10,000 years ago, the Guardians of Harmony, the protectors of ancient Equestria, once lived in an era of total peace and harmony. But that peace ended when the nation went against a grave threat. And it was known as Opaline, an Alicorn who used dark magic to ascend into a Fire Alicorn.
Needing Disharmony to fuel her wicked powers and plenty of magic to control, she created a cultist group called the Disharmony Collective, which used brainwashing and manipulation to spread their empire across Equestria. She successfully created much mistrust and pain between all creatures of Equestria, which lasted for years.
The fight between the Collective's machinations and the Guardians' ideals raged for years until the Guardians eventually quelled the evil. Now stripped of much of their numbers and power, the Collective attempted one last stand against the Guardians.
The Guardians, however, triumphed thanks to their power, the support of many, and the magic of friendship. Many of the Collective's members were locked up and rehabilitated. But Opaline and her right-hand mare, Bitter Wing, remained at large.
Ten years later, peace once again reigned between the species of Equestria. Opaline, drained of much of her dark magic, once again attempted to seize power. With her incredible magic skills, she created a deadly plague known as the Scarlet Reign. This plague spread across Equestria, wiping out much of what entered its path. Several hundreds of rare species went extinct.
Opaline didn't care. She enjoyed the Disharmony that ensued, using it to fuel herself. However, the Wannabe Queen's plan backfired when the virus began mutating to consume magic, not only from creatures, but artifacts, and emotions, too. The magic Disharmony she feasted on was drained from her, leaving her powerless. With Bitter Wing dead due to her goals, she was eventually found and arrested.
Once Twilight Sparkle discovered Opaline's hand in creating the virus, she and the Guardians voted to banish her into an alternate dimension with no inhabitants. As she entered the Void, Opaline swore she would one day get revenge. However, the plague was still rampant, destroying much of Equestria's remains. To prevent extinction, the Alicorns and Guardians performed a special ascension ritual. This one was not for great magic but to become one with magic itself.
With the Spirits of Friendship now within magic, an antidote for the poison that had affected Equestria for years was born and became widespread. Eventually, the plague died out. In honor of the selfless sacrifice, three individuals promised to keep the secrets of the particular Ascension safe until they found someone they could trust. Unfortunately, the secrets of Alicorn Ascension were lost over the conflict.
After the plague had ended, only a few species of fully sentient creatures were left. To preserve what was left, there was a period of...
...unpleasant breeding. For details that should be understandable, I cannot get too into detail. But it involved a lot of... genetic experimentation. Now you know how most animals living in forests possess magic pony wings and unicorn horn magic.
Thankfully, other sentient species from Ancient Equestria lived through the ordeal, including The Yaks, Dragons, Griffins, Kirin, Zebra, Seaponies, Changelings, and the Phoenix.
New species and evolutions were born from the remnants of Ancient Equestria. The fierce, destructive Timberwolves that once plagued the Everfree Forest evolved into beautiful, noble vine-like organisms known as the Terrains. The Phoneix evolved into larger forms with better control and applications of their magic flames. The Windigos became the Snow Crawler, a cat-like creature with Snow White fur and Ice Blue markings that can control ice and snow. The Flash Bees evolved with the ability to become lightning itself. And from the remains of the Crystal Empire came the Shards, ordinary spiders mutated into powerful hybrids of magic and crystallization, spreading love and connections.
After enough of Equestria had recovered and evolved from the Plague Era, the Draconequus Discord and his offspring decided to help in relations with the world and advance the world of magic and science. Using their reality-warping powers, the Draconequuses boosted magic with their own to help advance the species of Equestria.
Soon, the groups discovered the benefits of their new magic. After studying Pegasi's ability to control the weather, a brilliant scientist produced a technique from the Sun's magic heat and the electricity in storm clouds to create "electromagnetic cloud towers," devices capable of storing solar radiation and storm electricity to spread power throughout Equestria. These towers opened doors to whole new devices. One most notable was the cellphone, which paved the way for mass media. This led to the eventual creation of Zephyr Heights, the technologically advanced city in the sky, home to many of the Pegasi and the Phoenix.
Meanwhile, the Unicorns had discovered the Everfree Forest had evolved with all sorts of magic plants and substances. Together with the Zebra, Kirin, and Terrians, they formed a city in the newly named Bridlewood forest, a utopia of natural magic.
The Changelings created a new hive, and over time, perfected their shape-shifting powers and their control over their limited telekinetic magic.
Meanwhile, the Dragons and the Snow Crawlers forged a new home on an island with both ice and fire. An island called the Equinox, where they live in harmony. The Seaponies forged a new underwater kingdom called Aquaenia, protecting many ancient recovered secrets and artifacts in the Royal Libraries. The Griffins and Yaks found a new home in the mountains now known as New Grifinsone and New Yakyakistan.
As for many of the Earth Ponies, they settled in the ocean-filled center of Equestria and forged a town known as Maritime Bay. Why was it the center, you ask? Because when New Equestria formed, a magic area was created within the continent, connected to each island, with the added finish of Earth Ponies' connection with the earth growing stronger. With their new capabilities, the Earth Ponies discovered they could grow and manipulate plants.
Eventually, the Draconequuses felt they had done enough to help restart things. Many left for the Chaos Realm, while Discord stayed in a hidden place to watch over Equestria. In case an evil like Opaline returned... In response, the others promised to visit every month.
For now, peace has reigned, and Equestria is in harmony...
...but for how long?
Author's Note
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