After the end of Changeling Reformation, Changeling Kingdom became new allies to the Equestria Realm but Queen Chrysalis and her small remaining of loyalists escaped and refused the friendship. But nevertheless, it's an eventful day nopony has ever forget what Starlight Glimmer and her company has done.
At RESTORE Office, Shorty Thinking was setting his invention up for yet another memory restoration for Twilight Sparkle and her family to remember. Mane Five were there, along with Golden Heart, Diana Pie and Starlight Glimmer. With everyone set on the metallic beds while Starlight Glimmer and four Cutie Mark Crusaders watched it, they're all ready to venture into memory.
"I hope you're ready for next adventure," Shorty Thinking said calmly as he typed on his computer's keyboard, "the next one is something that is unforgettable and what leads you to become a princess."
Spike scoffed, "Don't forget about me being 'Spike the Brave and Glorious'!"
Phobos groaned, "I'd never get that off from my head for whole day."
"Huh?" Nyx said in disappointment, "I could have sworn that I'm with mummy and daddy for Crystal Empire."
"Nope, you weren't there, kiddo," Diana Pie said in amusement. She sighed, "But me and my big brother got some big roles in it. And it is awesome!"
Golden Heart smiled, "You've always get excited to go back to that. You did help Autumn Gem and Sombra get together again."
"Okay, that part was confusing," Ben Valorheart said in concern, "If I recalled correctly, Sombra was destroyed before you guys resurrected him to be good before his shadow got back."
"It was," Diana Pie giggled happily, "But seeing is believing as they say. So, why don't we watch first and see how it goes?"
Golden Heart nodded while looking at Twilight Sparkle, "And Twilight, brace yourself. The test you once thought and fought is more terrifying and deadlier than before. But it's something what makes you ascended to be princess."
Twilight Sparkle hummed in concern, "Well, okay... I hope I'm ready for this especially facing Sombra. He sometimes frightened me when he's evil."
"Me too," Mane Five exclaimed in agreement.
"Here we go," Shorty Thinking said calmly as he pushed the 'Enter' button, "Entering 'Crystal Empire' chapter now!"
At Canterlot Train Station, a navy colored train with golden phoenix's head statue-like as its engineering transport arrived at the platform. As its door opened, a pony in well-dressed ancient minister robe with hat emerged out along with ten Royal Soldiers worn navy Royal Guard's armor with Phoenix-like theme.
A minister was an aquamarine Earth Pony with gray mane, small mustache and short tail, and his cutie mark is Chinese Brush and Scrolls dusted his robe gently and calmly before headed off. His soldiers followed him at once.
Within the throne chamber, Princess Celestia was sitting on her seat while signing on her scrolls. Her secretary was there to assist her. Hearing the door opened, she looked up and found the same minister and soldiers from the train, entered the scene.
"Who goes there?!" Royal Guard #1 demanded in anger.
Royal Guard #2 groaned, "Identify yourself! What do you want with the princess?! Are you here for assassination?!"
"Stand down, guards," Princess Celestia said firmly and calmly before looked at the minister and his guards. They bowed down in respect. She smiled, "It's been a while, Minister Ratio."
"It is," Minister Ratio said calmly and firmly as he looked and faced her, "I've brought the crucial message from the Imperial Phoenix Kingdom."
"What is it?"
"It has return, Celestia. Just last night by one of our patrol unit from the Great Wall."
Princess Celestia gasped. She turned and looked at her Royal Guards, " Find Princess Cadance and Shining Armor."
Royal Guard #1 nodded, "Yes, Your Highness."
Two Royal Guards headed off at once. Princess Celestia turned and gestured her secretary leave at once while leaving Minister Ratio and his Imperial Phoenix Soldiers remained. She summoned a quill and scroll. Minister Ratio gasped in concern.
"Your highness, are you certain?" Minister Ratio asked in concern, "Is she ready for this?"
Princess Celestia sighed calmly, "She is. I prayed of what my father, mother and uncle has foreseen of the prophecy may come true. Please, tell him be prepare and defend her until she reached her destination."
Minister Ration nodded and bowed down, "Yes, your highness!"
Minister Ratio and his soldiers got up and leave the throne chamber at once. Princess Celestia continued writing down on her scroll.
An hour has passed since Minister Ratio's arrival, Princess Celestia has sent a message to Twilight Sparkle about 'important trials'. This caused her to go panic wildly and crazily as she levitated and packed all of the books into the bags quickly and swiftly. Ben and Spike were helping her. Mane Five can't help but feel sorry for her being panicked while not being calmed down.
"I'd say she's handling things pretty well, considerin'." Applejack remarked in amusement.
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes in amusement, "She really needs some chillax..."
As Twilight Sparkle continued searching and packing some stationary tools and books into her bag, Ben Valorheart sighed in annoyance as he can't stand on it. He approached and said to her ears.
"Twilight calm down. It's just a test."
Spike gulped, "I wouldn't do that if I were you, Ben." He whispered to Ben Valorheart's ears, "She gets tensed and angry easily about it."
"Just a test? Just a test!?" Twilight Sparkle demanded in anger as she turned and glared at Ben Valorheart. As she walked towards him, he was being push back. She continued, "Princess Celestia wants to give me some kind of exam, and you're trying to tell me to calm down because it's just a test?!"
"Nice knowing you!" Spike exclaimed in concern as he hid behind Fluttershy's flank.
Ben Valorheart gulped while chuckled uneasily, "Uh... yes."
"Benjamin..." Twilight Sparkle snarled while twitching her angry eyes as her horn glowed brightly in lavender colored, "Maregillian..."
Spike yelped in concern, "She's gonna blow!"
"VALORHEART!"
BOOM! The Golden Oak Library was blasted off in midair before landed on the ground hard. Its interior librarcy section was engulfed and covered in black scorches and marks including her friends and boyfriend. Twilight Sparkle panted heavily while calming herself down.
"I seriously need to stop making smart ponies angry," Ben Valorheart remarked dryly, "I guess I'd never learn from Sunburst..."
At the gallery hall, Princess Celestia gathered both Princess Luna and Golden Heart as they were discussing of the latest matters. They were all looking at the imprinted picture of Shining Armor and Princess Cadance on window glass.
"Are you sure you don't want me to go as well?" Princess Luna asked in concern, "Should we at least ask Mystic Councilpony of Ice to assist us?
"No. Our Mystic Allies cannot provide the aid if the Emperor has yet to approve our alliance," Princess Celestia said calmly yet firmly, "Princess Cadance and Shining Armor are already there. The others will be joining them soon, including you, my old friend."
Golden Heart nodded, "Yes, your highness. I will do my best to help her through this trial. Let us hope she is the one that the prophecy has referred to."
"Pray she is, Golden Heart" Princess Luna said in concern, "The Empire's magic is powerful. It cannot fall again, my sister."
Golden Heart hummed in concern, "If what you say is true, she can't afford to fail it."
Princess Celestia sighed as she turned to her friends, "She will succeed at her task. And when she does, we'll know that she is that much closer to being ready." Princess Luna was unconvinced yet concern of it. She patted her younger sister's shoulder gently, "Trust me, little sister."
"Ahem!"
Princess Celestia and her friends turned to their back and found Twilight Sparkle and Ben Valorheart, who was carrying the heavy bags of books, stationary tools and scrolls, standing at the entrance. With the princess's gesture in come forward, the couple entered.
Twilight Sparkle continued, "You wanted to see me? To give me a test? I brought my own quills and plenty of paper to show my work."
Ben Valorheart groaned as he struggled carrying the heavy duty bags, "Yeah! Better hurry! It's kinda heavy!"
Princess Luna sighed while shaking her head in concern. Golden Heart shrugged in confusion. Princess Celestia sighed as she removed heavy bags from Ben Valorheart's back.
"This is a different kind of test. The Crystal Empire has returned."
"What?" Ben Valorheart asked in confusion, "Crystal Empire? What is that?"
Twilight Sparkle hissed while bowing down in shame," I'm sorry, I-I thought I'd studied. Ooh. I don't think there's anything in any of my books th–"
"There wouldn't be. Few remember it ever existed at all." Princess Celestia interrupted as she levitated a purple crystal before her student and son. She summoned the holographic version of Crystal Empire, "Even my knowledge of the Empire is limited. An old friend of mine is no longer with us. But what I do know is that it contains a powerful magic."
Princess Luna summoned and revealed two portals, "One thousand years ago, King Sombra and King Umbreon, two unicorns whose hearts were black as night, took over the Crystal Empire."
Two portals formed the pictures of two stallions who shared same bodies, same black flowing curvy mane and tail worn same royal robes and crowns but there was differences. Sombra was an older grayish unicorn worn crimson cape while Umbreon was a younger demonically silver unicorn worn purple cape and devilish armor.
Princess Celestia even shown the history of how Crystal Empire was conquered and enslaved by two kings before their defeats and overthrown by Royal Sisters and their allies. Both kings were banished to the depths of frozen ground and never be seen or heard again. Other than two corrupted evil kings, Crystal Empire disappeared from the sights of Twilight Sparkle and Ben Valorheart.
"However were ultimately overthrown, turned to shadow, and banished to the ice of the arctic north." Princess Luna said firmly and calmly. She sighed, "But not before they were able to put a curse upon the Empire. A curse that caused it to vanish into thin air."
Princess Celestia nodded as she blasted her golden magical aura blast on crystal, it reflected the lights of rainbow colors, "If the Empire is filled with hope and love, those things are reflected across all of Equestria." She sighed as she fired her Dark Magic on it in summoning dark crystals in almost trapping two couples, "If hatred and fear take hold..."
"No way..." Ben Valorheart said in concern, "We can't let this happen! I can't imagine of how Equestria will turn with King Sombra and King Umbreon in-charge of the Crystal Empire."
Golden Heart nodded, "Which is why Twilight Sparkle was chosen to help finding a way to protect it."
"Me?" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern, "You want me to help protect an entire empire?"
Ben Valorheart sighed, "If she's going to do it, me and my buddies would like to help her out. We should also bring Elements of Harmony. This might turn the tides."
"I'm afraid that won't happen, son," Princess Celestia said calmly yet regrettable. Two couples gasped in concern and shock. She continued, "It is, as I said, a different kind of test. But one I'm certain you will pass. She has to handle it alone."
"How? She can't do it alone! Without the Elements, we can't stop and beat two kings, not even my Element of Courage could help."
"But you've forgotten, my son. There's another reason why I ask her to fulfill her task. The power source of Crystal Empire. Remember my lesson about crystal powered by either love or hate. If you can protect it, it will help you stop Sombra and Umbreon, without the use of Elements of Harmony."
"I still don't like it..."
"Have faith, son. Twilight Sparkle can overcome it. I've seen what she is capable of especially her maturity and powers have grown. She can do it. No one is allow to help her. She must face her trial."
Ben Valorheart was uneasy and unconvinced of it. Twilight Sparkle patted him gently, "Don't worry, I'll be fine." She turned and looked at Princess Celestia, "How do I begin?"
"By joining Princess Cadance and Shining Armor in the Crystal Empire." Princess Celestia answered calmly, causing both Twilight Sparkle and Ben Valorheart gasped in relief. She continued, "And your Ponyville friends will join you there as well. I have every confidence you will succeed. And when you do, I'll know you are ready to move on to the next level of your studies."
"And I'll be there to assist you, Twilight Sparkle; as your advisor and guidance," Golden Heart said calmly, "And of course, my sister wishes to travel there as well to meet up with somepony."
Princess Celestia smiled, "Thank you, Golden Heart."
"Wait! Golden Heart has a sister?!" Twilight Sparkle asked in surprise.
Ben Valorheart shrugged, "I didn't know about it."
Golden Heart smiled, "Maybe when the time comes you will get the chance to meet her."
Noticing Princess Luna's unconvinced yet concerned looks, Twilight Sparkle gulped, "But what if I fail?"
Princess Celestia smiled, "You won't."
"But what if–"
"You won't. But Twilight, in the end, it must be you and you alone who ultimately assists Princess Cadance and Shining Armor in doing what needs to be done to protect the Empire. Do you understand?"
Sensing Princess Celestia is depending on her, Twilight Sparkle nodded firmly.
Princess Celestia nodded, "Then go. There is no time to lose."
With that, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna left the gallery hall as they headed back to throne chamber. Twilight Sparkle looked concern and uncertain. Golden Heart remained calm and steady while Ben Valorheart was unconvinced of it.
"Are you sure about this?" Ben Valorheart asked in concern.
"I don't know," Twilight Sparkle answered, "But I have to try..."
Spike was waiting outside of Canterlot Palace while praying and hoping that Twilight Sparkle passed her test for five minutes. Heard the hoof steps, Spike got up and turned to his back as he found Twilight Sparkle, Ben Valorheart and Golden Heart came out from the entrance. They climbed down the stairs.
"Ah! Twilight! That was fast!" Spike exclaimed happily as his friends were passing him by. He smiled as he followed them, "Let me guess, you got a perfect score? A-minus? B-plus?"
His friends did not answer as Twilight Sparkle stopped at once. Spike wondered carefully of their silence. He gasped in realization and concern.
"Twilight, did you..." Spike asked quietly, "fail?"
Twilight Sparkle sighed as she began singing about her studies, preparation and passing tests. She also questioned her abilities of the trial Princess Celestia has declared. Both Ben Valorheart and Golden Heart remained silent while concerned of her.
Twilight Sparkle: I was prepared to do my best
Thought I could handle any test
For I can do so many tricks
But I wasn't prepared for this
Twilight Sparkle walked across the Canterlot City. She talked about her ability before arriving at the school.
Twilight Sparkle: Levitation would have been a breeze
Facts and figures I recite with ease
Twilight Sparkle answered, "The square root of five hundred and forty-six is twenty-three point three six six six four two eight nine one zero nine."
As he was writing down on chalkboard, Professor Bill Neigh whistle in surprise. His students awed in surprise and shock about it.
"She is correct!"
Ben Valorheart, Golden Heart and Spike were full of shock and surprise about Twilight Sparkle's intellect. She's really good and brilliant at almost everything...
Twilight Sparkle: I could ace a quiz on friendship's bliss
But I wasn't prepared for this
Twilight Sparkle headed straight to the castle's walls while looking at landscape. Her friends followed her from behind. She turned and headed off.
Twilight Sparkle: Will I fail, or will I pass?
I can't be sure...
Spike: She can't be sure...
Twilight Sparkle again showed off her teleportation ability across the lake's pond leaves. Her friends followed her.
Twilight Sparkle: My mind is sharp, my skills intact
My heart is pure...
Ben Valorheart: Her heart is pure...
Twilight Sparkle and her two friends were walking across Canterlot City while singing proudly and harmonically about lavender unicorn's ability and preparation of passing her trial.
Twilight Sparkle: Oh, I've taken my share of licks
I've made it through the thin and thick
But no I wasn't
Spike: Oh no, she wasn't
Twilight Sparkle: Oh no, I wasn't
Ben Valorheart: Oh no, she wasn't
Twilight Sparkle: No I wasn't
Twilight Sparkle and Spike: Prepared... for this!
Twilight Sparkle and her friends were now at train station. The lavender unicorn sighed while looking at the sky. Ben Valorheart approached and patted her gently before hugging her.
"Uh, prepared for what exactly?" Spike asked in concern.
Golden Heart sighed, "A trial of determination and worthiness. That is her test she is facing, Spike."
"I have no idea of what you just said," Spike said in confusion. He sighed, "Whatever it is, I hope she can pass it."
Golden Heart smiled, "She will, Spike. I'll be there to guide and assist her in this journey."
Mane Five arrived at the scene while cheered wildly and happily. They arrived and approached Twilight Sparkle.
"Did you pass?" Applejack asked happily.
Pinkie Pie squealed as she held her Party Canon, "Are we gonna celebrate your awesomeness with Princess Celestia?"
"Not quite." Twilight Sparkle answered uneasily, "We're going to the Crystal Empire!"
Everyone but Golden Heart and Ben Valorheart looked surprise yet confuse of what Twilight Sparkle has just said. What is Crystal Empire?
WHISTLE! Twilight Sparkle and her friends turned and found an Imperial Phoenix Train arrived at the scene. It stopped as its door opened and emerged of a navy steel armored dwarf Pegasus with a short gentle beard and tail armed with a bladed shield, his cutie mark is Armor and Shield and brown stallion with black bearded, short yet spiky mane and tail in his 30's worn the blue Imperial Phoenix Armor and eye-patch on his left side, his cutie mark is a scimitar and an eye patch, along with their soldiers.
Golden Heart smiled, "Right on schedule."
"What the-?!" Rainbow Dash asked in surprise, "Who are they?"
Fluttershy gulped, "They're scary."
Rarity nodded, "I'd never seen these ponies before especially their armors."
"Are they the one, Lord Golden?" The one-eyed pony asked. Golden Heart smiled and nodded. He sighed, "Alright, let's get going. We'll be escorting you all to the North and rendezvous with Shining Armor. And that's it."
Golden Heart smiled, "That's the plan, shall we, General Anger?"
"Yes. Follow me now," Anger said firmly while sighed, "Let's hope she is the one."
Though Twilight Sparkle and her friends were uneasy and concern, but nevertheless they followed their mysterious allies at once. They all entered the train, where Twilight Sparkle and her friends were amazed and surprised by the Imperial Phoenix Train's interior designs - very modernized as the human's express trains with technology designs. They awed at it.
"Don't touch anything," Anger remarked in annoyance, "I hate cleaning messes."
"What's his problem?" Rainbow Dash asked in annoyance.
Ben Valorheart sighed, "Trust me. I rather not ask."
Three hours passing as the Imperial Phoenix Train arrived on the Frozen North, where its snowstorm was pure strong and hard blowing across the area. They arrived at train station. Twilight Sparkle and her friends emerged from it as they're prepared to head off.
"Before you go, take this," Anger said calmly as he passed the box to Twilight Sparkle, "And whatever you do, don't open unless it's emergency especially when you face Dark Magic."
"Okay..." Twilight Sparkle answered as she took the box, "But why? Why would you give this to someone like me?"
Anger scoffed, "It's the Phoenix Emperor's choice. And it's not my decision to question him. But I believed that you can overcome it. Just make sure you do it right."
Uncertain of it, Twilight Sparkle just nodded, "Of course."
"Twilight!"
Twilight Sparkle and her friends turned to their back as they found Shining Armor wearing goggle and scarf arriving at the scene. He smiled as he charged and hugged his little sister happily. She hugged him. Everyone smiled in relief.
Anger sighed, "We'd better go now. Good luck. If you succeed, we'll be back and take you home."
Anger entered the Imperial Phoenix Train as it immediately headed off and left Frozen North.
Shining Armor departed from hugging and explained, "We'd better get moving. There are things out here we really don't want to run into after dark."
Fluttershy gulped, "What kind of things?"
"Let's just say the Empire..." Shining Armor said in concern as he turned to the front, "isn't the only thing that's returned."
Everyone looked concern and feared of what Shining Armor has said. They knew who and what he was referring to.
"Sombra and Umbreon..." Ben Valorheart remarked in concern.
To be Continued...
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