Eternal Struggle: A History

by Onyourleft

Rating: teen
Tags: Starswirl the Bearded, Adventure, Princess Amore, King Sombra, Princess Celestia, Dark, Alternate Universe, Sad, Princess Luna, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 2616

This story allows you to dive deep into ancient equestrian history. Completely untampered or meddled with, this volume sheds light upon the truth. All of the truth.

Equestria's history has been altered. Changed and evolved into a complex web of lies and deceit. The truth, over a period of a thousand years, has become buried so deep that no pony can ever recover it. The Princesses themselves remain ignorant and blind to much of the darkness their parents allowed to fester. The tales contained in this volume tell the whole truth, no matter how dark and grim. Only through reading this tome, will the truth be revealed. I pray that the veil over your eyes may be torn, so you may behold the naked, terrible, and glorious reality of the past.

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This story is meant to explain the changes I made to equestrian history for my novel, The Power of Truth. The story will contain countless viewpoints. Ranging from court scribes to King Sombra himself. I will try to update this story alongside of The Power of Truth. You do not have to read this to understand The Power of Truth, and vice versa. Dark tag once again does not mean grim dark. If you did not get the time period from the information above, this story is set around one thousand years ago, in my own version of ancient Equestria.

> Warning- This story is really an emotional piece. I write the chapters once and revise them once. I put a lot of feelings into these, so they are not my best work. But I hope that some of you can relate.

Published 2020-11-14 17:10:00 UTC
Last updated 2020-11-14 17:10:00 UTC

Timeline (Abridged)

Author's Note

This timeline is a little crude and straight to the point. If you wish you can skip this chapter, it is not necessary to read to understand the rest of the story. However, I would recommend at least a skim, it gives a nice and simple overview. The next chapter is an excerpt from Prince Sombra's personal journal. I hope you enjoy this side story!

-OYL

Timeline (Abridged)

Timeline:

Grogar Rules equestria.

Gusty The Great defeats Grogar and banishes him to the deepest regions of Tartarus.

The three tribes rule, each using the other.

The Windigos arrive. The tribes unite.

The first Grand Council is formed.

Celestia’s parents are discovered and elected to be the new rulers by the populace.

A small group of ponies leave and create a new kingdom. (The Crystal Empire)

The Tree of Harmony is discovered by Star Swirl.

Star Swirl mentors Celestia who lives under her parents.

When Celestia’s mother falls ill and can not raise the moon for a month, a young passionate unicron named Luna raises it herself. She ascends and is enthusiastically adopted into the family.

Tirek and Scorpan arrive, revealing enemy lands to equestria.

Celestia and Luna save the world from Discord while their parents are entrapped.

The Crystal empire is massive and rivals equestria in size. Sombra, the son of King Brauches and Queen Lilac, runs away after his parents ignore his warnings of Tartarus opening.

Tartarus breaks open and allows monsters to roam the Crystal Empire.

After a few painstaking years of war, the Crystal Empire is depleted on resources. Celestia and Luna’s parents refuse to help.

The gryphon kingdoms send aid. However their king is assassinated leading to a cease of support.

The Crystal Empire becomes desperate, and they finally declare war on Equestria.

A single pitiful battle ensues where King Brauches and Queen Lilac perish. Celestia and Luna are appalled by their parents and while searching the camp they discover a child. The two of them stand up to their parents and Luna adopts him.

King Sombra, realizing his former kingdom was weak, attacks with his small army and takes control. He is now a member of The Second Sun and serves them.

The adopted unicorn named Iron Eclipse is a prodigy at magic and is trained by Luna, Celestia, and Star Swirl.

Celestia and Luna remove their parents from their place, and ascend to rule.

At the age of sixteen Iron Eclipse joins the royal guard, and by eighteen he is the captain.

During this time he becomes not only a prodigy, but a hero, while he defeats the countless enemies that try to raid equestria.

During that 14-17 year long period, King Sombra is reconstructing the once great Crystal Empire. However, he takes notice of Iron Eclipse and discovers that they are brothers.

Sombra innocently approaches his brother and explains his heritage. Iron Eclipse goes into the restricted library and affirms the truth. He confronts his mother before leaving for the Crystal Empire.

Sombra takes Iron Eclipse under him, teaching him dark magic, strategy, and manipulation. He eventually reveals his plans to invade equestria.

Iron Eclipse led a revolution against King Sombra, it almost succeeded.

Equestria learns of the threat and the Crystal War ensues. Sombra's forces are weak, due to the revolution. He is temporarily defeated, but he takes his prized city with him.

Iron Eclipse is asked to be King of what remains of the Crystal Empire. Instead, he allows Equestria to merge with what was left instead of taking the throne.

Iron Eclipse begins to advocate for more freedoms. He believes the common pony should have more power and that all forms of magic should be free.

Iron Eclipse discovers Sombra’s presence in Luna, and he attempts to explain this to Celestia. The Second Sun works avidly and gets Iron the label of a dark mage and a rebel. He is defeated and trapped in stone by his Mother and Celestia.

History is changed to prevent similar events, and to protect many legacies.

Nightmare Moon attempts to overthrow Equestria.

1,000 years of peace.

The first letter. Written in tears and hope.

Author's Note

I still do not have an official editor, so my read overs will have to do for now. This letter is meant to portray the personality of King Sombra, but also give you a glimpse of who he was as a prince. This letter in a way reflects some of my own struggles. I hope you enjoy!

-OYL

The first letter. Written in tears and hope.

Dearest citizens of the Crystal Empire,

I, Prince Sombra the first, inscribe this informal letter to serve as a reminder to myself of why I continue to bear the burden and undesirable title of prince. This title wields immense power and influence. This influence is exactly what I privately wish to avoid. Influence, power, obligation and overpowering responsibility are all hideous thorns that are disguised as badges of honor. Amongst these responsibilities and legal obligations I find little joy. Though my affectionate relatives are adequate in terms of family relations, they lack the sincerity and profound love that I privately desire.

The thorns of influence are lethal, and choke the life and emotions out of all who are thrown into the bushel. I have stood paralyzed as the few ponies I love are violently pulled away by those whom I serve. I observe from my place on high, contemplating the confound meaning and laws of life by which my masters live. Though the everyday, reminial lives of my beloved ponies are simple and tedious in nature, they are not held captive as I am. Instead, they are protected and free to experience life for all it has to offer. As royalty I am charged with providing this protection. To protect them from 'what' is the true question.

Their true emotions and heartfelt actions give their life purpose and excitement. It is such beauty that it drives me to the brink of insanity. I contemplate why such beauty and peace should be withheld from me. What had I done besides serving others? From birth my life had not been my own. I do as I am told and trained. I am the product of expert manipulation and dire need for control.

Resentment has evolved into a loving friend. A friend whom I attempt to accept. I shall never admit to my longing for such trivial things as love. However, I cannot deny the yearning of my very soul. The mask of serenity that I wear everyday seemingly procures a vast amount of weight. My iron gaze and stone cold posture, a result of my upbringing, are shallow and only a veil to conceal my true distress. I am always told that “following my heart” will only bring ultimate destruction. I am obliged to believe such sentiments, and am seemingly coerced into a radical belief in my parents and their heavenly mission.

I scoff more often than naught at their lack of tact when they approach their subordinates. Great leaders, yes, well versed and wise magicians, indisputable, but empathetic and emotionally aware, certainly not. I now realize as I continue to write, that such pitiful tangents as the one I have just completed are futile and a waste of time. The purpose of this entry was to hopefully convince myself that I have a reason to fight. More than once I have been tempted to take my leave from royalty, and to run away to the rumored lands of Equestria. These sinful thoughts only deepen my growing despair.

The mysterious hoof of fear itself seems to press against my skull. Forcing me to gradually abandon my true self, and to morph into the king I am destined to become. I wasn't always the way I am now. I was once mischievous, adventurous, and overflowing with joy. I continue to hold out hope that one day that side may return to the forefront of my pitiful existence, and that it will save me from the dark fate that awaits me.

Though this letter has caused great distress, it has also granted clarity. I have come to peace with the fact that I will never experience true joy or love. However, what I can do is protect those who are lucky enough to have such luxuries. Alongside the loneliness and freezing cold sadness, there is also the warmth of purpose. The ponies of the Crystal Empire deserve happiness and safety, and it is my duty as prince to provide this for them. If there is one thing in life I will retain, it is my honor and my sovereign duty to my ponies. Though informal and ridiculous, this letter has realigned my values. I may continue to write these letters, in hopes of regaining who I ounce was.

May the ponies of my kingdom remain ever so innocent and beautiful.

With hope for the future,
Prince Sombra

Ballad Of The Night

Author's Note

I wrote the ballad myself. I have always loved the night. I tried to fill this chapter with emotion, so I would recommend sad music. The chapter is meant to give a glimpse of my version of Luna, and show similarities between her and Sombra. Still no editor, please let me know what you thought or how you felt after this chapter. I really tried on this one.

Just an FYI: The ballad is meant to be like a song, not an ode. The format might make it feel less flowing, so again music might help.

-OYL

Ballad Of The Night

OFFICIAL WARNING:
Issued by: The Second Scribe to her royal highness, Princess Calora.

Dear reader,
I must inform you that the sensitive information pertaining to Princess Luna contained in this chapter is not meant to be known. No pony, not even Princess Celestia, the sister of the newly appointed Princess Luna, has authorization to read the information below. It has been sealed into the archives by royal decree. If you are to continue, you must understand that any, and all information pertaining to the ascension of Princess Luna is to remain exclusive. All leaked information will be denied as truth, and the criminal who dared to spread this private information will have the full extent of the law brought down upon them.
Sincerely,
The Second Scribe to Princess Calora, Nobel Quill.

After the following excerpt, Princess Luna, pre ascension, is seen leaving her home near the time 11:45 at night. She is then known to have embarked alone into a nearby, previously unnamed meadow. The ballad Princess Luna sang to the night was recovered using an illegal time spell. The felon was no other than the young Princess Celestia herself. The Details of why this crime was committed remains unknown.

The final entry of Princess Luna before her ascension:

“Every day feels like a thousand years. The continuous flow of strangers and meaningless events haunt my existence. All effort seems to be for naught. Princess Calora remains ill, and her no good filthy husband refuses to raise the Moon. His inconsideration and blatant lack of care for his ponies is unnerving to say the least.

Since the loss of the moon, I have not felt myself. The moon and the beautiful stars have always been the one constant in my life. My parents love me, but are never around when I need them. My friends all but abandoned me after my past was humiliatingly revealed over a year ago. I continue to struggle in school, no matter how hard I try! I love learning, probably more than I should, but I still cannot keep up with the other ponies. I cannot fathom why I am to be cursed as I am. What have I done wrong? Why does loss have to exist? Why do I have to remain alone?

Adopted. Alone. Humiliated. Robbed. Imprisoned. Foolish. Ugly. These words are all that crowd my mind. Who am I? REALLY! I know nothing of true love, nothing of companionship or success. What am I but the moronic and challenged mare? The unwanted child? The one who gives her all for nothing. I am a plague to others, and a deathly sickness to myself. There is no place for me. But then I remember.

I remember the cold nights when I felt like I had nothing to live for, looking up and embracing the light of the moon. I remember the hot and disgusting emotions that would lead to rivers of tears, only ending at the beauty of the stars. I remember the unparalleled joy of life during the summer nights, as the miraculous miracle of a night sky expanded before me. I REMEMBER, the days when I had nothing, and I found my everything.

The Moon is not distant. The stars are not cold. The night sky is not dark.

The Night is bright, it is up close and alive, it wraps the lonely and loved alike in its embrace.

I have fallen into the bottomless pits of depression and despair in the absence of my true savior. The thoughts of loss and what is to come, scaring me away from any and all joy. These past days I have not lived. I cannot live. Not without the true night. I am willing to do anything to get it back. ANYTHING! I pray every moment for its return, yet I receive nothing! Why? WHY! Can I not receive any love? Do I not deserve to gaze upon the glorious moon?

My heart dies. I will go with it. One last time I will go out into the night, and pray for my only friend to return. I will accept nothing but victory. I will stay with the stars until the Moon may return to their side. This will not be the last time, I vow it will not be so. My soul is one with that of the night.”

Call Of The Lost

Where did you go?

You're all I know?

Why did you have to leave?

You mean so much to me.

*_*_*_*

Alone in the night.

You once shined so bright.

Amidst a million stars.

You were always ours.

Now you are keeping me awake.

My heart will always break.

I lay broken and alone.

I need you to feel at home.

*_*_*_*

The day is death.

But the night is life.

Your existence is always bold.

I cannot follow the common mold.

*_*_*_*

I hear you call my name.

Like a warrior seeking fame.

I follow you alone.

Please take me home.

*_*_*_*

I have missed your call.

You are my all.

You complete my heart.

I cannot stand for us to be apart!

*_*_*_*

The days grow old.

But the night stays young!

We will overcome!

We will overcome!

*_*_*_*

If I am to be!

Alive and free!

So also you will be!

Never alone!

*_*_*_*

If you lend me strength!

I will go any length!

To ensure you rise above!

Oh Moon my one love!

*_*_*_*

The night will reign!

We have all to gain!

I plead on my knees!

Please come rescue me!

*_*_*_*

Together we shall stand.

Or united we will fall.

I will do it all.

*_*_*_*

The stars shine bright.

Awaiting your true light.

To join them free.

So you will ever be.

*_*_*_*

My last cry.

Will shake the night.

I pledge to set you free.

Oh Moon, you have so much to be.

Rise for me.