//------------------------------// // Prologue // Story: Over there // by walk-in closet brony //------------------------------// The clip clop of the carriage on the cobblestone street echoed throughout the main square as the dull taxi snaked through the crowded streets of Canterlot. It's occupants, six ponies, were all eagerly anticipating their visit to the royal palace as their hooves would soon be graced by it's stainless marble floor. "Twilight? Are we there yet?" The pink pony said wearily in a heavily exaggerated tone. "No Pinkie, I've told you a thousand times, we'll get there when we get there." The purple mare grumbled. The Elements of Harmony they were, and they had been traveling for three days straight with only a few rest stops. The guards accompanying the carriage informed the mares that the meeting with the princesses was of the utmost importance and was to remain classified until they got to Canterlot. Not bothering to ask questions, Twilight left Spike to tend to the library while she and her friends set off to the regal city. "Ugh, I can understand that we needed to meet the princesses on such short notice, but did we have to go in such ragged transportation? This carriage makes me feel so . . . common." Rarity whined. "My apologies miss Rarity, this mission is to remain secret until we reach the palace." One of the guards said in a monotonous tone. The white mare grumbled and eased back in her seat, pruning her eyelashes with the travel kit she brought with her. By now the castle was in sight, and the ponies sitting in the taxi sighed in relief at it's presence. "Finally! I can't wait to stretch my hooves!" Exclaimed Rainbow Dash. The orange pony next to her awoke noisily from her slumber, fumbling with her Stetson in her hooves as she struggled to comprehend what was going on. "Are we there yet? Ah've been asleep way to long to remember where we're at." Applejack said groggily. Fluttershy nodded from across the cowpony as the gate to the castle opened, the guards manning it ushering the carriage inside. The mares were covertly escorted through the labyrinth of halls that made up the large palace as they passed busts of famous ponies and suits of armor. The group finally came upon a large doorway, entranceway to the throne room on the opposite side. Shining Armor, the captain of the guard, stood close by and beckoned the Elements in. "Shining? What's going on?" Asked Twilight. "I don't know Twilight, you'll just have to see for yourself. They haven't told me anything all day." Said Shining Armor. The double doors opened, and the girls were allowed access into the large room. The doors shut behind them, and the Elements gazed toward the end of the hall at the two princesses waiting for them near the seat of power. "Princess! It's so great to see-" "Hush Twilight!" Said Celestia in an alarming tone. The ponies cringed in surprise, the sudden outburst from their princess completely unexpected. Twilight looked hurt, but was soon reassured by the motherly hoof placed on her shoulder as Celestia motioned for them to join her near her sister, Luna. Assembling by a sealed door, Celestia used her horn to unlock it revealing it's hidden prize. Upon removing her horn, the door opened in a blinding flash of light as the princess of the sun levitated a small, familiar box out. "Princess, aren't those the elements? Is Equestria in danger?" Asked Rainbow, taking an aggressive stance. "Not Equestria Rainbow Dash, but the elements themselves." Said Luna. The ponies looked confused for moment, trading stares until Celestia opened the small box. The sight made everypony reel in shock as they gazed inside the elegantly engraved container. Fluttershy spoke in a nervous voice. "Princess, the elements! They're . . ." "Gone." Finished Twilight. The room was silent for a moment until Celestia closed the box and set it on the ground. She walked by the girls, gazing at them with a confirming look. "Yes, you are correct my pupil. The elements have been taken from their sanctuary, an event most alarming indeed." The princess noted. "Who took them? Was it . . . Discord?" Said Rarity, spitting out the last word with hate. "I knew that big-faker was only fibbing! Why I oughta-" Pinkie Pie fumed as smoke comically emanated from her ears. Ever since he was reformed, Discord had become a magistrate of Celestia's court, advising her on foreign matters that only a master of chaos could work out. It hadn't been long since he gave up his old ways, giving him a large window to easily turn back to the path of evil. "Calm yourself my little pony, it was Discord." Celestia said nonchalantly. Everyone gasped in shock, looking dumbfounded after hearing what they had just heard. "That's it, I'm gonna give that chump a run for his bits!" Said Rainbow, gearing up to chase down the chaotic animal. "That wont be necessary Rainbow, I allowed him to do it." Said Celestia. "You what?!" The girls asked in unison. The princess shook her head and spoke informatively. "Not exactly. You see, with Discord on our side, me and Luna believed that such magic could be put to better use on the spot. Upon returning to the castle, I asked him if he would cast a charm on the elements, hindering any evil from ever using it's powers for their own nefarious purposes. I think he didn't mean to, but Discord used an incantation that seemed to send the elements outwards into the ley lines of existence. I've been able to track them using their magical output, but that's about it. Neither me or my sister have the ability to go get them either." There was a short pause in Celestia's voice, coupled with a small blush of shame. "You can't because . . ." Asked Applejack, waiting for the princess to continue. "There is a way we can retrieve the elements, but it's complicated. Luna and I have enough power to put into a spell that can send one pony after each element. We can't all go because the spell takes two castors of phenomenal power to achieve it, and we are the only two with said power. We're going to have to send each of you after your own element. Once you are in possession of it, you will return home." The princess of the sun concluded. The Elements of Harmony soaked that in, wondering what events were to come. "We apologize, but we are running out of time. Which one of you desires to go first?" Asked Luna. A longer silence followed, each of the girls looking at each other as if going first was a death sentence. The princesses stood near, readying the spell as they waited for the ponies in front of them to decide. "I'll go." The voice startled everypony in the room as Twilight Sparkle, pupil to the princess of the sun, stepped forward. "Okay Twilight, plant your hooves firmly on the ground and take a deep breath. When you arrive, you will already be relatively close to your element, just look around the general area and you'll find it." Instructed Celestia as she and Luna leaned their heads down, aiming their horns directly at the purple pony. "Good luck!" "You go girl!" "Good luck Twilight!" ` "Go get 'em Twilight!" "You can do it!" Her friends all shouted words of encouragement as a white aura enveloped Twilight, lifting her slightly off the ground. Twilight got one last glimpse of her friends and her mentor as the white light turned into a blinding burst of colors. Then she was gone.