> Worse than the Cold
>  by Shivy-Erebus33
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue- Star Swirl's Prediction
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Prologue- Star Swirl’s Prediction
By Shivy-Erebus
Deep inside the ancient Unicorn palace, a green stallion was quickly galloping towards his mentor’s chamber. His cloak was blowing about crazily; the open window’s wouldn’t shut, no matter how much amount of magic was used. He learned to ignore the stinging wind and cold, but everyone knew that it was only growing worse. Princess Platinum declared that they’d have to find a new land, and she sent him to go warn Star Swirl the Bearded of the plan.
He turned round the corner and slowed to a trot, than entered the second chamber to the left. Inside, he saw his bearded mentor staring out into the dark blizzard, directly in front of the window. The rows of books were stacked neatly amongst the many shelves; many littered the floor. Star Swirl the Bearded must’ve been studying again. The green unicorn levitated a few books, closed them properly, and placed them in a pile beside the hourglass centerpiece. 
“Clover,” Star Swirl the Bearded rasped, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, sir,” Clover said genuinely, padding up behind his mentor. The gray unicorn seemed unaffected by the piercing wind, his yellow eyes distant. Clover turned his head against the wind, narrowing his eyes a bit. “Princess Platinum has decreed that we must seek a new land, sir.”
“Is that so?” The old unicorn turned his head and looked at his apprentice. His long white beard trailed wildly as the wind blew sharper. Star Swirl’s expression was masked and distant, as always. Or ever since the troubled times started. 
“Yes sir. We’re going to be departing soon.”
“Does Princess Platinum expect me to make the journey?”
Clover the Clever paused for a second, contemplating; she hadn’t specified. “I’m not sure, sir.”
His mentor turned away from the window, limping towards the hourglass. The bells on his cloak and hat jingled almost melodically, “If she does, then she will have to be disappointed. I will not be accompanying her.”
Clover’s eyes widened at his mentor’s statement. He turned his back to the window, watching Star Swirl the Bearded. “Sir?”
Star Swirl the Bearded didn’t respond. He stared at the hourglass, filled with countless grains of sand, all dribbling down to the lower region of it. The top-region sand was almost all gone.
Clover stepped up beside his mentor, looking at him doubtfully. “You won’t be joining us, sir?”
The old unicorn shook his bearded head. “I’m afraid not, Clover the Clever.”
Clover felt an uneasy feeling beginning to rise in his stomach. The nervous apprentice glanced up at the hourglass, watching the sand fall with his mentor. Anxious now, he asked, “But why, sir?”
Star Swirl smirked slightly at the uncertainty in his apprentice’s voice. He looked at him, the bells jingling, studying the green face he’d known for a long time. Ever since he was a colt, Clover had shown extraordinary magical ability; his magic bursts were stronger than any Star Swirl had ever seen before. Despite this, he was a shy stallion, and looked up to Star Swirl as a father role. 
“Now, don’t look like that Clover. I haven’t a single doubt that your journey won’t be a success.”
The young green unicorn still looked dubious. “But, why won’t you accompany us, sir?”
Star Swirl the Bearded turned his head from Clover and coughed harshly, wheezing a bit after. Clover stared at his mentor worriedly. His cough had been getting worse. That’s when it dawned over him; he wasn’t making the journey because he couldn’t.
“Maybe I should stay with you-” Clover the Clever began, but was interrupted.
“You may not stay back here! You will go with Princess Platinum and find the unicorns a new home.” Star Swirl stared at Clover intensely; the green unicorn’s gaze reflected concern and fright for his mentor. In a gentler tone, Star Swirl said, “There’s nothing left for you here. You will have to move on from this land, and find one where the unicorns can prosper.”
Clover shook his head slightly; he sounded more desperate than he had hoped when he stated, “I know you’re health is declining, sir. I could take care of you until you’re fit enough to make the journey.”
Star Swirl the Bearded coughed again, less harshly but still intensely. He glanced at the hourglass, the sand ever so low at the top. “I won’t ever be strong enough to complete such a trek, Clover the Clever. I know you are aware of that.”
When Clover didn't respond, Star Swirl started edging to his many bookshelves. He continued speaking, “You are as clear to read as these very books, Clover. You doubt yourself and your abilities, while I can assure you that you are far beyond prepared for this quest.”
Though he wasn’t looking at him, he could practically feel Clover shift uncomfortably. The wise old unicorn continued. “I’ve watched you grow from the moment you were little, and you are very gifted and experienced. You’ll be able to defend Princess Platinum and calm the other tribes.”
“But how do you know, sir?”
“I’ve had a vision,” Star Swirl the Bearded muttered quietly. At this, Clover padded up beside his mentor, who was staring into the bookshelves blankly. “You will find the land, my apprentice, one where the grass is as green as your coat and the sky as blue as your eyes. But the conflict will not fade into eternity, but will only be buried.”
Clover stared at him; the omen wasn’t a good one. “Will the tribes not find peace?”
“For a while, they shall. The future is clouded with a conflict unlike this one. Just know, Clover, that you are adept enough to put them to peace for a very long while. Do you trust me?”
The green unicorn nodded his head, his chin beginning to tremble of a grimmer idea. “What about your health, sir? What will become of you when I’ve gone?”
The old unicorn looked at Clover and saw the young colt instead of the esteemed stallion that was his apprentice. Star Swirl was the only father he knew, and the mentor recognized this. Holding back a heavy wheeze, he smiled at Clover. “I trust you to be brave and protect the princess. Find us a new home. Make me proud, understand?”
The apprentice nodded, taking the comment as a dismissal. He turned his back and trotted toward the doorway, giving his mentor the look that said it all. Clover exited his chamber, shutting the door behind him.
Star Swirl the Bearded hacked as a cough took hold, one so big it made his whole body convulse. The unicorn looked at the hourglass; so little time was left. It was so dreadfully cold.
The old unicorn limped over to his red couch, placed neatly beside the doorway. Star Swirl laid down and inhaled raggedly, reflecting his life. It was a very good one; he felt almost saddened, leaving the world he knew. But he knew of no adventures that he could take part in, or any other spell he could create. And though he bore no son, Clover was practically carrying on his bloodline. It was time.
Using all the magic he had left, Star Swirl shut the horrid windows, shielding out the biting cold, just for a moment. As the last grains of sand fell to the lower part of the hourglass, he felt somewhat warm for the first time in a long time.

> Chapter One- Without a Sun
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter One- Without a Sun
By Shivy-Erebus
“Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle,” Concluded the purple unicorn, smiling with content at her latest lesson. Spike happily finished the letter with a flourish, and then spewed his magic green fire on the letter, sending it off to Canterlot. 
Twilight smiled at her most favorite assistant. “I’m so excited that Princess Celestia is going to let me advance in my studies!” She was so giddy that she started to trot around the table in the middle of her library. She was very excited; Princess Celestia made her anticipate it greater each week.
“I wonder why she hasn’t informed you of your new task yet,” Spike inquired, setting his quill into the ink. “It’s been about three weeks. Don’t you think she should’ve given you the assignment yet?”
The lavender unicorn stopped trotting, but still held the gleaming look. “Oh, Spike, she’s most likely busy with other things. Princess Celestia will tell me my assignment any day now!” With this, she trotted up the stairs. Her horn glowed with magic, levitating a book with her as she went.
Spike sighed and followed her. Slight anxiety was pricking at the young dragon’s mind as he asked, “Did you even try to ask her?”
Bouncing up onto her bed, Twilight scoffed lightheartedly at the pressing dragon. “She is the princess, Spike. I just can’t go and ask her anything whenever I want! She’ll tell me my task when she sees fit.”
Spike mumbled for a bit before padding off, leaving Twilight in peace. She couldn’t help but think about what he had said; it has been a while since she’s heard from Celestia. In fact, she hasn’t heard from her since she arrived home from the Crystal Empire. Twilight shrugged off the sense of worry; she was probably very busy, being a princess and all! Besides, she wouldn’t forget about her most faithful student.
When Twilight started reading, things were calm and peaceful. Spike was busying himself with other things while she read about advance spells (just to be ready for Princess Celestia). It wasn’t until a nice hour later when something was horribly wrong.
Twilight glanced at the clock; 7:30 p.m. She glanced outside; it was still bright as day, the sun still shining right at the peak of the sky, as if it were noon. Twilight cast the book aside and called out, “Spike!” staring out the window at the broad daylight. How could this be?
“Yes, Twilight?” Spike ran up the stairs, looking at her.
“Its 7:30 Spike, and it’s sunny outside. Why is it sunny?”
The purple dragon glanced at the clock, and then outside. He didn’t say anything, but his face said it all.
“Something must be up with Celestia!” he exclaimed, running to the window beside Twilight. “What do we do?”
Twilight was still too dumbfounded to answer. The sun should’ve been set a while ago, but it was still out there! Why had it not set?
“Twilight!” Spike prodded her with his elbow, than gestured outside. “What do we do?”
“We,” Twilight Sparkle began, “We have to alert the princess! We have to check on her!”
“She isn’t responding to your letters,” Spike reminded her as she raced passed him, clomping down the stairs.
“I’m aware, Spike. We’ve got to try any method to reach the princess. She’s never late with her sun duties. Something awful must be happening!” Twilight had grabbed her saddlebag and started to fill it with anything that could become a necessity; four quills, plenty of paper, her book on advanced spells.
Spike was beside her in moments, the little dragon now frantic. “What if something terrible happened to her, Twilight?”
For once, Twilight didn’t reassure him. What would become of Equestria if Princess Celestia wasn’t here? She flicked her tail suddenly, as if to dismiss the idea from her mind. “Maybe she just forgot. We have to go check on her anyway. Spike, can you keep packing for me? I’m going to go gather my friends.”
Spike nodded in understanding and took the saddlebag from Twilight. The lavender unicorn then galloped outside right away, down the cobblestone streets of Ponyville. Her hoof steps echoed distantly in the nearly deserted streets; curtains were drawn, shops were closed, everyone was settling down. And only now was the moon beginning to show in the dark sky.
Twilight ran to her closest friend (location wise), Rarity. She knocked on the door furiously, willing Rarity to answer faster, and then waited impatiently. The white unicorn opened the door; there were rollers in her hair, so she must’ve been prepping for bed already. She looked unexpectedly at Twilight, but she smiled nonetheless. “Why, hello there, Twilight! What brings you around this time of night?”
“I think something’s wrong with Princess Celestia, Rarity. We have to get everyone and meet back at the library, okay?” Twilight’s voice was tight with urgency, which Rarity picked up on right away. She quickly shook the rollers out of her hair, and started to gallop with Twilight away from the Carousel Boutique.
“I’ll fetch Pinkie Pie and Applejack. You get Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, okay?” Twilight panted to Rarity as they sprinted. She nodded briskly, and turned onto a new cobblestone street, away from the lavender unicorn. On Twilight ran, though; the worry for her mentor was a growing lump in her stomach. Each moment she thought about it, the worse it seemed to her.
She neared Sugarcube Corner. While the Carousel Boutique’s lights were dimmed, Pinkie Pie’s place was alive with light. Twilight picked up on distant crying; the Cake twins must still be up. When reaching the door, she rapped on it hurriedly.
Mr. Cake answered it, cradling a whimpering Pumpkin Cake in one of his arms. Twilight said immediately, “Mr. Cake, may I please speak with Pinkie Pie? It’s an emergency.”
Pumpkin Cake wailed loudly, making Mr. Cake wince a bit. He responded with a nod, than called for the pink pony. She hopped down the stairs merrily, hopped all the way to the door, and flashed her friend a toothy grin. “Hi Twilight!”
“Pinkie, we have to go right away! I think something’s wrong with Princess Celestia!”
The party pony opened her mouth as if to declare with disbelief, but Twilight had already turned tail and was racing away. Pinkie charged after her, and Twilight instructed her. “Go get Applejack; Rarity is getting RD and Fluttershy. Meet back at the library when you get her!”
“Okey-dokey-lokie!” Pinkie said, still sprinting ahead towards Applejack’s orchard. Twilight than turned around and took off towards home. Her breathing was becoming heavy from constantly running, but she couldn’t stop. She had to get to Ponyville as soon as she could. Princess Celestia could be in danger this very moment! She never raises the sun late!
When her library came into view, she slowed to a quick trot and started to heave, gathering her breath back. Her horn glowed with magic as she opened the door and slammed it behind her. Spike had filled the saddlebag to the brim; the poor dragon was pacing about, calculating. When she entered, he ran up to her. “Where’re the others?”
“They’re on their way,” Twilight panted. She levitated a nearby rag and wiped her face, ignoring the roughness of the fabric, than tossed it to the side. Twilight sat down, gazing out the window at the soft moon. Stars twinkled around it idly. It would’ve been a beautiful night for a stroll, if it weren’t for the possibly endangered princess.
Spike hadn’t noticed the serenity of the night, though. He was shifting through some crumpled papers. Twilight scrunched her nose a bit, gazing at them. “Did you dig those out of the trash?”
“I have to make sure I didn’t miss anything important,” Spike said hurriedly, looking through the useless papers. His hands fumbled, and the papers flew out of his hand and skewed themselves on the floor. He started to gather them frantically. 
Twilight levitated the papers and stacked them neatly. “Please don’t freak out. We have to stay calm in case there really is danger. The others will be here soon; why don’t you go and get us some hot barley tea? It’ll sooth all of our nerves.”
“Barley tea,” Spike muttered hurriedly, as if he didn’t hear Twilight at all, “Got it! Hot barley tea coming right up!” He scampered off, leaving Twilight alone.
She busied herself by pacing quietly beside the window, checking the time frequently. 7:43. She made a pattern of this: pacing, checking the time, pacing even more, glancing at the sky, checking the time. Time seemed to be crawling. 7:44, 7:46, 7:47. She didn’t cease until she heard Spike pad back up the stairs. He was accompanied by the clanking of the teacups and pot.
“Are the others here yet?” He inquired, setting down the tray on the table.
“Not yet. It shouldn’t be taking them this long!” Twilight stated, getting frustrated with worry. She stopped pacing at the window and walked over to Spike, gazing into his frightened emerald eyes. She sighed heavily and pulled him into a hug; he nuzzled close, taking the counsel. “I didn’t mean to scare you Spike. I’m sorry.”
The purple dragon nodded into her lavender coat, and then pulled away at the knock of the door. Twilight pulled it open with magic, allowing her sweaty, panting friends inside. Twilight distributed the cups of barley tea to each of her friends.
“Okay girls, thanks for coming. There shouldn’t be any further question about it; the sun’s pattern was irregular today. Something must be wrong with Celestia.” Twilight started right away. All of her friends looked horribly concerned, hardly acknowledging the tea in front of them.
Applejack spoke first. “Are ya sure, Twilight? I mean, it coulda just been a slip up.” 
“I have to agree with Applejack,” Rarity chimed in, stepping beside the orange mare. “I mean, honestly, Twilight, everyone messes up! Maybe Celestia was distracted, or she just forgot.”
Twilight shook her head at what her friends were saying. She never forgets!
Rainbow Dash put in, “Plus, Princess Celestia always calls you if something’s wrong. She always does.” Her eyes were droopy and her hair was more frizzed than usual. She must’ve been napping when Rarity fetched her. 
Fluttershy, seeing the conflict brewing, stepped up beside Twilight. She put a hoof gently on the unicorn’s shoulder. “If you really feel like she’s in danger, we’re behind you to help her. You do know her the best, Twilight. We trust your judgment!”
Twilight smiled and opened her mouth to speak, when a sudden flurry of knocking at the door started. Everyone jumped; the knocking grew more desperate every hit. Twilight quickly trotted to the door, pulling it open as she just neared it. There stood Shining Armor, panting heavily; his mane stuck to his forehead with sweat.
“Shining Armor?!” Twilight exclaimed; she stepped back, and her brother entered her home. All her friends gasped at his entrance. Twilight slammed the door shut and ran to him, who now sat, still panting heavily. “What are you doing here?”
He chuckled slightly, Twilight was unsure why. Shining Armor regarded her friends with a nod, and then turned to his younger sister. After a second, he muttered to her, “I failed, Twily.”
“Failed at what?”
“My job.”
Twilight felt herself grow tense. He was the captain of the Royal Guard. “How did you fail?”
Shining panted more, and Twilight saw his face shift. He was getting anxious, frightened; she recognized this face from when he was only a colt. He didn’t respond to Twilight at first; he glanced nervously at her friends, at Spike, at the glowing moon.
She prodded him with her hoof lightly, and he turned his attention back to Twilight. He took a deep breath, and then stated a bit shakily, “Princess Celestia’s gone. So is Luna. We couldn’t find them anywhere. Not in Canterlot. Residents as far as Manehatten, Las Pegasus, and Vanhoover haven’t sighted them. They’re missing.”