//------------------------------//
// Chapter 1 
// Story: 10 Years Without Love 
// by Pugettewriter550 
//------------------------------//

A young, pink unicorn mare with purple hooves and a long blue and purple mane, stood at the door of an old, seemingly abandoned castle in the middle of Ponyville. The castle itself seemed to cast a dark shadow over the town. The mare was determined to change that. She was determined to not only the town, but also regain her friendship with the prince, her foal-hood friend Prince Midnight Flash. She knocked on the door. Her forest green eyes focused and determined to speak with the prince. Rather than being greeted by the kind face of her old friend, she was greeted by the rather angry face of another pony she was once friends with. She chuckled nervously and said, 
"H-hello Duke. R-remember me?" 
Duke was a white unicorn stallion with dragon claws, blue dragon like eyes, and purple spikes running down his back. He just stared at the young mare he was once friends with. He growled and asked through his clenched dragon like teeth, 
"What are you doing here Paint?" 
Although his voice was low, it seemed to shake the town's foundation. The mare composed herself, cleared her throat and said, 
"The townsponies are upset. There's been a dark shadow over Ponyville for 10 years. Ponies are miserable. It rains all day and sometimes all night."
"What does this have to do with us? What are WE going to do about helping THEM?!" 
Duke's voice rose to ear shattering levels. It also seemed to cause the rain to fall faster. Paint had to cover her ears to prevent ear damage but it didn't really help. Once again she cleared her throat again and said,
"I would like to speak with the prince please." 
Duke simply growled again and said,
"Fine. He's in the library. Can you find your way?" 
Paint nodded as she walked into the castle. Now all she needed to do was find the library.