MLP: Equestria
Crystals and Disharmony
Author: Draconis187
(Michael’s POV)
I got up at the usual time but I couldn’t bask in the early sunlight that Celestia brought since Nightmare and I had jobs to do. Lyra had fully recovered while Gilda re-forged Nightmare’s swords, since our beloved God of Chaos decided to eat them.
After breakfast I changed into Starlancer, donned my AC garb then went off to Golden Oaks to talk to Spike and research this place that was ‘protected by its citizens’ as Discord put it. When I got there I found the door was locked despite the library should be open this time of the morning. I knocked again with my hoof and still no response.
“Okay Spike, if you want to play it this way.” I turned around and bucked, hard. The door stood firm, mocking my attempts to force my way in.
I then took out my halberd and struck the door in its centre. I saw the faint flash of a magic field and that was when it dawned on me. Twilight must have put up a forcefield when she used to live here of course! That same field must still be active. You're an idiot Michael, I thought to myself.
I didn’t know any spells that could break magic barriers but I was not about to let that stop me. I concentrated and fired off a burst of raw magic. It rebounded off the forcefield and back at me, knocking me off my hooves. As I got up I heard the door unlock.
Thank Celestia! I thought.
The door opened to reveal the small, purple dragon. As he noticed it was me who tried to break in, he let me in. As I looked around I saw Spike was re-organising the entire library, again. I guess everypony has their way of getting their minds off grieving or maybe this was his way of honouring Twilight's memory.
“What do you want? Can't you see I’m busy?” Spike said with contempt in his voice.
“Sorry Spike but I need to go through some books. I… can't tell you why. Not yet anyway.” I responded as I began to search through the shelves and book piles.
“I guess there’s no convincing you otherwise? I guess not, egghead.” He mumbled as he began to walk out the door. I didn’t respond, my HUD was scanning every book as I lifted them with my magic. As I searched I came across several books that had multiple references to ‘magic’; ‘friendship’ and ‘Elements of Harmony’ amongst other forms of spells and history books. Something told me that there was a connection between them but I couldn’t put my hoof on it so I chose to ignore it. After a good hour Spike came back with some groceries. At least he still ate.
“Spike, may I take this box please?” I asked, pointing to the box that contained the broken Element of Magic.
“No, I’m never letting that go. It’s the only thing I have left to remind me of Twilight.” Spike said as he shed a few tears.
“Spike, I have the strangest feeling that I may just need the contents of that box. Please as a friend, let me take it for a short while. I will bring it back to you should my hunch be wrong, I promise.” Spike looked at me for a few seconds and nodded his head. “Thank you Spike.”
I placed the box in one of my many pockets as I kept searching through the shelves. I was beginning to wonder if all of my searching was in vain. Maybe Discord gave us that riddle to unsettle us, make us panic maybe so we would be vulnerable? I knew he was a manipulative bastard but I was sure he sounded serious when he gave that riddle. I knew I just had to ask Spike but I had to be sure not to blurt out the reason why.
“Spike, is there anywhere in Equestria that has a form of special protection?”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“What I mean is: is there anywhere in Equestria that is protected by its citizens but not by physical means? Somewhere cold?” Spike stroked his chin for a few seconds before a thought hit him.
“Try the Crystal Empire. The Crystal Heart that protects it gets its power from its citizens and it tends to snow there for most of the year. We were there when it reappeared after a 1000 year absence. Some unicorn called King Sombra cursed it which caused it to vanish when he was overthrown.” I smiled so wide it looked as if Pinkie slapped one of her fake smiles on my face. She does carry those, trust me I've seen them.
“Where exactly is the Crystal Empire?” I asked.
“You can take the train there. It is about three maybe four hours from Ponyville Station. Hey wait, where are you going?!” I wasn’t listening after that. Making sure I had the box, I headed for the Ponyville Train Station to get to the Crystal Empire and fast. I could’ve flown but knowing my luck I probably would get lost on the way.
(Nightmare’s POV)
After Starlancer left I went off to see Rarity. I was wearing the dress she had made for me a while back. I had hoped this would get some fire back into her. Carousel Boutique didn’t look too bad until Sweetie Belle opened the door for me. The Boutique was dirty in a lot of places with clothes an materials strewn about but judging from the broom and mop laying around, Sweetie Belle must have been trying to tidy up.
“Rarity! Nightmare’s here to see you!” Sweetie shouted as she stood by the stairs leading up to the second level. There was no response from above. “Just go up, she’s probably still laid on her bed in her room.”
I went up and found Rarity on the ground… in a pool of blood. I was shocked beyond words other than: “Sweetie Belle! We need to get to the Hospital now!”
I lifted her and put her on my back. I got Sweetie Belle and had her direct me as best she could. She was crying, hoping her big sister would be okay. I flew off towards Ponyville Hospital with so much worry I thought this would be last of the gifted fashionista.
I handed Rarity over to Nurse Redheart who immediately took her to the emergency ward. Sweetie had to stay in the waiting room since the doctors had to act immediately if they were going to save her life. I kept Sweetie company while she waited. I looked at the clock and saw it was time for the second day of proceedings for Twilight’s funeral to begin but neither Michael nor I were going to make it. I was busy looking after Sweetie Belle while Michael tried to solve Discord’s riddle.
I looked out through the window and saw the crowds make their way to the open field that the remembrance ceremony had been held the previous day. I shed a small tear, recounting the scene that greeted me when I looked at Twilight’s friends during the remembrance. I snapped out of it when I realised Sweetie was still crying next to me. I shifted myself next to her and put a hoof over her body.
“There, there Sweetie Belle. Rarity is going to be fine, I'm sure of it.” I said but I don’t think she believed me. I don’t think I even believed myself. She eased a bit so I guess she felt a bit better. I’m not very good with expressing one’s feelings.
(Michael’s POV)
The train ride was long and boring, but as I looked out into the distance I noticed the beautiful landscape passing by. The multitude of green and other bright colours soon gave out to the encompassing white colour of snow. Even it had a little charm to it but that died once I realised it was starting to get quite cold.
Thankfully the AC clothes offered some protection but I probably would’ve been better off if I wore something warmer like a full body coat. I got off the train and headed through the protective bubble that covered the entire Crystal Empire… which was just one city. I rubbed my head with my hoof in slight confusion, how can they call one city an Empire? The temperature difference was completely staggering, one moment I was shivering from the cold and now it felt like it was the same temperature back in Ponyville.
“Well I guess I’m on the right track here.” I mused as I trotted towards the Castle. “’You will find me at the peak.’ Maybe Discord is at the top of the Crystal Castle?”
I looked up at the towing structure and tried to fly upwards, towards the highest part of the Castle. As I got a few feet into the air, a forcefield knocked me back to the ground. After rubbing my sore rump it seemed like a better idea to go to the top through the interior of the Castle.
What is it with me and forcefields today? I wondered
Luckily the knowledge of me being a Prince had spread here. As much as I hate using a title such as Prince I had no alternative after they wouldn’t let me in for uttering my normal name. It was only after I mentioned my full name and title that the Crystal Pony Guards let me pass, they even apologised for inconveniencing me. Then again in hindsight they probably did that to try and kiss my flank so they wouldn’t get in trouble.
The Castle had a pretty straight forward and symmetrical design in terms of building design. There were many decorations but they were all crystallised but in a way it made sense: Crystal Empire, crystal décor.
I still wandered around aimlessly around the Castle, asking the Guards how to get to the top of the Castle. Sadly none of them knew. I eventually hit a dead end as I couldn’t find any steps leading higher than the throne room’s floor.
“There is a way.” Huh?
Where did that come from? Wait, that voice… Twilight?! I looked around feverishly, trying to find the source of the voice. I couldn’t find it. I must be losing my mind.
“No you're not silly, down here, in the box.” I pulled out the box and opened it. the purple gems that made the star insert were faintly glowing. “I haven’t got very long so I’ll make this short. Try to focus fear and hatred through your horn once you are in the throne room, aim for the top crystal on the throne. That will open the way for you.”
As the voice finished, the glow died out. “Thank you Twilight, you may have just saved Equestria. Again.” I said as I closed the box.
I went into the throne room and gazed upon the throne. I began to put what Twilight’s disembodied voice told me and tried to focus fear and hatred through my horn. It was not as hard as one thinks especially since I've experienced both while Twilight could never hate another pony, not entirely. I fired off a black beam of magic and it collided with the throne.
The crystal changed from a purple colour to a black-grey. A shadow came from the crystal, covering the floor in darkness as it travelled. It revealed a large spiral staircase that lead downwards, seemingly forever.
“Well, that’s interesting. Geronimo!” I shouted as I jumped down into the large gap in the centre of the staircase. As I got near the floor I spread my wings and landed with a light thud. A door was the only thing barring my way now and I made my way towards it.
I wonder how Nightmare is doing at the funeral? I thought as I hit the small crystal on the top of the door with a burst of magic. It opened and I went through… to find myself facing another spiral staircase, this time going upwards.
“Sweet Celestia! Was this Sombra a freaking stair hobbyist?!” I shouted in anger. After I calmed down, I sighed and began to fly up the staircase.
(Nightmare’s POV)
It had been a few hours since Rarity was admitted, Sweetie had stopped crying but she looked as if she was on the verge of bursting every time I looked at her. I turned my attention to the funeral proceedings and saw Celestia giving a speech. Even though the doctor specifically told her not to use magic, she adamantly ignored it as I could tell when she was the one who raised the sun. Nopony realises that the sun is slightly brighter when she raises it as opposed to when Luna does it.
I noticed it was around midday, judging by the sun’s current position. As I was lost in thought Nurse Redheart came and cleared her throat to get our attention.
“How is she Redheart?” I inquired. Redheart gave a light, nervous smile.
This is going to be a good news, bad news thing isn't it? I thought.
“She’s stable for now. She had lost quite a lot of blood when you found her, it was a miracle the doctors were able to save her. She is awake but please, do not stress her out as it may give her a cardiac arrest.”
“Heart attack.” I said to a confused Sweetie Belle.
We went into the I.C.U. ward and found the fashion designer laid on the hospital bed. I could see she had been crying.
“Rarity?” Sweetie said with concern.
“Hi Sweetie dear… and Nightmare, how nice to see you.” She replied.
“What were you thinking Rarity?” I spat out. I put my hoof to my mouth after I did so, embarrassed by the fact I let my emotions get the jump on me.
“Honestly I don’t know what I was thinking. I just wanted the pain to end, I just didn’t want to think anymore. So I…” Rarity began to say before Sweetie Belle hugged her. “I’m so sorry Sweetie Belle! I didn’t think about how you or how the others would feel! I was so selfish, can you ever forgive me?”
“Of course, that’s what sisters are for! Just promise me you will never do such a thing again.” Sweetie said as the two hugged each other. With Rarity too preoccupied to talk to me, I decided to head for the funeral and give my two bits on my relationship with Twilight.
“Wait, Nightmare.” I stopped as Rarity spoke. “I must thank you for saving me, whether you know it or not you’ve helped me see that one shouldn’t think of themselves in times of crises. We should think about the ones we love. Thank you.” I walked out of the ward without a word.
As I entered the waiting rooms on my way out I saw AJ, RD, Fluttershy and Pinkie all standing around, waiting. Once they saw me they rushed at me, barraging me with questions about Rarity’s current state.
“I’m fine darlings.” We all turned around to see Rarity walking!
“Rarity you should be in bed!” I shouted.
“Nonsense! I will not sit idly by while my friends are all worried about moi!”
Pinkie gave Rarity a large hug, her coat seemed to return back to its usual bright pink hue while her mane and tail had regained their former cotton candy style.
“Pinkie dear, I thought your mane was flat again. What happened?” I’m pretty sure we all were wondering about that but Rarity beat us to the punch.
(Michael’s POV)
“A swear if Sombra hadn’t been banished I would kill him!” I said as I finally reached the top of the stairs. As much as it wasn’t the distance that got me mad, it was the fact that the greatest threat this unicorn could have thought up was a near-endless staircase.
As I got out I found the area was deserted, save for myself and a view of the entire Crystal Empire. I walked over to the ledge and reverted to human so I could sit on the edge. The view was calming as it stretched on forever, I could see the train tracks go off into the horizon.
“Well now you sure took your sweet time.” That wasn’t my voice…
I turned around and saw the God of Chaos himself sitting on a recliner with sunglasses and one of those reflective panels you use for tanning. He had a small table with drinks on it next to him but that wasn’t what bothered me. What did bother me was who was laid on the other recliner next to him: Queen Chrysalis.
“Hold on, this doesn’t make any sense! You should be dead!” I shouted, pointing at the Queen of the Changelings. Discord rolled his eyes as he drank what looked like lemonade but he drank the glass itself and threw the lemonade away. The moment the lemonade hit the ground it exploded into a variety of flowers.
“Where is the fun in making sense my dear Michael?” Discord replied, vanishing from the recliner and appearing behind me. “But you got my riddle and so we are going to play another game.”
“What happened to your promise to surrender?”
“Geez don’t be a spoil sport now, I never said I would surrender once you solved it. I said the prize was my surrender after one last game. The riddle was just to get you here. Now are you ready? Let’s spread some chaos!!”
As he said this he snapped his fingers, and the three of us were standing next to the Crystal Heart.
“What are you playing at Discord?!” I shouted whilst unsheathing by halberd, ready for a fight.
“A little hasty aren't we? It is just a simple game of hide and seek.” He said, snapping his fingers once more, I looked around and saw I was still near… the now missing Crystal Heart!!
(Nightmare’s POV)
The seven of us left the Hospital and were on our way to Sugarcube Corner. The doctors let Rarity leave on the condition she doesn’t strain herself too much and never does something like that again. The latter was something we all could agree on.
As we all sat drinking milkshakes I noticed Spike running up to us. He seemed a little angry for some reason. It was a little unsettling since I hardly ever saw him angry, just grumpy.
“Do you have any idea how long it takes to reorganise that library?!” He shouted at me, “Five hours, at the least! Starlancer comes in and starts searching through the books, completely discarding them on the floor afterwards and after he asked me some question about unique protection spells that can protect a city, he run off!”
“Wait!” I said, spurting out my milkshake, covering Pinkie Pie in chocolate. Pinkie just laughed. “Which city?!”
“The Crystal Empire. I told him all he needed to do was take the train there and he left raced out without a word.” Spike said, folding his arms.
“I've got to go!” I cried and teleported myself to Ponyville Station. I felt a little woozy after doing that but I didn’t have time to waste. I found the next train heading to the Crystal Empire was leaving in thirty minutes so I got a ticket and waited by the platform.
“Nightmare!” I turned around and saw the others all running towards me. They were all wearing their Elements for some reason. “Where are you going?” Dash asked.
“The Crystal Empire, I'm going to see if Michael needs help.” Responded.
“Help with what darling?” Rarity asked.
“Let me just say it might end all of this and leave it at that.” Five minutes until the train was about to leave. I got onboard and searched around for a place to sit. I was soon joined by the others, I gathered they all got tickets as well. I sighed as the conductor called out for the passengers to get onboard and we set off for the Crystal Empire.