This story is dedicated to my Mother. She who taught me how to read and have a love for music, thanks Mom.

“Grandpa!” Two foals came running into the living room. In this room was an old unicorn stallion sitting in a chair and was reading a newspaper near the fireplace. Putting the newspaper down, the stallion smiled at the two.

“Ah my little munchkins. What brings you to this fine room, is it supper time already?” Asked the stallion.

“Not supper time yet, but Momma said you seemed lonely and told us to tell you to tell us a story, THE story.” Said one of the foals, bouncing up and down, clearly excited.

“The one of your life, the big war and such, the one you have neverrrrr told us.” Said the other one who was smiling and also bouncing.

“Ah that story, the story of my past, and the adventures I had, and the tragedies I faced. Well, that is a very long story, and I doubt your mother would appreciate me keeping you foals in here for such a long time as I tell you all of it.” Responded the stallion seeing them excited. “Plus, I think you two are still a little too young to hear this particular story.”

“Well Momma said we were old enough, plus you have to tell us sometime, or we will die of anticipation. We hear hints and see dark expressions from others whenever we ask.” Said them both. Something told the stallion that they had rehearsed this for a long time now and would not budge on this subject.

“Well I definitely won’t be able to tell you the whole story today, but how about this, I will tell it in parts. That way you are not here forever, for it truly is a long story. But you must promise me this, no matter what, where I stop, I stop, even if it is a cliff hanger. There is a reason why this story is important, and each part is as important as the last.”

The two foals could not contain their excitement, “YAAAAAAAAY!” They shouted. After settling them down, the stallion decided to go to the kitchen and get something to drink before starting the story.

“After all, what good is a storyteller if he is parched? Find a comfortable spot or chair near the fire, and I won’t be gone for long.” He said to them, winked, and left the room.

After pulling up some fluffy pillows, the two immediately started whispering about what wonderful things they were going to hear. “Ava, are you excited?” Asked the older.

“Well Orin, I think we going to hear and learn everything, and I am sure this is quite the story. Why else would Momma and Dad keep it from us?” And even quieter she said, “do you think he will tell us of his scars, and how he got them?”

“I am sure they relate to his story, but I do not think anypony could have scars like that without a cool story.” Replied Orin. For they had been strictly charged not to talk about the scars on their Grandpa by their Mother. Their Mother reasoned that the best way to start a relationship with their Grandpa was to put the past behind. Building new memories in the present was the best way, instead of rehashing the past.

After settling down, the two started to hear voices slowly coming toward the room. “Are you sure they are old enough? You were close to their age, and when I told you, you had nightmares for weeks.”

“Well Dad, they are at least two years older than I was when you told me. They are more mature, and they should know now. Their curiosity has gotten them in trouble before you know. Who else to hear the story from anypony except you? I think it’s time, and they do too.” With that, the foal’s mother and the old stallion entered the room.

“Very well, and you are sure you do not want to stay for the story?” Asked the stallion.

“I have heard the story so many times. I think that if I stayed, I might spoil something while they are listening.” Replied the two foals’ mother. “And, it will be a journey for them too you know.”

“Oh, but you have not heard this version of the story.” Goaded the stallion.

“Oh you say that every time, and every time it is different. I do not know how you manage it, but you still make the story fascinating to hear. But alas, if I stay here and listen too, who will make supper for all of us?” And with that, she left the room.

Turning towards the two, the stallion asked, “are two you ready?” With a resounding “YES!” The stallion returned to his spot near the fireplace, putting away the newspaper that he was reading. Sitting down, he starred at the fire, mulling over what to say. The foals waited in anticipation. What was he going to say?

“There are a few things you must understand first. You may be familiar with how certain events many years ago happened. When Nightmare Moon returned to exact her revenge on Equestria since her sister, Celestia, banished her to the moon. You may also remember that Twilight Sparkle read in the book of prophecies and predictions that Nightmare would return. Twilight immediately went to her mentor and told Celestia that Nightmare would return, yet Celestia did not pay any attention to her warning. Because of this, Celestia was captured. Now Twilight and her friends had to find the elements of harmony in order to defeat Nightmare moon. They traveled to the tree of harmony, going through many obstacles, and finally reaching their destination. Except, right after they had obtained the elements, Nightmare shows up and destroys them right in front of their eyes. That is where our story begins.”

“But Grandpa, we already know how this story ends, what does this have to do with anything?” Asked Orin.

“Ah well that might have been true when it happened in this past. Peace was restored and Nightmare Moon lost as Twilight and her friends defeated her. That’s what you were taught had happened. Except that, in my time, Nightmare Moon won.”

Author's Note

Hope you guys enjoy my writing style so far, stay tuned for more.

Edit. A little too much foreshadowing and spoilers in this one. Made it sound better to read and have things flow.