De Umbris et Astris

As the sun sunk beyond the horizon, leaving its spot for the moon to take, the ponies in all of Equestria went to sleep. The serene calm of the world, unbroken by dangers for too long, had lulled them into a belief of everlasting blissful peace.

Not even the ever-vigilant citizens of the nearby village noticed the portents of great misery to occur. Radiating malicious intent, dark clouds had begun to assemble over the Everfree forest not only untouched by the wind, but also unregistered in the weather patrol’s lists. Suddenly a bright but soundless flash erupted from the clouds, clashing with the forest ground and revealing a low, unnatural fog that had begun to assemble. Not having taken any form, the fog started moving towards the home of the sole living pony in the forest, guardian of ancient secrets and powers.

As it slowly crawled closer, untouched by sombre trees’ winding roots, it slipped under the door of the wooden home and started gazing around the room with newly formed gleaming eyes; searching for the sole purpose of its presence. Ignoring the books, potions and masks in the room, it made its way to a simple wooden box, badly hidden behind two books. Solidifying one of its foggy legs, it grabbed the box, opened it and removed the power-radiating object. Carefully, it put the box back into its place, making sure to rearrange everything to perfection as to not arouse any suspicion. Retreating, the precious treasure now assimilated into the fog, the strange being exited the room, unnoticed by the snoring inhabitant.

Having accomplished its mission the fog dissolved, floating upwards to merge once again with the unnaturally black cloud; soon enough, it was dashing away into unknown distances, leaving not a single trace of its actions.

Though unnoticed by most, the suspicious act did not go completely unseen. On top of a nearby mountain, hidden from vision by the night’s blindness, stood a mare clad in shadows watching the strange phenomenon. The cloud flying into the darkness of the world, she stepped away from her viewpoint and began her descent, the long black cloak floating in the chilly night air as the only testimony to her movement. Hearing roaring thunder from afar, she accelerated her steps,  running down the mountainside and merging with the quickly approaching forest.

Without taking a single break, she raced through leaves, jumped over roots, always making sure not to entangle herself in low-hanging branches.

She suddenly felt a wave of magical energy washing over her, warning her of the upcoming disaster. Worried at what could be happening, she rushed even more. As she progressed further, the night turning to day already, screams resonated from beyond the woods. Deciding that the moment had come, she channelled magic into her horn and teleported, only to be greeted by a maelstrom of screams and chaos.