Within the boundaries between dreams, reality and the unknown, there slept corridors without end, its depths inlaid with runes of profound arcana. Dull, grey stone hummed with vibrant magic, filling the hallways with a thick, twilight mist that billowed quietly. This was a realm that was ruled by one Potentate that was worthy of ruling the seat of this mighty power, the very birthright drawing the current inhabitant to conquer the monotonous yet troubling rituals and trials to claim it.

And now the trio of heroes that seek to thwart him was now sleeping peacefully, under the spell of the mist that lulled them into their darkest memories. A decrepit dragon of the wintry element that walked like the Anthro. A being that reeked of anonymity, carrying the potential to become anyone and anything from another perspective. And the thin yet luscious beauty of Mother Nature herself. All three of them were now at the mercy of a cackling mad man.

Instead of worrying about what's going on, the ruler of this realm shall speak of a riveting tale of an alternative future, the source of direction coming from the sleeping dragon. To think that dusty bag of dragon bones was once someone of significant importance. It was enough for the ruler to frown with dissatisfaction over such a travesty. Ah, but what can you do? Fate has a way of turning the most vibrant souls into a miserable pile of secrets and broken dreams.

Among his lap was a book that originally held nothing but blank pieces of paper, a story told only when certain prerequisites were met. Now it was weaving a tale that came directly from the interlopers thoughts and memories, creating a future that could have been but never will. There exists an infinite number of causalities and blockades that can prevent the usual route of Fate and instead create a new, unsuspecting path. The ruler himself could not oversee the complicated intricate designs of the woven red thread, only accept the path as it is.

Aggressively did the pages turn, whipping winds conjured by the fury of sharp paper as it released an immeasurable amount of magic into the reader's trepidated form. A shadowy grin pierced through the quickening darkness, a silvery eye peering among the halted pages that were now weaving the beginning.

"Let us start from the beginning. Of a world created by the fair, cowardly folk of separated opposites. A mother and her children destined to rule over the sheep of the land, to protect their people with undying fealty."

"It is time to end this cliche speech, and get straight to the gripping story of the beloved and despised known as the Protector!"

Let me tell you a story,

About a servant of Nature that sought unyielding peace and harmony.

By escaping the turmoil of their beloved Gods.

Leaving behind the stained tears of the woeful citizens.

She pleaded that all will be well in the new land.

That abandoning who they praised and loved will be a opportune moment.

For if no one was willing to escape the God Wars.

They will be the tools of the selfish and greedy.

Corona was her name.

A righteous Queen that guided the Solaris.

Blessed with horn of magic, beauteous wings and titan strength.

An Alicorn created by the gentle touch of her Mother.

Yet when she lead the Aldhari and many others to salvation.

None knew that her guidance was only possible by communing to a profound Goddess.

However her Mother was a benevolent force that didn't carry ill intentions.

Instead assisting her beautiful creations with her beatific light.

With her power did she erect a barrier to protect them from the war.

And a perfect world that was the source of her pragmatic yet bountiful earth.

Crafted from a source of magic that will fuel the harmony that the Queen sought for.

The ancients call it Ether, The World of Renewal.

For one hundred years the lands knew peace.

From the steadfast Aldhari to the power hungry Dragons.

The griffins flew free in lofty sky blue horizons.

While the humans focused on their haphazard contraptions.

A plethora of other species joined with them.

Singing in happiness and joy to the Queen that lead them.

And there did she smile with identical intent.

Partying with her people, basking in the afterglow.

For centuries she believed that her people could never find their place.

But after today, for so many years.

She truly believed that she claimed peace for all.

And for once cut loose and shed her ruling visage, becoming one with the common.

In her weakness she did not realize that nothing lasts forever.

This is expected of one in infancy.

Fabricating thoughts that dismiss the natural order of Fate.

It will be her reckoning, and her last chance to breathe.

Though what happened in the next year...

Was something that never should have been.

Bringing along terrifying monstrosities that devour the breath of Vita.

A source that will forever be unknown, and lead the destruction of a peaceful society.

Past. Present. Future.

Cross the boundaries of time!

He who is a source of heroism and a scourge to the people!

Grant the Aldhari another chance!

And maybe Ether will reveal it's true form.

"Falronn, it has been awhile since we've seen each other," said the one clad in fanciful attire. It consisted of a blood mantle fastened by a black diamond brooch, alongside a ebon cape embroidered with pure gold. A belt with a similar design that of his brooch clung tightly around his waist. Ebony clothing wrapped around his tanned chest and legs, covering the steel chainmail and greaves that protected his form. Although he'll forever utter that it's to complete the set, not for protection.

A sword with a golden hilt and ruby pommel rested within a black diamond encrusted scabbard, gleaming menacingly. Then there was the true weapon of this man's arsenal; an golden double axe inlaid with several ancient runes that stood two feet taller than the user. Numerous gems were encrusted within the axe during its making, and they too supply the awesome power this axe promised. Between the blades was the shape of a spear that was long enough to impale his enemies.

When one looks at the royally garbed being long enough, they could still see he had the visage of an arrogant child, with a permanent scowl on his face. Golden locks of waist length hair had the pleasure of turning into a long ponytail that laid peacefully upon his shoulder. Many remarked on how those piercing, golden eyes was so terrifying as well calculating to the trained eye. The slender form of this mysterious king was fitting for someone who wore such tight garments. Everything else: anime.

He was a young man that abdicated the throne at the ripe age of ten, and he killed his father to obtain the title of Potentate of the Void. Since then his kingdom has prospered for four years, beloved by his people yet hated by the old fogeys who were used to the archaic system. He has attracted the ire of many influential people, including the Evil Eye. Nobody knew what his true name was, but many have called him the Scourge of the System and Wielder of Dahngrest, the axe that was fastened on his back. Several have feared to call him by even his alias.

Before the child king was a creature that was a amalgamation of different parts of animals. The head of a horse, with two mismatched horns: a blue goat horn and a deer antler. A long, devious fang accentuated the devious grin he wore. What always made the potentate look twice at the creature known as Falronn was not the horns, nor the mismatched pair of horns nor palms, but those differently sized red irises of his. He didn't bother with the rest of his pieces, aware that it was a serious mess. He always reminded him of madman's science experiment gone wrong. He may have been terribly weird, but his insane antics did entertain him. But today was something important, so there was no time to fool around.

"Falronn. HA! Haven't heard that name in centuries!" he shouted with a sneer, disappearing instantly before appearing beside the king just as quick. He wrapped his lion's arm around the back of his neck, smiling deviously. "It's always good to see you, my partner in crime! Tell me, to what do I owe this lovely visit?"

It seems Falronn was full of energy as usual. He wouldn't have it any other way, but today was not the time to play around. And he made that very clear. "Sorry Discord, but today we can't screw around. I've come here for information on one of the residents here."

Falronn clapped his hands like an excited schoolgirl at the mention of information. Quickly he vanished and appeared right on his chaise longue, laying on it lazily. "Ooh, so you came here for juicy gossip, hm? Maybe on Celestia? Luna? That dreadful Twilight Sparkle? They're really nothing to sneeze at, but I know a few...things that would totally ruin their public appearance. Did y'know that --"

The pensive king dismissed him with a wave of his hand, scowling. "Falronn, I care not of a fat immortal, damaged goods or the insane bookworm. Instead, I need information on the bumbling child who came here a year ago."

The chimaera didn't say anything, as he had no idea what his 'partner in crime' was talking about. "Eh, drawing blanks. Be more specific bro."

"Ugh. The Protector. Will that suffice?"

"Ahh, you mean that weird dragon that's living crystal? Reminds me of a draconic golem who cries and flails too much."

The king had to laugh at that. "Indeed. To think that kid has thwarted my plans for years sends a flame of utter despair and humiliation in my heart."

"Sounds like indigestion."

"Hmph. Only this problem can go away," quipped the royal.

Falronn chuckled at that remark, "So what do you want to know? Wait, let me guess." He rubbed around his eyelids slowly while making a humming noise that annoyed the king to no end.

The mad science experiment suddenly snapped his fingers, winking at him with a grin plastered on his face. "Aha! You want to know what's he been doing since he's been in Equestria. The whole story of course."

A nodding king shrugged his shoulders, grinning all the while. "Not impressed, Falronn. But yes, tell me everything. Even during your imprisonment you were obviously watching him. If not, well," behind him his axe vibrated at that exact moment, brimming with a malicious aura, "You already know."

"Now now, need to threaten. I'll tell you everything, your shadowy grace."

One forgot to mention that the proud king lacked a physical form, so he was now a shadowy soul that clung desperately to the Omniverse much like a lost spirit. But the people that believed him dead didn't know he still commanded power.

"I'll soon have a body to turn to, once you tell me everything."

Falronn merely shrugged, sighing dramatically, "I don't know HOW talking about that kid will help, but alright."

"Splendid."

"So I bet everyone is wondering, "what the hell is this all about?""

The aforementioned demented man was now drinking a glass of red wine, calmly turning the pages of the massive tome laying on his lap. Reading through some passages elicits some form of laughter that was too twisted to put into the words. The flickering of the light bulb on the lamp next to him sitting on a ebony end table didn't bother him none. For this certain breed of man preferred reading in the darkness. The only reason why the fireplace was on full blast is because it was a little nippy in the room. That's what happens when you build stone walls.

"Maybe you're wondering, "It's Falronn trying to deceive us!" Or, "This story has been done before!"

"Well of course it is, you blithering nincompoop! Nothing is original anymore! These lives that I hold in my hands lived journeys that are so cliche it makes the internet vomit on itself! But that doesn't mean it won't be interesting. Oh no. It's so interesting your eyes will be dried as a husk from the intense feels of this sad, sad boy."

Turning yet another page, a lone finger tapped at the middle of the right page. In an instant inky writing began to inscribe itself upon the endless pages, written in an language that was foreign to all save for certain individuals. Much like magic it was esoteric, as this certain type of style could only be learned by few beings in this infinite Omniverse. This man was proud to be one of the few creatures of this era that knew of its secrets, and is the reason he is able to read the story now.

"Now sit back and the enjoy a life of monotony. Such is the way of beginnings – but maybe this will be intriguing after all. Hmhmhm."

Author's Note

The Prologue! I know it is not usually accepted, but I feel to establish just a teeny bit of mythology it's necessary. I hope you enjoy it!