//------------------------------// // Chapter 25: The Crystalling Part One // Story: Light and Dark: Road to Redemption // by MXCDarkHorse2020 //------------------------------// Chapter 25: The Crystalling Part One Beginning of Act Two Following the successful princess summit, the girls returned back home while Princess Cadance gives birth to her new foal with Shining Armor by her side. Twilight has been feeling great recently, especially after she helped Starlight and Sunset see the errors of their ways just like she had in the past. And now she is excited to begin her first pupil’s first lesson, it’s just a matter of finding the right one. While she would like to follow in her mentors hoof steps, Twilight preferably would like to be able to help Starlight her own way since they have more common ground together. For Starlight, it is more than she could dream of with the irony is that it’s actually happening albeit while the two ponies are now reformed than Starlight initially dreamed of. But at the same time she is still trying to figure her way around the castle which she still has trouble even after she snuck her way around the first time and nearly got caught by Spike. She also was amazed that Twilight would forgive her for all of her sins while having to remind herself that Twilight when she was Midnight did more evil things worse than her while she made her around the hallway. “Okay. Library... Library... Where did they put the library?” Starlight said to herself as she tried to find which one of the similar doors is the library as she made her down the corner to find more similar shaped doors around her. “I just wish Twilight had took the time to label the place down. I mean this castle looked a lot smaller from the outside.” She said as made her way to open one of the doors with her magic only to find herself greeting Spike who is wearing a bath robe while brushing his teeth. “Morning, Starlight!” Spike nonchalantly greeted her who quickly shuts the door in embarrassment for walking in on him like that while quickly covering her eyes. “Whoops! Sorry, Spike!” Starlight quickly apologized. “I guess I'm still trying to find my way around. You don't happen to know where the library is, do you?” “Next door on the left!” Spike called out from inside as she sees that the library is right next to her. “Oh. Thanks!” Starlight somewhat feeling exasperated with herself before walking inside as Twilight goes over her checklist. “Last time, it took me an hour to navigate this castle just to find the bathroom. Almost didn’t make it.” Starlight thought to herself as she made her way inside. “Acceptance, mm-hmm. Altruism, definitely.” Twilight looked over before seeing Starlight coming in. “Starlight, good morning, come in!” “Sorry I'm late. I got a little turned around.” Starlight explained before speaking somewhat downcast. “I still can't believe you're letting me stay here... as your pupil... after everything I did.” “Well, I'm not one to dwell on the past anymore, and neither should you. Besides I’ve done worse things than you.” Twilight reassured her the past is the past while the two walk up the table where Twilight’s list is. “The castle is your home now, and as far as being my pupil goes, I was just trying to figure out what your first friendship lesson should be!” “Oh, well, it looks like you're really narrowing it down!” Starlight commented in amazement as she looked at the numerous ideas Twilight has in mind for her. “Oh, these are just the A's. After this, I move on to the B's!” Twilight told her what she has is just the beginning before gesturing to the large pile of papers on and around her table to which Starlight seems surprised of how many ideas she has while forcing herself to put up a nervous smile as Twilight brightly smiles at her direction before walked up to look through the many papers with ideas for a friendship lesson. “I know I'm just learning about friendship, but I didn't think there were this many lessons for anything. How do we choose?” Starlight asked wondering how this can be narrowed down to a few simple select choices. “Maybe I should pare things down a bit before we go through them.” Twilight suggested as she took control of the papers Starlight was holding in her magic. “Why don't you join the others in the throne room? They're planning our trip to the Crystal Empire when Shining Armor and Princess Cadance have their baby!” “Throne room! Got it!” Starlight smiled as she quickly rushed out of the room do so before turning back to ask for directions. ”Um, which way is the throne room?” She asked with a nervous laugh and grin to which Twilight sighed and rolled her eyes amused as she tells her where to go to get there. As soon as Starlight leaves Twilight’s smile fades as she sensed that Starlight was a little uncomfortable about her suggestions while at the same time she feels a little unprepared for dealing with the Crystal Ponies for the first time since the Equestrian Games. “I mean sure they forgive me.” Twilight thought to herself as she narrows down Starlight’s first friendship lesson while sorting out the papers. “But what if something happens there comes back to bite me in the flank.” She recalled as she remembers the dark magic she left in the heart the last time she was there. As it currently glowed in the empty room back at the Crystal Empire where the mist of dark magic is looming around it. “Oh I’m sure things will work out just fine.” The mist said in a sinisterly whispering voice. “For me.” In the throne room, Starlight meets up with the Mane Five who gathered together in the throne room. “Well, I think we should leave ASAP. I don't want to miss the Crystalling!” Rainbow Dash said wanting to get there right away. “But, um, shouldn't we wait for the invitation?” Fluttershy politely pointed out. “Frankly, I'm not exactly clear on all the customs and traditions of the Crystal Empire, especially when it comes to a Crystalling.” Applejack voiced her thoughts about the event more specifically she is not quite one hundred sure how it works. “What's a Crystalling?” Starlight asked as she walked up to her. “Well, that's just it, darling.” Rarity replied that the answer is something they are uncertain about too. “Princess Cadance and Shining Armor's baby is due any day, and we're still not sure. The Crystal Empire was gone for a thousand years. A lot of their customs are a bit murky.” “We know it's got somethin' to do with the new baby.” Applejack added on what they do know. “And a party!” Pinkie said quickly as she popped her head right in Starlight’s face. “And the Crystal Heart.” Fluttershy added. “And a party!” Pinkie repeated as she shouted in Fluttershy’s face as she shielded herself with one of her wings. “And some kinda cool energy.” Rainbow said as she floated over to Starlight. “And... a party!” Pinkie exclaimed again as she tossed up confetti in the air to which Rainbow non-verbally shrugs in response to a confused Starlight. “It's not hard to understand.” Spike said as he walked into the room with a scroll in his claws. “Most things in the Crystal Empire aren't. Like how I'm a big hero there, for example!” Spike held up and uncovered a picture of him holding up the Crystal Heart standing tall and large over the houses nearby with red ruby eyes to which is meet with deadpan looks with Rarity trying her hardest not to laugh at him. “Eh... plus, I've had to help Twilight do a lot of research on Crystallings.” Spike grinned in embarrassment as he scratched the back of his head before putting it aside and pulled up a vase with decorations and markings. “Whenever a baby is born in the Crystal Empire, the parents bring it before the Crystal Heart.” Spike explained as the married couple embrace their baby. “They get the purest shard of crystal they can find, then pick a crystaller to present the baby to everypony who comes.” Spike said as he turned the vase to show an image of a unicorn holding up a small crystal with magic with royal guards overseeing the procedure then showing the parents facing another unicorn who then holds up the baby to the crystal ponies. “Then they all share the light and joy they feel, feeding it into the crystal that joins with the Heart, and increases its power!” Spike concluded his explanation as he shows an image of the all of the ponies gathered together at the Crystal Heart as it sparkles in the sky. “And this is going to be a royal Crystalling, so pretty much the whole empire will show up. That hasn't happened in a millennia!” “What do you mean it increases the Crystal Heart's power?” Starlight questioned Spike as he put the vase back down on the floor. “The energy it uses to protect the Crystal Empire, I guess.” Spike figures off of the top of his head. “Protect it from what?” Starlight questioned still not completely understanding the explanation. “I... didn't help Twilight with that part.” Spike honestly and nervously answered as he rubs the back of his neck. Meanwhile, back at her library, Twilight has narrowed down her options by the time Starlight walks by and over to her. “Hey, Twilight, can I ask you something about the Crystal Empire?” Starlight asked her hoping she has more knowledge to make more sense of the Crystalling. “Huh! Funny you should mention it.” Twilight brought up as she held up three papers. “Because I just narrowed your first friendship lesson down to three options, and one of them is in the Crystal Empire!” “Really?” Starlight wondered sounding excited about that idea. “I found out that's where the first pony you ever cared about lives!” Twilight explained as Starlight realizes who she is talking about. “Sunburst?” Starlight exclaimed now having her happy bubble burst at the mention of her former childhood friend. “Of course, that's just one idea.” Twilight explained as she explained the other ideas she has in mind for her. “We could also go to Griffonstone. Making friends with a griffon is a challenge all by itself! Or we could tag along with the CMC's the next time they try to help a pony figure out why they're special...” Twilight speaks as Starlight look aside very nervous at the thought of facing her past to which Twilight takes notice of. “Starlight?” She asked to snap her to attention. “Is something wrong?” “What? O-Oh, no, heh, those all sound great!” Starlight nervously lied with a smile. Twilight on the other hoof despite Starlight’s answer could tell she is lying to her especially at the thought of reuniting with Sunburst. “Starlight.” Twilight calmly said as she approached her. “You know that I can tell you’re lying and that you can honestly tell if you are uncomfortable with the idea of reuniting with Sunburst.” She said as Starlight nervously gulped as she sweated a little at the thought of telling her mentor the truth. “Okay, fine. It is because of the thought of reuniting with Sunburst.” Starlight sighed as she confessed. “Why is that other than having not seen him since the day he left?” Twilight asked of where this is going as Starlight turns away as she solemnly recalls her childhood memories. “Other than the fact we have never seen nor spoke to each other since the day he got his cutie mark.” Starlight started as she narrated back to when they were foals. Sunburst was reading one of his books while Starlight tries to focus her magic to levitate one of the toy blocks only to struggle and lose control of her magic causing the block to fall back down. “When we were foals, Sunburst knew everything there was to know about magic.” She explained as Sunburst shows her the spell from his book to help her better her control to which proves successful as she levitates all of the blocks no problem. “He always knew just what to do.” She added as she recalls the time she accidentally spilled juice on the floor to which Sunburst easily mops up with a rag with his magic after reading the right spell. He then shows her the spell on paper so Starlight can give it a go. She would then levitate multiple mops and cleaning products as she managed to clean the entire room with all of the dishes to the point the room was all sparkling clean. And he was always there to help me.” Starlight recalled the very moment Sunburst got her cutie mark and went off to be praise for his accomplishment while leaving a hurt Starlight behind unintentionally. “I guess it's not surprising that Sunburst got his cutie mark in magic and... went off to Princess Celestia's school. But when he left...“ “You ended succumbing to darkness that lead you into doing all of things you are not proud of?” Twilight asked to which Starlight nodded with a shameful sigh. “Not really stuff I'm super eager to tell Sunburst about. I mean, he's probably some big important wizard now, and... I can't even find my way around your castle.” Starlight added as she still looks down in shame. “I see.” Twilight acknowledged knowing exactly what she is feeling about the idea itself. “You’re not the only one, Starlight.” She said gestured her to walk down the castle hallways towards the balcony. “Even though I have come a long road towards my redemption since I reformed, I still have to live with the fact that I do have done things that I’m not proud which is truthfully why I too am afraid of going back to the Crystal Empire.” “I assume that’s because of what you did the last time you were there.” Starlight asked as they walked out to the balcony as they looked up in the sky with the Crystal Mountains in a distance from afar. “Yes.” Twilight calmly replied as she thinks back to the memory of the Equestrian Games. “Because of dark magic that was in my heart…” She said as she placed a hoof on her chest that used that to glow whenever she showed strong emotion which was rarely back when she was Midnight as she thinks back to when it did when appearing in her Midnight Sparkle form when calmly striding towards the center of the stadium. “…My judgement was clouded to the point my ability to tell right from wrong was affected to the point I convinced myself that what I was doing was for the good of all of Equestria. Therefore, I’ve encouraged myself to do whatever I feel is justified to do it which lead to me going as far shattering the Crystal Heart to secure power over all of Equestria.” She recalled the very moment she used her magic to shatter the Crystal Heart causing many ponies to react in horror and shock of what she just did leaving Cadance in tears while Princess Celestia tackles her to instigate the fight she engaged with along with her brother and the Mane Five. “It was the moment I really fought and took down my friends in my pursuit for revenge against them for the heartbreak I received at the wedding rehearsal.” She recalled the memory as she fought and took down her brother and friends before holding up the repaired Crystal Heart up in triumph of her victory. “Even though I now learn that I was wrong and I too am not proud of it, that very act still stands out as the worst thing I have ever done to the point that even though I have reformed I have never set foot into the Crystal Empire again for the same reasons you are feeling about facing Sunburst.” Twilight said as she eyed Starlight who was also looking out to the mountains with the same sad expression Twilight was having at having their villainous past brought up. “That sure must be tough.” Starlight said as Twilight nodded in response as they looked out towards the mountains together. “Just knowing of all of the things you did that you are now not proud of and how it all came to this must be really hard having to face the ponies you’ve hurt. One more thing we both have in common. As if almost as you feel no pony is going to welcome you in open arms as if you feel…” “All ponies are ever going to remember you for is for your actions for when you were evil.” Both ponies said in unison as they faced each other at the same time and reacting in perfect sync. “Don’t worry.” Twilight told Starlight as she placed a hoof on her shoulder. “You don’t have to worry about meeting Sunburst if you don’t want to do. We can arrange a trip to Griffonstone or help deal with the Cutie Mark Crusaders helping a pony without a cutie mark for when we get back from our trip.” She told her to let her know she won’t press against her will. “Thanks, Twilight.” Starlight gratefully answered. “But I got ask, if you’re afraid of returning to the Crystal Empire, how are you so calm and look ready to return there.” She couldn’t help but ask her. “I mean here we are standing and waiting for the official invitation while you still don’t feel ready to return to the Crystal Empire deep down.” “It’s because I let time decide when I felt it was ready for me to return and with the fact that I going to be an aunt to a new member of the Sparkle family I felt that the Crystalling is the perfect time to push myself in taking that step forward.” Twilight calmly answered. “So I can be there for her and get her to see me as the pony everypony knows me for today while focusing on a bright new future. Something that I taught myself is that sometimes you have to push yourself into facing your past because if you don’t you won’t be able to overcome your own insecurities and completely put the past behind you.” “I see.” Starlight replied as she lets her explanation sink as she begins to reconsider her hesitance to reunite with Sunburst. At that moment a strong breeze came towards them to which Twilight knows what that means. “Spike! Come quick! ” Twilight happily called out to her who quickly joins them outside as a snowflake flies in the castle’s direction and then flies into one of Twilight’s open wings where the envelope opens up to reveal the official invitation to the Crystalling as the newborn baby has just been born. “It's a Crystalling invitation!” Spike exclaimed in excitement. “Shining Armor's a father! I'm an aunt!” Twilight proudly stated as she said the word aunt with a southern accent she walked back inside to tell her friends the good news. While Starlight is proud of her she is now taking her words into consideration feeling that maybe she should take that first step by reuniting with Sunburst. “Congratulations, Twilight!” Starlight complimented. “It’s official now!” “Thanks, Starlight.” Twilight said pleased to hear that as they walked down the hallways to meet up with their friends while Starlight is having second thoughts of not wanting to reunite with Sunburst. Later the whole group boards the Friendship Express where they all ride their way towards the Crystal Empire for the Crystalling. During the train ride over all seven ponies are bidding their time in different ways. Pinkie Pie is resting her head on one of the seats in front of her very bored out of her mind, Rarity is sewing up a horseshoe on a piece of fabric, Fluttershy who has Angel accompanying her is currently looking out the window to enjoy the scenic view, Applejack has a sheet cover over something sitting right next to her, Rainbow Dash is currently taking a nap, Twilight is currently reading her book, and Starlight is currently looking out the window with her thoughts up in the air. “Um, Applejack, what is that?” Rainbow Dash curiously asked after waking up from her nap with a yawn. “Oh, just a little somethin' for the young'un.” Applejack answered as she removed the cloth to reveal a golden wooden crib with apple decorations. “Made from genuine Sweet Apple Acres apple trees. We make 'em for all the Apples, and anypony related to Twilight is practically family.” Applejack said as she turned to face her who returns a warm smile. “Yeah, it's okay...” Rainbow said as she felt it’s not the best she’s seen. “But it's no Cloudsdale mobile! Bam!” She added as she held up a little mobile with rainbow, cloud, and lightning bolt decorations on it with a blue bow on top. “Ooh!” Pinkie and and Rarity marveled in amazement at Rainbow’s handcrafted gift. “Pretty!” Pinkie couldn’t resist touch one of the pieces which fell off leaving her sheepishly smiling at Rainbow Dash annoyed with her for that. “Well, a mobile is real nice... as long as you have somethin' to lay in so you can look at it.” Applejack said as she pointed out that the gift would work much better for the baby if she has a crib to settle in. “And a fetching blanket to keep you warm.” Rarity added as she replaced the blanket inside with her blanket that she had just sewn up. “I'm sure Shining Armor and Princess Cadance will love all our gifts. But I think they're more happy we'll be attending the baby's Crystalling.” Twilight humbly appreciated the thought they put into their gifts while saying that attending the main event is where it really matters. “Ooh! I can't wait to see all that light and love make the Crystal Heart even more sparkly and shiny!” Pinkie eagerly bounced up and down in excitement. “Actually, Pinkie, the Crystal Heart is an ancient and powerful relic. Without its magic, the Crystal Empire would be lost to the Frozen North.” Twilight explained the importance of the Crystal Heart. “Wow, this Crystalling sounds pretty important.” Starlight voiced in amazement. “And really makes the importance of having that relic around and together in one piece.” “I’m just glad that it still is one piece.” Twilight tried to think nothing of it as she looked aside to the window. “As long as nothing happens to it again.” She added as she felt chills running through her spine as they get closer to the Crystal Empire. “You okay sugarcube?” Applejack asked her seeing her tremble a little. “Yes.” Twilight answered as she focused her attention back at her after zoning out at the window for a moment. “Just mentally preparing myself for my visit here for the first time since the last time they had a winter snow storm.” “You’re not still nervous about all this, are you Twilight?” Pinkie seriously asked. “A little.” Twilight honestly replied with a solemn expression. “Considering that you are about to return to the place where I the worst thing I have ever done as Midnight Sparkle occurred there.” She added with a nervous gulp. “What’s to worry about Twilight?” Rainbow asked her wondering what she has to fear about returning here. “Everypony forgives you and nopony is holding anything against you anymore. So I think you have nothing to worry about since everypony knows you are not Midnight anymore.” “That’s right darling.” Rarity backed Rainbow's claim up. “It’s all in the past now, and I’m sure you won’t be with us if Shining Armor and Cadance didn’t want you to come here.” “I know.” Twilight replied as she still looked down in shame. “It’s just back then it was my most crowning moment when I took over Equestria, but now it is something that I am not proud off especially since I hurt the one pony who means a whole lot to me.” “Princess Cadance.” Fluttershy asked. “Yes.” Twilight answered with a nod. “She loved and supported me like an older sister and was the only one who never gave up on me even after I became evil. And how do I thank her, by breaking her heart literally. What started all of this is when I rightfully called out her imposter for being evil and by then the roles reversed where I hurt the real Cadance while I was evil.” She recalled the memory of Cadance crying and pleading for her not to go through with shattering the Crystal Heart. “Which is why I never bothered to visit her there since then.” The girls all hearing this seeing Twilight solemn and crestfallen over the memories could understand what Twilight is going through. “Well at least you’re having the courage to go through with coming back here if it means seeing your new niece for the first time.” Starlight brought up in an attempt to lighten the mood. “I on the other hoof am just getting started to learning about friendship while you have your friends helping you out every step of the way.” “What are you saying?” Twilight asked her of where she is going with this. “Nothing other than I have been thinking about what you said earlier and seeing that you are going forward with all of this despite being scared inside. And I’m thinking maybe I need to start following in your example if I want to learn about friendship too more.” Starlight explained. “Are you saying you want to reunite with Sunburst?” Twilight figured out what she is trying to say. “Yes.” Starlight calmly answered. “I mean it’s bound to happen sooner or later so since we’re here why not get it out of the way while we still can.” “Are you sure?” Twilight asked. “You know you don’t have to do it if you don’t want too. I really don’t the first lesson to be forced upon you and get you thinking the wrong idea to approach friendship.” She added unsure to comply with her wishes. “Yes I’m sure.” Starlight firmly answered. “Worst case scenario we never see each other again.” “All right.” Twilight obliged with a sigh. “If that’s what you want? Then I support you every step of the way just like my friends did for me.” “Well just be glad that you are not Midnight Sparkle anymore.” Applejack pointed out again that she is a reformed pony now. “Yeah, I mean think about what things would have been like if she was around and still in charge of Equestria compared to today.” Rainbow Dash added. “Definitely wouldn’t be good.” Twilight said as she thought to herself about what she and Starlight were both facing as their train approaches the Crystal Empire in the very horizon. “No kidding.” Pinkie seriously added in agreement. “Especially if she had managed to gain her own form and control of her own actions. Then we’d all be dead by now.” “Okay, Pinkie.” Spike spoke up to interrupt her not wanting the alicorn princess to be further discouraged from her return. “I think you have said enough.” She added while gestured to her to Twilight who sees that their train ride is approaching the train station to let them all know they are now in the Crystal Empire. “Well, Starlight.” Twilight started after performing Cadance’s deep breathing technique to recompose herself before she could think of tearing up. “Since your serious about wanting to go through with you first friendship lesson here I will help ensure that this reunion goes without a hitch.” She said as she had a long list on the scroll on hoof handy in her magic to which Starlight laughs nervously in response as the train arrives at the train station. “Believe me when I tell that I had to rekindle past friendships as a result of my past actions.” She said as they all got off of the train and as she starting reading off of the top of her list. “Step one, head to Sunburst's house and get you two started on the right hoof. Step two, get to the castle with enough time to visit the ba—“ She read until she found herself accidentally bumping into somepony in front of her. Said pony is her brother Shining Armor. “Shining Armor!” Twilight happily said in surprise seeing him here. “Twilight...!” Shining Armor greeted as they embraced together in a hug. “I didn't know you were meeting us!” She told her brother who was looked worn out. His mane was a bit of a mess and had dark circles under his eyes like he was about ready to fall asleep at any moment. “Of course I am! It's me, right here. Here I am. Why wouldn't I come meet my sister? Though we have met before, heh-heh... “ Shining Armor rambled off the top of his head sounding and acting out of sorts. “Are you all right?” Twilight asked him after taking notice of his disheveled appearance. “Never better! Being a father is amazing! And wonderful, and amazing, and confusing, and amazing, but surprising too, you know? I mean, not that you'd know. You wouldn't know, I know... You know?” Shining Armor answered with wide open eyes while looking and sounding crazy as he speaks before getting control of himself. “Sorry. I haven't really slept since Cadance had the baby. Come to think of it, she hasn't either. It sure would be great to get a break.” Seeing that Shining Armor really needs help she sees this as an opportunity to give Starlight the break she needs. “Oh, of course! I don't know what I was thinking! You two probably need all kinds of help!” Twilight apologized for not being around for them sooner before turning to Starlight in the same tone. “I'm sorry, Starlight, but I guess trying to combine your first lesson with this visit wasn't such a good idea.” “Oh, uh, don't be ridiculous! You're an aunt now! That's way more important than some friendship lesson.” Starlight assured her it’s no big deal. “I just wish there was a way to do both.” Twilight wished she could arrange for Starlight to press forward with this. “Maybe there is!” Spike brought up with an idea as she held the scroll Twilight wrote down. “You've already done the work for Starlight's lesson with this list. All we have to do is follow it! “That’s right I did!” Twilight realized. “Then it all works out!” “Great!” Starlight replied nervously. “Unless of course you don’t want too because there is no shame in backing out now.” Twilight gave Starlight one last chance to give her that opportunity to back out. “Last chance to say no.” After a moment of thinking, Starlight made her choice. “It’s all right Twilight.” Starlight reassured her she can do this with a smile. “If you can step hoof into the Crystal Empire right now, then I think I can handle rekindling a friendship I once had.” Twilight seeing that she is serious of wanting to go through with this while sensing Starlight is still uncomfortable with going through with all of this but respects her wishes nevertheless. “Then it's settled!” Twilight stated. “Shining Armor and I will head straight to the castle, and you two can head straight to Sunburst's!” “Aye-aye, Princess!” Spike saluted at Twilight’s instructions as she set off to do her task before being stopped by Twilight teleporting in front of her. “And Spike…” She added as she leaned to his eye level to whisper in his ear. “Feel free to pull Starlight out of it in case she really doesn’t want to do it. I don’t her to feel like I’m pressuring her into tackling her first lesson here.” She said as she gestured to Starlight who walks forward ready to meet up with Sunburst. “Got it.” Spike nodded in acknowledgement as he caught up with Starlight who is walking ahead. As soon as Starlight has left Twilight turned back to her brother. “Alright, big brother, let's go see this amazing baby pony!” Said brother however had fallen asleep again due to exhaustion from going so long without sleep so she decides to carry him with his magic to allow him to nap on the way to the Crystal Empire to give him the rest he deserves as she places him on her back. “Let’s wait until we get there before trying to wake him up again.” She advised her friends as they made their way to the castle. “He really could use the rest right now.” While the Mane Six all made their way to the castle the mist of dark magic looms over from hiding as it whispers a voice “He sure could use it especially with what’s about to happen, Twilight.” before flying over in the Crystal castle’s direction while chuckling evilly as it flies into the distance. Meanwhile Starlight and Spike both walk down the Crystal streets on their way to Sunburst’s house. “I know you're a little worried about this reunion, but I'm sure Twilight's got everything covered.” Spike assured her that everything will be fine. “Everything except how I'd rather do absolutely anything else.” Starlight bluntly replied. “Oh, I bet she's taken that into account too.” Spike acknowledged her stance on this matter. “It's all part of the lesson. Trust the lesson.” “Right...” Starlight seemingly agreed as she saw a statue of him holding the Crystal Heart before she gets an idea to stall it long as long as she can. “Hey, i-is that... you?” She asked Spike pointing to the statue’s direction. “Oh, yep, it sure is!” Spike answered as he briefly glanced at it before focusing on making their way to Sunburst’s house. “Now, according to the list, Sunburst's house is—“ “Why is there a statue of you in the Crystal Empire?” Starlight interrupted. “Because Spike the Brave and Glorious saved all of us from King Sombra!” One of the crystal ponies answered. “And then again during the Equestria Games!” Another crystal pony added. “Really?” Starlight asked in surprise. “Really!” Another crystal pony answered as he turned to face Spike while shaking his hands. “Big fan.” “Um, when were you going to tell me about this?” Starlight questioned. “Nah, it's no big deal.” Spike simply shrugged off only to find himself surrounded by more crystal ponies. “It most certainly is!” The crystal ponies immediately exclaimed to which Spike nervously smiles to a smirking Starlight who seizes on this opportunity to stall and dodge her first friendship lesson. “That's it! We're not going anywhere until I get the whole story!” Starlight decided as she levitated a stool for Spike to still on while she listens while eating popcorn as the nearby crystal ponies gather together as Spike tells everypony the story of his heroic accomplishment to which Spike reluctantly allows just one story for his admirers while aware of what Starlight is trying to do. Back in the castle Shining Armor is now awake and a little more well rested thanks to his sister letting him take a nap on the way over here as they reach the room where the newborn baby is. “Before we go in, I should probably tell you. Seeing the baby might be a bit of a shock.” Shining Armor warned her sister and her friends. “Come on, big brother.” Twilight responded thinking there is nothing to be surprised about as she walked inside the room where an equally tired Princess Cadance is in with the other two princesses in the room waiting for them as well. “I've met babies before. I expect meeting this one won't be any different.” She said finding it hard to believe it as she looks on at her newborn niece who wakes up from her nap. A little foal with light pink fur with a purple mane with blue and pink streaks then removed herself from her blanket to reveal she has wings and a horn as she spread the former out surprising the Mane Six greatly. “Of course, I could be wrong.” Twilight then said stood corrected once she got to see the baby in full glory. “The baby is an Alicorn?!” She asked Cadance in surprise by this development. “It looks that way.” Cadance simply answered while looking a little worn down. “But... But... But I thought Alicorn wings had to be earned by accomplishing some great, princess-worthy deed!” Rarity stammered in shock as Twilight nods in agreement. “Yeah. How can you just be born with 'em?” Applejack asked of how this possible. “The birth of an Alicorn is something Equestria has never seen!” Princess Celestia responded that even she doesn’t know the answer to this as well. “It is beyond even our understanding.” Princess Luna answered just as surprised as everypony in the room. “That's not very reassuring.” Fluttershy whispered to Rarity. “Wow! A unicorn, and a Pegasus! So she could be a super-strong flyer and have crazy baby magic!” Pinkie exclaimed in excitement by this discovery. “Well, I know all about super-strong flying!” Rainbow proudly added as she flew in a brief 360 loop. “And I can help keep tabs on her magic!” Twilight positively added to assure Cadance some of the new baby burden will be lifted off of her shoulders as the baby let loose a very powerful sneeze that sent a burst of magic up the ceiling which blow through five floors upwards while barely singing a pony’s mane form upstairs. Everypony looked back at the baby’s direction in shock seeing this raw display of power as she falls back to sleep. “It appears her magic is more powerful than that of a newborn unicorn!” Princess Celestia noted as she stoked the foal’s mane. “The crowds have already started to gather.” Princess Luna informed everypony as she looks out the window to see the crystal ponies approaching the castle. “This Crystalling is gonna be some party!” Pinkie said in excitement as she blows up a blow to briefly lift herself up in the air until the balloon popped and dropped her back to the ground. “Do you think we should call it off?” Cadance asked everypony as she placed her hoof on the baby who hugs onto her mother. “Um, we've all faced a lot worse than baby magic.” Rainbow Dash claims it won’t be a problem. “I can't imagine cancelling such a beautiful and important ceremony over something so potentially adorable!” Rarity added in agreement as she raised a hoof up while gushing over the newborn baby to which is supported by Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash’s agreeing chatter. Twilight however wasn’t quite certain about the idea as she looks around nervously and worried of how the heart might react to the whole Crystalling process with the dark magic she left inside of it fused inside of it. “I don’t know. Maybe we should call it off.” Twilight suggested much to her friend’s shock. “What?! Why?” The Mane Five all exclaimed in response like she is crazy for even suggesting that. “Because what we’re dealing with is a baby with untapped and uncontrolled power beyond her control.” Twilight told everypony as she approached the baby. “From personal experience if I could nearby and accidentally cause havoc at a school entrance exam when I was just a unicorn beginning her first day of school, who knows what unintentional havoc this baby could cause alone just after being born.” “Come on Twilight?” Rainbow protested thinking she is over-reacting. “You’ve faced off against all of us and took us all down no problem. Surely you can handle a baby.” “I’m not saying that we should cancel the Crystalling.” Twilight properly explained to get her point across to Rainbow Dash with her patience wearing a little thin now. “I’m saying we shouldn’t go through with this at least until the baby’s magic is under control so she doesn’t accidentally cause the catastrophic event that means the end of the Crystal Empire.” “And how do you propose we tell all of those ponies gathered around that one of the biggest events of the year everypony has been looking forward to only to come across it being postponed of having their excitement and hearts broken again?!” Rainbow Dash retorted to which Twilight is now triggered at the mention of the words hearts broken again. “By telling them nicely that due to recent circumstances that the Crystalling will have to be put on hold until further notice…” Twilight calmly responded before raising her voice. “To avoid a flying feather of a panic that could doom the entire flipping empire that Princess Cadance has been leading and working her flank to keep the dang empire safe Rainbow Dash!” She then yelled as she flew into Rainbow Dash’s face with her horn flared up. “Anymore questions to peeve me off, Rainbow Dash? Or do you want to just go ahead and just risk seeing the Crystal Heart being destroyed again because you can’t seem to get you head out of dang flank of what’s at stake for everypony?!” She further cursed as she tears up. “You know what forget I even bothered to dang voice my concerns because it seems to me you haven’t changed one bit since the wedding rehearsal to even give a flying feather of what I have to say in the name Celestia to even consider what’s really important for everypony.” Before anypony could say anything she then flies away from Rainbow Dash who reacts in frozen shock of Twilight’s language and outburst and then out of the room while slamming the doors shut as she cries tears which fall onto the floor as she flies away. Everypony stood frozen in shock at Twilight’s outburst and display in language as Shining Armor immediately wakes up after hearing her. “Huh what happened? Did somepony curse in front of the baby?” Shining Armor asked as he snapped to attention and looked around as Twilight briefly popped her head back inside to address the newborn foal. “Please excuse Auntie Twily’s language little one.” She told her niece in trembled tears as she leaves the room again and closes the door after her. “In light of the little one's abilities, this Crystalling might be more important than ever.” Princess Celestia spoke first after recovering from the shock as she turned to Cadance. “That being said we should wait until we have her abilities under control. Perhaps you should address your subjects and remind them of that.” “Indeed.” Princess Luna agreed. “The untold powers of this new born foal could pretend unimaginable catastrophe if left unchecked.” “So is the crystalling is cancelled?” Rainbow Dash asked in disbelief as she flew down to the ground. “Not cancelled.” Princess Luna corrected. “Postponed until the baby’s power is under control like Twilight fears.” “Speaking of Twilight…” Princess Celestia brought up. “I going to go check up on her and make sure she is okay while Luna helps tell everypony the announcement Cadance has to make.” “Hm.” Cadance acknowledged Twilight’s argument as Cadance tiredly nods before kissing her baby girl goodbye on the head before setting off to do so while Shining Armor rests his head on the top of the crib before waking up again. “Huh? Oh, no! I still have to interview the honor guards, choose the purity crystal, and pick a crystaller!” Shining Armor exclaimed in a panic having dozed off again. “Alright, take it easy. Pinkie can stay here with Rainbow Dash and keep an eye on the baby.” Applejack proposed as Pinkie sports an excited smile in squee. “And we'll all help you with everythin' else.” She added as the baby cuddles onto Pinkie’s face as Shining Armor doze off again. “That is, if you can stay awake long enough to tell us how. Not to mention the fact that the Crystalling is postponed until further notice.” Rarity noted as they watched him sleep again. Meanwhile back in front of Spike statue where Spike tells the story of his heroism of when he helped Twilight when she was Midnight save the Crystal Empire while Starlight lounges on her chair eating popcorn. “...and that's how we found the Crystal Heart, defeated King Sombra, and saved the Empire.” Spike finished his story as the Crystal Ponies cheered for him. “We love you, Spike!” One of the young Crystal ponies cheered. “Yeah. Tell the one about the Equestria Games!” Another young pony asked wanting to hear more. “Well, as much as I love reliving my heroic deeds, Starlight and I have an important lesson to do, by order of the Princess of Friendship!” Spike politely told them that it will have to way for another time much to the foal’s disappointment. “Awwww!” “Aw, come on, Spike! I want to hear about the Games too!” Starlight tried to insist to Spike to do so to no avail as the ponies all make their leave while Spike kindly signs an autograph for one of the young foals. “I know you're nervous about seeing Sunburst, but it says right in step 3, to, uh, "Deal with your fears by facing them, not by putting it off." Spike firmly acknowledged Starlight’s worries as he pulled out the scroll Twilight gave him. “After all you asked Twilight for this.” “Ugh. Let's go get this over with.” Starlight grimly replied with an annoyed sigh at herself as she tosses the popcorn away. The two make their way to Sunburst’s house where Starlight approaches the front door ready to knock until… “Wait!” Spike called out to her. “Huh? What?!” Starlight asked. “Knocking on the door isn't the next thing on the list!” Spike told her while pulling out the list. “Seriously?” Starlight asked in a “You’ve Got to be Kidding.” tone. “I know Twilight can be a little nitpicky, but this is your first lesson as her pupil, and it's important that we do it right!” Spike acknowledged Twilight’s flaws but pleaded with Starlight to just do everything she asks of her. “Fine.” Starlight relented. “What's the next thing on the list?” She asked Spike who clears his throat as he tells her. "Before they see each other, be sure to highlight the importance of the meeting." “I'm pretty sure we can skip that.” Starlight dismissed as not so important to follow. “I don't know... I mean if we skip it, the whole lesson could go south! And then you might end up taking a giant step backwards instead of forwards! Maybe you'll never be able to learn anything about friendship at all!” Spike rambled into a potential freak out similar to Twilight’s as he got into Starlight’s face. “It's almost like your whole future depends on this moment." He added before turning back to check if off the list. ”Highlight the importance of the meeting" – check! I can't believe you wanted to skip that!” “Geez, is that how Twilight feels whenever she makes a mistake?” Starlight thought to herself before she lightly knocks on the door. After several long seconds, there was no answer, Starlight turned to Spike in confusion who just shrugs his arms in response. As Starlight wonders whether she should leave or not the door finally opens. “Sunburst?” Starlight hesitantly asked. “Yes?” Said pony replied as he popped his through the doorway. “What can I do for you?” “It's... It's me, Starlight. We used to be friends?” Starlight brought up. “Oh, of course! S-Starlight! My goodness, it-it's been a long time!” Sunburst spoke after a brief pause as if he doesn’t quite remember her until now. “What, uh, what have you been up to?” He then asked her to which Starlight looks a little uncomfortable when he asked her. “Me? Oh! You know, some of this, some of that, different... stuff. Right now, I'm sort of Twilight Sparkle's new pupil.” Starlight awkwardly explained while trying her hardest to avoid talking about her villainous past. “The Princess of Friendship?” Sunburst said in surprise. “Heh... yeah... that's actually kind of why I'm here.” Starlight brought up to get the conversation on track on what she is trying to do. “I mean, I know you're probably very busy.” “What do you mean?” Sunburst wondered. “Well, I figured after magic school, you'd go on to do important wizard work, but...” Starlight figured what he went through much to Sunburst’s confusion. “Oh. No. Y-Yes! Uh, y-yes, that's me, yup. Important wizard! Really busy with lots of, uh, wi-wizarding... stuff.” Sunburst just as awkwardly worded to her childhood friends as if he was hiding something too. “Right. Uh, well... good to see you.” Sunburst awkwardly added before closing the door as he went back inside. “Huh. Maybe we should have skipped highlighting the importance of the meeting after all.” Spike figured. “Well, I guess that's that!” Starlight simply accepted it as she prepared to leave only for Spike to stop her in her tracks. “Starlight, come on! We have to at least explain what Twilight wants! You can’t keep dodging this!” Spike urged her to press forward with talking with Sunburst who groans as he pushes her to the door much to Starlight’s annoyance who knocks on the door again to get Sunburst’s immediate attention so they can pursue this to the end. Back at the palace, Princess Cadance with Princess Luna by her side addresses the crystal ponies who have gathered in front of the castle. “Dearest citizens, I am sure you are all just as thrilled and ready for this Crystalling as myself and Shining Armor.” She announced as everypony cheered. “But it is with deep regret that I tell you all that the Crystalling must be postponed until further notice…” She announced as she got the expected disappointment from the ponies before her. “But not to worry, it is only until we know for certain that it is safe to move forward with the Crystalling.” Cadance reassured everypony as Shining Armor watches his wife make the announcement who is currently panicking feeling it’s urgent to try to have the Crystalling go on as planned. “I'm not ready!” Shining Armor exclaimed in front of the guards standing before him as Rainbow Dash hands him two helmets. “Take it easy! Just pick whoever looks the most like honor guard material.” Rainbow Dash tried to calm him down as she held him the helmets. “Right... right.” Shining Armor agreed as he levitated the helmets into two random guards faces leaving the rest of the crew backing off in whimpered disappointment seeing their commanding officer in distress. “I'm sorry. Fatherhood is way more stressful than I ever thought.” Shining Armor apologized to Twilight’s friends. “I can only imagine.” Fluttershy replied figured it’s not as easy as it seemed. “Now, I know choosing the crystal of purity is a very important decision.” Rarity calmly acknowledged as she presented the case of crystals in her magic. “So I have gone through the trouble of arranging them in order from incredibly pure to outrageously pure.” “Um, Rarity, don't they all sort of look the same?” Fluttershy pointed out as she observed the crystals a little closely. “Oh, well, to the untrained eye, perhaps.” Rarity scoffed before she presented them. "What do you think, Shining Armor?” She asked the overly-stressed unicorn. “I don't know!” He yelled before covering his eyes on the ground in distress. “I hope Rainbow and Pinkie are having better luck with the baby!” Rarity whispered to Fluttershy. At the same time, said mares aren’t faring much better themselves as Rainbow struggles to restrain her since Pinkie a strong earth pony is being effortlessly dragged by the baby alicorn who is randomly blasting magic with her horn. “Well... at least she's having... fun!” Pinkie told Rainbow as she is being dragged on her hooves. “Pinkie, hold her still!” Rainbow instructed her to do so. “I'm tryiiiiiiing!” Pinkie yelled out that she is doing the best she can. “Oh, if only Twilight was here…” Rainbow muttered to herself wishing she hadn’t made her flip out like that. “I sure deserve this.” Meanwhile said mare was currently walking through the hallways hanging her head downcast and upset feeling hurt by what Rainbow Dash said. The day Twilight finally meets her niece for the first time, is the day her friends are seemingly not listening to reason again, when she voices her concerns that the Crystalling should be postponed to ensure the baby powers are under control so she doesn’t accidentally doom the Crystal Empire like she did intentionally when she was Midnight not long ago. She looks down at the floor to see her reflection in the crystal glass as a single tear falls from her eye which forms a heart shape onto the ground as she briefly sees Midnight in her reflection as the memory of her tearfully lashing out at her friends for hurting her back at the wedding rehearsal surfaces up courtesy of the mist of dark magic tapping in the crystal floor. “And you all should be thankful I haven’t considered throwing the other princesses and Spike in here along with all seven of you in here because at least they have proved their worth in trying to protect Equestria.” Midnight shouted as she raised her voice emotionally as she speaks as her heart briefly glows for a moment. “Not to mention not sentencing you to death even after everything that had happened!” “But I didn’t and I never will.” Twilight retorted to her Midnight persona. “Yes I needed proof and yes I was acting irrational when I presented my case but it was only because beforehand none of you took my thoughts into consideration when I tried to speak to all of you that I resorted to trying to expose her like that.” Midnight added as she started tearing up with her heart glowing continuously. “And yet you abandoned me in a time of need, treated me as I was in the wrong, and have failed to make good on your promises to be better friends and the worst part about it is you didn’t even say…I’m sorry.” She said as she turned away to cry as she placed a hoof to her face. “But they forgave me and did say how sorry they really are.” Twilight again told her dark reflection. “Oh you didn’t?” Midnight bitterly questioned her prisoners. “Well did you spend every night thinking about how hurtful of what you all said and did to me really impacted me? Did you grow up with faith in friendship only to have it shattered just when you were getting warmed up to it? Did you live all alone in the shadows? Did you cry yourself to sleep every night over the thought of what could have been the day you lost your own life because your loved ones walk out you in a time of need?” Midnight questioned the prisoners as she shows them how much she is hurting right now as she continues to cry. “But I am over it now! Our friendship’s rekindled, Midnight!” Twilight again refused to give in to her inner darkness. “Well I guess you should be happy now. Because if something unfortunate were to happen to me you can say I deserved it because it seems no matter what I do to help make things better I am just the pony who always does something wrong. And since you view me as the bad guy, I might as well embrace what ponies think of me.” Midnight bitterly told the prisoners through her wavered voice. “So none of you have any right to tell me that I don’t have everypony’s interests when all I did was try to be a good friend from the start.” Midnight’s voice continued to waiver as she speaks. “And I do have everypony’s best interests.” Twilight defiantly responded to her reflection. “My friends may be insensitive at times and may have hurt me before, but I’ll never turn my back on them.” Twilight told her reflection as she uses her magic to dissolve the reflection back to normal. “Again.” She sadly added as she hung her head again. As she looks at her reflection again she sees Princess Celestia appearing right behind her as she sees her reflection above her. “And I’m glad you’re not, Twilight.” Princess Celestia told her as she placed a wing on her back surprising Twilight as she turned around alarmed. “Princess Celestia!” Twilight flinched upon seeing her. “How long have you been standing there?” “Long enough to hear every word you said.” Celestia answered. “You’re not still dreading over what happened back then are you because it’s okay if you’re feeling uncomfortable being here. It’s not easy facing every pony you’ve hurt in the past.” She tried to comfort her. “Not just that.” Twilight answered as she sat down and hung her head. “The reason why I didn’t think the Crystalling should go on as planned was because after seeing the baby’s powers, I saw that she has potential that could cause an accidental disaster that could doom the Crystal Empire if left unchecked.” She explained as she looked up Celestia. “Just seeing that, made me worry of what could happen to the Crystal Heart even by accident.” “You had every right to voice your concerns, Twilight.” Celestia assured her she wasn’t wrong to be worried. “Which is why we agreed to postpone the Crystalling until further notice until we know we have her powers under control if it helps.” “At least you understand.” Twilight thankfully said. “Because it seemed my friends were still repeating the same mistakes over again.” “Twilight, I’m sure your friends didn’t mean to say that, they we’re just very excited about the Crystalling that they didn’t want it to be postponed is all.” Celestia explained on her friends behalf. “They just needed a minute to fully understand your reasons why if you fully explained yourself more.” Twilight sighed as she acknowledges she did over-react with cursed filled rant. “True.” Twilight replied as she stood up. “I guess not everything about my past in completely behind me as with Rainbow Dash’s initial reaction and my worries about my new niece caused me to lose control when I heard the words heart and broken. Mainly, because I didn’t want her to make the biggest mistake of her life just like I did when it came to the Crystal Heart.” She admitted while feeling apologetic for losing her temper like that. “And I can assure you that it won’t happen because she has you and her mother to help raise her to become a great princess and you have come a long way since you changed you reformed because if there’s one thing I know about you is that even when you briefly succumbed to darkness is that you still held on to your beliefs of wanting what was best for all of Equestria and that we all wouldn’t be here now if you held no value to pony life.” Celestia assured her that everything will be fine moving forward. “Thanks.” Twilight smiled at her mother-like figure as they hugged each other as Rainbow Dash flies over looking battered and bruised. “Hey, Twilight.” Rainbow Dash spoke in between breaths. “Sorry to interrupt and for not listening to you when we should have but Pinkie could really use your help in taking care of the baby.” “Really?” Twilight asked amused. “I mean you said it yourself how hard can it be?” “Well…” Rainbow Dash tried to explain as she heard Pinkie screaming while dragging said flying baby. “HELP! TWILIGHT!” Pinkie screamed as the baby started shooting uncontrollable beams of magic to which Twilight easily countered before entrapped the two in a magical bubble she conjured up. “Thanks.” Pinkie gratefully told her friend as the baby hugged onto her as Twilight kindly smiled back. Back at Sunburst’s home, both he and Starlight are now inside discussing over tea. “So... the Princess of Friendship wants you and I to be friends again?” Sunburst asked Starlight after a long awkward pause after hearing Starlight’s explanation. “Heh, I know. Weird, right?” Starlight nervously laughed a little while mentioning it with a wide eyed smile. “Uh, I don't understand. Did something happen to you after I left for magic school?” Sunburst wondered to which Starlight reacted unsettled by the question. “What? No! I-I don't see what that has to do with anything. W-Why would you even ask that?” Starlight panicked quickly as she poured herself another cup of tea only to accidentally overfill her cup. “I mean, did something happen to you after you left for magic school?” She quickly redirected the question back towards him. “What? Um, no. L-Like you said, I'm a-important wizard.” Sunburst just as quickly replied. While the two were talking Spike was watching from the other room seeing the conversation go nowhere. “I'm sure there's something on Twilight's list that can help here.” Spike wondered how to get this conversation going on the right track by reading the list Twilight gave him. Back at the castle all three princess all regroup with the Mane Six minus Pinkie and Twilight where Rarity is brushing Shining Armor’s mane back in order as he takes deep breaths to calm himself down. Once he sees his wife he happily runs up to her to assure him that everything’s now under control. “Okay. I chose the honor guard, picked the purity crystal, and I know exactly who I want to be our crystaller. So, all we need is...” Shining Armor explained while trying to remember what else he’s forgetting. “The baby?” Cadance finished to which Shining Armor widens his eyes now worried about their daughter. “We're here!” Twilight called out much to her brother’s relief. "She's a really strong flyer!” Pinkie said while still hanging on to the flying baby. Cadance then uses her magic to separate the two while gaining control of her daughter. The baby however didn’t want to stop playing with Pinkie as she whimpered up, let loose some tears, and then let loose a very loud wail as the shock-waves from the very loud volume waved all over the room which lead to the Crystal Heart cracking up then shattering into multiple pieces again. Everypony reaches in shock seeing this as if the memory of Twilight intentionally shattering replaying in their minds again as the baby then flies down with a blissful and relaxed expression into Cadance’s arm while still in shock of what her baby just did. “Oh no, it’s déjà vu all over again.” Pinkie exclaimed in horror. “I'm guessin' that's gonna make it harder to do the Crystalling.” Applejack nervously said with the memory shaking her up again. “It's worse than that. Without the Heart, the Crystal Empire's about to be buried under a mountain of ice and snow again!” Twilight exclaimed in horror with what’s about happen as the dark clouds get ready to rain heavy snow down on the Crystal Empire where the dark magic used to hold the heart together flies over to the mist of dark magic. Once the two merge together a cloud of smoke covers the two together where the mist laughs evilly as the smoke surrounds it. Once the smoke cleared up a figure emerged from it still evilly laughing. A figure no pony has seen since the last winter snow storm. “Are, are, you…” A nearby crystal pony asked in fear before running off. “Yes!” The tall dark purple alicorn with a long magical flowing black mane and tail with pink streaks, purple eyes, black wings, with Twilight's cutie mark with tiny black stars around the big pink star on her flank answered while feeling relaxed and revived from being resurrected. “I am Midnight Sparkle!” She slowly told the fear stricken pony who continues running off away to warn the others as she looks on with an evil smirk now that she is resurrected and ready to finish what she started as she looks on at the incoming snow storm.