> Unity > by Twila > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > | Prologue | > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- While Starswirl the Bearded accomplishes a successful reign, and as Celestia and Luna come closer to exalting to the role of rulers in Equestria, there lived a unicorn named Yeria. She was critical of the learning of magic, and every day she mastered more and more spells. Everypony congratulated her for achieving such great heights, including the royal Princesses and Starswirl himself. Still, Yeria yearned for more... She became so obsessed with magic, she cancelled out everypony, even her closest friends, choosing knowledge over friendship. Her thirsting blindness towards magic caused her to attack the noble town, thinking it was for their good. Princess Celestia, fearing the wretched outcome of this strong magic, banished Yeria from ever setting hoof in the land. However, Yeria vowed vengeance of her banishment, and proclaimed they will regret doing so. From then on, Yeria was never heard or seen again. The ponies and creatures of the land had soon forgotten about her, continuing their merry lives. ~•°•°•|☆|•°•°•~ Time passed, and there were four current princesses in the land of Equestria. The fourth, of course, was none other than Twilight Sparkle. She was the Princess of Friendship, and along with her many friends, her goal is to spread friendship and unity around the world. To her, she’ll do whatever it takes. Nopony was aware, however, of the evilness that lurked in secrecy. It was the same unicorn from years ago... “I can’t believe, all those years ago... The one pony I considered a friend, had BANISHED me!” Yeria growled her anger out. “Now I had to remain here, in a ludicrous cave! The only thing to do around here is to plot my vengeance...” Yeria led out a small, but sinister, chuckle. In a dark cave, she rested, only her magic to give light and protection. Yeria's only source of finding food was trees and berry bushes. The lake nearby was the only preserve of water. Through the hidden forest where the cave laid, flew a poster from afar. "What's this," Yeria spoke as she held the poster,"'a Gala in Canterlot to celebrate the 6 heroes of Equestria?'" Yeria grinned evilly. "Perhaps I now know where to make my full appearance..." She cackled. > | Galas and Guards | > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was an extraordinary morning. The sky was it's finest blue, the clouds were formed ever so nicely, the birds singing their morning song. It was truly lovely, especially for a certain Princess. Twilight slowly opened her eyes, yawning as she awoke. After doing her morning chores, she went to grab her current book off of the night stand when she noticed a letter resting on top of it... "Dear Twilight, Forgive me for failing to mention this yesterday, but Sister and I decided to uphold a Gala, in honor of you and your friends' achievements upon saving Equestria. The Gala will be held in five days, so you shall have enough time to prepare. Wish you well, Luna." She smiled. "Wow, a Gala? I guess I'll have to take a break from my princess work. I know Pinkie will have a blast with this!" She thought, giggling at the thought of Pinkie decorating with Rarity. She then exited her room, trotting to the lobby of the Canterlot castle. Visitors that came were walking, chatting, or simply taking pictures of the castle, enjoying their time. Smiling at the sight, she levitated a book to herself with magic, reading it. After putting it away, she noticed an unfamiliar guard greeting certain ponies in and out. Curious, she trotted over to the main entrance. "Hello!" She greeted. The guard, who turned out to be a light grey stallion with dark and light blues for a mane, faced her. "Oh, hello." He greeted back with a bow. "You are Princess Twilight, correct?" "Yes, and you are?" "I am Aqua Mist. I'm starting my first shift here in Canterlot." "Oh, welcome then!" "Thanks!" "Do you like it here?" Twilight asked. "Yes, actually. It is elegant yet beautiful. I am happy to be here! And I can't wait to see what the food court serves." Twilight chuckled, and Aqua laughed as well. "Yeah, I always enjoy their hayburgers," Twilight said, then noticed the time. "I should be going, it was nice meeting you!" "It was nice meeting you, too!" They waved to each other, before parting in separate ways. Time passed, and Aqua's duty was to guard the gate entrance, which meant letting ponies in and out, while mostly staring at nothing. It can be pretty boring. Then, it was time for the guards' lunch break. "Finally!" Aqua sighed in relief before flying to the Gala room, where the kitchen was held. There was a small line of tourist ponies eager to satisfy their hunger. While the Celestial guards were having their lunch, Twilight was chatting with her friends, who had just arrived in Canterlot. "Here Twi, I brought you this delicious batch of cupcakes! And the frosting is your favorite colors!" Pinkie said with excitement, giving the box of cupcakes to Twilight. "Thanks!" Twilight said, using a teleportation spell to store the cupcakes in her mini-fridge. "How are your princess duties going, Twilight?" Rarity asked. "They are fine." "I hear y'all are planning a Gala in a few days?" "Yes AJ, it's in honor of Equestria's heroines," Twilight replied, smiling. "Oooh! I bet that means us!" Pinkie jumped in joy. "Yay, I can't wait! I hope they allow animals in, so they can watch the ceremony!" Fluttershy cheered. They had no idea that something, or somepony, was secretly eavesdropping the Mane 6. Whoever they were, interest had sparked. They simpered, before disappearing from their hiding place. Twilight couldn't help but look behind herself. She felt something was...off. "Twilight? You there?" Rainbow spoke. "Hm? Oh yes, you were telling the story about your very first race?" Twilight replied. "Yeah! Now, as I was saying..." Rainbow resumed her tale. The Mane 6 were enjoying it, and Twilight was happy she was spending time with her friends instead of doing her princess tasks. > | Bonds | > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The day soon turned to night. Soon, it would be time for the Lunar guards to awake and guard the castle at night. Aqua wasn't the only guard who was new, however. His friend Celestial decided to join him in guardship. Since Celestial was a bat pony, she decided to be a Lunar guard. Celestial flew to her post, her dark grey coat and black mane blending within the night. She felt bored, which was normal since all you can do is stare. "Hey Celestial!" Aqua greeted, trotting up to her. "Oh hi Aqua," Celestial greeted back. "Just wanted to wish you fun on your shift, good night!" "Thanks, bye!" Celestial watched him walk off before sitting down, staring at the night sky. She then blinked, was there a shadow passing by a second ago? ...Probably not. "Bye girls!" Twilight waved at her friends, who needed to get back to Ponyville. Rarity was staying for a few nights, however, for her fashion business. "It was very generous of you to lend me a room in the castle Twilight. It really helps!" "No problem Rarity, I know how important your business is to you." Twilight smiled. They walked to the room quarters of the castle, and Twilight helped Rarity unpack and settle in. ~~~~~ Afterwards, Twilight decided to do some late night reading. She was about to enter her room when she heard a slight crack. She walked to where it came from, only to find nothing, yet she heard hoofsteps nearby. She followed the sound, until... "Princess?" A voice spoke behind her. "GAH! What... Aqua?!" Twilight shouted, scared. "Sorry if I scared you! But what are you doing up at night?" Aqua apologized. "It's fine, I was just checking the castle's safety and all," She replied, "I thought somepony was lurking around, but I guess not." "Oh." There was a long and awkward pause. "So uh," Aqua spoke up, "how are you?" "I'm fine, but I am going to hit the hay before it gets late. Good night!" Twilight replied, before flying away. Aqua waved before flying off as well. "Boo!" Celestial appeared, out of nowhere. "AHH! Seriously?! You almost gave me a--" "Heart attack?" She finished his sentence. "Typical, I thought you were used to this by now." She booped his nose. "....Whatever," Aqua sighed, "how are you?" "Meh." Celestial shrugged. "I'm fine...if I beat you to the quarters!" She flew off. "AYE! THAT'S NOT FAIR!" He flew after her. Celestial won, since Aqua was caught off guard. They chatted for a bit, until Aqua decided to rest, while Celestial continued her night shift. ~~~~~ When morning arrived, she was the first one to bed, and then regular ponies woke up for the day. Suddenly, there was a SCREAM from the room across Twilight! Twilight bursted in, "Rarity?! What's wrong?!" "I saw........a bug! A HORRIBLE, DISGUSTING BUG!" "Rarity," Twilight sighed, "it should be gone by now. There is nothing to fear." "If you say so, darling, but next time I'm going to use a broom to shoo it away! Now then, let's go see what is available for breakfast, shall we?" "Sure!" Twilight agreed, before guiding Rarity to the castle food court. As time passed throughout the day, there have been reports about mysterious sightings, leading Twilight to tackle both that issue and the preparations of the upcoming Gala. This started to ponder through her mind. How mysterious was it? Was it something bad? Is there a possible threat giving hints that it might show up and terrorize Equestria in a matter of time?!!? Nah. She was overthinking, but it did not leave her mind. Who knows, it's not like there is some evil pony plotting vengeance in secrecy... right? ~~~~~ "Perfect, it seems they took notice of my mysterious shadows. Hopefully not too much, I do not want them to see my secret work." Yeria spoke as she was looking at Canterlot, using a spell. "Not counting today, it's three days until that friendship-centered mush Gala," Another voice spoke. "You? What are you doing here, assistant?" "Just returning to help ya!" It turned out to be an unreformed changeling.