//------------------------------// // Prologue // Story: The Initiative // by Spidahoflove //------------------------------// The city of Canterlot looms over the kingdom of Equestria. On most days, the very regal capital with be alive with the joyous day to day shuffle of workers, tourists, and ambassadors that would fill up it's streets. But this day was different, drastically. A morose curtain of sorrow and despair hung over the entire city, today Canterlot was a city of mourning instead of jubilation. It was today that an armed assassin snuck into the courts of the Canterlot palace and put two bullets into the skull of Shining Armour, Captain of the Royal Guard, killing him. From the first hour of the assassination there was nothing but panic filling the streets. Rumors spilt out from the newsstands and spread through word of mouth. At first it was thought that a terrorist attack had somehow struck Canterlot Castle, killing all of those inside, then the list of victims were narrowed down to just Princess Celestia and Luna, and finally real reports of Shining Armour's murder came in, quelling any other beliefs before it. After the terrible news was confirmed it was as if all life inside Canterlot had stopped. Everyone withdrew back to their respective houses; some because they were shocked to do anything else, others because they were in mourning for the late Shining Armor, and even more just selfishly praying that there would be only one casualty today. The only thing that had been remotely active inside the city was Canterlot Hospital one of the few places that would remain open regardless of the conditions outside. Inside the Hostpital sat the Element of Magic, staring blankly at an empty cot along with her number one assistant who was now sobbing quietly into her chest. Twilight was a mess, her eyes were bloodshot, her mane fizzled and matted down with tears. She had already let out so much pain, but there still was so many other emotions bottled up inside her. Anger and hatred for the one who had just ended her brother's life. Self loathing for not being their to protect him from harm. But above all the most prevalent emotion that was thrashing inside her was sadness. Shinning Armour, her first real friend, the man who would always love her and be there for her no matter what may happen, her Big Brother Best Friend Forever was sead. And nothing would ever change that. Tears resumed running freely down her cheek. "You promised that you were always going to be there for me." She managed to choke out while staring longingly at the empty cot. "You. Promised..." Her grip tightened around Spike as she began sobbing freely with him. Both of the were mourning a beloved family member, a great friend, and amazing brother. The door to what was once Shining's room opened, the sound being ignored the still grieving siblings.They knew it would be one of Twilights friends desperately trying to find ways to take on some of the extra-ordinary burden of Shining's death. "Twilight?" Both Twilight and Spike look up, acknowledging that voice that most definitely did not belong to any of their friends. It was Princess Celestia, she looked at both of them with a refine combination of both pain and pity making both Twilight and Spike want to break out into a fresh wave of sobs. "Yes" Twilight finally spoke. "Could I speak with you for a moment." She replied. Twilight was almost torn, she slowly exchanged a glance between the empty cot and Celtestia before finally dragging her body towards the princess while Spike followed suit. Outside each of Twilight and Spike's friends stood, looking as haggard as Twilight and as somber as ever. Both Rarity and Fluttershy had been crying silently together while Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie stared blankly off into the distance. Soon Twilight and Spike rejoined the group and suddenly all eyes were on them. Both resisted the urge to pull all of them into a comforting hug and opted to just stand near the door. Celestia had take her spot in form of the six mares and dragon. 'These are dangerous and painful times we live in." Everyone nodded at her words which were slow and resonated with power. "I do not fancy myself a medium or fortune teller of any sort. But I feel we are heading down a dangerous road, a road that will lead all of us into darkness if undeterred." Suddenly Celestia's horn began to glow fiercely as she summons a golden chest that resided inside the palace. "As I've mentioned before, I have no means of confirming or denying the feelings that are prevalent with-in me, but..." She pauses momentarily as she opens the chest revealing seven of the most beautiful gems in the world. Each of them matching the color of it's destined recipient and cut perfectly into an oval. "As leader of Equestria it is my duty to keep my country safe to the best of my abilities. These stones contain powerful magics with-in, they also contain your greatest strengths and virtues. They embody the very best of what you can be. These stones will guide you through life and help you accomplish almost any thing that you set your mind too. I have given you these extraordinary means and in return I ask for one thing. Please use whatever motivations that will drive you to succeed in life, but always have this one goal in mind: 'To Make Equestria a Better Place." Each of the seven nodded their heads solemnly as the gems began forming it's bond to each owner. The power of the magic stored inside the gems become self-evident as it allows for pegasi and earth ponies to levitate them with out the help of any other spell. "These are indeed dark and dangerous times." Celestia continues while everyone else is focused entirely on the new found gems that they now possess. "But I have great faith in all of you. Time and time again you have each proven to not only me but the entire nation of Equestria your capacity for good. I am fully confident that, if the time ever comes. you will be there as protectors. You will set an example that we can all follow so that we can all work towards making Equestria a better place." And with that, the ruler of Equestria teleported back to her Palace, leaving everyone else dumbstruck.