//------------------------------// // Prologue // Story: MLPs: Agents of Harmony // by Amante //------------------------------// Her snow-white fingers parted the blinds of her office just a bit. Her amethyst eyes caught sight of five girls, each giving their farewells to the latest member of their little group. She sighed and looked away. She pulled out a specially designed phone and used it to send a very important text. It contained one word: Go. Once she was certain it had been received, she turned her attention to the young girl sitting on the sofa. “I must say Miss Sunset Shimmer, you’ve caused quite the commotion today.” The student bowed her head in shame and spoke in but a whisper. “I know. I’m sorry.” “Really? Now that is something I never thought I would hear from you.” Sunset looked close to tears. “I know,” she whimpered. “I never meant for things to end up like this.” She looked up to the teacher as tears began to make their way down her cheek. “Please, I’m sorry, Principal Celestia.” No malice, only sincerity, Celestia thought. She smiled and placed a hand on the youth’s shoulder as she leaned down to level their eyes. “Don’t worry my dear. Everything will be just fine.” Sunset trembled as she looked her in the eye. Memories from long ago, memories she had thought she burned, suddenly came rushing back. She was overwhelmed. She grabbed Celestia and held her tight. To her surprise, she felt arms reach around her. The feeling of warmth and security—the feeling of love—was too much. She couldn’t take it anymore and just let go. As she cried her heart out on Celestia’s shoulder, the principal held her tighter in response. The moment she got that simple message, she began to move. Past the students, the food, and the sound system, she ascended the stage and approached the microphone. After tapping it a few times, she managed to gain the crowd’s attention. “Good evening, everyone.” She smiled, all eyes on her. “It has been quite a night, has it not?” Murmurs and chuckles were heard from those assembled. “You must have any number of questions, but fret not, for they shall be answered.” Faint blue light began to emanate from her eyes. As it grew brighter, the assembled students watched; some in fear, some with caution, others yet with awe. All of a sudden a bright flash of light engulfed all those present. When it cleared, the entire student body stood there, dazed. Luna took a moment to breathe and compose herself. It had been a while since she had to do that without amplification and she had been out of practice. She looked around and noticed the students still staring at her. “Well, I think we have had enough for tonight,” she said as she clasped her hands. “Though it has been wonderful, it is time for this party to come to a close. I hope you all enjoyed yourselves, have a good night and I shall see all of you on Monday.” The students still looked confused, but got the message and began to file out as they eagerly talked amongst themselves. Luna smirked as she watched them leave. Moments after the last student left the gym, the shadows in the back began to coalesce into a humanoid figure. When it had mostly formed, it took a step and the darkness melted to reveal a woman. Her black hair was up in a bun which only helped to convey her obvious age. Her wrinkled skin creased slightly which caused her antique glasses to slip down the bridge of her nose ever so slightly. However, her most striking feature would have to have been her outfit.. It was a well fitted, well pressed, midnight-blue blazer complemented by a similarly impressive pair of black slacks. Luna took notice and greeted the new arrival. “Inkwell,” she nodded in her direction, “I take it the other five have have left the premises?” “Yes, Overseer. The portal has also closed. But then, what shall become of them now?” Luna released a sigh. “They will to be brought in. They will Awaken soon and we have to be ready for that. Especially if my sister’s assumption is correct.” “It was inevitable,” said the aged instructor. “Indeed. At the very least, Project Harmony will come to life once more.” She turned and proceeded towards the door. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to go meet with my sister.” Inkwell nodded as Luna left the gym. Luna entered the principal’s office and found the sleeping form of Sunset Shimmer, peacefully resting her head on her sister’s lap. Celestia looked to Luna as she entered and, in a low voice, said “Since you’re here, that means that the grounds are clear and the deed is done. Well done sister, excellent as always.” Luna stood there and watched as her sister held Sunset. “You know, Luna,” Celestia began as she stroked the young girl’s hair. “She was so tired. For so long, she allowed herself to be consumed by her rage. Rage that, if I'm not mistaken, was actually directed towards me." She released a sigh. Worry found a place on Luna's features. "Tia..." "The whole thing sounds eerily familiar, if I do say so." She looked to her sister. Luna knew very well what she was referring to and began to feel more than a little uncomfortable. "Tia, what happened to her wasn’t your fault. Like you said, this was a mistake the other Celestia made.” A wistful smile came upon Celestia. “That’s just it Luna, our Sunset Shimmer, the one native to this side, is a Dreamer. A powerful one at that. I could just as easily have made the same mistakes as my counterpart.” The two were silent as they contemplated the possibilities. Celestia gently lifted Sunset’s head and replaced her lap with a throw pillow. She approached her desk and brought out a white, silken glove. “Luna.“ She tossed the glove in her sister’s direction. “Could you please bring Sunset home? I have a meeting to get to.” Luna caught the glove in mid-air, but not with her hand. Instead, the glove floated there enclosed in a dark blue aura. She extended her arm and the glove slipped on. “Of course, Sister.” She knelt over the sofa and placed the gloved hand on Sunset’s shoulder. Her eyes began to glow and the glove began to heat up slightly. In a short moment, the two disappeared in a flash of light.