When the ponies reflect on Equestria’s history, all the way back to the fall of Nightmare Moon, there is one thing engraved in all their minds: the Elements of Harmony.

Every pony knew of the six most powerful elements in the universe: Kindness, Loyalty, Generosity, Honesty, Laughter, and Magic. The very foundation of friendship itself. But what ponies may not know that history has clouded over one very important, very crucial factor:

There wasn’t just ‘six’ elements… There were ‘seven’.

And how would this truth be known? Because I was there… I was there where the real story begins… My story…

My name is Storm Shield, and any pony who ever met me knows I’m a very outgoing, friendly unicorn. They remembered the colt with the tan-beige colored coat, the jet black mane with red streaks, and eyes consisting of the most beautiful shade of teal any pony has ever seen. My family and I grew up in Canterlot for as long as I could remember. My parents own and operate a flower shop, where I, along with my sister, Rose Gold, often worked. Despite living in the biggest capital in all Equestria, living a fairly modest life, I always believed there was something bigger, something better out there in the wide open landscape.

As I grew older, my magical abilities evolved with me. I spent years conjuring spells and enchantments far beyond the level most colts my age could reach, that certainly drew a ton of attention. Then one day, I received a letter inviting me with an opportunity to enroll in Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. The only thing I needed to do, to be fully welcome at this most prestigious school, was to pass an entrance exam… Just one. In which case, I had to do one thing: Hatch a Phoenix egg. Sounds easy, right? Well… Not exactly.

At first, it was a difficult process, to hatch an egg with my magic alone. But soon enough, I dug deep within my very soul and eventually a gigantic burst of magic was released, striking the egg. I remember that moment… A newborn Phoenix, free of its shell, flapping its tiny wings before perching itself on my back. Needless to say, the teachers there were rather impressed by such a display of power.

Once the exam was over, I was asked to stay and observe the next exam, to take some notes. I could’ve simply just walked out after already completing my task, but I decided to stay and watch perhaps to learn something. Otherwise, I had nothing better to do the rest of the day. So, I agreed, and took a seat waiting for the next pony to enter the room. When I turned to the open doorway, I remember how far my jaw dropped, how wide my eyes grew.

She was the most beautiful unicorn I’ve ever seen in my life. I remember her very well: Her mane and tail with such a lovely shade of magenta and purple, and her eyes… Those beautiful lavender eyes. The teachers introduced her as Twilight Sparkle, a fitting name for her. I remember sitting there, staring dreamily at the unicorn like a living work of art. She began her exam, in her case hatching a dragon egg. She tried so hard, with all her ability, but for whatever reason the magic refused to ignite. She seemed so sad; I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her.

Then it happened, just as she was about to walk away, there was an explosion… A massive rainbow shook the very Earth itself. In a single instance, I witnessed the little unicorn’s magic going haywire, blasting everything in sight. I saw her parents turn to plants, the egg hatched releasing the baby dragon, only to make it grow a near fifty feet at least. It was complete mayhem, I barely got through it unscathed.

I barely remember what I was doing or why I did it, but in that moment, I leapt into action. Not even bothering to consider my own welfare, I used my own magic to deflect the magical bolts so as not to cause any further harm. I was able to conjure a magical shield, big and strong enough to deflect the beams before rushing toward Twilight and encasing her in my own red magical aura. A sudden sense of calmness washed over her; I could see it in her eyes watching as her magic eventually ceased. I recall the very first time she looked up to the young colt who helped her, the teal eyes looking into her lavender gaze.

Suddenly, a blinding white light engulfed the room and it cleared, there she was: Princess Celestia, the Goddess of the Sun and Ruler of Equestria, standing in the middle of the room. We witnessed her use her great power to turn everything back to normal before approaching the two young unicorns, one with a guilty look on her face… Not that I was any better.

However, rather than a stern lecture, the Princess made an offer: For the two of us to serve as her personal proteges at the school. To say I was completely taken aback is an understatement, but there I was… Staring at her in surprise. Twilight, meanwhile, leapt into the air and cheered excitedly. As if that wasn’t enough, the Princess indicated to our flanks and when we looked back… I remember smiling as excitedly as her. Twilight’s cutie mark was a magical pink star, whereas I had a silver shield with a golden star on the front covering two crossed swords. This day truly proved to be the greatest day of our lives. I never truly saw myself as one of Princess Celestia’s prized students or anypony truly destined for the greatness that awaited, but it certainly offered one of the craziest adventures of my entire life

If this article is ever found, understand that from that moment on: Neither one of us were ever prepared for the future that awaited us… How this experience would forever change Twilight Sparkle… As it did… For me…