Celestia paced back and forth in her private chamber, this was where she came to think and to relax, or to engage in conversation with special guests. But, right now her mind was occupied by something else. Her pale magenta eyes roved over the books on her shelves, each containing ancient secrets of lore, or truth. Using her magic, her horn glowing, a book hovered gently off the shelf and opened in front of her face. The pages were full of mapped areas, and small scriptures of an entity, one she thought she'd long defeated.
After she had banished Luna, a darkness began seeping into Canterlot, it had hung like a thick fog, never lifting. When she discovered the source, she was shocked, it was a jet black pony, about her height, but it was like smoke. When it had lunged at her she had tried to dive out of the way, but it skimmed her, and in that moment she thought she'd lost half of her self. This darkness didn't have the goals past villains had had, this darkness fed off of your doubts, fears, insecurities, sorrow, hate, anger. Any negative energy, was it's fuel to due harm. When she had first encountered it, it was weakened, obviously having used up the last of its power. Vulnerable, she trapped it in Tartarus, somewhere she assumed it would belong. She never thought it would've escaped.
Then, after what felt like a tiresome amount of pages, she found it. "The Dread, an ancient creature that can posses any form it desires. It gains its strength from the vices of mortals, it is the epitome of darkness, it is the dark, itself. No known weakness has been powerful enough to vanquish it for good, thought it weakens at signs of love and compassion, or hope and confidence. It is able to enter the minds of those who are unsure of themselves, and can whisper horrid thoughts to twist the host to its minion. "
"This is no pony... "she spoke to herself, closing the book she decided it was time to consult her sister. Luna had returned long after the first time Celestia imprisoned the Dread. Now that it had made a reappearance, she remembered she had never told her sister about it.
Luna sat in her study, she hadn't been sleeping like usual, and she knew she'd pay for it later. Suddenly, just as she was about to take a sip of tea, her doors bursted open and she saw a frazzled sun Princess. "What's wrong, sister? "She asked, raising an eyebrow suspiciously as she set down her cup.
"There...is something I have to tell you, something I should've told you when you returned. "She sighed, Luna's full attention was on her sister now, worry coursing through her eyes like a river. She had never seen her sister this frightened before, not ever, something was horribly wrong.
***
The rays of sunlight slipped through the curtains of Fluttershy's home, with a small yawn and a few blinks to adjust her eyes to the change of light, she stirred out of bed. Her steps were slow and stiff, as she stretched out her legs and wings, trying to get awake. She went about her daily routine, feeding the animals, and then she went to check on Discord, who wasn't there oddly. Shrugging it off, thinking he probably headed out early, she decided to take a walk.
A long time had passed, she had grown taller, more curved and grownup looking. She felt weird most of the time, but she supposed that was natural. Her cyan eyes swiftly glanced around as she walked down the small path she was familiar with, the smell of flowers in the wind and the cool air warming from the sun was comforting. The warmth on her back relaxed her, making her feel happy and content. Life was so peaceful there, and she fought to keep it that way.
Breaking into a small trot, she twisted through the bushes and trees, relishing in the cool shade while it lasted. Specks of light danced across her body as rays of golden sunshine snuck through gaps in the leaves. The canopy of the forest above her, letting the gold flecks fall gently. Her eyes peered upwards, taking in the view, the beauty of nature. Closing them and taking in a breath, she sighed.
But then, suddenly, her peace was interrupted. And her heart began to hammer as she saw her cutie mark begin to pulse, eyes widening she quickly raced to Twilights. Something was happening, another mission for the Element's of Harmony! She was a little excited, thoughts of what it could be began swirling around in her head. Maybe a foal is in trouble emotionally? Or maybe, one of the bad guys is doing something bad again? Or maybe -
She had arrived, cutting her thoughts short. Flapping her wings out to stretch and reposition them, she walked in. The others were already gathered there, aside from Rarity, who was close behind Fluttershy. "What is it, Twilight? "She asked, her pale gold coat gleaming with the polished reflections of the floor.
"Princess Celestia has a mission for us! "Pinkie Pie squealed happily, squeezing her cheeks with her hooves as she could hardly contain herself. Fluttershy came beside them, and stared at the map. The marks were appearing at Canterlot, so now they were journeying there.
"Well girls, lets hit the road! "Apple Jack chirped as she began prancing out the door with the others in a filed line, Fluttershy bringing up the rear. Her eyes downcast with a sorrowful look, whenever something was happening at Canterlot, it was never an easy task to complete. She feared what the mission was this time.
***
"I have summoned you here today to give you an extremely important task. "Celestia announced as the mane six arrived, standing in a line before Princess Celestia, beside her, quietly sat Luna, observing. "A new evil has began to threaten Equestria, long ago, a creature of unknown origin came here. I was able to imprison it in Tartarus, because at the time, it was weak and hungry. But, it has found a way to escape, and I have no doubt that its target will be to finish what it had begun. "
"No problems, your Highness, we can handle anything that comes our way! "Rainbow Dash cheered, doing a quick swish of her hoof in a careless manner. The task was easy to her, but Fluttershy felt a foreboding aura.
"It is no easy creature to face, it can take any form, it feeds off of our self doubts and negativity. The more ponies it senses these from, the stronger it becomes, who knows what it will be like when fully powered. We must not allow it that chance! "Luna spoke now, walking down composed and refined from her perch, stopping just before Rainbow Dash, who shrunk back in slight embarrassment. "This 'thing', is darkness itself! "She pressed, trying to get them to realize the danger it could pose to them. "We don't want any of you to get hurt, please, be careful, and do not allow it to sense your fears... "She looked away, sensing her own, she began backing up beside Celestia.
"It is here, in Canterlot, please, be careful... I know you each have it in you! "Celestia's warm gaze softened their worries, Luna gave her smile, a small one, but it was full of pride and compassion.
"We believe in you Element's of Harmony. "Luna added, dipping her head to them, Twilight bid them goodbye, and they all left. Celestia's heart sank to her stomach, she prayed they'd be safe.