If one were to describe Twilight as being nervous, they'd probably be making the biggest understatement of the century. The poor girl was, at this very moment, struggling to even breathe properly, walking down the long and elaborate halls of the royal palace itself. Not a single word had left her lips since her brother's declaration, and speaking of whom, that very man was there, walking alongside her, as ordered. Spike was there as well, although, given that this was his home, he was somewhat less worried than his friend was. As for Twilight herself, her heavy breathing echoed throughout this place, and she never let her eyes stray beyond the red carpet they walked along. On the rare occasion she did look up, all she saw was more hallways, and the fully-clad soldiers of the royal guard, standing like silent golden statues.

"Don't worry, Twilight," a voice spoke.

Turning, she looked upon Spike, who gave her a friendly smile.

"Maybe it's good news. Why knows? Maybe she wanted to take you on personally or something."

To this, Twilight let out a sigh, shaking her head.

"Be serious, Spike. Everyone knows she doesn't take on apprentices anymore. Not since the last one, anyway."

Spike might have wanted to console her further, but he knew it would have been a losing battle. As for Twilight, she counted the moments, not that this did her any good, feeling her heartbeat increase as she got closer and closer to their destination. But, it wasn't long before she felt something. A warmth upon her shoulder. Turning, she saw her brother, smiling down at her, offering her silent comfort. Needless to say, it did little to remove her fears from her, and yet, she nevertheless welcomed it, returning the smile as she took yet another deep and calming breath. But, as expected, there came a time when they arrived at their goal; an ornate and ancient-looking wooden door, adorned with the symbol of the sun. As expected, two of the guard stood adjacent, both of whom saluted Shining as they approached. Twilight's brother returned the salute, but, as he turned to speak to her, another voice was heard instead.

"Excellent. You're on-time I see."

Turning, all three looked upon a new arrival to this scene. A woman, older than Twilight but not quite as old as Shining, clad in a very sensible business-like garb, coloured with many blacks and dark-blues. Like Twilight, her hair, also purple, was tied up in a bun. However, unlike Twilight, she was currently carrying herself in a far more professional manner, with both hands clasped behind her back and regarding the three carefully, raising an eyebrow as she did so. Shining, clearing his throat, took a step forward before addressing her.

"Miss Rarity. Always a pleasure. How go your duties?"

The woman, Rarity, gave a short nod to that before replying.

"Just the usual, Sir Shining. Reports of gem hunters in the wilds. Riots among the Gryffs. Nothing her Grace isn't used to hearing these days."

Shining regarded her, casting a glance to the nearby door before looking back to the woman.

"Speaking of whom, is her Grace ready to receive us?"

Rarity gave another nod.

"Indeed. So I suggest you not keep her waiting any further. She and my mistress do so hate waiting."

Hearing that, Twilight took a sudden and very nervous-sounding gulp.

"Your mistress? You mean...her...her sister?! Princess Luna is here as well?"

Looking upon the stuttering younger girl, Rarity again gave a nod.

"Correct."

As one would expect, Twilight was becoming a nervous wreck at this point, but, as before, Shining placed a hand upon her shoulder in an attempt to calm her. Twilight appreciated the gesture, but at this point she had long abandoned any hope of going through this ordeal in a calm manner. However, during this sister-brother bonding moment, Spike had elected to walk closer to Rarity, bearing a confident smile and giving a slight bow of his head.

"Lady Rarity. How nice it is to see you again."

The older woman turned to the Prince, regarding him with the kind of smile one wore when doing their best to appear cordial.

"Prince Spike. I hope the day greets you well?"

Spike chuckled to that, raising a hand and scratching the back of his head as he continued.

"All the better, now that you're here."

To her credit, Rarity kept her calm demeanour up well in the face of such obvious flirting. And, fortunately for her, it wasn't something she had to put up with for much longer, as Spike was then distracted by the distinct sound of somebody trying to clear their throat. Turning, the youngster gazed upon Shining, who silently used his head to gesture to Twilight, who was still shaking with nerves. Getting the picture, Spike gave a somewhat apologetic look to the older man before looking to Rarity once more.

"On second thoughts, perhaps we'll catch up later."

Rarity nodded, stepping to one side and gesturing to the door.

"In that case, I shan't keep you."

Twilight looked to her, nodding briefly before looking to Shining, and then to Spike. Both of them tried to offer her looks of reassurance, but it did little to help. Instead, she simply elected to try a few more deep breaths, before mustering up what courage she could. She stepped forward, right for the doors, a move which gave the nearby guards cause to start moving themselves. The each took a door and gave an almighty push, opening it for the approaching youth. With that last barrier between her and her goal now removed, Twilight's eyes widened, as she now looked upon something she never once dreamed she could ever see; the throne room.

As one would expect from the literal seat of power for the realm, it was a magnificent sight to behold. Pristine white columns of marble reaching up to the impossibly high ceiling. Stained glass windows, depicting every major and important event in their history. A red carpet, clean and shining. All these things and more adorned this place, giving off an air of sophistication the likes of which you were not likely to find anywhere else. But, impressive though this place may have been, that was not what held Twilight's focus right now. Instead, her eyes never left that which was at the very end of that massive room. The throne of their people, golden, adorned with many jewels, and, like everything else, with the symbol of the sun carved into many places.

However, it was not longer after seeing this that her attention fell, naturally, to the one sitting upon the chair. A woman, many years her elder, and yet still bearing an almost youthful beauty to her. Her hair a combination of many colours, flowing in the gentle breeze that flowed through this place. Her garb, a long white dress, which was worn alongside many golden ornaments, such as bracelets and a necklace. And upon her head, a crown, which glistened in the sunlight that poured through the many windows here. Queen Celestia. Her monarch, her leader, and the most revered mage in their nation. Needless to say, Twilight was at a loss for words over all of this, which was not something that could be said for the Queen herself.

"Good day to you, Miss Sparkle. I see you received my summons."

Now, Twilight had imagined the voice of her monarch many times over the course of her life. In her mind, she had created this voice of power, of strength. The kind of voice where none would speak against it, simply because of how commanding and forceful it was. And yet, that was not the voice that had just spoken to her. Instead, what she had heard was soft, kind, motherly even. It was not the tone one expected from someone as famously powerful as Celestia. Unfortunately, before the girl had a chance to answer, another voice entered the fray.

"She is punctual. A good sign."

Now this voice was far more akin to what Twilight had imagined. It was direct, with a distinct edge to it, and it wasn't long before the bearer of that voice made herself known. Stepping forth from behind the shadow of the throne, looking upon Twilight with narrowed eyes, was another woman, and one the girl knew in her heart could only have been one person; Princess Luna. She was, in all honesty, a complete contrast to Celestia in virtually all ways one could imagine. Her garb was not a bright white dress, but something that could far more appropriately be called armour, shaded in the same blacks and blues that rarity had been wearing. Azure bracers, greaves, chest-plate and helmet all worked together to create a dangerous image, not helped by the stern look she was giving her right now. But Celestia, seeing Twilight almost shaking, even from this distance, spoke up yet again.

"Be mindful, sister. I doubt the young lady is used to circumstances such as these."

Luna looked to her sister through the corer of her eye, before giving a brief and direct nod. Afterwards, she raised her hand, gesturing to Twilight to come forth. Although the young mage hesitated, she nevertheless did as instructed, though took slow steps to get there. Shining and Spike walked alongside her, as always, and, after a few minutes, all three were at the base of the steps leading up to the throne. Celestia stared at her guest for a while, but, it wasn't long before her gaze fell instead upon the young boy at her side. And here, she broke into a genuine smile.

"And good day to you, my son."

Smiling back, Spike gave a respectful bow.

"Mother."

As he rose, he looked over to Luna.

"Auntie."

Although she briefly rolled her eyes at that title, Luna eventually cracked a smile of her own, nodding back to the youth as she did so. It was not long afterwards when Celestia began to continue.

"I have often wondered of the friend you have spoken of. And even I had not imagined that it would be this meeting when we were finally introduced."

Immediately, Twilight's head snapped in Spike's direction, looking utterly mortified at the notion that her friend had spoken to Celestia of her in the past. Spike, for his part, seemed somewhat embarrassed by this himself, and so turned away, lest he look directly at Twilight. As for Celestia, she took a moment to be slightly amused by this, but, after clearing her throat, gained the attention of the two youths once more.

"Twilight...though I may technically be the head of your school, you and I have never met."

Twilight nodded to this, albeit only briefly.

"Indeed, your Majesty. Though...I do not fault you. You are very busy, I'm sure."

Her tone was genuine, and Celestia smiled in appreciation.

"You are too kind, young one. Though, in truth, I have often lamented that I do not spend enough time in those duties."

Gradually, her smile became a knowing smirk.

"Although, from what I've heard, your teachers are nevertheless impressed with your studies. Some have even informed me that they do not recall ever meeting a student as devoted to her work as you."

A blush formed upon Twilight's cheeks, and she nervously poked her fingers against each other.

"Th...thank you, your Majesty."

Unfortunately, as pleasant as this conversation was, Luna, it seemed, was far from being amused by it, and so leaned closer to her sister, whispering so the young girl could not hear.

"Celestia...this is not why you asked her here."

For just a brief moment, the Queen cast a frown in her younger sister's direction, but, soon afterwards, returned to smiling. After staring at Twilight for some time, she let out a sigh, before speaking up, this time, loud enough so that all in this grand room could hear.

"Leave us."

The response was immediate, as all of the golden guards lining the room gave a salute to their monarch, before moving as one, turning in unison towards the great doors. But there was one among their number who did not act so quickly. Shining, who had been standing beside Twilight this whole time, and now bore a look of hesitancy. Twilight looked to him for a time, but in the end, he too began to walk away. However, he was halted once more by the voice of the Queen.

"Not you, Sir Shining. You, I think, may remain."

Shining was, understandably, surprised at this, but nevertheless gave a bow to his leader, resuming his place beside his sister. This collection remained where they were, never saying a word, and waiting for all of the guards to leave them. After a full minute, this had occurred, and the creaking of the throne room's door gave way to the loud and clear sound of them closing. Now alone from the prying eyes of others, Celestia leaned forward, staring intently at Twilight.

"Tell me, Twilight. Though your days are no doubt filled with learning the intricacies of magic, do you, perhaps, recall the old tales? The stories of yore and the legends of our people?"

Naturally, Twilight was a little taken aback by such a question, looking to her brother for a moment. Unfortunately, he seemed to be just as in-the-dark on this as she was, and so shrugged his shoulders to her. Looking back to Celestia, Twilight adjusted her glasses slightly before, at last, starting to respond.

"Well...yes. I mean, my brother used to tell me those stories all the time when I was little."

Celestia gave a brief nod.

"Indeed? And which stories were these?"

Twilight took a moment to think back on her childhood before answering.

"All sorts. The stories of a nation filled with crystal. Tales of the mad god of chaos. The legends of ancient heroes and heroines. They were some of my favourites when I was younger."

A smile formed on Celestia's face.

"Then tell me...did you ever, perchance, heard of the legend...of the Elements of Harmony?"

A silence fell after the Queen's words, and for whatever reason, Twilight could feel, for lack of a better word, cold. There was something in the air after her leader had spoken that she just couldn't explain. Even so, she had been asked a question, and so endeavoured to answer it. Thinking hard, she spoke softly.

"Well...I don't remember it as much as the other stories, but...I think I could tell you some of it."

Again, Celestia nodded.

"Please...do so."

Clearing her throat, Twilight did as she was asked.

"The story was that, long ago, further back than any other time in the world, there was strife. Light and darkness, struggling for dominion over all. In their need to achieve victory, the forces of light crafted six magical objects. The Elements."

Twilight watched as Celestia looked to her with interest, as indeed did everybody else. While certainly uncomfortable with this kind of attention, she nevertheless did her best to continue under the circumstances.

"A great battle was fought, and, using the Elements, those who followed the light drove the darkness from our world forever."

Here, now that the story had come to an end, Celestia rose from her chair. Twilight, seeing this, took a deep gulp, watching as her monarch took the steps down to meet with her. When she was finally down, barely a few feet away from the girl, the older woman clasped her hands behind her back, looking to her with utter seriousness. It was a feeling reflected in her tone as she finally spoke.

"What if I were to tell you...that the Elements are real?"

As before, a silence fell upon the group, and the three youngers, Twilight, Shining and Spike, all looked to Celestia with dumbfounded expressions. There was shock, surprise, even disbelief. Even Spike could not quite grasp what his Mother had just said here, but like the others, he too said nothing. As for Twilight, she was, naturally, having a difficult time just thinking of what it was she wanted to say. But, in the end, she said perhaps the only thing one could say in her position.

"Your...your Majesty? I...I'm not quite sure how to say this, but...are you being serious?"

To this, Celestia narrowed her eyes somewhat.

"Are you suggesting I would lie about something like this?"

Realising what her remark must have sounded like, Twilight immediately slapped her hands over her mouth, dropping to both knees and looking down at the ground, averting her gaze from her leader.

"I'm sorry! I...I don't know what came over me! I swear, I didn't mean to...!"

But, she was halted form this, strangely, by the sound of laughter. Slowly, she looked up, and saw that Celestia was indeed letting out a hearty laugh, much to the confusion of both her and her companions. Luna stood nearby, remaining just as stoic and serious as ever, but Celestia, after finally letting her laugh run it's course, gestured for Twilight to stand. The girl hesitated, but only for a moment, and after getting to her feet, waited for her leader to speak. She did not have to wait long.

"Forgive my words, Miss Sparkle. In truth, I'd have been disappointed if you'd accepted my declaration that easily."

However, moments later, her expression became stern once more.

"But I meant what I said. The Elements are real."

Hearing this, Twilight turned to Shining, then to Spike, before gazing yet again to Celestia.

"They...they are?"

Celestia nodded.

"Indeed. Though, as you might expect, it is not knowledge we typically broadcast to the world. The existence of these artefacts has been a closely guarded secret of my family for a long time."

The moment Twilight heard that, one question above all entered her mind.

"But...if that's true, then...why tell me about it?"

Celestia paused, and for just a second, Twilight could have sworn that she saw hesitancy within those older eyes. In these moments of silence, Celestia looked over her shoulder, right to Luna. The younger royal looked back to her, giving a brief nod, causing Celestia to sigh before returning her gaze to Twilight.

"Because, Twilight...it is my wish that you go forth into the world...and find them."

The silence that followed those words was so intense that not even their own breathing could be heard. Like she had done so many times today, Twilight stared at her monarch, expecting, and perhaps even hoping, that this was all some elaborate joke being pulled on her. However, in time, it dawned on her that, sadly, there was no such fortune for her. Celestia was looking to her with utter seriousness. She had meant every word of it. She had meant it. And that, perhaps more than anything else she had heard today, struck her deep. Her breathing was heavy at this point, but the Queen, to her credit, gave the youth all the time she needed to get her thoughts in order. When Twilight finally spoke, her voice was barely above a whisper.

"You...you want me...to find them?"

Celestia nodded.

"I do. I understand that this is a shock to you. And believe me when I say that this is not an easy choice to make. But even so...this is a task that needs to be undertaken. And I have selected you to do it."

To say that the younger people in this room were struck with confusion would have been a great understatement, as they all looked to one another, hoping that they might have some help to offer. Unfortunately, there was none to be had. However, after another brief round of silence, it was Shining who now stepped forward and spoke.

"Your Majesty. If I may?"

Celestia regarded him for a moment before giving a brief nod, granting silent permission for him to continue. Nodding his head, Shining carried on.

"Your Grace, if it is indeed your intention to send my sister on a dangerous mission such as this, I humbly ask that I be sent alongside her."

Looking to him, Celestia raised an eyebrow.

"You, Sir Shining?"

Shining nodded.

"Yes. I mean no disrespect to Twilight..."

Turning, he looked upon the girl in question with genuine concern in his eyes.

"...but she has never ventured beyond the walls of our city before. She knows little of what to expect out there. And, if I may speak on a more personal note...by her own admission, her skills in magic are far from complete. Were she to encounter difficulties, I am not confident she would be able to defend herself."

Hearing all of this, Twilight looked to her brother. Though she may be loathe to admit it in this place, he was right. Her skills were lesser than many of her colleagues, and she herself had made comment on it many times by now. But, while it somewhat irked her to hear of her brother speaking this way, she knew, in her heart, that he was doing it out of love and concern for her. And for that, she could not begrudge him. So, slowly, she offered him a small smile. However, this moment as short-lived, as Celestia's voice could then be heard cutting through the silence.

"I'm afraid I must decline your request."

Both Twilight and Shining turned in her direction, with the latter especially being taken aback by this.

"Your Grace?"

Celestia let out a sigh before starting to explain herself.

"I appreciate your reasons for asking. Believe me, if it were my younger sibling, I would ask no less."

Luna rolled her eyes behind her sister, but stayed silent as the latter carried on.

"But you must understand...this is something she must do without you. Her guardian you may be...but you cannot be there for this."

Shining stared at her for some time after this, and, ever so gradually, started to narrow his eyes. Twilight, naturally, started to become worried about how her brother might react to this, and her fears were about to become justified as she saw him start to move forward. With lightning-fast reactions, she held up her hand, barring his path, causing him to look at her. In this moment, brother and sister looked to one another, right into each other's eyes. No words were spoken, and yet, there was an understanding there. Shining's expression softened, though it was clear that he was still unhappy about this. Letting out a sigh, he gave his sister a nod, causing Twilight to offer him another smile. But, moments later, she looked to Celestia with a concerned look of her own.

"Forgive me, your Majesty, but my brother was right about one thing. I have no experience in this kind of task. I've never gone too far from home before. So why choose me above a soldier, an experienced mage, or...or...anyone?"

Celestia regarded the young girl, seeing her look to her with expectancy. The monarch, for a few seconds, appeared deep in thought, perhaps considering how best to word this. But, in the end, when she spoke, she did so in that same motherly tone of hers.

"Twilight...do you trust me?"

As one would expect, Twilight was a little confused by such words, and yet, she nevertheless answered.

"Well...of course. You're our leader. Our protector. The one who..."

But, she was prevented from saying anything else when Celestia raised her hand.

"No, Twilight. I am not asking if you revere me. That much is obvious. I'm asking...if you trust me."

Twilight stopped, looking right into the eyes of her leader. Here before her was a woman she had often hoped of meeting, and yet knew very little about her personally. She had heard of the great deeds she had accomplished, how wise and respected she was, yet as a person, Celestia was always a mystery to her. Now, here, in this place, she looked into those older eyes, seeing nothing but honesty there. Whatever the reason, whatever the thinking that had caused the Queen to choose her, it was a genuine one. Twilight knew this, even though she could not understand why. Slowly, the girl gave a nod, exhaling deeply as she did so.

"Yes...I do trust you."

To this, Celestia smiled in a warm manner.

"Then trust me when I say...it must be you."

But, moments later, her expression became serious once more.

"So, Twilight Sparkle. Will you undertake the quest for the Elements of Harmony?"

Again, the girl paused, and in this silence, she turned to her brother, who, as before, looked to her with concern and worry. She then turned to Spike, who had been quiet throughout much of this meeting. He too seemed worried about her, for which she was immensely grateful. Then, she looked forward, casting a brief glance to Princess Luna, who, as always, looked to her with scepticism. And finally, she looked back to Celestia. A great weight was felt on her heart in this moment, for she knew how important a task was being given to her. It was an opportunity, and a danger. A chance to do something perhaps more worthwhile than anything she had ever considered doing in her life. And so, when she looked into herself, thinking on everything that had been said to her, she knew what her answer would be.

"Yes...I will try to find them."

The moment Twilight's words has been spoken, Celestia's smile returned, and she gently placed her hand upon the girl's shoulder.

"I am glad to hear it. Know this, Twilight. Your journey will begin on the morrow, when the sun first rises above the horizon. When that happens, you will leave the city, and journey west for a day. When that day comes to an end...you will know the next step."

The words were cryptic, that much was certain, and yet, Twilight did not question her leader. Instead, she gave a nod, which was returned by Celestia soon afterwards. Moments after, the youth looked to the Queen, seeing her gesture with her hand, a silent permission that she had been given leave to go. Realising this, Twilight gave a deep bow, taking a few steps backwards as she did so. When she was far enough away, she stood tall once more, spinning around and making her way back to the great doors of the throne room. Never did she look back, and yet she could hear the footsteps of her companions following her as she walked, right to the doors. Once there, she found that they were opening to her approach, with the guards still on the other side. After leaving the room, and finally hearing it close behind her, she looked to her brother, her expression still one of shock.

"Well...um...I suppose...I had better start packing."