//------------------------------// // Chapter 9 // Story: The Last Crystal Unicorn // by TheMyth //------------------------------// Twilight hummed as she was busy reading a book up on the history of the Crystal Empire, before the ruling of Sombra was. She saw that there were over a dozen kings and queens who ruled the Empire, each named with a year that they started ruling and a year they were succeeded by their successor. What troubled Twilight though was the ruler before Sombra. There was no name nor any picture, just the years. She scratched her head in thought, curious to know why this ruler was not named nor had any picture at all. If it were just an hiatus for the succession, there would have been no page at all. Before Twilight could think of this any further, the door of the library opened and a large white alicorn entered the library. “Good morning, Twilight,” Celestia greeted her student, closing the door. “Princess!” Twilight quickly got up from her cushion and rushed towards Celestia, embracing her and nuzzling the towering alicorn. Celestia returned the nuzzle before Twilight let go of her. “What are you doing here today, Princess?” Celestia smiled softly as she raised her eyebrows. “Can’t I visit my students personally?” She asked rhetorically as she giggled. Her smile slowly disappeared as she furrowed her brow. “Plus I have something to tell you.” Twilight didn’t need to ask, but she did. “About Amethyst?” “Am I that predictable?” “Just with me and your family,” Twilight giggled, but a part of her felt a little nervous. I’m not crossing the line now am I?! Celestia laughed as she nuzzled her student again. When she raised her head, she took a sniff as a certain aroma was lingering in the air. “Is that darjeeling tea?” “Oh yes,” Twilight looked back at the pot that held the brewed tea. “Blaze got it from a travelling merchant who came from Marwari,” she looked back at Princess Celestia. “Want to have some with me?” “I would love to,” Celestia replied gratefully as she made her way to the table and took a seat on an extra large pillow. She took a sip, marvelling in the taste of the tea. It’s been forever since I had such amazing tea. Her gaze landed on the book that Twilight was reading and she cocked an eyebrow. “I see you are studying the history of the Empire.” Twilight looked down on the book, shrugging. “Cadance sent me that book since all her scholars back at the Empire were occupied with others. It’s fascinating, but this page troubles me.” She pointed to the page showing the enigmatic ruler. Celestia scrunched her lips, blinking profoundly as her eyes became moist. She quickly regained her composure, taking another sip of the tea. “Interesting…” “What’s wrong?” “It’s... nothing, really. The Crystal Empire’s fall was a painful time for me. It was... a failure that I’ve carried with me.” Twilight tilted her head. “Do you want to talk about it?” Celestia shook her head. “Not right now. I’m here to talk about Amethyst. I take it Rarity has explained to you the situation with him and the Empire?” “Yes... are you going to take him?” “Not if I can help it,” Celestia said. She sighed. “Rarity has told me. He has friends, a school, a family... I truly wish to let him stay here. But the vizier of the Crystal Empire is insisting he be returned. She fears the ponies will revolt otherwise.” “So, what are you going to do?” She took a deep breath. “Twilight... I think Amethyst should take a trip up to the Empire. Just a visit, mind, and at least take a tour around his homeland.” “...Yes, I think that's a good idea,” Twilight said, though it was a resigned agreement. “Have you told Rarity yet?” “No. I wanted to talk to you about something first. I think... I think you’re going to need to go with her. And the other Element Bearers as well.” Twilight blinked. “Why?” “I have a feeling. I think you’re going to need them with you.” Twilight shivered. “Sombra?” “No,” Celestia said, sounding almost disappointed. “But the vizier, Shimmering Ruby. There was something about her. She almost seemed… fake.” “Fake?” “Yes... she was friendly about everything, but it seemed manufactured. I don’t know what it is. But I failed the Crystal Empire once...” Twilight reached her hoof to place it on Celestia’s. “Please Princess, you did what you had to do back then. We can’t dwell on the past, we can only do what we can for the future.” Twilight told her as she looked Princess Celestia in the eye. Celestia could only nod as she sighed and smiled. “You’re right,” she said as she pulled her hoof away from Twilight’s. “But onto the Crystal Empire’s concern, I need you on your highest alert, Twilight.” “Yes Princess,” she replied, taking a sip of her tea before another thought came to her mind. “What about our foals? They are all friends with Amethyst and I’m certain that they will want to come along.” “As long as they are looked after for, I see no reason why they can’t be allowed to join their friend.” Celestia said as she looked down on her tea cup. “It may also help Amethyst, having his friends to support him over there.” Twilight sighed in relief, knowing full well how the foals would object not to be able to join their friend. “That’s good, I’ll tell them when they come by here after school.” “Oh? Are they researching for a project?” “No, they’re helping a friend find out what her cutie mark means,” Twilight explained as she levitated one of the book pertaining to the cutie mark. “Apparently, their newest friend Silver Spoon, has her cutie mark but she doesn’t know what she did when she attained it.” Celestia tapped her chin with her hoof humming. “That is rather rare, not knowing the method of how you gained your cutie mark.” “Right,” Twilight said as she placed the book back on the table. “Although, aside from that, I can only imagine her wanting to come along too.” “Oh?” Twilight shrugged. “Since she has joined the club now, she always hangs out with Amethyst more than the others.” Twilight giggled, remember how the two shared a book with each other. “Well I’m glad Amethyst has such good friends as your son and the others,” Celestia commented as she sighed in relief. “Twilight, when you are going to the Crystal Empire, I want Blaze to stay close to you and your friends.” Hearing this, Twilight jerked her head back a little. “You don’t trust him, Princess?” “On the contrary, I wouldn’t have any other pony looking after you.” Celestia grinned as she leaned into her student’s ear. “He is quite a catch.” Twilight blushed deeply. “I suppose...” “Is he a good kisser?” That turned Twilight scarlet. “Princess! I... I...” She giggled. “No need to be embarrassed. Enjoying one another physically is an important part of a relationship... not the most important, not by a long shot, but important. Besides, I would hope that he knew how to please you...” Twilight looked like she wanted to crawl under a rock somewhere. Celestia giggled. “I’m teasing you, Twilight. I was simply hoping the two of you could spend some time with the rest of your family. You, and your friends, and the foals. They’re all an important part of your life.” Twilight blushed. “They are...” “So... tell me about Silver Spoon. I don’t think I’ve ever met her...” Amethyst sighed as she helped Silver wash the last bits of mud off of her. The Cakes had been nice enough to let them use the hose outside their shop, thank goodness. Apple Bloom sat a foot away, rubbing the back of her head. “Alright, I guess that one was a bit of a stretch...” Silver couldn’t help but narrow her eyes at her. “You think? How could you get a catapult out of a spoon?” “Well, they both scoop stuff, and you can fling stuff outta a spoon...” She trailed off when she realized how ridiculous that sounded. “Fear not, Silver,” Amethyst assured. “We still have many possibilities to try.” She huffed. “Like what?” At that, Scootaloo jumped in. “Well, there’s playing the spoons. I’ve seen ponies do that a few times.” “But I didn’t do anything like that the day I got it!” “Well... do you have anything left to lose?” Silver Spoon sat in silence. “...No,” she admitted. “Alright, how do I do that?” Spike grabbed two spoons with his magic, each spoon placed together but facing the opposite way. “Like this.” He said and started to tap the spoons on his knee in a fast repetition, placing his one forehoof above the spoons and going faster and faster. The clattering of the spoons that collided with his knee and hoof created a melodious effect, on par with an instrument. Spike changed his position to have the spoons tap on his lips, creating a new tone that echoed throughout the club house. “That’s neat!” Sweetie complimented Spike when he was done. “Where did you learn that?” “Uncle Shiny used to do this trick all the time when we were all living with my grandparents still,” Spike replied, giving the spoons to Silver. “Why don’t you try it out?” Silver blinked, looking down on the spoons with skepticism. She cocked her eyebrow as she pushed her lips to one side. “I don’t know…” "Well what’s there to lose?” Scootaloo asked her rhetorically, taking a seat in the background to spectate what Silver would do now. Seeing all her new friends looking on in anticipation, Silver sighed before grabbing the spoons in her mouth and placing her one knee forward. “Okay, here goes.” Silver started to bang the spoons to her knee, albeit slowly as she could not go any faster. She started to lift her one hoof up, but started to sweat as she concentrated more. Without warning, she lost balance and tripped. The side of her body landed on the floor, with the spoons clattering on the ground as they were free from the filly’s mouth. “Ow…” “Are you alright?” Amethyst reached for Silver as he helped her up from the ground. Silver blushed for a moment before shaking her head with her eyes closed. “No, looks like that isn’t my talent.” Scootaloo groaned as she planted her hoof to her forehead. “This is getting us nowhere!” Scootaloo yelled out as she furrowed her brow. “Can’t you remember anything from that day when you said you got your cutie mark?!” “The only thing I remember is helping other ponies out with their daily stuff!” Silver retorted as she gave a withering glare to Scootaloo. “Honestly, I don’t remember doing dangerous and stupid stuff to get my cutie mark.” “Nothing stood out? Nothing?” “No. I was just helping ponies like I always do, and--” There was a sudden stop. Silver was looking straight ahead. The others quickly saw why. Diamond Tiara was a fair distance away, far enough that she likely couldn’t have heard anything they said to her if they didn’t shout. Her body was facing the side, she hadn’t been heading toward them. Her head, however, was facing them, looking straight at Silver Spoon. And she was looking back. For a few seconds, the pair just stared at each other, looks of uncertainty on their faces. Then, Diamond Tiara kept walking, turning away from her former friend. She looked at the ground, studying the rocks and dirt. “That’s a relief,” Scootaloo said. “I really don’t want to put up with her again.” “I guess...” Silver spoon said. “You guess?” Scootaloo asked. “You guess? After the way she treated you? She hit you for not wanting to bully us. How can you just guess?” “We were friends for a long time,” she said. “She wasn’t always like that...” “She was mean to us.” “So was I.” “Yeah, well...” Scootaloo couldn’t find the answer. “Look, don’t worry. If she’s really sorry, she’ll come to you, right?” “Well...” “Don’t worry about it. Come on, we have a lot to try and--” “Amethyst!” The voice caused everypony to perk up. Rarity was running toward the the group, looking alarmed. “There you are! Quick, Princess Celestia is in town and she’s requested an audience.” “Princess Celestia?” The entire group of foals asked in unison. Rarity nodded and smiled. “In fact, all of you need to come quickly.” She gestured to all the foals of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. The foals all shrugged as they looked to each other. “Very well,” Amethyst answered her and with that, all the ponies were on their way to the library. Once Rarity had brought Amethyst and the others to the library, Celestia had explained to Amethyst about his summons. She was careful to avoid certain information from the colt, namely her suspicion of the vizier. “So there’s no word of my mother at all?” Amethyst asked Celestia as he clutched his locket, looking upwards to face Celestia’s eyes. Celestia sighed, lowering her head to Amethyst’s level. “Nothing has come up yet,” she explained to Amethyst, her lips scrunched when she saw the foal looking down with moist eyes. “But maybe when you arrive, there might be news waiting for you.” “As long as we can come along,” Spike chimed in as he stepped forward. “He’s not going anywhere unless we are going with him.” “Of course, Spike,” Celestia answered him with a soft smile as she raised her head. “That’s why I’m all giving you all permission to join Amethyst on his trip.” The foals all cheered, the fillies especially with Sweetie Belle mentioning how she always wanted to see the Crystal Empire. All except one. Silver Spoon stood in the background, feeling intimidated by Celestia’s towering figure. Celestia took notice of Silver and cocked her brow. “Excuse me, are you Silver Spoon?” She asked curiously, with the other Cutie Mark Crusaders making way to have Celestia face her. “Y-yes, Princess.” “Twilight told me a lot about you,” Celestia smiled fondly as she lowered her head to meet Silver’s eyes, but she grew concerned when Silver backed away slightly. “Are you alright?” “Oh yes Princess! I’m fine!” Silver started to sweat a little, chuckling nervously as she shuffled her hooves. Celestia moved her head forward, nearly touching Silver’s muzzle. “Please do not be frightened of me, Silver.” “I’m sorry, Princess,” she said timidly, “I just never met somepony of royalty before.” “Oh really? Nopony? Well then, this should be a treat for you. I was hoping that you and your friends would accompany Twilight and the other adults to the Crystal Empire.” “Thank you Princess, but why?” “These are hard times for Amethyst. He’s going to need some friends easily get through them. That’s the role I’m hoping you and your friends will fulfill. Is there anyone else you’d like to invite?” Silver Spoon shifted. She looked at the Princess, opened her mouth, closed it, open it again, and still couldn’t find the words. “Well Princess I… I…” “Don’t be shy, Silver,” the Princess assured, “What is you want?” “I’m not really sure it’s what I want. I… I’ve been thinking a lot about something, and I’m not sure what to do about it.” “I don’t suppose this has anything to do with your friend, Diamond Tiara, would it?” Silver Spoon’s eyes widened at that,her cheeks began to warm from blushing. “H – how did you know that?” “I had Twilight tell me all about you. I hope you’ll forgive my intrusion, but I like knowing about all my student’s friends, and the friends of her children. Is there something about that that troubles you?” “You’re not still worried about her, are you?” Scootaloo asked. “She hit you, for…” She trailed off, thinking it likely wasn’t best to add, “ for Celestia’s sake” when the Sun Princess herself was present, at least until she knew for sure her stance on the matter. “Yes, from what I’ve heard, Diamond Tiara has been quite a nuisance to all of you for quite a while, and I’m not going to act like forgiving her would be easy thing to do, especially after everything you’ve been through at such a young age. But that’s the thing about doing what’s right, it’s not always the easiest path.” “But she’s been so mean to us!” Celestia had wondered, who would say that, and was pleased that she guessed correctly that it would be Scootaloo. ”Yes, perhaps,” Celestia said, “and I will not lie when I say that some ponies will never change. But you’ll never know for sure unless you give them that chance. Have you ever had a non-antagonistic encounter with her?” “ Well…no,” Scootaloo admitted. “Well then, perhaps it’s time.” She summoned a large ball of tickets, which danced in the air for a moment. Then, one floated down to each of the foals, except for Silver Spoon, who received two. “I want you to give the second ticket to Diamond Tiara.” Silver Spoon nodded meekly as she took hold of the tickets with her mouth. “I will try, Princess.” Diamond Tiara was walking aimlessly around the market of Ponyville. Even though she had a purse filled with bits, she did not want to buy anything from any of the stalls. She stopped at a culinary stall and saw a few utensils, one of them being a silver spoon. She sighed and continued walking, biting her lip as she looked down to the dirt on the ground. Why am I feeling like this?! “Diamond! Diamond Tiara!” Hearing her name being called out, her ears perked as she lifted her head and saw a familiar filly running straight to her. A soft smile started to form but was quickly dissipated when she remembered what happened between her and Silver Spoon. A frown started to appear when she saw seven more foals coming from behind Silver. When Silver came to a halt before her, she lowered her head as she was catching her breath. When she looked up to see Diamond’s eyes, she dared to beam, but could only muster a soft smile. “There you are!” “Yeah, I’m here,” Diamond Tiara answered her flatly. “I want to give you something…” Silver looked back and Spike levitated the ticket to Silver. Silver grabbed it with her teeth and looked back at Diamond. “See--” Diamond Tiara huffed as she snorted. “What!? You want to gloat at me for winning something?!” she sneered at her Silver, glaring daggers at her. “No,” Silver replied, tilting her head as her eyes turned moist. “You see--” “What I see is you hanging out with these losers and actually having fun, smearing it all in my face!” The others looked uneasy as they turned to each other. Amethyst scrunched his lips as he took a few steps forward. “Now look here Diamond, all Silver wants to do is to give you--” “Give me what? What is it?” “I… I just wanted…” She placed the spare ticket on the ground and stepped back with the hints of nervousness in her body language. “Amethyst has to go back to the Crystal Empire for a while, and the Princess has invited all of us up there.” “Oh, I see,” she said, advancing on Silver Spoon, “ you came here to brag about it. You wanted to just rub it in my face, didn’t you?” “No, no, that’s not it at all! I just wanted to offer you a spare ticket. The Princess gave me an extra one just to give to you.” Diamond Tiara just stopped in her tracks and blinked. “What?” “Yeah, you always said you want to see the Crystal Empire, so I thought… Well, now’s as good a time as any. We could…” “Why are you doing this?” “Because we’re friends, and…” “No, don’t try and lie to me!” That sentence stunned Silver into silence. “ Nopony just up and forgives some pony like that! Why are you?” “Because we used to be friends. We’ve been through a lot together, and... I want us to be friends again. Please?” Diamond Tiara stopped for a minute, in deep thought. Silver Spoon took it as a sign to go on. “I miss all the things we used to do together. even though I love my new friends, I really wish my old friend was there with them. They’re really pretty cool when you know them. I think you’d actually get along well with them.” “Wait, they’re coming too? I’ll have to spend hours on the train with those losers? No way!” “But Diamond…” “I said no! Now get away from me!” Silver Spoon just looked at her old friend for a moment. Then, she sighed. “Is it really worth it?” Diamond Tiara blinked. ”What?” “Is it really worth staying mad at me, or at my friends?” Hearing Silver’s question, Diamond Tiara was silenced. She simply closed her mouth firmly, not uttering a word in retaliation. She lowered her head a little, still remaining eye contact with Silver. Silver placed the ticket on the ground and sighed. “If you want to come along with us, there’s your ticket,” she said plainly, turning around and walking past her new friends without uttering a farewell to Diamond. Amethyst furrowed his brow slightly as he caught up to Silver. “Are you alright?” he asked her, looking to her face’s side as they were still walking away from Diamond. “I’ll be fine,” Silver replied softly, though her eyes were leaking as she kept on walking away. She closed them slowly, not realizing that she was leaning on Amethyst with her head touching his neck. Feeling her head and tears on his neck, Amethyst’s cheeks burned brightly as he looked nervously around with his eyes. He sighed as he nuzzled Silver, comforting the filly and seeing the others simply nodding with soft smiles on their faces. “I will see if my librarians at the Royal Library have any books pertaining to your research, my little foals,” Celestia informed the Cutie Mark Crusaders as she was exiting the library. “It was a pleasure to see you again, Twilight.” She nuzzled her faithful student. Twilight beamed as Celestia rose her head. “Same, Princess.” She nodded with eyes closed, still smiling. “Tell Blaze I say ‘hello’ and--” Celestia paused before she could say two more words. Sun Run. For how many months now, she has used the words to send shivers down the stallion’s spine all in the name of good fun. Yet there’s a limit to teasing somepony, and downright terrorizing them. “Tell him what, Princess?” Twilight blinked, cocking her brow as she tilted her head in confusion. Celestia chuckled as she shook her head. “Tell him also about the trip to the Crystal Empire.” “Of course, Princess. He is going, after all.” “I’m sure,” she said, smiling at Twilight. “As to that, your mother wanted me to deliver a message to Blaze. I’m sorry I could not deliver it myself, but perhaps you can deliver it for me?” “Of course. But... what would my mother want with Blaze?” Twilight asked curiously, cocking her brow. Celestia leaned over and whispered in her ear. ”She wants more grandkids. By the time she sees him next, there better be a ring on your horn and a bun in your oven.” Twilight turned as red as her coltfriend. “P-Princess!” “It’s not my message,” she said, grinning like a Cheshire cat. “Though honestly, I think...” “I-I’ll pass it along, Princess,” she said quickly, turning to the foals. “All of you better get home, now. Now!” Jumping, the foals scattered off, hearing Celestia’s laughter even as they trotted away. Silver Spoon ended up next to Amethyst, and the two trotted in silence before speaking. “Isn’t your home that way?” Silver noted. “It is,” he said, briefly noting that they had taken for granted that Rarity and Sweetie’s home was his as well. “But I worried for you. You seemed shaken when you came back.” “I... I’m just worried for Diamond. I’m really hoping it will work out. But she seemed mad. I...” She blushed. “I’m sorry. You probably think I’m stupid for all this.” “I do not. I think you are a wonderful mare for caring so deeply about your friend.” Silver Spoons cheeks warmed. “Um... thank you.” “Please, Silver, you must allow me to treat you once we are in the Crystal Empire. There were lovely places. I want to see those places with you. Will you allow me?” Silver Spoon felt her whole face heat up. “I... um, I...” Amethyst tilted his head. “Is that a problem?” “No!” Silver covered her mouth quickly, giggling nervously. “I mean, no. I would love to.” “Excellent. I’m sure you’ll love it.” His smile slowly vanished as he lowered his head. ”Just hope they are still there… what with Sombra’s reign and all.” Silver Spoon smiled nonetheless as she hugged Amethyst. “Whatever awaits us at the Crystal Empire, I’m sure it will be great still,” she told him soothingly, which seemed to cheer Amethyst a little. “I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?” “I hope so,” Amethyst replied, leaning into Silver’s cheek and placing a gentle kiss to it. “Goodnight, Silver.” He bowed slightly before dashing off, hoping that Silver would not see the redness of his face. Even when he was gone, Silver Spoon stood stock still where she and Amethyst spoke. Slowly, she turned around to face her door and opened it to let herself in. Once she was inside her house, she galloped to her room upstairs. Shutting her door, she jumped on her bed squealing out loud as she continued to bounce on her bed. “Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!” She continued to chant those three words for a few minutes before she took hold of her pony-sized teddy bear and held it close to her. “He kissed me!” she whispered excitedly, her cheeks shining brightly. A knock at the door brought Silver out of her jubilating moment. She quickly straightened herself as she got out from her bed. “Yes?” She called out, and the door opened to reveal an earth pony stallion with navy mane and white coat coming in to her room. He wore a tuxedo that still revealed his wine glass cutie mark. “Lady Silver, is everything in order here?” he asked her with a posh accent, as he looked down on Silver. Silver blinked before nodding. “Everything is alright, Clear Glass,” she told her butler, failing to lower her smile even a little. Clear cocked his brow, seeing Silver beaming. “You must have had quite an eventful day?” “You could say that…” Silver muttered, looking away from Clear. “So who is the lucky colt to have entered your life?” Silver’s head rocketed upwards, only seeing Clear’s small smile. “H-how…” Silver lowered her head, embarrassed by being found out. “How did you--” “My dear Lady,” he walked up to her and raised her head gently with his hoof. “I have been in service to your family since you were in diapers.” This only elevated Silver’s embarrassment, but Clear simply continued. “Apologies for the image that must be present in your mind, but what I am saying is that I too happen to pick up on what you seem to be thinking and doing in your life.” She rubbed her hoof on her bed. “It’s Amethyst. The crystal unicorn?” He smiled. “I should have known. You've talked about him a lot, haven’t you? He sounds like quite the gentlecolt. She blushed deeper. “I wonder if Daddy will even notice...” “I imagine he will,” he said with a dry tone. “That would be quite the thing to get the family moved up in society, wouldn’t it? His little filly, married to the last crystal unicorn left.” He sighed. “Yes, I think your father will be quite pleased.” Silver Spoon felt her ears droop. Clear Glass sighed. “My apologies, Lady Silver, I know that’s a painful subject for you. But I feel it’s best I not get your hopes up on these kinds of things. I’d change it if I could, Celestia help me, I would, you know that.” “I know you would,” she said sadly. “I've been invited up to the Crystal Empire. Amethyst has to go on a trip and the Princess got tickets for all of us. Will you let me go?” “The Princess herself? Did you meet her?” “Yeah! She was real nice! She gave me advice, and helped me talk to Diamond, and even promised to help me figure out my cutie mark!” He smiled. He had heard tales of the Princess’s kindness, and was glad to hear they were true. “Well then, one hardly denies a request from the Princess. Even Discord himself would likely accept one, even if he would spend the entire trip planning how to prank her and get away with it. So I’ll let you go.” “Thank you,” she said, hugging him. “Maybe I can find my cutie mark’s meaning once I’m there.” He smiled. “You know the first thing I noticed about your cutie mark? The heart. I thought it was appropriate. I’ve seen what a sweet filly you are. I've always hoped you would find happiness through that someday.” “Well... what do you think it means?” “That is something all foals discover for themselves. I’m sure you’ll find your answers soon.” Silver Spoon drooped. “I hate that answer.” Clear Glass sighed as he brought her in closer to hug her. “I know you dislike it, any foal would. Once you have found the answer, you will truly know who you are, Silver.” Hearing those kinds words, Silver Spoon smiled and returned the hug. “Thank you, Clear.” She let go and giggled as she beamed. “Now, I suggest you wash up. Supper will be ready in ten minutes. Your favorite, tomato bisque.” “Thanks, Clear.” She hugged him again and rushed off to the bathroom, leaving behind the stalwart stallion. Clear shook his head as he chuckled, making his way downstairs. Once he set foot on the ground below, he looked upwards to where Silver was. No smile was present on his muzzle when a single tear traveled from his grayish-blue eyes.