The Crystal Empire
Running flat-out like this in such cold weather was probably not the smartest thing I’d ever done. However, I wasn’t even thinking about that. I had to grab my Canterlot gear and head off as soon as I could. If Ironmane needed me to meet him and the council, it had to be something urgent. And what about this ‘test’ Twilight was talking about? Princess Celestia wanted her to take some kind of exam? Well, she was still a student, technically. Still, the way Twilight was panicking about it disconcerted me.
“Hi, Davie!”
I barely saw Pinkie as I dashed past her. I had half a mind to stop and turn back to talk to her, to excuse myself for so rudely running past her without speaking, but there was no need. To my astonishment, Pinkie caught up to me, bouncing backwards, so that she could keep her eyes on me! She did this with perfect ease, as if she were doing her usual forward bouncing. She was like Mater, the ‘world’s best backwards driver’, but she probably had her Pinkie Sense to warn her of stuff behind her in lieu of rearview mirrors.
“Hi, Pinkie!” I panted as I ran. “Sorry about running past like that, but I’m in a big hurry!”
“Ohh, okey-dokey,” said Pinkie. “I just wanted to know how it was in Cloudsdale.”
“Better than I could have expected,” I said, and Pinkie beamed. “Listen, Pinks, I have to get ready for an impromptu trip to Canterlot. Dunno when I’ll be back. Twilight’s being given a test or something from Princess Celestia, so she might be coming with me.”
“Oooh, neato!” said Pinkie. “I’m gonna go see Twilight and wish her luck, but I hope you have good luck too! See ya!”
“Bye!”
With that, Pinkie disappeared, bouncing forwards this time, as I ran past for home. I felt a twinge of guilt for leaving her again, especially when I’d promised her we could spend a whole day together doing whatever she wanted, just the two of us. I didn’t like to think I was seeing my best friend less and less, but I couldn’t help wondering.
I finally reached home and stopped to catch my breath. My lungs and throat felt ragged from panting icy-cold air, and I couldn’t help coughing as I leaned against the house. Guess I’d overdone it.
“Hi, Dave!”
I looked up. Moonlight was trotting over to me, looking slightly concerned.
“Oh! Hey...Moonlight,” I panted. “How...are you?”
“I’m fine,” said Moonlight, “but what about you? You look like you just ran a marathon.”
“Yeah, I...I’m ok,” I said, with a slight cough. “Just...had to run home. Urgent call from Canterlot.”
“From Canterlot? You mean you have to go see Minister Ironmaiden?”
“Ironmane,” I corrected, unable to suppress a chuckle at her mispronunciation. “Yes, him and the rest of the council. Also, I think Princess Celestia is giving Twilight a test.”
“Oh really?” asked Moonlight. “At the same time as your meeting?”
“I’m not sure, but I think so,” I said. “I just hope she doesn’t stress herself out too hard. She didn’t look too good when I left the library.”
“Oh, I’m sure she’ll be all right,” said Moonlight. “She wouldn’t be Princess Celestia’s student if she couldn’t cope with a simple test.”
“Yeah, I suppose you’re right,” I said.
Both of us looked toward Ponyville, toward the library. At that exact instant, there was a ground-shaking, ear-vibrating explosion, punctuated by what sounded like a growl of intense frustration, in a voice I recognized too well. Stunned, both of us watched as a massive, tree-like shape rose into the air, its roots dangling below it untethered to the ground, then come to Earth again with a reverberating thud. Several silent seconds passed before we looked at each other, and it was plain that Moonlight was thinking the same thing I was.
“Well, er, I’d better get ready. I’m not sure when I’ll be back, since I don’t know what’s in store.”
“All right,” said Moonlight. “Good luck!”
“Thanks.”
I headed inside, and without further ado, changed into my Canterlot attire: my suit, hat, and cane. Just in case this was an overnight thing, I packed a change of clothes with pajamas, the new Daring Do book Twilight had just lent me, and my completed essay on the creatures of Equestria. I could hardly believe my fortune: I was going to Canterlot when I’d already made plans to. Then again, perhaps I ought to be careful what I wish for.
I left a note for Lyra and Bon Bon, telling them I’d be away for an indefinite period of time, then, after making sure I had everything I needed on me, left the house and made for the train station.
***
As I’d theorized, Twilight was joining me on the way to Canterlot, along with Spike. My unicorn pal didn’t look too well; her face was slightly green, her pupils were contracted, and she was biting her lower lip. Her saddlebags were crammed full of scroll paper, quills, and books. Spike was standing by, eyeing Twilight with deep concern.
“Is she all right?” I whispered to him.
“Not exactly,” Spike whispered back. “She’s really nervous, not knowing what sort of test Princess Celestia’s gonna give her. I’m guessing you saw what happened with the library earlier?”
“Yeah, what in the world was that? I thought someone set off a bomb!”
“Errr, you could say that,” said Spike, uneasily. “I kinda told Twilight it was ‘just a test’.”
At these words, Twilight shot Spike the filthiest, most intimidating stink-eye I’d ever seen, and her horn sparked dangerously. Spike cringed back, and Twilight finally looked away again.
“Scary,” I murmured.
“Tell me about it. I’m supposed to quiz her on the trip, so I hope you won’t be too upset about being left to yourself.”
“Nah,” I said. “I completely respect Twilight’s need to concentrate. Besides, I don’t want her blowing up on me.”
The train arrived not too long after. Twilight stumbled in, unsteady on her hooves, while Spike helped keep her steady, handing her ticket to the conductor. I followed after and started heading for a seat away from them, to give them privacy.
“Where are you going?!”
Twilight’s sharp, unnaturally shrill voice made me freeze in my tracks, or maybe that was the magical tug at my arm.
“You’re going to need to learn this too!”
Before I knew what was happening, I was forcibly pulled back to the seats Twilight and Spike had chosen, and was plunked down across from them. Twilight levitated a large stack of flashcards out of her bags and set them beside Spike, who took a bundle of them in his claws. He gave me a look that plainly said, ‘Sorry, man’, and I gave the cards an apprehensive look. I was grateful for Twilight tutoring me during my essays, but that huge pile of flashcards, and that look on her face, gave me a feeling of absolute dread. Now, I knew what it felt like to feel underprepared for a test, no matter how much I thought I knew, but I at least had known what subject the test was for. Twilight didn’t seem to have a clue, and that was worse. Even more so was the fact that she was subjecting me to it as well!
With a whistle from the engine, the train doors banged shut, and we started off toward Canterlot.
***
“What was Star Swirl’s greatest achievement in the 4th Celestial Year of Peace?”
“Creating the amniomorphic spell!”
“What is the square root of 169?”
“13!”
“Describe Isaac Neighton’s third law.”
“For every action, there’s an equal and opposite reaction!”
“Describe Steve Irwhinny’s advice on dealing with hydras.”
“A hydra is only as strong as its weakest head!”
At last, at long last, we arrived in Canterlot. About time, too; I felt I was about to go bonkers…
We departed from the train, making for the castle. Despite the confidence and readiness she had answered her questions with,Twilight seemed to grow paler and paler as we went, her legs unsteady and wobbly. Spike stood right by her side, most likely to make sure she didn’t suddenly collapse in the streets, and we soon came to the main gate of the castle, where the two guards stood.
“Ah, Twilight Sparkle, Councilstallion Dave. Please, proceed.”
They stood aside as we went through. It was definitely a much better reception than what I’d received the first time I’d come to the castle. At the entrance, a unicorn guard stood at the top of the steps.
“Councilstallion Dave?” he inquired.
“That’s me,” I said, tipping my hat.
“Minister Ironmane has asked me to escort you to the council room. If you will follow me, please.”
I turned to Twilight, since it looked like we’d be parting ways here.
“Good luck, Twi.”
Twilight looked at me and gave me a weak smile, more of a grimace than anything, and I followed the guard inside, while Twilight headed off down another corridor, Spike sitting down on the steps outside to wait.
***
Within minutes, the guard had brought me straight to the door of the council room I’d visited only once before, just after Nightmare Night. He bowed and took his leave, and I stepped inside. Everyone else had already been assembled: Minister Ironmane, Cornelius, Eagle Eye, Sure Shot, Apollo, Rolling Stone, Rock Solid, and Brutus. It had been quite a while since I’d seen all of them together, and I’d nearly forgotten what they looked like, except for Ironmane and Eagle Eye. The only thing that seemed out of place was the absence of Princess Cadence. She was nowhere in sight.
“Ah, David,” said Ironmane, spying me. “Good timing. Please, be seated.”
I obeyed and took my spot next to Brutus, where I’d sat last time. I looked around at the other council members, who looked mildly pleased to see me.
“Hello, everyone,” I said. “I hope the holidays treated you well.”
“Very much so,” said old Cornelius. “An old donkey like me has no greater pleasure than seeing his children and grandchildren on Hearth’s Warming.”
“And besides that,” said Rolling Stone, “we thank you for your generous gift.”
“Yeah, thanks, kid,” said Sure Shot. “This Bon Bon really knows her stuff. Best chocolate I’ve tasted since I was just a colt.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” I said, “and thanks for the calligraphy set. And Apollo, thanks also for the grapes.”
“Oh, it was my pleasure, my dear boy,” said Apollo, graciously. “In fact-”
But Ironmane cleared his throat, and Apollo shut his beak. The doors to the chamber had swung open, and there stood Princess Luna, looking very grave. All eyes fell upon her as she entered and took her seat in Cadence’s vacated spot. She didn’t even look my way as she did so, her eyes fixed upon Minister Ironmane.
“I thank you all for your promptness,” he said. “I must, however, ask you to reserve your small-talk for now. The matter about which I have summoned you all here is one that could impact all of Equestria, and thus requires complete and serious attention.”
He closed his eyes for a brief moment. He seemed to be steeling himself for what he was about to say.
“The Crystal Empire has returned.”
A palpable ripple fell over all of us. The other members looked from each other to Ironmane in astonishment, all except Luna, who seemed to have been prepared for this news. My eyes, however, strayed to one of the empty seats at the table, one I remembered Ironmane talking about last time…
“Minister,” I asked, “isn’t that where-?”
“Yes,” said Ironmane, with a nod. “It was the homeland of one of our former delegates, who has sadly departed us. The Empire has also, if you recall me saying so, been absent from the face of the earth for a millenium.”
“Why, though?” asked Apollo, drawing all eyes on him. “Forgive me for asking, Minister, but until you’d told me about our former delegates when I was first appointed a member of the council, I’d never even heard of the Crystal Empire.”
“Neither had I,” said Eagle Eye.
“Me neither,” said Sure Shot.
“Nor I,” said Rolling Stone.
“It is not surprising,” said Cornelius, sagely. “Few remember that the Crystal Empire ever existed at all. Why, even I, as a historian, know only scraps of its legacy.”
“Even we know little about the state of the Empire itself,” Luna said, “but I shall tell you its tale, and how we come to be where we are now.”
All of us listened raptly as Luna began, not simply a narrative, but a reenactment of what happened to the Crystal Empire, with abundant application of her ‘Royal Canterlot Voice’. I’m not sure she intended for it to be amusing, but hearing her shout out laser onomatopoeia when describing her and Celestia’s escapades made me come dangerously close to bursting out laughing.
“And LO, as our final assault laid him low, Sombra let out his last ‘Noooooooooo!’”
I sat there, mouth agape, as Luna concluded. It was a lot to take in, and quite the performance. The other delegates applauded, and I joined in a second later, still feeling at a loss.
“But this should be a good thing, right?” asked Brutus. “The Crystal Empire coming back, I mean.”
“It should, but not until we are certain it is secure,” said Luna. “The magic of the Empire must not fall into the wrong hooves, or the repercussions would be catastrophic.”
“Why?” I asked. “What’s the Empire’s magic?”
“It is crucial to know this,” said Luna, heavily. “If the Empire is filled with hope and love, those feelings are reflected across all of Equestria. But, if it is filled with hatred and fear…”
She didn’t finish, and didn’t need to. I knew what she was getting at, and the thought was chilling.
“So then what are we waiting for?” asked Rock Solid, indignantly. “Why are we wasting our time sitting here when the Empire is out there unprotected?”
To my astonishment, Ironmane actually grinned.
“My good minotaur,” he said, “I appreciate the bodyguard’s spirit you carry, but much of your anxiety may be put to rest. Has anypony noticed the absence of Her Highness, Princess Cadence?”
All eyes fell on the seat now occupied by Princess Luna, and I suddenly understood in a flash.
“Are you saying she’s gone to protect the Empire, Minister?” I asked. “All by herself?”
“Not by herself, David,” said Ironmane. “Her husband, Prince Shining Armor, is with her. Princess Celestia has alerted them to the Empire’s return, and they have gone on ahead to secure it. They will hold down the fort, so to speak, until Twilight Sparkle accomplishes what the Princess requires of her.”
“Twilight?” I asked, surprised. “Princess Celestia’s sending her to protect the Empire as well?”
“Indeed,” said Luna, “as well as her friends from Ponyville. As they represent the Elements of Harmony, the duty of securing the Crystal Empire from invasion falls upon their shoulders.”
I couldn’t believe it! Was this the test Princess Celestia had planned for Twi? Protecting an entire empire? Good Lord! If this was what her normal tests were like, it’s no wonder she was so nervous. I hope those flash cards helped out somehow.
“You said the Empire could fall under invasion, Your Highness,” said Brutus. “I hope you’re not suggesting what I think you are.”
“I’m afraid I am, Brutus,” said Luna, gravely. “We have reason to believe that when the Empire returned, a certain somepony may have as well.”
I felt a chill run down my spine at these words. This Sombra guy was back too? And Twilight and the others were supposed to keep him away from the Empire? This was too much!
“And so are we just supposed to sit here while my friends are off protecting an entire empire from some shadow-king?!”
The words were out of my mouth before I could stop myself, and I’d even risen from my seat, blood burning. All eyes were on me now, and as my wave of anger receded, I felt embarrassed, and sat down again, not daring to look Ironmane or Luna in the eye.
“Forgive me, Minister, Your Highness,” I said, humbly. “That was out of line.”
“You’re forgiven, David,” said Ironmane, calmly. “I understand your agitation, but we are delegates, not soldiers. We have orders to remain in Canterlot until we receive news of the Empire’s security.”
“But how long could that take?” asked Eagle Eye.
“We are not certain,” said Luna. “We merely asks that all of you remain stationed within Canterlot until such news reaches us. You are all at liberty to go about the city, but none of you may leave it.”
“If I may ask, Your Highness,” Cornelius piped up, creakily, “what are you and Princess Celestia intending to do in the meantime?”
“My sister and I shall do likewise, and await the news,” said Luna. “If it comes to the point where we must repel Sombra yet again, we shall be ready with a...more permanent solution.”
She and Celestia would be preparing a contingency in case Sombra won? I didn’t even want to think about what that would mean...
“A fine thing it’d be for Canterlot’s citizens to see me taking an afternoon stroll through the streets,” said Brutus, with a tone of irony. “I’m sure we’d be the best of friends.”
“Joke if you must, Brutus,” said Ironmane, “but those are the orders. After we have received our desired correspondence, we will decide our next course of action. Are we all clear?”
The other members gave varied signs or sounds of assent. It took me quite a bit, as my throat felt dry from what I was feeling at the moment, but I finally said, in a low voice,
“Yes, Minister.”
“Very well. We will close this meeting by handing out your assignments in the meantime.”
With a glow from his horn, a stack of papers rose into the air, and he began doling out sheets to all of us. Looking down at the one I had received, I saw that it read:
‘Prepare statement of address for citizens of hometown/country. Spread the word of the Crystal Empire. Research using the archives for background. Submit for approval by the crown when completed.'
Statement of address? I had to write a speech for Ponyville about the Empire?’
“With that done, this meeting, for the time being, is adjourned.”
Though he had none, I could almost hear the pounding of a judge’s gavel in my head to signify the end of the meeting. Though most of the council got to their hooves, I remained in my seat, too absorbed in my thoughts to process much else. However, due possibly to some trick of my imagination, I fancied I heard someone singing outside the castle. It sounded like...Twilight.
The other members were beginning to disperse, most likely to arrange their own temporary living quarters during this sequestering. Seeing Minister Ironmane again, however, reminded me of something, and I fished around in my saddlebag until I pulled out my completed essay. Stepping over, I held it out for him.
“My essay, Minister,” I said. “I figured this would be as good a time as any to hand it in to you.”
“Thank you, David,” said Ironmane, taking it up in his magic. “I shall look it over when my schedule is more agreeable with me, but right now I must speak with the princesses and Brutus on a few matters. If you will excuse me.”
He strode out of the council room, Brutus and Princess Luna following. Everyone else was already leaving, some of them talking amongst themselves. I had one chance: if Twilight hadn’t left yet, I could still see her, wish her good luck...hope she came out of this alive. With this in mind, I bolted from the council room.
***
If Bon Bon didn’t give me credit for getting so much exercise in, I didn’t know what would satisfy her. I ran through the streets of Canterlot, trying to find some trace of Twilight or Spike, but there was no familiar shade of purple amongst the ponies in the streets, who stared at me as I dashed past them. I paid them no mind; I just had to find those two before they left. I couldn’t leave Canterlot now, so this was my only chance to speak to them for who knows how long!
It wasn’t until I reached the train station, my legs nearly screaming with protest, and my lungs full of icy air, that I saw them. A train was standing there, ready to depart, and I could just see Twilight’s straight-cut tail disappearing through a car door, which slammed shut soon after. With a whistle, the engine’s pistons began to move, and the train began to roll away. I was too late!
“Wait!” I yelled, coughing from my run at the same time. “Wait! Stop!”
But the train didn’t stop. It rolled right on past. Desperately, I looked through the windows as the cars rattled by, but I didn’t see any face that resembled Twilight’s or Spike’s from where I was standing. All I could do was watch, a sinking feeling in my heart, as the train gathered speed and left Canterlot, disappearing on the horizon.
She was gone.
The others would be gone too.
They were off to the Crystal Empire while I was stuck here in Canterlot.
I hadn’t even gotten to say goodbye…
“Goodbye, girls,” I whispered to the winter air. “Goodbye, Spike. Good luck, and stay safe…”
It wasn’t the same.
Who knew how long it would be until I heard back from any of them? It might be days, even weeks...Weeks without any means of contact between my closest pony friends. Again, I thought of Pinkie and the strained promise hanging between us. Would we be able to have our day together after all of this? When would we even see each other again? It was agony to think of such things…
“There you are, old boy!”
With the soft thud of paws and clatter of talons, Apollo landed beside me.
“I saw you running like a madpony through the streets,” he said. “What was that about?”
“Nothing,” I said, hollowly. “I just hoped I’d be able to say goodbye to Twilight before she left, but I just missed her.”
“Oh,” said Apollo, sounding sympathetic. “I’m sorry to hear that, David. She means a lot to you, doesn’t she?”
“She’s one of my best friends,” I said, “and I didn’t even get to see her off, or even wish her good luck…”
I felt Apollo put one taloned paw on my shoulder.
“Don’t let it bog you down, my dear fellow. They’re made of stern stuff, Twilight Sparkle and her friends. They shan’t fail.”
I heard what he said, but made no answer. I was numb both from the cold and the shock of my disappointment at missing Twilight and Spike by a hair.
“Come along, David,” said Apollo, gently. “Some of the other council members are going for a pick-me-up in the Hayflower. Care to join us?”
“Thanks, but I don’t drink,” I said, still hollowly.
“The company would do you good,” Apollo persisted.
Well, I had nothing better to do, stranded as I was here. Even if not for alcohol, I at least wouldn’t have to be alone.
“Lead the way,” I said, with a sigh.
“That’s the spirit,” said Apollo, bracingly, and he started off briskly while I followed, stiffly and numbly, in his wake.
***
As Apollo had promised, he took me to the Hayflower, one of those taverns that had the look of an older age gone by, where we joined Sure Shot and Eagle Eye. Cornelius, Rock Solid, and Rolling Stone were nowhere to be seen, probably engaged elsewhere, and Brutus was most likely still at the castle. Sure Shot footed the bill for the drinks, and even shot down (no pun intended) my attempt to pay for my root beer. From there, the party was absorbed in lively, jovial conversation, except for me. I just sat there, sipping my drink, still absorbed in my gloomy thoughts, while Apollo kept up a long-running discourse, a mug held in the talons of one eagle paw while the other gesticulated in the air.
How could they be so cheerful after what we’d just sat through? The safety of an empire whose magic could impact all of Equestria was hanging in the balance, its fate resting on six ponies embodying friendship itself, a baby dragon, an alicorn princess, and her unicorn husband, with the menace of a shadow unicorn hanging over them. Didn’t they understand the seriousness this situation merited? Then again, they’d been members of this council longer than I had, so obviously they knew a lot more than I did. That didn’t change the fact that it was torturous to just sit here, stewing in my anxieties.
“What do you think, David?”
These words jerked me out of my thoughts and back to reality. All three of my fellow council members were looking at me expectantly.
“Er, I’m sorry, what was the question?” I asked.
Apollo frowned slightly, as if annoyed that I hadn’t been hanging on his every word. Fortunately, his features relaxed again, and he said,
“We were just discussing our opinions on where the Equestria Games ought to be held this year.”
The what?...
“I keep tellin’ ya, ‘Pollo, it’s Manehattan for sure,” said Sure Shot. “The Yancolt Stadium’s the perfect venue.”
“Manehattan already had its turn to host the Games,” interposed Eagle Eye. “Cloudsdale should have hosted them long ago, but Fillydelphia stole that from us.”
“And how are all us non-wingers supposed to get up there and compete, huh?” asked Sure Shot, folding his forelegs and raising an eyebrow. “Ever think of that?”
“If we hadn’t had a way of arranging it properly, we wouldn’t even be on the ballot, smart-aleck,” retorted Eagle Eye.
“Now, now,” said Apollo, holding up his talons in a show of majestic placation. “We are all inclined to feel a little pride in our hometowns, nothing wrong with that, but let us be mature about it. What do you suggest, then, David?”
“What are the Equestria Games, first of all?” I asked.
My three peers looked astonished.
“You’ve never heard of the Games?” Eagle Eye asked.
“What kinda rock have you been livin’ under, kid?” asked Sure Shot.
(A rock called ‘my home world’.)
“We don’t have anything called that back home,” I said, “so I’ve never heard of them.”
“Ah, I see,” said Apollo. “Well, the Equestria Games is the biggest sporting event in all of Equestria: a biennial affair where ponies and griffons from all over the land come together to compete for honor and glory in various athletic events.”
“Ohhh, I see,” I said, comprehending. “We do have something like that back home, called the Olympics.”
“Capital!” said Apollo. “So, then, do you know of any city or town that you believe should host the Games this year?”
No, I didn’t. Not besides the obvious choice, anyway.
“Honestly, the only city I’ve ever gotten to know is Ponyville,” I said, shrugging. “I don’t really know a stadium where they could hold the Games, since the closest I’ve ever seen is the race track where they held the Junior Derby, but it might be cool to see something like that held there.”
To my annoyance, Sure Shot stifled a laugh.
“What’s so funny?” I asked.
“Nothin’, nothin’,” said Sure Shot, though he was still grinning. “I’ve got nothin’ against Ponyville, kid, trust me, but it’d be hard-pressed to land the Games.”
“Sure Shot’s right, sorry to say,” said Eagle Eye. “It’s been a long time since Ponyville was even on the selection ballot, so I doubt we’ll see it land the Games anytime soon.”
“Well, you never know,” I said, feeling a rush of angry pride for my surrogate home. “It might just surprise you this year!”
I knew they weren’t trying to be mean, but their knowing smirks aggravated me, especially in my current state of anxiousness about Twilight and the others.
“What do you all suggest, then?” I asked, hotly. “The Crystal Empire, maybe? Might make for a nice treat for them after being gone 1000 years!”
I was only trying to be ironic, really. The others just stared at me, then burst into a hearty fit of laughter.
“Oho, you’ve got a fine bit of wit, my boy!” Apollo said, wiping his eye. “It would indeed be a fine bit of recompense for the poor souls living in the Empire to be able to host the Games! Good heavens, that was a good one!”
“Glad to be of service,” I said, dryly.
I went back to my root beer while the others were recovering from their laughter. I wish I hadn’t brought up the Crystal Empire; it only brought fresh thoughts of the uncertainty my friends were rushing towards into my brain.
Eventually, another idea came to me, and I broke my ‘vow of silence’ again.
“By the way, what are you guys going to do here in Canterlot?” I asked. “I mean, who could have predicted having to be sequestered here for who knows how long?”
“Not us, certainly,” said Apollo, “but we will gladly stay either at the Mareiot or in the castle itself, whichever pleases Her Majesty. We griffons are known not only for our endurance while flying, but for our adaptability, and I shall be content with either option, so long as it serves beneficially to Princess Celestia.”
(Jeez, is every question an invitation for you to start another filibuster?)
“I’ll stick with the Mareiot,” said Eagle Eye. “No offense, but I don’t think a castle suite would suit me. Too fancy for my blood.”
“I hear ya, Eagle,” said Sure Shot. “What about you, Dave?”
“Me? Well, I’ve stayed in both on previous visits to Canterlot, so I’ll be fine with either.”
“Capital,” said Apollo again.
From there, I let them resume their previous conversations, while I focused on my root beer. I only had one change of my clothes and one book, and no idea how long we were to wait. This wasn’t going to be very much fun.
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Calling it right now, Dave somehow winds up in the Crystal Empire.
This seems to get featured every time it updates now...
Well, the season 3 arc has started for Dave.
If I recall correctly, the aurora borealis that the Crystal Empire castle created was seen at night over in Canterlot.
You continue to make amazing chapters, no matter how long you take with the chapters, eh?:D
Oh, out of curiosity, what is your opinion on this I've been brainstormin' on?: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uF2ZivlyvQqmRQrcGx6hS2GL3GCjWRTB1LGDTKE3t0U/edit
Poor Dave, couldnt get to teh train station in time due to narrative causality.
When he finally decides where he is going to stay, will Pinkie have dropped by with a Sorry We Missed You package?
Don't worry, Dave! Spike and Pinkie are gonna tell you everything that happens, and you'll get your chance to see the Empire.
5592300 I hope so
That scene has always irked me, particularly with the Season 4 finale. So the library can be flung hundreds of feet into the air and land perfectly fine and intact, but a small magical blast and it gets vaporised?
Dammit, now I miss the library again.
Good chapter, nice to see your writing a completely different storyline for Dave rather than just tacking him onto the episodes.
YES! Loving the story, wish it would update more often but when it does update it does not dissipoint!
Don't worry, Dave. You won't have to wait long. If my memory serves me right, it only took Twilight and Spike a single day to save the Crystal Empire. Amazing, right?
But still...the dread of not knowing what will become of his dear friends will probably make the wait seem unbearable.
Thank you for the new chapter! It felt awesome to see the next step in this amazing story! I've gotten the chance to start reading it again, and I see you've been updating the chapters, and I think the improvements really make a difference.
I hope all is going well with you and that you continue to wow us with your fantastic writing style. Seriously, your style is so fun to read aloud!
I wonder what Dave will do next. This might be a good opportunity for him to bond with his fellow council members, or even mingle amongst the Canterlot folk. Given the seriousness of the present situation, Dave might have to wait a while before he asks Celestia the question that's burning inside him. But still...something tells me the time will present itself on its own accord. Now that Twilight is approaching her ascension into being a Princess, the time may also be coming for Dave to know the truth.
The greatest question, however, is will be things be the same after the truth is known? How will it affect Dave, his friends, and the bond he's developed with this wonderful world? Something in Prof. Highbrow's dialogue in the past chapter suggested a hint of unbalance between the ponies and humans....
Sorry, I know I'm dwelling on that little piece of information, but can you blame me? You've made it a real interesting topic.
Anyway, can't wait see you next time. Keep up the awesome work and, again, thank you so much for the new chapter! I can't wait to see Davie reunited with his Pinkie.
5593007
I hope Dave does get to see it. Wouldn't be interesting to see how the Crystal Ponies react to seeing a human?
Now that I think about it...is it possible they might know about humans, since they, like the humans, have been gone for several years?
Oh...this just got deep.
5592300
Dave will probably get to visit the Crystal Empire, after the nasty business of Sombra is dealt with and everything's settled down. As it stands, he's stuck in Canterlot. I only wonder if the castle staff will get him some clothes or have a pegasi go fetch some from his Ponyville home. In the meantime, he's in Canterlot, there must be something to keep him entertained; operas, concerts, vaudeville shows, heck, street magicians like Trixie. It's a wonderful opportunity for the author to do a little world building and regale us with what wonders both large and small that Dave finds along the pristine streets of Equestria's capital. (I bet the Canterlot slums are much nicer than most uptown sections of Manehatten, heh)
I think Dave could do with super powers. I've just been rewatching some old Naruto and I wanna see some guys do some magic-or-jutsus 'r whatever!
5596967 It's tempting, but I'm afraid in this story, the only way to see something like that is in his dreams.
5596978 I can think of no reply for this, but I feel I should still comment so you know I read your comment.
5596990 Works for me. XD
5592636 Quite the extensive headcanon, I must say
5596992 lol
5596995 Glad you think so.^^ Was trying to think of creative concepts for their parents to be used by others.*shrug*
5599291
That was Screw Loose actually, not Screw Ball. I can see how you'd get them mixed up though. I still think she might have something to do with Dave appearing in Equestria, felt kind of implied + me wildly speculating.
Or did I screw things up and get my memory all muddled up? Probably not, I have a damn good memory.
5600184 That was Screwball at the alley. Screw Loose is the one in the hospital. Easy to mix up, I know.
5600187
I've been living a lie. That's pretty brutal.
Wow! I'm not sure I've seen Dave this on edge! he's gone snarky, I like! :)
5605217 I like to imagine Dave as similar to Phoenix Wright: a nice guy, but with a sarcastic side. XD
5607150 I do enjoy some Pheonix Snark, yep. :)
5605555
Fluttershy is cute, not adorable. Chrysalis however IS adorable. Just look at her!
i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee156/Cascadejackal/Folder%201/Chrysalis_you_were_saying_S2E26_zpsd69b2138.png
refrain from might work better here.
Empire?
But Dave said he didn't drink.