Legacy of the Sun - Chapter 1

Chapter 1: A New Dawn
Age: 0

High in the sky, the brilliant sun shone above Equestria, casting it's soft rays across the high mountains, with their snowy peaks; the rolling plains, filled with wildflowers and streams; and the lush forests, with their exotic plant life and woodland creatures. One forest, however, was much more vast than the rest, and was positively brimming with color and life. Bright leaves hung from tree branches, swaying gently in the passing breeze. On the ground, wild plants grew in all shapes and sizes, from tall ones to short ones to vibrant ones which became picturesque in nature. Accompanying the varied flora was its extraordinary fauna, ranging from small, playful fairies to large, captivating sea serpents, and even the intimidating celestial beasts. All of the creatures lived their lives fully and peacefully, enjoying the safe and inviting atmosphere that the forest provided for them.

The few groups of ponies that stumbled upon the lush woodlands found it accommodating, and their travels through it would be some of the most serene adventures they had ever experienced. Those who had the chance to observe the forest in all of it's glory would say that anything that lived there would be able to live freely and flourish. To them, it was a breath of fresh air, much greater than the chaotic world outside the woodland. Their tales of grandeur would eventually have the forest drawn on maps and written in literature with a single, majestic name, fit to describe it's pleasures: Everfree.

Nestled deep in the heart of Everfree Forest was a stone castle, standing alone on a cliff edge. The land it was perched on had long since been torn from the rest of the forest, most likely ripped apart through a great, primordial earthquake or similar sundering. Connecting the tracts of land was a simple rope bridge, hanging above a river which flowed gently at the bottom of the deep crevasse. Healthy green blades of grass blanketed the cliff side, occasionally glinting with morning dew that hadn't yet evaporated.

The castle itself was modest in it's construction, only containing four buildings which were connected via hallways to a central tower. Upon closer inspection, one would find great stained glass windows adorning some of the rooms, and simple yet effective wooden doors. The main structure was very tall, being the only piece of the castle that poked above the treeline. Crawling up the spire, in a neat and patterned fashion, were straightforward windows; two crossed beams, so that nothing unwanted - save for the occasional bird - could enter. Nearing the topmost section of the tower, the windows circled around, giving away the location of a room. At the eastern side of the chamber, looking out through the window, was an alicorn.

The rays of sun piercing through the window pulled a lustrous shine out of his dark, almost ebony coat. It very closely resembled the dark blue hue of the night sky, and if he were to fly during the cold hours of early morning, it would be as if he didn't exist at all. On his flank, a single bright star was shown, surrounded by darkness that gradually faded away. Cascading from his head and seeming to float in an invisible stream was his sleek mane. The hair, which appeared more ethereal than physical, was shiny and obsidian in complexion. It wasn't the gravity defiant movements his mane had which caught the eye, however, but rather the effect it had. Instead of a simple mane, his acted more like a view into the heavens, constantly changing based on his movements. As he stood still, gazing across the forest, the changing shape only altered the size and frame of the astral window.

Adorning his neck was a burnished, dark grey piece of armor. In it's center was a deep topaz gem, cut into the shape of a half moon, and studded expertly into the metal. The sunlight glinted across it and sent light blue reflections across the stone in front of him. Similarly colored metal to his chest piece was also crafted into shoes, with baroque designs cut out of the metal. To complete the royal ensemble was a slate colored crown resting on his head, embellished with sapphire stones encrusted in it. He had personally crafted this armor many years ago, using the delicate finesse of his magical abilities.

The tall stallion held a proud expression as he looked over the forest, as a father would look over a child who was receiving a reward, for he was surveying his kingdom. Although godly in size and features, his face was beginning to show the creeping signs of his age. This particular alicorn had walked Equestria for over 3,400 years, and his piercing, brilliant cyan eyes had seen countless lifetimes of events. He remained silent for a long time, before he finally opened his mouth.

"It's truly beautiful, isn't it?"

His voice was regal and commanding, but at the same time calm and composed. When he spoke, it was with a knowing and wise tone, for he chose his words carefully. This alicorns name was Sonance, and it was only several hundred more years until he ascended.

Sonance's ears perked up and rotated to behind him as he heard a lighter voice, but with the same sagely tone. It was light and dainty, with a determined undertone. Above all, the sound and nature of the voice drifted through his ears like music.

"Very, and it shall only become more lovely in time."

The dark alicorn finally turned from the window and looked back to the origin of the voice, which was resting comfortably on a large, soft bed. She was a bright alicorn, and although in the shade of the room, still seemed to glow and shine. Some of the radiance was created through her wild, untamed mane, with locks of hair that flowed in numerous directions, never staying within a solid boundary. It's shape was reminiscent of tongues of fire, freshly made in a blazing inferno, and the color was similar: a golden yellow in the middle which slowly transitioned into a warm orange. Her stunning mane and tail were like the sun itself was being channeled through her, a presumption that was supported even further by her coat color. She was covered in a light amber, which also appeared to give off a soft glow, but not quite as intense as her mane. Pictured on her flanks was an image of a ball of flame, with the fire spreading outward in all directions.

Similarly to Sonance, the soft auburn alicorn donned armor, though hers was a lustrous, reflective gold. Faceted onto the center was a blood red stone of garnet, cut into a near perfect circle. Polished golden shoes complimented the chest piece, carved with an intricate lace pattern and reaching up to her knees. Atop her head laid a small golden tiara, which brimmed with garnet, citrine, and gold beryl.

Below the crown were her compassionate, perceptive eyes, which held a luminous fuchsia color. As with her husband, she too was beginning to see the signs of her aging, and had been noticing them for years. Her name was Rhapsody, and she had been helping Equestria survive for over the same amount of time Sonance had: 3,400 years.

"It's a shame we won't be around to see it grow further." Sonance said, walking to the bed. He leisurely climbed on the cushioned mattress and brought himself closer to Rhapsody, until their bodies were touching. Rhapsody smiled warmly and lifted a wing, embracing Sonance with it.

"Oh Sonance, we still have several hundred years." Rhapsody replied, nuzzling her husband's neck.

Sonance let out a peaceful sigh, allowing his thoughts to wander for a moment. "What you say is true." He turned his head to his wife. "However, we're going to need an heir."

Rhapsody made no effort to hide the redness building in her cheeks, or the small grin sneaking across her mouth. "One heir may not be enough; perhaps we should have two?"

"You've always been ambitious, darling." Sonance said, kissing Rhapsody on the cheek. "From the vast peaks to the endless oceans to our very castle, you've been the mind behind it all."

"And you've always been the flatterer." Rhapsody jauntily replied.

Sonance couldn't help but chuckle at his wife's cheeky honesty. "While that may be the case, my statement holds true. In six hundred years time, we'll ascend into the cosmos, leaving our descendants to take care of Equestria."

The soft amber alicorn laid her head against Sonance, getting into a more comfortable position. Some strands of her hair flicked and prodded at his mane, as if they wanted to dance around with their astral counterparts. "I know, dear. Perhaps, in several years, we'll have a foal of our own."

Sonance closed his eyes, his thoughts turning to the future. "I would love that."

"Then it's settled. We'll bring forth a successor."

- - -

Time went on, with Sonance and Rhapsody attending to the daily needs of Equestria and discussing the necessity of a successor. Their conversations ranged from the color of their foals coat, to the gender it would be, and even how many they were going to have. It wasn't until three years later, on one early summer morning when the sun was just peeking over the horizon, that their first foal was born.

The day was brand new - still dark in the west, where the sun's light didn't quite reach yet. The beams of light that made it to Equestria lit up the scenery, casting a warm orange glow over whatever they touched. This included the castle tower, perched above the trees in Everfree. It was in this tower that the sun reached a mother finishing her ultimate struggle.

Rhapsody was sprawled out on the bed, panting from the exertion and strain she had to go through moments earlier. Her eyes were tightly shut, the agony having not yet subsided. Even though she was an alicorn, gifted with divine magical ability, child birth had still proven to be a strenuous and painful ordeal. Her coat was damp from sweat, and beads of it had gathered at her brow and were beginning to drip down her pale face. Silently, she thanked all the cosmos for being relived of the suffering.

Sonance had assisted with the delivery, comforting Rhapsody and helping her through the process. He offered words of encouragement and magical aid when he could, but beyond that, it was in Rhapsody's hooves. She had proved herself more than capable, however, and after a mere seven minutes (Sonance had been nervously counting), the birth was an overwhelming success. The hours of labor that Rhapsody had gone through had finally bore fruit. After Sonance used his magic to administer a mandatory cleanup, he hurriedly wrapped the foal in a soft blanket and held it close to him. He crawled on the bed and sat next to Rhapsody, who was beginning to recover from her plight.

"You did so well, my dear." Sonance said, gently licking Rhapsody's cheek.

"I wouldn't have done nearly as well without you." she replied, looking to him and offering a smile. Her luminous pink eyes were beginning to moisten, solely from the exultation she was feeling at the moment.

Sonance leaned down and gave her a light kiss, before asking, "Would you like to see her?"

Rhapsody nodded in agreement. "Of course. I want nothing more right now."

The night alicorn brought the small bundle of blanket over to Rhapsody, and gently pulled back the cloth. Her eyes glistened and tears began to steadily flow out as she looked upon her newborn. The foal slowly opened her eyes, revealing two magenta irises that sparkled in the dawn's light. Her coat was a majestic alabaster, with just a hint of rose red in it. Finally, the young one's mane was an eye catching pink, that was slightly wavy and flowed down her back. Poking out of the hair was a tiny horn, and on her back was a pair of feathered wings, not quite big enough for flight yet. She was everything that the couple could have hoped for, and the tears falling off both of their faces was more than enough to prove that fact.

"She's absolutely gorgeous." Sonance said, wiping the moisture from his eyes.

"She is. She really is." Rhapsody agreed, sniffling.

Sonance pulled the sheets away from the foals flank, revealing a cutie mark already in place. It depicted the sun, showing a yellow circle surrounded by distorted orange triangles. The sight of it caused Rhapsody to gasp, and put a hoof to her mouth.

"My, she already has her mark. She's been destined from birth." the dark alicorn looked closer at the mark, studying it and observing it.

"It's lovely." Rhapsody said, also looking at the image. "She's meant to raise the sun."

"I think it's more than that." Sonance said. "It might be much greater  than just raising the sun..." He shook his head and smiled. "Only time can tell, and we'll be gone long before that."

"Whatever her destiny is, I'm sure she'll make the best of it."

"I'm sure she will."

"Sonance, what shall we name her?"

Sonance closed his eyes, lost deep in thought. He looked at her cutie mark, envisioned what he thought of her destiny, and considered her future place in the world. She would be regent of the sun, bringer of light, and princess of Equestria. She would grow to be a powerful alicorn, maybe even exceed them, and one day join them in the endless cosmos. Sonance pondered all of this for moment, then opened his eyes, knowing the answer to his wife's question. He looked down at the foal, then to his wife, and smiled. With his prevalent wise, profound, and determined tone - that only time and experience could have forged - he proclaimed a single word:

"Celestia."