The statue stood quietly in the sunlight, counting the number of days since he’d been sealed away in stone. How long had he been sealed like this? How many years? By this point, the number was so large that he’d almost given up. He flexed, trying to raise his arm. It didn’t.

This just serves as a reminder of my carelessness, the statue thought. Magic truly is a formidable force in Equestria. I’d forgotten that. Strange how time works.

Magic was something that was commonplace on the planet of Equus; a world vastly populated by four legged creatures. Many creatures are born with the capacity to use it, but in all nations—bar one—it isn’t really used at all. However, this was Equestria; land of the Celestial princesses, magic, the Elements of Harmony, and Canterlot city.

On top of his pedestal, the statue looked onwards. It was a perfect day—the type that truly was one in a million. The sun was shining brilliantly in the sky with not a cloud in sight, along with a slight breeze blowing down from the east. How he wished he could feel it against his skin.

A couple of earth ponies walked along the set path giggling, while a few other ponies such as pegasi and unicorns lay on the lush grass enjoying picnics and other similar outdoor activities—surrounded by various sculptures. He could hear everything they were saying too. Those look rather amatuer, he thought, observing. How are they even allowed in a place such as this? Although, considering how it’s them who are in charge, I’m hardly surprised. Back all those years ago, I’d have pieces of art commissioned that would put all these to shame. Memories of a vastly different time surfaced. He’d seen wars and bloodshed; some even by his own doing. Entire towns destroyed and new ones built in their place. Days like this were to be treasured, and he’d seen a few of them. He was immortal afterall. If he could’ve smiled, the statue definitely would have done so. Instead, he bore a face of apathy.

A pony ran past, bumping his leg, chasing after her friends. The force caused him to shake, before settling down. That was too close. He sighed. There was a time when I could’ve killed a pony for doing that. They no longer fear approaching me anymore. Some of them shiver upon looking… they are correct in doing so. Subconsciously, I feel as if some of them know their true place at the bottom of the—

“I want to start our trip here” – a feminine voice catching the statue’s ear – “in the world-famous Canterlot Sculpture Garden.”

He shifted his gaze towards the entrance of the garden. Thankfully the voice hadn’t come from behind. Even though the voice was far away, it was as if it was right next to him. Even in this sealed state, some of his powers hadn’t left him. Focussing, he began to make out the shapes of a group of foals being led by fully grown mare as she mentioned something about friendship. Some of them look around in awe, others shrugged, and a few just didn’t seem to care. The mare had magenta coloured fur, along with large smiling faces flowers as her cutie mark. It's a school group, he thought, taking a mental note. I know exactly who this is.

“All right, my little ponies,” said Cheerilee, referring to her class. "This one represents Victory.” Again, the same thing happened. However, this time, a few more turned their heads.

A few more looked this time. I can understand why. Victory for as long as I can remember has always been a word to grab anyone’s attention. It’s something that inspires soldiers on the battlefield, or a foal at school working to perfectly complete a test. A goal. He was also a fine enough fellow—bought me drinks once. Afterall, everything has to come from somewhere. But nows not the time to focus on past glories.

Cheerilee and her school group moved to the right, stopping mere metres from himself. She and her students came here every single year. Whatever they were looking at was just out of his field of vision. That annoyed him. I wonder, whatever could they be looking at? he queried. Hardly anything in this place is worth attention, bar that Victory sculpture and myself.

A small few of Cheerilee’s students started fighting. “Girls! Now this is a really interesting statue.” Cheerilee pointed towards it. “What do you notice about it?”

“It’s got an eagle claw!” one of the foals replied, in a country-like voice. She had yellow fur, along with a red mane.

I’ve always disliked that accent.

Another student immediately replied, confidently. “And a lion paw!” She had orange fur accompanied with a purple mane.

A white foul quickly jumped. “And a snake tail!” she answered in a squeaky voice.

Ergh, how can any one pony be that high pitched. The claw and paw of an eagle and lion respectively, along with the tail of a snake. Hmmm. He pictured himself in the pose of Le Penseur. They’re talking about a chimera. I didn’t know we had a statue of a chimera. Discord was the only one of them I knew.

Cheerilee nodded, smiling. “This creature is called a draconequus. He has the head of a pony and a body made up of all sorts of things. What do you suppose that represents?”

The same foals from before began to answer her questions, which he now identified in order as Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle. If it’s who I think it is, then they’re not wrong necessarily, although chaos more accurately fits that description than any other due its broader term. Confusion is accurate in describing its physical state, but I wouldn’t call it evil. Something can be chaotic but not evil, just as something can be evil but not chaotic—working in a methodical manner.

Cheerilee interrupted them. “Actually, in a way, you're all right. This statue represents Discord, which means a lack of harmony between ponies.”

Discord, hmph. Well that confirms my suspicions. No wonder why they find it so interesting. However, the statue looked downwards as Cheerilee moved the group towards him. They’re wrong in one regard. They can call Discord whatever they want, but he’s not a draconequus, he’s a chimera.

Well that’s rude, a voice said in his mind. I mean, we haven’t seen each other in centuries, and you’re talking like this behind my back. Shame on you.

Apologies my old friend. If he could’ve face palmed, he would have. How long ago did they move his statue next to mine. I had no idea that they’d moved the real statue of you into the Sculpture Garden with myself. That’s an odd move for the princesses to do, but I’m more surprised that you can still use your powers.

I needed fresh air, Discord replied. I was locked in a dusty old room for a few hundred years without any light. In your old castle I might add, before Celestia decided to move me—along with some of your own things—into Canterlot. You really need to add some windows or maybe a ventilation system—

Cheerilee interrupted him. “Now, my little ponies, what do you think this one is? It is a rather strange looking creature.”

“D… I… O…” said Scootaloo, reading the nameplate slowly. “What’s a DIO?”

It’s not a question of what, but who. It’s me. I am DIO.

Yes. You most definitely are.

Quiet Discord. You’re distracting. Also, how would you know what a ventilation system is?

Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony. Remember.

Cheerilee began to explain to them the history behind the statue. “DIO was a creature said to terrorise all manner of creatures during the night. He ruled it with his terrible armies and was said to have even conquered the whole world at some point.” Her class looked on in surprise. Some even began to shake.

DIO looked on. Yes. Fear me, for I am DIO. Ruler of the Night. Lord of the Dark. He turned his attention towards Cheerilee, while speaking to Discord. I’m surprised she knows so much. She hasn’t given any of her students a look at me before. Most tour guides who talk about me don’t know anything about what really happened in Equestrian history. She’s only wrong in one regard however; I didn’t manage to conquer the whole world—just the parts of it that weren’t Equestria or parts of Equus that were too barren to support any form of life.

“You mean it’s nocturnal?” asked Sweetie Belle.

No, I’m not. DIO sighed. That’s just something that is rather easy and quick for ponies to assume about something living in the night.. A lie I spread all those years ago which seems to have taken root.

Of course you wouldn’t tell anyone the real truth though, replied Discord.

There’s a reason for that. You know full well.

“But that’s impossible!” A foul wearing a tiara of some sort spoke up. “It can’t of taken over the world, because Celestia and Luna are ruler of Equestria! Nothing can beat them.”

“And they weren’t,” said Cheerilee, reassuring her students. “Using the Elements, they sealed him away and his empire with him, never to be seen again. The fact that his name translated into God only went to show his arrogance, showing how those with evil are always destined to be defeated by harmony. Now come along everypony, there are still more pieces of artwork to see.”

Discord, thought DIO. You never answered my question. How did you retain your powers? You’re the most chaotic entity I know. The Elements effect definitely would’ve been far more devastating on you.

I did nothing.

Discord.

I’m serious! Really! Discord’s voice entering his mind. When the Elements hit me all those years ago, I lost all my powers. But a few months ago, after that freaky eclipse, my powers started returning. Don’t tell me you didn’t notice? I must say, you’re not as sharp as you used to be.

That’s not important. DIO actually hadn’t noticed. He couldn’t sense magic. It didn’t matter how strong he was—the life overflowing from him scrambled any magic he could possibly sense. Talk.

The little scuffle that school group had earlier has given me enough energy to finally break free, his voice said, casually. Since I was thinking of taking back this terribly orderly planet, I was wondering if you wanted me to release you.

If you have to ask, then you obviously don’t remember me as well as you thought, DIO retorted. I want those princesses to pay for what they did to me. Tearing down my empire. Usurping my throne. The planet was almost completely united with victory in reach, and it slipped through my fingertips.

Okay, calm down my shadowy associate. Very well. I will release you, and yes I’ll wait and make sure to do when the sun isn’t out. I remember how easy you burn. For now though, do we both wait?

Yes. We both wait. Five or six more hours are nothing compared to the amount of time we’ve been sealed away. Around them everything went on normal, unaware of the chaos about to unfold.

“Dear faust, I never realised how much I truly despised paperwork,” said Celestia; princess and Co-ruler of Equestria. She raised a hoof to her head, rubbing her temples.

Since she had gotten up to raise the sun, Celestia had been sitting at her desk in her chamber all day long—writing up a mountain of paperwork that didn’t seem to stop increasing, thanks to her scheduling advisor: Kibitz. Laws and legislations that needed reviewing, letters of formal complaints, and other things involving the daytime court.

When would it end?

“Normally, I’m fine with this level of work,” Celestia said, exhausted. “But ever since the Nightmare Moon incident a few months ago—and the subsequent return of my sister: Luna—some of my old habits have finally caught up with me. And then there’s this sense of uneasiness I just can’t seem to get rid of.” She look at the work in front of her. “It’s probably nothing. I need to get some fresh air. The flower gardens should do.”

Getting up, Celestia walked into the large castle corridor directly outside her chamber. Guards walked on patrol, bowing as she passed. She was too deep in thought to notice. If it’s nothing, then why do I feel like something terrible is coming just around the corner. Celestia kept walking, towards the entrance. Had she been paying attention, she would’ve noticed the shape of a blue alicorn heading directly towards her.

“Sister!” the alicorn called out, happily. With her smaller form, it wasn’t quite the Royal Canterlot voice, but it was enough, snapping Celestia out of her thoughtful state.

Celestia smiled. “Oh, hello Luna. You’re not usually up this early.” She stopped moving.

Luna’s cheeks perked up, slightly. “I woke up early and since there wasn’t really anything to do, I went outside to catch some sunlight. What’s wrong? You looked like you were thinking really hard about something, almost like it was troubling you.”

Oh Luna, even in this state, you’re just as perceptive as you were all those years ago, Celestia thought. “Something along those lines. You need not worry yourself about it.”

“Nonsense. We’re both sisters. Whatever you problem is, it’s mine too.”

“It’s just that ever since the Elements defeated Nightmare Moon, and even more so now –” Celestia turned, looking out the window towards the Sculpture Garden “– I can’t stop feeling as if something terrible is about to happen, and that no matter what I do I won’t be able to stop it.”

“You don’t mean Discord do you?” Luna queried. “You told me that he’d been sealed away by the Elements hundreds of years ago. He can’t do anything. I’m sure that you’ll feel better soon.”

“I so Luna,” Celestia said. “I hope so.” Because if you’re. No, if I’m wrong, then this world in this era will see disaster never seen before. Sighing, they both turned, heading towards their destination.

A few hours passed as the sun started to fall beyond the horizon, leaving the moon to rise in its place and stars to begin filling the empty blank space. Strangely, the nightlife wasn’t bustling in Canterlot. Instead, there was a silent night.

For two specific, unremarkable looking statues in the Canterlot Sculpture Garden, this was exactly what they had been hoping for.

DIO mentally called out. Discord! It is time!

Indeed it is, replied the statue of a draconequus. Cracks surfaced all over its body as energy rippled across its surface. Equestria, now is the time for fun! The statue burst in an explosion of colourful light. Instead, Discord stood where there was stone just moments ago—stretching his body. “Ahhh, it feels so good to move again.” He casually snapped his fingers.

DIO’s form immediately began to regain colour, his clothes beginning to flap in the nighttime wind. His skin was alabaster, giving him an almost spectral appearance, wearing a black tank-top with baggy yellow pants with green heart shaped knee guards. Over his top, DIO wore a yellow jacket, as well as a green heart shaped circlet on his head with metal rings for cufflinks. Most astonishing however was his red eyes, which seemed to pierce effortlessly through the surrounding darkness. He pushed himself off the podium, seemly defying gravity as his body fell towards the ground in slow motion.

“I’m finally free,” DIO said. He stretched.

Discord immediately appeared beside him. “Yes you are. Now, I don’t mean to be rude, but I’ve got a certain couple of princesses to annoy. You’re welcome to join me if you wish.”

“Not at the present. I will get revenge on Celestia and her sister, but I’ll do it my way. However, depending on the circumstances, I might need your help later on. So until then, try not get yourself sealed up again.” DIO walked towards where his statue once stood. He stopped in front of it. “There is one thing you can do for me. Create a decoy of my statue. It would be better if the princesses thought that only one of us had escaped, when they find out. If they came after me now, I’d most certainly lose.”

Discord smirked. “You always did like to be one step ahead. Or was it two. Nah, maybe it was three. Oh nevermind.” He clicked his fingers, a perfect replica of what had been previously standing there in its place.

“I am most grateful Discord. You have my solemn oath that I will repay you for this favour one day.” DIO began to walk into the darkness, towards the vast—and empty—Canterlot streets. It’s been hundreds of years since I last roamed Equus and I must say, I’m rather famished. I know that I said that I might join you Discord but really, it is you who should consider joining me. This world is yet destined for greater chaos. The species that roam this world will remember the name that dominated the night.

He walked through the night. “They will remember, Dio Brando.”

Author's Notes:

Hello everyone. Thank you for reading the first chapter of my story. I haven't had much experience with writing stories like this - or for that matter stories of any kind - so please excuse my terrible writing and excuses as an Author

Now I just need to think of a plot, and figure out where exactly there this is going.

All criticism is welcome and appriciated. I mean, what better way to increase the quality of what I write by listening to the opinions of my readers. Anyways, enough rambling. Again thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed it.

Edit (08/10/2015): Finally go round to rewriting the first chapter after a couple of months of me saying I would. So here you are. Enjoy