MLP Death to Friendship

by Heavyfeather

Rating: teen
Tags: Discord, Princess Celestia, Dark, Alternate Universe, Main 6, Nightmare Moon, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Spike
Length: 10518

In an alternate universe Selene (Luna) is the older sister and Celestia is the younger sister.

In the land of Equestria, Twilight and Celestia must find a way to correct the mistakes of the pass and save their friends. Death and hardship was only thought to be the problems of others, but Pony Ville will soon learn the true meaning of survival. the past holds the secret to the future and only Twilight and her friends can bring the second part of the prophecy to fruition.

Published 2012-08-25 00:34:01 UTC
Last updated 2012-09-26 00:10:30 UTC

Night Fall

Thousands of years ago before Star Swirl the Bearded past away, he cast a spell to bring all ponies together. This spell called forth the Windigoes a powerful snow beast, soon after Equestria was born and Chaos was not pleased.

In the land of Chaos there were two ponies that had the hardest jobs, Atlas the Unicorn to turn the world and Sylphia a Pegasus to set the seasons. The two ponies loved each other in this world of chaos, not even the fiery peeks of the scorched lands could keep them apart.

Years later the first two alicorns were born, Selene a dark filly with emerald green eyes and hair like the deepest ocean of stars, and in her teens learned she can move the moon. Soon to follow, her younger sister Celest a white filly with pink eyes and hair like a clear ocean coast, and at an even younger age she learned to move the sun.

Princess Selene and Celest cried to their father to help free the ponies in Equestria from the grip of Chaos. Atlas turned to the Scrolls of Star Swirl and discovers a side note about the elements of harmony. The notes entail that a bond of friendship must be made and a spark will reveal the last element. Atlas looked to his daughters to retrieve the elements while he distracted Chaos. Knowing the location the two sisters soon arrived at the bearded ones secret workshop and retrieved the elements. With haste the two sisters returned to find their father at the knees of Chaos. Chaos looked up to a blinding light of friendship and was soon after turned to stone.

Princess Selene began to charge the already frozen Chaos with her horn set to quake. As she drew closer ready to strike, “NO” Atlas demanded slamming down one hoof. “Don’t come down to his level, you’re better than that Selene” her father explained. That day the world regained order, the sun arose on time, everypony was nice to one another and harmony spread across Equestria once again.

After the defeat of Chaos, Atlas was appointed Sire by all ponies of Equestria for keeping the world safe. Atlas still had his job to do, make the world go round. Every one hundred years atlas would run for ten years, to make the world spin at a steady pace, but after his journey he would have to rest for another forty years. Once at rest a spell is erected to keep out any disturbances. After the Sire’s rest the next few years are spent with family till he would have to run again.

Princess Celest waits by the barrier with Queen Sylphia, today’s the last day of rest and she waits to greet her father upon his awakening. The barrier cracks then shatters into little snowflakes that Celest enjoys to see. Little Celest jumps up and prance beneath the beautiful sparkles. The doors to the great hall fly open releasing a gust of wind down the hall blowing away the crystal snow also bringing down little Celest from her high. Princess Selene slowly strolls down the hall as her sister cuddles next to the queen. The door opens as Selene arrives and stands at attention to await the Sire.

Atlas steps from the shadows of the room to see his beautiful family waiting in anticipation. Knowing his eldest wants to rule, he looks down into her eyes and ask “what’s the report on Equestria” her heart filled with joy even though she didn’t show it from her outward appearance. Selene looked up to her father and gave him a quick rundown of current events. Little Celest waited patiently by the queen for her turn to receive love from father. After Selene’s report he turns and looks down at Celest with a smile, “have you learned any lesson about friendship today my daughter” the Sire so lightly pressed. Celest sprung to life with uncontrollable glee, prancing closer to her father “oh yes, I learned that friends can come in many forms like birds, frogs, pillows, clouds, trees…” Selene rolled her eyes “you can’t be friends with everything silly sister” Celest face quickly turned to a frown and a tear rolled down her cheek. Little Celest began down the hall stomping her hooves all the way, before Selene could apologize Celest cried out “I’m friends with you” the Sire giggles as Selene jaw slung open. Selene raised her head with pride and escorted her father back to his throne. Later that evening Selene raised the moons to light the night sky.

Selene watches over the night like many times before and as always she wouldn’t hear any cheering, nor playing, or anything, even the birds would sleep through the night and not sing for Selene. Frustrated with having the night she would pace through the hall thinking not even the wicked would play in the night, and why would everypony sleep through such a beautiful night with the moon hanging above in all its glory. With all the princesses pacing in the hall she had awoken her sister Celest “big sister what the matter?” little Celest ask with worry in her eyes. Selene notices the worried little filly and slowly walked her sister back to her bed. “I’m ok my little sun goddess” Selene giving comfort to her sister. Celest sat up in bed and looked out the window and giggled, “what is it little sister” Selene asks “it’s the moon I’ve never seen it blue before.” Selene turned to the window to see for herself, “oh” she giggles thinking to herself, “must be because how I feel right now?” she turns and looks back at her sister with a small grin “don’t worry about that just trying something new sister…” little Celest looked up to her sister with a smile of happiness “big sister I love the moon so much, when it rises it make me feel like I get a big hug from you” Selene rolls her eyes to what she’s hearing “you silly filly just get some sleep we have a long day tomorrow” after tucking in her sister, Selene turns and walks to the door, before leaving she hears in a light whisper “I love you sister” as she closes the door.

The next morning in the magic academy, Selene class received a new student by orders of the Sire. The new student entered slowly with his head down, everypony eyes arose to see a mismatched pony as they giggled and laughing at his misfortune. The teacher put her hoof down “now class this is not how proper ponies act, now take your seats!” giving everypony “The EYE”. The teach looks to the young mixed pony “take the first empty seat, please Discord” The teacher giving a soft nudge. All through class the young colts and fillies poked fun at the mismatched pony and the teacher did little to stop them, even Selene took in on the fun.

After class Selene walked Celest home from school. Tired after a long day Selene and her sister took a stroll through the royal garden to find the young Discord sitting next to his father’s statue crying. Celest eyes began to water at the sad sight and walk slowly next to Discord, softly speaking in a comforting tone “why so sad mister” Discord still hurting from earlier, lashes out at the young filly “I’m not crying” but holds back after looking in her eyes, something about her eyes puts his anger to rest. As if his ocean of hate was washing away. Discord felt free of pain for that one moment. Then he turned to see Selene looking down at him with her vengeful baby blues as she had done in class. With a harsh voice Selene calmly ask “what in Equestria are you doing behind castle walls…” then with a burst of anger Selene cry out “GAURDS!” the palace garden soon became over run with guards surrounding Discord and the girls. “Princess what seems to be the matter?” a guard asks with concern, baffling Princess Selene, “don’t you see him, sitting here?” Selene asks with confusion. “Yes my lady has he, done something?” the guard replayed with equal confusion. A strong booming voice calls out for all to listen “He is a guest and will be staying with us for the duration of school, girls be kind to him” Sire Atlas speaking with authority as he turned then walked away. Frustrated Selene galloped to her room for the rest of the day, as the guard’s flew away little Celest put one hoof on Discords paw with a smile “you’ll be ok” with a reassuring voice.

Later that night Selene walks the halls as she has done before thinking “what will my friends say if they find out that discord now lives with me?”. In the need of fresh air Selene walks to the garden to watch the moon, to her surprise the young mismatched pony hasn’t moved from where they last met but now he had a look of peace about him. Selene approaches quietly but enough for him to notice, they make eye contact and then look away. Selene looks up at the moon and ask “why are you still out here?.. You’ll catch a cold” his eyes open to the sound of concern from the dark mare, Discord looked at his feet and paused to think. Selene thinking that he was trying to dodge her question look down to him with a up turned lip “you…” she started “th, the moon” Discord blurts out “I was just thinking it was so beautiful, and how I always love to stay up and watch as the fireflies play in its light” he explained “how I wish I could be a firefly, care free in the world of pain”. Hearing these words made Selene’s heart explode, twice but she refused to show it. Selene stood above him and put one hoof on his shoulder “sorry, sorry about everything I’ve done” Discord looked to her hoof, his heart started to race as his eyes drew up to her face; a smile what a surprise Discord didn’t know she had one. Discord stands and looks away with his chest pumped out “Selene thanks, this means a lot” Discord proudly mention.

The next day at the academy, the ponies were extra mean to Discord and Selene did nothing to stop them nor did she join in. Four ponies from the track team lead by Swift Wind surrounded Discord. Swift looked down to Discord “you don’t belong here monster, if you stay we’ll make it will be twenty percent worst for you everyday” as he turned to walk away he looks back at Discord and gives him a swift buck to the face knocking Discord to the ground, Swift Wind and his boys laugh and walk away. Discord not wanting to lash back thinking that he would get blamed for starting the fight raises and walks over to the drinking hole to wash away the blood from his nose. Later that day in the royal garden Discord confronts Selene. Discord began “why did you not stop them, ya, you could hav…” As Selene face grew with disgust “What! We are, NOT your baby sitter, I have a sister!” she exclaimed!

A few months pass and Discord falls into a routine of studies and evading Swift Wind. In his spare time, Discord would slip away and bury his muzzle into the books of common unicorn spells. As the book draws to a close Discord looks up to find that he has read all the books in the library, except for those in the restricted area. Because everpony trusted each other, there are no barriers to stop anypony from reading such books, except for the one guard who stood watch, Heimdall. On the way out Discord see’s the guard standing at the back of the library, he moves closer to find out why and finds more books lining the walls. Discord approaches the door and is stopped by Heimdall, the guard looks down at the young Discord and speaks “none shall enter!” with a big booming voice. Deterred, Discord leaves thinking that maybe he could get Princess Selene to get him a book or two, with this in mind Discord exits the library with inspiration burning in his eyes, soon to be cut short. “Hey” a burly voice followed by a swift kick to the side. Discord falls to the ground gasping for air. Now standing over Discord with a vary discerning grin, Swift places a hoof on Discords head, speaking in a grungy voice “no more hiding, your grass feed Discard” Swift’s boys laugh as they keep watch for other ponies, one pony recapped “uh-he-he yeah, Discard!”. Swift pushed Discord head to the ground then started his one pony stampede.

The day drew to a close as Discord awoke in the bushes on the edge of the Academy, bruised and beaten Discord manages to hobble back to the royal garden. The moon rose and Selene made her way down to the garden to watch the stars. Under the dim moon light Selene could see discord beneath his father’s statue, thinking he was just taking a small break from his studies, she approached softly not to wake the mismatched pony. Inches away Selene feels something slippery beneath her hoof and takes a small tumble down the steps and lands on the wounded Discord, Selene screams as she rises covered in blood.

The sun rises and peeks through the slightly cracked curtains Discords eyes open ever so slightly; he turns his head to see both Selene and Celest at his bedside. “How long have I been here?” Discord asks in a raspy voice. Celest offers a cup of water as Selene glairs at the bandaged pony “you will tell me everything!” she demanded escorting her little sister out the room as she closed the door. Discord not wanting to make her upset told her of Swift and his friends, asking her not to confront them, wanting to put Selene’s worries to rest, Discord changes the subject “books, I was wondering, if you could get me some books from the restricted area of the library?” disturbed a little from the request Selene gave one condition, “if I do this, you must let me learn with you” Discord in pain nodes his head in agreement.

Weeks became months and a new year had arrived, Selene and Discord train hard increasing their knowledge in magic, and gaining high marks in class. Discord was soon recognized by the Sire for his accomplishments and was offered a permanent place in the palace, which Discord humbly accepted. Discord proudly walked to royal garden to see Selene, prancing like a pony once he hit the first step to the walk way. Discord arrives at the statues to give the good news to his frozen father, “dad, I’m happy for the first time in my life!” Discord in bliss does not see the statue glow. Discord looks into the palms of his hands “by this day next week I will become part of the royal family!” the statues eyes glow red and the stone rumbles, “congratulation” a deep voice from what seem to be coming from everywhere. Discord surprised from the sound looks up to his father’s statue, which is now emitting a glow “fh-father” Discord a little scared backs away from the statue, the eyes seem to focus on him “dear boy, do not be afraid, I only wish to give a fathers praise” Discord heart began to beat fast, a praise from father, the Sire of all disorder, this was the topping of the cake Discord was looking for. Discord stepped closer to his father, placing one claw on the stone “father, thank you” the voice seem to get deeper “boy, I’m not done yet, go to the mountains to the north, there you will find a cave of crystal and it is there waiting, my gift to you” Discord thought about it, a gift from father would be wondrous. Happy with all the praise of the day he didn’t see Selene walking up to him “talking to your father again” Selene joyfully remarks “oh-uh yes, did you hear the news” Discord overwhelmed with joy twirling around the princess then taking a bow. Selene happy to see Discord happy bowed in return “welcome to the family” she smiles “Sir Discord” Discord surprised to see this display of kindness bows again to Selene “the pleasure is mine, my lady” they laugh as they both fall to the grass on the lawn and watch the sun set.

The next day arrives and Discord wakes early to get a head start for his travel to the crystal peeks to the north. Not wanting to wake anypony Discord slips out his bedroom window and takes flight. Discord flew for hours till he reached the summit, to his amazement the cave was right where his father told him. Following the instructions to the letter Discord came upon a glowing green crystal sticking out the glittering wall, Discord grabbed the crystal with his paw but it would not budge, then he places both paws on the stone, tightened his grip and pulled as hard as possible. His arms grew tired from the strain, Discord decided to rest and sat in front of the stone, trying to think of a way to pull it out. The crystal made a small sound, the wall shook and the crystal dislodged itself falling to the ground in front of Discord. The room became dark as the light from the crystal faded. Discord felt around for the stone in the dark placing one paw on it, suddenly a sharp breeze over took the young mixed stallion. Surprised by the wisp of wind Discord thought to himself “wow!” He could feel power pouring from it the crystal more and more the longer he held it. Discord walked out the cave and looked to the sun setting, his eyes opened wide as he realized he was going to be late, Selene always worries for him if he’s out this late, due to the incident with Swift. Discord magically makes a chain to hold the stone and places it around his neck; he takes flight and heads for home.

On the day of his coronation the sun peeks through the window casting a small shadow over the sleeping mixed stallion, pouncing on to the bed landing on him “tee-he-he, time to wake up Discord” Discord stunned by the sudden attack opens his eyes to a young filly resting on his chest “Princess Celest, what time is it?” he asked as he looked out the window “its noon, you’ve been in bed half the day”. Discord rose and stretched, happy this would be the day he becomes one of the family, having the blessing from his father. Discord cleaned up and got ready for his coronation. The day was to be full of meet and greet of the highest officials, the queen would meet them at the main entrance and once inside the Sire would introduce them to Discord. Time seem to move slow as the main court fill with leaders from all over, surprising to Discord the Sire managed to make treaties with the Gryphon’s, Diamond Dogs and the Buffalo, three of the most powerful tribes. At the end all gathered around Discord to start the ceremony. From the throne to the center, a path opened as the Sire stood and walked down to Discord. The Sire spoke “here stands the son of Chaos, will no one here give tolerance to this pony?” the three leaders stepped forward “Aye!” the three voiced proudly, stepping back in place. The Sire spoke “will none here forgive the sins of the father that plagues the son?” again the three stepped forth “Aye!” the Sire then placed on hoof on Discords head “Discord, you are now one of the herd, all your past sins have been forgiven and in this world you will start a new” the crowd stomped, roared and howled as the Sire continued “will you Discord, give a paw to the crafting of the future” after Discord was then presented a white cloak.

With all the cheering and congratulations Discord slipped out to garden to tell father the good news. Discord quickly walked down to the statue garden, placing both paws on his father “do you see father, I made it into the family!” Discord waited for an answer but only heard a faint chanting around him. Five little dark creatures appeared around him and the statue at five points and set themselves aflame, the ground began to tremble and crack releasing a bright light that shot up to the sky, night became day and all are alerted to the garden. The Sire steps out to see Discord standing in front of his father’s statue, glowing just as bright as the statue.

One final shake and the statue explode releasing Chaos. Like a grand dragon Chaos body seems to be endless as it flows from the newly formed storm clouds. Chaos lowers his head to the Sire, showing off his dazzling whites “little Sire, I am free and this world will return to its natural state of disorder, ha-ha-ha!” Selene runs out to see Chaos climbing into the sky carrying Discord in his claw, with a flash of light they were gone, dropping a small crystal before Selene. The world returned to Chaos, In the village to the west it would rain acid and small animal became feral, to the east the plant life would grow and eat any pony in reach, the Gryphon’s returned home to find the mountains in a full whiteout, the Diamond Dogs gave tribute to Chaos to not change their territory. Chaos only wanted one thing from the Dogs. Taking the first born pups and transforming them into Timberwolves, sending them back into the Dog’s lair to kill them.

Day became night every few seconds and the Sire put on his armor and set out to find Chaos’ lair, weeks became years as he searched high and low till he came to an untouched beach stumbling on to the sleeping Dragon resting at the edge of cliff overlooking the ocean “Chaos!” With a mighty neigh, Atlas charged the sleeping beast; Chaos opens one eye and watched as the Sire drew closer. Chaos whipped suddenly knocking the Sire off balance “pathetic little Sire” Chaos snickered. Chaos was now out of reach off Atlas melee attacks, Chaos’ nose flared as he inhaled, releasing a streaming blast of fire, The Sire quickly put his power into a magic shield. Chaos amused, whipped around rustling up a quick storm. The dark clouds grew even darker as he would rub his scales together; The Sire not wanting to test Chaos power directly, flipped his shield to contain Chaos just as he cast his attack, Chaos becoming a large ball of lightning. The shield shatters, Chaos now enraged fires three fireballs at Atlas, Atlas backs up quickly moving the world causing Chaos to slam right into the mountain, leaving him disorientated. The Sire focused putting all his power into the crown of elements, releasing the power of friendship turning Chaos back to stone, sending him to the bottom of the ocean.

Back at the castle Selene cries in her room for the lost of Discord, holding on to the small crystal he would wear around his neck. A flash of light catches her attention, she looks to the garden and sees Discord smoking from the over use of teleporting and runs to his side. She arrives to find the guards ready to attack “back away he’s mine, get back to your post!” she demanded send the guards away. Discord rose and looked back sad at Selene as if to apologize for his existence, Selene opened one wing to give comfort “please don’t be sad, it’s not your fault” Selene lifts her hoof to give back the crystal she found, Discord look at the stone with disgust and looks away “you may have it Selene” with joy Selene puts the chained crystal around her neck. Selene stands and walks to a flower hanging from a bush, Discord looks at his paws thinking “I should tell her how I feel” discord began to approach Selene lifting a paw, Selene sniffs the flower and smiles “I wish for us to remain together forever” Discord freezes in step, happy to hear those words.

The Sire returns home with one though on his mind, Discord “he must pay for his treachery”. The Sire enters the castle and is greeted by Queen Sylphia; the look on her face told it all Discord returned. The Sire rushed to the garden to find Discord reaching out to grab Selene, both Selene and Discord turn their heads to see the Sire enraged. Selene tries to speak up but Atlas quickly bull rushes Discord knocking him to the ground, Discord in a panic raises a claw cutting Atlas. The sharp pain rushes through Atlas’ body lifting him up to his back legs above Discord. Selene in a desperate move to save Discord from her father’s mighty hooves teleports to cover Discord from the blow, the Sire opens his eye to see his target and sees Selene. Not wanting to hurt his daughter Atlas folds his legs and drops on to Selene’s horn. The Queen had just reached the garden to see Atlas being impaled by Selene. The Sire falls to the ground his crown rolls and hit the Queen’s hoof, in a daze the Queen smashes the Crown, her eyes glow and the elements float around her, a tear falls to the ground and forms a broken heart. The elements become bright as a rainbow incases Discord turning him to stone. The Queen looked away from Selene with tears in her eyes screaming for the guards, in a loud booming voice “detain Selene and place her in The Sire’s sleeping chamber!” The Queen demanded as her voice cracked. Surprised by her mother’s words Selene protested “NO! You can’t do this to me mother” two royal guard unicorns cast a binding spell locking Selene in a bubble. Selene floated there immobilizing thinking “it’s not his fault, it’s not my fault!” Selene face changed from one of sadness to one of anger, the crystal round her neck started to glow as to show her rage, she shouts “we are not at fault!” the crystal became as bright as the sun cracking the barrier, tossing the two guards, slamming them to the walls. The shadows of Selene’s cutie mark over took her, changing her in to a nightmare alicorn. Selene stood tall, shadowing over her mother with fierce green eyes “we will not stand for this… Mother!” Sylphia staggered, frighten at her daughters transformation. Sylphia backs away and spreading her wings and lowered her head, summoning vines from the garden. Selene stepped closer to The Queen “release him now, Mother!” Selene demanded as vines swiftly crept up from behind. Before Selene could react the vines ensnared her hind legs dragging her to the ground. Selene looked up, reviling her baby green eyes mother cherished so “baby…” the vines weaken as Sylphia eyes began to water “forgive me” Sylphia spoke softly. A quick flash of light flies from Selene horn, the smell of smoke comes from the Queens chest, unable to stand Sylphia falls to her side, the crown brakes as it hits the ground. Laying there on the ground Sylphia looks up to Selene “forgive me” Sylphia in pain, activates the elements one last time, Selene eyes widen as the elements encircle her, engulfing her in light. Selene struggles to no effect, the Queen mummers in her last breath “I love you” Celest enters the room after hearing the commotion from a far, one of the guards weak from being tossed acts quickly to hold back the young princess as they both watch the sphere of light ascend to the heavens. Little Celest races out to the garden and looks up to the moon as the light merges with the moons glow. In tears the young filly falls to the grass crying.

A month after the crisis a funeral was held for the Sire and Queen, the first two ponies ever to have their lives taken. Ponies from all around gather, mourning the loss of their beloved royal family and cursing the name of Selene. Princess Celest walked slowly behind the pallbearers, tears streaming down to her chin, in her own sadness she does not cry out loud, trying her best to stay strong for the herd. From all around she could hear the whaling cries of the citizens. Every whimper and screech felt like another tear into her heart. Every step Celest took towards the royal tomb, her hooves felt heavier as if she carried the weight of the world. The tomb was now sealed and Celest stood in front of the keep, receiving sympathy from close friends of the family. The line grew shorter by the minute, Celest thanked everypony as they passed. The line stopped moving as a large shadow overtook Celest, young and alone Celest could only think of one that would want to hurt her “Chaos?” Celest whimpers under her breath. A paw touches down before her, dust lifting as it hit the ground. Trembling, the young Princess looks up to meet the giant. Two big piercing orange eyes looked down at the trembling filly “forgive me for startling you Sire” the sun pierced the clouds reviling the handsome Gryphon Prince. The Prince bowed, showing the top of his head and laying his ears back as if to summit. Tears fall to the ground catching Celest’s attention, her ears perked up as the Gryphon started to growl “grr, he was like a father to me” Celest heart began to race, the fear lifted and love started to flow in, Celest stepped forth and placed her head on his. Wiping the tears away they looked deep in to each other’s eyes as if to have an unspoken understanding.

A few years pass and all of Canterlot began pushing the memories of Selene and her deeds to the back of their minds. Princess Celest, alone sits at the peak of the castle tower watching over the land through a makeshift telescope. Every so often Prince Garis of the Gryphon kingdom would pay a visit to the palace, bringing gifts of plenty in his attempt to bring cheer the young alicorn. Every night Celest would look to the moon wondering if her sister still kept her in her memories. Once a year Celest would celebrate the birth of her older sister by casting the moon to overtake the sun during mid day, this would sometimes scare the ponies as they feared the return of Selene. Three years later at the end of fall a dark mark of the lost mare appeared on the face of the moon, like to scream out loud that Selene will not be forgotten. Later that night nopony could sleep and all the small foals trembled in fear that Selene would come through their windows and snatch them from their beds. Early the next day the villagers gathered in the town square to build an altar to appease the goddess Selene. Time pass slow over the years and legend falls in to myth, myth becomes hearsay and all but the book forget the truth.

The End Game

End Game

Just the Beginning

In a puff of smoke Twilight gasps for air looking up to see Nightmare Moon standing on the alter where the throne would sit. For a second fear overtakes the small pony but the fear of losing her mentor, no her greatest friend empowered the lavender mare to act. Twilight stomps one hoof challenging Nightmare Moon “you’re kidding, you’re kidding right?” the dark alicorn stunned by the brazen unicorn. Twilight rushes forward showing no fear charging her horn, challenged Nightmare Moon accepts and begins her charge toward the little pony. Twilight power burst before making contact with the dark alicorn. Nightmare Moon slides to a holt as Twilight is teleported to the elements, daze Twi start to concentrate again on the stones “just one spark, come on come on!” the stones begin to glow as Nightmare Moon teleports to the circle to stop the little pony. The elements send Twilight flying back as they glow and emit a charge among themselves “no, no!” the dark alicorn yells out in fear. The elements lose power surprising both Twilight and Nightmare Moon “but where’s the sixth element?” Twi inquires. Nightmare Moon laughs uncontrollably lifting her two front hooves, landing and shattering the five elements to shards “you little foal, thinking you can defeat me… now you will never see your princess or sun, the night will last forever!” the dark alicorn laughing in all her glory. Suddenly Twilight hears the sound of her five companions coming up the stairs, like small daggers in her heart a new found since of hope washes over the lavender unicorn. Deep inside Twilight feels a warmth she has never felt before, it was there the whole time the spark in the shadow of her heart. Twilight turns and looks back to Nightmare Moon “you think you can destroy the Elements of Harmony just like that, well your wrong because the spirits of the elements of harmony are right here!” the girls gather together ready for a challenge. The shards around Nightmare Moon start to begin to move “Applejack, reassured me when I was I doubt represent the spirit of honesty!” the shards start to gather around each pony “Fluttershy, who tamed the manticore with her compassion represent the spirit of kindness!” the yellow pony a little scared of the shards around her “Pinky Pie who banished fear by laughed in the face of danger represents the spirit of laughter!” the pink mare leaping for joy “Rarity, who calmed soreful serpent with a meaningful gift represents the spirit of generosity and Rainbow Dash, who cannot abandon her own friends for her own heart’s desire represents the spirit of loyalty!” the crystals floated around each pony empowering them “the spirit of these five ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us” Twilight standing proud with her new found friends “you still don’t have the sixth element, the spark didn’t work” the dark mare interjects “but it did a different kind of spark, I felt it the very moment I realized I was happy to hear you, to see you how much I cared about you, the spark ignited inside me when I realized that you all are my friends” after her long speech a light began to glow above her, the sixth element appeared making its way down to her. The crystal floated above Twilight blinding the dark alicorn “you see Nightmare Moon when those elements are united by the… the spark that reside in us all that creates the sixth element, the element of magic!” saying those words brought the elements back together, after the sixth element formed the crown. The power of the ponies together formed a beam directed to hit Nightmare Moon. The dark alicorn screams out in fear of being returned to the moon, the power of the elements encircled her.

The crystal around Nightmare Moons neck starts to take in the overwhelming power of the elements, corrupting the very essence of harmony. The Rainbow beam that once burned at her spirit now empowered her allowing the darkness to penetrate even deeper in to her heart. Nightmare Moon rose to her hooves laughing at the energy that now surged through her body “Hahaha, this is wonderful, simple little foals you will bow to me!” the dark alicorn refocused as much power she could back through the small crystal round her neck, draining the color from the beam turning it black and sending it back to the hearts of each pony. The dark beam hits the chest of each pony and begins to burn away at their souls. In pain Twilight see her life pass before her eyes and the image of her baby dragon growing up without her frightens Twilight more than death itself. A bright light permeates for the lavender pony, Twilight tries to shield herself from this dark magic *Boom*. The already damaged window shatters and Twilight is flung out the window and down into the open trench next to the castle. Nightmare Moon quickly moves to the window to see for herself the demise of Twilight Sparkle but there was nothing just the shadows hanging on the cliff side and the deep void that would reassure anyponies death. The Dark princess now turns her attention to the other five waddling on the ground begging for relief “now what should I do to you~” the dark alicorn opening up for request. The sun seems to rise in the shattered window catching the alicorn attention, the light fades and a small white alicorn steps from the shadows “please, please big sister don’t hurt them” the small majestic alicorn begs. Nightmare Moon moves close and towers over Celestia, the white alicorn bows in fear, trembling in the wake of the dark princess. The dark alicorn looks down at her sister “what are you talking about, I would never hurt another without provocation” she says with a disconcerting tone “they will become my servants” with those words dark princess extinguishes the energy flowing to the ponies but not before ripping the pure power from each of their elements, stripping the ponies of their colors. In the following months, new decree befalls all of Equestria. Those who do not follow the new Sire of Equestria will be punished. In the following days after the ponies would see less and less of the sun.

In Her Hoofsteps

Spike

In her Hoofsteps

The sky darkened by clouds, a light rain blankets the town. Spike sits staring out the bedroom window. The small depressed dragon waits for the return of his beloved Twilight. Tears fall from his eyes as he sits there alone in the dark and for a moment Spike would become happy as the silhouette of a lavender pony would make her way up the street. Spike would focus through the wet glass and see that she had wings and blue hair, instantly sending him back into a slump. A knock at the door excites the baby dragon sending him scurrying to see who it is. Spike quickly opens the door and there standing in the light of the sun peeking through the clouds, the lavender filly with a warm smile. Tears in his eyes Spike gives her a big hug “oh pour baby, don’t worry they’ll find her I promise” Spike rubs his eyes focusing on a yellow earth pony with emerald green eyes, curly orange mane and bearing the mark of a beetle and three flowers on her flank “Junebug?” His happiness quickly turns back into sorrow; Spike falls to the ground covering his face as he cries. June moves quickly to console the heart broken dragon “Spike you can stay with me till Twilight gets back ok~” she rests next to the weeping dragon stroking back his spines “you have to stay strong my little dragon” Spike looks up to her with tears rolling from his eyes “June~!” dropping his head back down resting it in the nap of her arm. June stays there on the floor with Spike till he falls asleep. Spike wakes comfortable in bed looking up to the ceiling with no tears left to shed. June enters holding a tray of small diamonds “wake up Spike it’s time to eat, I heard you like crystals” setting them next to his bed “these are from my own collection” she smiles nudging Spike. June sits and waits, for hours Spike would lay there not make a sound, not moving just staring at the same spot on the ceiling. Night seems to come quick, she awakes to find Spike hasn’t moved and the diamonds untouched but June refuse to give up. Over the week June finds herself force feeding the half starved dragon. One dark gloomy morning Spike awoke to the sound of crying, he turns his head to see June sitting at the window, her tears fall into a bowl of diamonds on the table in before her. Spike sits up slowly still weak from his depression “June~ what’s the matter~?” June raises her head quickly and looks over to Spike with eyes wide open. She leaps from the table knocking the diamonds to the ground, rushing over to the now standing dragon “oh~ Spike~!” she cries out sliding close giving him a really tight hug. Spike’s knees become weak falling into her arms “I, I thought you were… were~” holding tight she begins to cry again. Spike’s heart begins to race “I’m sorry June for worrying you~” June releases him from the hug placing one hoof on each of his cheeks and looks deep into his eyes “promise me, promise that we will stay strong” Spike nods in her hooves “I promise June” she smiles giving him another more gentle hug. The morning after June walks into the library to find the small dragon reading from a stack of books “what are you doing?” Spike looks up to the yellow pony “I’m trying to find a tracking spell” surprised June walks over to see the book he was working from “you can do magic?” he thinks about it for a while “well I am a magic dragon” June looks at him with confused “since when?” Spike laughs “since birth” Spike stands dusting himself off “I can send letters too and receive them from Princess Celestia” Junes eyes become narrow “you can what?” concern fills the purple dragon “uh, yeah Twilight was Celestia’s disciple they would send each other letters all the time” June walked over to the window to think “ok, we’re going to send her a letter asking for help and see who side she’s on” still a little confused Spike quickly response to her query “what do you mean? The Princess is for everypony!” shocked June interpolate “ok then a letter won’t hurt, I’ll let you write it” Spike nods in agreement. Spike writes;

“Dear Princess Celestia, this is your dear friend Spike. I know you’re busy but I need your help to find my mother Twilight. I’ve been trying to learn magic from her books but I don’t know if any of it will work and a lot of ponies are sad and asking if you could please bring back the sun, your faithful friend Spike.”

Upon completion of the letter June reads over it “ok you can send it” Spike nods lifting the letter and burning it with his flame. Spike and June wait, one week after they sit to have a meal together. Spike takes one sip of Junebug’s apple soup he looks up and lets out a loud burp “is it that good?” Spike lifts his hands to his mouth and turns away from June *burp!* a small flame shoots from his mouth and forms into a letter surprising them both. June becomes excited “read it, read it!” Spike retrieves the letter and opens it “it reads; Dear, Spike sorry for not responding earlier but my sister is keeping a really close eye on me, the only time I have to myself is when I sleep. My little dragon I do miss my beloved Twilight too and I think the magic books in the castle library, please learn quick I fear there is something terribly will happen if all the elements stay apart for too long. If you find Twilight please tell her friends need her, good luck. Your best friend Princess Celestia” With this June and Spike both gained a new spirit of hope.

Every morning Spike would rise and study every book in the library, June bug passes the message that Princess Celestia was still for the ponies and needed their support. Hope once again flowed through Ponyville, some ponies even traveled to other cities sharing the news. The news soon reached the castle making Nightmare Moon unhappy causing her to lash out at her younger sister “sister is this true, you would stand against your own blood!?” stomping one hoof to the ground causing the castle grounds to shake “no sister I would never!” the young alicorn pleaded resting her head on her older sisters chest. A sharp pain like scratching coming from the deep recesses of her mind stun the dark sire “oh dear sister I would never harm you~” Selene so lightly pressed “you there!” the dark princess calling forth one of Celestia’s attendants “yes Sire?” the young pony replies “do you love your sun goddess?” the attendant freezes in fear “ye, yes Sire” Selene rose from her throne “then you are willing to bear her punishments!” the dark Sire dictates. Celest heart ponds loudly in fear of what will befall her long time friend and caretaker “please sister, forgive my trespasses, please!” Selene slowly made her way down to the shivering attendant without stopping, she then proceeding to the main hall turning into the corridor. A sigh of relief, the small regal princess lowers her head and begins to cry into her arms “don’t cry princess, I’m willing to take any punishment for you” eye overflowing with tears Celest looks to her friend “no never say such things, it is I who will bear the pain for you, and all of Equestria” the caretaker helping Celestia to her feet.

In the short time of three month Spike reads through the library twice looking for a spell of teleportation. Spike wanted to avoid trouble at all cost because the citizens Stallongrad staged a revolt. Unhappy with the new decrees of the castle at first they asked then they pleaded and after being rejected by the new Sire they began to chase the guards out of town, setting up road blocks and refused to pay any taxes to the capital in till their demands were meet. The castle pushed up security to watch over any citizens not of Canterlot.

Spike begins working on a spell given to him by the princess, the same spell used for sending scrolls. Junebug sits and watches the young determined dragon perform his fire spell over and over again on many objects. First he tries small object a rubber ball then a book, slowly making his way up to a manikin with success. Spike works at his first real spell for a few more days to prefect it for live pony use. The flames are so hot that it destroys anything it comes in contacted with and reassembling it through flames instantly transferring it to a second location. Spike sends a letter to the princess telling her that he was ready to try a live pony transfer. Later that night he receives the letter granting him passage, June nods her head in agreement and stand in the middle of the room. June knowing what ever Spike sends must burn quick or it will destroy anything going through, after removing all personal objects she gives him the ok. Spike inhales as much air as his little body could, focusing on his target standing with her eyes shut, teeth clenched holding her breath. Flames shoot out but only the heat reaches the shivering pony. June opens her eyes as she gasp for air, she looks up to see Spike holding his head down with shame “I, I can’t do it~” tears flowing from the little dragons eyes “Spike, we have to try, I trust you, now put your trust in me, for Twilight” June once again closing her eyes “I will make it” the confidence in the dragon rises once again “ok, hold your breath!” Spike once again shooting out a large blanket of flames engulfing the meek pony leaving nothing but a dark scorched mark on the ground. Spike paced in circles waiting for the good news, his belly rumble as he burps out a small letter from Junebug “yes she made it!” jumping for joy Spike becomes overwhelmed with emotion both happy and sad. Spike knowing that he is fire proof runs to the kitchen and grabs two large metal bowls pulling them together making an artificial egg. Once inside Spike repeats the process letting out a powerful flame to engulf himself. The warmth of the sun caresses his face; Spike quickly rises to find himself resting in a large bed “where am I?” Spike mummers to himself “you’re safe in my room beloved Spike” the voice of an angle bring joy to the aching dragons heart. Celest nudges the baby dragon coxing him for a hug, after obliging the princess Spike takes a quick look around “where’s Junebug?” the sound of concern breeching his voice “don’t worry Spike I dressed her as one of my personal stewards” the princesses words claiming the dragon.

Spike rises to leave but is stopped by Celest “you must stay here till night fall then I’ll take you to the library, ok” not wanting to upset the young princess Spike sits in wait. Mid day the door to the room opens and Spike ducks behind the bed not wanting to be seen. The smell of food permeates the bed chambers coxing him to take a peek “Spike are you there?” the sound of a familiar voice calms his beating heart “June your ok?!” Spike shouts s as he jumps from behind the bed. June jumps in secession with Spike, closing her eyes and swinging her front hooves “don’t hurt me!” surprised at her reaction Spike tenses up “I’m sorry did it hurt you?” June opened her eyes to see Spike with his fist balled tightly and bags under his eye. June quickly gives Spike a hug “no, no I didn’t feel a thing crossing over, it’s just once here I had a little trouble with the guards” she explained calming the little dragon.

Time seem to pass slowly as they waited for night to come, Spike rested on the bed after a good meal, June laying beside him give the little dragon support and comfort. Spike wakes to the light nudging of Celest “wakeup it’s time to go” June wakes and turns her head towards the window to see the moon shining in the dark sky. The young princess magically placed Spike onto her back “ok I’ll show you where you will live for now” Spike nods to show he understands “June will take care of you because won’t be able to leave the library, for that if my sister finds out that you were once Twilights dragon she would probably hurt you” June looks to the princess with concern “is, is your sister really that bad?” Celest puts her head down in shame “I don’t know what happen to make her this way” Spike climbs down as they reach the library “she use to be a really good pony” Spike gives the regal princess a hug “as long as we have hope right” Spike sharing his new found confidence “right!” the other two nod their heads in agreement. June returns with the princess back to the castle as Spike sets up camp in the left wing of the Royal library. Morning arrives and June brings breakfast for the young dragon only to find Spike awake and brimming with new found confidents reading his way through the library one book at a time. June happy to see Spike working hard, revigorates the fair pony “I brought you breakfast Spike” Spike looks up to acknowledge June but quickly returning back to his books, Surprised but not discouraged June leaves the small bowl of crystals next to Spike and returns to her duties. Over the week June would notice Spike would be reading more than he would eat. After a month Spike would find himself at the door of the Star Swirl the Bearded branch, Spike pushes through the large to find a well unorganized hub of information. Spike looks down to see this small red book that seem to be out of place in this very large mess, after quickly retrieving the small book Spike looks to the cover “The book of the Forget Me Not’s” he reads out loud to himself. June pulling her cart of food searches the library for any sign of Spike, it was a Library and Spike was always very quiet. After her long search June decided to retreat for the day and try again at night when she had less demand on her time. Once at the front door a claw grabbed her shoulder causing the lemon pony to tip her cart “oh, sorry didn’t mean to scare you, any way look at what I found!” June stands next to Spike and inspects the book in his palms “what is it?” Spike smiles and looks back up to June “A solution”.

Compromise

Calm before the Storm

Shadowed by the Palace is a small farming community that makes food for more than 80% of Equestria. Ponyville is the hub of that community and everypony knows each other by name. Everypony does their part to help feed the nation but since Nightmare Moon became Sire the farms began to dwindle in number do to the lack of sunlight. The Mayor of Ponyville listened to the pleas of the community and wrote a very convincing letter to the Sire explaining the significances and necessity of Ponyville, hoping she would show mercy to the humble Town. The day after the sun rose and the farm lands received their light but at a cost, with the sun came soldiers bringing marshal law to the land and all under the command of a earth pony called Commander Mustang. One look into his eyes and the ponies of Ponyville shook in fear, all but one petite blond pegasi. Any pony that tried to make friends with the Commander was quickly detained and interrogated most would return traumatized. Early the next day the young blond pegasi looked down to see new ponies in town and remembered what Pinkie once told her about making new friends so the young Pegasi decided to try her hoof at improving her social skills, now motivated the blond pony didn’t want to miss this opportunity to make new friends and tried to make a quick landing to welcome the Commander to Ponyville. The young Pegasi begins her descent focusing her eyes on the ground for her landing, she only could trust one image form her sight because one image would always drift away from the other causing her to over or under judge her point of attack. The ground seem to come too fast as the blond pegasi tries to slow down a second too late, smashing into the fresh mud on the ground splashing it onto the Commander. Annoyed and dirty the Commander looks down at the mud drenched pony giving her a sharp stare but the little Pegasi only smiled as she looked into his eyes. The General tried to hold his stare but was unable to resist the pony’s clumsy charm. struggling to hold back the commander cracks a smile as one of her eyes begins to drift adding to her silly disposition. The Commander laughs out loud as he turns and walks away, once out of sight Aloe a pink pony with a soft blue mane with eyes to match and bearing the mark of a blue blossom on her flank, who works in the spa with her twin sister rushed out to retrieved the blond pony pulling her inside. Aloe pushes the pegasus to the baths dropping her into the water “now Derpy, you really must stay away from that pony he’s no good” Aloe turns her head as tears begin to form in her eyes struggling to hold back her emotions “they’ve already traumatized my beloved sister” Derpy smile turns to a frown when she sees the pain in the face of one of her friends “I’m sorry I didn’t know” Derpy’s voice cracks as she shows her sympathy “it’s ok, you should really get home I think Harvest is probably worried about you” Derpy nods in agreement and heads out after her bath. Derpy a sky blue pegasi with a blond mane and hazel eyes bears the mark of bubbles on her flank makes haste to get back to the farm. Upon arrival she sees a wagon full of produce from the farm, not wanting to be seen she lands quietly behind the barn taking a peek inside through the cracks between the planks of the barn walls. Inside Golden Harvest a yellow pony with an orange mane and green eyes bearing the mark of two carrots on her flank sits on a ground pleading with the guards “please don’t take my harvest, there are many families that depend on this farm and the next harvest isn’t in till next month” the guards ignoring her please pushed her aside “if you interfere we will arrest you for treason, now stand aside!” Derpy annoyed with the tone of their voices grows angry, focusing her eyes on the faces of the guards. Derpy sits and waits till the guards leave with Golden’s harvest. Derpy enters the barn with her head down “are you alright Carrot?” Harvest quickly wiping away her tears “oh Derpy, yeah I’m ok, don’t worry, we just have to work harder this season” Derpy smiles receiving confidence from her weary friend. Derpy nods in agreement turning to walk back to the house, her smile dissipates as the thoughts of her other friends on other farms may probably be going through the same trauma or worst. Later that night the farmers called a community meeting. Farmers from every side of Ponyville arrived and were greeted by Hay Bailey a spotted brown and white stallion with short cut salt and pepper mane, hazel eyes and bearing the mark of a pitchfork on his flank. Mr. Bailey a culinary reporter from Manehatten received word from his mother that the farm was in trouble, quickly returning home he put together a plan to improve stock numbers. The farmers gathered inside to discuss what to do next as a few farm hooves stood watch. The meeting drew into the night and the discussion got heated at moments, the farmers knew they couldn’t fight the royal guard and the mention of building a storehouse in the ever free forest seem to be suicidal for the most part. Tired and still angry most words became incoherent, Golden Harvest grew annoyed with the belligerents of the ponies and took the stage “we’re not going to solve this in one night its best we go home and reconvene after we all got some rest” the ponies all looked at each other nodding in agreement “ok we will meet tomorrow night at sunset” Mr. Bailey declaring the meeting adjourned.

A decision was agreed upon to build the storehouse and over the next few weeks the farmers and their helpers would secretly enter the forest to build it. Unicorns would place the shield to protect the workers, pegasi would retrieve the supplies and the earth ponies would put it all together. Before the ponies knew it, it was time for harvest again. The farmers quickly worked their fields not knowing when the guards would arrive. A single lookout waited on each road ready to send word back to the farms, after tilling and stocking their barns with half their harvest the farmers sent then rest to the secret storehouse. After all was done the farmers were surprised to not have any trouble from the royal guard. Two days later the guard returned to claim the new stock only to find half of what they gathered last season. The captain steps forward looking down into Bailey’s eyes “where is the rest of the stock Pony?” the captain said so calmly “that’s as much as I could harvest this season, the rest is not ready yet” Shivering in fear of what the guard would do to him. The captain walks over to take a look at the field “when will the rest be ready?” the guards question surprising Bailey “in a month~ I guess?” eyes wide open he waits for the guards response “if it’s not ready I will take your full stock and return for the rest, do you understand?” Bailey bowing his head “yes I understand” the guards take inventory and leave without taking anything with them. Later that night the farmers meet to discuss the events off the day. The farmers all agree that the guards my become wise to the lack of stock and agreed to start building smaller farms in the forest as well, a few brave ponies also agree to live in the forest to till the land. The farmers prepared the rest of their harvest for the guards and awaited their return. The day came to an end and the farmers turn in for the night only to be awoken by the sound of marching. Golden Harvest rise to see what the commotion is, a bright light shines down on the farm as the royal unicorn guard ignited their horns raiding the farm leaving barely enough for a family. Golden Harvest stood and watch as the guards searched the house for hidden stocks, the captain approaches her with a glair in his eye “have a good season.” as if to thank her for the food. The steeds lock down the harvest and continue to the next farm. Golden Harvest shocked, sits thinking about how she would survive if this keep up. A soft hove lands on her shoulder Derpy sit to comfort her, the blond pony gets an idea “I know I’ll get a job with the mail service” Derpy jokes “you just might have too muffin” Harvest rising to return to bed. For three seasons the guards would take more and more from the farmers to the point where most of them would just move permanently into the ever free forest a place even the guards would not go. The remaining farmers refuse to close down their farms because of bullies; some of the farm hands would attack the guards to no avail and were taken away to the castle for judgment. On several occasions the farmers would even stand against the guard knowing they were too important to the castle to harm. The guards would make them pay for their insubordination by attacking their family members causing the farmers to fall back in line. All in all the fields of Ponyville seem to be under control and this make the Sire Nightmare Moon happy.