//------------------------------// // Rthö Achieüf- The Crystal Empire // Story: CYCLED // by The REAL Mister Pkmn //------------------------------// It had been a few days since the wedding, and Hearth’s Warming was right around the corner. Twilight got ready for the day and found that Spike was ready with a letter for her. It was from Celestia, and it was about an assignment. If Twilight knew the wording though, this was the one Celestia had sent when the Crystal Empire had returned. Twilight was a bit anxious about that, though. She had managed to find another solution last time when she was stuck behind the dark magic crystals. Spike had saved it then… Could she take that away from him, though? It had done wonders for his growth in the long run… She wasn’t sure. She could ask Maestro about it, she supposed. Resolving to do just that, she left the house to board the flying chariot that Celestia had provided. The trip flew by as Twilight considered the options, but no alternative felt quite right. Her solving it would take away from Spike’s growth, and so would Maestro solving it. Was the only option for her to get stuck on purpose? She didn’t like that, but… She shook her head as the chariot set down in Canterlot. She could worry about that later. She approached the throne room, and entered. She saw Celestia, and spoke calmly. “You had an assignment for me?” Celestia quirked an eyebrow. “Twilight? I half-expected you to take a bit longer, maybe show up with tons of paper and quills, perhaps a bit panicked. Yet you seem… almost calm.”  It made sense that Celestia was a bit surprised. Though Twilight wasn’t sure if she could let her in on the real reason she was so calm compared to last time. She decided to give an answer that was still partially true, though. “Well, things have changed a lot since Maestro came into my life. I’ve learned to take more things in stride, thanks to him.” Celestia seemed out of sorts for a bit at that information, a concerned frown on her face. She sighed, and decided to explain the situation. “The Crystal Empire has returned, and I suspect that Sombra has come with it. You need to know how to deal with Dark Magic in order to pass through his ancient traps.” Twilight already knew where the rest of the conversation was going. After calling and dismissing the dark magic as instructed, Twilight was given the train tickets. While on the train, her friends were chattering, discussing what they expected. Twilight sat next to Maestro, and put up the silence field. He raised an eyebrow. “Something bothering you?” She nodded. “Yeah. I don’t know if we should solve this differently. I mean, Spike placing in the Crystal Heart was a big part of his development last cycle…” Understanding graced Maestro’s face. “I see. It’s true that he does end up better off for doing so most of the time. But look at him.” Twilight obliged and looked over at Spike. He seemed different now that he was actually dating Prism. More confident, and perhaps more like what he was like at the end of last cycle. “Do you see? I noticed it too. He’s started on that without it. He doesn’t need to become some big hero to help him get where he’s supposed to go- he just needed a similar confidence boost.” Maestro smiled as Twilight turned back to face him. “It’s not going to be the end of the world if you take this accomplishment for yourself.” While Maestro seemed to have a point, Twilight wasn’t so sure. However his observation seemed right at the moment, so it was hard to argue. She still wasn’t sure that she was supposed to be the one to recover the Crystal Heart, though. For some reason… it just didn’t seem right. She didn’t have much time to consider that as the train slowed to a stop. The silence field dropped, and all on the train put on their heavy winter gear to deal with the raging blizzard outside. Even Maestro put on a coat and winter cap. They got off the train, and followed Shining Armor through the barrier around the city. Once inside, they took off their gear, but there was somebody else there to meet them. “Hello all. Welcome to the last city of the Crystal Empire, Crystaltopia.” Twilight gasped as she saw who it was. "Sapphiron? What’re you doing here? And in broad daylight, no less!" He heartily chuckled. “Take a look around you! I fit right in. Sure, the Crystal ponies currently are without sheen… But they see me as normal! It’s nice to be out and about and not be judged.” He cleared his throat. “Right. You’d better visit Cadence. She’s currently barring Sombra’s entrance.” The visit with Cadence went about the same, as did the assignments for the fair. Twilight went off alone as Spike helped Maestro with the fair. She found her way through Sombra’s taps, and made her way past the endless stairs. She paused in the room of the Crystal Heart. “Now, how am I going to do this?” It was then that she noticed Sapphiron had followed her. He looked from her to the Crystal Heart, and then understood. “You sense the dark magic surrounding the Crystal Heart too. Nasty stuff.” He was about to grab the Heart when Twilight pushed him aside and ended up within the circle. She grabbed the Crystal Heart, and the black crystals began to rise. She pushed the heart through the gap, and Sapphiron grabbed it with his magic. “Go! Repower the city!” Sapphiron nodded, and ran off. He ran as he heard Sombra chasing. He knew the barrier couldn’t hold forever, but this was madness. He made his way out of the castle, and gunned it to the proper place. He set the Crystal Heart, and saw Sombra fade before him. He sighed as he saw the Crystal Ponies regain their luster. “Now this is more like it.”