In Youth Eternal - Origins

In Youth Eternal - Origins

By AAAAAAAB

Prologue

In the distant past, during a time of great turmoil, the spirit of chaos, known as Discord, spread his malevolent disharmony like wildfire throughout the land of Equestria. His powers to alter reality as he saw fit disrupted the lives of everypony in the land. Whether it be in urban towns or rural farmlands, nopony was spared from his madness.

Farm lands ravaged by chocolate rain or some other unnatural disaster, slowly killing off crops if they didn’t already pop like popcorn. The lack of actual food for the ponies of Equestria caused famine to sweep their society if they didn’t settle for the aforementioned chocolate rain and popcorn. However, such constant eating habits were terribly unhealthy. Ponies who did settle for it didn’t live too long.

Urban towns had their streets altered into slippery soap. Carriages often slipped and crashed into what buildings remained on the ground. The rest of the buildings hovered in the air, sometimes even upside down. The only ponies who could access those buildings were pegasi or any unicorn who could levitate themselves high enough. That is, if the interior was even habitable.

The wildlife of Equestria had also not been spared. Warped, twisted versions of various animals stampeded around at random. Such things were never harmless for anypony who was trampled. At least there were relatively harmless things, such as dancing buffalo, who pranced about without a care in the world. Although, given the circumstances, almost nopony could stop to laugh at such a ridiculous thing, as they were too busy trying to survive their new, miserable world.

As a result of so many things gone awry, many ponies were injured or killed. It mattered not to Discord if anypony lived or died. Often times, ponies died due to his chaotic antics, rather than direct murder. All he did was bend the world into whatever bizarre, twisted alternative he thought was amusing, regardless of who it affected and how.

The ruler of Equestria at the time was an alicorn named Princess Eclipse. Her fur was a brilliant snow white, while her mane was a bright orange. It also flowed endlessly, as if caught in a soft breeze. Adorning her head was a golden crown.

Her lover was a simple unicorn stallion named Dusk. He was no king, however.  Equestria had only one ruler; Princess Eclipse herself. Dusk was a loyal stallion who worked in the castle as a scribe. Having fallen in love at some point in time, the two had children together. Dusk and Princess Eclipse had two daughters.

The younger daughter was a dark blue unicorn mare, with a short, light blue mane. Her cutie mark was a dark splotch, with a white crescent moon in the middle. This mare’s name was Luna.

The elder daughter was the same white as their mother. Her was a little longer than her sister’s. It was decorated with four colors: lavender, blue, pink, and green. Her cutie mark was an unmistakable depiction of the Sun. Her name was Celestia.

By the time Discord attacked, the two had grown into young adult mares.

It was before Discord arrived, they had lived happily in their castle; the majestic castle which later became known as the Castle of the Royal Sisters. The castle rested near a ravine, with a sturdy stone bridge connected the two sides. It was merely a short walk from the entrance to this ravine. The surrounding landscape had consisted of flat fields with the occasional foothills. Many trees dotted the area; the area which was to be known as the Everfree Forest in future generations.

Beyond the ravine some distance was a river. A dirt road led to this river. There was once another bridge here, allow anypony to cross the river safely. Although, in time, both this bridge, and the ravine bridge would be lost to time. Down the river a short ways however, anypony could follow another road that branched off, leading to a nearby town that was established after the castle initially was built.

The name of this town was Sattle. It was only one of many that ended up ravaged by Discord. Once upon a time, however, the town thrived due to trade routes. Sattle had the water it needed, having been built by a river. Water mills and irrigation for small local farms was a reality for this town.

Day in and day out, the town’s market place used to bustle with merchants and civilians, going about their business. Trading goods for money, moving in and out of shops, or simply taking an afternoon stroll. Although, to future generations, this town was lost to the mists of time.

The story of how the lives of Princess Eclipse and her family were shattered upon the arrival of Discord on that fateful day, is a tragic one. Despite her vast power, Princess Eclipse was no match for the spirit of chaos. His power allowed him to trump everything she threw at him.

The Royal Guards at the time were even more helpless. They threw themselves at Discord, only to be swatted away like flies, or transformed into common household items at Discord’s whim. It was a hopeless struggle against the abomination.

Princess Eclipse felt that she had no choice but to flee. It was the only viable option at that point. With her two daughters and her lover, they fled the castle as the Royal Guards covered their escape. All they could do was run and never look back as Discord took over the throne for himself, laughing maniacally all the while. It was then that tragedy struck. Hard.

The alicorn and her family had almost made it out of the castle when a white flash of light appeared before them. Standing at the main entrance/exit was Discord himself. A look of chaotic malice lingered in his eyes as he looked upon the frightened ponies. The abomination blocking their exit explained how he was going to have one last bit of ‘fun’ before they left. The mad god decided, for once, to try his claw at murder.

A wicked smile crossed his visage as he set his eyes on the young Celestia. The unicorn mare widened her eyes in shock as she backed away. Her family felt just as afraid as she did. Discord summoned an ethereal spear in his eagle talon as a chuckled maliciously. However, Princess Eclipse wasn’t going to have any of it.

Discord reared his talon, tightly gripping the ethereal spear as a malevolent smirk formed on his visage. As the spirit of chaos made his killing throw, Princess Eclipse teleported directly in front of the young Celestia to protect her precious daughter.

Dusk looked on in horror as the ethereal spear left Discord’s talons. His thoughts raced frantically as his heart rate increased substantially. It seemed as if time slowed down. The stallion was too afraid he was going to lose his most beloved Princess Eclipse. But, he felt determined to prevent that harm to his true love and ruler of Equestria.

Dusk yelled out fiercely as he leaped forth to protect Princess Eclipse. The stallion hoped it wasn’t too late to save her. It was as if time slowed down again, as he watched the ethereal spear draw dangerously close as his body moved in front of Princess Eclipse. A bit of relief washed over Dusk. Indeed, he managed to successfully intercept the spear thrown by Discord.

The ethereal spear pierced Dusk's body, causing him to yell in pain. With a thud, he hit the cobblestone floor, having successfully protected his beloved. Princess Eclipse, Celestia, and Luna could only look on in horror at his sudden body hit the ground like a ragdoll. The stallion promptly coughed up blood from deep wound.

Discord looked on, arching a brow. Although he hadn’t managed to hit who he initially targeted, he still hit somepony. The wicked draconequus simply shrugged before cackling like a madpony. Either way, somepony was as good as dead by his direct doing, which was good enough for him. His laughter echoed in the entrance hall as his form vanished in a white flash, having finished with his work there.

Princess Eclipse cried out in pain and horror at the recent turn of events. She caressed her mortally wounded lover; tears flowing freely down her cheeks as she sobbed uncontrollably.

Their daughters could only look on as tears swelled up with their eyes. The two mares had just witnessed their father sacrifice himself with their own eyes. The two sisters promptly gathered around their dying father to embrace him one last time.

Although in pain, Dusk had a smile on his face. He had done it. He successfully protected his family from harm. He spoke up, getting the attention of his the 3 ponies. Although his voice was weak as his life was fading, he instructed his lover and daughters to never lose hope, and to live on without regrets. It was his dying wish. With that, he told them to flee from the castle, and go to safety.

Princess Eclipsed gazed down at her fallen lover, biting her lip as she continuing to caress his body. Dusk passed away in her hooves; a peaceful smile still adorning his visage. She trembled momentarily, before letting out a skyward scream. Celestia and Luna both collapsed onto the floor as their tears flowing unimpeded.

Princess Eclipse spent the next several, minutes in mourning, caressing the corpse of her lover. She felt helpless; afraid. The alicorn solemnly stood up on all fours; her head hung low in despair. She gripped Dusk’s corpse with her magic, levitating him as she slowly walked out of the main entrance/exit and into the courtyard outside. Celestia and Luna gave one another a solemn glance before following behind their mother.

Princess Eclipse had walked a small distance to the side of the entrance. Fortunately, it was still regular soil and grass. With a quick bolt of magic, she created a pony sized hole in the soil. The alicorn delicately levitated Dusk’s corpse into the hold before taking hold of the dispersed dirt with her magic, refilling the hole.

As a follow up, Princess Eclipsed ripped a rectangular shaped chunk out of the nearby castle wall, having encased it in her magic aura. The stone slab placed itself at the head of the grave, sinking a little into the ground to allow itself to stand. The alicorn added the finishing touches by carving a brief inscription on the stone tablet.

HERE LIES DUSK

A WONDERFUL LOVER

A WONDERFUL FATHER

MAY HIS MEMORY FOREVER LIVE ON

As one last tear crept down her cheek, Princess Eclipse whispered her final goodbyes to her beloved Dusk. The two daughters looked on solemnly, as they stood before the grave in a moment of silence. The alicorn felt a stinging emptiness in her heart. One that she didn’t expect could ever be filled.

After taking the moment of silence, Princess Eclipse turned to her two daughters, explaining how she has something she wishes to bestow upon them. Her tears had dried up for now, but there was a lingering sadness in her eyes and her voice. Celestia and Luna could see it and hear it as clear as day.

The alicorn’s horn lit up with a brilliant fiery orange before the three ponies vanished with a flash of light. Once the brightness subsided, Celestia and Luna found themselves in a secret underground chamber, which was located beneath the castle. The room was circular in shape, and was dimly lit by lanterns that hung from various points on the walls. Nopony but Princess Eclipse knew about it. Not even Discord.

In the center of the room were five pedestals, each one housing an orb of some sort. There was a sixth one in the center of all of them. However, that one was empty. Naturally, Celestia and Luna were curious as to what the orbs were, and what was going to happen now.

Letting out a sigh, Princess Eclipse explained to her daughters about the Elements of Harmony. The most powerful magic in known world. It was a well kept secret, with only the Princess knowing of its existence.

A spark of magic suddenly burst from Princess Eclipse’s horn as the elements were surrounded by her magic aura. The alicorn was unsealing the Elements of Harmony, being the sole wielder of the magical artifacts.

Suddenly, a flash of light appeared on top of the regal alicorn’s head. It was a golden tiara, adorned with a brilliant jewel. The rest of the elements, in the form of necklaces, hovered around her body. It was then that she explained that here and now, she was to pass on the torch. Celestia and Luna widened their eyes in confusion, not knowing what she meant by that.

The Elements of Harmony encased Princess Eclipse in a brilliant light and levitated a few hooves into the air, forcing Celestia and Luna to cover their eyes. After a few moments, the radiant light snaked its way into the air, leaving Princess Eclipse. It quickly divided in two before engulfing Celestia and Luna.

At first, the two mares yelped in surprise, not knowing what was going on. The light quickly encased their bodies. It felt like a warm sensation, washing over them, clearing them of all their troubles. The feeling was euphoric.

Princess Eclipse dropped to the stone floor, landing on her stomach. The mare had been stripped of her horn and wings, and had been reduced to the size of an average adult mare. Her brilliant orange, flowing mane was now static and unkempt.

The light which surrounded Celestia and Luna subsided after several moments, revealing both to be alicorns, complete with flowing manes, wings, and noticeably longer horns. As it were, Princess Eclipse had used the Elements of Harmony to transfer her alicorn power and wisdom unto her daughters, dividing the power among them. Although, neither of them have grown to alicorn size yet.

The Elements of Harmony returned to their pedestals on their own.

Celestia received a little more of their mother’s power than Luna, being the older of the two. The new alicorns promptly rushed to their mother’s side to help her up. However, the mare declined any help.

Princess Eclipse explained, with a heavy heart, that she was not long for this world anymore. Her kingdom crushed, her lover murdered before her eyes; it was too much for the former alicorn to bear. Deep down, Princess Eclipse knew it was selfish to leave such a burden on their shoulders. Although, that was why she granted Celestia and Luna her power and wisdom.

The mare just wasn’t strong enough to continue. Her heart was shattered by the misery of her loyal subjects and death of her beloved Dusk. Princess Eclipse felt so... tired. Celestia and Luna embraced their mother as tears rolled down their cheeks.

Whispering her final goodbyes to her daughters, Princess Eclipse slowly closed her eyes. She felt the heavy burden lift off from her shoulders as one last sigh escaped her lungs; her chest contracting, never to rise again. Now, she didn’t feel so tired anymore.

With their mother having passed away, Celestia and Luna held onto one another to find strength. Although, it could not stop either from weeping uncontrollably. With the span of not even half an hour, the sisters had lost both of their parents.

Celestia and Luna felt the seeds of rage sprouting in their hearts, directed towards the malevolent Discord. It was all his fault. He caused this. The sisters knew what they had to do. They knew they to wield the Elements of Harmony, using their strong bond of friendship with one another to rid Equestria of Discord. And afterwards...

Live on. Live for the future of Equestria. Live for their parents, who were taken from them far too early, before it was their time.

With that, the time of reckoning had come for Discord. Celestia and Luna adorned themselves with the magnificent relics that were the Elements of Harmony.

Celestia was ready, having taken up the Elements of Magic, Kindness, and Loyalty. Her sister Luna wielded the Elements of Honesty, Laughter, and Generosity.

Celestia turned to Luna. Luna turned to Celestia. The alicorn sisters gave each other a nod before the elder sister’s horn illuminated, causing the pair to vanish in a flash of golden light.

*     *     *

“DISCOOOORD!!!”

The draconequus spat out his chocolate milk, startled by the pair of alicorns that suddenly appeared before him, with the white one of screaming his name. The rage in her voice was frightening, even for Discord. He stood up from his throne, staring down at the two familiar mares. Quickly calming down, the spirit of chaos materialized a new glass of chocolate milk.

“Well well. If it isn’t little Celestia and Luna. And to what do I owe this unpleasant visit?” mocked Discord, sarcasm ever so present in his voice. He took a sip from his glass, acting as smug as he could. Naturally, Celestia and Luna were absolutely livid with the abomination before them.

Luna was the first to speak. “WE HAVE COME HITHER TO DESTROY THEE, VILE BEAST!!!” she yelled, using what would later be known as the Royal Canterlot Voice. The dark blue alicorn was just as furious as her sister.

A beat of silence ensued briefly, before Discord broke out into laughter. “You? Destroy me? Ha! Why don’t you just run back to mommy?” he mockingly deadpanned, using his free hand give them a shooing motion.

Gritting her teeth, Celestia stomped on the floor, shattering the spot her hoof connected with.

“OUR MOTHER IS DEAD!!!” the alicorn bellowed at the top of her lungs, her anger only rising from his snarky comment. Discord was taken aback briefly, before his arrogant smirk returned.

However, the sisters wasted no more time before the artifacts that decorated them let off a powerful light as the hovered directly to each other’s side. Discord dropped his glass of chocolate milk, ignoring the small explosion it generated. He was too fixated on what was happening before him.

Both Celestia and Luna released skyward screams as a large and powerful rainbow erupted upwards from their glowing forms, twisting and turning in the air. Discord’s eyes widened. The draconequus could feel the amazing, vast power before him. It was as if an entire ocean was weighing him down.

“AHHH-” he began to yell as the massive rainbow arched downwards, aiming itself straight at him. He was not able to finish that scream however, as his entire body was struck and engulfed by the rainbow. Pain shot through his whole body momentarily before he felt parts of him turning to stone. Discord was powerless to stop what was happening to him.

Several additional seconds passed before the light and the rainbow attack faded. A wave of relief washed over the alicorn sisters upon seeing Discord helplessly imprisoned inside of a statue.

It was over.

The alicorn sisters took a moment of silence to remember their fallen parents; their hearts still heavy. With that, Celestia decided to speak up one more time.

“...And may you never return.”

*     *     *

A new gravestone was erected right next to Dusk's.

After Discord was defeated, Celestia and Luna retrieved the corpse of their beloved mother. She had looked so peaceful in her eternal slumber. The hole that housed Dusk was expanded, leaving room for Eclipse. Her corpse was gently placed next to her lover, allowing them to be together forever in death.

Once the hole was refilled with soil, Celestia utilized her magic to carve an inscription in their mother's grave stone.

HERE LIES PRINCESS ECLIPSE

A LOVING MOTHER

A WONDERFUL LEADER

MAY SHE REST IN PEACE

Finishing the inscription, Celestia and Luna stood side-by-side in a moment of silence. Tears began to creep down their cheeks.

In their thoughts, the sisters gave their final goodbyes to their loving mother and father.