//------------------------------//
// Prologue 
// Story: Under Fire 
// by bosoxboy521 
//------------------------------//

	Unlike many other days in the Crystal Empire, it was a rather stormy day. Heavy showers and lightning filled the sky. Everypony was inside their homes, watching tv or reading books. Up inside the castle though, Twilight Sparkle began her trip to the alternate universe through the magic mirror, in hopes of finding other alternate universes.
"I've studied the theory of alternate universes from Starswirl the Bearded. If this gateway leads into the one I went before, who knows how many alternate universes that are all the way out there to discover!" she said excitingly. Her friends had a rather concerned look on her face.
"Twilight, sugarcube, y'all sure this is safe?" asked Applejack.
"Yeah, what if you end up in some world wide pony war? It won't be pretty if you end up there," said Rainbow Dash.
"Rainbow, relax dear. Have some faith in your friend," interrupted Rarity, "Twilight's magic is surely capable of doing some amazing things. I'm sure whatever universe it takes her too, she'll be able to handle it."
"Thank you, Rarity. Just, make sure you guys keep an eye on Spike too. I hope he won't miss me for too long."
"Oh, I'm sure he'll be fine," said Fluttershy.
"Yeah, we'll play games, and, OH MY CELESTIA, WE SHOULD THROW A PARTY! A "Goodbye Twilight hope you don't die in an alternate universe" party. It's gonna be SOOOOOO much FUN!" shouted Pinkie Pie. Twilight smiled and rolled her eyes a bit. She looked back at her friends, they all began to fear for the worst after Pinkie's rambling. She took a deep breathe and began to talk.
"Look, I understand you all feel like this is a bad idea, and I wish I could take all of you. But, Celestia said if I was to do this, I had to go alone. And I'm willing to do that. Who knows? Maybe even in some war torn Equestria universe, there will still be friendship all around, and I want too bring these lessons back to you guys, to make our friendship even stronger than before. I'm going to be fine, and I'll be extra safe for all of you." Her friends began to smile a little bit, beginning to show their confidence in their friend.
"Be safe Twilight dear," said Rarity.
"I will, thanks you guys."
"Good luck Twi, I hope y'all find what y'all are lookin' for," said Applejack.
"Thanks Applejack, I'll be back before the portal closes. Goodbye for now everypony!" said Twilight. All of her friends began to say their goodbyes as Twilight trotted closer to the magic mirror. Unlike last time, she had a sense of confidence stepping into the portal. As she began to step inside, a bolt of lightning cracked and found it's way into the castle. The bolt struck the mirror, and the mirror went from a pure white, to a dark black color. The mirror began to swirl faster and faster, and it began to take into a new shape, one with a darker frame, and black crystals embedded in the sides of the frame.
"TWILIGHT! NO!" shouted all her friends, but it was too late. Twilight stepped inside the portal, and she was gone.
"I'm coming Twilight!" shouted Rainbow Dash, but was stopped short by Applejack.
"Y'all lost yer mind, Y'all don't know what's inside that mirror," she said to Rainbow.
"Applejack is right, it's not like any of us have the skills like Twilight does, who knows what could happen to any of us," said Rarity.
"But it's Twilight! What if she's in danger?" asked Rainbow Dash.
"Well, would she wants us to follow her? I mean, if we thought on Twilight's behalf, wouldn't she be disappointed if we followed her through?" said Fluttershy. The room went silent as the ponies began to worry about their friend.
"Well, no matter where that there mirror took her. I'd think it's best to get Princess Celestia over he'e," said Applejack.