//------------------------------//
// A Brand New Way 
// Story: Crystal's Hopes 
// by Crystal Wishes 
//------------------------------//

"Hello!"  The light green mare sitting at the desk looked at Crystal with a smile, something vaguely familiar about her.  "Welcome to the Canterlot University Research Library.  My name is Ley Lines.  What can I help you with?"

Crystal gave a cordial nod of her head as she approached.  "I'm looking for books on magic involving the spirits of the deceased, if you have any."

Ley Lines blinked once.  Twice.  "Um…"  Thrice.  "Wow, that's a tall order.  I know there's been research done on the topic, but…"  She shrugged.  "Well, how much time do you have?"

Crystal opened her mouth to speak, paused, then slowly closed it.  How much time did she have to track this information down?  She still needed to finish her chapter and get it sent off to Sunset.

"If you want," Ley Lines chimed, "I don't mind looking into it for you.  I honestly don't know anything on the topic, so now you've got me curious.  If you want to leave your address, I can bring you what I find."

"Really?"  Crystal smiled, her magic reaching for her bit purse.  "How much?"

"Free of charge!  I'd probably end up doing the same research anyway for my own curiosity.  Plus, you look like a busy mare."

Crystal's smile faltered.  She looked busy?  Was it because she had hesitated, or something else?  Did other ponies think she looked busy and avoided asking her for help because of it?

She gave a quick shake of her head to clear it and said, "Well, if you insist, I certainly won't say no."  When a pen and slip of paper was offered, she wrote down her address and nodded.  "Thank you very much, Miss Ley Lines.  I greatly appreciate it.  I'd still like to do something, though.  Could you point me in the right direction and I'll do a little reading before I go home?"

"Certainly!  The eastern wing is where all the texts we have on magic are."  Ley Lines gestured, then clapped her hooves together.  "You might want to check out Star Swirl the Bearded's book, The Limits of Magic.  It might have some insight!"

Crystal bobbed her head and turned toward the door labeled 'East'.  "Thank you!"

When she passed through the doorway, however, she quickly realized that calling it a 'wing' was an understatement. Stairs lead down into a sunken four-story atrium with a tiered labyrinth of shelves in the center and bookshelves lining every inch of available wall space.  Seating space and even room to comfortably move about was an afterthought; all that seemed to matter was how many books they could fit in the giant room.

After she was finished gawking, she noticed a sign at the very bottom of the stairs: 'Information Retrieval'.  Getting closer to the sign revealed smaller print that instructed her to press a button and say what she was looking for.

Tentatively, she touched her hoof to the button and blinked as it lit up a curious blue.  She cleared her throat and asked, "Star Swirl the Bearded's The Limits of Magic… please?"

The button shifted into a deep purple that faded in and out before flashing a brilliant yellow.  The yellow slid down the sign and onto the floor, lighting up several arrow-shaped runes that urged her to follow.

Fascinating!  She knew that there were unicorns with magical abilities far above her own, but as she followed the trail of lights that guided her through the labyrinth and up a flight of stairs, doubt started to creep in.

If unicorns could put together a feat such as the one she was marveling, then how was she so certain they couldn't speak to the dead?

Her head shook faster than she could chase the thought away.  Because it was simply too conveniently timed!  If it were a truly altruistic and legitimate service, then why was she charging so much for it?

The yellow light stopped in front of a bookshelf, beamed a happy green, then faded away.  Crystal's gaze traveled over the rows of books until she spotted a large tome with silver script on the spine that read, The Limits of Magic.

Crystal settled onto a nearby bench with the book levitating in front of her, opened to what she hoped would be a table of contents but was, instead, a letter to the reader.

Greetings, Fellow Purveyor of the Arcane!  No doubt thou hast come into possession of this book seeking to know the deeper, aetherial mechanisms that drive the magic we unicorns oft take for granted.  Prithee, 'tis only through legitimate means that thou hast acquired my writings!  Ha-ha, 'tis naught but a mite jest.

Take heed, Fellow Purveyor.  Magic is not a force to be taken lightly.  Though it is capable of the most wondrous of feats, 'tis also a means of destruction in the wrong hooves… or, dare I say, the wrong horn!  Ha-ha!  'Tis yet another jest.  Or, rather, 'tis a play upon words.  The power of magic is nary a jest.

I will henceforth assume that thou hast read my works on the principles of magic, theories regarding advanced applications of it, and its variances under different psychological and environmental conditions.  Therefore, I will not bother with the reiteration of mine earlier explanations and introductions and jump straightforth into my findings on magic's limitations.

From the perspective of an outsider, magic is fraught with fallacies and inconsistencies, refuted by its own existence.  Magic, however, is no such thing and is its own universal axiomatic system.  It cometh complete with logical limitations such that no rational agent could possibly objecteth to its use, free from unjustifiable and parochial assumptions.  That said, like all axioms, magic's acceptability and application riseth or falleth within the context by which it is defined, its usage intrinsically linked with the theoretical system as a whole.

Crystal stared blankly at the pages with the strange sound of emptiness in her mind.  They were words, certainly, and they were strung together, yes, but the meaning as a whole was entirely lost on her.

"Isn't it fascinating?"

With a shriek of surprise, Crystal jolted upright and flung the book out of her telekinetic grip in the direction of the voice.  This elicited a similar shriek from the speaker, who turned out to be Ley Lines, her own magic catching the book just before it hit her right in the face.

"Sorry!" both exclaimed at nearly the same time.

"M-Magic jerk reaction," Crystal blurted out, eyes wide.  "You startled me!"

Ley Lines smiled sheepishly and lowered the book.  "I'm sorry.  I was just sitting there thinking about how much I enjoy this book, and if you weren't reading it, I was going to bring it back to the front to read myself.  Then I saw you reading it and couldn't help myself from reading over your shoulder."

Crystal glanced between the mare and the book, then laughed softly.  "You really understand all of that?"

"Yes?"  Ley Lines tilted her head.  "Do you not?"

"I'm afraid I was never one for the deeper aspects of magic beyond simple levitation," Crystal admitted as she stood upright and sighed.  "I suppose I'll leave the research to you.  It is just far too high over my head."

Ley Lines beamed a smile.  "Leave it to me!  I'll make sure to write down my findings with as many laypony's terms as I can."

Crystal would have been insulted if it weren't necessary, and it certainly was.  She did feel a little embarrassed, however, and was certain her face was turning red.  "Thank you.  I'll be on my way, then."

As she made what felt like a walk of shame out of the wing and through the lobby, Star Swirl's words swirled around her mind.  Parochial assumptions, axiomatic systems—what did all of that even mean?

A cheerful voice cut through her muddled thoughts.  "Hi, Miss Wishes!"

Crystal stopped and looked up to see Snowy Haze standing on the steps outside of the library.  "Oh."  She smiled.  "Good afternoon, Snowy."

"Afternoon!  I have a letter for you!"  She reached into her satchel and held out an envelope.  "And I wanted to say I'm really enjoying Desert Rose so far."

"Thank you and thank you," Crystal chirped, taking the letter to her chest.  Her heart was fluttering.  She really needed to hear from Silent right then.  "Honestly, how do you do it?"

Snowy blinked.  "Do what?"

"Find me in places like this."  Crystal gestured at the campus around them.  "It looked like you were waiting for me, but how did you know where I was?"

"Oh!"  Snowy giggled.  "Well, I usually check your home first, then some of the places where I know you visit.  Then I'll start asking your friends and the ponies in your support group.  Today, Miss Au helped me!"  She pointed off to one side.

Crystal followed the direction she indicated and blinked.  A flash of gold disappeared behind a statue.  Slowly, her lips curled into a grin.  "Oh, that makes sense.  Well, thank you again."

"My pleasure!"  Snowy stood up straight, waved, then galloped off to get a running start before taking flight.

Humming to herself, Crystal trotted over to the statue and sat down at the base of it.  "Let's see," she said in a playful tone.  "I seem to be all alone, so I suppose I'll just read this letter."

My Dearest

It breaks my heart to know that those close to you did not receive word from their loved ones. It pains me to say but by the time this letter reaches you I imagine many others will not. We have been routed. We made our stand at a place called Dreyri River and failed. Many ponies were slain, far more than the tragedy of the Harmony. It was a day that will haunt me forever and it is best left there.

We are now far from where the war began and growing ever closer to the seat of Nordanver's power. It seems, by some small miracle, the enemy is running out of momentum. We may have at least found enough footing to stop them but moving forwards seems to be unfathomable.

My role will be changing. Due to my experience and abilities I'm being tasked with a particular mission outside of the normal day to day of war. I cannot give any more details other than to say my letters may now be further delayed.

Know that I am safer in this endeavor and keep hope alive. I love you, Crystal. I will see you again.

Silent

It was hard to breathe.  Her throat had closed up and when she tried to gasp for air, she wheezed.

More ponies lost than in the Harmony tragedy?  She trembled and read the letter over again.  Equestria had just returned to a bitter normalcy.  The Harmony had been forgotten by the elite of Canterlot, who returned to their pointless parties and plays for power.

So many conflicting emotions boiled within her.  She couldn't fathom so many lives lost and mourned for their families.  On the other hoof, she was, in some twisted way, glad that Equestria would be reminded that they were at war.  Perhaps this time they wouldn't forget so easily.

"I can't believe it," Golden said, at some point sitting down beside Crystal.  "I can't believe that there's more deaths."

Crystal slowly folded the letter, not looking at her.  "We are at war."

Golden shuddered.  "Don't say it like that.  It's creepy.  We're not supposed to be at war like this!"

Crystal took a deep, measured breath in and released it through her nose.  She didn't want to talk about this.  Not right now.  "Why were you following me?"

"What?"  Golden leaned away from her.  "I wasn't following you."

Crystal lolled her head to the side and just stared, one brow raised.

The standoff didn't last very long before Golden caved with a sigh.  "Velvet's at practice.  I don't have anywhere to be today or anything to do."

"Oh."  Crystal blinked, her irritation falling.  "Really?  I thought you were here to confront me about Bonnie again."

Golden rolled her eyes.  "I don't care about that.  If you want to take away what makes her happy, that's your decision."

Well, there was some progress, at least.  Her empathy for others was still lacking, but at least she was reaching out—in her own fashion—for company.  Perhaps that meant it was time to move forward with the master plan.

"All right."  Crystal tucked the envelope away and stood up.  "Well, if you have nothing else to do, then I think you're ready for phase two.  Come along."

There was a pause before Golden hurried to trot alongside her.  "'Come along'?  I'm not your servant."

Crystal giggled.  "And yet you came along."

"I—"  Golden snorted and lengthened her stride to remain just ahead of her.  "What else would you have me do?  Hmm?  I already told you that I have nothing better to do."

"Yes, yes, of course."  Crystal did her best to keep up with the long-legged mare.  The letter bubbled up in the back of her mind despite how she tried to push it down.  Silent was going on some sort of secret mission.  How long would he be gone?  How long had he already been gone?

How many more ponies in her group were about to receive awful news?

"Where are we going?" Golden asked, interrupting the downward spiral of her thoughts.

Crystal shook her head to clear it.  "Have you ever been to the Phial and Filly?"

Golden snorted.  "I know of it, but I don't shop at stores.  All of my products are exclusively crafted by the best designers in Equestria."

"Well, now that you're done with being Au, it's time to try our meager commoner's products, Your Highness."  Crystal glanced up at her with a light grin.

Though she grumbled something under her breath, Golden remained otherwise quiet as they navigated the streets of Canterlot toward Runic's shop.  It had been a long time since she had shopped there.  Game night was coming up soon, wasn't it?  Good.  She could use a night of fun.  A night away from reality, burdens, stress, responsibilities…

"What, exactly, are we here for?" Golden eyed the store as they approached it.  "And what does it have to do with me?"

"You'll see."  Crystal's magic pushed the door open and they walked inside.  As always, business seemed to be going well for Runic.  Mares and stallions alike—though the former more than the latter—wandered the aisles with little baskets, some already filled with different products.

"You!" a voice shouted from across the shop.

Startled by the sudden exclamation, Crystal looked over to see a familiar sage pegasus standing upright behind the counter and smiled.  "Hi, Rossby," she chimed, changing direction to head toward him.

The young stallion glared at her and crossed his forelegs over his chest.  "Don't 'hi' me.  Seriously.  How could you not tell me who you were?"

Crystal stopped short, head tilted to the side.  "What are you talking about?"

Golden raised her brow.  "Who is he?"

Rossby reached under the counter and produced a stack of books she quickly recognized as her own.  One of each novel she had published faced her, all in pristine condition.  "And then you move to the Crystal Empire and don't even say goodbye?  You are the worst.  Now sign these."  He paused.  "My mom is a big fan."

Crystal glanced between him and the books, then grinned.  "Do you mean to tell me that for the past four months, you've been keeping these books, waiting for me to show up?"

"No."  His ear flicked and his frown deepened.  "I've kept copies here in case you showed up—which I assumed would be sooner than this—and copies in my school bag.  And then you didn't.  Until now.  So."  He pushed the books closer to her.  "Sign."

With a soft laugh, Crystal levitated a pen he offered as well as the top book in the stack.  "So, then, which of these is your mother's favorite?"

Golden waved a hoof between them.  "Hello?  Are you going to introduce me?"

"What?  Oh!  Yes, yes."  Crystal bobbed her head toward Rossby.  "Golden, this is Rossby Waves, my second cousin… once removed… or some such thing.  He's adorably annoying."

Rossby scowled.  "I resent every word you just said."

"See?"  Crystal giggled, returning her attention to signing the books.  "Adorable."

Golden eyed Rossby with clear disdain before she turned away.  "I'm going to look around.  Let me know when you're ready to pay attention to me again."

"Of course.  This won't take very long."  Crystal smiled as she finished the first book off with Thank you for being my biggest fan.  "There we are."  She returned it to the counter and levitated the next.

"Uh, why did you address it to me?"  Rossby stared down at the signing.  "I said it was for my mother."

Crystal rolled her eyes.  "Of course it is.  Well, then, you'll just have a funny story to tell your mother, won't you?"

Rossby huffed, picking up the book and setting it back under the counter.  "You're dumb."

"I know, I—"

"Is that Crystal?!" Runic's voice practically squealed as the stallion bounded through the backroom door.  "It is!  Hiya!  What are you doing here?  What do you need?  I've got it!"

Crystal laughed and set down the book to walk over to him, wrapping one foreleg around his neck in a tight hug.  "Hi, Runic.  It's good to see you.  Do you think you could do me a favor?"

Runic's wings quivered slightly with excitement.  "Absolutely!"

"I need your best, safest dye remover."  She paused to raise a hoof.  "Just for mane and tail.  This was a normal dye job, not a whole-body mishap like you're used to."

Runic rubbed his chin, humming in thought.  "I have that in stock…  I have some that has serum built in to make sure the hairs don't get damaged in the removal process.  Just don't get it in your eyes."

Crystal glanced up at him.  "What happens if you do?"

"I don't know, but it just seems like a bad idea.  Let me get you a bottle!"  He clapped Rossby on the shoulder.  "It'll be on the house, sorry."

Rossby glared down at the hoof touching him.  "Why are you apologizing to me?"

Runic blinked.  "Because ringing up customers is your job, and I'm taking your job!"

"Whatever.  Just go get it."

Crystal couldn't help giggling.  Some things never changed.  "And…"  She added the last stroke to her signature.  "There you are!  Is that all you need from me?"

Rossby rested a hoof on the cover of Her Silent Love, looking down at it and avoiding her gaze.  "Maybe it would be nice if you dropped by more often than never.  The regular customers are boring."

"Got it!" Runic exclaimed as he bounded back into view with a crystalline, elegant bottle balanced on one hoof, the liquid inside a light purple in color.  "Here it is!  The best dye remover I sell."

"Dye remover?" Golden squeaked from a few paces away and trotted closer.  "Excuse me, but why are you buying dye remover?"

Crystal waved a hoof at her.  "Because it's time to let go of Au completely.  Thank you, Runic."

Golden's magic grabbed the bottle and levitated it over to her.  "I'm not going to put some random pony's product in my mane!  What is it made of?  Who has vetted it?  Can you guarantee it won't damage my hair?"

Runic smiled.  "It shouldn't, I vetted it, and the primary ingredient is lilac extract!"  He raised a hoof to hide his mouth as he whispered loudly, "But the lilacs are just for the smell."

After a pause, Golden seemed to almost wilt as she looked at the bottle.  "Lilacs?"  Her magic pulled the top off and she took a tentative sniff.  With a small jolt, her ears perked up before falling back down.  "Oh.  It… smells like something from my foalhood."  She paused again, then looked over at Crystal.  "I can't use this.  My mane is part of my identity."

Crystal poked Golden in the chest with a hoof.  "No, it's part of your façade.  You're done with that.  Just be Golden."

Runic clapped his hooves.  "Ooh, I like that!  That could be your slogan!"  He waved his hooves in a wide, slow arc as he enunciated, "Just be Golden."

Golden's gaze fell back to the bottle.  "'Just be Golden'?"  She turned the bottle slowly in her magic, then smiled softly… sincerely.  "I like it, too."