//------------------------------// // When Love is Enough // Story: Long Live The King // by Morpheus Sandman //------------------------------// One morning in the castle library Twilight was sorting through and organising books into steadily growing towers of literary. Her ear flicked when she heard a loud burp. She saw a flash of green light from behind one of the shelves. Spike jogged from around it and gave Twilight the rolled up scroll he had received through his dragon fire. The unbroken pink heart seal indicated that the scroll was from Cadance. Twilight broke it open and read it curiously. Her consciousness turned to confusion before she finished reading it. “What what?” Twilight gaped looking at the unfolded scroll floating before here. Spike watched apprehensively as Twilight scanned the letter again and once more for good measure. The letter fell back and Spike caught it. Twilight fermented on what the letter held. Spike stared at her worriedly. “The Crystal Empire has returned!” She yelled almost falling back onto her haunches. Spike flinched. Twilight jumped into action, grabbing stacks of paper from under the desk and slamming them onto it. A draw slid open and several quills greeted the glint in Twilight’s eyes. She pulled one out and swished the red feather back and forth experimentally. The quill meet the paper and she begun to write. “Dear Princess Cadance...” Together Twilight and Cadance rendezvoused through letters throughout the morning. They drew up a plan to revitalize the Crystal Empire and the Crystal Heart. In the most fitting way possible - a Crystal Festival. In one of the several letters Cadance explained what had transpired. One morning Pitch and Sabre had discovered Sombra’s crystal necklace among the pieces of the heart. Upon close inspection they discovered within the crystal there was a small strand of magic. Magic that was from the Crystal Heart, a small repository of love. With her alicorn power of love, Cadance, and a few magical spells provided by Pitch, aided with the necklace as a catalyst - she was able to make the Crystal Heart whole. Though admittedly, she and Pitch had mildly panicked when the heart spiralled out of control and shot into the sky. Sabre was able to settled them with the idea that the heart was returning to it’s home in the Frozen North. Which it had. They had made a trip out their and for the Crystal Empire. Cadance and Shining Armour were overjoyed to discover that the empire had returned. However, the heart lacked any power of its own and needed replenishing through the aid of the crystal ponies. By the time she was done writing to Cadance Twilight begun to ink letters to new recipients. She personalised the ones for her friends and duplicated one letter to send to the masses of Ponyville. Twilight and her friends among many others of Equestria were invited to come to the Crystal Empire and celebrate it’s second reemergence, and hopefully it’s last. As Twilight’s was absorbed in her task; diligently duplicated her writing from one parchment to another with a spell. Spike went away to acquire a bag for them all to be delivered to the post office. From the flurrying of moving parchment to the dashing through hallways Twilight Sparkle hurriedly speed. “Late, late, we’re going to be late! Spike!” Twilight echoed as she ran out of the castle and down the steps. Spike was doing his best to keep up her longer four-legged stride with his two shorter legs. “Right behind you!” He called out. He puffed evenly as he jogged on after her, a backpack securely around his small frame that was fit to bursting. Similarly, two saddlebags were with Twilight. She galloped across Ponyville to the train station. No one in sight in the early morning day. Twilight finally stopped as she centred herself on the train platform for optimum viewing capabilities. “Good, we’re here first. Checklist?” Twilight called over her shoulder. She looked back to see Spike heaving his backpack up onto the platform followed by himself. He took one large gulp of air and manage to recollect himself with zeal. He pulled out of of his bag a scroll and quill before waddling over to Twilight. “R-ready!” “Original letter?” “Check.” “Correspondence pertaining to said letter?” “Check.” “All invitations to the Crystal Empire have been sent out to our friends and Ponyville?” “Checked last night and checked!” “Ok. And we’ve got some record stuff and plans for helping set up the festivities for the impromptu Crystal Festival happening this evening?” “Yep, checked.” Twilight sat back on her haunches and looked out across the empty platform from both ends. Not a tumbleweed in sight. “Where is anypony?” Twilight huffed. “The train get’s here in a few hours. We need to check over everything before we leave.” She grumbled. “Even the crystal ponies at Canterlot won't be leaving till early noon. It’d be rather pointless to get there before them.” Spike shrugged. “It’s not like it’s a fair after all.” “I know, I know,” Twilight muttered. “I just want everything to go perfect is all.” “You also wanted to make sure you were the first here before anypony to organise everything,” Spike reminded her. “Nopony was going to be here this early. Except maybe Applejack.” He pointed a claw back where Applejack and her brother were approaching the station. “Hmm, you’re right. Maybe I should go over to Canterlot and help them there. You and the girls can manage Ponyville right?” Twilight said. “Twilight, relax. I’m sure the princesses can handle it themselves.” “You’re right Spike. Sorry. It just...the Crystal Empire reappearing again so soon wasn’t something I was expecting.” Twilight’s ears folded down. “Or anypony else for that matter.” Spike said. The sound of wooden cart wheels neared. Applejack and Big MacIntosh pulled in next to the station. They were both strapped into a cart laden with apples under a blue tarp. “Good morning Applejack and Big Mac.” Twilight called. “Good to see you’re up already.” “Apple's rise with the sun!” Applejack beamed, tilting her hat back. “Or thar’ abouts,” she chuckled. Twilight pointed to the checklist Spike held. “Applejack, presented and accounted for.” She said to him. “..and checked.” Spike said with a flurried mark on the scroll. Applejack rolled her eyes. “Good to see ya’ll a bit more your chipper self.” Applejack said. Before Twilight could reply a pink face burst out from underneath the tarp. A few apples toppled out with it. “I’m exciting too!” Pinkie yelled. “Pinkie get outta thar.” Applejack abolished. Pinkie collapsed out of the cart tub and next to Applejack. Applejack winced and helped her back up straight. “We only got one more cart a comin’. Since imma guessin’ Canterlot won't be letting the crystal ponies go back home empty-hoofed.” “No, I doubt there’s going to be any shortage of food when we get there.” Twilight said. Rarity was the next to show just before Applejack and Big MacIntosh were about to leave. “Packin’ light Rarity?” Applejack giggled as they crossed paths. “Oh ha ha.” Rarity deadpanned as she deposited several small to medium sized bags on the platform. “This is light for me.” “Thanks for coming so early to help out Rarity.” Twilight said. “Of course, darlin’. How could I have ever said no. This is a momentous occasion.” Rarity beamed, her long eyelashes fluttering. “The Crystal Empire back from the shackles of another dimension freed from its dark past once more.” Her theatrics reminded Twilight of a blue unicorn. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew overhead and landed by Twilight. “It’s looks like all of Ponyville is going to be coming. Ponyville is going to be a ghost town when we all get going. Even Applejack’s Granny Smith is coming to the empire.” “It took me a moment but I managed to convince Angel Bunny and the other critters to perhaps watch out over Ponyville while we’re all gone.” Fluttershy said. “Thanks for coming to help out girls.” Twilight said. The morning steadily progressed and the station began to buzz with locals. Twilight watched the progress of foodstuff and equipment load towards the back of the train as locals filtered in from Ponyville and towards the front of the train. “Passengers to the front, anythings that qualifies as gear can go to the back,” Spike called out officiated ponies left and right. The train left minutes before noon. An outcome Twilight was pleased with. It would take them another few hours to reach the Frozen North. A clear blue sky meet Twilight and her group entering the Frozen North. After Twilight had got off the train she looked over the tundra. She followed the large path of cleared snow till her eyes meet the crystal castle standing majestically in the distance. “Wow, it really is back.” Fluttershy said softly, joining Twilight in her reverie. “It couldn’t of happen on a nicer day.” Rarity commented blissfully. As Rarity and Fluttershy traded whimsical critiques Shining Armour soon arrived on the train platform. He wore a red uniform with a blue sash crossing his chest, denoting his place among the guard. He cheerfully greeted Twilight. “Wow, I don’t think I’ve seen the north so...clear.” Twilight commented. “It’s a blessing in disguise, for sure. The crystal ponies were able to move back into the empire with relative ease. Cadance is there helping ponies to set up the festival. But mostly just to reassure them, since there’s not all that much to set up.” Shining said. Twilight and Shining watched as ponies busied themselves. Applejack and Spike helped ponies unload crates and carts from the back of the train. Shining smiled reassuringly. With little fussing bags of supplies were loaded onto ponies backs while others were strapped into carts. “You and Cadance have done really well. Thank you so much for this Twily,” Shining said and added. “I believe Princess Celestia and Luna will also be arriving later on.” Twilight nuzzled his cheeks with her own. “It’ll be good to see them again after so long.” she said. “I’ll lend a hoof here. You can go find Cadance at the crystal tower, if you like.” Shining Armour said. “I know the place.” Twilight nodded. As Twilight made her trek towards the empire crystal ponies greeted her along the way. She smiled at their jubilant expressions. A few thanked her before heading towards the train station to help out where they could. The streets of the empire were alive with a warmly spirit. Food stalls and activities were being set up by various groups of ponies. Colts and fillies ran through the streets happy to be back home. Families returned to their homes and expressed content amazement to find in the place they had left them. Twilight came into view of the area where the heart of the empire was kept. Underneath the impressive vaulting dome there was Cadance. She wore her royal regal of gold shoes, petryl and small crown that sat in her mane. She was calm and collected as she talked to a small group of gathered ponies. Next to her the Crystal Heart sat at the centre of a pedestal; lifeless and dull. In the wedged edge of the heart a certain crystal necklace laid. The bluish crystal was close to resembling the other translucence pieces of the necklace. Cadance watched as Twilight slowed her approach as her attention drifted over and stopped on the Crystal Heart. Cadance excused herself from her groups and closed the distance between Twilight. “How did you manage to fix the heart so quickly?” Twilight asked softly. “It wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. That necklace held a bit of old magic that belonged to the Crystal Heart. With a bit of unicorn ingenuity,” her head nodded towards Pitch where he and Sabre stumbled with various crystals on a nearby table. Sabre waved slowly to them. “I was able to use the energy inside of it give the heart it’s shape again, but not its power. It still needs a lot of magic to be fully restored though but I’m sure we can do it,” Cadance said. “Did you need any help here?” Twilight asked hopefully. “Everything has been going along really well so far. I’d say that ponies are just happy to be home.” Cadance said with a small smile. “You’ve outdone yourself this time in regards to organisation Twilight,” She said as her hoof stretched out in front of her. “The festival is practically setting itself up without much need for my input. You’re welcome to stay with me of course, just in case.” Twilight smiled at that and stayed with Cadance to help coordinate the effort of organising the festival. There was very little for Twilight to do as she was only there now to help if problems arose. Twilight was sated just to watch as ponies bustled. Pegasus fluttered around to and fro, earth ponies energetically moved, unicorns vibrantly rushed. The energy through the empire made the heart lightly glow. In no time Shining Armour and Twilight’s friends had gathered around them. There was also a small gathering of ponies outside the tower. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna arrived with good timing. “It won't be long now. Ponies are starting to gather for the opening,” Shining smiled. “I did a quick fly around. Everything is looking pretty much done,” Rainbow said. “Good, then we should begin the opening ceremony,” Twilight said. Cadance agreed and together with her husband approached towards the gathered crowd. The remaining princesses stood close by Cadance and Twilight’s friends stood behind them. Cadance's horn glowed pink to amplify her voice. “I am happy to see you all here. Crystal ponies and fellow Equestria citizens alike. It has a been a trying time but you all have done an amazing job. You all should be very proud.” There was a murmuring of agreement and hoof clopping. “Today, though roughly thrown together at last minute,” A few laughed softly. “I welcome you to the Crystal Festival.” Over the boom of cheering she continued. “May your hope and joy power the Crystal Heart so that everypony throughout Equestria knows that feeling within their own heart. May the heart guard, guide and inspire you.” A brief pause. “I announce the Crystal Festival, open!” Without trepidation everyone dipped their head. Light pooled around the feet of the ponies and covered the streets made with crystals. Their emotion made the empire bright and they merged together underneath everyone’s body. At the centre of it all the Crystal Heart was suspended between two crystals spirals. The bottom filled with glowing energy till it got the top of the tip. The energy drew into the Crystal Heart and the light slowly began to fade. Jitters crept up on ponies as the the heart remained unmoved. “Come on, you can do it!” Twilight said fiercely. Everyone held hope in their mind. The Crystal Heart jolted alive and spun intensely. A pulse went out, refilling the streets with light. As it passed thought everyone it’s touch turned their coats into shimmering crystals. Everyone rejoiced and the heart glowed. From the top of the tower an aurora of resounding colour spread over the kingdom and across the skies of Equestria filling ponies with joy. The Crystal Empire began to bustle and bubble with lively excitement. Some ponies ran off to participate in activities. Visitors admired their new, albeit temporary, crystal appearance. Others were happy enough to chat amongst themselves and rejoice over the restoration of the Crystal Heart and the return of the their home from the heart dimension. Many wished to thank the princesses for making it possible. It took a while till the flood of ponies to drift away from the opening ceremony but eventually there weren’t as many ponies surrounding the heart. Twilight Sparkle stayed at the empire’s centre and watched the magical artifact known as the Crystal Heart as it beamed and radiated a glorious soaking light. It’s illumination drew attention throughout the evening. “Beautiful, yes?” Pitch said. He and Sabre flanked one side of Twilight. There was as much as excitement during the festival as there was in setting it up. Twilight smiled a brightly lite smile. The brightness of the Crystal Heart danced, glowing with new vigour. The coats of crystal ponies glittered. Her friends, whose coats were also crystallized, were around mingling amongst themselves and a few other faces. She sipped at her dainty crystal cup which she had acquired from Cadance before she left to socialise. She sighed finding it empty. Twilight was in a genuinely more happier mood than what she had been the previous month. Her own mind betrayed her with images of the past. She was tired from the long festive day. Though it was hard to feel sad when an aurora of joy radiated down from the sky. “It’s amazing what you’ve two done in so little time.” Twilight said. The two crystal ponies shared a knowing smile. “We didn’t do it alone though.” Pitch said sharing in the bright glow of the heart. “Together.” Sabre added in his monotonous tone. Pitch reached into his saddlebag and pulled out a crystal necklace. He carefully cradled it in one hoof. “Imagine our surprise when we came upon this one morning jumping amongst the shards of the heart. The magic that was in this crystal was what really helped the heart in the end. As it was originally from the heart.” He reached out with it towards Twilight. “Cadance mentioned that in her letters.” Twilight said and took the necklace looking at it longingly. All the crystal looked the same but wonderful as they twinkled in the faded sunlight and growing moonlight. Twilight blinked as a smug looking pony approached them. “Trixie!” Twilight called both surprised and jubilant to see her. Trixie’s coat was also crystallized. “Sparkle, Pitch,” One of her brows rose, “...Sabre. Trixie didn’t think she’d see you again till the next world disaster event.” Trixie said expressing an blasé attitude. At Twilight’s unsure expression Trixie added. “Trixie jokes, of course.” Trixie shook her hoof in an over the top fashion. “She had to come here to collect her wagon herself. She can’t do her show without it after all. She is also here to double as a distraction.” Trixie wore a look that Twilight wasn’t sure how to describe. Trixie had looked passed Twilight. Twilight’s head followed and she saw a dark pony approach her. Trixie took the glass in Twilight’s hoof easily and made her exit alongside Pitch and Sabre. She passed the pony and smacked him on the shoulder. “That’s for making her cry,” She grinned. Sombra meet that with his own. Twilight smiled but blushed in embarrassment when she realised she was underdressed. Behind Sombra three familiar faces smiled warmly, watching. Sabre nodded to Pitch and Trixie and they made their way into the crowd together. Sombra wore the blue suit handsomely. He head dipped slightly and he held out a crystallized hoof. Twilight took it as they both stood together on their hind legs in support of one another. Twilight was almost stunned speechless, trapped in thought and disbelief till she found her words. “Y-you come back? I-I was worried.” Twilight said, forgetting her embarrassment as small tears emerged in the corner of her eyes. “The heart wouldn’t let me go so easily,” Sombra grinned. They swayed in time to music that drifted around them. They travelled in a familiar waltz with the sound circling around the Crystal Heart. “I did promise you a proper dance after all,” Sombra said softly. “What about our reading lessons?” Twilight asked softly, not moving to clear the water from her eyes. “We could do that next week.” Sombra smiled warmly. Twilight’s smile brightened. Sombra’s eyes were a deep pool of red. The same as the stallion’s horn. Horn darker than a ripe strawberry. Twilight’s eyes swirled with purple endearment. They shifted between hot and cool as they emitted a sense of wonder. “It’s a date.” They closed the dance together and shared a kiss. The Crystal Heart continued to sparkle throughout the night.