//------------------------------// // Prologue // Story: Through the flames of Tartarus // by aKaPinkiePie //------------------------------// Prologue “SPI-I-I-I-I-IKE!” Twilight was searching every inch of her room for something that probably wasn’t there. She wasn’t sure what she was searching for any longer, but continued to search as if that would help, somehow. She also had no idea why she was yelling at Spike; but then again, she did that often enough. The lavender unicorn had received a letter from Celestia an hour ago telling her to catch the next train to Canterlot with the rest of the Elements of Harmony. The letter seemed to be written in a hurry, so Twilight guessed it was really important to the Princess of the Sun. She had notified her friends immediately, and made plans to meet at the station. “What now?” Spike sounded bored as he walked slowly out of the kitchen. Twilight had figured he should stay and watch the library while she was gone. She had asked Colgate to lend him a hoof every now, but she suspected he’d be fine. “Ehmm. Never mind, I forgot what I was looking for, anyway. I think I’m ready to go now...” Twilight embraced Spike in a tight hug. She caught a glimpse of the clock sitting on a nearby table, and realized she had lost the track of time and was almost running late. Yelling a final, hurried “Goodbye!”, she galloped through the front door of the library towards the train station. It was early Autumn and the leaves were already starting to fall, though it was two weeks until the next Running of the Leaves. Twilight was starting to regret the fact that she did not bring her boots. It was 06:25 in the evening, and the last sliver of sun was setting over the horizon. Twilight thought it was a bit early but she did not give it further thought as she approached the train station where her friends were already waiting. “What’s going on? Why’d you drag us all down here so suddenly, Twilight?” It was Rainbow Dash speaking. She looked a bit annoyed. “I was having a da... Movie night with Pinkie!” Rainbow Dash blushed a bit but, no pony else seemed to notice. Twilight was unsure of what she had heard, but she decided to let it go for now. “I was in the middle of sketching a design for my newest dress when you teleported in, so yes, I believe we do deserve an explanation, Twilight.” This time it was Rarity speaking. Applejack, next to her, nodded in agreement. Fluttershy hid behind her hair as she always did. “Are we going to a party?!” It was Pinkie Pie’s amazingly hyper voice speaking. She was jumping on the spot as she always did when she was excited. “Oh oh oh is it a surprise party? I love surprises! Especially the ones where you come in the door and it’s dark and suddenly lots of ponies jumps out and scream SURPRISE! I always love those, or is it a-” She was cut off by a cyan colored hoof in her mouth. “Thanks, Rainbow. We’re all here because I received a letter from Princess Celestia herself.” She pulled out the scroll she had received earlier that day, and started reading Twilight, I need you to come to Canterlot on the next train. It’s an emergency. Please be as kind as to bring your friends, as well. Princess Celestia ‘’Th-That sounds r-really bad...’’ Fluttershy whispered. ‘’Lets get on that train, then!’’ Applejack answered. On the train they began discussing possibilities for why the Princess would make such haste about them coming to Canterlot. Maybe Discord had escaped again? Or maybe the changelings were back? They had a lot of theories. Twilight, however, just sat there. She had received such a letter from her teacher. This could not only be bad, this could be really, really bad. When they arrived, the sun had gone down, but the moon had still not appeared. This was odd, but Twilight had bigger things on her mind. They were greeted by Shining Armor, the lavender unicorn’s brother. When Twilight asked what the problem was, he refused to answer. He shook his head, saying Celestia would explain when they arrived. Twilight was surprised at this; her brother always told her everything... Her stomach was turning over. This was beyond bad. They entered the throne room where Celestia was pacing back and forth. Her eyes were bloodshot, and it looked like she had been crying. The Princess crying? There was something terribly wrong about this situation. Twilight automatically trotted to her and began asking questions. Celestia stood silently a short while longer before speaking up. She spoke so quietly no one was able to hear what she said. She tried again, but the effort started her crying again. Twilight had never seen the Princess like this before. What was happening? Celestia seemed to have given up on trying to say anything, and was moving towards the doors that led to Luna’s chamber. Twilight and her friends followed. Celestia opened the doors. Luna was inside. Twilight’s eyes widened, and she tried to back up, but her hooves felt glued to the floor. She heard a gasp, and somepony behind her crying, but she could not avert her eyes. Before her, in her bed, lay Luna. There was blood all around her. She had a knife sticking into her chest, just above where her heart was. The Princess of the Night was dead. ~~~~~~~~~ Authors Note: This is my first fic, hopefully it will be good, Thanks to Aryn240 for editing and helping me out! Also please give me feedback, i really need it.