Dawn Before Dusk

by Arvacondria

Rating: everyone
Tags: Sad, Adventure
Length: 574

Just as everyone thought it was safe, a familiar foe returns to wreak havoc on Equestria.

Equestria has been protected by one being for as long as anyone can remember. But what happens when that being disappears? The fate of Equestria lies on the shoulders of six ponies and one lunar princess as they race to recover the celestial pony before chaos has a chance to reign.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2012-11-23 22:13:16 UTC

Prologue

Hoofsteps echoed around the hallway as two armored colts carried in their hefty treasure. The marble statue quivered atop their backs but the gentle magic aura around the statue kept it upright. Both ponies trudged forwards as a third walked up behind them ever so quietly. The third to approach was none other than the regal white alicorn whom Ponyville loved so much. The Princess inserted her horn into the door's keyhole, causing it to open. She then proceeded to follow behind her servants as they continued trotting down the hall. The alicorn could see the moonlight glimmering through the stain glass windows. She knew it was late, but this had to be done. The colts gently set the statue down on the center tile of the corridor.

"Thundermane, Bright Hooves, you may go."  Celestia was left staring into the cold eyes of someone she feared most of all. The stony eyes of Discord stared back at her, making her feel uneasy. It made her think of how close Discord was to capturing everything she loved, and she had been almost powerless to stop him. Just as Celestia turned to exit the room, chaotic laughter filled the air. The princess turned her head but decided it was her imagination playing with her. She continued down the hallway but froze when she noticed something coming from behind her. Eerie purple lights began to emanate from the statue. Celestia knew this was real now, and the chaotic being was up to something. The Princess of Equestria was almost away from her foe, but she made one fatal mistake. She looked over her shoulder just in time to see glowing cracks in the marble. Celestia's eyes widened in fear as she galloped towards the exit. The hallway seemed to be growing longer and longer when suddenly a powerful blast shook the room, causing Celestia to stop. The glass windows shattered and Equestria's princess found herself thrown to the floor. A second later the alicorn was bathed in white light and she heard the voice of her arch enemy gently whisper in her ear,

"Goodbye, Celestia."

With that, Discord stretched out his arms and legs, glad to be free from his prison. He smiled smugly as he looked back at what he had done to his jailer. A young alicorn filly lay in the hallway among shards of broken glass. She was unharmed, of course, but when she woke up she would have no memory of who she was. There was no way Celestia could possibly defeat him now, and even if her memory was restored her power would be gone. Besides, no one would believe that this filly was Celestia. She looked too different with her pale pink mane and tail, and her body a white-yellow color. To give the filly an even more convincing disguise, Discord snatched a purple ribbon and tied it onto the young mare's tail. He then proceeded to gather up the marble remains of his statue body and the crown that was formerly worn by Princess Celestia.

"There is no one to save you now, Equestria. You've depended on this pony for far too long. Sleep tight, little filly, and prepare for a storm of chaos in the morning! Ahahaha!" Discord flew into the moonlight through the broken window and vanished into the night. It was his turn to reign over everyone and there was no way he could be beaten.