Equestria's Darkest Shadow

It was an especially sunny day in Equestria. Twilight's castle gleamed in the sunshine. Inside the throne room, Twilight organized a meeting with her friends and Starlight Glimmer to discuss Starlight's successes in passing practically every friendship lesson in her lists up to this point.

"Everypony," Twilight announced. "I'm sure you are all aware of what a successful student Starlight Glimmer has become. From being Trixie's first friend in who knows how long to helping an entire hive of changelings mature to their true potential, she's practically a prime example of a truly redeemed pony."

Everypony around the map agreed.

Starlight blushed and smiled modestly, looking at the floor. "To be honest, I'm amazed at myself at how far I've come. I only wish my brother could've been here to see me be such a success."

The others looked at her in surprise. "You had a brother?" asked Applejack.

"Yeah, dude," said Rainbow Dash. "How come you never told us about him before?"

"I'm guessing," suggested Twilight. "it's because we spent so much time talking about how to make new friends that we never really discussed family matters. Am I right?"

Starlight agreed. "Also," she added with a sort of guilt in her voice. "It's because he's the one who convinced me to make that village of 'equal ponies.'"

Everypony gasped at this revelation.

"Good heavens, darling!" exclaimed Rarity. "Why would you take such a twisted suggestion like that?"

"Because he was like my hero." continued Starlight. "And I always took his advice if ever a problem came along in my life. His name was Shooting Star. He always had a habit of reading a lot of spell books and not really going out much, but at least he was always there for me, even calling me "Starbright" after that little nursery rhyme. In fact, he's the one who taught me all of the spells I know."

"OOO!" squeaked Pinkie. "Like how to levitate, bake cakes to perfection, and even taking cutie marks and replacing them with equal signs?! "

Everypony glared at Pinkie. She chuckled nervously. "May have gone a little far there."

"Yeah." admitted Starlight. "He taught me everything. But he told me that Sunburst's cutie mark was what motivated Sunburst to move away from my home. Guess he must've took what Sunburst told him and took it the wrong way. I kept writing letters to him, but he's not responded once. Probably off on an adventure to help other ponies. Such a cool guy."

"Well, I'm glad you have such good faith in him." said Fluttershy. "Perhaps you could teach him some new things as a thank you."

Just then, Spike came in with a letter in his claw. "Hey, Twilight!" he said. "Somepony dropped this letter for you." Twilight took the letter and opened the envelope. "Oh! Thanks, Spike! Wonder who it's from?"

She read the letter aloud.

"Dear Princess Twilight,

Your friendship escapades have gone on for far too long. Stop now before things get dark for you and your troupe. Friendships were never meant to last for long and your journey is nothing but a complete and utter waste of time. This is your last warning.

Signed,

P.of S.?"

Rainbow Dash couldn't hold in her laughter any longer. "Is this guy for real? 'Friendship never last long?' Have they even seen how far we've gone without breaking up?"

"Obviously whoever sent this must be so envious of our bond," added Rarity. "They've decided to lash it out with this letter instead of confronting us himself." The others agreed.

"Well, we certainly know one thing," said Twilight with spirit. "That nopony in Equestria or beyond could ever destroy our friendship in any way whatsoever." She then crumpled up the letter and threw it out the window.

Nearby, a cloaked figure looked from behind a bush, its eyes glowing yellow.....