(Faust POV)
It has been one hundred years since my birth, and much has changed during that time.
Umbra and I ruled over the united kingdom of Equestria, and aside from minor setbacks caused by dissenting ponies, our reign remained peaceful. We taught them that war and violence were not the solutions to every problem—that true strength came from unity, compassion, and understanding. Together, we fostered a society where all could live in harmony, pony or not.
In time, we formed alliances with surrounding kingdoms that shared our vision. These relationships ensured that if aid was ever needed, it would be given swiftly—and returned just as quickly. Through these bonds, we opened lines of communication with the other races, and gradually redeemed ourselves for the atrocities committed before Umbra and I came into power.
Of course, their initial reactions were cautious. That was expected. But over time, they opened their hearts to the idea of peace, and became our official allies. That was the beginning—not just of pony unification, but of a movement to unite every creature of Equis under a single, noble cause: the pursuit of global peace.
For fifty years, this vision flourished.
During that time, a group of exceptional ponies emerged, calling themselves the Pillars. They were gathered by a young pony named Stygian, whose mission was to protect Equestria when Umbra and I could not be everywhere at once.
The members were remarkable:
Starswirl the Bearded, a brilliant archmage whose mastery of magic rivaled that of the greatest unicorns in history.
Flash Magnus, a valiant pegasus knight who once fought in the war and now sought redemption for the blood he had spilled.
Rockhoof, an earth pony of tremendous strength. Though not as mighty as his ancestors—thanks to Arceus's decision to weaken ponykind—he remained unmatched among earth ponies and could lift objects many times his size.
Mistmane, a gentle soul whose kindness was matched only by her ability to heal and restore life to the sick and weary.
Somnambula, hailing from Equestria's desert plains, possessed the rare gift of dream-walking. She could even enter the dreams of Arceus himself. This connection made her a devoted follower, spreading His word wherever she traveled.
Mage Meadowbrook, a gifted herbalist whose deep knowledge of plants and remedies made her a savior to many and a teacher to all.
And lastly, Stygian, the unifier. Though not powerful in the traditional sense, his heart and mind brought the others together. With their strength combined, they banished monsters, drove out the sirens, and brokered peace with other races.
Together, they showed that friendship was the strongest force of all.
Umbra took particular interest in Stygian. He once told me he sensed a growing darkness in the young pony's heart. But instead of fearing it, Umbra believed he could teach Stygian to master that darkness—use it to protect others rather than destroy. By embracing it, he could conquer it.
As for me… I suppose I was lucky in my own way.
I met a stallion.
His name was Baked Bean. He had a brown mane and a coat as bright as the morning sun.
It happened during my sixty-ninth year of rule. I found him in the royal gardens, tucked inside a berry bush, scribbling in a notebook, completely unaware of my presence. When he finally noticed me, he panicked, bowing quickly and apologizing profusely. I found it adorable.
He stammered, saying he hadn't meant any disrespect. I laughed softly and reassured him there was no need to worry. He relaxed a little, and we began to talk.
We had vastly different interests, which only made me more intrigued by him. Over time, our friendship blossomed into something deeper. He tried to hide his feelings—but I never did. Eventually, he gathered the courage to court me. I accepted without hesitation.
We went on many dates, most of which ended in delightful chaos due to his clumsiness. But I didn't mind. He wasn't like the others who sought my hoof for power or prestige. He saw me—not as a queen, but as a mare who enjoyed conversation and companionship like anyone else.
A few years later, we were married.
Umbra, at first, was surprised by the suddenness of it all, but he did not object. "As long as he makes you happy, that's all that matters," he said.
After our vows, Baked Bean and I went on our honeymoon. That night, we rutted until the sun rose.
I woke with a slight ache in my waist and looked down to find my poor husband looking more parched than a desert. I giggled, kissed his forehead, and restored his strength with a gentle spell. He slept soundly afterward.
A few weeks later, I received a message from my Lord Arceus. He congratulated me—and informed me that I was pregnant with twins.
The news stunned me. Twins! I was going to be a mother!
I rushed to Baked Bean and told him the news. His face lit up like a sunrise, and he hugged me tightly.
We immediately began preparing. We toured the kingdom, shopping for tiny clothes and nursery supplies. We were both so excited. The thought of raising two foals together filled our hearts with joy.
As the months passed, my belly grew larger. I took on only light duties and spent most of my time resting in the castle.
Now, I lay in our room, resting, feeling the gentle kicks of the little lives growing inside me.
I smiled, placing a hoof over my belly.
I couldn't wait to meet them—my foals, my little ponies.