Equestria in Darkness

Dear Princess Celestia,

Today I found out that no matter how dire the situation is, your friends will always be there with you to the-

A loud knock at the door broke Twilight Sparkle’s concentration. Grumbling, she went to the door. “Oh, for Celestia’s sake, can’t a pony have some peace and quiet for once?” Twilight opened the door. “Come in! Oh, hey Derpy. What’s up?”  Derpy, the klutzy Mailmare, threw a Muffin book at her. “Whoops, my bad.” Derpy apologized. “It’s alright, I’m used to books being thrown at me.” Derpy cleared her throat. “Roses are red, blueberries are blue, letter from Discord, and muffins are delicious.” Derpy handed Twilight a letter.

“Letter from Discord, eh?” She opened the Letter.

Dear Twailot Spurkle

In the events of the Princesses disappearance, it is now my duty to act as ruler of Equestria. Gather your silly friends and get here by Sunset or all is lost.

P.S. It looks like we might be in for a big old storm of Chaos.

Your Lord and Master,

Discord.

The Princesses missing? Sunset? What will be lost? Twilight’s minds raced in panic as she was greeted by a hoo. “Oh, hey Owlowiscious.  Have you seen Spike?” Twilight asked when her pet owl landed on her desk.

“Who?”

“Spike.”

“Who?”

“Spik- Oh forget it.  Here, take this note to Spike and I’ll go and find my friends.” Twilight said as she ran out, taking one last look at her house. She had a feeling she wasn’t going to see the Library for a long time.

On the outskirt of Ponyville, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash was pulling pranks on innocent bystanders when Twilight Sparkle appeared between them and got hit by an unexpected water balloon. “Didn’t see ya there, Twi.” Pinkie Pie giggled as she lent a hoof. Rainbow Dash snorted. Unaware, Twilight Sparkle reached for the lending hoof and didn’t notice until it was too late. She got shocked by one of Pinkie’s inventions. The two mares rolled on the grass laughing. “You should’ve seen your face! It was priceless! We should do this more often, eh Pinkie?” Rainbow said as she caught her breath. “Guises! This is no laughing matter! We got a major problem on our hands! the Princesses are missing!” Twilight shouted. “And where’s Fluttershy and Rarity? Applejack should be here soon.”

“Beats me.”

“Oh! Oh, I know, if I was them, I’d be at the Spa!”

“Let’s go then, to the Spa! There’s no time to waste!” They ran to the Spa.

“Ahh…this is so relaxing, I wish I could relax like this every day, don’t you wish Fluttershy?” Rarity sighed. “Oh, um…Yes, it’s the most relaxing way to relieve…stress” Fluttershy said when the door flew open. “There you girls are, we’re going to Canterlot whenever you like it or not.” Impatiently, Twilight Sparkle said.

An hour or two later, the Mane Six arrived in Canterlot just in time to see an army march out. “Gee, it looks like there’s a war coming.” Applejack whispered. “Indeed there is a war going on.  Haven’t you heard?” A voice said overhead. It was Spitfire, Commander of the Wonderbolts. “The Enemy is stirring, and we must be ready to meet them. I’d love to stay and chat, but there’s no time, and Discord will want to see you. Good Luck girls, you’ll all need it.” Spitfire gave Rainbow dash a parting gift and flew off to join her comrades in arms. “We’d better go and see what Discord wants.” Twilight Sparkle said nervously as they approached Canterlot Castle. The lights went out and the door slammed behind them. “Hey, who turned out the lights?” somepony asked. A voice in the darkness answered them. “Ah, a power outage, how droll. Let there be light.” Torches came on, slowly pushing away the darkness, revealing a Draconequus sitting on what once was Princess Celestia’s Throne. “Ah, that’s better now.  Let’s get to business, shall we?” Discord said smugly, but serious.

“Alright Discord, what have you done to the Princesses?” Twilight growled.

“Always the feisty one, eh? Why blame poor old me? Alright, I’ll tell you.”  Discord glanced outside nervously. The Sun was already fading, welcoming the Darkness.  “The Princesses had sensed something dark and powerful stirring in the Everfree Forest. An evil so powerful it almost destroyed Equestria during our darkest days. The Good, the Neutral, and the Bad all had to unite in order to defeat it. We might not have the strength to defeat it again.” Discord said worriedly.

“Wait, that doesn’t make any sense.  I mean, why would the Princesses go off to fight it alone?” Twilight said, confused.

“What fun is there in making sense? They went back in time, hoping to defeat it in its weakened state. Oh, I almost forgot, the Princesses left this for you.”  Discord said as he handed Twilight Sparkles a letter and a small package. Twilight opened the note.

My Faithful Student,

If you’re reading this, then we have been imprisoned by Nocturne. You and your friends must go back in time, tread our paths, find the lost guardian of the Shadow Realms, and defeat Darkness, or all is lost. If I’m correct, there is an old friend that might be able to help. But beware, he may still have amnesia and may be allied with the enemy. If not, and all is well, hand him the package. He will know what to do and come to our aid. Travel to the Romarion Empire to the East and look for clues that will lead you to the Elements of Harmony. Pack well and rest assured, Discord will make sure you all will arrive safely. In the name of all that is good, help us.

Your Loyal Princess,

Celestia.

“Wait, who’s this old friend? Star Swirl the Bearded? Who in the name of Celestia is Nocturne? And what’s in this package? Is it a Peace Offering?” Twilight Sparkle demanded an answer.

“In time, find out, you will. Now, are you all ready to-” A siren sounded, interrupting Discord. “Lovely, it appears the enemy has broken through our defenses already. Now, are you girls ready? I have a pandemonium party planned for our unwelcomed guests.”

“I’m ready, are you girls ready?” Twilight asked.

“Allon-y!”

“Yeehaw!”

“Um…no.”

“Ready when you are!”

“If there’s a party on the other side, then I am so there!”

“Alright Discord, we’re all set.” Twilight said with confidence. Discord pressed a button which shook the throne room. The Throne slid backward, revealing a small room that was instantly filled with White Power. “Good Luck, My Little Ponies! Cause some chaos for me, will ya?” Twilight promised they would cause some chaos. “Alright girls, it’s now or never.” They all jumped into the Portal.  The last thing they saw before being whitening out was explosions, griffin-like creatures pouring in, and Discord bellowing.

Bright lights faded away as they found themselves in a alleyway of Canterlot. “Something’s not right here, it’s too quiet.” Twilight muttered. “Hey, let’s go ask that mysterious fellow where we are and what’s going on!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, pointing at a figure leaning against a wall, silently watching them. Twilight Sparkle didn't want to, but Pinkie implored her until she gave in.  Cautiously, they approached it. The Cloaked figure stood, as if waiting for them.