//------------------------------//
// Chapter 1 
// Story: From Diamonds to Decay 
// by Static Shimmer 
//------------------------------//

Hours after the defeat of King Sombra

Celestia smiled as she watched Twilight and her friends board the train back to Ponyville. They all looked exhausted, having just saved the Crystal Empire from an evil tyrant, yet they still seemed to have enough energy left to congratulate Twilight on passing her test. 

“She really is exceptional.” Luna spoke softly, standing beside her sister.

Celestia nodded, “She is.”

“Princess Celestia! Princess Luna!” A Royal Guard approached the sisters hurriedly, “Your Highnesses, I have received an urgent message from Princess Cadence, asking you to return to the Crystal Empire immediately!” 

“Did she give a reason?” Celestia asked, clearly startled by the news.

“No, your Highness, only that it couldn’t wait until tomorrow.”

Celestia and Luna looked at each other in panic. Twilight had assured them that King Sombra was gone for good, so what could be troubling Cadence so much?

“We will leave straight away.” Celestia told the Guard, fearing for Cadence’s safety.