The sun glimmered down on hundreds of ponies, unicorns and earth ponies, all wearing the Water Nation's armor. They stood in perfect formation, watching a single red carpet that went down between them and made its way from the airship port to the castle. A great black ship, the Moonscar, slowly glided into port, causing the ponies to stare up in anticipation.

Two ponies stepped forward first, both unicorns with white coats. The elder had a purple mane, while the younger had a pink striped mane. Both wore flowing black garments, etched with the moon across their flanks and hooves. The crowds erupted into cheers as the two walked from the ship, smiles etched across their faces.

The elder pony, Rarity, glanced to her sister, Sweetie Belle, and smiled. “Quite the turn out.”

“Of course! They just couldn't wait to see us again, big sister!”

“Mother, father?” Rarity asked, glancing back. Behind her stood two more elder unicorns, both wearing clear, dark blue cloaks, etched with the crescent moon.

“It's fine, dear,” the mare, Luna, said. She had a dark blue coat, with a flowing blue mane.

“Everypony must be relieved to see us return after our trip,” the stallion said. He had a dark gray coat, with a black and blue striped mane. “Though, personally I think they're just happy the three prettiest mares in the Water Nation have come back to grace the capital with their presence,” he said in a soft, teasing tone.

Luna giggled, bumping his rump with her own. “Oh, you knock that off right now,” she said, her voice filled with mirth.

Rarity stopped, a soft voice piercing her ears. She looked around, confusion etched on her face. “Is something wrong?” Sweetie asked.

“I thought I heard somepony calling my name...”

“Everypony is calling our names, dear,” Luna said with a chuckle.

“No... I mean...” Through the crowds she thought she saw a flash of green and purple scales, but it was gone in a moment. She shook her head. “It must be my imagination.”

They trotted through the crowds, happy ponies yelling and calling their names, waving wildly. They waved back, occasionally chuckling at their happy subjects. Inside the castle was no different, ponies greeting them and asking how their journey was. Talks of the everlasting peace, minor scuffles in the outer reaches of the nation, but nothing worth worrying about. Before long, the four were surrounded by their advisers, discussing how best to prepare for the winter cold, keeping all their subjects warm and safe. As the rulers of the entire world, it was their duty to maintain safety for all.

Rarity sighed in contentment, watching her parents work, occasionally giving each other love filled glances. To her delight, there was a knock on the door and soon her aunt, the white unicorn Celestia, joined them. As always, the elder mare was a bundle of energy, happily playing harmless pranks on the advisers and doing her best to bring smiles to her niece's faces. The advisors could do naught but glare, the effect usually wasted when their manes were soaked.

“Rarity!” the voice yelled again, though it sounded much clearer this time. Pitiful, weak. Definitely a stallion. No, not a stallion, but a male. Something... else. She tried to focus on the happy times surrounding her, but it called yet again. Something needed her help. She turned to the towering oak doors that led outside the chamber. Outside the chamber was the source. She could feel it. She slowly walked to the door, her heart pounding. She reached out to touch it...

“Rarity!” A new voice cried, making her sit up in bed.

Author's Notes:

That's right, book 3 is up and ready for viewing... soon. Here's a little spoiler to alert all the favoriters out there. Hoping you're all looking forward to seeing the new adventure. :)