//------------------------------// // Bloom // Story: A Second Chance // by nimaru //------------------------------// Crystal started avoiding Snow. She ate at odd times and only went to bed after Snow had already fallen asleep. When Snow next tried to take her usual watching spot in the shop, Crystal threw a tarp over the sculpture and made some excuse about having to keep the rest of the sculpting secret until the ceremony. “Go make yourself useful outside somewhere,” she said. “Or with somepony…” she added bitterly, under her breath. Crystal half-believed that Snow would protest; that she’d see through the deception; but she hoped in vain. “Well, if it will help,” Snow said; her excitement clear as sunshine. And so the days passed. The two ponies still shared a bed, ate many meals together, and had light conversation, but it was like two strangers living in the same house. Snow would be gone from early in the day until late in the evening, coming back only to speed through the cooking and cleaning and then turn in early. Meanwhile Crystal would pour herself into finishing the statue, letting it become the only thing she thought about. But there was something wrong… She was finding it harder and harder to make the next cut or strike the next blow. Something about it all seemed wrong, but she couldn’t figure it out for her life. What’s wrong with you! Crystal accused the stone. “Bah!” she said aloud, laying the tarp over it to keep it hidden. Given Snow’s recent patterns, it was pretty unlikely that she would have seen it, but that wasn’t her only reason for keeping it covered. Crystal was genuinely ashamed of the work and couldn’t bear to look at it. Crystal grumbled as she plodded up the steps to her room. As she passed the middle landing window, she looked outside, but for what she didn’t know. Instead, she saw her own reflection; sad and alone. “What’s wrong with you?” mirror Crystal asked. She shook her head and scaled the steps to the rooftop… which she still found odd. The growning distance between her and Snow should have driven her back to being a recluse, but it seemed that whatever part of her allowed her to live in silence and solitude was permanently broken. But when she arrived, a quick glance told her there would be no conversation today. The square was nearly barren since many artisans were out supporting ceremonial preparations. She laid her head weakly on the banister and slipped into deep thought. Snow had lived with her for months now and, until recently, life had never been better. But hoping for her to stay was selfish and foalish. There had been no progress in discovering her missing memories or her cutie mark… maybe it was time to pass the torch to another pony. Somepony who could give her something that Crystal couldn’t. Ash Carver walked out of the wood shop and trotted towards the fountain. Speak of the devil, Crystal scowled bitterly. No! She scolded herself. He’s done nothing wrong. If Snow cares for him, that’s just proof that he’s worthy of her. Not entirely convinced, but exhausted from weeks of brooding, she calmly followed Ash Carver with her eyes until he reached the center of the square. Then Snow, who she hadn’t seen sitting on the fountain’s edge, walked forward to meet him. Crystal’s heartbeat quickened and her ears lay flat. But then she took a deep breath and centered. I need to let her be with who she wants. It’s ok. They talked for a minute and then Snow pounced, hugging him tightly. “Geh!” Crystal blurted as her muscles tensed, locking her in place. I don’t want to see this! she pleaded with herself, yet knowing that it’s something she had to see. The embrace lasted for a while… just as she’d expect between ponies who were more than “just friends”, but just before Crystal became too uncomfortable to watch further, something happened. Ash Carver pushed her away…no… he held her, but at hoof’s length. He said something; his body language intense, but not angry. Snow looked stunned, but didn’t pull away. What, Crystal wondered, is going on? And then it hit her; she was watching a love confession. They weren’t officially together yet! A moment ago, she couldn’t watch anymore, but now she couldn’t look away. Of course she’s going to say yes… Crystal reasoned. Yet she waited; eyes wide, teeth clenched, and holding her breath. In later years, when she looked back on this event, it seemed to unfold in slow-motion. Ash Carver sat back on his haunches waiting for an answer. Snow shook her head slowly and spoke softly. Ash Carver looked crushed. Crystal knew it was petty to gloat, yet she was struggling hard… very hard… not to cheer aloud. But it wasn’t over. Ash Carver tried to pull away; clearly bitter about the outcome. But Snow leaned in, trying to draw him back out. Her actions told Crystal how much she truly cared for him and she started to worry that Snow had changed her mind. A song was her answer: Some say love, it is a river That drowns the tender reed Some say love, it is a razor That leaves your soul to bleed Snow’s song captured her, wrapped around her like a blanket and Crystal, powerless, slipped into a frightening memory. But with the song in her ears, she felt as if Snow were there; ready to face Crystal’s demons by her side. Together they saw three masked colts. The one in the center reached up and removed his mask to reveal Zephyr, a colt who’d been her close friend… and her first love. Crystal remembered the confession, how he recoiled in embarrassment; how he never again spoke a kind word to her. In her own voice, she heard words coming from the darkness; “Never again!” It's the one who won't be taken Who cannot seem to give And the soul, afraid of dying That never learns to live “Love isn’t wrong,” Snow’s voice gently said. She touched Crystal on the shoulder with her hoof and Crystal’s body moved of its own accord; stepping forward until she was a hooflength away from Zephyr’s disgusted face. Afraid, but feeling Snow’s gentle encouragement, she looked directly at Zephyr, steeled herself briefly, and then spoke… hesitantly at first, but with rising strength and volume: “I loved what I thought you were. It wasn’t wrong and I don’t regret it! I’m giving you up, but I won’t give up on love!” As she spoke the last word, light burst forth from behind her. Crystal’s shadow stretched forward, large and strong; standing over the three with her head held high. The memory wasn’t gone; it never would be, but it was small and faded. Never again would it hold any power over her. Unafraid, Crystal turned her back on them and saw only Snow, shining like the sun. And you think that love is only For the lucky and the strong Just remember in the winter Far beneath the bitter snows Lies the seed that with the sun's love In the spring becomes the rose Then the scene faded into the light and once again she was on the terrace, overlooking the fountain where a pony she cared deeply for was comforting the young colt she’d rejected. She’d seen enough. Crystal stood and walked shakily back to the bedroom; feeling as if she were still dreaming. She glanced at the mattress where, weeks prior, she had cried herself out; wondering why she cared so much about the target of Snow’s affections. Why she feared so much being apart from her. Why she couldn’t stop thinking about her and only her. “I love her…” she said uncertainly, but realizing the truth of it as she heard it aloud. “I love Snow!” Suddenly, she knew what she needed to do. Crystal ran down the steps, but her hoof slipped and she tumbled end over end all the way down to the shop. Unfazed, she leapt up and ripped the canvas from the snow-white sculpture. Then, with her new-found feelings coursing through her, she concentrated like never before. She grabbed tools; ALL of the tools; and attacked. Blending hammer strikes, cutting blows, and mending, she reshaped the statue, breaking chunks off and reattaching them elsewhere. Crystal focused, sweating with exertion. Even with her intensity, it shouldn’t have been possible to work with such speed on that vast of a scale. But curiously, the stone cut like butter and mended like clay. It made no sense, but it felt almost like it was helping her along; like it had always known the form it should take and was assuming it of its own will. So together, the artisan and the stone worked in a flurry of form and power, cracking, breaking, and joining until Crystal’s vision blurred, and, panting heavily, she fell to the ground along with all the tools she’d been holding. She took several slow breaths before she recovered the energy to stand. She took several steps backwards and lifted her head to gaze at the statue that had received all her skill, all her talent, and all of her love… then tears rolled down her face. It’s you, Crystal thought. “It was always you,” she whispered aloud. Long ago, a strange white pony came into her life and somehow, a seed was quietly planted in Crystal’s heart. Despite the shadows, despite the thorns, Snow found it and cared for it; giving it nourishment and light until, strong and beautiful, it burst forth. Crystal, still shaking from exertion, stared in wonder at the statue before her. It was a masterpiece, but was somehow incomplete. Her eyes flicked to the back table by the window. There, under a dust-covered tarp, her most precious work and vulnerable expression of self lay hidden. She magically pulled the Rainbow Rose forward and placed it between the statue’s raised hooves; and with the last of her strength, mended it in place. “My heart is in your hooves,” she said softly with a smile. Crystal stepped shakily outside and launched a messenger summons with her magic. When the pegasus arrived a minute later she told him, “Send word to Luau at the castle. The centerpiece is complete.” With a nod he was off. Luau would certainly have a group of couriers on standby, but it would still be a few minutes before they arrived. Crystal jumped into the fountain and let the cool water wash her tensions away along with the dust and rock fragments. For a little while, she rested with her snout on the edge of the fountain, feeling lighter than she had for as long as she could remember. ******************** She must have dozed off, because she didn’t see the pegasus and unicorn team arrive. “Crystal Quarry?” a voice said. Crystal opened her eyes and saw a palace guard waiting patiently with the transport team behind him. She stepped out of the fountain and pulled a towel from inside. “Yes, thank you for coming,” she replied as she dried herself. With a slight nod, he continued. “My name is Rook. We’re prepared to take the statue, but I’ll need to know about the direction of the grain and any possible stress points that might be more fragile during the move.” This guard knows stone, Crystal marveled silently. But it was all the better since she was far too tired to mend any move-related cracks or breaks. After a short conversation, he was satisfied that he had enough information and thanked her. Crystal watched nervously, but needn’t have worried. The team worked carefully and efficiently; wrapping the statue, binding it with ropes, and pulling it outside. “You’re surprisingly good at this,” she said to Rook as the pegasus team took their positions; each holding a rope. “Consider demolition a hobby of mine,” he laughed. “I know a little about how to break stone, but I leave creation to ponies like you.” “It’s pretty amazing though,” he continued, staring at the wrapped statue. Crystal looked at him curiously. “Most ponies assume Luau exaggerates, but I know her better than most ponies. So when she talked about how amazing your work would be I knew it would be something special. And…” he said with a knowing glance in her direction. “… it most certainly is. Even a pony like me can hear the message that it’s sending.” Crystal blushed, but held her head up proudly. Rook smiled encouragingly and lifted up his wings. “We’ll get it there safely,” he said. Then with a flap, he took his position at the center and a unicorn lifted several ropes up; attaching them to his breastplate. He barked a few more orders and then he and the others lifted the statue into the air and disappeared into the city. Satisfied that, for the moment, there was nothing pressing that needed her, she went upstairs and slept. ******************* Crystal woke, confused by the bright afternoon sunlight streaming through the window. Well, since I’m up, I should work on the sculpture, she thought with a yawn. She sleepily walked down the first flight of steps and glanced to where the giant statue should have been. Then she paused; tilting her head curiously as she stared at the empty space. The gears turned slowly in her head until: The statue! The CEREMONY! Oh no! I’m late! She ran down the stairs and pulled a saddle pack from the cupboard as she burst out the garden door. “Snow? Snow?” she called looking to the sides and spinning once before grabbing two carrots from the garden. She dunked them quickly in the fountain and shoved one in her pack and the other in her mouth as she ran up the steps. A quick glance through the eerily quiet square confirmed that Snow wasn’t there. *Boom* Cyrstal jerked her head toward the castle where flying teams were already engaged in opening ceremonies. She started running; hoping that Snow was already there. Though she made great time through the empty streets, she was entirely unprepared for what she saw when she arrived. Slowing to a trot, she stared with her mouth hanging open. Crystal knew the ceremony was important, but was still surprised by the turnout. If somepony told her that every resident of the city were present, she’d have believed them. Earth Ponies and Unicorns choked the courtyard and every hoof of rooftop was covered in pegasi. At the far end by the castle doors was a raised platform decorated with flowers and banners. On the right sat Luau and other leaders in city construction and administration. On the left, Princess Celestia stood, regal as ever, but uncharacteristically with only one guard in attendance. In the center stood Crystal’s statue, still covered. I’m not too late! Crystal sighed in relief. But standing center stage in front of the statue, Prime Minister Crabapple was already addressing the crowd; his voice amplified by unicorn magic so that it reached the far corners of the courtyard. He was talking about the power of cooperation and the strides they’d made together since Nightmare Night while Crystal looked desperately for a path, but found none. “… this statue. It was made by one of own to stand in front of the castle, to stand for all time, to stand for the heart and soul of the capital and every pony within it.” Crystal started to panic; pacing in place. I’ll never make it through this… “EEP!” She was airborne, flying over the crowd in a wide circle. She looked down at the rapidly nearing ceremony stage where Luau caught her eye and winked. “We thought this might happen,” said Rook with amusement in his voice. He deftly set her down out of view behind the stage. “You’re on,” he said with a smile before walking over to resume his place at princess Celestia’s side. “… and now, let me introduce the pony who created this sculpture…” Prime Minister Crabapple continued. Crystal hurried to the steps. “Crystal Quarry!” Prime Minister Crabapple’s voice called out confidently. Crystal jumped onstage and trotted to the Prime Minister who smiled and stepped back to let her take his place. She smiled nervously, feeling uncomfortable being in the presence of so many important ponies. But that was nothing compared to what she felt when she first looked over the sea of eyeballs that stared at her… waiting. “Uh…” she said; her voice cracking. Briefly, scattered laughs broke out and then returned to silence as they waited for Crystal to speak. But, paralyzed by the intensity of the moment, she couldn’t utter a word. She instinctively searched the crowd, her eyes falling on one light colored pony after another until, finally, one stood out from the rest. Far away, but clear as solitary cloud in clear skies, Snow stood with a wide smile and an encouraging wave. Crystal closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. She opened her eyes and looked at Snow, only Snow, then spoke: “A few months ago, I was assigned a task that seemed impossible. I lamented my luck and cursed my fate believing with all my heart that I wasn’t strong enough. Well, I was right.” A murmur went through the crowd. Crystal puffed out her chest and spoke with confidence. “Yes, I made this with my own two hooves, but not with my strength alone. It was only because of the support of the ones… the one closest to me that it was possible.” “I finally realized that no matter how strong or capable you are, it’s nothing compared to what you can accomplish when you have the bonds of friendship… and love.” Crystal let her words hang in the air as she looked pointedly at Snow. A few in the crowd tried to follow her gaze, but snapped forward again as Crystal continued. “And so this statue will stand in the city’s heart just as the pony who inspired it stands in mine. I give you…” Crystal stepped to the side and grasped the ropes on the statue. Princess Celestia, Prime Minister Crabapple, and the others all turned and the crowd leaned forward; all breathless with anticipation. “Crystal’s Heart!” She pulled the ropes and the tarp fell in a heap, exposing the statue for all to see.