Age of Harmony

(Faust's POV)

Darkness.

All I saw was darkness.

Empty. Cold. Timeless.

Then—light. A brilliant, searing light. It cut through the void like a blade through silk.

I blinked. When my eyes adjusted, I found myself standing on a vast white plane, endless in every direction. The air shimmered with divine magic, and the ground beneath my hooves felt weightless—like I stood upon raw energy itself.

Before me stood a white pony, taller than any being I had ever known. He bore no muzzle or mouth, only eyes—piercing and eternal. Golden ringed spikes adorned his body like celestial armor, spinning slowly as if obeying a will beyond physics.

Though he said nothing, I knew.

This was Him.

My Creator. My God.

I fell to my knees.

Head bowed. Wings folded. Heart trembling.

"Greetings, Creator," I whispered reverently.

His voice echoed not through the air, but within my very mind and soul.

> "Greetings, my creation. I am Arceus, the Spirit of Order. You, Faust, shall be the leader of my ponies—the light of their civilization, the harbinger of harmony."

"I thank thee for thy trust in thy humble servant," I said, eyes still fixed on the shining ground beneath Him.

He nodded, and light radiated from His form once again—this time to my side.

A rift in the fabric of space opened, and from it emerged a sphere of pure shadow, roiling and alive. Out of it stepped another pony—taller, darker. A mirror to me in shape, but not in color.

His coat was the deep hue of midnight. His mane flowed like misted smoke, red as blood under moonlight. His horn curled slightly, like a ritual blade. And his wings—each feather sharp, glinting, with crimson-tipped edges—were forged of power, not bone or skin.

He stood silently, eyes scanning this divine place. When he saw Arceus, he too bowed low.

"Greetings, Creator," he said, his voice deep and composed.

> "Greetings, creation," Arceus answered. "You shall be known as Umbra. You will be the shield of the ponies—the protector who shall strike down that which threatens Harmony."

Umbra placed a hoof to his chest.

"I thank thee, my Creator. Thy will shall be done. I pledge myself to thy divine command."

Arceus nodded once more.

> "Then go forth, my children. Guide and guard your brethren. Bring balance, bring wisdom. And lead them into an age where darkness and light shall walk in unity."

With those words, the world around us faded into a swirling cascade of stars and clouds.

And then we fell.

Not in fear—but in purpose.

---

We descended from the heavens with wings unfurled, leaving trails of magic and light behind us like twin comets. The sky welcomed us, parted for us, and carried us like royalty upon the wind.

Below, the land stretched wide—a green, untamed kingdom nestled between mountains and seas. Towns dotted the landscape like candlelight in the dark. One such town lay directly in our path.

We descended with speed, and when we touched the earth, the impact cracked the ground, sending a ripple of power through the soil. A crater formed at our hooves.

Ponies screamed. Soldiers rushed forward with spears drawn, their hooves trembling. Their instincts screamed at them to attack—but their hearts hesitated.

They knew. Deep down, they knew.

We were not like them. We were made above them.

Their fear slowly gave way to awe.

As I stepped forward, my voice rang out—not loud in volume, but deafening in power.

"Fear not, my brethren," I proclaimed. "We were sent by our Creator to guide thee toward a better age. We are not thy enemies—we are thy guardians."

They looked to one another, confused—conflicted. But then, like a tide turning, they knelt. First one. Then three. Then the whole crowd.

"We shall obey the decree of thy Creator," they said in unison, heads bowed.

Umbra and I exchanged a glance. He nodded solemnly.

We were then led through the village and toward the ancient castle on the hill. Its stonework was worn, its banners faded. A once-proud place now dimmed by time.

As we passed, townsfolk peered through windows and doorways. Some gasped. Others wept. The guards at the castle gates prepared to stand against us—until they felt our magic. Their armor clattered as they dropped to one knee.

Inside, the castle halls were quiet. The air smelled of incense and dust. Servants and nobles alike stepped aside as we made our way to the throne room.

There sat an old king upon his seat—skin sagging, eyes dimmed, breath shallow. His life clung to him like a dying ember in a storm.

When we entered, he lifted his eyes slowly. Recognition dawned in his face.

He slid from the throne and dropped to the floor, bowing deeply.

"Oh great Lords," he rasped, voice dry as paper. "Thy servant hath done all he could. Please… release me from this mortal shell… that I may join our Creator in Elysium."

Umbra and I shared a look of confusion. Arceus lived. He watched. But this old stallion's belief was pure—and it gave him peace.

We would not rob him of that.

Umbra stepped forward. His horn glowed with emerald energy. In a soft flash, the king's soul was gently lifted from his body, which crumbled into gray dust. The soul shimmered like a candle flame, flickering with acceptance.

With reverence, Umbra sent it skyward—to our Creator.

Then we turned to the throne.

I stepped forward and, with a pulse of white light, reshaped the dais. I formed a second seat beside the first, one of shadowstone wrapped in gold.

We ascended and took our places—two thrones, two sovereigns. Light and shadow. Harmony and strength.

Below us, the ponies gathered once more. Soldiers, nobles, peasants—all bowed. All kneeled.

And as we gazed out over our people, a warmth settled in my heart.

Yes.

This was the beginning.

The beginning of something far greater than destiny.

This was the Age of Harmony.