The National Treasures of Equestria

by Robert Emerald Fountain

Summoned and Embarking on the Quest

At dawn, Celestia and Luna went to the EEA and informed Neighsay of the mission that he was joining.

"Your majesties, I would be honored to go with them on this quest. I've already gotten acquainted slightly, but I would appreciate a chance to learn more about their species. I can't wait to find out if your mother was right.", he replied excitedly.

The Friendship Express arrived two hours later and the Young Six got off and shook limbs with Neighsay.

"Great to see you all again. I hope you are ready for this.", he said as he loaded his supplies onto the train.

They all nodded and Celestia supplied them with two-way radios so they could communicate with her and Luna. Then she explained that Flurry Heart was coming as well.

"She will be waiting for you at the Crystal Empire. I have a feeling that Starswirl was referring to Mount Everhoof when he mentioned the top of the world. The peak is essentially the highest point that Luna and I know of."

"If I remember correctly, you said she is Princess Twilight's niece.", Neighsay asked.

"That's right, she is very adventurous and will be a big help if you must climb or rappel.", Celestia confirmed.

They boarded the train and left for the northern regions of Equestria. On the train, Neighsay explained his ideas for learning about each of the other five races.

"I will interview each of you individually to learn about your races and the cultures of your homelands.", he said to Yona, Ocellus, Gallus, Silverstream, and Smolder.

Ocellus volunteered to go first. She explained how Thorax got acquainted with Cadence and Shining Armor after gaining Twilight's trust. After Twilight declared that Thorax was her friend as well as Spike's, Cadence allowed Thorax to meet Flurry Heart while she was still a baby. Thorax also learned that sharing love was a way to show care, love, and friendship to others instead of being selfish and taking love. Queen Chrysalis retaliated by capturing the Main Six, Cadence, Shining Armor, Flurry, and Celestia and Luna. Thorax then shared love with Chrysalis and changed form. The other changelings followed suit and took colorful forms as well. Chrysalis refused to change and planned revenge against Starlight Glimmer. Later on, Starlight, Trixie, Thorax and Discord were awarded with the Equestrian Pink Hearts of Courage for securing a bond with the changelings. After Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow were sealed in stone, the changelings became eternal allies with the ponies of Equestria.

Night fell as the train took them further and further north. Arriving in the Crystal Empire, they met Flurry on the platform, and she led them to where she had set up camp for the night.

"We will be climbing to a high point, so this climbing gear is an absolute must.", she said as she handed out ropes, harnesses, helmets, ice axes, and goggles.

They ate a small meal and laid down under the stars. They had planned ahead and brought coats for the extreme cold that they would be feeling. They were ready to begin searching for the way to the legendary treasure room.