Next Chapter! Again, I don't own My Little Pony. And the characters are owned and trademarked by Hasbro.

Chapter 2

Many miles away in the heart of Equestria, a royal summoning had been called by Princess Celestia in Canterlot. The benevolent ruler of Equestria was joined by her sister, Princess Luna, the rulers of The Crystal Empire, Prince Shining Armor and Princess Mi'Amore Cadenza, and the newly crowned Princess Twilight Sparkle.

Twilight Sparkle felt out of place among the other royals, she had yet to fully adjust to her new title, and the idea of being royalty still unsettled her. But a soft smile from her older brother, Shining Armor, put those feelings at ease.

Twilight let out a big sigh and turned her attention to Princess Celestia who was still lost in thought. The purple alicorn frowned with concern. Celestia had not revealed the purpose behind this summons, but Twilight knew her former teacher would not have gathered them all here over something trivial. But what could be so important that even her brother and mare-in-law were needed? Twilight continued to ponder this matter with growing anxiety, until Princess Celestia finally spoke.

"I apologize, friends, for my prior vagueness in my summons," the Princess started, sweeping her gaze to look at each gathered pony in turn, before continuing, "I am quite sure you are all wondering as to why I called you all here, but rest easy, for it is not dire news. However, I must stress that what we discuss here is to be kept completely confidential."

"Of course, my sister," Princess Luna spoke up, "But what, may I ask, is troubling you so?"

The remaining royals nodded their heads in agreement, looks of apprehension on their faces.

"It is not so much troubling, dear sister, as it is...perplexing," the white alicorn answered.

"So what is it and how are we to help?" Princess Cadence asked, "If there is anything you need Shining Armor and me to do, simply ask and we would be more than pleased to serve you," Cadence bowed her head in humility and Shining Armor mirrored the gesture.

"Thank you, Cadence," Celestia nodded with acknowledgment, "Now for the matter at hoof."

Princess Celestia's horn glowed a faint yellow and a large map of Equestria appeared before her. The map took up the majority of space in the throne room, and projected the continent in a three-dimensional clarity that seemed as if the royals were simply flying over the land. Twilight Sparkle gasped in awe, for she had never seen a map so precise before, she could even pick out individual leaves on the trees of the Everfree Forest!

"To the East of Canterlot lies one of the oldest cities in Equestria, Fillydelphia," Celestia's horn glowed once more and the map zoomed in on a large city on the Eastern coast, "Fillydelphia has a rich history, and many famous ponies have their roots there."

As Celestia talked, pictures of past inhabitants of Fillydelphia flashed by, and well as pictures of various other landmarks and points of interest within the city.

"OH MY GOSH!" exclaimed Twilight Sparkle the small purple mare was nearly giddy with excitement, "That's the Pony-Free Bell! And that's Equependence Hall! I've read all about those in my books!"

Twilight Sparkle looked up from the map and gasped as she realized what she had just done. She had interrupted Princess Celestia! The ruler of ALL Equestria! Twilight blushed in embarrassment and slumped. She timidly looked over at her former teacher to try and apologize, but there would be no need. Princess Celestia simply gave Twilight a gentle smile and a small chuckle.

"I knew you would be excited by this, Twilight," Celestia smiled once more before continuing on, "Now, I have received news from the mayor of Fillydelphia, Mayor Flanklin. Apparently there is a unicorn there with a very peculiar talent."

"A peculiar talent?" Shining Armor inquired, speaking for the first time since the summons, "What do you mean by that, Princess?"

"I'm glad you asked, Shining Armor," Celestia stated, "This unicorn is a stallion named River Radiance. And what makes River's talent peculiar is the type of magic associated with it."

"Magic?!" Twilight Sparkle spat out, "Like, a new kind of magic?" her curiosity was piqued because magic was her specialty, after all.

"Not necessarily, Twilight Sparkle, more like an ancient form. One that hasn't been seen in Equestria for many, many years," Celestia's tone was pensive as her horn glowed once again, and the map disappeared, "For you see, River's special talent lies in Water Magic."

"He's an Elementalist!?" blurted Twilight and surprisingly, Princess Luna, at the same time. Both mares, surprised by the outburst looked at each other, their eyes wide. Twilight quickly acquiesced to allow the Princess of the Night to be the one to continue the thought. The black alicorn nodded her head, and then turned to look at her sister.

"But sister, there has not been an Elementalist in nearly a millennia! If what you say is true, how could that be?"

"I know, Luna, which is why I am so perplexed by this development. And that is why I called you all here," Celestia stated, sweeping the room with her rose-colored eyes, "More information is needed."

Twilight Sparkle could barely contain her excitement! She LOVED research! She hoped with all her heart that Celestia would have her head the front in this endeavor.

"As such," the white alicorn continued, "I have decided to send all of you to a portion of Equestria in order to try and find anymore instances of ponies, unicorns especially, with these very special elemental talents. Shining Armor," the white unicorn snapped to attention at the sound of his name, "Shining Armor, I am sending you to Vanhoover in the North-West. While you are away, Princess Cadence shall remain in the Crystal Empire, and begin her search there."

"As you wish, my Princess," stated Shining Armor, as he and Cadence treated Celestia with a regal bow.

"Luna, my sister, I am sending you to Los Pegasus to the South."

"I shall remain ever vigilante, sister."

"And finally, Twilight Sparkle..."

"Y-yes, Princess?" Even though the small purple alicorn knew what the princess was about to say, the butterflies in her stomach still caused her to choke on her words.

"As for you Twilight, you shall go to Fillydelphia, and meet with River Radiance. Become friends with him, and he you. We may need his help in the near future."

"Of course, Princess Celestia," Twilight Sparkle beamed as a flood of potential questions to ask River Radiance swept into her head, "Oh! I just thought of something!" she blurted out.

"Yes? What is it?" asked Princess Celestia, ever so patiently.

"Well, I was just wondering...could I potentially bring my friends with me? Fillydelphia is such an amazing city, and I just know everyone would love a little vacation!"

"Of course, Twilight," Celestia smiled, "I was going to suggest the same thing. I believe it would be only most beneficial for your friends to join you in this endeavor. Now I believe that about wraps up this meeting. Is everypony clear on what they are to do?"

Around the room the gathered royals all nodded their assent. Seeing everypony was in agreement, Princess Celestia released them all to go prepare for their journeys. After one last parting glance from Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia was left alone in her throne room.

She turned to gaze out her window to see the last few minutes of the day. Soon Princess Luna would be bringing up the moon and night would fall unto Canterlot. The princess sighed, as so many thoughts, questions, and possibilities floated around her head. While she was joyous to hear the news of a supposed Elementalist, she also remembered the dangers such ponies posed for the kingdom in the past. She could only hope for the best as she reflected alone, but she knew none of the ponies that were gathered earlier would disappoint her. For the fate of Equestria may very well be in their hooves.

Uh-oh...we may have some lore on our hands! Gasp! In the time to come we may just learn exactly what dangers these "Elementalists" posed for Equestria. But the real question is... Will we ever find out about that weird little foal in Rosy Glow's class?! And the answer is...possibly...in the next chapter...or I may just keep you all waiting... Happy Reading!