Darkness Behind Sunlight: The Beginning
Author's Note
Hello, gracious readers. I appreciate that you took the time to stop and read my story. My stories of the past, under a previous guise "bronyman78", sucked big hairy Harambe balls (to put it bluntly). Therefore, I stopped for a couple of years to really learn how to become a more focused, clean, better writer. That way I could bring you a truly great experience. Thank you, knighty and all of the other FimFiction team members, for allowing me to express creativity on a grand scale! However, there are some things to be noted about this story:
1. When romance does happen between characters (and believe me, there will be love, not necessarily clop), it will take place much, much later in the story. Fanfics such as "Tales of the Oppressed", by Terran34, and "Fallen Eagle", by Captain Alaska, are great examples of this.
2. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic does not exist in the human world. It makes no sense in a story if it does, for a dimension to exist when it came from the mind of another creature. (But anyway, much thanks to Lauren Faust.)
3. This story can, and will, be dark. True elements of fear and hopelessness to quench my thirst, to achieve that empty feeling in your stomach to sate my hunger. Please read this story at your own expense, as now you have been (hopefully) forewarned.
4. This story, and it's author, are willing to accept OC's, but only one or two. If you really want your OC to experience this tale, then send me a message, and I will happily respond when I can.
5. The story, and it's author, can and will accept polls, for such topics (such as the pairing of two characters). This story, and it's author, will accept any kind of review (unless it is on the verge of cyber-bullying[not that I care, but don't be a prick]) and will answer said review. They both will be listed in the Author's Note section. Be sure to look for them.
6. This first chapter is (obviously) a prequel, if you didn't tell be the chapter name.
Last thing to take note of: If you know the names of these stories, or the authors, please tell me; they have been bugging me for a while. These stories are most likely M.
I. This story had an OC, either human or stallion, with powers over darkness. He could hide himself in shadows. However, there was a conflict with Celestia, and after he had been given powers of holy light, he had a face-off with her.
II. A human could turn into a kitsune I believe, and he had a tree for a house, filled with his parents belongings.
III. Celestia was killing every human in Equestria, but when she comes to the last one, he says, "Congratulations on the genocide." She then takes him as a servant. I don't believe it was "the last of them all" (actual title), but it could be.
IV. Last one: I believe either an OC human or stallion was in a relationship with Twilight, but ran off to some snowy place. He lived there for a while, and had taken care of Twilight when she tried to go look for him.
Also, if I do like a story so much, but think it's a bit flawed in my opinion, then I will PM that author for permission to rewrite it. Of course, the author gets complete and final say over the finished project. Or, if you want, you may request me to re-write your story. Thank you so much, and please continue to read this story!
Prequel
Darkness Behind Sunlight: The Beginning
Prequel
The Canterlot throne room. It is marveled at for its decor and importance. Ponies of all kind are mesmerized by the first, for the stained glass murals that littered the sides and the architecture of the castle and throne room itself. Artwork depicting events of Equestria throughout history, including one where 6 ponies of a variety of colors engaging in battle with a larger, darker pony came to bring eternal darkness to the land, and another depicting a dragon-like creature with different body parts tormenting ponies with marionette strings. Fine art of the cosmos, such as the sun and moon, the seas and skies, were on the sides of a red and gold throne, with two mini waterfalls on the sides of the staircase leading to the seat. A flowing, crimson carpet snaked it's way in between them. Dozens of pillars on both sides of the room gave it a sense of intimidation, but majesty as well.
A milky white creature, adorning wings and horn, sat on the throne's seat. She brandished her royal attire, consisting of a crown, hoof plates, and necklace (all of which golden), as armor, for it made all ponies admire and cower before it. Luckily, her kindness and nobleness as a benevolent ruler made her subjects live in peace and harmony. With her flowing mane and tail, as if they ignored the very fabric of physics, with no wind or breeze in the room, the blue, green, and lovely pink blending naturally into each other. She sat with a serene smile, happy at the thought that there was nothing to worry about; the daily paperwork had been finished, her sister got to her well deserved rest after a night's work (a royal figure as well), and, as far as she knew, there was no national emergency to take care of. Celestia smiled at the realization that all was at peace in her beautiful, calm kingdom of Equestria, ponies going about their day quite well.
But almost right on cue, as if higher beings of above heard her thoughts and decided to change this, a royal guard entered the throne room and calmly walked up to the princess of the day. Celestia sighed, knowing all too well about what kind of trouble was likely to follow. She just wanted to get over with it. Perhaps another power-hungry fool viewing themselves as a deity of some sorts, will make the idiotic move of trying to overtake the kingdom. However, as the guard approached, she noticed that he wasn't worried or scared. She instead raised one of her brows as the guard bowed before her and stood at attention.
"Your highness, you have a visitor. Should I send her in?"
"Ugh... Who is it? I do not feel the mood to help another noble, but I will do my part."
"It's Princess Twilight, of Ponyville, ma'am."
Celestia's eyes widened a bit, and then a smile crept onto her face. She stood and slowly walked down from her seat.
"Oh, I did not realize. Pardon me, but yes, please allow her to come in."
"Yes, your highness." The guard left the throne room. As he did, the doors opened again to reveal a different pony, another alicorn such as herself, and none other than her most faithful student, Twilight Sparkle. Celestia let loose a genuine smile as she was glad to see her, instead of another one of her subjects with a (normally) petty issue. Not that she didn't like helping and caring for her subjects (and she did; Celestia had the need to act as a motherly figure to all of her citizens), but it could be very taxing on the immortal princess.
Celestia smiled as Twilight neared. However, she began to worry as she took note of her pupil's expression: the young pony looked tired, and even somewhat annoyed, as if something has happened that would not rest easy in her head. The normally well kempt bookworm was disheveled; her mane and tail were sticking up in several places, as opposed to the very neat and straight style she preferred, and her violet eyes were dilated, most likely from a lack of sleep. Her eyebrows were furrowed as she (surprisingly) calmly walked to her ruler.
"Twilight Sparkle, what pleasure it is to see you! Although, it's anything but to look at you like this: what is wrong?" Celestia said soothingly. It pained her a little bit to see her favorite student, but hoped to help her dear friend. However, the other alicorn sighed, drooping her head with her ears following. After a moment, she looked at her teacher, her tired eyes gazing at her hopefully for a second.
"It's really great to see you, Princess. But the problem is, I have been troubled over the past couple days. It's about a magical disturbance over in Ponyville."
The solar monarch breathed in deeply, hoping that it would not be a huge emergency. Please don't tell me it's something of grave importance. Nightmare Moon, Chrysalis, King Sombra, Tirek, all of them... I've just about had enough. None the less, she smiled and wrapped a loving wing (not in that manner, mind you) around Twilight, pulled her close to follow her. They started to walk down a series of halls, which were constructed as equally as elegant as the throne room. On the way, numerous guards and maids stopped in their tracks or post to bow, before resuming. "I see. I thought it was a friendship problem at first, that you came down here. But if it involves Ponyville, what is it that I can do that you can't?"
"Well, it is completely strange and illogical. I was able to pinpoint the origin of it; the Castle of the Two Sisters. When I arrived, however, the girls and I couldn't find anything unusual, except for one thing..."
"Oh? And what could that be, perhaps?"
Twilight then flew into a fit, as if this was trigger for her. She paced quickly around the halls, her eyes angry and scared. "That's the thing! There wasn't anything there! No unusual object, no magical traces, not even an animal! But with a disturbance that big, there HAD to be! It's just-"
"Shh... It's okay, Twilight. take some deep breathes and focus. What could be the reason for that?" The violet alicorn nodded and breathed slowly, deeply. Celestia smiled and used her magic to open the door to her chambers. She and Twilight laid down on the rug (and quite an expensive one, if I say so myself), and relaxed. Inside, a maid had just gotten done cleaning, and after a few soft words from Celestia, she started a fire for them and went happily on her way.
"Yeah... sorry about that..." The lilac mare blushed from embarrassment. Celestia giggled and hugged twilight with her wing, looking at her.
"It's completely understandable, my little pony. Now, have you come to a conclusion?"
"Well," Twilight started, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. "the amount of magical pressure released was extremely strong, meaning the spell used must have been difficult to pull off."
"Not quite." The white monarch spoke. Twilight looked at her with widened eyes.
"What? How so?"
"What if the spell used was as simple as levitation or teleportation, but was in continual use from the start? If that were the case, then..."
"Then, the pressure were to build and suddenly release... like the disturbance! Yes, we did it!" Twilight exclaimed, looking extremely proud of both royalties. her smile slowly vanished, and stared in thought. "But could the spell being used be trying to keep something out, or something in? What if it released a new threat?"
Celestia's expression hardened. If that were the case, then she would need to prepare for something big. Something powerful. Something dangerous. She sighed, and then looked at her student. "That could very well be the case, Twilight. How long were the waves, and what were the colors?"
The reason she asked this is because, when magic is being used, it takes form; like the color on a unicorns horn. If magic were to build pressure and release, a soft ring, like a ripple effect in water, would appear, and have a certain set of colors, most likely the color of the magic used by the unicorn. If they could figure out the color and size, that would give them a clue as to who was the culprit. Twilight continued to think, and then her features softened. "Well, the ring was huge. I can't say exactly, but from what I understand about magic, is that the spell was used for about 20 years, and the colors were golden, dark blue, and white. Three ponies, that used a spell before my friends and I were born. Is that something you would know, or have any ideas on? Celestia?"
The alabaster alicorn was currently thinking, a stranger to the real world. How could it be? I-i-it's true, but impossible all the same. Why didn't it last longer, and how much longer? On the brighter side, I won't have to prepare for the worst, just for the unexpected. However, her train of thought derailed as she heard Twilight yell her name. Startled, she looked around quickly, then saw her student laying next to her. She smiled warmly at the younger mare.
"Oh, yes. Sorry, I was just evaluating the situation."
"It's okay. I asked you if there were any other clues or ideas we may have missed?"
Celestia smiled at her, shaking her head slowly. She had to give it to her student; she was starting to look and become a princess everyday she saw her. She hugged Twilight and looked her in the eyes.
"No, I do not. But I will not give up on this, and as this takes place in Ponyville, or at least near it, neither should you. We both have a lot on our hooves, but I believe in you so much, Twilight. You make me proud, my most faithful student. Now, go and rest, and I will visit soon with more information on this topic. Oh, and tell my favorite little dragon I said hello."
Twilight beamed and sniffled a little, and hugged her teacher tightly. "Thank you, Celestia. I'm so happy I can make you proud. And do visit; the castle can get so lonely with only two residents." She then giggled. "And so will Spike. Goodbye, Princess!"
With a flash of pink and white, what was the other princess was but an empty spot. Celestia glowed, warmed by her friend. Her smile, along with her positive emotion, went down the drain. Her eyes hardened and her features stoic as she breathed in, and let loose a heavy sigh. She looked out the window, the sun still high in the afternoon. She stood up and walked out, heading towards the throne room.
"So it starts. The beginning of an era."
Twilight, exhausted from the past couple of days of research and questioning herself, slowly walked into her castle. The now Friendship Castle wasn't always like this: before the invasion of Lord Tirek (a menacing centaur with plans to take over Equestria by stealing and harnessing the power of ponies everywhere), it was just the Golden Oaks Library, a mighty (yet quaint) oak tree that was carved to be a library for Ponyville residents. It was, unfortunately, caught in a blast of pure energy, where it then exploded. Later, the once fallen tree was re-imagined into the blue, violet, and lilac castle it is today (which is still a library). While she did miss the peacefulness of her little tree home, she did have to admit that this was a nice change.
She combated the staircases leading up to her throne room. The architecture was astounding; crystal pillars standing guard below the ceiling, and beautiful shades of colors everywhere made it a sight to see. It was the throne room, however, that was truly amazing. Six seats, made of white and purple gem, lay perpendicular to each other around a gorgeous, circular table. The six seats were imbued with symbols on them, each one representing the cutie mark (a special sigil on the flanks of ponies everywhere, showing them their special talent in life) of their six bearers. Twilight walked to the chair with a purple, six-pointed star, matching the one on her own body, with similar white stars around it. As she sat on her haunches with a resounding *poomf*, she sighed.
She gazed lazily at the table, taking a few minutes for wondering what everything that's happening so far could mean. The disturbance, the ring, spells used before her time, not to mention Celestia's strange pause. But, she could just be thinking about it, like I was when it happened. I should go back there, to the old castle. Examine anything I missed. Just as she was getting up fetch her saddle bag, Spike, Twilight's proclaimed number one assistant, burst through the doors with a worried look strapped onto his face.
Spike the dragon is a green and violet baby dragon, hatched from an egg from Twilight herself. In order to pass into a special school for gifted unicorn fillies, as a foal, Twilight had to use magic to hatch the dragon egg early. However, her magic was extremely weak, and could barely muster a spark. But it was at that moment when Rainbow Dash accomplished her very first sonic rainboom (another story for another time, avid reader) did Twilight unleash magic strong enough to set Spike free, and it was this that princess Celestia herself appear and take Twilight Sparkle under her wing as a personal student.
"T-T-Twilight! It's an emergency!" The young drake yelled, flailing his arms here and about. Twilight looked at him, rubbing her forehead to try and banish the lingering headache.
"Spike...if it is a problem with a citizen, then please go help them. I am not in the mood to try and deal with somepony's problems." Instead of listening to his mother (the young alicorn adopted him as her own son and assistant), the dragon ran to Twilight, and shook her forelegs.
"Remember the magical disturbance you were going crazy over? Somethings happened in that same spot! Hurry, I got your saddle bags right here!" Mention of the disturbance piked Twilight's interest, but something happening over there? Strange, new, unknown? Twilight shook her head, nodded with a confident grin, and grabbed her saddlebags from Spike.
"Great job, Spike! If it really is a huge emergency, then let's not waste a second!" She jumped up and teleported them both outside. They both nodded to each other, making sure that Twilight had the green light. A few seconds later, traces of the pony and drake were non-existent.
The two ended up in front of their destination: The Castle of the Two Sisters. Twilight, albeit a little drained from teleporting a vast distance, was able to feel surges of magical pressure, emanating from inside. She heard Spike gulp, and gave him a little peck on the forehead, secretly telling him that there was nothing to worry about. But that's what she would have liked to believe: with an event like this never happening before (or at least recorded down), she didn't know what to expect. But she had to be strong for Spike, the princesses, and the rest of Ponyville.
Breathing in, she took her first step into the castle.
It had been a few minutes since Twilight came to the solar monarch for help on a magical disturbance over in Ponyville. But right now, it was time to relax and enjoy the occasional little breaks she got from being a ruler over a peaceful nation. Reading a book from Starswirl the Bearded, a powerful sorcerer from long ago, by the cackling fire that burned with a soft, romantic glow. It was great at these times.
But, as everypony knew, good times did not last forever. And as soon as she pondered that, her horn started to fizz with magical essence, uncontrollable power over a grand scale. It caused her pain, but as she hurried to her bathroom, she saw what was happening. Her horn was shooting sparks of three different colors: her own golden magic, her lunar (she chuckled at the thought) sister's midnight blue, and a white glow she almost knew off the bat. Her eyes widened as she moved at such speed that would rival a cyan mare that she knew somewhat well, strapping on her various pieces of royal attire, and galloping to the balcony outside her chambers. She concentrated what magic she could summon (and that is quite a lot for a centuries old alicorn), and vanished to the source.
She arrived, very tired from using so much magic on short notice, to see her student Twilight, and her son and assistant Spike, standing in front of a sphere of pure energy, harmful to anypony coming into contact with it. Her eyes widened with fear and curiousity as she realized that she was right: the spell, used not long ago by she and her sister, was being shattered by an outside force.
"Twilight! Spike! Get away, now!" She barked, wanting to protect them at all costs. She wouldn't know how to move forward if something happened to either of them. They have built a relationship so strong, a bond invincible, that almost nothing could get in between them. She didn't want to sound mean, but it was time to face this threat, and she couldn't have anypony trying to do something foolish before she, Celestia, could figure out what it was. The lilac alicorn turned sharply and, grabbing her young assistant, retreated quickly behind her ruler.
"Princess Celestia! I'm glad that you came, something seems to be wrong! The spell used is finally being broken, so the pressure is building!" The wind was howling everywhere, as if it were a wild Timberwolf.
"Twilight, I do not know what will happen, but help me contain this spell! With enough magic, it will be able to close itself!" As they both started to try and close the portal, something amazing happened; the sphere started to change and conform into a shape.
What they both saw would forever change the world, and their lives, from then on.
