The Dawn of Darknessby diiscordChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 1THE DAWN OF DARKNESS An original tale by diiscord CHAPTER 1 Sun: Crack! Bang! The midsummer's eve festival was in two days and ponies everywhere were preparing for the celebration. Early fireworks sparkled in the dark morning sky. The moon was low in the sky and I began to slowly pull my sun to the horizon, breathing light upon the world. As set the sun on its journey across the sky, I watched as sisters’ moon dropped below the hills. I walked back into my room off my balcony and breathed in the fragrant smell of the fire roses all over the castle. Putting on my crown, I walked out into the hall outside my room and smiled to see the lavish decor across the walls. I set out to find Luna. I needed to make sure we got our weekly morning meeting with the Nobles. The meeting was set for 7:00, in 5 minutes, in the great hall. Trotting through the halls I bumped into a night guard heading to bed. He looked up and bowed, “Pardon me Miss Celestia. I am very tired and did not see where I was walking.” I smiled at him, “Oh no, it’s okay. By the way, do you know where my sister is? have you seen her in the past few minutes?” “No, Miss, sorry. Though she usually goes into her room around this hour, yes?” I nodded, “Thank you, get some rest.” I smiled and headed off to Luna’s room. …. Hisssss I laughed, “Luna, you aren’t a snake. It’s only a little light, sis. I just came to tell you that the weekly meeting is in 2 minutes. We shouldn’t be late, it will reflect badly on us as rulers.” She groaned and rolled off her bed on to her hooves, “If thou isistith on me being there, even though I do nothing in that meeting... “ “Oh c’mon Lulu, you are there as support for me at least. And don't talk like that.” She groaned at that as well. “Oh whatever. All I have to say is, your guards better get me a large cup of coffee.” I smiled, “Now that’s the Luna I like to hear. Be down in 2.” I nodded to her then trotted out, heading to the grand hall. I wonder what kind of junk I will be hearing about today. More complaints about food and other trivial things. These meetings were really a good way to put a dampener on a happy day. I trotted up to the large door separating me from the end of happiness. Two unicorn ponies walked up to me and touched up on any blemishes that might be on my snow white fur and pink mane. The princess of the sun must keep up a beautiful appearance for her court. My advisor, Starswirl walked up to me before I opened the doors, “Miss Celestia, the Nobles are particularly rustled about something today.” “What is it Starswirl?” I don’t quite know, but i’ll keep an eye on them, So we can find out what’s troubling them for the Midsummers Eve meeting and fix it.” “Very well.” I pushed the doors open with my magic as Luna trotted up behind me, a cup of coffee floating beside her. “Good evening Starswirl.” “Good morning Princess.” He nodded to her and she blinked. We all walked into the room and took our seats at the end of a long conference table. “Well, shall we begin? The time is 7 in the morning.” Immediately a stallion with a white coat and silver mane spoke up, Trance Blueblood, “Relations with the Griffins are still horrible. We are continuing the war on the northern front. It also appears that they have made an alliance pact with the zebras. The Griffins are mercenaries, unable to fight without a leader. I wouldn’t worry about the Griffins for this purpose, instead, look at the zebras. There are millions of them, and they are all well versed in combat and all forms of sneak attacks. I believe that, in light of this event, we should heighten security measures for the Princess.” I thought for a moment, “Perhaps. But we will need to make sure our security does not appear to be looking for zebras or griffins. It will damage our chances of peace.” Starswirl spoke up, “That can be arranged.” A new pony spoke up, “I suggest we deploy spies into their nation as well, to find out if they have any plans for attack after the festival.” “Spies..?” “I concur with this plan. I see profit from it.” Luna spoke up and several of the Nobles smiled at this. I frowned, as princesses, Luna and I should not give the nobles every little thing they want. It will be seen as weakness. "Luna, I'm not sure that this is such a good idea.." I spoke to her quietly. "Anything to give our country the upper hand. We will need to go to full war with the zebras and Griffin's eventually, so why not prepare. Why not take all the measures needed to gain the upper hand in battle?" She looked around and some of the others nodded at this. I swiftly became worried. I did not want a war. ….. After that, the meeting went on quite differently, it had rapidly turned into a war-strategy meeting, with Luna at the head. The nobles were happy to have a princess on their side. I was rather disappointed at this. There was no reason that ponies should be in war. Even the griffin war was started over nothing. I wanted to keep our nation at peace. Though we were rapidly descending into a dangerous place. I will keep Luna out of the Midsummers Eve meeting. If I don’t, I fear the Nobles will sense a weakness in my political strength. If that happens, we could have a full scale rebellion, will Luna and I be able to handle- “Miss Celestia?” I blinked and noticed I was staring at a wall in the middle of a hallway. I blushed a deep red and turned to see Starswirl standing beside me. He laughed, “Thinking politics again?” I nodded. “Don’t worry, I’ll come up with a reason to get Luna out on midsummers’.” He smiled at me. “Thank you Starswirl. Be gentle with it please. I don’t want Luna to get the feeling that I am keeping her out.” “As you wish,” He bowed and walked off down the hallway. I turned to a window and stared out at the red sun peering through the clouds. Chapter 2The Dawn of Darkness An original tale by Diiscord Chapter 2 Moon: Celestia was really outshined by me in the meeting. I couldn’t wait for the next one at midsummers Eve in two days, I was finally making a name for myself. Knock. Knock. “Miss Moon?” I turned my head towards the door of my room. “Yes Tiberius?” “May I enter?” “Yeah, come in, I’m just laying down before I sleep.” The door opened and light poured into my room for the second time today, nearly blinding me. I blinked my eyes to try and recover as quick as I could. “Hurry! Close the door!” He rushed in and closed the door, my room quickly returned to its deep blue color. The stars above my bed twinkled slowly as they had been. “What was it Tiberius?” “I just have a couple things to finalize before midsummers eve in two days. Also, I wanted to ask if you wanted me to get you a dress for the festival, or do you already have one?” I rolled over in my bed, looking away from him, “No, it’s fine. I won’t be going anyways.” “What do you mean, you won’t be going? You have to be there. There’s a midnight festival this year. Didn’t your sister tell you??” !!! A midnight festival?? That was new. “Then get me a dress, something that matches me well, personality wise.” Tiberius took down a couple notes, “Also, Celestia wanted you to do a ceremony to lower the moon.” “Ceremony?” “Yes, Starswirl notified me after the meeting today. He said Celestia wanted to start including you in the yearly celebrations, hence the midnight festival.” “I wonder why she didn’t say something personally…” I shrugged and rolled over in bed. “Make sure you get my dress ready for tomorrow..” “Yes, Miss Moon.” Tiberius bowed and left my room. Perhaps ponies will see the night as more than just a time for sleep after this celebration. Then, finally, I will get some recognition for my beautiful night… …… I woke up and stared upwards. The stars in my room were so close, yet farther away than normal. There was also a familiar object missing from the artificial sky, my moon. I was rather confused. I tried to put one in the sky but I couldn’t. My horn just got fried. I cringed in pain and tried to roll over and pull up my covers then get more sleep. As I turned, I was faced with a white, cold, hard bed. I also found my blanket to be missing. I slowly lifted myself up and looked around. The empty landscape surrounding me was infinite. Nothing besides the ridges of craters stopped the horizon. I was on the moon. I screamed and cried on the ground. …… I woke up with a jolt. I was breathing heavy and I looked around my room, seeing familiar surroundings. I hugged the bedpost as I gasped for air. It’s ok, just a dream. I looked on my nightstand at my clock, it read 7:50. I MISSED MY ALARM. I ran outside, putting on my crown and jumped off my balcony, flying into the sky. I dragged the moon across the sky and put all the stars in place. When I landed in the Everfree castle garden, I sighed. That was exhausting. I smiled at my work. I did good even though I was an hour late. Good thing tomorrow night is when ponies will be up for the celebration, otherwise everypony would have seen my mistake… Tiberius walked up behind me. “Miss, it took all day, but your model dress was made.” I smiled. “Ok, let’s go down to the boutique and get it fitted.” Me and Tiberius walked for the exit. …. I sat there, the mare was all over me, it felt like she was taking measurements for the past hour. I was so bored. I couldn’t even move, because the mare wanted to design the dress around my body, since an alicorns’ physique is much different than that of a pegasus or unicorn. She was constantly telling me about what an honor it is to make my dress. I just smiled some and blushed. I had begun to lose my bored attitude and take on one of more excitement. This was the first time I had gotten this much love since mother died. …. When the dress was finished, the mare, whose name I learned was Midnight Star, sewed all the pieces together. The completed dress was beautiful and flowed like a river. it matched me perfectly. It featured constellations all over and was deep blue, like the night. “This is amazing, I can’t wait till everypony sees it at the Midsummers eve festival. Say, Midnight, you must be the best tailor in all of Everfree!” She blushed at this, “N-no, your majesty. I’m not that good..” “You may call me Luna. And yes, you’re amazing. I’d like to appoint you as my personal designer, if that’s not too much to ask.” I smiled at her. She smiled and started shaking. I grinned nervously, “Midnight?” “YESSSS!!” She fell over and started laughing happily. I patted her side gently. “Ok, Midnight, you can live in the castle or in the city if you want. Whatever is easier for you. I’ll be heading back now to prep for tomorrow nights festival. I’ll see you tomorrow hopefully!” I petted her mane as she smiled up at me from the floor. I trotted outside into the lobby of the boutique and spotted Tiberius sleeping. His dark grey fur was all puffy and his mane was tangled about. He must’ve passed out while I was being fitted. I slipped him on my back and smiled. He deserved a nap. He had been working almost 24 hours straight on getting the dress designed and setting up for Midsummers. I respected him for his brilliant determination. “Night night Tiberius. sleep well. It’s a big day tomorrow.” I flew him up to the castle and placed him in his bed. Indeed it was a big day tomorrow. It will mark the first day that ponies celebrate the night.. Chapter 3The Dawn of Darkness An original tale by Diiscord Chapter 3 Sun: As sister rose the moon into the sky, I scrambled to get the last few bits of work done so I could have the midsummers meeting early. During the moon-set ceremony. Starswirl told me that if Luna said nothing during the meeting, the Nobles will lose confidence in her and the war talks will effectively be over. The plan had also began to urk me. What would Luna think of me if I made her miss it secretly? How would she see me as her sister if I lied to her? As I sat outside my room on the balcony, and I stared up at the moon. I couldn’t decide if I should just tell her, or if I should go through with the complex secret. I thought out all the steps, make Luna miss the meeting, give the attendees a potion to make their eyes fuzzy and keep them in the dark about the moon-set ceremony, use a magic hologram of Luna to give the impression of her being there. It wasn’t perfect, but it would work. And my country would be safe. I looked out at the town surrounding our castle. It seemed calm, quiet. As if the world was waiting for my decision to either betray my sister or not. This deafening realization fell hard on my shoulders. A shout came from the castle gate, and my decision was postponed. I flew down to the gate and saw Blueblood and a few others arguing with Luna’s guards to be let in. I walked up to them, “What is the matter? It is night time and ponies would like to get some sleep. Why must you shout?” Blueblood stepped forward and stamped his hoof indignantly, “This is an outrage! Why am I hearing from my advisors that you are trying to pull the wool over our eyes on the moon-set ceremony?? I demand to know! Especially since we have an important meeting during the ceremony. Is Luna supposed to attend both?? Or is she supposed to choose between the Ceremony she deserves and the politics she needs??” I was taken aback by all the questions. I didn’t know how word got to him, but I needed to fix this mess before it got to Luna’s ears. Either way, the old plan is down the drain. “Now now, calm down. She doesn’t have to go to every meeting. I think she should take a break and enjoy the adoration of the crowds today.” He glared at me. “Cut the shit Celestia. I think everyone here has already learned that you hate war, so much so that you’d lie to your sister and sacrifice your country’s honor to prevent one. We were going to complete plans to restore equestria to full power in the region in this meeting. Luna was the sole royal contributor.” I frowned and stomped my hoof, seething with anger, “You know nothing about being in charge of a nation! How much pressure is put on you by your citizens! Especially during times of war. Of course I’d lie and sacrifice anything to avoid one. Luna does not know how hard it is to run a nation at war. Which is why she spoke out at the last meeting. And she will never know! Ponies never see the night as royalty in equestria! It has always be the sun that must carry the burden of ruling!” I was furious with Blueblood at the moment. “But I do know, sister.” A chill ran down my spine as I heard a soft voice behind me. Luna walked up behind me and frowned, looking at me with sad eyes. “And if I do not know the burden, I will learn it. I’m using my position as princess to take South Equestria. From Los Pegasus to Manehattan, my new kingdom will stretch wide. I am declaring Independence tonight.” She then turned to blueblood and spoke, “Blueblood, notify the citizens of the everfree castle that they are now under the jurisdiction of The Southern Federation of Equestrian States.” Then she turned back to me. “I suggest you move North, sister.” And her eyes became darker than the night. …… After Luna had talked to me, she vanished. I turned to Blueblood and he grinned at me, then took off, running into the dark town to do his part for the “Federation”. I stood, agape, along with some of the less radical nobles that came with Blueblood. What had just happened was the most unpredictable thing that could have happened. Equestria was about to be thrown into chaos. I need to unify the nation before it split. I woke from my shock and quickly flew into the castle. I ran to Starswirl’s room, bumping into a few night guards along the way. “HEY WAIT! YOU CAN”T BE HERE!” Some of them shouted at me, trying to usher me out of the castle. Somehow Luna had already informed her guards of the change in leadership. I just kept running though. When I made it to my advisor’s room, I pushed in the door and levitated a shelf in front of it so no guards can get in. I nudged Starswirl. He was asleep, but he soon woke and turned to me. “Miss Celestia? What is it?” “Luna seceded from Equestria and is taking the southern land with her in a new nation called the Southern Federation of Equestrian States and I need your help to stop her.” Starswirl just looked at me and thought. “Slow down, slow down. I bet you are just overreacting.” He slowly got out of bed and looked at me. “No, I’m not. We aren’t going to leave. Luna can’t separate herself from Equestria if I don’t acknowledge her ‘country’. So I want you to help me find her and knock some sense into her!” I hurried starswirl to the door and began to move the shelf out of the way. “CELESTIA, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY I WILL TELEPORT YOU NORTH IF YOU FAIL TO COMPLY!” Luna’s voice rolled across the town. “TO ALL OTHERS WHO THINK THE SUN IS A BETTER RULER THAN THE MOON, YOU MAY NOW LEAVE AS WELL!” “Think I’m overreacting now?” I nodded to Starswirl as we rushed into the hall. I looked both ways and saw no night guards. “C’mon, this way, there are a few items in the throne room that can fix her. She is just confused and mad at me.” I was more so telling myself rather than starswirl. He had begun to worry too. We started running to the throne room. “I AM WARNING YOU SISTER. LEAVE THE NEW EQUESTRIA AND NEVER RETURN! ALL YOU WANT IS TO KEEP THE THRONE FOREVER! I CANNOT ALLOW THIS!” She yelled and it echoed through the castle. Starswirl and I kept running. We burst into the throne room and stopped to catch our breath, then a pitch black shadow appeared under starswirl and he fell into the floor, “Celestia! Hel-.” Then his voice was gone as the hole closed back up again. I jumped on it and scrambled to find and trace of him, but he was gone. Then I heard a loud crumbling noise as Luna burst through the walls behind the thrones and stamped. “THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE PRINCESS IN THIS EQUESTRIA! AND THAT PRINCESS WILL BE ME!!!” ……. Chapter 4The Dawn of Darkness An original tale by Diiscord Chapter 4 Jet: SSSsSssssss… The steam pipe burst again. I hustled over to the break and pulled a replacement section out of my satchel, tightening it into place with my magic and a wrench. Far off, the sound of the metal press and forge was louder than ever, since the Queen ordered mass production of the MF20 assault rifle for the looming possibility of attack by the Zebras and Griffins. It had been 50 some years since the cease fire treaty was signed between The Allied Zebra Nations(or the AZN) and the Federation of Equestrian States(FES). We united against the Northern Equestrian states and slowly began to engulf them. During this war against the north, though, many technical advancements came about. And one would end the Equestrian Civil War. We had harnessed the power of the atom. Everypony knows that the war ended with the destruction of Canterlot on the same day it started, Midsummers Eve. The atom bomb was created by 3 of the smartest scientists in the FES, one of them being my father, Doctor Jet. The Princess Celestia was forced to sign a treaty and leave with the Northern Loyalists to a small Isle named Gallopfrey in the middle of Eternity’s Crossing. Though, that was 32 years ago and after the end of the Civil war, the FES and the AZN broke off relations completely, citing the way the AZN treated its prisoners of war (who were ponies like me, even if they were traitors) and how bad it treated its civilians. The Premiere of the AZN immediately responded with a threat, in the form of an atomic bomb test. The bomb was successful and Queen Moon was baffled at how the Zebras had gotten the technology. It was spies. Until the theory was brought up, many ponies didn’t notice all the zebras living in the FES, but after the theory was announced, ponies grew increasingly hostile towards the zebras. The government was forced to move them to walled off camps for their “safety”, even though the conditions were worse there, and-... “STEAM JET!!!!” I nearly jumped out of my skin and turned to look at the viewing platform. “WERE YOU DAYDREAMING AGAIN?? WE’VE GOT 3 BURSTED PIPES! GET BACK TO WORK!” My boss, Mr. Flash Gauge, shouted. “Yes Mr. Gauge!” I hopped back to work, repairing and replacing for the rest of the day. On my way home, I met up with one of my friends, Moonshadow, and we headed to the downtown club. “How was work at the good old Macintosh firearms plant? As great as usual?” Moonshadow nudged my shoulder. “Sorry man, it’s just as exhausting as ever. How about you at the government building?” “Same, business as usual. The higher ups keep getting crazy ponies pounding on their doors because everyone is afraid of supporters of the AZN’s government. Though, in the chaos of the office today, I was able to pull some strings, and get you a new job. One that would better fit your cutie mark, I think.” I glanced back at my cutie mark, a red eye over a dark cloud. “I sure hope so. I’ve been trying to figure this thing out ever since it appeared on my ass.” I looked at him and smiled, “so what’s this new job you got for me?” “That’s for me to know and you to find out. Besides, you can wait a little longer, we’re almost to the club-” he was cut off by the roaring of archano engines in the sky. We both looked up simultaneously to the large pointed airship moving above us. One of the princesses young fleet. The symbol of the crescent moon surrounded by four stars was painted on the side of the black, steel ship. If it weren’t for the large thunderclouds holding it aloft, we might be crushed right now. “Well ain’t that a sight.” Moonshadow and I continued walking under the streetlamps as flocks of pegasi flew alongside the ship above. “I doubt any of those airships have been flying since the Patriotic War.” “Yeah, I wonder why though..” Before we knew it, we were standing outside the door of the club. Moonshadow and me trotted inside past a buck wearing a trench coat and a fedora. His face was hidden in the dim light though I could’ve sworn I saw stripes. But he left as soon as we walked in so I couldn’t confirm. “Looks like we got somewhere private to sit. See that room in the back, let’s head over there.” We trotted to the back room and sat at a table and were immediately joined by an older pony, he had a little scruff and wore some patchy suit. “Good evening gentlemen, I trust work was good.” the old buck spoke. “Um, do we kno- oof” I was cut off by moonshadow elbowing me in my side. “It was fine, Marx.” Marx, funny name. “That’s good. Ay, Gem, go watch the door for me darling.” Marx turned and a mare came out of the shadows in the back of the room. I hadn’t noticed her until now. She was young and had a grey coat with a dark purple mane. She walked out of the room and closed the door behind her. As soon as the latch clicked the table we were sitting at shot up in the air and hit Moonshadow square in the jaw. I managed to lean back in time, the table barely grazing my chin. Then without warning the table launched itself forward, I quickly kicked my chair back and used my magic to flip my up after the table passed. Moonshadow wasn’t so lucky, the table caught him in the face and knocked him out. I turned to Marx, “What the fuck??!” I knew he must’ve been the one who launched the assault. “Let’s see what you can do..” The old buck threw off his hat and began moving far more nimbly than I ever thought possible. He tried to swipe his hoof and knock me off mine, but I jumped up and drop kicked him in the side of his neck. I’m sure glad I took those free judo lessons I won in the lottery last week! Moonshadow was still out cold on the far side of the room under the table. The buck caught me glancing at him and grinned, jumping across the room with a kick that surely would have killed my friend. I moved to stop him and bucked him in the side, sending him into the wall gasping for air. He smiled as he laid against the wall, “Very good… Very good..” He coughed a bit, wiping blood away with a handkerchief. “You might just be able to handle the job.” “The job??! You nearly killed me and my friend!!” I yelled at him, seething with anger. “But I didn’t. You made sure of that. And that’s how we like our ponies at the EIA.” Wait, what? The EIA? Wasn’t that the national intelligence agency? “Seems like you broke a few of my ribs. That was a nice buck you had there. Could you call Gem in? I’m sure your friend needs help too.” “Sorry..” then I nodded, still baffled by the announcement that he was EIA. I looked outside the door and the club was loud, no doubt the sound covered the noise of the fight. I turned to the side of the door and found the grey and frankly, quite cute, mare standing outside. She noticed me, “Oh hey, you’re still alive.” “Am I supposed to be dead?” I smiled. “Oh, nah. I’m guessing Marx needs help.” I nodded and we walked in, closing the door behind us. I took off my jacket and laid it on a standing chair and began to use my magic to lift the broken table and chairs off of Moonshadow, then hauling him up on my back. “Let’s take the back door, we don’t want to draw attention.” Gem said with Marx draped across her shoulder. I followed her and Marx out the door. A car awaited us out back. I sat Moonshadow down then remembered I left my coat inside. As soon as I got back into the club, I saw that the room that was a total wreck not five minutes ago, was now as clean as it was when we walked in. Though I did manage to spot my coat on a hangar in the corner of the room. I picked it up and walked out, getting into the car. Gem was driving and she pulled out into the street. Once again, I found myself under the city lights. Manehattan was glamourous at night. Neon lights in store windows showed off the latest fashion, large posters on skyscrapers displayed everypony’s favorite Zap-cola, and even the CORE-Tec building proudly displayed its bright logo. We passed by several other buildings on our way downtown to the EIA skyscraper I assumed. I turned my head to Marx, in the back seat with me and Moonshadow, who happened to be setting his ribs back in place, with a sickening crunch I realized that my attention was best turned elsewhere. Like, for example, the numerous ponies protesting outside the government building. They all had signs and were chanting something about peace. This had been going on for the past week and was generating a lot of unrest in the general population. Ponies were unsure on which side to take on the matter. They felt sympathy for the pony prisoners that were still held in the AZN, but at the same time, they knew that war would end with everypony dead. In response to the threat of total war, the government began funding CORE-Tec to make large shelters to house the population in the event of war. Well, technically it is privately funded, but everypony knows that is bullshit. The government just doesn’t want to admit how bad our situation actually is, so all the payment is made ‘under the table’. And as the world’s resources begin to deplete-... The sudden stop of the car jolted me out of my daydream, making me realize that we were at the EIA building. “We here?” I turned to Marx, who was drinking down the last drops of a healing potion. He finished and nodded, then got out of the car and into the driver's seat after Gem got out. “Hey, Jet. I’m going to take your friend to the hospital. I am also going to remove his memory of anything related to the EIA, so, if you could, don’t mention tonight to him. If he asks, well, he got really drunk and got into a barfight, hence the hospital.” Marx winked and pulled away. Gem poked my shoulder as I watched him drive off. “C’mon, I’ll tell you more about the job on our way in.” I nodded and followed her inside. Note: Jet’s surprise encounter with the EIA has left him mentally scared. He sees them as friends, but will never fully trust the EIA. World Note: The resource level on the planet has decreased to 4% remaining. Most of the resources, such as oil, coal, and uranium are on the remote islands of Gallopfrey and the land of the griffins. The Zebras have a hunger for oil and uranium, so they can keep their nuclear arsenal stocked. The Ponies have noticed this and plan to take the lands for themselves, soon the silence between nations will break. Where will you be? Author’s Note: SO SO SO many notes, sorry about that. Also, sorry about all the info about the world in this chapter. I just wanted to properly introduce the global situation without sacrificing a chapter to do a total recap. I also apologise about my hiatus, I’ve just been trying to think of a way to introduce this chapter without directly referencing the Fallout series.(I actually am basing this off of a mix of one of my own books and the Cold war in real life(Yes, I mean the arms race between the USA and Russia). I’ll let y’all think about that.
Chapter 1THE DAWN OF DARKNESS An original tale by diiscord CHAPTER 1 Sun: Crack! Bang! The midsummer's eve festival was in two days and ponies everywhere were preparing for the celebration. Early fireworks sparkled in the dark morning sky. The moon was low in the sky and I began to slowly pull my sun to the horizon, breathing light upon the world. As set the sun on its journey across the sky, I watched as sisters’ moon dropped below the hills. I walked back into my room off my balcony and breathed in the fragrant smell of the fire roses all over the castle. Putting on my crown, I walked out into the hall outside my room and smiled to see the lavish decor across the walls. I set out to find Luna. I needed to make sure we got our weekly morning meeting with the Nobles. The meeting was set for 7:00, in 5 minutes, in the great hall. Trotting through the halls I bumped into a night guard heading to bed. He looked up and bowed, “Pardon me Miss Celestia. I am very tired and did not see where I was walking.” I smiled at him, “Oh no, it’s okay. By the way, do you know where my sister is? have you seen her in the past few minutes?” “No, Miss, sorry. Though she usually goes into her room around this hour, yes?” I nodded, “Thank you, get some rest.” I smiled and headed off to Luna’s room. …. Hisssss I laughed, “Luna, you aren’t a snake. It’s only a little light, sis. I just came to tell you that the weekly meeting is in 2 minutes. We shouldn’t be late, it will reflect badly on us as rulers.” She groaned and rolled off her bed on to her hooves, “If thou isistith on me being there, even though I do nothing in that meeting... “ “Oh c’mon Lulu, you are there as support for me at least. And don't talk like that.” She groaned at that as well. “Oh whatever. All I have to say is, your guards better get me a large cup of coffee.” I smiled, “Now that’s the Luna I like to hear. Be down in 2.” I nodded to her then trotted out, heading to the grand hall. I wonder what kind of junk I will be hearing about today. More complaints about food and other trivial things. These meetings were really a good way to put a dampener on a happy day. I trotted up to the large door separating me from the end of happiness. Two unicorn ponies walked up to me and touched up on any blemishes that might be on my snow white fur and pink mane. The princess of the sun must keep up a beautiful appearance for her court. My advisor, Starswirl walked up to me before I opened the doors, “Miss Celestia, the Nobles are particularly rustled about something today.” “What is it Starswirl?” I don’t quite know, but i’ll keep an eye on them, So we can find out what’s troubling them for the Midsummers Eve meeting and fix it.” “Very well.” I pushed the doors open with my magic as Luna trotted up behind me, a cup of coffee floating beside her. “Good evening Starswirl.” “Good morning Princess.” He nodded to her and she blinked. We all walked into the room and took our seats at the end of a long conference table. “Well, shall we begin? The time is 7 in the morning.” Immediately a stallion with a white coat and silver mane spoke up, Trance Blueblood, “Relations with the Griffins are still horrible. We are continuing the war on the northern front. It also appears that they have made an alliance pact with the zebras. The Griffins are mercenaries, unable to fight without a leader. I wouldn’t worry about the Griffins for this purpose, instead, look at the zebras. There are millions of them, and they are all well versed in combat and all forms of sneak attacks. I believe that, in light of this event, we should heighten security measures for the Princess.” I thought for a moment, “Perhaps. But we will need to make sure our security does not appear to be looking for zebras or griffins. It will damage our chances of peace.” Starswirl spoke up, “That can be arranged.” A new pony spoke up, “I suggest we deploy spies into their nation as well, to find out if they have any plans for attack after the festival.” “Spies..?” “I concur with this plan. I see profit from it.” Luna spoke up and several of the Nobles smiled at this. I frowned, as princesses, Luna and I should not give the nobles every little thing they want. It will be seen as weakness. "Luna, I'm not sure that this is such a good idea.." I spoke to her quietly. "Anything to give our country the upper hand. We will need to go to full war with the zebras and Griffin's eventually, so why not prepare. Why not take all the measures needed to gain the upper hand in battle?" She looked around and some of the others nodded at this. I swiftly became worried. I did not want a war. ….. After that, the meeting went on quite differently, it had rapidly turned into a war-strategy meeting, with Luna at the head. The nobles were happy to have a princess on their side. I was rather disappointed at this. There was no reason that ponies should be in war. Even the griffin war was started over nothing. I wanted to keep our nation at peace. Though we were rapidly descending into a dangerous place. I will keep Luna out of the Midsummers Eve meeting. If I don’t, I fear the Nobles will sense a weakness in my political strength. If that happens, we could have a full scale rebellion, will Luna and I be able to handle- “Miss Celestia?” I blinked and noticed I was staring at a wall in the middle of a hallway. I blushed a deep red and turned to see Starswirl standing beside me. He laughed, “Thinking politics again?” I nodded. “Don’t worry, I’ll come up with a reason to get Luna out on midsummers’.” He smiled at me. “Thank you Starswirl. Be gentle with it please. I don’t want Luna to get the feeling that I am keeping her out.” “As you wish,” He bowed and walked off down the hallway. I turned to a window and stared out at the red sun peering through the clouds.
Chapter 2The Dawn of Darkness An original tale by Diiscord Chapter 2 Moon: Celestia was really outshined by me in the meeting. I couldn’t wait for the next one at midsummers Eve in two days, I was finally making a name for myself. Knock. Knock. “Miss Moon?” I turned my head towards the door of my room. “Yes Tiberius?” “May I enter?” “Yeah, come in, I’m just laying down before I sleep.” The door opened and light poured into my room for the second time today, nearly blinding me. I blinked my eyes to try and recover as quick as I could. “Hurry! Close the door!” He rushed in and closed the door, my room quickly returned to its deep blue color. The stars above my bed twinkled slowly as they had been. “What was it Tiberius?” “I just have a couple things to finalize before midsummers eve in two days. Also, I wanted to ask if you wanted me to get you a dress for the festival, or do you already have one?” I rolled over in my bed, looking away from him, “No, it’s fine. I won’t be going anyways.” “What do you mean, you won’t be going? You have to be there. There’s a midnight festival this year. Didn’t your sister tell you??” !!! A midnight festival?? That was new. “Then get me a dress, something that matches me well, personality wise.” Tiberius took down a couple notes, “Also, Celestia wanted you to do a ceremony to lower the moon.” “Ceremony?” “Yes, Starswirl notified me after the meeting today. He said Celestia wanted to start including you in the yearly celebrations, hence the midnight festival.” “I wonder why she didn’t say something personally…” I shrugged and rolled over in bed. “Make sure you get my dress ready for tomorrow..” “Yes, Miss Moon.” Tiberius bowed and left my room. Perhaps ponies will see the night as more than just a time for sleep after this celebration. Then, finally, I will get some recognition for my beautiful night… …… I woke up and stared upwards. The stars in my room were so close, yet farther away than normal. There was also a familiar object missing from the artificial sky, my moon. I was rather confused. I tried to put one in the sky but I couldn’t. My horn just got fried. I cringed in pain and tried to roll over and pull up my covers then get more sleep. As I turned, I was faced with a white, cold, hard bed. I also found my blanket to be missing. I slowly lifted myself up and looked around. The empty landscape surrounding me was infinite. Nothing besides the ridges of craters stopped the horizon. I was on the moon. I screamed and cried on the ground. …… I woke up with a jolt. I was breathing heavy and I looked around my room, seeing familiar surroundings. I hugged the bedpost as I gasped for air. It’s ok, just a dream. I looked on my nightstand at my clock, it read 7:50. I MISSED MY ALARM. I ran outside, putting on my crown and jumped off my balcony, flying into the sky. I dragged the moon across the sky and put all the stars in place. When I landed in the Everfree castle garden, I sighed. That was exhausting. I smiled at my work. I did good even though I was an hour late. Good thing tomorrow night is when ponies will be up for the celebration, otherwise everypony would have seen my mistake… Tiberius walked up behind me. “Miss, it took all day, but your model dress was made.” I smiled. “Ok, let’s go down to the boutique and get it fitted.” Me and Tiberius walked for the exit. …. I sat there, the mare was all over me, it felt like she was taking measurements for the past hour. I was so bored. I couldn’t even move, because the mare wanted to design the dress around my body, since an alicorns’ physique is much different than that of a pegasus or unicorn. She was constantly telling me about what an honor it is to make my dress. I just smiled some and blushed. I had begun to lose my bored attitude and take on one of more excitement. This was the first time I had gotten this much love since mother died. …. When the dress was finished, the mare, whose name I learned was Midnight Star, sewed all the pieces together. The completed dress was beautiful and flowed like a river. it matched me perfectly. It featured constellations all over and was deep blue, like the night. “This is amazing, I can’t wait till everypony sees it at the Midsummers eve festival. Say, Midnight, you must be the best tailor in all of Everfree!” She blushed at this, “N-no, your majesty. I’m not that good..” “You may call me Luna. And yes, you’re amazing. I’d like to appoint you as my personal designer, if that’s not too much to ask.” I smiled at her. She smiled and started shaking. I grinned nervously, “Midnight?” “YESSSS!!” She fell over and started laughing happily. I patted her side gently. “Ok, Midnight, you can live in the castle or in the city if you want. Whatever is easier for you. I’ll be heading back now to prep for tomorrow nights festival. I’ll see you tomorrow hopefully!” I petted her mane as she smiled up at me from the floor. I trotted outside into the lobby of the boutique and spotted Tiberius sleeping. His dark grey fur was all puffy and his mane was tangled about. He must’ve passed out while I was being fitted. I slipped him on my back and smiled. He deserved a nap. He had been working almost 24 hours straight on getting the dress designed and setting up for Midsummers. I respected him for his brilliant determination. “Night night Tiberius. sleep well. It’s a big day tomorrow.” I flew him up to the castle and placed him in his bed. Indeed it was a big day tomorrow. It will mark the first day that ponies celebrate the night..
Chapter 3The Dawn of Darkness An original tale by Diiscord Chapter 3 Sun: As sister rose the moon into the sky, I scrambled to get the last few bits of work done so I could have the midsummers meeting early. During the moon-set ceremony. Starswirl told me that if Luna said nothing during the meeting, the Nobles will lose confidence in her and the war talks will effectively be over. The plan had also began to urk me. What would Luna think of me if I made her miss it secretly? How would she see me as her sister if I lied to her? As I sat outside my room on the balcony, and I stared up at the moon. I couldn’t decide if I should just tell her, or if I should go through with the complex secret. I thought out all the steps, make Luna miss the meeting, give the attendees a potion to make their eyes fuzzy and keep them in the dark about the moon-set ceremony, use a magic hologram of Luna to give the impression of her being there. It wasn’t perfect, but it would work. And my country would be safe. I looked out at the town surrounding our castle. It seemed calm, quiet. As if the world was waiting for my decision to either betray my sister or not. This deafening realization fell hard on my shoulders. A shout came from the castle gate, and my decision was postponed. I flew down to the gate and saw Blueblood and a few others arguing with Luna’s guards to be let in. I walked up to them, “What is the matter? It is night time and ponies would like to get some sleep. Why must you shout?” Blueblood stepped forward and stamped his hoof indignantly, “This is an outrage! Why am I hearing from my advisors that you are trying to pull the wool over our eyes on the moon-set ceremony?? I demand to know! Especially since we have an important meeting during the ceremony. Is Luna supposed to attend both?? Or is she supposed to choose between the Ceremony she deserves and the politics she needs??” I was taken aback by all the questions. I didn’t know how word got to him, but I needed to fix this mess before it got to Luna’s ears. Either way, the old plan is down the drain. “Now now, calm down. She doesn’t have to go to every meeting. I think she should take a break and enjoy the adoration of the crowds today.” He glared at me. “Cut the shit Celestia. I think everyone here has already learned that you hate war, so much so that you’d lie to your sister and sacrifice your country’s honor to prevent one. We were going to complete plans to restore equestria to full power in the region in this meeting. Luna was the sole royal contributor.” I frowned and stomped my hoof, seething with anger, “You know nothing about being in charge of a nation! How much pressure is put on you by your citizens! Especially during times of war. Of course I’d lie and sacrifice anything to avoid one. Luna does not know how hard it is to run a nation at war. Which is why she spoke out at the last meeting. And she will never know! Ponies never see the night as royalty in equestria! It has always be the sun that must carry the burden of ruling!” I was furious with Blueblood at the moment. “But I do know, sister.” A chill ran down my spine as I heard a soft voice behind me. Luna walked up behind me and frowned, looking at me with sad eyes. “And if I do not know the burden, I will learn it. I’m using my position as princess to take South Equestria. From Los Pegasus to Manehattan, my new kingdom will stretch wide. I am declaring Independence tonight.” She then turned to blueblood and spoke, “Blueblood, notify the citizens of the everfree castle that they are now under the jurisdiction of The Southern Federation of Equestrian States.” Then she turned back to me. “I suggest you move North, sister.” And her eyes became darker than the night. …… After Luna had talked to me, she vanished. I turned to Blueblood and he grinned at me, then took off, running into the dark town to do his part for the “Federation”. I stood, agape, along with some of the less radical nobles that came with Blueblood. What had just happened was the most unpredictable thing that could have happened. Equestria was about to be thrown into chaos. I need to unify the nation before it split. I woke from my shock and quickly flew into the castle. I ran to Starswirl’s room, bumping into a few night guards along the way. “HEY WAIT! YOU CAN”T BE HERE!” Some of them shouted at me, trying to usher me out of the castle. Somehow Luna had already informed her guards of the change in leadership. I just kept running though. When I made it to my advisor’s room, I pushed in the door and levitated a shelf in front of it so no guards can get in. I nudged Starswirl. He was asleep, but he soon woke and turned to me. “Miss Celestia? What is it?” “Luna seceded from Equestria and is taking the southern land with her in a new nation called the Southern Federation of Equestrian States and I need your help to stop her.” Starswirl just looked at me and thought. “Slow down, slow down. I bet you are just overreacting.” He slowly got out of bed and looked at me. “No, I’m not. We aren’t going to leave. Luna can’t separate herself from Equestria if I don’t acknowledge her ‘country’. So I want you to help me find her and knock some sense into her!” I hurried starswirl to the door and began to move the shelf out of the way. “CELESTIA, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY I WILL TELEPORT YOU NORTH IF YOU FAIL TO COMPLY!” Luna’s voice rolled across the town. “TO ALL OTHERS WHO THINK THE SUN IS A BETTER RULER THAN THE MOON, YOU MAY NOW LEAVE AS WELL!” “Think I’m overreacting now?” I nodded to Starswirl as we rushed into the hall. I looked both ways and saw no night guards. “C’mon, this way, there are a few items in the throne room that can fix her. She is just confused and mad at me.” I was more so telling myself rather than starswirl. He had begun to worry too. We started running to the throne room. “I AM WARNING YOU SISTER. LEAVE THE NEW EQUESTRIA AND NEVER RETURN! ALL YOU WANT IS TO KEEP THE THRONE FOREVER! I CANNOT ALLOW THIS!” She yelled and it echoed through the castle. Starswirl and I kept running. We burst into the throne room and stopped to catch our breath, then a pitch black shadow appeared under starswirl and he fell into the floor, “Celestia! Hel-.” Then his voice was gone as the hole closed back up again. I jumped on it and scrambled to find and trace of him, but he was gone. Then I heard a loud crumbling noise as Luna burst through the walls behind the thrones and stamped. “THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE PRINCESS IN THIS EQUESTRIA! AND THAT PRINCESS WILL BE ME!!!” …….
Chapter 4The Dawn of Darkness An original tale by Diiscord Chapter 4 Jet: SSSsSssssss… The steam pipe burst again. I hustled over to the break and pulled a replacement section out of my satchel, tightening it into place with my magic and a wrench. Far off, the sound of the metal press and forge was louder than ever, since the Queen ordered mass production of the MF20 assault rifle for the looming possibility of attack by the Zebras and Griffins. It had been 50 some years since the cease fire treaty was signed between The Allied Zebra Nations(or the AZN) and the Federation of Equestrian States(FES). We united against the Northern Equestrian states and slowly began to engulf them. During this war against the north, though, many technical advancements came about. And one would end the Equestrian Civil War. We had harnessed the power of the atom. Everypony knows that the war ended with the destruction of Canterlot on the same day it started, Midsummers Eve. The atom bomb was created by 3 of the smartest scientists in the FES, one of them being my father, Doctor Jet. The Princess Celestia was forced to sign a treaty and leave with the Northern Loyalists to a small Isle named Gallopfrey in the middle of Eternity’s Crossing. Though, that was 32 years ago and after the end of the Civil war, the FES and the AZN broke off relations completely, citing the way the AZN treated its prisoners of war (who were ponies like me, even if they were traitors) and how bad it treated its civilians. The Premiere of the AZN immediately responded with a threat, in the form of an atomic bomb test. The bomb was successful and Queen Moon was baffled at how the Zebras had gotten the technology. It was spies. Until the theory was brought up, many ponies didn’t notice all the zebras living in the FES, but after the theory was announced, ponies grew increasingly hostile towards the zebras. The government was forced to move them to walled off camps for their “safety”, even though the conditions were worse there, and-... “STEAM JET!!!!” I nearly jumped out of my skin and turned to look at the viewing platform. “WERE YOU DAYDREAMING AGAIN?? WE’VE GOT 3 BURSTED PIPES! GET BACK TO WORK!” My boss, Mr. Flash Gauge, shouted. “Yes Mr. Gauge!” I hopped back to work, repairing and replacing for the rest of the day. On my way home, I met up with one of my friends, Moonshadow, and we headed to the downtown club. “How was work at the good old Macintosh firearms plant? As great as usual?” Moonshadow nudged my shoulder. “Sorry man, it’s just as exhausting as ever. How about you at the government building?” “Same, business as usual. The higher ups keep getting crazy ponies pounding on their doors because everyone is afraid of supporters of the AZN’s government. Though, in the chaos of the office today, I was able to pull some strings, and get you a new job. One that would better fit your cutie mark, I think.” I glanced back at my cutie mark, a red eye over a dark cloud. “I sure hope so. I’ve been trying to figure this thing out ever since it appeared on my ass.” I looked at him and smiled, “so what’s this new job you got for me?” “That’s for me to know and you to find out. Besides, you can wait a little longer, we’re almost to the club-” he was cut off by the roaring of archano engines in the sky. We both looked up simultaneously to the large pointed airship moving above us. One of the princesses young fleet. The symbol of the crescent moon surrounded by four stars was painted on the side of the black, steel ship. If it weren’t for the large thunderclouds holding it aloft, we might be crushed right now. “Well ain’t that a sight.” Moonshadow and I continued walking under the streetlamps as flocks of pegasi flew alongside the ship above. “I doubt any of those airships have been flying since the Patriotic War.” “Yeah, I wonder why though..” Before we knew it, we were standing outside the door of the club. Moonshadow and me trotted inside past a buck wearing a trench coat and a fedora. His face was hidden in the dim light though I could’ve sworn I saw stripes. But he left as soon as we walked in so I couldn’t confirm. “Looks like we got somewhere private to sit. See that room in the back, let’s head over there.” We trotted to the back room and sat at a table and were immediately joined by an older pony, he had a little scruff and wore some patchy suit. “Good evening gentlemen, I trust work was good.” the old buck spoke. “Um, do we kno- oof” I was cut off by moonshadow elbowing me in my side. “It was fine, Marx.” Marx, funny name. “That’s good. Ay, Gem, go watch the door for me darling.” Marx turned and a mare came out of the shadows in the back of the room. I hadn’t noticed her until now. She was young and had a grey coat with a dark purple mane. She walked out of the room and closed the door behind her. As soon as the latch clicked the table we were sitting at shot up in the air and hit Moonshadow square in the jaw. I managed to lean back in time, the table barely grazing my chin. Then without warning the table launched itself forward, I quickly kicked my chair back and used my magic to flip my up after the table passed. Moonshadow wasn’t so lucky, the table caught him in the face and knocked him out. I turned to Marx, “What the fuck??!” I knew he must’ve been the one who launched the assault. “Let’s see what you can do..” The old buck threw off his hat and began moving far more nimbly than I ever thought possible. He tried to swipe his hoof and knock me off mine, but I jumped up and drop kicked him in the side of his neck. I’m sure glad I took those free judo lessons I won in the lottery last week! Moonshadow was still out cold on the far side of the room under the table. The buck caught me glancing at him and grinned, jumping across the room with a kick that surely would have killed my friend. I moved to stop him and bucked him in the side, sending him into the wall gasping for air. He smiled as he laid against the wall, “Very good… Very good..” He coughed a bit, wiping blood away with a handkerchief. “You might just be able to handle the job.” “The job??! You nearly killed me and my friend!!” I yelled at him, seething with anger. “But I didn’t. You made sure of that. And that’s how we like our ponies at the EIA.” Wait, what? The EIA? Wasn’t that the national intelligence agency? “Seems like you broke a few of my ribs. That was a nice buck you had there. Could you call Gem in? I’m sure your friend needs help too.” “Sorry..” then I nodded, still baffled by the announcement that he was EIA. I looked outside the door and the club was loud, no doubt the sound covered the noise of the fight. I turned to the side of the door and found the grey and frankly, quite cute, mare standing outside. She noticed me, “Oh hey, you’re still alive.” “Am I supposed to be dead?” I smiled. “Oh, nah. I’m guessing Marx needs help.” I nodded and we walked in, closing the door behind us. I took off my jacket and laid it on a standing chair and began to use my magic to lift the broken table and chairs off of Moonshadow, then hauling him up on my back. “Let’s take the back door, we don’t want to draw attention.” Gem said with Marx draped across her shoulder. I followed her and Marx out the door. A car awaited us out back. I sat Moonshadow down then remembered I left my coat inside. As soon as I got back into the club, I saw that the room that was a total wreck not five minutes ago, was now as clean as it was when we walked in. Though I did manage to spot my coat on a hangar in the corner of the room. I picked it up and walked out, getting into the car. Gem was driving and she pulled out into the street. Once again, I found myself under the city lights. Manehattan was glamourous at night. Neon lights in store windows showed off the latest fashion, large posters on skyscrapers displayed everypony’s favorite Zap-cola, and even the CORE-Tec building proudly displayed its bright logo. We passed by several other buildings on our way downtown to the EIA skyscraper I assumed. I turned my head to Marx, in the back seat with me and Moonshadow, who happened to be setting his ribs back in place, with a sickening crunch I realized that my attention was best turned elsewhere. Like, for example, the numerous ponies protesting outside the government building. They all had signs and were chanting something about peace. This had been going on for the past week and was generating a lot of unrest in the general population. Ponies were unsure on which side to take on the matter. They felt sympathy for the pony prisoners that were still held in the AZN, but at the same time, they knew that war would end with everypony dead. In response to the threat of total war, the government began funding CORE-Tec to make large shelters to house the population in the event of war. Well, technically it is privately funded, but everypony knows that is bullshit. The government just doesn’t want to admit how bad our situation actually is, so all the payment is made ‘under the table’. And as the world’s resources begin to deplete-... The sudden stop of the car jolted me out of my daydream, making me realize that we were at the EIA building. “We here?” I turned to Marx, who was drinking down the last drops of a healing potion. He finished and nodded, then got out of the car and into the driver's seat after Gem got out. “Hey, Jet. I’m going to take your friend to the hospital. I am also going to remove his memory of anything related to the EIA, so, if you could, don’t mention tonight to him. If he asks, well, he got really drunk and got into a barfight, hence the hospital.” Marx winked and pulled away. Gem poked my shoulder as I watched him drive off. “C’mon, I’ll tell you more about the job on our way in.” I nodded and followed her inside. Note: Jet’s surprise encounter with the EIA has left him mentally scared. He sees them as friends, but will never fully trust the EIA. World Note: The resource level on the planet has decreased to 4% remaining. Most of the resources, such as oil, coal, and uranium are on the remote islands of Gallopfrey and the land of the griffins. The Zebras have a hunger for oil and uranium, so they can keep their nuclear arsenal stocked. The Ponies have noticed this and plan to take the lands for themselves, soon the silence between nations will break. Where will you be? Author’s Note: SO SO SO many notes, sorry about that. Also, sorry about all the info about the world in this chapter. I just wanted to properly introduce the global situation without sacrificing a chapter to do a total recap. I also apologise about my hiatus, I’ve just been trying to think of a way to introduce this chapter without directly referencing the Fallout series.(I actually am basing this off of a mix of one of my own books and the Cold war in real life(Yes, I mean the arms race between the USA and Russia). I’ll let y’all think about that.
