For countless millennia, the Mist has existed. No one knew where it was from, or where it went, but for one night every year, it would stretch itself across the lands of Equestria and ravage any caught in the Mist. When the Three Tribes settled in the lands of Equestria, they were unaware of the Mist until it was almost too late. Those caught out in the Mist could never be found, but only heard. The sounds of screams, of loud roars, and of bodies breaking would freeze the soul of all who listened. The victims were only found the next morning. Some were simply stuffed with what looked like a steaming, thick substance in their holes. Less fortunate ones were found with holes along their bodies. Others had no limbs, no eyes, ripped open ears or nostrils, or even broken or no lower jaw. And the worst of the victims were without heads, or torn apart bodies. But no matter the victim, no matter how they suffered, they were all dead.

For years, the Three Tribes did what they could to combat this menace. But every squad of trained soldiers sent into the Mist, met only the same fate as any other. Their bodies broken and torn, holes stuffed with this vile substance. Their weapons were shattered and their armor was torn like wet paper. After the last group of soldiers were found so horribly mutilated, the leaders Chancellor Puddinghead, Commander Hurricane, and Princess Platinum forbade anyone from being out on the night of the Mist. They even went so far as to establish a curfew that demanded all be in their homes, locked and secure by Sundown. For all they lost to this Mist, all the Three Tribes managed to learn was that this Mist came only once a year, every year for a single night, and that it could not enter homes.

This continued on for many years, but despite so many warnings and safety precautions. Every year, there were always a few unfortunates who were found, broken and used on the ground. Over time, more and more ponies grew smarter and were able to listen to the warnings. Many even developed the habit of going to bed as the Sun set to avoid the Mist. But as the Mist was more and more avoided, the more brutal and horrific were the victims that were caught the following year. After over ten years of suffering to the Mist, the leaders of the Three Tribes were met with horror when word came to them one year that an entire village was destroyed.

Upon arrival, the leaders found that the bodies of ever stallion, mare, filly, colt, and even foal were brutally and savagely torn apart and violently ravaged. But despite the horror they saw afflict the victims’ bodies, the second thing they saw nearly made their blood freeze. The village’s buildings, every home and shop in the village was destroyed. Doors ripped off their hinges, walls bearing numerous large holes, while some were simply ripped apart. For years, the ponies had been able to stave off the Mist by being safe in their homes. But as the years went by, and less and less were captured by the Mist, the Mist had evolved. It had grown so aggressive that it was now destroying buildings. The leaders soon realized the horrible truth. Nopony was safe anymore.

As the year rolled by, the leaders puzzled and debated over the best course of action. Princess Platinum felt it was best to simply flee and find a new land to claim. Commander Hurricane would hear none of that and demanded a full on war against the Mist, find where it rested throughout the year and destroy it. Chancellor Puddinghead suggested a massive wall be constructed and magically enchanted that would protect the capital cities. But among the heated debates, only one stood calm. It was the master wizard, Starswirl the Bearded. Starswirl could not promise a solution similar to what defeated the Windigos. But he gave his word that when the fated night came, he would face the Mist and protect the ponies of Equestria. Seeing no other solution, the leaders reluctantly agreed to Starswirl’s plan.

When the fated night came, Starswirl stood alone as the Mist crept along the land. When the Mist fully engulfed him, those who remained hidden in their homes claimed to hear louder roars than ever. It was like that of some demon, or a massive dragon. Bright, colorful lights, followed by the sounds of explosions and lightning could be seen for miles around. Whatever this Mist was, Starswirl would face it. When the following morning came, Starswirl was found, exhausted, and nearly broken; but he was still alive. To a massive group of scholars and the leader of the Three Tribes, Starswirl regaled that the Mist was merely a cover. It was what traveled in the Mist that was to be feared. An endless horde of vicious monsters, Starswirl claims their forms were of nothing he had ever seen. But he was able to hold them back, but he knew that had the Sunrise not come when it did, he would’ve been overwhelmed. Starswirl’s final statements before seeking rest was that these creatures were not invincible, but were too many to destroy and that he would stand against them again.

The following year, Starswirl stood alone against the creatures. But this year was different. This year, Starswirl prepared himself. As he battled the endless horde of creatures, he was able to drive them back, massive balls of light could be seen from all around as Starswirl managed to drive the creatures away and into a mysterious cave. Feeling a malicious energy from this cave, Starswirl knew that this cave had to be where the creatures rested during the year. It was all Starswirl could do was to seal away the cave entrance, preventing the creatures and the Mist from ever escaping again. But for how long?

Author's Note

I was thinking of this becoming its own longer story, but I’m not too sure. What do you all think?