The story of our friend begins just over 1000 years ago, during the reign of the evil, chaotic being known only as Discord. The two great Alicorn princesses by the names of Celestia and Luna had spent decades in their attempts to overthrow the tyrant, but to no avail. There simply wasn't enough magic in the world to stop him. At least, not until he came to town.

"Discord!" The voice was deep and somewhat scratchy, like that of someone who has seen the worst that can happen and is still alive to tell of it. The tyrant stared down from his throne.

"Did someone page me? Oh, hello there. You look a bit different from those other two." There stood a new Alicorn, just as tall as Celestia. His coat was tan, his mane and tail a shocking orange. "Well, do tell me your name. I hate being at a disadvantage in conversations like this."

"My name is of no concern to you. I have come here to deliver a message to you from Equestria and its people." Discord leaned on the arm of his chair, a bored, skeptical look on his face.

"Go on. I'm listening."

The Alicorn grinned. "Good. Here is the message. Your time is up." As he spoke the last words, a field of magic surrounded his entire body and he lifted into the air. Discord laughed heartily.

"Oh, please don't hurt me. If two Alicorns couldn't stop me, what makes you think you'll do any better?" The pony turned just slightly, revealing his cutie mark. It was a scythe crossed with a sword.

"Because, Discord, they were not me. You wanted to know my name? Fine. My name is End. Day's End. And this is the end of your days as ruler of this land." Discord's eyes widened ever so slightly. Day's End held out one hoof and the magic field surrounding him shrank into a single point at the end of it, collapsing into a ball.

Discord began to laugh. Laughing so hard he fell out of his throne. "So you think you'll beat me just like that? No, no, no." Discord suddenly appeared in front of Day's End. "I don't plan on going down." Day's End didn't stumble back, didn't blink. The ball in his hoof continued to grow.

"Too bad for you, Discord. I've already got plans for you." He reached back and threw the ball that was now bigger than Discord himself. The explosion that ensued blasted away everything in a five mile radius with the exception of Discord and Day's End. As the smoke cleared, there was Discord, coughing slightly, but still very much alive.

"Well, that was a bit rude. I'll be honest, I'm not sure if I like you enough to let you run away." He brushed himself off with a feather duster that appeared from nowhere as End's lip raised in a dark grin.

"Who said anything about running away? I'm just getting warmed up." He cracked his neck and lowered back to the ground, trailed by Discord.

"You're going to fight me? Me? You do know of course that I have power enough to crush you like a soda can in one claw?" Day's End stuck his chin out, daring Discord to try his best. "Very well." Discord snapped and a gigantic hammer appeared above the pair, easily the size of an eighteen wheeler. It smashed down on top of Day's End, breaking into shards around his body. Discord's eyes bulged. "What are you?" End's grin only grew.

"Well, since you asked, here's your answer. You know how Celestia and Luna are the princesses of the sun and moon?" Discord nodded eagerly. "Well, I'm the prince of power itself. All the energy in Equestria is replicated right here." He tapped his chest. "Yours, the princesses, everypony's. I have access to all of it and my own. And you... well, I'm afraid you simply don't hold up. But I will be nice. I won't kill you. What I will do is imprison you. With any luck, the princesses will see fit to release you after a time, but I can't be sure. So just hold still for a second now." Discord's mind finally caught up with his ears and he backed away. He turned, trying to run, but to no avail. A gray beam had shot from End's horn and struck him in the back, turning him completely to stone.

Celestia and Luna both backed off from a hug with Day's End, a hug he had most definitely not consented to. He turned to the right and stared at the statue of Discord. "You know he won't stay in there forever." Celestia smiled softly.

"Perhaps, but you'll be around just as long as we will, and probably longer. You'll be here to put him back in his place." Day's End stared down at his hooves.

"Is something wrong?" Luna sounded concerned. End took a deep breath.

"I was born with the will and ability to fight for Equestria, but without a reason to fight I don't have a reason to live. I only have one option if I wish to remain who I am and not become somepony I would end up fighting. I need you to put me to sleep until the next great threat arrives." They both gasped, staring at one another. "In this way, I will remain as a protector to these people, and not a threat with my own power." Celestia trembled ever so slightly.

"But... You are the sole prince of Equestria. The people need your guidance." Day's End chuckled.

"Clever, but I'm afraid not. I am no leader. For this guidance they can turn to you. At the end of the day, I am just a guardian." Tears dripped from Luna's eyes as she spoke, much softer than usual.

"That's not true. You are more than that, and you know it." End turned to her, placing a hoof under her chin.

"Perhaps someday I will emerge from my stasis with a new purpose, but I cannot pursue it yet. Remember though, I will always be there. If ever Equestria is in need, know that and sleep soundly."

He walked through the doors into the first built floor of the castle. Celestia and Luna followed him, each trying their hardest to maintain an image of strength. He stepped down into the basement and lay in a corner, looking up at the two of them. "I will seal the room. All you need to do is put a sleeping spell on it." Luna could no longer contain herself. She broke down in tears, running over to him and gripping him as tight as she could. Day's End hugged her back for a moment, then held her out away from him. "Now, there can't be any crying. I'm not going anywhere. This isn't a goodbye. This is just me turning in for a long night of sleep." Luna sniffled and nodded. "There. Now go on home, and I'll see you later!" They stepped through the open door and both of their horns glowed. The wall closed behind them.

Day's End curled up, feeling the sleeping spell begin to take effect. He smiled, safe with the knowledge that when he next awoke it would be to the faces of the two great Equestrian princesses. Discord was trapped, Equestria was back under the control of the ponies, and he would be here to make sure it stayed that way. Still, he couldn't get the looks on Celestia's and Luna's faces out of his mind. They had seemed so sad, heartbroken even. "I'm sorry, but this is the only way." His eyes lowered shut, and he was swept into dreams.