//------------------------------//
// Chapter 1 
// Story: Losing Power 
// by Ferntail12 
//------------------------------//

	“Hey Flutters!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash and Spitfire as the shy yellow mare trotted into Sugarcube Corner. 
“Oh, hi Rainbow Dash. Hi Spitfire,” Fluttershy whispered. “Where are the others?”
“Well, Pinkie is in the back and the others are on their way,” said Dash. The Mane Seven had agreed to meet at Sugarcube Corner to compose their latest letter to Princess Celestia. Just then, the tinkling of a bell announced Applejack and Rarity's arrival. 
“Howdy everypony!” said Applejack cheerfully. 
“Hello, everyone,”said Rarity, who was wearing a fancy blue hat.
“So, we’re just waiting on Princess Twilight,” said Fluttershy. 

The five of them settled at a table in the back, chatting animately about Sonic Dashfire’s latest show, Fluttershy’s animal care business, Rarity’s newest dress design, and Applejack’s success in her fall harvest. After about 15 minutes, Pinkie asked:
“Where is Princess Twilight anyway? She's never late!”
“I don’t know. I saw her yesterday by the orchard,” said Applejack confusedly. “I think she'll turn up eventually.” They continued with their conversation.

Ten minutes later, Princess Twilight hadn't turned up yet. Twenty minutes… thirty minutes…
“Oh, for the sake of Celestia’s feathering sky chariot!” burst out Dash.  “Twilight might be a bit late, but an hour and fifteen minutes?! Not possible! I think something’s wrong. Let's go to the library and check.”
“Yeah, I agree,” said Fluttershy, Applejack, Spitfire, and Pinkie. 

The six ponies galloped out the door of Sugarcube Corner, heading for Golden Oaks Library. Dodging groups of ponies out on the sunny morning, they approached the familiar tree. Fluttershy tentatively pushed the door open, and screamed, diving into a shrub growing near the door.