The Premillennium: A Forgotten Era

by Talcion

Rating: everyone
Tags: Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Starswirl the Bearded, Adventure
Length: 3773

What exactly happened before Luna's banishment?

Tirek? Discord? Nightmare Moon? King Sombra? So many agents of darkness wreaking havoc across the land a thousand years ago, and so soon after the Pony tribes had stopped warring. This story follows the tutelage of Celestia and Luna under Starswirl the Bearded as they learn to harness their extraordinary magical talents and bring order to these seemingly lawless times.

Published 2025-01-16 13:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2025-01-16 13:40:01 UTC

Prologue

In the heart of present day Equestria, a thousand years before the rise of the Elements of Harmony, the land was shrouded in chaos. Discord, the spirit of disharmony, ruled with an iron claw, twisting reality to his whims. Everywhere he went, the skies churned with cotton candy clouds that rained chocolate milk, their sweet scent mingling with the stench of spoiled milk, creating a nauseating aroma. The very sun and moon moved in unpredictable patterns. The soft grass turned to rubber. The soil from which it grew was transformed into various patches of multi-colored flooring materials; pink checker-boarded tiles of porcelain, purple hardwood of mahogany, and sky blue linoleum lined roads made of soap lather upon which he gleefully skated. But in the midst of this turmoil, a glimmer of hope remained.

In a hidden valley, far from Discord’s prying eyes, the leaders of the three pony tribes gathered. The valley was a serene oasis amidst the chaos, with towering trees and a crystal-clear stream that seemed untouched by Discord’s influence. The air was thick with tension as Princess Platinum of the Unicorns, Commander Hurricane of the Pegasi, and Chancellor Puddinghead of the Earth Ponies stood in council each with a crowd of their constituency behind them and their differences set aside in the face of a common enemy.

Chancellor Puddinghead, usually the most lighthearted of the trio, wore a rare expression of seriousness. He glanced around at his fellow leaders before breaking the silence. “We cannot allow this madness to continue!” His voice, usually filled with cheer, was now tinged with urgency. He clenched his jaw, trying to mask his fear.

Princess Platinum, her regal bearing evident even in these dire times, responded, “Our magic is strong, but it is not enough to defeat Discord alone.” Her voice was resolute, yet a flicker of doubt crossed her eyes. She straightened her posture, trying to project confidence, but inside, she felt a gnawing fear. What if they failed? What if their combined efforts were not enough to stop the chaotic tyrant?

Commander Hurricane flared his wings, his eyes narrowing with steely resolve as he stepped forward. “We need a plan; a tactic; a stratagem; something; anything!” His voice was firm, but there was a hint of desperation in his eyes. He stamped his hoof on the ground, his wings twitching with tension.

“I’ve heard whispers of ancient magic, something powerful enough to challenge even Discord. If we were to seek it out-” Princess Platinum mused after a moment of silent pondering. But before she could finish her thought, Chancellor Puddinghead burst out, loudly interrupting her, “Ancient magic? It sounds like a fairy tale.”

“More so than everything we face now?” Princess Platinum retorted. As she said this, the moon and sun continued to move in random directions overhead, and a flock of winged pigs flew into the distance. With a sigh, she spoke on, “Even so, what choice do we have? We must at least try.”

As the leaders deliberated, a middle-aged, male Unicorn with a gray coat and a lengthy salt-and-pepper colored mane and beard stepped forward. His deep blue eyes gleamed with wisdom beyond his years. “There is a way,” he began, his voice calm and measured. The Unicorn felt the weight of his words. This was their, perhaps only, chance to bring lasting peace to the land. He hoped the leaders would see the truth in his words. “We must harness the power of our unity. Though our tribes have stopped warring and become allies, we must become something more. By uniting Pegasi, Unicorns, and Earth Ponies, all of ponykind will become one cohesive tribe that will live, work, and fight harmoniously—not as allies, but as friends.” The grove fell silent as the weight of his words sank in.

Commander Hurricane eyed the outspoken newcomer. “And who are you to speak so boldly? How can we trust what you say; that it will work against such a powerful foe?”

The gray pony met the commander’s gaze. “My lord, I meant no intrusion. My name is Starswirl. I’ve devoted my life to the study of magic and have found one thing to be true across all of ponykind: That trust is the foundation of friendship and unity. We must believe in each other and in the power that comes from our combined efforts. It is not just about magic or strength or bravery; it is about the bonds that we forge.”

Chancellor Puddinghead nodded slowly, “This Starswirl is right. We’ve seen what we can achieve when we work together. Imagine what we could do if we truly came together as one!”

Princess Platinum turned to Starswirl, “Then we must unite our tribes. Gather our best and brightest: Unicorns, Pegasi, and Earth Ponies alike.”

Commander Hurricane barked, “You heard them, ponies! Rest well! We begin unified training at 0500!”

And with that, the pony tribes made camp and slept an uneasy slumber underneath the starry, sunny, black, bright blue sky.

As the wake up call broke out over the hidden valley, the ponies gathered, their hearts filled with determination. The crisp morning air was filled with the sounds of hooves pounding the ground and wings flapping. The scent of fresh grass mixed with the sweat of hard work as the ponies trained under the erratic light of the sun and moon.

Unicorns practiced casting protective spells while Pegasi flew overhead, coordinating their maneuvers. Earth ponies worked on their strength, pulling heavy loads and building fortifications. Occasionally, a Unicorn would help an Earth Pony with a spell, or a Pegasus would assist a Unicorn in dodging obstacles. Starswirl set up various challenges for the ponies. One group had to navigate a maze filled with magical traps, relying on each other’s strengths to succeed. Another group practiced defensive formations, combining their abilities to create an impenetrable barrier.

As the days turned into weeks, the ponies began to trust each other more deeply. During their breaks from training, they gathered around campfires, sharing stories of their homes and dreams for the future. An Earth Pony spoke of the vast fields of golden wheat, orchards of ripe, delicious fruit, and the juice and jam made from lush vineyards back home. A Pegasus described the thrill of soaring through the open skies, racing through ravines and darting through obstacles on the course in his school days. A Unicorn recounted learning simple telekinesis for the first time and how proud her parents were. These moments of sharing forged bonds that went beyond mere alliances. These, once-enemy tribes, turned allies, were quickly becoming friends.

Laughter echoed through the valley as they played games and sang songs, their voices blending in harmonious melodies that lifted their spirits. A Pegasus started a lively tune about their time spent in training and the new friends who have helped her come this far, and soon, other ponies joined in, their voices rising in a joyful chorus. The songs became something of a tradition, a way to communicate their hopes and dreams, to express their worries and fears, and comfort and encourage others around them. The music and camaraderie replaced the initial tension, and a sense of hope began to blossom, like the first flowers of spring pushing through the snow.

Throughout their training, Starswirl moved among the groups, offering advice and encouragement. His horn glowed with a brilliant light as he conjured protective barriers and offensive blasts. His wisdom and experience guided the ponies through their rigorous exercises.

When a young Unicorn struggled with a spell, Starswirl patiently showed her the correct incantation. “Focus on the intent, not just the words,” he advised, his calm demeanor reassuring her. The Unicorn’s eyes lit up as she tried again, her horn sparking with newfound confidence.

An Earth Pony faltered under the weight of a heavy load, his legs trembling. Starswirl approached him, placing a comforting hoof on his shoulder. “Remember, true strength comes from within. Your muscles may fail you, but your determination will not. Breathe. Push through. Persevere.” he said, his voice filled with encouragement. The Earth Pony took a deep breath, his resolve strengthening as he lifted the load once more.

A Pegasus struggled to maintain her balance during a complex aerial maneuver, her wings flapping erratically. Starswirl called out to her, “You are thinking too much about what must be done. Steady your mind, and your wings will follow. Trust in your instincts and the wind beneath you.” The Pegasus closed her eyes to refocus, heeding his words. As she soared through the air, her movements started becoming more fluid and controlled.

As the ponies gathered around the campfires, their laughter and songs filling the air, Starswirl and the leaders stood on a small hill overlooking the scene. Chancellor Puddinghead’s usual cheerfulness returned as he watched the ponies play games and sing. He couldn’t help but bounce on his hooves, a wide grin spreading across his face. “Look at them! They’re really coming together, aren’t they?” he exclaimed.

Princess Platinum, standing beside him, allowed herself a rare candid moment. The tension that had been etched on her face for so long seemed to melt away. “Indeed, Chancellor. It is truly a sight to behold,” she said, her tone still regal but noticeably more at ease. “I had my doubts, but seeing them now, I feel a sense of hope I haven’t felt in a long time.”

Commander Hurricane stood slightly apart, his eyes scanning the horizon. Though he remained stoic and watchful, there was a subtle relaxation in his posture. “They’re strong. They’re ready,” he said, his voice firm but with a hint of pride. “We’ve trained them well.”

Starswirl watched the scene with a pleased expression, his heart swelling with pride at the sight of the united tribes. But as he looked at the joyful ponies, a shadow of doubt crossed his face. He turned to the leaders, his voice uncharacteristically hesitant. “Indeed, we have, and they are strong, but are they truly ready? I cannot help but wonder. Have our efforts been enough? Or have I led us all down a path to our own demise?”

Chancellor Puddinghead stepped forward. “Starswirl, you’ve given us hope when we had none. Look at them,” he gestured to the ponies below. “They’re not just training; they’re becoming a family. That’s your doing!”

Princess Platinum nodded in agreement, her voice gentle yet firm. “You have brought us together, Starswirl. Unity is our greatest strength, and it is because of you that we have found it. Do not doubt yourself now.”

Starswirl looked at them, his eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and lingering uncertainty. “Thank you; both of you. Your words mean more than you know.”

Commander Hurricane, still watching the horizon, added in his own straightforward manner, “We’ve come this far, Starswirl. We won’t turn back now. We’ll face whatever comes together.”

Starswirl took a deep breath, the weight of his doubts lifting slightly. He looked back at the ponies, their laughter and songs a testament to the bonds they had forged. “Together,” he echoed, a small smile returning to his face. “We will face whatever comes together.”

At last, the day had arrived. Unicorns, Pegasi, and Earth Ponies stood side by side, no longer as separate tribes, but as one united front. Starswirl the Bearded stood at the forefront, his eyes scanning the army of ponies in front of him. “Today, we fight not just for our survival, but for the future of ponykind!” he declared. “Remember, our strength lies in our unity. Together, we can overcome any obstacle as one tribe! Neigh! One nation: The nation of Equestria!”

The ponies cheered, their spirits lifted by Starswirl’s inspiring words. Princess Platinum, Commander Hurricane, and Chancellor Puddinghead took their places beside him, ready to lead their ponies into battle.

As they marched towards Discord’s chaotic realm, the landscape around them began to twist and warp. The sky darkened, swirling with ominous clouds that shifted colors from deep purple to sickly green. The ground beneath their hooves was a patchwork of bizarre textures—some parts were sticky like tar, others were slippery like ice, and some even bounced like rubber. The air was thick and the sound of Discord’s distant laughter echoed eerily throughout the domain.

The ponies pressed on, their resolve unwavering despite the unsettling surroundings. They passed through forests where the trees had faces that sneered and jeered at them, their branches reaching out like grasping hands. Rivers of chocolate milk flowed beside them, bubbling ominously. The sun and moon danced erratically in the sky, casting strange shadows that seemed to move on their own.

Finally, they reached the heart of Discord’s domain. The spirit of disharmony lounged on a high-back throne of intricate design, made of mismatched materials—gold, wood, candy, and stone—all fused together in a chaotic masterpiece. A smug grin spread across his face as he observed the approaching ponies. “Well, well, well,” Discord sneered. “What do we have here? A little rebellion?” His hysterical laughter rang out, as if pleased and amused by this development. “Now, that’s the spirit!”

Princess Platinum stepped forward, her horn glowing with magic. “Your reign of chaos ends today, Discord. We will bring harmony to this land and establish the nation of Equestria!”

Discord laughed again, a sound that echoed through the twisted landscape. “Reign? Moi? Oh, you misunderstand. I have no interest in ruling. Ruling implies order,” he said, blowing a raspberry in disgust. His tone and demeanor seemed playful, yet almost cordial. Then, his expression darkened, and his voice dropped to a sinister growl. “I am chaos incarnate! A force of nature! And you presume to waltz into the eye of a storm and hope to avoid being blown about at its whim?”

Starswirl raised his staff, a symbol of their unity. “We may not have your raw power, Discord, but what we do have is even stronger. We have each other.”

Discord’s maniacal laughter continued to pierce the realm, this time, in ridicule of the perceived absurdity of the bearded Unicorn’s statement. “Oh, how touching!” he sneered, wiping a tear from his eye. “You have each other? How quaint! Tell me something, Starswirl. Do you really think I didn’t know about your little ‘friendship and unity’ project? And do you really think such trite ideals can protect you from chaos itself? You’re like ants trying to hold back a hurricane with a leaf!” His voice dripped with mockery as he continued, “Now, let’s see how well your ‘togetherness’ fares against the true nature of chaos!”

With that, the battle began. The Unicorns unleashed powerful offensive spells, their horns glowing with intense light as their onslaught ensued. Pegasi swooped down from the skies, their wings slicing through the air with precision. Earth Ponies charged with unyielding strength, their hooves thundering against the ground. Together, they formed a formidable force, each pony playing their part in the grand symphony of battle.

Discord fought back with all his might, twisting reality and summoning chaotic creatures to his aid. The ground turned to soap, causing ponies to slip and slide. Trees uprooted themselves and danced around, creating obstacles. Discord snapped his fingers, and a herd of flying pigs descended upon the ponies, their mismatched wings flapping sporadically.

“Now, isn’t this fun?” Discord taunted as a squad of Pegasi flew directly at him. “ I have to hand it to you, ponies.”, he sneered, conjuring a giant, spectral hand to swat away the Pegasi like flies. He turned his attention to charging Earth Ponies. “You really know how to throw a party!” He balled up his fist and threw a ball of magic that, on impact, exploded into confetti. From the confetti emerged live piñatas armed with baseball bats, which began to fight on Discord’s behalf. The piñatas, colorful and menacing, swung their bats with surprising force, causing the ponies to dodge and counterattack.

Chancellor Puddinghead, undeterred by the chaos, rallied the Earth Ponies. “Come on, everypony! We’ve faced worse than this! Let’s show them what we’re made of!” he shouted.

Princess Platinum fired a beam of magic at Discord, but he effortlessly deflected it with a wave of his claw. “Oh, come now, Princess. Is that the best you can do?” he jeered.

Commander Hurricane led a second squadron of Pegasi in a daring aerial assault, diving towards Discord with incredible speed. “Flying a little too fast, aren’t we? Let’s slow things down a bit,” he chuckled, and with a snap of his fingers, turned the air around them into a thick, sticky syrup, causing the Pegasi to break formation to avoid capture. However, one was caught by Discords clever trap. Commander Hurricane fought valiantly to break free, but the sticky substance overwhelmed him, and he crashed to the ground unconscious.

“Commander Hurricane is down!” a Pegasus cried out, the shock evident in her voice. The ponies paused briefly, their hearts sinking at the sight of their fallen leader. Pegasi hovered, stunned by uncertainty, their wings beating in a rhythm of hesitation. Earth Ponies and Unicorns exchanged worried glances, their resolve wavering. But the sight of their comrades fighting on reignited their fighting spirit. “For the Commander!” a voice shouted, rallying the troops. The ponies’ eyes blazed with renewed fire as they pressed on, their spirits unbroken.

As the battle raged on, Discord began to show signs of boredom. He yawned theatrically, excessively stretching his arms. “Oh, this is getting tiresome,” he said, his voice laced with disdain. “I grow weary of these games. Let’s end this, shall we?”

Suddenly, the wind currents started to pick up as Discord began to summon a gigantic whirlwind, uprooting trees and sending them spinning through the air. The ground cracked and shifted beneath the ponies’ hooves, causing them to stumble and their formation to break apart. The whirlwind howled with a malevolent force, tearing at the ponies’ manes and tails, and flinging debris in all directions. The ponies struggled to maintain their composure, their chances of victory threatened by the sheer force of Discord’s assault.

Discord, seeing his would-be usurpers in disarray, began the second stage of his attack. He conjured a storm of fire and ice, the elements fusing with the whirlwind to form a torrent of mythical proportions. Flames roared and ice shards flew, creating a devastating maelstrom. “This is the end, my little ponies! Say goodbye to friendship! Say goodbye to unity! Say goodbye to ‘Equestria’!” he declared, his voice booming with malicious glee. The heat singed their coats and manes, while the cold bit into their skin, the contrasting elements creating a torturous environment.

“Wall formation, now!” Princess Platinum shouted, her voice cutting through the storm. The ponies quickly regrouped. The Earth Ponies stood in front as living shields with one row digging their hooves firmly into the ground to create a solid foundation, and a second row standing on the backs of the first. The Unicorns stood behind them, casting shield spells on the Earth Ponies in front of them. Surrounding each Earth Pony was a magical barrier, a force field as solid as any wall of iron. Flames, ice, and debris, all bounced harmlessly off of their glimmering protective layers. Then, the Pegasi began to flap their wings in unison, creating a counter wind to slow, and eventually stop the whirlwind in its tracks.

Discord’s expression changed from one of boredom to one of shock at the effectiveness of the ponies’ combined efforts. Starswirl, seeing this brief hesitation, seized the opportunity. “Now!” he shouted, signaling the final assault. The Unicorns channeled their magic into a single, powerful blast, aimed directly at their befuddled foe.

The blast struck true, sending Discord hurling backward into a giant boulder, ironically made of rock candy. After the blast had subsided, he lay motionless on the ground, and for a moment it seemed as though he might be defeated. But with a final, defiant cackle, he vanished into thin air, his voice now an eerie, disembodied presence that engulfed the ponies, seeming to come from everywhere all at once.

“Oh, bravo! What a performance!” Discord’s voice echoed, dripping with sarcasm. “But don’t think this is the final act. The curtain has merely fallen on this scene.”

Princess Platinum stepped forward, her horn still glowing faintly. “We will be ready for you, Discord. No matter how many times you return, we will always stand united.”

Discord’s laughter rang out once more, chilling and mocking. “Such noble words, Princess. By all means, enjoy your time in the spotlight. The final curtain will fall soon enough.”

As Discord’s presence faded, the chaotic effects he had wrought on the environment began to subside. The trees, once twisted and menacing, gradually straightened, their bark smoothing out and their leaves returning to a healthy green. Rivers of sodapop ceased their bubbling, transforming back into clear, sparkling streams. The ground, previously a patchwork of bizarre textures, settled into solid earth and lush grass. The air, once thick with the scent of spoiled milk, cleared, leaving a fresh, clean breeze in its wake.

However, one reminder of Discord’s chaos remained: the erratic sun and moon. They continued to dance unpredictably across the sky, casting strange, shifting shadows over the land. This anomaly served as a constant reminder of the threat they had faced and a symbol of Discord’s ominous promise to return.

The battlefield fell silent, the echoes of Discord’s laughter lingering in the air before fading out altogether. The ponies stood still, their breaths coming in ragged gasps. Slowly, the realization of their victory began to sink in. They had faced the embodiment of chaos and emerged victorious.

Starswirl lowered his staff, his eyes scanning the weary faces of his comrades. “We did it,” he said softly, his voice filled with a mix of relief and sorrow. “But this is only the beginning. We must remain vigilant.”
Princess Platinum stepped forward, her horn still glowing faintly. “We will rebuild,” she declared, her voice steady. “Together, we will create a land of harmony and peace.”

The ponies nodded, their spirits lifting as they looked to the future. They had proven that unity could withstand even the greatest of threats. As they began to tend to the wounded and gather their fallen, a sense of hope and determination filled the air. They knew that as long as they stood together, they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Author's Note

Thank you for reading! This is my first time trying anything like this. Feedback is always appreciated! Solicitation is not. Please do not message or comment asking if I want to commission art.