Together they galloped, dodging ponies left and right, rounding corners as they went. Multiple sets of hooves echoed down the hallways of Canterlot Castle, bathed in an orange light from the setting sun. Twilight and her friends shared worried glances as they followed closely behind Princess Celestia and her guard.
They rounded the corner to find a pair of large doors open, one of the guards unconscious in the entryway, Celestia standing in front of it. A cyan glow emanated from the doorway, and just as a beam of energy shot out, Celestia summoned a magical shield in front of herself. Both Twilight and Twinkleshine moved to assist, but Celestia motioned them both to stay back.
“Sunset Shimmer, don’t do this!” Celestia warned. “You don’t know what’s at stake!”
“Only because you never bothered telling me!” A voice said from the room within. “This is it, Celestia! My first step to becoming the ruler you never wanted me to be!” Another beam impacted Celestia’s shield, Twilight heard a loud surge of energy, saw a great flash of light, and then all was suddenly quiet.
If only she knew then, what she knew now... everything she knows of all.
Celestia's shield dissipated, and she lowered her head. Tilting to look at the others, she sighed and entered the room. Twilight and company followed behind her. Inside, Twilight saw a mirror, its surface rippling with magic like some kind of whirlpool. After a moment’s time, the mirror calmed, and returned to… well, what looked like glass.
“Uh… what just happened?” Twinkleshine asked.
“Sunset Shimmer, my personal student… she has been cruel, and dishonest… she did not get what she desired as quickly as she desired it.” Celestia closed her eyes, and sighed. “I have kept her from it…”
“Where’d she go?” Lemon Hearts’ voice quietly asked.
“That is a long story… for another time,” Celestia replied. “There is little we can do for her now.” Celestia turned to leave. Minuette stepped in front of her.
“We’ll help however you need us too, Princess. Right girls?” Minuette turned to everyone, and got a quiet agreement from Lemon Hearts. She looked expectantly at Twilight, who wasted no time in giving a confident nod.
"Right, ...friends."
Friendship will be tested in the times ahead. This was only the beginning, and much more awaits. Twists and turns...