Our story begins in Canterlot. Flameon Heart, the 33 year old pegasus captain of the Royal Guard, was laying on the grass outside the castle grounds. He was enjoying some much needed vacation time at the moment, so he decided to catch up on some reading. As he laid down in the grass, he read The Elements of Harmony: The Main 6 and Friends, a story from long ago in Equestria's past. He's so into the story however, that he does not notice the figure heading straight toward him at an incredible speed.
Flameon was suddenly pounced upon by the figure. In his daze, he tried to focus his vision to see who had just tackled him. After a few seconds, his vision cleared, and he saw a familiar face. The figure that stood in front of him was the future heir of the Crystal Empire. That figure was the alicorn princess Flurry Heart, Flameon's sister. "Hey Flame!" said the energetic Flurry Heart. Flameon stared at his sister, wondering how he put up with her for so long.
"Hey Flurry, I didn't know you were back in Canterlot! What's up?" he asked.
"Just checking in on my favorite brother of course!" Flurry stated.
"I'm your only brother though." Flameon said bluntly.
"I know, I know, it's just fun to say it that way." she said, smiling ear to ear.
Flameon smiled at his sister. He often enjoyed her antics, and today was no different. As the older of the two, with him being 5 years older than Flurry, he always took the older brother role very seriously growing up. He would play, dance, or sing with his sister if she asked, and would always be there for her. "Anyways," said Flurry, "How's Dad? Still over-swamped with paperwork?"
"No, not really. He's had me help him on long nights before, but he's actually doing quite fine with the work. How's Mom in the Crystal Empire?"
"Same old, same old. She's planning new banquets and festivals to throw for the crystal ponies."
The siblings walked around the castle grounds, each telling of their experiences since the last time they saw each other. Flameon was so invested in his sister's wild tales, that he didn't see his assistant, Sunbeam, galloping towards them. Sunbeam was the personal assistant of Prince Flameon, and his most trusted advisor. As a powerful unicorn wizard, he studied under King Theodore, while also taking some occasional lessons from the Queen. "Your Highnesses!" he yelled. Flameon and Flurry stopped their conversation and looked up.
Sunbeam came to a stop in front of the two and bowed. "Your Highnesses, your father wishes to speak to the both of you. He says there is something troubling him, and would wish to confide in you both." Flameon and Flurry looked at each other, then back at Sunbeam and nodded.
"Alright, we'll go right away." Flameon said.
Sunbeam answered, "I shall inform him that you will arrive shortly." He bowed again and galloped back to the palace.
"You ready?" asked Flameon.
"Sure am. I've missed Dad these past few months, and it'll be great to see him again." replied Flurry.
So, the two galloped toward the palace to meet their father, all the while wondering: What has troubled him?...