On Alicorns

Chapters

Chapter One: The Origins of Alicorns and the Creation of the World
Prologue
Chapter Two: The Birth of the Mortal Races
A Vessel of Undying Things
An Accord Sealed By Blood
The First Dawn
A Tenuous Balance
A Trap Laid
A Storm Rising
The Battle at the Border
The First Great Peace
Foreword

Chapter One: The Origins of Alicorns and the Creation of the World

The history of a race as old as the world itself must, naturally, begin with the world itself. While different cultures bicker over semantics, it is largely agreed that the world was forged by the Great One, the Fausticorn. The origins of the Fausticorn are as unknowable as those of a rock’s: It has a story, but it is beyond any being’s capacity to learn. Some believe it is an eternal being, with neither beginning nor end. Some believe it was an alicorn of creation, of sorts. Still others believe that the Great One was, in fact, not even of the world as we know it.

The origins of the originator, however, are irrelevant and will be fought over so long as pegasi fly and diamond dogs dig. What is known, is its creation of the world. Beginning with simply the concept of existence, the Fausticorn forged the idea of ‘being’ first. Once existence became a tangible idea, beyond the Great One’s intangible power, it forged the twelve great forces of the universe into twelve physical forms. These forces of nature personified would be the Twelve: The original twelve alicorns, and the first living things in existence.

While it is common belief to think the twelve to be blood foals of the Fausticorn, they are not. They are of their own blood, not born to the Fausticorn literally, but rather metaphorically. The Fausticorn forged them from raw power; A unicorn is not the mother of a fire she started with a horn, and so the Fausticorn is not the literal parent of the Twelve. However, regardless of this, the Twelve are often referred to as the Bloodborne, Firstborn, or the Foals to the Great One. Each of the Twelve were named for their realm:

Umbris, Alicorn of Shadow
Pentimus, Alicorn of Darkness
Lumos, Alicorn of Light
Thermos, Alicorn of Warmth
Amor, First Alicorn of Love
Iras, Alicorn of Hate
Professios, Alicorn of Emotion
Academis, Alicorn of Knowledge
Aeros, Alicorn of Air
Aquos, Alicorn of Water
Infernis, Alicorn of Fire
Terra, Alicorn of Earth

The nature of their role in the creation of the world is left to conjecture, as are the events between their creation and the first few vestiges of the mortal races as they came into existence several centuries later. While this work will cover theories on this timespan in this chapter, one must recall and stress that they are just that: Theories.

After the creation of the world, it is believed in some circles that the Fausticorn granted dominion to the alicorns over their respective fields, dividing the world between the different alicorns by granting fiefs of sorts. Aquos was given the seas, Infernis the volcanoes, and so on. However, this 'fiefdom' theory is alack in that there is no physical realm which belongs to love or hate or knowledge or emotion; Four of the alicorns would be left landless. Because of this distinct err, several scholars flock to other schools of thought. Proponents of the theory, however, defend it by claiming that these four alicorns did not rule over tangible concepts, and so instead reigned over intangible fiefs. Despite this defense, the fiefdom theory stands as the weakest and most marginal of the prevalent schools of thought.

The belief held by the Changeling culture claims that the alicorns warred with one another to lay claim to their fiefs, but this theory is only respected within Changeling circles; Among others, it speaks too greatly of an alicorn race which was less than godly and one of low moral standing.

One respected theory in Equestrian circles claims that the alicorns did not have any sense of 'claim', but rather simply knew what they were made to rule over and ruled over it. According to these 'natural reign' theorists, the alicorns did not so much race for dominance, but rather kept to their own business. Among Equestrian scholars, this theory stands as the strongest, as it embodies the ancient Equestrian creed of love and toleration.

However, in one marginalized but still mentionable circle of thought, it is theorized that, perhaps, the alicorns were the first mortal race, but achieved such great understanding of the world that they came to attune themselves to it and its certain aspects, therefore becoming one with their elements, and therefore immortal (Lumos became one with light, and is as immortal as light itself, examplis gratis).

Numerous more marginal theories stand on the alicorn race's origins, which shall be reviewed, but it should be noted that all theories agree on one thing: That the Fausticorn forged the world, and then the alicorns to govern it. In all circles of thought, this is an accepted fact. It is the belief of the author of this volume that such consistency across cultures, Changeling, Equestrian, Griffon, and countless others, provides statistical backing to the theory, therefore establishing it as what can only, at this time, be assumed to be the only truth known about the origins of the alicorn race.

"...Or is it?" Thought the bronze pony, the golden glow of his eyes suddenly turning up from the tome before them to gaze deep, deep into the past, deeper than he had ever gazed before... back, and back, and back... to the beginning... to the very, very...

Start.

Prologue

A dozen cries breached the newly made air.

The Great One stood over her foals, fillies and colts, and beheld them. Aspects of the world which she had made were distilled into these, her Bloodborne. Shadow, darkness, light, heat, love, hatred, art, knowledge, earth, fire, water, air. Umbris the Shadowmare, given reign over what light was shielded from. Pentimus the Dark Stallion, lord of dark places and dark thoughts. Lumos the Mare of Light, spreader of light. Thermos the Heatborn, lord of heat and warmth. Amor the Lovebringer, mother of love and affection. Iras the Hatebringer, father of rivalry and war. Professios the Artgiver, matriarch of emotion. Academis the Scholar, patriarch of knowledge. Terra the Earthmare, queen of the soil and its underdarks. Infernis the Firestallion, king of flame and ash. Aquos the Watermare, lady of the rivers and oceans and lakes. and Aeros the Airstallion, lord over the clouds and skies.

Twelve souls. Twelve perfect souls. Twelve beings of power only outmatched by hers, and rivaled only by each other’s.

Twelve rulers.

Twelve masters.

The Great One named them Alicorns, for they were made of all, fused all, and would rule over all while she left the world she had made.

With her children standing, already full grown after the course of decades, as time mattered not to the immortal ones in an empty world, she looked across the empty world and spread her wings.

“My foals. My fillies and colts. My Firstborn. My Alicorns. This is the realm which I have given you to rule, and you are the lords I have given this realm. Go forth. Shape it. Forge it to your will, for you are the Firstborn and the Foals of the Great One. This world is yours. This world shall always be yours.”

And so they set forth, all across the world which their mother had given them. Terra rose great continents and mountains to claim for her own, while Aquos flooded that which could be flooded in her own name. Infernis stole from Terra, claiming some mountains for his own, forging great pits of flame into the great peaks, carving his sigil into the earth. Aeros robbed Aquos of the realm above her beloved seas and rivers and lakes, filling it with precious air and clouds.

Lumos set out across the world, her wings glowing golden as she shined her light down, spreading it wherever it could touch, while Pentimus trotted across the realm, fast as light herself, and claimed half the world as his, leaving the other half to her. Umbris, noting that Lumos had not reached all the places in her half of the realm, quickly snuck to them and laid her name down as claim to these regions. Thermos, admiring the speed and beauty of Lumos, asked to share their realm, ruling it as heat and light together. Lumos, who adored Thermos for his courage and creativity for asking, agreed, and so the first union was struck between Light and Heat.

Umbris, seeing this, and seeing how small her lands were compared to the other alicorns, went to Pentimus, asking to join their lands. Pentimus, forever sworn as soon as he and Lumos began racing to claim the realm to destroy her, agreed, and so the second union was formed between Darkness and Shadow.

Seeing these alliances form, Infernis, concerned of Terra’s retribution for his theft, turned to Aquos, as he knew she despised Terra and Aeros for denying her dominion over the lands they claimed. Aquos, knowing Infernis’ bravery in stealing from her foe, agreed, and so the third union was forged, between Water and Fire. And so the firey pits Infernis made became pits of liquid flame, and beneath Aquos’ beloved seas would open tears into the world’s firey beating heart.

Fearful of this new union, Terra looked to regal Aeros for aid. In exchange for Aeros’ aid, Terra would open pockets beneath the surface of his realm for Aeros to lay claim in, and he would allow her mountains to pierce the clouds themselves. As concerned as she was of the third union, Aeros consented, and so the caverns beneath the soil tore open and the mountains rose above even the clouds, as the fourth union, between Earth and Air, was sealed.

Iras did not seek to claim land. He sought only to destroy it, to lay waste to the creations of those who had beat the remaining alicorns to the realm of existence. But before he could unleash his unending wrath, before him came Amor. He was struck by her beauty, and staid his wrath to hear her speak. The words which came from her were not words (for words did not exist, merely ideas) but sounds of soothing and softness, and he was calmed. He bowed before her, and asked for her to join him in union, love and hatred, to strike perfect balance. Without hesitation, Amor agree, and the fifth union, the union of Love and Hate, came to be.

Finally, Professios and Academis found each other with no want for land or claims. They had no power over the world. There was emotion and knowledge, but none to feel or know. And so the two struck the sixth union, between Emotion and Knowledge, and began to set in motion events which would forever alter the face of the realm of existence.

Chapter Two: The Birth of the Mortal Races

'...So the mortals are still ignorant of the true nature of the world's forging,' thought the pony. He felt a surge of relief; how embarrassing it would've been for he, of all ponies, to be taught of the world's creation by a normal unicorn's book. All the same, it was a good omen, but not a promising one. The mortals believed the Fausticorn forged the world alone when she did not. She let the Twelve forge it for her. This meant that the mortal races would be fixated on the Fausticorn as a maker, and, hopefully, fixate on that to the point of ignoring the majority of the Twelve's history. Still, this was the earliest portion of the book and the beginning of time. This scholar, and the mortal races by extension, still had a chance to show that they have discovered something they should not have found. And the bronze pony knew that the chances of this would increase as they march towards the present day...

Skimming through the rest of the first chapter of the book and determining to be more of the same, the bronze pony immediately filled with dread and fear as he came across the title of the second chapter. Mustering his will, and pushed by the force of the Call bearing down on him, he continued reading.

It is unknown precisely when the mortal races of the world first began appearing (assuming, again, that the alicorns were never mortal), though most scholars believe that it took place over the course of the following centuries, and there is fierce debate over the nature of its occurrence.

It is generally agreed upon that the first of the mortal races were the dragons: The great, powerful serpents of flame and scale which have so notoriously acted as dangerous blights upon the land. The alicornic lifespan of dragons, spanning centuries for the vicious and millenia for the cautious, as well as their immense pride, speak of a long history, a history steeped in the roots of the world. While no dragon with knowledge of draconic history has been known to be willing to cooperate with scholarly interests, the histories of the other mortal races have always held records of dragons, indicating the ancient race to be among if not the first to walk this world. While Changeling culture preaches of the changeling race to be the oldest, the existence of Equine sites and records as well as those of Griffons indicate falsity in such a sentiment.

After the dragons likely came mortal races which are forgotten to time as a result of their ancient existence and lack of records or preservation; Many theories circulate as to these beings leaving behind fossils and legacies which would spark the concept of legends and lore among the modern races. One such race would be the dire timberwolves, an intelligent ancestor of the modern timberwolves which are thought of by certain Equestrian cultures to be the creators and masters of the timberwolves. The dire timberwolves are called by some ‘The Great Alphas’, while many simply call them ‘fictitious’.

Some small margin of scholars believe that the alicorns attempted to extinguish mortal life at first, though these scholars are largely disregarded, as their theory is deposed instantly by the words and actions of Princess Celestia and her younger sister, Princess Luna. It is stated by the Princess of the Day that the alicorns have, so long as she remembers, always cared for and loved mortal life. Were it not that way, she explained, then Equestria would never have been founded. In extension, had the opinion of the alicorns towards mortals been so truly hostile, then there would not be any mortals.

The author himself is a member of a school of thought which believes that the dragons were the first mortal race, followed shortly thereafter by variations upon their kin, such as sea serpents and the notorious draconaqui. Despite the actions of the last known draconaqui, Discord, the draconaqui race is believed to have been largely passive and even friendly towards the ancient alicorns, never making exceedingly large marks on history until the power of chaos corrupted them and the world plunged into the Discordic Era.

However, this is faroff in the history of the world, and the history of the alicorns is what concerns this chapter. The aforementioned theories on the rise of the mortal races are mentioned by the author with the goal of displaying a common sentiment: That the alicorns quickly became rivalled for power by new mortal races such as the dragons which had almost as perfect longevity as they did, with equitable intellect, and easily capable to physically oversize and crush them. Immortal demigods or not, the alicorns, as we believe, were to be rivalled by the mortal races which sprung after them for world domination.

‘Mortals? Rivalling alicorns?’ Questioned the pony. Certainly this was another falsity. Not only a falsity, but an almost laughably bad falsity. He turned his attention back away from the book, ignoring the rest of the chapter, which seemed to merely drone on about the different theories on the birth of the mortal race. Once again he stared into the past, going now to a time when the world was still new, but not newborn, when ideas had formed from shapeless sensations to the first vestiges of thoughts, and when the sixth union, between Professios the Artgiver and Academis the Scholar, began to complete the final phase of its goal:

To forge a vessel for emotion and knowledge both.

A Vessel of Undying Things

It was done.

Completed.

Finalized.

The labour of the Artgiver and the Scholar had, at last, reached its conclusion. For years they toiled to forge this body which would host their gifts, this first vassal of theirs. It was a glorious creation; It was great and massive and filled with gifts from each alicorn, though none of them knew of it yet. From Terra was taken the strength of the metals from her earth, forged into the first armor to protect their creation from the forces of the world. From Lumos was taken the radiance of light, that their vessel could see wherever the light shone. Thermo’s had unknowingly donated heat to the body, allowing it to travel even where the land was frozen without fear of being frozen itself. From Aquos was taken the ability to traverse water as easily as air, and from Aeros they forged it great devices straddled onto its back, that it may traverse land, sea, and even air as easily as the alicorns. Umbris, Pentimus, Amor, Iras, and Infernis all had naught to offer to this creation which Professios and Academis cared for, and thus had naught of them within it.

Pleased with their work, the alicorns of the sixth union joined together, linking their horns, and poured into this husk all which they reigned over. At once, the empty shell was flooded with emotion and knowledge; Happiness,sadness, reason, memory, and far more. Suddenly filled with such things, the husk was a husk no longer, and was filled with vigor and life as much as the alicorns. The great giant object which was an object no more stood and stared at its makers.

Academis, it lives! We have done it! We have forged a vessel of undying things!

Professios, your joy swells in my heart with my own.

...I... live? What... is... live?

Academis, it speaks!

I hear it, my love.

Love... Academis... I do not understand....

My love, can you aid it? Share your blessed knowledge, that it may know what it is and that we are its makers and sovereigns.

Academis obliged his love, and bestowed upon their creation the knowledge of the world and all which exists within it. He bestowed knowledge of where it came from, how it came to be, and all that there was to know. The vessel received willingly, with a thirst for knowledge. It did not stop asking questions nor getting answers until it finally had received all answers. Even then, it had one final question.

You are Academis, my maker. And you are Professios, my maker. I am your creation. What am I to be named?

Academis and Professios looked at each other.

Academis, what is it to be named?

I... know not, Professios...

You know not? Are you not my love, Alicorn of Knowledge, the Scholar?

I am, my love. But this knowledge does not exist. It must be made.

Then what shall we make it, Academis?

May I speak, masters?

You may, creation.

I wish to be named Dragon.

The alicorns of the sixth union looked at each other.

What is ‘Dragon’, my love?

It is nothing, Professios. ‘Dragon’ is not a name, nor does it have meaning.

I will give it meaning, master.

Then this is your realm, Professios. It is made without knowledge, and it is filled with only knowledge and emotion, so thus it must be emotion which births this name.

Emotion? Then I am joyed to see our creation name itself for my gift!

Very well, vessel. You shall be Dragon. Firstmade of Academis and Professios. A Vessel of Undying Things. Things of knowledge and emotion, which cannot die so long as we immortal alicorns live.

And if I die?

You cannot. For we have made you of undying things.

But am I undying?

You are made of undying things.

Am I naught but the sum of my parts?

You are naught but the sum of your parts. Your parts are undying. Therefore you are undying.

But I am the first of my kind. Fused with knowledge and emotion. Does this not make me more than the sum of my parts?

Knowledge and emotion are of your parts. They are undying. Therefore you are undying.

What of my physical form which you have given me? This armor of metal can be pierced, can it not?

It can, but it will not be.

But if it can, then that which gives me life can leave me.

It can. But it will not.

But if it can leave me, then I can be left void of life. This form can be made empty.

It can. But it will not.

How do you know this?

Because I am Academis, Alicorn of Knowledge. You are Dragon, the creation of me and Professios, Alicorn of Emotion. I know all.

But you have taught me all things, as well. I had even created new knowledge which you did not know of before. I created my name. I will create the meaning of my name. If you knew not my name, and know not what it will mean, how can you know that I will not die if I can be destroyed?

To this, the Alicorn of Knowledge had no answer. He merely chastised his creation for questioning its master and ordered it away. Dragon obeyed, but knew deep down that he had scored a victory against Academis. Desirous of more victories to show that he was more than the sum of his parts, Dragon sought out the other alicorns. The first he found was Infernis, Stallion of Fire, wandering the firey wastes of the lands he claimed for his own in the dawning of time. Upon sighting the great Dragon, Infernis addressed him.

What are you, thing? Some creation of my brothers and sisters?

I am Dragon, Vessel of Undying Things. Firstmade of Professios and Academis.

Professios and Academis have made a thing which can speak and talk and live as we do! I see great wings upon your back, a gift of Aeros, and strong flesh to guard your contents, no doubt a gift of damnable Terra. Has the sixth union allied with the fourth against the third?

No, Stallion of Fire. I am gifted from Aquos, as well. I may traverse her great seas as easily as she.

Truly? Then what gift have been given of me?

Nothing, Firestallion.

Nothing! Nothing, you say! Damnable Academis, damnable Professios! They believe the gifts of our other siblings to be superior to mine? I shall prove them wrong! I shall show them the power of Fire! If you swear your loyalty to me, I shall grant you power over flame, Dragon, and you shall be my tool!

Dragon, knowing Fire to be very powerful indeed, agreed, and swore his loyalty to Infernis, forgoing his makers. In exchange, Infernis planted a great burning heart into Dragon’s body, which allowed him to churn the hottest flames short of those which wrapped across Infernis’ great body in his chest, and granting him the power to unleash this Dragonsfire at his leisure. Thankful his his new lord’s gift, Dragon set out once more, smiling to himself.

Infernis believes me to be loyal to him as if I am merely the sum of my parts, one of my parts belonging to him. I am more than the sum of my parts. I am not Professios’ or Academis’ or Infernis’. I am Dragon, and I serve Dragon alone. I am my own master. Not a servant to these alicorns.

And so the seeds were planted for mortal kind’s first rebellion against the immortal alicorns, as Dragon sought out to procure ingredients from the other alicorns in secret. He would not be the only of his kind for long, and he already began his planning for his own creation.

He would make himself a mate.

An Accord Sealed By Blood

And so Dragon set forth, traversing the world, using the knowledge given to him by his maker Academis to gather the same parts which were used to forge him. Skin with the strength of steel, wings with the strength of the wind, eyes with the sight of light, core with the aura of heat, and legs with the power of the tide. In addition, he added the gift of his ‘lord’ Infernis, and planted a seed of Dragonsfire into this husk. Alas, he could not do as his makers could do in procuring these ingredients for his mate, and thus was forced to forge her narrower and more slender, with less armor. However, he found that he was pleased with her curvier form, and did not mind it.

Still, he was not satisfied. The alicorns had their six unions, alliances sealed by love. He was not gifted with love by Amor, and so he could not pass the same on to his creation. He could pour knowledge and emotion into her, but she and he could not forge any union with each other. They had naught to seal it with. And so Dragon flew forth, keeping his creation safely hidden beneath the Firestallion’s realm; He would never search in the ground where Terra ruled, nor would Terra search the flames of Infernis so long as there was other earth to rule.

Dragon flew across the world of existence, knowing from his maker where he could find Amor. At last, after several days, he came across the beautiful Alicorn of Love, and was striken immediately by her radiance and maidenliness. Truly this was an alicorn, truly this was love incarnate. He would be sure to ask for the gift of beauty to be bestowed onto his mate, as well, for he could not bear imagine joining in a union with anything less than such a glorious creature.

Unfortunately for Dragon, Amor was already joined in union with her counterpart. And even worse, her counterpart was always watching over his beloved. And at the very pit of worseness, Dragon did not notice this counterpart flying in to attack him as he stared at the Alicorn of Love.

Iras, the great Alicorn of Hatred, crashed directly into Dragon’s great form, many times larger than the alicorn’s, attempting to sink his horn into the hide of the strange beast who dared invade his beloved’s space. Crying out in pain, Dragon turned to face this opponent, Iras the Lord of Hate, and knew that if he could best this, the greatest warstallion of the alicorns, all of the alicorns would know that he is far more than the sum of his parts. Reaching around, Dragon sent his great claws, sharp as an alicorn’s horn is pointed, and brought them down on the immortal, who was reaved by the great weapons. Shouting in pain, Iras the Hateful did not lose blood, for alicorn blood heals all wounds the moment they open, and no alicorn knows death. Thus, he shot forth again, quick as Lumos the Lightbringer, and tried once more to gash apart the hide of the intruder.

But to no avail. Dragon, too, was blessed with speed, and dodged the Lord of Hate’s attack, and brought his mighty tail around to allow the alicorn to crash into it and be swatted back as a mere fly. Insulted by such impudence, Iras blasted at Dragon with a beam of pure hatred, searing orange energy which impacted Dragon’s scales and reaved him with pain unending and hatred unlimited. Enraged, both by the pain and the hatred which wracked his body, Dragon summoned forth from his heart of fire the Dragonsfire which Infernis the Firestallion had given him, and unleashed the great flame upon the alicorn.

Unprepared for such power and ferocity, Iras was crushed beneath the searing flames which pounded down upon him, burning his immortal flesh. So hot was this great Dragonsfire, and so powerful did it come, that it had, in fact, left scars of burnt flesh upon the Hate Lord’s body. These scars opened no wounds, and thus would not heal from his blood’s regenerative properties. Ever wrathful, Iras shouted out to his opponent.

I WILL SEE YOU DESTROYED FOR THIS, MAKING OF MY SIBLINGS! I KNOW NOT YOUR NAME NOR YOUR CREATOR, BUT I SHALL SEE YOU UNDONE! SO SWEARS IRAS THE LORD OF HATRED!

Enough.

Dragon, surprised by the soothing words which came from the Mare of Love, ceased his firey onslaught.

I am Dragon, Amor, Mare of Love, Vessel of Undying Things and Firstmade of Academis and Professios, servant of Infernis, though I was neither given to him nor taken. Nor do I serve him in my actions now.

Dragon. I know not this name. What does it mean?

It has no meaning, Mare of Love. I have yet to give it one.

Academis named you something which has no meaning?

I named myself. And now I seek your assistance, Lovegiver.

My assistance? For what, oh great Dragon, who so fiercely combats my lover with flame and claw?

I seek to give life to another of my... kind. Another Dragon, if you will. A female Dragon. I wish to be given the gift of love, that I may pass it on to her, that we may seal a union together.

Amor, ever so receptive to spreading love, became instantly so very intrigued.

A female Dragon, you say? Oh, such a joyous idea! I shall consent to such a blessing, Dragon, and you and your lover shall know love!

I am overjoyed, oh Lovegiver. But I ask also that you grant my love the gift of beauty as you have the other alicorns, that I may not let my thoughts wonder to those who do not belong to me.

Such a horrible thing that would be, to be caused to think of breaking a union! Yes, Dragon, even beauty shall be gifted to you, that you and your lover may not risk such traitorous thoughts!

The Hate Lord, however, now came back to his senses, and spoke out.

This shall not stand! Amor, my beloved, you shall do no such thing! This Dragon has naught to seal this pact with, and it is hardly just that he be given love without hate! I shall not see your blessed gift given without planting a seed of my own power as well!

My love, Iras, Lord of Hatred, I must consent this to you. Dragon, you shall be given love and beauty to share with your she-Dragon. But you must also bear hatred, as well. But you have naught to seal this pact with! You can give naught in exchange!

This would not stop Dragon.

I offer my blood. My lifeforce, that which courses beneath my hide. I shall offer this to you, in exchange for love, beauty, and hate.

Shocked at such a concept (allowing blood to flow from one’s body, that is), Amor and Iras both did nothing but stare widely as Dragon cut his own flesh with his own claw and his own blood poured down a foreleg and onto the ground before the two alicorns.

I have offered my end of the pact. Now fulfill your promises.

Silently, still in awe at the pure lifeforce which pooled before them, the two Alicorns imparted their gifts to Dragon. Victorious over both Love and Hate, Dragon flew forth, back to his mate, to impart these gifts unto her. He had even decided upon a name for her.

Dawnvir. For ‘vir’ shall mean spawn, and she is the spawn of the dawn times, and the dawn of Dragon’s kind.

Dragonkind.

The First Dawn

At last, Dragon reached the flaming lands of the Firestallion, land of his supposed lord and master. Dragon flew directly into the small opening in the flaming stone which lead to the cavern where he had hidden the husk that would become his beloved mate. Finding her, and, to his relief, finding her as he left her, Dragon approached his shell of a love.

And now, my love... I shall pour into you the gifts of emotion, knowledge, love, and hate, and you shall be more than the sum of your parts, as I am, and together, we shall come to reign supreme over the alicorns!

With that, Dragon poured his four gifts into the husk, which came to life as the blood began coursing with purpose and the mind was filled with things. The second mortal rose her gaze to meet Dragon’s.

You are... Dragon.

Yes, my beloved. And you are Dawnvir, for dawn shall mean beginning, and vir shall mean spawn, and you are the beginning spawn of my kind. Of our kind.

Dawnvir... and I am blessed as you were, with emotion and knowledge and love and hate?

And beauty, my beloved. And beautiful you are...

Indeed, with the gift of beauty, Dawnvir’s form, coursing with life, caught Dragon’s unerring attention. Her more slender form and more noticeable curves made the heat of Thermos rise in power within his body, and the gift of Amor, love, flared at the sight of her. In return, Dragon’s powerful form and strong frame had the same effect upon his beloved Dawnvir.

Without thought, the two drew closer to one another. Such a strange thing; Nothing of this sort had ever happened in the world’s short history. They were drawn to be close to one another, touching, even. There was no reason for it aside from the simple pleasure of being near the other, and when they were mere feet apart, Dragon wrapped his long neck across hers and pressed one end of his face to her own. Suddenly wreathed by bliss, Dragon and Dawnvir both shut their eyes, confused and perhaps, on some level, scared by this compulsion to remain close to each other.

Continuing to move simply as his body chose to without his mind’s permission, Dragon brought his powerful chest to press against hers and was met by her forelimbs reaching out around him. Alarmed a moment by what at first seemed like an attempt to grapple and combat him, Dawnvir calmed Dragon with her slow, deliberate movements. Her forelimbs held him close, and he, in turn, wrapped his own arms around her. Each other’s warmth coursing through them, they were experiencing the first moment of intimacy in the history of the world.

For a moment, the bronze pony gazing at this scene from far, far in the future was worried that he may have to watch it escalate further, but just as his fears reached their height, Dawnvir pulled away from the loving embrace.

I... know not what this is, my love...

Nor do I, Dawnvir... I am... confused... nothing my maker, Academis, has taught me explains it...

Dawnvir was silent, as was Dragon. Without words, Dawnvir nuzzled her head into the crook between Dragon’s snout and neck, and Dragon lowered his snout to cover her own head. He could feel Aeros’ gift, air, rushing out from her nostrils and onto his neck slowly and gently, and he sealed his eyes again, content to allow this simple bliss to consume him for another moment. It was Dawnvir who would pull away and stare at her beloved with her deep, dark green eyes. Dragon returned the stare, and broke the silence between them.

I have poured the gift of love into you, but also the gift of hatred. Such was the accord struck between me and Amor, that if I were to share the gift of love and beauty with you, you must also share the gift of hatred from her own mate, Iras. I cannot... I will not compel you to love me. You are more than the sum of your parts, and you have the capacity to hate. You may choose to hate me, or to simply not love me. I cannot bring myself to wish ill upon you, for already I cannot bring myself to even think of causing you suffering.

Dragon, great Dragon, the choice was mine when you poured knowledge and emotion into me. I hold no hatred for you. I hold hatred only for those who would see you suffer, and those who would see us separated. They who would do either of those things, they are those who hold my unyielding hatred. But you, my beloved Dragon... I can only say that I love you, for you are strong and mighty and cunning and greater than even Pentimus and Lumos and all the other great alicorns.

Driven and compelled by the powerful emotion and incessant need to feel one another, they closed the space between their snouts and locked their heads together in what would be never remembered as history’s first kiss. Both of them shut their eyes and simply molded themselves to each other’s forms, happy to turn their two hearts into one. Once more, the bronze pony was prepared to simply leave the coming moments to the imagination, but just as the golden glow of his gaze faltered slightly and the view distorted, Dragon pulled away, and the attention of the curious pony was renewed.

Dawnvir, I am your creator, and I am your love, and you are my beloved. If you would allow me to defend, protect, and serve you until the end of our lives, I would join with you in union.

Dragon... You are my beloved... I will stand by your side until the end of time, to help you, comfort you, assist you, and to be forever known as your mate and love and ally. I will join with you in union.

And so the seventh union was forged, between great Dragon and miraculous Dawnvir.

A Tenuous Balance

But now the gaze of the bronze pony looked elsewhere, for he sensed that events of great importance were to arise now, far from where the seventh union was being forged, out of the Firestallion’s realm, in the home of the first union, of Thermos and Lumos. Turning his gaze, as the events he had so recently watched continued, he now focused on this new chain of events which unraveled here at the border of the Light and the Dark. For the world was so young, there was neither day nor night, for there was neither sun nor moon to harken day and night. There was only one half of the world, the Light, and the other half, the Dark, which were in perpetual states of luminance or lack thereof.

Here, where the two met, stood golden-winged Lumos, Alicorn of Light, and intimidating Pentimus, Alicorn of Darkness. Though it would please them both very much to destroy the other, crossing the border uninvited would bring them out of their element and in a weakened state. Neither could destroy the other unless the other was weakened, and they could only be weakened if they crossed the border. But the only way to destroy the other was to cross the border, and so, to their eternal fury, neither made any attempt. The world was in perfect balance between light and dark, and no alicorn would upset it.

Despite this, the balance was stressed and barely kept. Both rivals were on a constant search for allies to their cause that would aid them in destroying the other. Allied to Pentimus and Umbris were Terra and Aeros, as Infernis and Aquos owed their preference to Lumos and Thermos. Iras, Amor, Professios, and Academis all maintained neutrality; They had no care for whether the world basked in light or bathed in darkness. And so, four alicorns stood on each side, making neither more powerful than the other. But a single upset in the balance would unravel everything, and the fate of the world would be decided by who such an upset favored.

Lumos stood glaring at Pentimus, who returned the gaze with his own contemptuous stare.

Pentimus.

Lumos. Is there a reason you sent your seabound pet to summon me?

Aquos is our sister and a fellow Alicorn. She is no pet to either of us.

And yet she obeys your every command like a slave.

She obliges my requests like an ally and a friend.

I did not come to argue over semantics. What do you want?

Bold Lumos, ever ready to strike out against Pentimus, bit her tongue for a moment before speaking.

A truce.

Silence fell over the two.

A truce.

Yes, a truce.

You ask for mutual peace.

Yes.

From me.

Yes.

Why.

You have heard word of Professios and Academis’ creation as well as I have.

Yes. What does this Dragon have anything to do with me? Or you, for that matter.

It holds gifts from all the alicorns but you and Umbris. It could be more powerful than any alicorn.

We are the Bloodborne. Nothing is more powerful than us.

None have ever fused our powers together into a single body. This Dragon has the potential to destroy us all.

Or to end this feud between us.

Lumos said nothing. She had feared that such would be the first thought to the Darkstallion’s mind upon hearing her describe Dragon’s might.

And yet, rather than seeking the aid of such a powerful entity to destroy me, you seek me out first and tell me of how powerful it is.

In the hopes that you would have the sense to see that it is a threat to all of the alicorns and not just us.

Perhaps. But perhaps I also have the sense to see a powerful ally and tool when it comes into being. Perhaps I have the sense to recruit such an ally. Perhaps I have the sense to do it before you do.

It has already permanently wounded Iras with the fire given to it by Infernis.

Now it was Pentimus who held his silence. The thought that Iras, hateful, powerful Iras, no doubt the greatest warrior of all the alicorns, had been injured by a mere creation was... disturbing.

We must act, Pentimus. Already, Amor tells me that this Dragon is fashioning a second of its kind. Dragon alone could rival us, imagine what two Dragons could do.

Very well. But he is to be brought here, at the border of Light and Dark, where neither of us have the advantage.

Are you truly so paranoid?

Do you truly think me to be dense?

Very well, Pentimus. I shall have Dragon lured here. Then, the alicorns will destroy him together.

And you are sure that our siblings will be here to help?

Yes.

Very well. So be it, Lumos. Bring Dragon here, and he shall learn to fear the dark.

Lumos nodded, and flew off, smiling to herself. Such a fool, Pentimus was, to trust her. She would bring Dragon to the border, yes, but there would be no assistance from their siblings when Pentimus attacked the great beast. Lumos would bask in her radiant light as Dragon destroyed Pentimus for her, and once that was done, she would let Dragon fly off, thinking himself safe. But then would come the full force of the Bloodbourne to come to bear on him, and even great Dragon would fall to Lumos’ cunning. At last, all the world would bathe in her glorious light and be purged of Pentimus’ damnable darkness. At last, she could claim a title none would ascribe to any but the Fausticorn. With Thermos at her side, and with her brothers and sisters sworn to fealty beneath her, she would wield more power than any other being in the world. None would oppose her; None could oppose her. She alone would reign over all creation, a glorious beacon of light and beauty shining down upon the realm as queen.

At last, she would reign as Queen Of All Creation.

A Trap Laid

And so radiant Lumos sailed over the air away from the border between the Light and the Dark, her conspiracy nearly complete. Across the land she flew, into the Firestallion’s domain, where she was met by Infernis himself.

Beloved sister and Mare of Light, how fare you? What brings you to my lands, Lumos?

I have come to seek the spawn of Academis and Professios, this Dragon that has sworn its allegiance to you. You are aware that it has attacked and injured one of ours?

I am. I assured Amor and Iras that I had no command issued over the being to attack. They say he sought gifts to forge a kind of mare Dragon for himself. I have not seen any evidence of such a creation, and I believe Academis himself proclaimed it impossible for Dragon to forge his own creation. Only the Bloodbourne may create.

Even so, I wish to see it. Where is Dragon?

The Firestallion indicated with his great firey hoof a direction further into his lands.

You shall find him some ways away in that direction. Give my most firey regards to your beloved stallion Thermos, Lord of Heat.

With a nod of curtness and recognition, Lumos flew off and away, searching for Dragon. She searched and she searched, and could find no indication of the great beast. As she searched, however, she considered the possibility of a second Dragon. Would it be possible for even the Twelve to defeat such a force? Yes, of course it would be. Dragon had bested over Iras, but only because Amor had stopped their combat. Iras is immortal, as are the Twelve. Dragon was made of simple materials that could be eroded away, and he is naught but the sum of his parts. Yes, once Pentimus was defeated, and he surely would be, especially with two Dragons, her tools would stand without a chance against the full might of the Alicorns.

Lumos continued sailing across the land engulfed in flame and fire, searching for this creation of her siblings. Where could it be, she wondered. A being of such power and, if what she had heard were true, size, couldn’t possibly take this long to locate. In frustration, she landed and stood on the flaming ground, looking around the area, trying to guess where Dragon could be.

Suddenly, a shadow loomed over her. Fearful that this could be the ever-elusive Umbris preparing an attack, Lumos turned to face her enemy, only to find a gargantuan winged creature of crimson scales and glowing yellow eyes with black slits in the middle staring at her. Shocked at the size of the being before her, Lumos instinctively stepped back in surprise. This elicited a grin from the scaled beast.

I understand you are searching for me, Mare of Light. I am Dragon. Vessel of Undying Things.

So this is the Dragon she had been searching for?

Dragon... it is good to finally meet with you.

And the same to you, Mare of Light. To what purpose do you come in search of me? Am I to answer for my crime against Iras, which I understand he so loves to shout of for days on end?

No, Dragon, you committed no crime which needs punishing. Instead, I have come to ask for you assistance in the punishment of a true criminal.

Oh?

Pentimus, the Stallion of Darkness. He has committed crimes against me and the rest of the Twelve, and must be destroyed. It is only with your assistance that this menace can be destroyed, for the good of the realm.

I have heard of Pentimus, brother to my makers. I understand he is a blight upon the realm, preventing your glorious light from filling every corner of the world and replacing it with his damnable darkness.

Yes! Yes, this is the truth! Great Dragon, you are surely the creation of Academis.

How shall I assist you in bringing this enemy to justice?

Come to the border between the Light and the Dark. You shall find me there. When you arrive, cross into the Dark, where I cannot follow. Pentimus will surely know that something has entered his realm and attack you. Strike him down, and bathe in glorious light and blessings for all eternity!

It shall be my greatest honor to do so, oh glorious Mare of Light. With Pentimus gone and Light reigning supreme over the world, all will live in peace and harmony at last under your beautiful radiance.

Lumos did nothing but smile and take off, believing herself above needing to thank him for the compliment. She was to be Queen of All Creation. She does not need to recognize the thoughts of lesser beings. Still, she almost felt bad for Dragon. He would make such a good servant. He obviously was devoted to the Light, and almost zealously so. Still, he was a threat. All it would take is a single betrayal, and he could threaten to weaken her reign, and, given time, end it. This, she could not allow to happen. He would die once the rest of the alicorns swore themselves to her. She knew he stood no chance against the full force of the remaining Ten alicorns.

What she did not know was that another Dragon came out of a cave near Dragon.

Dawnvir walked over to her love and sat next to him, watching the brilliant white alicorn fly off.

It seems Aquos was not lying to us when she told us of Lumos’ plans. But... do you truly believe we can succeed in this plan of your own, my love?

Pentimus and Lumos are the two most powerful alicorns. It will be difficult. But I, alone, have already bested Iras.

Thanks to intervention from Amor...

He was being crushed and burned beneath my Dragonsfire. He would’ve been destroyed, given a few moments more.

I am fearful, Dragon. Nothing such as what we hope to do has ever happened in the history of the realm of existence.

No. But neither has anything such as I. Nor anything such as you.

Dawnvir thought for a moment and turned to look at her love.

I have faith in you, my beloved. And I have faith in us. If you believe we can succeed, then I do, as well. I will follow you to the border, and I will fight with you. If we are destroyed-

We will not be.

-If we are destroyed... we will be destroyed together. And I will never leave you.

Dragon made no words for this. Instead, he leaned in and kissed his beloved Dawnvir tenderly before pulling away and looking out to the horizon, where, far away, the border between Light and Dark lay. He drew his wings and flew forth, Dawnvir taking off behind him, and the two flew together towards the boundary line between the realm of Lumos and the lands of Pentimus. Together, they flew for where they were to make history, in success or in failure.

Together, they were expected to destroy Pentimus.

Together, they were going to kill two immortal alicorns in one swift move.

Together, they were going to show that they were more than the sum of their parts.

Together, they would emerge victorious.

Or together they would die.

A Storm Rising

The two great dragons sailed forth over seas and hills and plains and flames, out over across the realm of existence, preparing themselves for the trial ahead. Dragon’s wings beat down hard as he flew at breakneck speeds, Dawnvir only marginally managing to keep up. He was ready for battle; Or rather, for victory. He had been waiting long for such an opportunity; When Infernis had mentioned Aquos returning from a mission given by Lumos, he inquired politely about it. It was through these inquiries that he learned of Lumos’ message to Pentimus, and, through subtle persuasion, he had also learned of Lumos’ plans to reign supreme. Aquos saw no harm in telling him; She, like the other alicorns, believed him to be loyal and content.

But Dragon is not a loyal and content being.

He knew that Lumos would strike out against Pentimus, and he knew that he was the key to victory in this unfought war between Light and Dark. But he would not bargain or cajole; He would not threaten or be threatened. No, he knew what his goal was to be, and he knew that this battle at the border of Light and Dark would provide him with the chance to succeed in it. Dawnvir was concerned, of course. She feared the might of darkness and light, and rightfully so. Pentimus and Lumos were the first of the Firstborne. They ruled over the tangible world in its entirety; None of the alicorns alone could compete with them, let alone simple creations.

But Dragon is not a simple creation.

Meanwhile, at the border of Light and Dark, Lumos sat patiently, staring into the black abyss that was the Darkness before her. She smiled a cold, cruel smile. Soon, this hideous abyss would be purged. Dragon would see to that. And then she would see to Dragon’s destruction, as well. She thought about the chances of success. Pentimus was surely going to be surprised when no aide came to him as Dragon seared him into dust. Dragon would be, if not surprised, then at least overwhelmed by the powers brought down on him. Any other alicorn would be appalled at such treachery and deception.

But Lumos is not any other alicorn.

Lumos turned around, hearing beating wings, and saw not one, but two great forms headed in her direction. She remarked at this; So it was true, the stories. Dragon had forged a mate. She mentally calculated what this meant; Undoubtedly, Pentimus was surely doomed, but it would be more difficult to destroy both Dragons now. And it would be needed to destroy both; Killing only Dragon would make his mate enraged, insuring future rebellion. This would not do. Both Dragon and his mate would need to die, regardless of any kind of loyalty they possessed. Weaker mares, like Amor, would say that such brutality is unneeded, that the mere threat of destruction is enough.

But Lumos is not a weaker mare.

Far across the border, deep in the lands of Darkness, Pentimus the Dark Stallion lie in wait of the call to battle. Lumos was dense enough to trust him, and thought him dense enough to trust her. He knew that no help was coming, and he knew even further than it would be Dragon receiving aide from Lumos, not him. He was prepared, of course. Lumos would not set foot where she would be weak, not even with Dragon at her side, the craven. He would be able to best Dragon in his own land, and that would be the end of it. Lumos would lose her trump card, and the alicorns could finally all relax about the damned business. Most alicorns would be worried or fearful if they found that the creation that bested Iras was coming to destroy them.

Pentimus is not most alicorns.

His plan beyond that was simple. With Dragon dead, Lumos would be forced to resign from this tiring, intangible conflict between them. Oh, she would continue scheming and plotting, and she would certainly try again. Perhaps with an army of Dragons. Perhaps with a lance of creations superior to Dragon. And Pentimus would simply wait and triumph over every trial she attempts to destroy him with. All the while, the great Darkness merely gains strength while the Light exhausts itself. Some alicorns believed Pentimus to be apathetic to the world beyond the Dark.

Pentimus is not apathetic.

He was not like Lumos, with her dreams of sovereignty and supremacy. He did not want to reign over his brothers and sisters; He simply wanted to end this damnable conflict and keep his unfathomable Darkness abundant in the world. He regretted that Dragon had to die to insure that, but he was sure that Lumos had filled the thing with lies and zealotry against him. The creation would not allow any outcome but death for this battle. Pentimus felt that Dragon’s death would be such a tragedy, that it could all be avoided. Greater beings need not resort to tools and manipulations, but rather have the ability to take what they want themselves by might and courage.

But Lumos is not a greater being. And Dragon was her tool.

Back on the border, as Dragon and his mate neared, Lumos could not help but hold a cold grin of a mastermind about to see their nefarious scheme succeed. In only a few moments, Pentimus would be assailed by forces far beyond him. Her mind wandered off to a twinge of guilt, though. Pentimus was her fellow alicorn; Though they shared no blood, they were twins. Light and Dark. If she had any sense of mercy or compassion, she would refrain from seeing her brother by might and innocent Dragon destroyed.

But Pentimus is not her brother. And Dragon is her last threat.

As they neared the border, Dawnvir spoke to Dragon.

My love, are you sure that you wish to see this done? Lumos and Pentimus could have enough power to lord over us tenfold!

Dragon looked at her, his eyes aflame with readiness.

Perhaps.

But Lumos is not our master. And Pentimus is not our lord.

And we are not merely the sum of our parts!

Dragon unleashed a mighty roar as he prepared to plunge into the abyss, Dawnvir following behind, unwavering. Lumos’ grin erupted into a full, toothed grimace. Some distance into the Dark, Pentimus stirred, feeling an intruder coming to assail his lands.

The Battle of the Border was beginning.

Author's Note

Sorry for the extended delay, school's started up and my schedule is TIGHT. If you liked this at all (or disliked it, even), wait until NEXT chapter. It's going to be legendary. Thanks for reading this far, guys; I hope you're here to stay, because we've still got a few thousand years of history after this!

The Battle at the Border

Once Dragon burst into the great Darkness, Pentimus sensed the intrusion at once and moved, fast as an instant, to the source of the disturbance. He looked upon the great form of Dragon, his golden eyes glowing in the perfect Dark, and knew, not fear, but challenge. The two combatants circled each other, Dragon’s immense form dwarfing Pentimus’.

I come to destroy, yes. But not by the request of the Lightbringer.

Oh, yes, of course, it’s all in the name of the good, yes? To destroy me, the great evil?

No. It is in the name of Dragonkind that I destroy you both.

Confused by this, Pentimus was distracted, and off guard when Dragon struck first, blasting a sustained wave of dragonsfire at the Alicorn of Darkness. The flames impacted the Dark Stallion with immense force, pushing him back before he regained his focus and rose a shield to defend him from the heat. It became quite apparent to Pentimus that, perhaps, he had misinterpreted the situation.

Meanwhile, back beyond the Border, Lumos watched with her brilliant glowing eyes at the abyss, smiling as she watched Dragon’s fire lash forth. However, it also dawned on her that there were two Dragons flying for the Darkness. Yet she saw only one… where was-

Suddenly, the Lightbringer was caught in between two curved rows of extremely sharp stones which were coated in a sticky wet substance, and felt herself being taken off the ground and through the air despite not taking off to fly. With a degree of shock and horror, she realized that the stones were teeth, and the moisture was saliva. She was caught in the maw of the other Dragon, which had caught her in its mouth and was carrying her into the Darkness.

No, no, NO!! You STUPID thing, I am LUMOS, THE LIGHTBRINGER!! It is PENTIMUS you are supposed to destroy!!!

I am not a stupid thing, Lightbringer. I am Dawnvir, of Dragonskind, mate to Dragon, and I will see you and Pentimus destroyed!

Lumos, incapable of understanding this counter-trap, continued screaming in wrath and, as they approached the Darkness, fear. She knew that, if she were to enter the realm of Darkness, she would be vulnerable. She continued struggling, but it was no use: Dawnvir crashed through the Border, and Lumos was drowned in darkness.

At this point, Pentimus had gained an even footing with Dragon. He was soaring about, releasing streams and bolts of darkness at his foe, while Dragon whipped his body about, attempting to swat at the alicorn. Finally, Dragon managed to succeed, and his tail whipped Pentimus soundly on his side, sending the Darkstallion crashing into the earth. When he stood back up, he looked about, and saw his rival, Lumos, being shoved into the ground, before the other Dragon began pummeling her with its great paw. Deciding it was best to keep this second Dragon distracted, Pentimus kept his attention on Dragon, but when he turned back to face him, he was met with another sound pounding by the beast’s tail. Knocked far back and to the ground again, Pentimus, hearing some great beating noise other than Lumos’ torment, stood again, but saw no Dragon. Until the Vessel of Undying Things came back to the ground, having launched into the air, piledriving the Alicorn of Darkness.

Running thin of patience, Pentimus responded by blasting at Dragon with a powerful surge of dark energies which launched the beast off of him and aside. At the same time, Lumos had regained a sense of things, and used what power she could muster to blast at her assailant. It was not much, but it was enough to buy the Lightbringer time, time enough to crawl off from her little custom-shaped crater. While Pentimus started a counter-attack, she knew she had to flee for the Light at once if she desired to gain retribution for this betrayal. But when she took off and found some distance gained, Dawnvir snatched her up in her paws and hurdled her to the ground once more before releasing a burst of flames to scorch her.

As this occurred, Dragon finally began losing the advantage. Pentimus was flying safely away from his reach, and was pelting him with powerful dark energy. The scars that those bolts incurred onto Dragon’s strong scales would remain forever, to be sure, but he was focused on the pain rending his body from those fresh scars, and on the opponent inflicting the damage. He could not outmaneuver Pentimus; He was too large, Pentimus had agility over him. Instead, Dragon focused on his only ranged method of attack: Dragonsfire. He released volley after volley of flames, each one missing its target, all while the bolts of darkness hit home. Dragon was weakening and losing the battle, and he knew it. Finally, however, one of his bolts of flames nicked Pentimus’ wings, just enough to send him hurdling for Dragon. Reacting on reflex, Dragon opened his maw and captured the Alicorn of Darkness in his teeth’s embrace before slamming him into the ground and releasing the full force of his Dragonsfire on the Darkstallion. Pentimus welled up with burns and scars as his screams pierced the Darkness, and it seemed that Dragon was on the cusp of victory over the Stallion of Darkness.

That is, until he heard Dawnvir cry out.

Dragon, my love! Help me!

Holding his flame, but also his prey still, Dragon turned to see Dawnvir being beaten back by Lumos, who, once Dawnvir was sufficiently backed up, took wing and dashed for the Light. Dragon knew that if Lumos reached the Light, she could summon her allies to her, and then it would be over: He and Dawnvir could stand against her and Pentimus, but nothing more. If she gained reinforcement… Dragon threw Pentimus aside, and took wing to pursuit Lumos. Pentimus did not stir; the flames had left him burned deeply, far worse than Iras, and he was in great pain.

Dragon soared forth, crackling the air around him with the raw power of speed, his quarry dead set in his sights.

Dawnvir! Rise! The hunt is not yet over, my love! We must stop her!

At her lover’s call, Dawnvir rose up and took wing at Dragon’s side, though she could not match his speed.

Surrender now, Dragons! None betray the Queen of All Creation! You both shall pay for this… this treason!

Time was running short for the Dragons; the Border was seconds away, and Dragon was seconds away from Lumos. He tried using his Dragonsfire, but the chase was moving faster than the flame; It merely welled up his face, blinding him for the instant he tried. He flew as fast as possible, but the Lightbringer flew faster. The Border drew closer and closer, defeat came nearer and nearer, and the Dragons began, for the first time, to dance with the prospect of destruction.

Lumos burst out from the Darkness and into the Light, her face contorted into a maniacal grin of unparalleled madness, revelling in her victory, overjoyed that even if Pentimus lives, he is broken, shattered, of no concern. She would be crowned, at last, she would be made Queen of All-

All of Dragon’s guts, it would seem.

For in her early celebrations, she had failed to recall that she was being pursued, and Dragon, acting in desperation, haste, and quick thinking, opened his maw and clenched her in his teeth. Wanting to make her suffer, he mashed his teeth into her flesh, which healed instantly, but not without inflicting pain all the same. He swallowed, and the Lightbringer went tumbling down his throat into his gullet, trapped in a deep darkness where no light ever shines. Surrounded by darkness once more, Lumos was out of her element, and without her full power, none of her beams of energy even singed Dragon. He was unable of telling that she was even blasting at his interior.

He landed on the earth again, safe in knowing that Lumos was imprisoned as long as he desired her to be, and neither he nor Dawnvir were harmed. With a glance, however, he noted the scars they both had suffered. Well, neither of them were seriously harmed, anyway.

Looking back at the Border, he saw the burnt and pained form of Pentimus approaching, though he did not walk into the Light. Nor did he have malice in his eyes; no, his eyes carried exhaustion and pain. Dragon looked at his beloved Dawnvir.

We have made victories enough. The time for peace has come.

The First Great Peace

Dragon and Dawnvir approached the Border between Light and Dark, where the pained and wounded Pentimus stood staring at them. Lumos continued beating away at the inner lining of Dragon’s impermeable gullet, to no avail. The Battle had left Dragon lined with scarring, and Dawnvir’s slender form was marred with wounds that may or may not heal over. Pentimus, however, had suffered the brunt of the damage. While not disfigured or deformed, he was scarred heavily from the heat and force of the Dragonsfire inflicted on him. His entire body was covered in burns, and he likely would never re-assume the powerful dark figure he commanded before.

He stood eyeing them with agony and pain and exhaustion, and his stare spoke of no more than “no more”. While Dragon desired to destroy Pentimus to complete their goal in this entire ordeal, he knew it would not be wise to test the Alicorn of Darkness, even with such injuries, especially while he still stood in the Dark. While Lumos’ powers were negated in the eternal darkness of his gut, Pentimus would not have the same weakness. No, attempting to devour Pentimus as well would promise his destruction more than anything else.

It seems we have underestimated you, Dragons.

The same could be said on our part, Alicorn.

Is that so? Then you will not continue this assault?

No, we will not. So long as you agree to the same.

Why would I even try? You stand in the Light, and I know when I am bested. But I would not be worried about me, Dragon.

Oh?

No, I would be concerned about my brothers and sisters. No doubt they will wonder where Lumos has gone, and once they discover that she now resides in your gullet, well… no doubt they will sooner open your gut than your mouth.

Are you suggesting that I release her?

Release her? No, no, no, I suggest ransoming her.

Ransoming? What could buy her freedom?

Were I you, I would buy peace and power. Have the rest of the Alicorns recognize you and your female as sovereign powers. Entities in and of yourselves. You have earned my respect enough for me to name you more than simple creations, but you will have to convince my siblings of the same.

Dragon glanced over at Dawnvir, who mirrored his considerate visage. While the initial purpose of their assault was to destroy the most powerful of the alicorns, it was apparent that such an endeavor was beyond them. Still, they had made a great victory, imprisoning Lumos and breaking Pentimus. If they could purchase peace, they would also buy freedom and power. And that would be victory enough.

For now.

Very well, Darkstallion. Summon your siblings. We will negotiate here, on the Border.

As you request, Dragon.

With that, the Lord of Darkness called out to his brothers and sisters, all across the world, calling them together. They all responded, each and every one, curious to see what could have the Darkstallion calling them together. As they came, however, Pentimus shrouded himself in darkness, hiding the deep burns the battle had left him with, not yet ready to reveal his injuries. As each arrived, they all shared quizzical glances at the two Dragons which were also present. Academis and Professios, especially, were confused and upset. Academis made a particular point about it.

Pentimus, Darkstallion, why does our most errant creation stand among us? Do you mean to bring insult to me and my mate, Professios? Or perhaps you have gathered us to announce that it has, once more, changed its allegiance?

Dragon lurched forward to strike at the impertinent alicorn it once called ‘maker’, but Pentimus raised a pained hoof to signal him that this was not the time.

All will be made clear shortly, brother. In fact, here comes the last of our number, Thermos.

Last? But I do not see Lumos among us…

As I said, Academis, all we be made clear shortly.

Thermos, Lord of Heat, touched down his radiant form before the Border, resplendent in form and physique. He was dark brown in coat, with a yellow mane that glowed dully. He glanced about, searching for his beloved, and found her missing. He approached the Border to confront the Darkstallion about her.

Filthy brother, where is my beloved? Where is Lumos?

Always a pleasure to see you, as well, Thermos. As I have explained to our brother, Academis, all will be explained. Though I am not the one to do the explaining.

At this, the alicorns glanced about at each other confusedly. Iras was the one who spoke the common question.

Then, who is?

At this, Pentimus nodded to Dragon, who took that as his signal to stand up, lifting his great scarred form up to full erect sitting posture, calling the attention of the alicorns to him.

I am.

Amor responded first

Is that so, creation? Do tell us, what is on your mind, hm?

I wish to negotiate peace between Dragonskind and the alicorns.

Iras was next to speak.

Peace? PEACE?? WHAT MAKES YOU BELIEVE THAT THERE SHALL BE PEACE???

Iras, my love, be silent. Dragon, there is no peace that needs to be brokered between our races; you are a servant of Infernis, albeit an errant one.

But that is false, Lovebringer.

This statement brought a wave of shock and confusion to the immortal faces. Infernis demanded answers.

What do you mean by that, creation?

I mean that neither I nor my love, Dawnvir, serve any of you. We are free and sovereign, and we are greater than mere creations of rock or water. The war between our races has already begun over this, and I seek to end it.

Thermos spoke up now.

You say a war has already begun raging, but I have seen no battles.

At this point, Pentimus spoke up as well.

That is because you did not participate in the deciding skirmish here at the Border.

And you did, brother?

Yes. I did.

At this point, Pentimus stepped forth into the Light, revealing his burnt and scarred flesh for all to see. The shockwave of surprise, fear, confusion, and shock was all but palpable.

These scars were inflicted upon me by the great Dragon in this battle which raged on only so shortly ago. But I am not the only casualty; Lumos the Lightbringer, too, was a part of this battle.

At the mention of his beloved’s name, Thermos became restless.

And?? Where is the Lightbringer now?

In my gullet.

The response on the Heat Lord’s face was… comical.

Your gullet? My beloved Lightbringer is imprisoned inside of your gullet?

Yes, Thermos. And I am willing to release her peacefully, but that is my offering for this peace agreement. In exchange, the alicorns must swear not to strike at Dragonskind, and to recognize Dragonskind as equals. Swear these things, and Lumos will be freed, and our races may live in peace.

And why should we not destroy you now and rip Lumos free from your accursed entrails?

It was Dawnvir’s turn to speak.

We have defeated Lumos and Pentimus both. If you doubt us still, you doubt your own chance to survive.

The Darkstallion rose his voice, as well.

Fight against the Dragons, and you fight against me. Weakened though I am, I still wield more power than any of the rest of you.

Umbris backed her beloved Pentimus up with her own declaration

I stand with my beloved. The Mare of Shadows does not back away from the Darkstallion when he is in need of her.

Amor spoke as well.

My love Iras and I are in favor of peace with the Dragons.

Iras prepared to protest, but Amor’s sweet love washed over his rage, silencing him before he even began to speak. Aeros spoke as well.

I have no quarrel with these Dragons. They are free to traverse my domain at their leisure.

I stand with my love, Aeros. The earth and the caverns beneath it are open to the Dragons.

Infernis, Aquos, Academis, Professios, and Thermos were the only alicorns yet to declare their stance. Aquos declared herself.

The only crimes held against me by these Dragons are the crimes of treachery committed against my love Infernis. And even then, I cannot help but sympathize with their plight for freedom. I shall wage no war against them.

Infernis, however, would not relinquish his property so easily.

I gave them their cherished fire, they swore fealty to me in turn! It is injustice for them to declare themselves free of that oath!

Academis and Professios, however, had other ideas.

As the creator of this beast, they both belong to me!

Yes, my love Academis and I have the strongest claim to them!

With strife sowed between those who still opposed Dragon’s terms, it became clear that if war were to be waged, Dragon’s faction would win with ease, especially with the balance so tipped in his favor with Lumos locked away in his interior. With a heavy sigh of exasperation, Thermos spoke up.

I will not fight you, Dragons. There is no hope for my victory if I try, with so many of my siblings declared in your favor. If Infernis, Academis, or Professios makes any attempt on you, they will face the retribution of their siblings. As for Lumos… I will do my best to guard you from her wrath, as will my siblings, but be warned, Dragon: You have made of her an eternal enemy. Of that, I can make every guarantee.

May our races live in harmony and prosperity in this new age.

And as the alicorns offered response, he and Dawnvir took them graciously, and looked out across the Light. For indeed, the bronze pony, observing these events from far, far in the future, could see that a new age was dawning. An age of legends.

An age of change.

Foreword

Alicorns.
The immortal, unaging personifications of the forces of nature.
While all ponies know of our dear Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, Alicorns of the Day and of the Moon, respectively, few know of the existence of other alicorns in the world. This is largely due to the fact that the alicorn race is rapidly, and ironically, approaching extinction.
While an alicorn cannot die by any conventional means, they can leave the world at large, a phenomenon which shall be covered in depth later in this volume. Because of the immense difficulty creating new alicorns, especially naturally given the lack of remaining male alicorns, as time marches on, more and more alicorns will have left the world at large and we will, sadly, be left with none remaining here in the mortal world as we know it.
This volume is intended to spread the knowledge of these once great creatures to all who will read it, and to, hopefully, preserve some knowledge of their great passing in this world.

The bronze pony sat before the desk and sat down. This is to be his final task. He can almost hear the Call ringing to him. This is what he is meant to do with his last moments consciously acting in the mortal world. He must focus. He must succeed. All he had to do was finish reading this book. This collection of knowledge gathered across centuries, the history of the alicorn race. Or rather, a history. For that was his final task. To see the entirety of mortal knowledge on the immortal race, and to determine what was to be done with it. The scholar who wrote it had risked his life countless times, and now presented it in its final draft to this pony. The knowledge was more than potentially dangerous. It was definitely dangerous.

But only if it were accurate.

He closed his eyes for a moment, and opened them, gold light flaring out from them as his horn glowed a brilliant yellow and his wings flared back, as all of time and history played itself before him.

He started from the very beginning.