Title:           To be continued?
Author:          Anonymous
Pastebin link:   http://pastebin.com/s3Vhw2sC
First Edit:      Monday 22nd of February 2016 07:34:07 PM CDT
Last Edit:       Monday 22nd of February 2016 07:34:07 PM CDT

>You are Twilight Sparkle.
>Correction; Princess Twilight Sparkle. Newest member of the Alicorn Tetrarchy for about six months now. It seemed more ceremonial than anything but you had been called upon to oversee some events. Nothing major, though.
>Spike had received his usual letter informing you of a visit of the three princesses themselves, which itself was quite unexpected. What was so pressing that they all had to see you in person?
>You expected poor Kibitz was going to be overloaded with work during this ordeal.
>What was even more peculiar was that the letter mentioned that this visit was to be discreet and that she should prepare for a journey.
>If Equestria was in danger, they'd be more forthcoming with the details and rest of the elements would've no doubt been notified.
>But Discord hadn't caused any trouble, the changelings were far away and Tirek was imprisoned in Tartarus. All was right with Equestria, so why the sudden urgency?
>They were due to arrive in three days from whence you received the letter, until they arrived you simply played it off as normal and carried on with your business. It would've helped if they letter specified how long or arduous this journey will be so you could amptly prepare. Still, your trusty saddlebags, a few tomes and some sandwiches should be enough. They usually are.
>When the day came for the princesses' arrival, they came by themselves in the late evening. Like three soaring eagles in the red sky landing outside Twilight's castle. Of course, they caused a stir amongst the few ponies who were there but they were not dressed for any formal event. They done away with their royal regalia and favored instead clothing for winter.
>You and the other triumvirate bowed to each other and before you could do away with the formalities and embrace your friends in a hug, Celestia held out a hoof and stopped you.
>"Not yet, Twilight. I am sorry." She said, retaining that motherly quality to her voice.
"W-why not?" Now you were concerned. What could've possibly brought about this sudden change in mood?
>It was only when you glanced at the other two did you notice their swords sheathed to their side.
>Duskrender, Luna's black sword.
>Valentine, Cadence's own sword.
>And of course, Celestia's own sword, "The wake-up call", the gem in its pommel resembling a burning sun.
"Alright, I am in serious need of some answers right now." You ask pleadingly.
>Luna scans her surroundings cautiously. "Not here." She answers. "Follow us."
 
>The four of you flew north for at least two hours. Though you had gotten some practice in with your new wings, the other princesses were far more versed in their use, though they did show leniancy and Luna had to catch you after you took an unexpected dive.
>Your journey brought you to the northern tundra, a vast expanse of lush green fields and slopes as far as the eye could see. At least, until they reached the mountain range which divided Equestria from the rest of the world.
>Your journey also brought you some aching wing muscles and a sore back. So, you sit down to rest on the grass and take out a sandwich.
>Celestia, Luna and Cadence joined you in resting yet did not eat, even after you offered them a sandwich.
"So...why are we out here?" You finally break the ice.
>The ivory princess glances towards one of the mountains and speaks as she looks at its snowy peak, it stood tall amongst its brothers, yet the summit was thinner and more pronounced, it stood in the centre of the range and seemed to challenge those who looked upon it, yet Twilight had heard of this tract of earth and how not even the Pegasi could scale its peak.
>Surely, when she said "journey" she didn't mean...
>"You are to reach the peak of Mount Kokuoh and meet the lonely soul who dwells there." Celestia says with a grim authority in the actual Royal Canterlot Voice, making you reel back and drop your sandwich.
>"And you must go alone." Luna adds in the same tone. "The mountain will only yield to those of royalty."
>"Return to us when you have learnt all that the Wandering Soul has to teach you." Cadence rejoinders, throwing in her own authentic RCV.
>"Only then will you truly be able to take the mantle of a Princess of Equestria." Celestia says, looking down at your timid form. "Be strong, be willing and make Equestria proud to call you one of their leaders."
>And with that, they flew off. Leaving you on your lonesome to pick your jaw up off the grass.