//------------------------------//
// Chapter 6: Confessions of an Alicorn 
// Story: Once Upon A December 
// by ThePrinceOfTheNorth 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 6: Confessions of an Alicorn

"I'm sorry, what," asked Crystal. She had heard the question clearly, and had hoped it wouldn't come up so quickly.

'I guess I was wrong on this one,' Crystal thought.

"I wanted to know why Winter only started talking about you so recenty," asked Nightmare again, "I mean, the Winter Gala is only a six days away, and he's talking about his snow and you! He was usually quite focused when it comes to the Gala."

Crystal Heart was about to say something, but Field Marshal Stormcry came in.

Crystal and Nightmare turned to him and spoke in unison. "You could try knocking first!" When they realized what they just done, they both giggled a bit.

"What is this interruption about," asked Nightmare as she came down from her laughing fit.

"Apologies, my Princess," Stormcry said, "But Crystal Heart is needed elsewhere, and it is quite urgent."

Nightmare Moon let out a quiet moan. "Very well." She turned to Crystal. "We'll resume this talk in the morning."

Crystal nodded and followed Stormcry out of the garden, Nigthmare leaving through the opposite enterance.

"So, what am I need for," asked Crystal.

"Nothing," replied Stormcry.

Now Crystal was confused. Stormcry had just pulled her away from Nightmare Moon, current ruler of Solstice, just because he could? No, he was up to something, and Crystal was going to find out what.

"Well then, why did you come and get me if I'm not needed for anything," asked Crystal.

Stormcry shrugged. "My Prince was in danger, so I helped him out, as I always do. Is there a problem with that?"

Crystal stopped dead in her tracks. "What are you talking about? Winter's dead! how dare you..."

Stormcry cut her off. "Please, I know it's you. Your mannerisms haven't changed enough for me not to recognize you."

Crystal thought about trying to get around this, but it was obvious Stormcry had her all figured out. She sighed. "I guess I should've counted on you to figure it out."

Stormcry nodded. "Like I said, I know you better than anyone. What I don't know is why there's a real body in your crypt with your real face on it."

Crystal shrugged and levitated the Crystal Pendant from under her wing. "It must have created this body, then shoved my mind into it without me even realizing it."

Stormcry nodded. "Well, I do recall you saying it hadn't been tested, so the results could be anything."

"Right," said Crystal, "I never expected it to happen the way it did, though. Now everybody thinks I'm dead!"

Stormcry nodded. "Well, in all respects, you are dead. I mean, Winter would no longer exist either way, right."

"I suppose you're right," said Crystal, suddenly aware they were not alone at the same time as Stormcry. From out of the shadows stepped Nightmare Moon wearing a blank expression.

Crystal looked away from Nightmare and at the ground, ashamed. "How much did you hear?"

Nighmare stepped forward, her expression softening. "Enough."

Crystal looked up at her, tears starting to form in her eyes. "I'm sorry! I never meant for any of this to happen! I never thought..."

Nightmare put a hoof to Crystal's mouth, shushing her. "It's okay. I forgive you."

"Re..really," asked Crystal, holding back her tears.

"Why wouldn't I? I mean, Snowdrop and Luna are happier than I've ever seen them thanks to you," said Nightmare, "And if Luna's happy, so am I."

Crystal couldn't hold back, and broke down right there as Nightmare hugged her, letting her know that everything was, in fact, okay.

"Thank you," Crystal said after she'd calmed down.

"You're welcome," said Nightmare, "But I think it would be best if we don't tell Luna and Snowdrop just yet."

Crystal nodded. "Agreed. Besides, we still need to organize the Winter Gala, with or without me, er, Winter, um..."

"We get the picture," said Stormcry.

"Okay," said Crystal. "We also need to find the other Shards of the Element of Love. Can you see about getting Fate and Elegance? Perhaps Crystalia as well..."

"I'll see to it at once, milady," Stormcry said before walking off.

"Hmph," said Crystal in a mock-serious tone, "Even as a lady he treats me like everyone else."

She and Nightmare giggled as Stormcry rounded a corner, leaving their sight.

Crystal turned to Nightmare. "So, where should I sleep?"

Nightmare shrugged. "I suppose you can sleep in your quarters. After all, it is your room."

"Noted," said Crystal thoughtfully. "See you in the morning."

"See you as well," Nightmare said before they parted to turn in for the night.