicorns are a bunch of cowards. They have sounded the alarm six times now over pretty much nothing. If the weather team didn't keep the sky clear, that annoying alarm would sound everyday. And Flare... She's the reason why I took you diary, out of oblivion. When I finally got out of school, my first real goal was to get real with her, and I did. We dated for four years, and last month, I finally proposed to her, and she said yes. Today's the wedding. I feel like my life is now complete, but so much is still ahead of me. Whatever happens after today, Flare and I will be able to work it out, together. This is my last entry, dear diary. Farewell.
I'm writing this journal as a first-hand account of the events that are currently unfolding. To whoever is reading this: Keep this book safe. It carries important historical information from the point of view of a draconequus. To hide it from the public would mean a crime to history and truth. I am The King, the leader of every gambling operation that takes place in Trottingham. I have a wife named Flare, and two kids named Blizzard and Radiance. As you may have guessed already, we are draconequi. Some time ago, I noticed that the draconequi population was starting to diminish in major cities. It is currently unknown where is my people going, but the effects of their departure are starting to be felt. Some had important positions, and finding capable replacements is turning out to be an arduous task. Ponies often get the impression that the draconequi left after stealing considerable amounts of money, therefore causing the economical instability we're currently facing. My family can't explain their departure, but that doesn't make any difference. Recently, a family of ponies we had befriended sent us a message saying they didn't want to have any contact with us anymore. Other draconequi are having the same problem. The bond that existed between ponies and draconequi is growing weak and none of us can explain why. I infer this will not end well.
May 25, 777
Down the road, a grocery shop recently closed. It was owned by a pony and a draconequus. Apparently they began having arguments that interfered with the administration of the shop. I tried to talk with the draconequus, but he had given up. When I asked what his plans were, he said he was going to follow the others that are leaving. I don't know what's going on here, but the situation is starting to scare my family. I must find out where is my people going. If things get worse, we might be forced to go with them.
June 7, 777
Today, Blizzard arrived from school with a bruise in his chin. When Flare and I questioned him about it, he said a pony had done it. I must say I am no stranger to this situation myself. A long time ago, when I was eight years old, I lived in a town where ponies and draconequi didn't get along very well. I remember that at school there was a group of four ponies that spent their time bullying draconequi like me. Hostility in schools has always been a reality. Children often have a problem accepting classmates of the other race. In normal circumstances, my son's case wouldn't be a subject of alarm, but this aren't normal circumstances. Hostility between the races is starting to go beyond the limits of a school environment and manifesting in the workplace, in the streets, and even within closely bonded social groups. I myself am starting to have troubles with my business. Gambling centers managed by ponies are starting to go against my policies and ignore my messages. Some have even completely ceased communications with me.
June 10, 777
My brothers-in-law came over today and explained they were moving too. Their bosses were starting to get hostile towards them, so they quited, but now they don't find any jobs. Trottingham has nothing else to offer them and they are moving. When I asked where, at last I got my answer. Apparently all draconequi are moving to independent settlements where only our kind lives. Now that I know what all of this is about, I realize I can't blame anyone for going there. After all, life with the ponies is getting harder by the day, and a place where we'll be all by ourselves is very promising. I am yet to decide whether to go there or not. I still hope things will go back to normal, but that possibility is starting to fade. We will remain here for as long as my family can hold. I just hope it isn't too late by then.
June 25, 777
Today was the last day of school, and my kids are very relieved to finally be out of what they called a "hell hole". Those are really hard words for kids their age to use. Concerned, I asked if they would like to return to school after the break, and they were almost terrified by the possibility. They even went down on their knees and begged. I am completely baffled. If they are still like this when the vacations end, I will let them stay.
July 1, 777
Well, I am no longer The King. Now, the gamblers of Trottingham answer to another king, a pony, no less. Traditionally, if somepony wants to be king he or she has to defeat the current king in a card game where he freely bets his crown. But I wasn't defeated. The last king, a pony named Fortune Daze, lost his right to gamble when he lost his crown to me some years ago. However, he violated his punishment two days ago and started gambling again, but no one stopped him. The few gamblers that still respected me turned their backs on me and proclaimed Fortune Daze king, even though he was yet to defeat me. His first decree as new king was to banish me from gambling. Now I have no business, and judging by the stories of our draconequus friends, I won't be able to find a decent job anymore. I never thought it would come to this, but we must move.
July 3, 777
We leave today; our destination is a small town without a name far to the east. We are among the last families to leave Trottingham. Flare's and my parents are coming with us. I leave this journal here, in our empty house. Once again, I ask that whoever is reading this, be you pony or draconequus, keeps this book safe. Maybe you feel sorry for me. Maybe you hate me for reasons I will never know. But your emotions do not change the fact that this book you now hold in you hands, paws, fins, or hooves is a valuable contribution to Equestria's history. To deny its existence is a crime against truth, which, uninterested in our mortal affairs, scorns anything that is false either to deceive or by accident.
Once again, it seems I'm in need of a diary. I thought I would never write again after I married Flare, but things changed dramatically and too fast for my liking. First, a head's up. Everything was going alright in Trottingham. Blizzard and Radiance went to school, Flare could buy anything she wanted, we never passed hunger, and the gambling business was booming all the time. I honestly thought my life was solved. But my father once told me, "When life's easy, it means bad times are coming." I always disregarded his advice as just silly talk, but he was right. About two and a half months ago, ponies and draconequi became hostile to one another. In just a blink of an eye, partnerships broke and friendships dissolved. I still cannot believe the way I lost my place as The King. That pony, Fortune Daze came back from his exile, and everypony just betrayed me and proclaimed him king! Without my job, I had to look for another one, but friends told me that ponies were not longer hiring draconequi. When Trottingham closed its doors on us, my family had to move. We joined the last draconequi leaving the city in search of the other countless draconequi that moved to unoccupied lands and claimed them as their new homes. We traveled for a week until we found this small settlement. It is located near the Everfree Forest, a place that ponies fear. Rarely do they come around here, and it is in our best hope that they never do. We had to leave plenty of things in our old home, but so far we haven't lacked anything. The draconequi here have welcomed us with open arms. They gave us shelter, food, and their kindness, and for that I am very grateful. I must find a job around here as soon as I can. I really don't like this feeling that I am in debt.
July 21, 777
Life here will be nothing like the life my family was accustomed to, but beggars can't be choosers. I found a job as a magician. Draconequi don't posses the magic unicorns have, but my card tricks come close enough. When I'm not entertaining some kids at a birthday party, I'm performing at the theater. I already got some fame, but I know it won't last long. This is a small town; sooner or later everyone will be used to my tricks, and what after? I have always made a living out of my sleight hand; when this town drinks all the juice it has to offer, I don't know what I will do. Top of the food chain to dead-end job. Perfect. My kids are enjoying this new place, however. They haven't complained about being homesick a single time, and judging by all the new friends they have made, they seem to have adapted pretty well. Although it was against my wishes, Flare took a job as a cook. I must admit that is a stable job, not like mine, but I still feel guilty. I am no longer able to provide for my family! It makes me feel so powerless... Yet, I am blessed. I still have my family with me, and a place to call home. My father, who came with us in our journey, keeps telling me that "Night's darker before dawn." What an hypocrite; he was the same one who told me that life's easier when it's about to get worse! He was right before though, and I didn't hear him. I beg he'll be right again.
August 17, 777
Today was my birthday. I was just preparing my cards for a special presentation they asked me to give, and when I arrived at the place, I was surprised to discover the party was for me! Flare had told everyone about it, and they had organized a surprise party. Truth be told, I hadn't even noticed it was my birthday. If it wasn't for Flare, this day would have been as normal as all the others. But one of my gifts is incredibly alarming. The gift itself isn't important, but the wrapping, a newspaper one of the refugees brought along from his city, is. It contained an article about a strange filly that was born two years ago. Normally, unicorn and pegasus couples were, literally, flipping a coin when having kids. It was either a pegasus or a unicorn, 50-50 chance. But this kid was neither of them; he was both. But this filly wasn't the only one; on the same day, other colts and fillies like this were born in different cities. Something tells me this has something to do with the ponies' recent behavior, but I must find out more before I jump to conclusions.
August 28, 777
I got more information today. A group travels to a city not far from here once a week to buy some supplies. I managed to join the team in today's trip. Being there made me horribly nervous. Ponies kept their eyes fixed on us, as if they feared we would cause a riot or something. While the others were buying some spices, I went to a newspaper stand. The newspaper was horribly expensive; I find it obvious that that pony charged me double just for being a draconequus, but the information I found in it is invaluable. Those few cases that I discovered a week and a half ago weren't the only ones. Those mutants are being born everywhere! There are about a hundred confirmed hybrid colts and fillies. But that isn't the only thing. It seems this hybrids are also far more skilled in the use of magic than normal unicorns. Scientists say this so-called "alicorns" are the next step in pony evolution. Currently my research is hidden to avoid unnecessary attention or maybe even panic. I must know more before I actually talk to anyone about this.
September 4, 777
I finally got my hands on a book about the subject. It took all of our savings, but this is it. Flare told me that she's starting to get worried about me. She says I'm spending too much time reading old newspapers. What if I am? I am about to discover why did our lives crumble beneath our feet! What if I'm a bit obsessed? Just one final push. This book I have will answer all my questions. I have spent so much time in this, but I still hope I'm wrong. I still wish this "alicorns" have nothing to do. May the stars be by my side. Tomorrow, I will know, and I will return to my wife and my kids.
September 5, 777
And, here's my answer. I already took everything into consideration. I made the process a thousand times. But I always end up with the same result. My race is dying. This book I got is relatively new. So new in fact, that it already counts alicorns as the fourth pony tribe. It also holds a count for the draconequus population. I would like to congratulate the pony who wrote this. Although the rest of his kind hates us, he managed to maintain a critical perspective. In this book of his, social discrimination is nothing but an illusion; something that should never bias truth. I don't know how I didn't notice before, but, according to this book, draconequi are dying everywhere. Now that I come to think of it, news have reached us of draconequi towns being razed by wild creatures and horrible storms. The book even counts us as an endangered species. Then, I compared the alicorn and draconequus populations, and made an alarming discovery. The number of alicorns is inversely proportional to that of my people. Something else came back to me. I remember that long ago, when I was still in school, my science book said our world can only support a given number of sentient species. When a new civilization started, another reached its end. Is that what's happening? The alicorn race was born, so my race has to die out? I reached the same result over and over again. Now I have no doubt. At first I was devastated. Blizzard and Radiance have no future; they were born to a world that no longer wants them. Now, I'm just sad. I wish I had never seen that article in the wrapping. Knowing that the end is near is nothing but a curse.
There's no point in writing the date now. I do my best to keep my cheer. I see younglings celebrating birthdays and playing in the roads, unaware that nothing matters anymore. I must not sink into depression, for if I do, I would have to explain. But I can't do that; how would they react when I say the world is ending for us? I'm no fool; I know they would probably think I'm mad, but my family would believe me. Flare. I love her too much to let her know. I can only imagine how devastated she would be when I showed her what I found. I can still live knowing I'm practically dead, but to see her lose her cheer would break my spirit. I would do something if I could, but who can defeat nature? It decided we had to die to give way to the alicorns. Nature is wise, and I respect its decisions, but that doesn't alleviate the sadness I feel. This is my last entry. I have taken time to read my other diaries, and found some cheer in reading my first entries. Still so innocent, so naive. How could I have known everything would end like this? There is no point in writing. I must rest.
How much time has passed? Days? Weeks? Months? But, does it matter? What do I have left... Everything, everyone, reduced to ashes. A storm... Lightning. Flare was afraid. Always had been since the last time... Then just one spark, and a house was aflame. It quickly spread to other and other and other and other. The whole town was blazing. It was nighttime. Everyone was sleeping. A blast flung me out a window. Everyone trapped inside their blazing homes. Flare, Blizzard, Radiance. I lost everything.
I wander through the wilderness, oblivious to the pass of time. My thoughts are hollow, and so am I. How much has passed I don't know. I don't care. Ponies are cruel creatures. I can't seek their aid. No one will help me now. I'm banished from society, from nature, from everywhere. Where should I go? I don't care. Nothing matters. I'm alone. The few strands that kept me tied to sanity broke when I lost Flare. So this is how madness feels like? I don't feel fear. I don't care for anything. What is there left for me? Who am I? What am I? I'm nothing.
I can see a building in the mountain above me. I'm tired. Maybe there I will be able to rest.
I know this place. I've never been here before, but I have heard about it. This is the Star Temple. There are many stories about this place, about how ponies came here and offered their prayers to the stars. And sometimes, they answered. The stars are the last thing I have left. My family's dead, my entire kind is dead, ponies hate me because I'm supposed to die, and even nature itself has betrayed me. It led us like puppets to our doom. But maybe, maybe the stars will have pity on me.
Day after day passes by, and I receive no answer. I pour all of the spirit I have left into my prayers in the hope they will be heard, but nothing happens. Have the stars abandoned me too? But, what else is there for me? I still have hope. I must cling on tight to it, or I will suffer a fate worse than death.
Not even the stars look down to a creature as pathetic as me. Everyone, everything has abandoned me. I now wait here, in the cold floors of the Star Temple, awaiting for death to come and take the little that is left of me. I want to rest...
I should feel terrible... Ponies came into the temple today; they saw me. Ponies are no longer accustomed to my kind. They thought I was a monster and attacked me. I was weak. They tried to trample me apart. Not even death was going to pity me. It wanted to amuse itself with my suffering. I wanted the ponies to go away, to leave me to die in peace. And they did. They suddenly blasted through the window. I was baffled. I immediately knew it had been me and that those ponies were dead. It's a long way down. I should feel terrible... but I don't.
Have the stars heard my cries? I feel I now have magic. I don't know how it is, but I have magic. This is not what I wanted. I just want all my suffering to end. Now even the stars mock me. Wise? Pranksters...
I now know what I'm supposed to do! I went to a town today under a feeling I got. This power allows me to bend reality to my liking. It's the greatest power I have ever seen! I ran through the town, allowing my power to flow as it wanted, feeling intoxicated as houses and animals morphed into wonderful new shapes. They tried to push me back, but their spears turned into pretty weird flowers and their magic backfired with majestic fireworks to my glory! Their terror soon grew intoxicated too. Their minds warped and their screams turned to laughter! It was such a beautiful party! I can now take retribution! Not even nature is safe from me now! Now it is MY time to laugh! MY time to pull the strings! Equestria here I come!
Date: Whichever I want!
Well well well... what do we have here? Oh, but it's my dear old diary. Hello, old friend, how has life been with you? With me it has been kind. I would like to thank the stars for the power they gave me. Thanks to it, I'm now in control of all of Equestria. I was even able to cheat time! I am no longer mortal! I think I once heard somepony say I had turned into a spirit of disharmony, and I love the sound of that! No longer bound by mortal rules I do what I want when I want! Not even those precious alicorns were able to do anything to stop me. Not with the world on my side. Sometimes, ponies grow tired of nothing making sense, but I just tell the there is no fun in making sense! The fun is in being unpredictable, in bending the world in awesome ways and enjoying it the way you want! And, who am I? My old name no longer matters anymore! My name now is Discord, the crafty (and handsome) spirit of disharmony! No government, no sense, no nothing! Just beautiful chaos!
"If life's easy, it means bad times are coming." I hate you dad. Paternal advice strikes back. I thought I had imprisoned all of those nasty alicorns, but I was wrong. I missed two who now call themselves Luna and Celestia. They found something they call the "Elements of Harmony", and with it they have ruined all my fun. My beloved chaos is no more, and when everything was boring again, they turned to hunt ME! I tried to keep them back, but I couldn't, and they pushed me here, where it all started, Star Temple. At first I thought they were fools to bring me here because the stars would aid me again, but it seems whoever heard my prayers long ago has betrayed me too. Now the only thing I have to do is to wait. I'm doing my best to keep those two alicorns outside, but their elements are too strong. They drain my power away. I just get weaker and weaker. My barrier won't hold for long. I barely remember anything of my old life, so I read some things at the beginning of this diary. Flare, Blizzard, and Radiance. Those names sound strangely familiar, but I am unable to remember who they were, or what importance they had to me. Well, whoever they were they are gone now. I just feel sorry they couldn't join me in my madness. I'm sure they would have enjoyed it. I once again pay attention to time, feel the rhythm of it. Tick tock tick tock tick tock. It is perfect for a song, so I sing. I sing old pony songs and other things of my making while I wait for those stupid sisters to get to me. They won't be able to kill me; I cheated death long time ago. I will just be locked away, of that I am sure, and I will return someday. And when I do, they best be ready, cause Discord is going to throw a re-
Books wait here, in this silent cage, Their dusty pages worn out by age, Hidden from sight, kept from the light, Kept in shadows, regarded with spite.
Long lost knowledge and memories of old Are gathered here, in this forgotten place. Among other things there's the story not told Of the being estranged by grace.
Four simple tomes, tarnished by dust, Recall all the things that in time were lost.