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The sun rises over the horizon like it always does, dyeing everything in view magnificent colors, and I cannot help but wonder why today feels different. The sun's rays used to give me energy and happiness, fill me with life, but, today—like countless days before—, they only make my spirits sink lower. It has been my duty to raise the star every morning since longer than I can remember, but, for quite some time now, it has felt pointless. I owe it to my subjects to bestow upon them this life-giving light, but I find myself lacking the energy to even wake up before the time arises to welcome the sun. My guards have had to awaken me for many years now. They seem to realize something is wrong, but they are wise to keep their mouths shut. It would be rude and inconsiderate to ask something so personal of their princess, even though I would not mind if someone showed care once in awhile.

With a heavy heart, I turn my back on the sun and stride into the castle, pulling the doors closed behind me with my magic and shrouding the room in darkness. I could not explain it should I be asked, but it was as if the sun repelled me. The very thing that had served as my purpose in life for thousands of years was becoming the bane of my existence. I could not—would not—tell anyone of my thoughts. I was their leader; their faith rested in me. I could not let them down no matter what, even if the thing that is hanging over my head threatens to crush me. I will not be weak. I am a role model. I am a leader. I am invincible. Or, in the very least, I must pretend that is the case.

"Princess? Are you in there?" one of my most loyal guard's voices travels through the door that leads out to the rest of the castle, his tone one of concern. Silver Sword has been my guard ever since he got his cutie mark as a colt. If I were younger, we would be friends. Alas, I was the Princess; I could not make friends, not like I wished I could.

"Yes," I respond simply, my voice cracking in the slightest. I know he notices, so I continue. "I am fine, Silver Sword. Do not worry. I just... I need some time alone. You understand, do you not?" I hear him sigh.

"Of course, Your Highness," he replies after a minute, the sound of his hooves scuffing the floor reaching my ears. He was the only guard to act less than diminutive around me, and I greatly appreciated it. "Let me know if you need anything." His hooves clop on the tile floor as he travels down the hallway away from my room. I wish he would ignore his duty to be respectful of me and actually pursue his concern, but he is too loyal to ever do that. I admire his determination, but it sickens me as well.

Today will be one of solitude, much like many others have been, because I need to reflect on my past. I need to figure out the real reason why I am like this. I know there is something that I cannot recall, something deep in my mind unable to be remembered, and I must discover what that is. I feel it has something to do with my mood as of late, and, when a hunch like this hits me, I am almost always correct. My past holds a secret I need to uncover. I need to get back to my old self, for my people and for myself. It has been so long since I last took time to simply think; my duties normally restrict my free time. However, today, the day after the Gala, my guards advise me to rest. For once, I listen to them.

With grace, I kneel on my bed, tucking my front legs under me and folding up my back legs so I lay in a comfortable position. I close my eyes loosely, and, without a moment's hesitation, I cast a memory spell on myself, spreading the yellow glow of the magic over my entire body, the light so bright it shines through my eyelids. In an instant, I feel reality shift, and, as I open my eyes, I am no longer in my room in my castle. In fact, I am no longer in the current time. It is the beginning of Equestria, and I am about to find out the root of my problems. The spell has never worked quite like this before, but that does not deter me from my quest. With a combination of excitement and fear, I rise to my feet and prepare to witness the birth of my country once more.