There was a muffle voice fading in and out. It sounded like it was underwater. Twilight let out a soft groan, slowly moving her head. The voice came in and out again, it sounded familiar. It sounded like it was saying her name too. Who is saying her name? There was another voice, it was saying her name too. Twilight tried to opened her heavy lidded eyes. Then there was a sudden pressure on her barrel, causing her eyes to fly open. Pinkie Pie was on her underbelly, her face was inches from the sleepy, but startled, princess.
“Wake up sleepy head!” The pink party pony cheered in a sing song voice.
“Pinkie, get off of me!” Twilight wheezed, the air escaping her lungs.
Pinkie hopped off as Twilight rolled over, she looked around her room to see that all of her friends were there in her room. They all wore smiles on their faces, it hit Twilight that today was the celebration. The lavender Princess felt excitement grow in her chest as a smile grew. She hopped off her bed and head over to a stand with a mirror and a brush. Twilight levitated the brush and began to brush her hair quickly.
“I can’t believe it’s been one year since we’ve all first met and defeated the pony of shadows. It felt like yesterday when we did.” Twilight stated, her smile never leaving her face.
“Oh I know darling, as well as running the school of friendship.” Rarity added in.
“That time Applejack and I helped the Kirin speak again.” Flutter shy pointed out in her usual soft voice.
“When Big Mac finally propose and marry Sugar Bell.” Applejack recalled fondly with a smile.
“Remember when I went to Las Pegasus with the Gold Horseshoe Gals? That was an awesome trip!” Rainbow Dash cheered, doing a quick look in the air.
“Or when we had that weird experience in the Everfree Forest?” Pinkie added on, bouncing in place.
“Or when I got my wings?” Spike interjected with a small smile.
The seven of them laughed together in remembrance of those zany times. Twilight has set her brush down gently, as a thought hit her. What were they going to do now? Were their adventures over now that peace and harmony were now spread across the land? However there was still the matter of Princess Celestia’s strange behavior over that book Twilight was reading earlier. As they were getting ready to leave for the dining hall for some breakfast, there was a gentle knock at the door. Twilight opened it with her magic, revealing the aforementioned Princess of the sun.
“Oh, good morning Princess Celestia. This is a pleasant surprise, are you wishing to walk as a group to the dining all?” Twilight asked with a smile and a small tilt of the head.
“Actually Twilight, I was kind of hoping to talk to you each alone about something. However seeing as you all are here, I might as well say it while you’re all here.” The alabaster Princess stated, concern laced her voice putting every pony on edge.
“Of course, is there a problem that we can help you with?” Twilight offered.
“That’s the thing, Equestria is in danger. This foe we are now facing is nothing new, but hasn’t been encounter for quite sometime.” Princess Celestia stated.
“Is it another villain from a thousand moons ago?” Rainbow Dash asked with a joking smile, rolling her eyes in the process.
“I’m afraid that they are older than that. Long before the pony tribes even set out to find a new land. These creatures are known as the Shadow Beasts.” She answered the cyan pegasus.
“They were in that book I started reading yesterday, what can we do to stop them?” Twilight pointed out before cutting to the chase.
“I’m afraid that that’s the thing. No creature knows how to defeat them. They do have a leader, the Shadow King. Even before Luna and I came to Equestria, there has been many attempts in befriending them. However those ponies never come back, when we rose, Luna and I confronted the Shadow King. We barely escaped with our lives. Recently I have notice that there are places both inside and outside of Equestria have grown dark and silent. We tried to make contact with those in the cities and villages. I fear that the Shadow King is finally making his move.” Princess Celestia explained in a calm tone, though for those who have been around her long enough can tell that she was afraid.
“Do we have a plan?” Applejack asked softly, feeling the weight of the situation at hoof.
“For now we will wait and see if he really is making his move. However if something were to ever happen, Luna and I have an emergency plan ready. If the time comes, and I hope with all my heart it doesn’t, you will know.” Princess Celestia answered, before continuing to try and lighten the mood a little bit “We should get going, those pancakes are not going to eat themselves.”
With that she made her way down the corridor, leaving Twilight and her friends to look at each other. Soon the mane six followed suit, only Twilight, Spike, and Rainbow Dash noticed that there were a few extra guards here and there. This increased the nervous of the ponies and baby dragon. As soon as they entered the main dining room, they were slightly surprised to see the Princess of the Night sitting in her spot. A mug of black coffee levitated in her blue magic as she took elegance sips. Princess Luna gently set down her mug when she saw her sister and her guests.
“Good morning sister, good morning everypony.” Luna greeted, a hit of tiredness peeked out in her voice.
Each pony greeted the Night Princess, sitting down in their respected places from the night prior, only leaving room for the dark blue alicorn. Luna knew.