The Return of Darchadas

by Lore Keeper of the Void

Rating: everyone
Tags: Alternate Universe, Human
Length: 5284

The first creature Celestia imprisoned has returned. Seeking to regain his place from his dissapointing daughters how will he react to the world, and what punishment awaits Celestia.

Equestrian the land of harmony and peace, ruled by the sister princesses. It's past shrouded in mystery by all save the Solar princess, Celestia, and she guards that secret even from her sister.Some say the land was always peaceful and well, while others think the land was once savage and barren. Soon all shall know how the land came to be as an old enemy has returned, but what is his purpose, not even Celestia knows.

First fanfic ever, constructive criticism is helpful

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-11-09 14:16:01 UTC

Chapter 1

Deep beneath the Everfree Forest lies the eternal prison of Tarterus. Guarded by Cerberus and magic as ancient as the the Everfree I silently wait. Even stripped of my power and imprisoned I could still watch the events of the outside world. At first it was to watch the ones who had betrayed me, but by my 1,000 year of imprisonment it was to keep my sanity. Sadly even this could not last, soit was that i entered a long sleep, ever present of the magic of the world. Days turned to years, years to decades, decades to centuries and so on until 10,000 years had passed from my first year. I sensed what became of Princess Luna and my heart ached for she was but a child. It was her sister Princess Celestia that drew my anger for her ignorance. Sadly I could due nothing and simply waited.

As time passed i felt my prison grow weaker and weaker. It wasn't until i felt Luna's return and the appearance of new power in the form of 6 that my power slowly began to return and awaken my sleeping form. Though formidable it was nowhere close enough for me to escape, and so i waited and watched as this new power the so called Elements of Harmony bearers grew. I learned a great deal from their first victory against Luna. Once used by the bearers my prison grew weak for a time, and never regained its full power. I saw them hold victory against first Discord, annoying creature, and finally Tirek. However neither of these events proved strong enough to fully release me no, that came by the hoof of Celestia and her new pawn.

Some how Celestia had managed to create another of her kind,but in doing so had consumed a large amount of her magic. Through out the time from Luna to Tirek i had managed to regain 1/10 of my power and as soon as Celestia was asleep from her ordeal i quickly sent my magic attacking the chains binding me. The chains shattered as if they were non-existent and for the first time in millenniums I stood from my throne and began to walk towards the gate. Deciding to go with a non direct method i used my magic to scan the gate for any cracks in its magic web. Within 30 minutes I found the strangest sight. While most of the magic of the gate held strong there was a large section that seemed to have died out centuries ago. Deciding not to think about i rushed my magic into the dead zone and began corrupting the priority of the rest. It did not take long for the door to open and i came face to face, to face, to face with the Hell hound Cerberus. On instinct i sent my magic towards Cerberus sending her back a few feet,

but otherwise unscathed. Trying a new tactic i used my magic to probe her mind looking for a certain part of her mind. After a secound i found what I was looking for, the zone of a dog that separates friend from foe. I simply altered how i was seen, sadly i didn't count on Cerberus jumping towards me. I was pinned down, for a few minutes until i felt something warm and slimy touch my head.

"Cerberus stop licking me you overgrown mutt!" I tried to yell at her. Needless to say i was ignored until I pushed her away and stood up. As i scratched Cerberus head my mind started to wander towards what to do. " Should I leave them to their life, strike back as soon as possible, or hide and regain my strength?" these thoughts scattered through my mind until i stopped petting Cerberus, She was not happy and started to rub her head against my hand for attention. I ignored her and walked towards what I hoped would be the exit. Once i reached the opening to the cave I looked noticed that Cerberus had followed me out. "Sorry girl you have to stay here for now," I said, "can't have them getting suspicious". Cerberus whimpered once, rubbed against my hand again and started walking back into the cave.

As i turned towards a large mountain i noticed a city hanging from it side, simply clinging to the mountain side. I don't know why, but this caused my anger to rise. The shadows sensing my anger began to quickly move around my form distorted it until only my eyes were visible, but any creature that saw me knew instinctively that they would be doomed to look within my eyes. As i stood there I began I rasped to the world "All fear, for the *Void Keeper Darchadas* has returned," Even as low as it was said a shudder passed through the world of mortals, and immortals alike.

Far from the Everfree Forest at the city of Canterlot a noise could be heard coming from the castle. Within the castle a beautiful dark blue Alicorn, with a swirling mane and tail full of stars rushed through the halls pushing ponies aside on her way towards the throne room. "***Sister what was that[/b?" she asked to her sister upon the throne.*

Upon the throne sat another beautiful Alicorn, but this one had bright white fur with a swirling rainbow mane and tail. "I do not know Luna, and that is what worries me," Celestia answered her sister. "I fear something dark has been unleashed upon my dear ponies,"

Luna just looked at her sister for a few minutes before saying, "With Tirek defeated what could possibly threaten ponykind?"

"That is what we shall have to find out, but first we must gather the bearers and our family," said Celestia as her horn glowed golden and a paper and pen appeared in front of her. *"Dearest Twilight"*

Chapter 2

At the base of Canterlot Mountain sits a small village filled with happy mares and colts called Ponyville. At first glance nothing seems remarkable about this place, but if you keep looking you’ll see what makes it interesting. For you see at the edge of the town is a tree, but not just any tree, for sitting upon and within the tree is a gleaming castle.  The once resting place for a library and the current home of one the youngest Alicorn and Celestia’s pawn.

The lavender Alicorn sat in her favorite chair within the library reading, when the doors slammed open to reveal a small purple dragon with green spikes known as Spike

“Twilight are you still awake, its 3 am,” Spike said barely awake.

Barely looking up from her book “Sorry I lost track of time,” Twilight replied Almost as soon as this was said a loud burp was heard to her right. When she looked over Spike was now holding a sealed scroll with the seal of the Princess. With the book forgotten Twilight’s horn glowed as the letter unrolled itself and floated in front of her.

“Dearest Twilight,

It is unfortunate to ask this of you so soon, but I have felt something is amiss within the Everfree Forest. I ask that you search for what has occurred with the other Element Bearers, and to report what you discover in three days’ time at Canterlot. Only observe, if you come across something to not attempt to overcome it. I fear we are all in danger and wish you safety upon this task.

Your mentor

Celestia

Before she had even finished the letter Twilight had levitated books on creatures of the Everfree onto her desk. Seeing that his sister would get no sleep that night Spike began walking back to his room for a good rest.

(POV Darchadas, that morning)

Darchadas awoke from a trance with a shake as the sun peaked above the horizon, spilling its wonderful light upon the world. Though he knew who controlled the sun he couldn't help himself but admire for the sun was only a tool and could not be blamed for it's master. As he rose his joints cracked and popped from every movement. Satisfied that he could move around without issue he set his sights towards the mountain city and began walking. Confusion soon set at what he saw, lions with scorpion tails, wolves made of timber, and other creatures to unusual to describe.

Before reaching the edge of the forest he noticed a small cabin with normal animals going back and forth around it.Interested he slowly walked up to the cabin, with the animals hiding as soon as they felt he was near. Knocking once he heard a female voice from within. The door opened to reveal a light yellow pony, he assumed mare, with a pink mane and tail. A sad smile appeared on his face as the pony took notice of him. She quickly hid behind her mane, revealing only her eyes to the world.

"H-Hello?" she asked almost to quietly to hear.

His amusement passed Darchadas reached up to his head and pulled his hood back to show he meant no harm. The pony, the first to see his face in many millenniums, saw a kindly old smile on a wrinkled face, white shoulder length hair, and a waist length beard, and grey eyes.

"Hello young one, there is no need to fear," he said to the pony. She slowly came out from behind her mane to look at him.

"I'm sorry," she replied, "It's just I've never seen somepony like you before."

"Did you say somepony?" he asked. Darchadas ran this through his mind, but no matter how he thought of it' it couldn't make since. What had happened to the world he knew so long ago. The mare opened her mouth to reply, but before she could hoofsteps were heard from behind and he turned around to see 5 ponies walking towards the cabin. From what he could see 1 of them had wings like the yellow one, 1 had horns, 2 others had neither wings or horns while 1 had both a horn and wings. As he fully turned, one with both saw him and came to a complete stop, just starring straight at him. "Well I'm screwed,' he mumbled to himself.

Chapter 3

Quickly regaining his composure Darchadas smiled at turned to the mare at the door and asked "Are you expecting anypony?". The mare nodded and gestured behind himself, "It would seem they will be hear soon,". With that he quickly started heading towards the forest, but not before giving her saying, "Give the alicorns this message, when the moon is full in three days time the gate will open and his children will gather where it all began,". Before she could answer the man had walked into the forest and vanished in the shadows.

Twilight having seen the man galloped to where he entered the forest, but couldn't find any trace that he had gone through. Trotting back towards the cabin she could hear Fluttershy describing her encounter with the creature. "Then it asked me to give Twilight a message and walked into the forest," she heard Fluttershy say to the group. Twilight coming close to her friends

turns to Fluttershy. "What was the message?" she asked. Fluttershy repeats what the creature said to her. Twilight ponders the message, "A gate with children? May be its a symbol or a reference,I will have to ask the princesses they might know more. Deciding that they had found the disturbance that Celestia warned about they trotted back to Ponyville. All along the way Twilight kept running what Fluttershy had said through her mind.

As they entered Ponyville each said their goodbyes and went about a separate task. Rarity, her white furred, purple mane and tail, went back to her boutique to began making outfits for the trip to Canterlot. Applejack, the orange mare with the hat, headed back to her farm, Appleacres. Rainbow Dash, the blue pony with the predictable rainbow mane and tail simply flew towards a cloud and went to sleep. The pink pony, Pinkie Pie, simply disappeared? Twilight just shrugged and murmured, "that's Pinkie for you". Fluttershy the yellow pony went off to buy food for her animals leaving Twilight to go tothe library. Before doing anything else she went to her desk. Her horn began to glow as books covered in purple aura moved from the shelves to a growing stack in front of her. Twilight couldn't get the creature off her mind and so began to read every book on mythical creatures, and legends from the past.

Two days later

In the Ponyville library a disheveled looking Twilight slammed the book closed, " Ah there isn't anything in these that resemble it!". A knock was heard from the other side of the room. Twilight quickly trotted to the door, opening it to find her friends on the other side.

"Yall right sugarcube," Applejack asked after seeing her friend in her current state. "We just worried bout ya, haven't seen you in two days no," She said concern evident in her voice

"Two days!" Twilight exlaimed remembering she was suppose to report her finding to Princess Celestia later. "Give me a minute to get my things," she said while rushing out of the room to brush her mane. She came back with a saddlebag and before anypony could say otherwise rushed to the train station with her friends.Arriving in Canterlot they quickly make their way to the castle. The guards seeing who approachesopen the gate and escort them to the throne room. "Announcing Princess Twilight Sparkle and the Element of harmony bearers," is heard from the other side of the door before they enter. Upon entering Twilight quickly rushed towards her mentor. "Hello my dear ponies," Celestia says after a hug from Twilight. Each of the bearers bow in front of the princess. "No need to bow," Celestia said as she made a motion to stand."I do believe i said we would be having dinner so let us adjourn to the dining hall".

Twilight noticed that everypony else was already in the hall as she entered. Princess Luna, Princess Cadence, and her brother Shining Armor each said hello when they noticed her.

Chapter 4

After greetings were exchanged they all quickly took their seats. For the first few minutes they discussed how everypony was.  After the pleasantries were finished they began to discuss what happened in the forest. Fluttershy began her story from when she heard a knock at the door till twilight arrived. While listening Celestia had been drinking tea, but upon the description of the creature she slowly placed the cup down. The only one who took notice was Luna. Upon the conclusion of the tale, by Twilight, Luna turned to her sister and noticed that Celestia had slightly wide eyes and her face had paled.

"Sister is there something wrong?" Luna asked.

Celestia quickly hid her expression from the others and turned towards Luna, "The day i feared above all has happened" she said before standing up and motioning for everyone to follow. They made their way to Celestia's private chamber. Once she was sure the door was locked Celestia encased a self portrait in magic and slowly began to vanish, leaving behind a tunnel downward. When they reached the bottom torches all around magically lit themselves displaying the ancient room for all to see. On one side was a map of all of Equis from ancient times that displayed everything from the kingdoms to the continent itself. On the opposite wall were pictures of many of the rulers of each kingdom, even Chrysalis, Luna, Celestia, and every god-like being. There was even one of Discord strangely at at the end of the wall. At the back of the room sat perhaps the most magnificent throne ever made. It sat two steps higher than the floor, with gold dog statues to the side. The throne itself was a pure black crystal, that had never been seen before. It looked to have been formed from a single piece of crystal, but also that it grew from the ground below it.

Celestia looked around the room with hatred before turning to the others and said "Welcome to the founding room of Mundus,". Upon the last word Celestia walked towards the pictures and began calling the names, "Discord, Zaxes, Pyrite, Selene, Celestia, Luna,". After each name was said their painting would glow and image would appear in front of them, except for Celestia, Luna who were already there, and Discord who upon mention appeared. With shock on their plainly seen the main 6, Cadence, and Shining Armor turned to look at Discord, Luna, and Celestia. Twilight being who she is, looked at her mentor.

"What is this room? What is Mundus? Who are they? What magic does the painting have?" Twilight asked quickly.

"All in due time Twilight," Celestia replied before turning towards the images. "It has been a long time since i have seen you Zaxes the gryphon lord" The mentioned gryphon has snow white fur, long sharp talons, and black eyes. Zaxes simply shrugged at Celestia. "Pyrite king of the dragons," A small scale of the dragon was shown with black shining scales. He simply nodded his head. "And Selene, mother of all wolves,".

The silver furred wolf looked towards Celestia then at the others and back again before replying. "Why have we been called Celestia?"

Celestia looked at each of the rulers before simply saying "He has returned,". This caused all 4 that did not know to immediately raise their heads towards the throne with what was assumed fear. "The meeting has been called for tonight, all must attend as set by the Binding,".

Zaxes was the first to reply, "We shall be there before the moons rise,". With that the three images slowly faded leaving Discord Celestia to answer questions.

Luna not understanding her sisters attitude wen up to her, "Tia why so afraid surely the return is a time for celebration, he has been missing for so long,".

Celestia looked at Discord then her sister "Let us discuss this in a better location,". She then started up the stairs leading them all to the throne room.

Once they reached the throne room Celestia turned to look at everypony, "What I am going to share has been the most guarded secret since Equestria was formed," she began. "What I say can not leave this room unless discussed with one of the 6 rulers, am i understood?" Everypony except Luna and Celestia nodded their heads. "It all started Millenniums ago, long before even myself, or Discord formed,"

Chapter 5

"When Equis, or as it was called Mundus, was formed there lived a being older than time itself. Darchads the First-Lord, Keeper of the Void, and parent to the 6 Rulers, watched the universe progress. As his name implies he languished within the Void watching and waiting as the world formed. None know how old he is or how long he watched, but eventually he entered our realm,". Celestia has a distant look in her eyes and a smile as she thinks of the next part. "This room is where he first came from the Void which is why you can sense the throne. For years he simply traveled the world studying and again watching. As time passed he grew a need for companionship. Using his power he molded a form from the Void and the inherent magic of the world created life thus was Selene, the mother/queen of wolves, and first true child of Mundus was born."

Twilight looked deep in thought through out the story, going over what she heard. "Princess I thought you were the oldest?' Twilight questioned.

Celestia smiled down at her student "That is what my ponies choose to believe. I am actually the second youngest with Luna right after, and Discord before.

Celestia looks around the room before continuing the story. "She was gifted with the power of nature and earth, to use as she willed. Thus was the Everfree Forest and the Sacred Mount formed. From Selene were made the wolves, physically endowed but not magically. Magic was the only gift that Selene kept from her children for she wanted them to survive on their own strength. And so it was that wolves gained dominion of Mundus with their mother and their grandfather watching over them. This is known as the Age of Fang or the first age.  Centuries passed and both Selene and Darchadas grew tired from their task. They fell into sleep, and the age of Fang came to a close, for without their mothers wisdom wolf-kind began its fall. This lasted until appearance of the next rulers, Pyrite, Zaxas, and Discord formed. How it happened even we don't know, it is believed that Darchadas dreams became reality and were born as Selene was. Pyrite, first among the dragons, and lord of flames, used his power to create the volcanoes that litter his land. Zaxas, king of the gryphons, and wind rider causes the winds to blow around his mountain home. Finally Discord, spirit of chaos, given free reign of reality and order.

At the mention of his name Discord looked up, with a mischievous smirk. "Come now Celestia, is that all i get a side note for this story.

Celestia ignoring the remark continues the story. "With their birth Selene awakened from her slumber, to witness that the world she strives for had crumbled. Her rage shook the very planet, for she assumed that these new creatures caused her children's pain.  War was declared upon the three by Selene. Even with their combined power they were no match for her. Darchadas never intended to create more children so he gave more power than he should have to his first born. It took the three 10 years to gain enough strength to withstand her, and even then they could not defeat Selene, however over time they had learned the location of Darchadas. In a final gambit they uncovered his resting place and woke him. He was able to calm her rage, though how is a secret weren't told. Making peace between the four of them he created both the gryphons and dragons from Pyrite and Zaxas. Sadly, Discords power was seen as to much a risk for more than one being to have, and he remained the sole Draconian.

Everyone in the room glanced at Discord to see that his eyes were distant and a single tear fell down his cheek. Celestia walked towards him and wrapped her wings around his head to comfort him. This brought Discord back to the current and he hugged Celestia back, tears now falling without constraint. After Discord regained his composure the story began again.

"The Age of Fang had finally ended and the Grande Risurrezione began. During this time the wolves, gryphons, and dragons lived in peace and each dedicated themselves to the betterment of its group. In time the 3 nations were born, the Gryphon Empire, Dragon Dominion, and the Shadow Clan. They were not the only ones though for Darchadas realized his mistake the first time, decided that he would create more creatures to settle this world. As such the diamond dogs, phoenix, and ponies were born. The diamond dogs, and phoenix were not given a single immortal, for Darchadas wished to see how they would survive. The creation of the ponies though was never meant to happen. Darchadas had plans to create a race after the phoenix, but a surge in the Void caused him to create yet a fifth child. One pony born with horn,wing, and strength. This child though was born differently from the others though, for she was a filly and would grow until mare-hood. Darchadas was happy that day for he realized he could have a true child, one he raised from birth. The name given to that child was Celestia and both she and Darchadas would know happiness for a time.

Chapter 6

Remembering that day, Celestia begins to cry with a small sad smile. Everypony, except Luna, is shocked as they here of Celestias birth, but this does not stop Twilight, Cadance, and Luna from comforting her. "I'm sorry, its just been a long time since I've thought of that day,". Celestia continues to cry, but with their help she gets it under control to continue the story.

"Under direction from Darchadas the races grew stronger and closer, but their was always a rivalry between ponies and wolves. The leaders of both grew jealous of the other and sought to garner more attention from their parent. Years passed and Celestia grew into mare-hood and gained her power over light. Wishing to balance the scale Darchadas created his final and favorite child. Creating an opposite for light he formed this child in the same form and way as Celestia, thus was Luna born." Hearing her sisters words Luna looks down sadly in remembrance of how her parent was when she was born. The title princess of love was true, however Cadance was able to sense emotions beyond love as well. From Luna she sensed sadness, longing, and happiness from being called the favorite?

"Luna was raised by Celestia from filly to mare-hood and granted power over the night," Celestia said before lowering her head. "By this point in time the Grande Risurrezione had ended and the Age of Twilight began." Twilight Sparkles head shot up upon hearing this causing Celestia and Luna to giggle. After they calmed down a somber mood descended upon Luna, Celestia, and Discord.

"This age was the shortest among history, though we wish it was otherwise. All things must come with sacrifice, something Darchadas was soon to learn unfortunately. It began with Selene for she knew him before our birth. She noticed a change had come upon Darchadas between their sleep and awakening, but was unable to tell why. Before he had often been a very optimistic person, and smiled, but from his awakening up till Luna's birth, he rarely smiled and was often in a dark mood. With each creation his moods became darker than before. This changed once Luna was born, he began to smile and "act" happy. It wasn't till much later we discovered what was wrong. With each power granted his mind slowly unhinged, however he held on long enough for Luna. He knew what would happen and so birthed Luna to make certain of his creations survival.Knowing Luna would be his downfall changed nothing for Darchadas, if anything it caused him to love her more.

"As the years went by  Darchadas actions turned cruel towards his children. He withdrew from the public, but continued to act through others. The gryphons fled to their mountain dwellings, the dragons hunger grew until they hunted even each other, the wolves grew resentful of their mothers magic, and ponies pride became unchecked. Conflicts grew among the races and unknown to his children Darchadas continued creating races, different forms of the ones already formed such as the sea-ponies and crystal-ponies. It took many years, but between the 6 Rulers they managed to gather the races again in peace. By this time that had all learned of their fathers fate and knew fate had forced them to act. While they knew that he had granted earth, nature, fire, wind, chaos,light and darkness to his children, they were unsure if he could still use them. Finding him within the Eternal forest the six confronted Darchadas. During the battle he never used their powers against him, but the Void is nothing if not powerful and the battle was hard fought. After many hours the only ones remaining were Selene and Luna. Unwilling to fail, but unable to hurt his favorite children Darchadas pushed them back to the Everyfree Forest. Using her power Selene created a a prison underneath the forest. while Luna hid them using darkness. Combining their power for one final attack they overpowered Darchadas. Once awake Celestia aided Luna in draining Darchadas of his power, before locking him away in the prison forever. Thus was Tarterus created to house him. Through out the day and night the 6 Rulers created wards and the door hoping to forever seal Darchadas away."

Luna looks sadly at her sister and Discord before turning towards the others. "All our effort would appear to be for naught as he has indeed returned, though we do not know his goal." Turning her gaze towards Celestia she says, "Tis strange that he would call the gathering though.We would assume that he would gather his strength before letting us know of his presence?"

Thinking through what Luna said Celestia gains a look of half excited/half perplexed before responding, "Perhaps his time away has allowed his mind to heal."

"If that is true we shall see when he arrives my sister," Luna reply sounding unconvinced.

Twilight finally digested all this information looks at the clock, "Princess Luna isn't it about time for you to raise the moon?"

Luna looks suprised she didn't realize how long had passed and hurried out of the room. After she left a royal guard entered looking flustered before saying, "Announcing his highness King Pyrite, Lord Zaxas, and her majesty Mother Selene,". As each was said the bearer of the name entered the room. Seeing the images from earlier didn't due the three beings justice. Each was considerably bigger than a normal one from their race. Zaxas fur seemed to reflect the sun as if made of white ice, his talons looked like they could cut through a tree with little resistance, and he stood at close to Luna's height. Were Zaxas was blinding, Pyrite was the opposite. His scales were pure black giving him a shadows appearance, except for the yellow slits of his eyes and the glinting of claws and teeth. As and ancient dragon goes his size was rather small, being roughly Celestia's height but close to 3x length counting tail. Finally the most intimidating of the group was Selene. She was easily 2x bigger than Celestia in both length and height and her silver fur shone like crystals in the light. One would be hard pressed to not notice her during the night or day. Her most destinguished feature though was the air she gave of, as if she was natures presence, unbending to all, but nurturing to its own.

Selene gazed around the room with a look most would have called predatory, but few would live to say it to her if true.  After of a few minutes passed Selenes gaze locked on Twilight. "So this is the one you created?" she asked Celestia. Celestia simply nodded before giving a reassuring smile to Twilight. Selene shook her head in disappointment, "This might cause more trouble than you expected, we both know how creation is viewed,".

"No, I know how full creation is viewed, but we never discussed forced evolution," Celestia quickly replies.

A deep low laugh can be heard before Selene speaks. "It doesn't matter, she is not mine to decide,". Selene begins walking out of the room, "It is time follow me, that goes for the young ones as well,". The 10 ponies, one gryphon, one dragon, and one wolf begin their walk to the True Throne.

A/N

Sorry for anyone that enjoyed this story, but i have lost all inspiration to continue. This story is now open for anyone to adopt and use. If you want to adopt it just pm me. Again I am terrible sorry to my readers.