Darkness is Rising

My Guards flew faster than usual down to Ponyville. Could they see something I could not? We alighted near the small cottage of Fluttershy. I stepped elegantly out into the soft, lush grass. A wonderful fragrance greeted me. It had a tint of warmth to it... Cupcakes!! To be precise, Pinkamena Diana Pie's famous Sweetheart Cakes. My silver gaze fastened onto the door of the cottage. I spread my black wings before lifting into the air. I flapped once, twice, three times and I was there, at the door. I grinned and raised a wing to knock on the stiff cedar wood. I heard hoofsteps clattering inside. The door opened and a fresh wave of warmth and scent cascaded over me. "Well, hello there, P-Princess," Apple Jack stammered. "We wasn't, uh, expectin' ya back so s-soon. Did ya need sumpin' or sumpin'?" I stared at her for a moment. "Why, yes. Apple Jack... Canterlot is gone." The Earth pony's eyes widened. "Yer bluffin' me!" she sputtered. "No, I'm quite serious, my dear. I need your help to find out what happened.... I need all of you. The Elements of Harmony will be used, I'm sure." The golden mare nodded tersely. "I'll get 'em, Princess." She wheeled around and disappeared inside for a moment. Just seconds later, all six ponies appeared in the doorway. "Let's go!" I used my magic to make the chariot larger and climbed in. The others bounced in after me. I gave Captain Crown and Court Jester the command. We began the short flight back to Canterl- I mean, to what was left of Canterlot.