Approach to Crystal City
January 6th
The mid-morning sun was pleasantly warm as it shone down over northern Equestria. In this region, beyond even the farms that were spread across the grasslands, it was a welcome contrast from the frozen fields that went on for miles like an icy blanket. Just beyond that lay the snow-capped peaks of the Crystal Mountains, forming the majority of the border between Equestria and the Crystal Empire. While several routes had been forged through the mountains thanks to extra traffic between the nations and the existence of multiple mines, the main route was still the Equestria Rail Network that entered the artic territories of the empire from the southwest of Crystal City and now went onward to Rainbow Falls and into the Griffon Territories.
Onboard the current train heading toward the capital of the empire as it finished passing through the mountains and into the frozen north, Fluttershy pulled her gaze away from the view outside and shivered. Although trains on this route took measures for passengers to stay warm, the weather here was even worse than it had been in Ponyville. Snow lay at least a foot deep on either side of the tracks and more was falling from a steel grey sky, a few patches of sunlight breaking through the clouds and keeping the temperature from becoming unbearable. Overall, it wasn't surprising that few ponies were making the journey today. Though she had seen others in the other carriages, Applejack was her only companion for now.
"You need another coat, Fluttershy?" AJ asked as she paced up and down the train car, only wearing a green coat as she had opted to keep herself warm through her own exertions instead of wrapping up. Fluttershy on the other hoof, was wearing a thick blue beanie, matching snow socks and a purple throw rug that Rarity had modified into a makeshift sweater for her, much more preferable in this weather since the size allowed her to keep her belly covered too.
"Oh, umm, are you sure you don't need it?" The pegasus asked in return, looking like she would like the extra layer but still unwilling to ask outright.
"Nah, I'm keeping warm as is. Besides, we gotta make you don't catch nothing unpleasant from this trip."
Applejack stopped by Fluttershy's seat and took her coat off, offering it to her friend without hesitation. Fluttershy smiled softly and gave her thanks as she took it, pulling it onto her back and snuggling into her seat. AJ clambered into the seat next to her, making sure not to take up too much space with her larger bulk.
"So, how're you feeling about this here task?" She asked, glancing out at the view as the snow outside began to thin out and more sunlight was visible through the clouds.
"Well, I suppose I'd feel better if I knew what we're going to do." Fluttershy admitted, though she sounded a little more at ease now than she had last night.
"I wouldn't get all frazzled worrying about it, these things have a tendency to find us real quickly," Applejack replied, placing a hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder. "An' I'm sure Cadance and Shining Armor will be happy to accommodate us for a few days if we need to stick around, so that's the basics covered too."
"I guess you're right. It wouldn't be the first time we've had a friendship problem find us first." Fluttershy looked back at Applejack and nodded, looking more relaxed for several seconds before tensing up in place, staring slightly ahead.
"Fluttershy? What's wrong?"
"Oh, sorry. I just, the foal was getting a little rowdy." Fluttershy shook her head as she shifted in her seat and lifted her sweater to one side so Applejack could see her heavy middle. Even as they watched, there was a slight bulge visible in her swell that quickly faded as the foal moved again, letting Fluttershy sigh quietly in relief.
"Golly, I haven't seen anything like that since mom was carrying Apple Bloom," Applejack commented in wonder, leaning down for a closer look. "Does it hurt when she does that? Or is it a he?"
"The doctors say it's a filly," Fluttershy replied, the rest of her sentence cut off by a sharp inhale at what seemed to be further movement. "And, maybe a little. Normally she settles down after a rub but, it's difficult to reach."
"May I?" Applejack put a hoof out in offering, waiting until her friend nodded an approval before placing it on the pegasus' pregnant paunch and rubbing at the most active spots. For a mare of her size, she was incredibly delicate and careful, making sure not to apply any undue pressure and keeping her movements as precise as a spa pony. After a few moments, her hoofwork paid off as the foal settled down again, giving Fluttershy some respite.
"Ahhh, thanks Applejack. I'm glad you have a way with foals," Fluttershy sat back, looking thoughtful for a moment. "AJ, how come you've never had children yourself?"
"Huh..." Applejack looked down for a moment. "Never really thought about it. Had to look after the farm for so many years, ah've always had to keep my focus on that. Plus, I'm a tad old to be looking to settle down now."
"Thirty-nine isn't that old, and you're still the youngest out of us," Fluttershy commented, smiling reassuringly. "Besides, what about Bounty? I thought you two were getting close."
"Ah, well that's...That's a bit complicated at the moment."
"Oh," Fluttershy looked down for a moment before looking back up at Applejack with cautious curiosity. "I did hear things got a teensy bit out of control at Pinkie's Hearths' Warming party."
"If by out of control ya mean it taking me, Windhover and Little Hayseed t'calm him down, then yes. There's more to it than that though." Applejack replied, looking reluctant to continue with this particular topic.
Before Fluttershy could say anything else, both of them lurched forward slightly as the train began to slow down in its approach to Crystal City. The two of them looked out to see that while snow was still falling, the snowy lands outside had given way to grassy fields and more sunlight, the protective effects of the crystal heart stretching this far out into the surrounding lands. Fluttershy looked over at Applejack, knowing her friend was silently psyching herself up to take on their mission of friendship. She was ready too, as soon as she got out of all her layers again. It wouldn't do to start their work by dropping from overheating.
By the time the train pulled into the station on the outskirts of the city, Fluttershy had managed to remove her winter wear and had it packed away in her maternity case, along with anything else she thought she needed. Applejack was handling the bag carrying for her, so all she had to worry about was making her way through the city streets.
Though it had grown steadily outward, Crystal City looked very much the same as it always had. Crystalline buildings lined the streets in every direction. Market stalls filled an inner city square that had formed around the statue of 'Great and Honourable Spike the Brave and Glorious'. To the east sat Valiance Stadium, the empire's primary capacity venue that had hosted the Equestria games twice in the past two decades. Applejack and Fluttershy always seemed to have something new to look at as they made their way down the main street that went straight from the station to the crystal castle that stood at the heart of the city. Ponies were looking at them too as they passed. A pairing of a pregnant mare and a muscular mare was a sight that would likely only be considered totally normal in Ponyville, after all.
There was something else to it though. Many Crystal ponies were out and about today and while most simply gave the pair a surprised but welcoming look before returning to their business, a few were shooting glares both at the newcomers and other crystal ponies, or muttering things to themselves. Neither Fluttershy nor Applejack had any idea why they were getting such a frosty reception. The only ones among their group who travelled to the empire even semi-regularly were Twilight and Rarity. That was part of the reason they had chosen to head for the castle first. Aside from seeking some assistance from Queen Cadance, there was a chance their alicorn friend was also still here. The unwelcome looks they got were spread out enough that neither had time to dwell on them for long, meaning their walk up to the castle was easy enough, though the atmosphere the entire way felt somewhat uneasy.
The two of them were allowed inside by the crystal guards, their reputations more than enough for once. The royal court was in session inside and once they were within the castle, their appearance drew enough attention among the waiting staff that Fluttershy and Applejack were allowed an audience with the king and queen. This was their first time stepping inside the throne room since the empire had reappeared decades ago but even they could tell that it had changed considerably. Banners in the empire's colours of purple and white were spread along the walls and numerous crystal statues were placed by the doors and windows, as well as further crystal ponies standing guard. The thrones at the end of the room however, were a welcome sight.
Sitting on the leftmost throne was Shining Armor, BBBFF extraordinaire and king of the empire. Though he looked every day of his forty-nine years of age, tired and looking like he'd tried to grow a beard only to give up partway through, he still carried that air of support and care that everypony loved about him. Even now, AJ felt a sense of peace upon seeing him, as well as an unexpected, if momentary, moment of déjà vu. On the central throne was the princess of love herself, Cadance, queen of the empire. The alicorn's look had never changed over the years, though neither had her methods. Under her guidance, along with the continued support of Equestria, the empire was flourishing in ways its inhabitants hadn't seen in thousands of years. The slightly smaller throne on the right was empty, though Fluttershy remembered from Twilight talking about her previous visits to the city that it was for Cadance and Shining's son, Crystal Prince Aurora.
"Applejack! Fluttershy! It's been too long!" Cadance said happily as she saw them approach, her excitement so evident that she stood up from her throne and trotted down to meet them.
"Likewise, your highnesses." Applejack replied with a grin, knowing that Cadance was never one for formality when with her friends. Sure enough, neither of them even had time to bow before the alicorn had approached and wrapped them both in a hug.
"Oh, umm, yes. It's good to see you too." Fluttershy said, caught off guard by Cadance's exuberance.
"Sorry, I know I shouldn't get carried away," Cadance said as she let the hug go and took them both in. "I just miss seeing friends as close as you. Oh and congratulations, Fluttershy! I take it your marriage is going well?"
"Very well, thank you," Fluttershy sounded a little more at ease now that there was a little space and she smiled as she looked back over herself. "This is actually our second foal I'm carrying.
Cadance's smile only grew at the news and she looked fit to launch into a round of Pinkie Pie-grade excitement. At this point Shining Armor trotted up and placed a hoof on his wife's shoulder, managing to defuse her buildup as she looked back at him, to Applejack's amusement and Fluttershy's silent relief.
"Alright, let them have a little breathing space," Shining commented with a chuckle, watching as Cadance stepped back to compose herself before nodding to his guests. "It is good to see you both again though. How can we help?"
"Well, the map in Twilight's castle sent us up here for some sorta friendship problem," Applejack explained, continuing as she saw Shining nod in understanding. "We're still not sure just what we have to do yet, but given Fluttershy's current condition we were wondering if y'all might have a little room to spare for us while we're here."
"You don't even need to ask," Shining replied with a smile. "We'd be more than happy to accommodate you in the castle for as long as you need. We can also provide anything you might need to remain comfortable, Fluttershy."
"Well that's mighty kind of ya."
"Yes. Thank you both very much." Fluttershy actually spread her wings slightly at the news, looking and sounding pleasantly surprised.
"It's quite alright," Cadance said as she rejoined the conversation, by now managing to regain her composure from before. "I'll have one of my assistants on hoof to help you with anything you may need."
"Flurry Heart?" Shining asked, looking over at a group of ponies standing in waiting by the thrones. One of them stepped forward and over to the group.
Compared to the other ponies of the group, all of whom were crystal ponies, she stood out in comparison. A unicorn mare with a body white as snow, an average length mane that was curled above her eyes and fell freely down her neck in a red-violet colour with ice blue highlights, the same colours adorning her tail. Her eyes were a light blue and her cutie mark was an eight point snowflake surrounded by a pink glow.
"Yes, your majesty?" Flurry Heart said as she bowed to Shining and Cadance, her voice soft spoken and hushed.
"Your duty is to assist Applejack and Fluttershy for the duration of their stay," Shining told her before turning back to the others. "Flurry Heart is our best aide, don't hesitate to ask her for anything you need."
"Of course," Flurry raised her head and turned to the two ponies, eyes shining slightly. "If I may, it's an honour to meet heroes such as you."
"Pleasure to meet you too." Applejack replied, Fluttershy blushing slightly at the compliment.
"Oh, there was one other thing," Fluttershy piped up after a moment. "Twilight hasn't been in Ponyville since Hearth's Warming. She said she was coming here and, well, I was just wondering if she was alright."
"I'm, afraid we don't know," Shining answered, looking a little concerned. "Twilight and Spike left the city a week ago and headed for the Equis Ruins on the coast. We haven't heard from her since."
"Oh, okay. Well, we wont take up any more of your time now."
"We'll make sure to come back and catch up properly once this is over." Applejack said as she bowed again.
With the matter settled for now, Flurry Heart led Fluttershy and Applejack back toward the exit of the throne room while Cadance and Shining Armor returned to their thrones. As they were exiting the room, another pony was entering for an audience with the royals. A crystal pony stallion with a golden-yellow coat that currently lacked the translucent, hardened look of a pony in full crystal form, his eyes were emerald green, mane and tail of amber and with a cutie mark of a diamond under a magnifying glass, he looked a classic example of his kind. He looked over at the trio as they passed and nodded.
"Morning Flurry Heart, visitors." The stallion said as he passed, sounding pleasant enough, though with some tension in his voice.
"Hello, scumbag." Flurry said in reply, all pretence of professionalism lost, her voice dropping to a hiss as she glared at him. The stallion stared at her for a moment with a hurt look in his eyes before turning and continuing on his way.
"Friend of yours?" Applejack asked with cautious curiosity.
"Former friend. Now a traitor I wish I'd never met," Flurry replied, her front left hoof shaking in anger as she led them down a hallway toward the castle's guest rooms. "His name's Citrine, of the Onyx Dawn."
Fluttershy and Applejack looked at each other as they continued walking. Both of them had the same thought, that maybe they'd come across their friendship problem right here. Neither said anything further on the matter though so as not to aggravate Flurry Heart further, simply following her for the time being. They would take a breather and then focus in on the mission.