The sun shone brilliantly in the deep blue expanse of the sky above the quiet park, no clouds to dampen the spirits of anypony around. Nary a sound was made aside from the hum of the wind blowing throughout the trees and the whistles of nearby birds; at least it was, until a certain group of friends arrived.

“Come on girls, not long to go!” Twilight shouted excitedly behind her, bouncing around with unbounded joy. She’d been waiting months for this trip to Manehatten, she’d finally get to see what it was like. How exciting! she thought to herself, continuing her happy parade around her friends.

“Calm down, sugarcube. I’m excited too, but that’s no reason to jump around like some crazy-pony.” Applejack said, trying to calm the nearly flying violet pony.

“Yeah, Twilight, you’re even scaring Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash said, nodding her head in the direction of the cowering pony.

“Yes, darling, why don’t you just give it a rest and have a nice sit down for a change.” Rarity politely motioned her hoof towards her.

“Why should she? She’s more fun than ever!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie happily, glancing towards her friend. “Don’t listen to them Twilight, have fun!” Pinkie bounced around her, higher than any ‘other’ pony could possibly jump.

“Sorry girls, it’s just I’ve been waiting so long to see it. I can’t help but be excited.” Twilight said abandoning the bouncing pink pony, approaching her friends.

“S’alright sugarcube, no need to apologize, we understand, just…” Applejack paused for a moment then continued. “… calm down a bit.”

Twilight slowly nodded, glancing over her shoulder to see a flying carriage arriving from the horizon pulled by four strong, sturdy young pegasi, followed by multiple winged guards.

“Quickly!” Twilight shot up again. “Get your bags ready girls!” she continued, trotting to her more-than-organized luggage.

She watched as the carriage pulled up towards the group, stopping right in front of them. Twilight prepared to set her suitcases into the storage compartment when an unexpected guest popped out causing her load to topple onto her, muffling her scream.

Luna looked petrified, swiftly trying to assist the astonished pony out of her baggage. “We are sorry, Twilight Sparkle!” she promptly said, “We-.“ Luna paused for a second, “I mean I, am sorry. I did not mean to scare you.” she continued stopping for a moment afterwards, frowning and looking at Twilight with pleading eyes. “Could you forgive me?”

“Of course I will, I just wasn’t expecting you, that’s all.” replied Twilight, stacking her trunks back up.

“Are you sure?” questioned Luna.

“Yes I’m sure, now please stop worrying, I forgive you.” Twilight said, looking up at the princess.

Luna briskly nodded and proceeded to examine her surroundings. After moments of glancing around, she noticed Twilight’s friends bowing in her presence.

“Please friends, rise! There is no need to bow.” Luna said, inviting them to stand.

“But it is uncouth not to bow in the presence of royalty!” Rarity said, rising onto her hooves..

Luna’s face turned deathly serious as she began to speak. “It is also law to abide by what royalty says.”

The fashionista’s face darkened and she briskly started to apologize before being interrupted by unexpected giggles from the princess herself.

“I kid Rarity, please feel free to do what you like,” she said between bouts of laughter. Slowly halting her fit, she glanced at the ponies standing adjacent purple maned unicorn, smiling, “... and you all feel free to do what you like as well.”
Each pony nodded steadily, hastily following Twilight whom had put her luggage into storage whilst the ponies were conversing.

Luna and Twilight watched while the rest of the ponies finished inserting their things into the storage unit. until their gaze was drawn to a familiar figure that appeared behind them. “I see you couldn’t resist tagging along, sister.” They both turned around to see none other than Celestia in full regal armor standing before them.

“S-sister, uh, I-” Luna tried to explain but was interrupted by a silencing gesture from the princess of the sun.

“This was supposed to be a vacation for the six of them, no meddling from either of us, and you were supposed to be keeping track of the castle while I saw my student off.” Celestia said, followed by the group of ponies accompanying Twilight rushing to bow before her.

“But sister, this could be my only chance to get to know them more!” Luna argued.

“I’m sorry Luna, but this is their time, they deserve it.” Celestia said, frowning slightly.

“U-uhm, excuse me Princess-...” Twilight started to say but was cut off by both aged goddesses turning unto her with questioning looks on their faces. She paused awkwardly then continued. “Princess Celestia.” Another pause, followed by the full attention of her mentor. “I’d actually like for Luna to come; I want to get to know her more too.”

Celestia’s gaze dropped as she let out a sigh turning to Luna. “Alright, you win.” she ended her slightly defeated tone and replaced it with annoyance, “Now I have to get back to Canterlot because somepony left the castle! Goodbye my faithful student.” Celestia trotted away, ignoring any strange looks she may have gotten. She spread her wings and flew away, her royal guard in pursuit.

“Pardon me Princess, but the princess...” Applejack hesitated, letting out a slight cough. “She was actin’ a bit strange, know why that is?”

“She’s been under so much stress lately, the griffons have been pushing the borders of their territory, and the negotiations with them have become more and more aggressive.” Luna instantly put her hoof to her mouth, blocking any communication she could make before taking it off again. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that, lets just get going.” and as the day finally fell to night, they set off into the sky, leaving behind the little town known as Ponyville to the bustling streets of Manehattan.
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Author’s Note:

Twilight’s Journal, Manehattan: Dog carcass in alley this morning, tire tread on burst stomach. This city is afraid of me. I have seen its true face. The streets are extended gutters and the gutters are full of blood and when the drains finally scab over, all the vermin will drown. The accumulated filth of all their sex and murder will foam up about their waists and all the whores and politicians will look up and shout “Save us!”... and I’ll whisper “no.”

Apologies about the abundance of dialogue, this is just for the prologue.
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Googledocs: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QhCJSizRsp__LlLx1Memxd2FjptsDhBuOIrIc7M9GUw/edit Comments allowed.