The sounds of explosions and screams outside awoke Princess Twilight like a shot. Swiftly she bolted out of bed and ran out from her chambers and outside her castle. The sight which greeted her as she exited stopped her in her tracks in horror and shock. Ponyville was ablaze. Fire practically rained from the sky onto the usually peaceful little town. Everywhere she looked, Sugarcube Corner, Rarity's Beautique, City Hall, all of the buildings and homes were being swallowed by this inferno.

The sounds of five screams caught her ears and she looked to see probably the most horrifying sight yet. Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy were all writhing on the ground in agony as fire had engulfed them. Without even thinking of her own safety, Twilight charged forth to try and save her dearest friends.

But she was too late...

Flames much hotter sprang from the ground and forced the princess to stop, watching helplessly as her friends were engulfed more fully in the blaze. Their screams ceased after a few agonizing seconds and a cruel laughter took their place.

The flames rising from where her friends were just moments before began to twist and shape themselves into the towering form of what could only be described as a demon of fire. It stood as tall as the princess' castle, his dark form wreathed in flame, a cruel laughter coming from this monster.

And Twilight could only stand there in shock and horror as she beheld the vile demon. Without uttering a single word, the demon shot a torrent of fire from his mouth, straight at the princess...

~*~*~*~

Screaming in fright, Princess Twilight bolted upright in her bed. It had only been a dream she had just been through. As soon as she regained control of her breath and shattered nerves, she looked to see Spike and Owliscious were both staring at her in worry, but she soon reassured them as well.

Needing to be absolutely sure, though, she quickly exited her bed chambers and walked out of her castle. It was the pre-dawn hour, the sun just beginning to glow on the horizon. She could see all the buildings of Ponyville still standing and quiet in the still of the early morning. Nothing was out of the ordinary at all.

Finally breathing a sigh of relief, Princess Twilight turned back inside. What was that dream about? It felt so real and she could recall every detail quite vividly, even down to the feel of the intense heat. Was it a premonition? Or was she simply thinking too much into this? She knew of only one pony who would have the answers.

"Spike! Take a letter!" she said urgently as she returned to her bed chambers...