//------------------------------// // Ch 4. Too Little Too Late // Story: Crystal Book // by CherryTune //------------------------------// Chapter 4 *Too Little Too Late* Twilight and her friends up with Zecora, they board the train, and wait for departure. Twilight tells the girls what Zecora explained in Canterlot and what they are doing. The chest was placed in the cargo section and Zecora was back there keeping an eye on it. Twilight refreshed the spell on the chest before taking it from Canterlot as she noticed the fracture was growing and even accelerating in its degradation. After she wraps up explaining the situation, the train starts moving and they head off. Pinkie wanders the train snagging food off of carts, walking to the diner car, and scarfing down sweets and hors d’oeuvres. The waiter was getting irritated as he cannot make his rounds before she eats all the food on the tray “For Celestias’ sake Pinkie perhaps you could slow down a bit for the other ponies on board.” Rarity says. Pinkie looks over, cheeks bulging with food. “Okay.” She mumbles trying not to open her mouth. “Do you think he’ll like it?” Fluttershy asks Rainbow Dash. “Ugh I don’t know, maybe. I mean do you really think he’s going to want a necklace? That doesn’t really sound like Discord.” She replied. “To be honest Fluttershy, Rainbow might have a point, I don’t think I’ve seen Discord with any kind of memento. Or jewelry for that matter.” Apple Jack said while walking over with a tray of food. “Finally!” Rainbow Dash said “I take it someone finally kicked Pinkie off the train?” She continued. “Nah, Rarity just managed to convince her to take a break for moment. I figure we got like ten minutes to get some food before she’s at it again.” Apple Jack says. Flutter Shy tucks away the locket and she, Apple Jack, and Rainbow enjoy the tray of hors d’oeuvres. After that, the lunch special finally came out and all the passengers on the train manage to get a meal despite Pinkies best efforts. Shortly after, the train stops at the mid station between Equestria and the Crystal Empire. They disembark and Twilight takes the chest from the cargo hold and puts it on a cart. Zecora throws a few things on as well and puts on a necklace while Pinkie jumps into the front of the cart and straps in. They walk off the terminal and into the wooded area on a trail that’s been over grown by vegetation. They travel for a few miles and the terrain starts to get rocky, the woods start to thin and mountains appear in the distance. A large expanse of crags separate the edge of the forest and the foot of the mountains. Zecora walks up to the edge of the crags, looks over at a few boulders and motions them to come over. “Is this it?” Twilight questions” “I was expecting something more inspirational for an ancient site.” Rarity says. “Rocks and boulders are a deception here. Come a little closer and the truth will appear.” Zecora replies. The group walks over to Zecora. She holds a crystal attached to her necklace and places it on a small carving among many, hidden by overgrowth. The symbols light up and between two large boulders a portal materializes. They walk through, with Zecora leading the way and when they enter they find a chilling sight. Thousands of rocky structures littered the area. All seemed to emanate from a dark spire of energy that pulsed and jutted out of the center. “What is that?” Twilight gasped. “It appears we might be too late, we must hurry before we share my ancestor’s fate.” Zecora spoke urgently. “What fate?” Twilight asks. “Twilight.” Apple Jack said fearfully. “You said this was an ancient burial ground right?” She asked “Yes, why?” Twilight responded. “Because those aren’t just rocks laying around.” Apple Jack said while removing her hat. Twilight and the others gasped as the realization set in. “They’re the ancestors.” Twilight said horrified. “Hurry Twilight we must take the chest to the spire, or our situation will become much more dire.” Zecora exclaimed. They rush towards the center, Pinkie pulling the cart and clearly disturbed. Apple jack and Rainbow keep a strong exterior and Fluttershy maintains her composer albeit also fearful. They make it to the center, as arcs of dark energy fly out towards them, Twilight quickly places the chest on top of the spire and the dark energy engulfs it. They step back and look on in hopes it stops the hemorrhaging energy. Moments that seemed like forever went by and slowly the spire subsided and the chest sat still. Twilight approached the chest and the fracture seemed to have been completely gone. Suddenly a tremendous force caused the earth to shake beneath them. The spell that sealed the chest started fracturing and dark energy started spewing and arcing out of the cracks. Zecora urged the group to evacuate however Twilight cast a powerful barrier spell at the spire before turning away. Just then the seal shattered and a miasma filled the area within the barrier. A small amount of miasma leaked out and turned the cart to stone. “Twilight let’s go.” Apple jack yelled. They run back the entrance and immediately exit the portal. “I can’t believe what unfolded before my eyes, if it wasn’t for you, we’d have met our demise.” Zecora said. “What happened Zecora? I thought you said that returning the chest would strengthen the seal.” Twilight asked. “I had not anticipate what happened to be so abrupt, I fear the sacred energy has been corrupt.” Zecora explained. “We have to get back to Canterlot and tell Celestia what happened. I don’t know how long my barrier can hold” Twilight said. They make their way back to the rest stop and wait for the Crystal Empire-to-Canterlot train to come by and pick them up. The store owner, who takes the next train home starts to close down his rest stop and notice the group. “Y’all doing okay? Y’all look like you’ve seen a ghost.” He asked caringly. “We’re alright sir. Thank you.” Twilight said. “Why don’t y’all come inside and have some fresh cider. I special order it straight from Sweet Apple Acres.” He offers. “On me” he continued. “I don’t even know if I can even drink cider right now.” Rainbow Dash says. The group stares at Rainbow Dash with a surprised look. “What?” she says. “Would you happen to have food in there too?” Pinkie asks. “Well of course, with so many creatures going to see the Crystal Empire I have to stock up. Plus business is so good I’ve been donating as many meals as I’ve been selling. You are welcome to anything you like.” He replies. “Thank you sir, but you really don’t have to” Rarity responds. “Nah, it’d be my pleasure to serve the Princess of Friendship and her friends.” He says. They go inside and sit at the table next to a window overlooking the terminal. The stallion serves them fresh cider, fresh hey fries, and cucumber sandwiches. He engages in conversation and makes an effort to not ask about where they just came from and what happened. They begin to feel better and start smiling and joking again. After a few minutes they finish the meal and the shop keeper cleans up leaving behind a fresh cider for each of them. The train pulls in and they all board on their way to Canterlot. After a stop at Ponyville they arrive at Canterlot and depart the train car. On their way to the castle Starlight and Sunburst made their way towards them. “Oh hey Starlight, Sunburst.” Twilight said. “What are you doing here?” she continued. “Twilight!” Starlight greeted her. “Princess Celestia sent me a letter saying she thinks she might need my help with something. “She also called me for the same reason. I am not sure what it is about though.” Sunburst said. “Sunburst and I got here on the train before yours and were catching up at that restaurant. Then we saw you get off the train.” Starlight said. Out of nowhere Trixie glomps Starlight and says “Hey bestie! Long time no see!” “Trixie what are you doing here?” Starlight questioned. “Believe it or not, Princess Celestia summoned me herself!” Trixie replied. “Apparently I am needed to help with something serious!” she boasted. “Really?!” the whole group responded. “Ugh, yes! Why wouldn’t the princess want the help of the Great and Powerful Trixie!” she replied. “Maybe she’s confused.” Rainbow said. “Or wrote the wrong name.” Rarity chimed. “Well it doesn’t matter, I got the letter saying she wanted my help so I’m gonna be there.” Trixie said. “Well we’re not going to find out standing around. Let’s go to Celestia already.” Apple Jack replied. They walk through town straight to the castle. On their way they discuss the day and struggle with the last few hours. By this time the sun was almost setting. They walk into the throne room and notice Ember, Skystar, Pharynx, Shining Armor and Tempest talking off to the side. Sky catches Pinkies eye and excitedly bounced in place saying “Oh… em... goodness! Pinkie hi!” “Skystar!” Pinkie said and pounced over. “Berry Twist?” Pinkie said confused. “Pinkie.” Tempest replied. The three began catching up on lost time and as Twilight walked past, Tempest gave her a smile and a nod. Twilight returned the gesture and then to her brother who was standing next to Tempest. She walked over to Celestia and Starswirl with Starlight, Sunburst and Trixie in tow. “Welcome back Twilight. How did it go?” Celestia asked. “Yes what happened when you returned the chest?” Starswirl continued. “Princess Celestia filled me in of the situation. I had no idea that such powerful spirits were trapped inside. I certainly never meant for this to happen.” He explained. “What do you mean?” Twilight asked. “Well long ago before I defeat the Pony of Shadows I would travel across the land to find new magic, unseen by unicorns across Equestria. I also found ruins and many artifacts that I collected and studied in the Castle of the Two Sisters. When I came across a powerful magic barrier I used my knowledge to slip through and explore what was inside. It was dark, shrouded in a thick fog, and before I knew it I came across that stone chest. I sensed a powerful magic and the dark energy it contained. I thought I could take it, study the enchantment, and use the knowledge to protect Equestria. But before I could fully complete my research and return it to its resting place I faced Stygian, the pony of Shadows.” Starswirl explained. “The chest didn’t just contain dark energy it contained lesser spirits.” Twilight said. “The artifact was also essentially a lid to stop dark energy, or the six spirits, from pouring from beneath the site. Once it was removed the remaining energy from the barrier faded over time. The burial ground and the chest needed each other to fully contain the dark spirits inside.” She continued. Twilight went on to say. “I believe something broke out of that barrier and sent that powerful shock wave across the lands that Luna and Discord felt. That shock wave cracked the enchantment on the chest and in doing so caused a critical failure in both the barrier at the site and the seal on the chest.” “But you returned it to the grounds didn’t you?” Luna said while walking up from behind the thrones. “Yes. But it was too late.” Twilight replied. “What do you mean?” Celestia asked. Twilight explained what happened when they returned the chest and that the only thing that contains the dark spirits is a spell she quickly cast to trap them in. She mentions that she does not know how long it will last and when it fails the barrier around the site will fall as well. “Then we’ll need to act quickly.” Celestia said. “What do you have in mind?” Starswirl asked. “I don’t know if it’ll work but I think Twilight already has what is necessary to stop the release of these spirits.” Celestia replied. “Me?” Twilight asked. “Yes Twilight. Your spell already keeps them from escaping. If we can find a way to match your spell, our most powerful unicorns and including us princesses, can recreate the barrier and force the spirits back into the depths and restore the seal.” Celestia said. “Yes and with so many capable unicorns like your friends beside you I am confident we can learn your spell and use it in the battle ahead.” Starswirl said. “Starlight I saw what you did to help Stygian, Sunburst your knowledge on magic helped you with the Crystal Empire, and on my travels I heard so much about the Great and Powerful Trixie. You three will be at the front lines.” Trixies eyes widened and she gave a nervous laugh. “Are you sure you want ME at the front lines?” She asked. Twilight smirked and raised an eyebrow at Trixie while Starlight looked to the side. “Well of course, I also hear that you’ve been under Starlights tutelage for quite some time. You’ve no doubt learned and grasped the concepts of advanced spells.” Trixie gave another nervous laugh and said “Sure! Totally in sync with advanced magic.” “Trixie, because you’re my friend I have to do this.” Starlight said. “I don’t think you have full story Starswirl. You might not know exactly who Trixie is” She started. “I am not exactly… all that great… and powerful.” Trixie interrupted shamefully lowering her head. “I can barely teleport and I can only transform things into teacups. I am just a show pony with no real talents” She continued. Twilight gawked in awe of Trixies modesty. “Trixie you are more than just a show pony.” Celestia reassured. “I remember reading about you in Twilights letters. Your abilities with the Alicorn amulet were your own. It’s power only channeled you’re abilities. It did not give you them. Your mentor has taught you so much, just like her mentor did before her. Starswirl knew exactly who you are and still felt like you can do this.” “Indeed, this line of mentorship traces back to when I taught Celestia when she was just a filly. And look what it’s brought us.” Starswirl said “Three princess and a very talented, very powerful unicorn who even taught me something when she saved an old friend of mine. With that in mind the task ahead of us shouldn’t be more than a few powerful barrier spells to seal away the spirits.” He continued. Zecora walks over and shares that it won’t be that simple. The ancient tribes came together as a people, not as shamans or leaders. Or in this case unicorns and princesses. Celestia asks Zecora about any other possible actions. Zecora explains that the spirits need to be bound to an object, like those relics inside the stone chest and chest itself. She grabs her satchel that she packed before her journey and spilled its contents gently onto the ground. A dozen or so ancient relics fall out on the floor. She says that they can bind souls to these artifacts but they will need to be placed in a vessel much like the original stone chest. She continues to explain that the vessel must come from every nation just as it did with the ancient tribes. They decide to bring the containers from the Dragon Lands, Crystal Empire, Mount Eris, Yak Yakistan, Changeling Kingdom, and Griffinstone. Not only do they need to bring the leaders together they must also find a lot volunteers to be at the site to properly channel the energies. Zecora also mentions that it’ll take the energy of the peoples of those nations to completely seal the spirits away. Celestia sends her heralds out to deliver a message to the leaders of Equestria stating that they are needed to stop the rise of the dark forces. She further states that they must all meet in Canterlot to discuss the details of the massive undertaking. Celestia returns to the throne room after setting the sun and says, “The leaders of Equestria have been notified and will be arriving over the next few days. We still have a lot to figure out before they get here so I suggest we take this time to rest.” “Rest? But what about my spell?” Twilight asks. “I sent my best teams of scouts to watch over the area and Zecora has given them the ability to peer through the barrier. If anything happens we’ll know.” Celestia replied. She turned to address the throne room. “Now everyone gets some sleep. We have much to accomplish tomorrow.” She said The crowd dispersed and Twilight and her friends stayed in the castle for the night. Celestia turned to Luna in the now empty room. “Will you be ok tonight?” she asked. “I’ll be fine Tia. Get some sleep and I will watch the night.” Luna responded. “Goodnight Luna.” Celestia said. “Goodnight sister.” Luna replied. Celestia turned in as the night watch relieved those working the day shift. Luna rose the moon and wandered the halls acknowledging her guards as she passed. “Hello Luna!” a voice range out. “Who’s there? Show yourself.” She commanded. “We have not met, but I sensed your darkness a thousand years ago. It was strong, it was powerful, it was… so familiar.” The voice continued. Luna looked stoically through the darkness, unafraid and unamused. She caught a glance of a smoke like figure dart through the shadows. “You have no business here, leave at once.” She demanded. The smoky figure laughed and said “I do hope all this mess blows over. My master has plans for you, and I fear these spirits will just get in the way.” Luna shot a magic bolt at the figure and it dissipated flowing out of a nearby window. “Reaper sends his regards.” It spoke one last time. Guards came rushing in around a corner “Princess Luna, is everything alright?” One of them asked. Luna glanced over and said “Moonlet, inform Nightfall that he is to add a few more patrols to the castle perimeter.” “At once Luna.” Moonlet responded before running off. “Cherry Tune, I have a special task for you.” Luna said while addressing the other guard.