//------------------------------//
// 9: Trouble Approaches 
// Story: The Night Mare: Risen 
// by InkCrescent 
//------------------------------//

"Now, the library holds the best storage of books ever!" Crescent explained as they walked. "But the Star Swirl the Bearded wing has absolutely amazing spells and scrolls and books of all kind. And there's this one of book on Sirens -- The Complete History of the Sirens -- and it'll explain everything to you about what my Gem can really do."

"I was wondering," Sky murmured.

"Don't worry; we won't be looking at just that. We can look at all kinds of spellbooks. I'm sure there are some spells you'd like to try out," Crescent said.

"Really? I heard there was a spell that helped you travel back in time!" Sky exclaimed. "Oh! That reminds me. I was wondering if you could maybe tell me about your past sometime. I mean, I'd love to hear about what it was like for you to be a young alicorn in Trottingham. It must've been pretty hard."

"It was." Crescent knew her voice was guarded. "I will, but you have to tell me your past as an alicorn outside of Equestria."

"Deal!" Sky beamed.

Crescent blinked as the wind howled in the distance. She glanced out the window. "That sounds like a pretty dangerous storm," she murmured.

"Yeah." Sky glanced up at the clouds and rain. "It's odd. I thought it never rained it Canterlot."

"It rains in Canterlot, I assure you," Crescent replied. "But they do seem kind of rare."

Sky glanced at the candles as they flickered and went out.

Crescent blinked. "What was that?"

"It was probably . . . " Sky hesitated. "Nothing."

"But -- " Crescent began. Storms were rare in Canterlot, and for the candles in the hall to go out just as the wind had howled -- that was kind of scary. "The threat!" Crescent gasped. "It must be coming!"

"I still think -- Whoa!" Sky was cut off as Crescent lifted her with her magic and galloped down the hall. "Is this necessary?" Sky asked as Crescent set her down. She glanced up. "The Star Swirl the Bearded wing?"

"It may have something on storms in Canterlot," Crescent explained.

Sky looked skeptical, but her expression changed as an icy breeze blew through the castle. "Crescent," she asked, her voice low, "what is going on?"
~~~
Crescent sighed, tossing another book on the floor. "Nothing! How can the great Star Swirl the Bearded never have documented storms in Canterlot?"

"Uh . . . because they're rare!" Sky replied, matter-of-factly. "Besides, I think the storm is passing."

Outside, the wind had died down, but Crescent wasn't convinced.

That wasn't just a storm. Something happened . . . Crescent glanced around. "Celestia! Luna! I haven't seen them since this morning!"

"Oh, no. You don't think the threat . . . " Sky abruptly trailed off.

"No," Crescent replied. "It -- it couldn't."

"Well, maybe," Sky murmured.

"Don't think like that!" Crescent snapped. She wouldn't believe that this threat took the princesses.

"Ya in here, Crescent?"

"Hey, isn't that Applejack?" Sky asked cautiously.

"Yes. They're here?" Crescent asked. Panic gripped her. "We have to get out of here!"

"I heard they were staying here while on their way to the Crystal Empire for the Faire," came Rarity's voice.

Crescent glanced around. "Hide!" she hissed to Sky.

"There's no where to hide!" Sky whispered back.

"I think I see someone!" Rainbow Dash called. "Princess Luna? Princess Cadance? Is that you?" As the blue pegasus flew into the room, she stopped and stared in shock at Sky and Crescent. The four others trailed in after her, and stopped and stared, their eyes wide and jaws gaping.

"Dang it," Sky muttered. "We are in so much trouble."