Eternal flame of Daybreaker

Excerpt from the book "Daybreaker's Diary"

You never know what fate has in store for you. What might a living being experience in its final throes? What thoughts did it have then? Did it know it was the end? What does a pony feel in the moment of death? I kept asking myself these questions after that day, but I never found the answers.

What governs Equestria’s fate in this world? Some unseen being or law? Something like the Sun, soaring high above the world. At least it’s true that no sentient creature even has dominion over its own will…

End of excerpt

***

The Everwild Forest is a land of groves and swamps. The moment you step into it, you realize that nothing is stronger than nature. These towering trees of various shapes and sizes loom above you, asserting their dominance. This is their territory, their land, and we are nothing but outsiders—strangers or simple intruders of no value to them.

Thoughts like these raced through my head like storm clouds gathering in a dark sky. Night had already fallen—it was the perfect time for a diversion, unless your opponents were thestrals. I turned to look back and saw the glow of campfires we had lit at our posts. For some reason, it warmed my soul, like the heat of a fire on a cold night. It felt as though someone had my back. I glanced over my gear to make sure everything was in order. My alicorn armor had perfectly handled the metamorphosis spell, though it wasn’t going to help much.

“Well, at least I look majestic!” I cheered myself up as I headed toward the enemy’s supply base.

This forest is nothing but trouble! It’s dark, cold, and reeks of swamp muck. I can’t light my horn to see the path—the enemy would find me in a heartbeat! I had to move stealthily, like a whispering breeze of the night. I even dimmed the glow of my mane to remain completely hidden.

“This used to be just an ordinary forest…” I recalled bitterly.

I once read a book of legends. It told the story of a wedding between a prince and a princess of two pony kingdoms. It was no ordinary wedding; it was monumental in its significance. A long war had ravaged the land, and no side would surrender. But the king of one warring nation decided to compromise. To end the bloodshed, he proposed a marriage between his son and the daughter of his enemy. The other king initially refused, but even he understood that this war had to end—now. If it didn’t, no one would win. There would only be empty castles and fields forever stained with the blood of the dead. After some thought, the second king agreed. He married off his daughter, a princess known as the Goddess of Wisdom.

The wedding was grand, majestic, and beautiful in its own right. To secure peace and friendship between the kingdoms, the kings announced the event to the world and invited delegations from neighboring lands. Many princes and princesses came, the most important guest being the princess of the richest nation, known as the Goddess of Love and Beauty. Only one being was not invited—Discord, the God of Chaos and Strife, a cunning and treacherous villain who had fueled the conflict.

Discord was furious. He could not stand the thought that two kingdoms, whose endless war he had orchestrated, were finally finding peace. He racked his brain for a way to sever the fragile thread of hope that had formed between the ponies of the two nations. Then he came up with an idea—his most devious plan. A plan that would divide everything into before and after.

The newlyweds exchanged matching necklaces symbolizing the unbreakable bond of marriage and sealed the ceremony with a kiss, to thunderous applause. The guests were invited to a grand feast. Ponies celebrated not only in the forest but across the kingdoms, as if something miraculous had happened—something few had dared to believe. When everyone finally sat at the long table in high spirits, they noticed something curious: among the many dishes, there was a single large, golden apple. On its skin was an insidious inscription: “To the Fairest.”

A heated argument broke out over who deserved the rare fruit. The prince—the newlywed husband—was chosen as judge. He pondered for a long time, gathering his thoughts. His father had taught him never to lie to his people or to himself, and to always act honestly and justly. Guided by these values, the prince gave the apple to the Princess of Love and Beauty.

His wife, the Princess of Wisdom, vehemently disagreed with her husband’s decision. She argued with him endlessly, joined by her father, until everyone began to quarrel. The war didn’t end; on the contrary, it flared up again—only now it wasn’t just between two kingdoms. Other nations were drawn into the conflict, pulling more and more ponies into the fray. That was when Discord descended upon Equestria. He mocked them all, spreading chaos across pony lands. The forest, ravaged by war and endless territorial disputes, turned into the twisted place it is now. This was the spark that ignited a great tragedy and ushered in the age of chaos and strife.

“Damn you, Discord! I hope you rot!” I thought angrily as I wove through the swamp and trees. I moved quickly, but I remained alert. My enemy was a skilled scout. I could hear something flying overhead—likely thestrals, deeply unsettled by the fires glowing on the edges of their occupied territory.

“I need better camouflage!” With that thought, I dipped briefly into a nearby bog, careful not to go too deep. Bogs are infamous for trapping and drowning those who wade in too far. I emerged cautiously, relying more on my wings than my hooves to propel myself forward. I gave myself a quick once-over. My coat was already darker, and my mane had lost its crimson hue, now resembling a chestnut shade—but that wasn’t enough. Around the bog, the mud was varied in color. Making a firm decision, I scooped up a clump of mud and smeared it across my coat, creating a natural camouflage. It didn’t take long; the mud clung well to my damp fur. I didn’t remove the bandages, as they were already covered by armor, and my wound didn’t hurt anymore.

“The alicorns’ regeneration ability is truly amazing!” I mused in surprise.

When my preparations were complete, I brushed off excess mud, breaking up the clumps. My mane and coat now reeked of swamp and moss. I approached a puddle and caught my reflection. There was no longer any trace of my noble white-orange sheen. Instead, I looked like dull, dirty clay. Satisfied, I moved deeper into the forest.

Finding their supply node wasn’t difficult. I moved like a shadow, weaving around bushes and twisted trees. Carrying a massive glaive wasn’t exactly convenient. I had to hold it close with telekinesis. I should’ve brought something more practical—maybe throwing knives or a small dagger. But my glaive skills were second to none. If things didn’t go my way, I’d give my enemy a fight to remember.

Pausing briefly to rest, I pressed close to the ground and perked my ears. I heard voices and the crackle of a fire. It was clear: a small group of thestrals had stopped to warm up on this cold night. They were about thirty meters away. I instantly knew the plan I had to follow to neutralize a few officers and drag them back to headquarters.

Hugging a tree, I listened closely to their movements. Peeking from cover, I saw five thestrals. Judging by their faces, they were in deep distress. Sadness weighed on their expressions—their eyes were lost, their mouths turned down. They hung their heads, listening to the slow crackle of embers, as though trying to escape the grim reality they were in. Each of them was lost in thought—perhaps about their families or their leader. All five were officers: several lieutenants and one captain. In other words, their entire command staff. Apparently, I had somehow stumbled upon an officers' encampment near the base itself.

"So far, I’m lucky, but what happens next—only Lady Fate will decide..." I thought with a hint of skepticism.

"Why do you think they’re lighting fires around us?" The youngest officer broke the long silence.

The others gathered around him seemed to wake up, looking at their campfire with even more melancholy. One officer picked up a stick nearby and lazily poked at the embers in the flames.

"What do you think? They want to capture us and kill us so we’ll stop hauling supplies to the castle!" snapped a critical officer, stomping his hoof in response to the foolish question.

"Did we even manage to deliver all the supplies?" a third officer interjected, scanning his gaze across his comrades.

Everyone except him just sighed wearily, continuing to stare into the fire’s coals.

"If we had delivered everything, we wouldn’t be sitting here... Not even half of it made it," replied the grimmest of them, who also happened to be the most senior officer. "At most, we’ve stockpiled two weeks’ worth of supplies," he calculated, idly drawing something in the dirt with his hoof. "You know as well as I do that it’s impossible to stock up properly under siege like this. We were barely managing to work before, and now, with those fires, the wicked usurper won’t take her eyes off us even at night! We’re right under her hoof..." He trailed off sadly and lay down on the grass.

"Has anyone heard what happened at the castle? Where did the Great One go?" the youngest officer asked his comrades, a note of worry in his voice.

Everyone merely shook their heads dejectedly. It seemed this news weighed on each of them in its own way.

"I flew there with supplies, asked around, but no one knows what happened to the revered Great One... Everyone only said that there was a great battle, the kind only alicorns could wage," the captain replied, picking up a tally sheet and busily writing something with a quill.

"Maybe the tyrant-queen Celestia captured our leader and is about to storm the castle!" suggested the quietest of them, putting forward his idea of what might happen next.

"Well, well! Interesting..." I smirked at the insults thrown toward Celestia. An intriguing question popped into my mind: “How would she react to such nicknames?” I thought with undisguised curiosity. Would she feel insulted? Perhaps enraged? No, she wouldn’t react that way. Most likely, Celestia would lower her head and quietly listen to everything said about her. Lately, she had done many things she’d have to live with in the future—some of which I’d have to pay for myself. Celestia was going through a truly difficult time.

That’s why I had to stand up for my friend. I had to lighten her burden and take on the mantle of ruler of Equestria myself. Perhaps she’d see it as a selfish or even hypocritical act, but this is my path. It would be enough for me if all ponies could live in peace and prosperity, even if they pointed their hooves at me in judgment and contempt.

"As sad as it is..." I stared at my dirty hooves. I just wanted to bring everything back to the way it used to be, but unfortunately, that was impossible. So I had to build a future that was even better than the one from my childhood! For now, I had to do everything in my power, even if it meant getting my hooves dirty. That’s my path.

"Even Star Feng shrugs his shoulders—he doesn’t know what to do next either!" said the captain of the thestrals, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Star Feng? Where have I heard that name before..." I scratched my chin thoughtfully. That was the name of Luna’s personal knight, who also led the Night Guard’s army. Hmm, so he’s in charge of the castle’s defense. Now it all makes sense.

"We should’ve fled to the caves to hide! Like the ones who stayed behind!" blurted the youngest and most curious officer.

"What’s the point of talking about this now?" the most critical among them shot back. "I’m stepping out for a bit, brothers. Need some air..." he finished, yawning as he walked off—toward me.

"This is my chance!" I thought, suddenly fired up.

The officer strolled leisurely along the path, kicking a small stone with his hoof. I frowned, dropped into a combat stance, and began approaching him very slowly. My blood surged with new energy at the thought of what I was about to do. I just needed one precise strike to the back of his head to send him straight to dreamland.

"Focus, Daybie!" I urged myself on, inching closer to the distracted thestral. Suddenly, a twig cracked under my hoof, betraying me. But I didn’t even think about backing down. On the contrary, it acted as a catalyst for my next move.

"Who’s there?" The thestral began turning, nearly reaching for his sword.

THWACK

A sharp, sweeping blow to the back of his head with the long shaft of my glaive shattered all his plans. He collapsed forward, unable to withstand the hit. I almost panicked, thinking I’d failed. But my strike was well-placed, and my glaive hadn’t let me down in the critical moment. The blow was so strong that his helmet flew off, landing in a nearby bush.

I quickly approached the thestral to check his condition. Pressing my hoof to his neck artery, I confirmed he still had a pulse. That meant he was alive!

"Which proves he’ll make a fine hostage!" I thought gleefully, my eyes sparkling as I lifted him with my telekinesis. Time to work some magic!

I focused, carefully preparing the teleportation spell Celestia had taught me. A faint tension and even a prickling sensation ran through my neck as my horn began to glow. I squeezed my eyes shut and mentally visualized the nearest border outpost. Once the spell was ready, I pushed an impulse through my horn with all my strength, teleporting us to the designated spot.

I opened my eyes to see the familiar checkpoint with the same guards. Startled by the sudden teleportation, they relaxed immediately upon seeing me. I turned slightly and noticed I was still holding the peacefully snoring thestral and my glaive.

"Take him to HQ for interrogation! He’s an officer—disarm him and treat him as a prisoner!" I ordered my soldiers, releasing the thestral to the ground.

"Yes, ma’am!" the guards replied in unison, saluting before carrying him off toward the headquarters.

I turned around and began preparing the teleportation spell again. Unfortunately, I couldn’t teleport just anywhere—only to places I’d already been. While I could’ve moved directly to HQ, such a spell would require more mana. And I had a gut feeling I’d need it later. Squeezing my eyes shut, I sent the necessary impulse to my horn again.

The same forest. The same spot where I’d knocked out the officer. I needed to carefully return to my hiding place by the officers’ encampment to gather more intel.

"One down, four to go!" I thought with cautious optimism as I crept back into position. Fortunately, the remaining officers were still seated in the same spots. I settled in and prepared to wait. I wondered when they’d start searching for their brother-in-arms.

...

I didn’t have to wait long. After fifteen minutes, the captain began to suspect something. He looked around in every direction but found no trace of the officer who’d gone for "fresh air." Finally, he turned to the other three.

"You and you!" he barked, pointing his hoof at the two quietest ones. "Go find him. We still need him at HQ to organize the blockade breakout!"

"Yes, sir!" they responded, jumping to attention and heading in the same direction the missing officer had gone. They were about to stretch their wings when the captain stopped them.

"And one more thing!" he warned, raising a hoof. "Don’t you dare fly! Last thing we need is for you to get shot down by a spell. Now go."

"Understood!" they acknowledged, heading toward me.

“They’re coming for me!” I watched with burning eyes as they hurried toward my trap. Now that there were two of them, I had to change my tactics.

How do you take down two broad-shouldered officers at once? The thought spun in my head. A single swing of the glaive wouldn’t cut it this time. I needed a distraction maneuver. I’d also have to use metamorphosis to escape quickly. Luckily, they’d noticed the thestral helmet lying near the bush and were already heading toward it.

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this…” one of them muttered, and I smiled—a mad, unnatural grin.

While the two of them inspected the helmet, I grabbed a nearby stone and hurled it in the opposite direction. The rock hit a tree with a dull thud and bounced into the bushes.

“Go check it out!” one of them commanded, sending his superstitious friend to investigate the noise.

The officer reluctantly trudged toward the opposite bushes and began searching. I transformed into a small flame, darting behind the back of the one examining the helmet. He was just about to take off—

WHAM

A sharp, ringing blow echoed through the ambush grove. My glaive shaft sent the enemy flying into the very bushes he stood in front of. Wasting no time, I turned back into a flame. The frightened partner of the now-downed officer spun around, drawing his sword. His trembling hoof gripped the small blade as he glanced nervously around. I appeared behind him, casting an enormous shadow over his form. The moonlight exaggerated my imposing silhouette, instilling sheer terror. The officer’s gaze dropped, catching sight of the massive shadow before him. With painstaking fear, he began to turn around, bracing for the worst. I didn’t give him the chance—there was a sharp sound, and he, too, crumpled. My grin stretched even wider. I wanted to laugh but reminded myself I was on a covert mission.

Took out two with such a simple tactic! I praised myself, nearly strutting around the sleeping thestrals. Admiring my handiwork, I ensured both officers were peacefully knocked out.

That’s three now! I kept tally like it was a game.

Every second counts! Move quickly! I scolded myself, picking up the unconscious pair with telekinesis and teleporting to the checkpoint.

When I opened my eyes, the same familiar faces greeted me—my soldiers, already used to my teleportations, quietly waiting.

“Here are two more! You know what to do with them!” I tossed the officers into their hooves.

“It will be done, Your Majesty!” they saluted, and I hastily teleported back.

I was growing tired of this ambush grove. It was time to change tactics—only two officers remained. I could sneak directly into their camp and react on the fly.

That’s exactly what I’ll do! I slipped stealthily forward.

***

At the camp, only two remained: the captain and the youngest officer. Neither paid attention to the dancing flames of the fire anymore. They nervously scanned their surroundings. Finally, it seemed the captain had had enough.

“That’s it—I’ve had it!” he barked, standing abruptly and turning to the younger lieutenant. “You’re coming with me! We’re going to find out what’s happened to those incompetent officers!” He stormed off toward the grove, but I wasn’t there anymore.

“Yes, sir!” the lieutenant saluted lazily and trudged after him. But it was already too late.

WHAM

Like a flash, I materialized behind the young one and struck him hard with the glaive. He flew several meters forward, landing right at the captain’s hooves.

“ATTACK!!!” the senior officer bellowed, but I was already behind him.

WHAM

The sharp, thunderous strike reverberated through the camp. The captain staggered but, like the others, collapsed face-first into the ground. He was far larger and stronger than the rest, but even he couldn’t withstand my crushing blow.

“This is almost too easy,” I muttered, scratching my chin with a hoof. “I was hoping for a fight. Even a big stallion like him can’t handle one hit. What a shame…” I sighed, bored.

I approached the captain to check his state. He lay motionless, face-down. Something told me a pony his size couldn’t go down from a single blow.

Is this intuition? I checked his pulse. His heart was racing—much faster than the others’. I noticed his faint breathing just as a blade flew toward my head.

No way! I barely dodged the captain’s throwing knife, leaping several meters back. But he wasn’t stopping.

“FOR GREAT NIGHTMARE MOON!” he roared, charging at me like lightning, dagger aimed at my neck. I remembered what they’d taught me in the army—always watch the opponent’s weapon. I never took my eyes off his blade. His movements were precise, as if he’d rehearsed them thousands of times. But I wasn’t outmatched—I’d been trained relentlessly in combat. With one swift motion, I grabbed his hoof, disarming him with my other. My body moved instinctively as I plunged his dagger into his neck.

S-SHINK

A chilling sound tore through the air as the blade sliced through flesh. His blood splattered over my already-filthy coat. I didn’t stop—my hooves dragged the knife across his neck, cutting it clean from end to end. The captain collapsed instantly, choking on his blood.

My first victory in a duel! The thought raced through my mind as I bared my fangs in a triumphant grin. My heart pounded wildly, confirming I was the victor. I looked at my fallen opponent. He was trying to say something.

“Y-You… m-monster…” he coughed, blood bubbling in his throat. “A real… m-monster…” His disgusted glare cut into me as his eyes rolled back, life draining from his body. A pool of blood gathered beneath him.

The sight jarred me awake. I looked down at my blood-soaked hooves, still clutching the knife that had ended a life.

I killed a pony! The realization hit me like a sledgehammer.

Reality slammed into me with a brutal force. My stomach turned. The stench of blood, swamp, and death filled my nostrils, and I vomited beside the body. Panic consumed me. I dropped the bloodied dagger, clutching my head. The thought of a once-living pony—now a lifeless corpse—gripped me.

This is my fault. I killed him… I had murdered him so brutally that even griffons wouldn’t have killed like that. I was a monster.

“I-I didn’t mean to k-kill him…” I stammered, blinking in panicked denial.

Maybe this is all a dream? I clung to the thought, desperate to escape reality. What if I’m just imagining this? I turned my gaze to the cold body, hoping it would disappear. I’ll just think—poof, he’s gone! I opened my wide, crazed eyes, staring at the corpse. It didn’t vanish. The pool of blood beneath him only grew larger. My stomach churned again.

My mind finally accepted the truth—this wasn’t a dream.

“I heard a noise! Over here!” voices of the guards carried through the air, snapping me out of my emotional storm.

I slapped myself across the face with a hoof to snap out of it and looked around. The sound of hooves echoed here and there. It was clear I had been locked in with these thestrals. But I utterly rejected that notion. Drawing a deep breath, I shouted at the top of my lungs:

"I’M NOT LOCKED IN HERE WITH YOU! YOU’RE LOCKED IN HERE WITH ME!!!" I unleashed the Royal Canterlot Voice, ensuring that anyone and everyone could hear that death had come for them. And that death… was me!

After that dreadful event, I stopped smiling, as though killing the thestral had torn away a part of myself. I felt, with every ounce of my being, the crushing weight of responsibility that had fallen on my shoulders the moment I declared myself Empress. And so began my dance of death, teetering on the edge of true madness...