Countless years had passed since King Sombra started haunting the Crystal Empire. The citizens were listless, forgetful; but when the mane 6 started investigating, truths were uncovered. Truths that were hidden for many, many years.
Countless years had passed since King Sombra started haunting the Crystal Empire. The citizens were listless, forgetful; but when the mane 6 started investigating, truths were uncovered that shook their entire world. Rarity is at the center of it all, as she and her friends try to balance justice with duty and compassion. Political intrigue, magic, romance, and darkness cloaks them all.
"But Friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life, and thanks to a benevolent arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine."-Thomas Jefferson
The Mane Six were traveling to the north of their homes in Ponyville, to the distant lands of the Arctic Frost. Everypony was trying to stay out of Twilight Sparkle's way while simultaneously trying to help her. It was a difficult task, so the fillies had taken to talking amongst themselves as they waited for their long train ride to be over.
"The crystal ponies?" Rarity asked. "How exciting—they sound marvelous!"
"Rarity, we're not goin' there to look at 'em," Applejack said, exasperated.
"Yes," Twilight Sparkle agreed. "We need to help them. Princess Celestia gave me this mission as my exam, and she needs all of us there." Twilight's mane hung limp, her normally expressive eyes dull and tired-looking.
Rarity hung her head, feeling abashed. "I know, I've just never heard of such a thing before. My heart, it's beating so fast… I suppose I'm a bit nervous, as well. But I promise to do my best to help you, Twilight." Everypony echoed Rarity's words, knowing that their friendship was powerful enough to help save all of Equestria.
The purple pony gave a wan smile before looking back down at her notes.
That night, everypony was sleeping—all, of course, except for Rarity. Normally, she would be the first one to go to bed, but she couldn't stay still for long. She left the bedroom compartment to watch the scenery fly by.
"Why do I feel so anxious?" She wondered, biting on her lip worriedly. "This isn't like me at all." Though she was watching the countryside, her eyes were focused on some unseen memory. Everything began to blur together until darkness overwhelmed her.
"-ity? Rarity?" The unicorn felt a hoof gently shaking her.
"H-huh? Wha's goin' on?" Rarity murmured, rubbing her eyes free of lingering sleep. She missed the looks passed between her friends.
"We-we found you out here, Rarity. Sleeping," Fluttershy whispered.
Rarity shakily stood up, closing her eyes against the onslaught of dizziness that threatened to engulf her. "That's odd…." She trailed off briefly. "I wasn't even tired when I came in here."
Applejack felt her forehead. "She doesn't feel warm. Are you sure you're okay, sugarcube?"
"Maybe she needs a party!" Pinkie Pie yelled, wheeling her cannon front and center. Rainbow Dash put her hoof on Pinkie's to stop her.
"I don't think that's what she really needs." Rarity smiled gratefully at the Pegasus, while the earth pony dejectedly wheeled her party cannon away.
"Rarity, are you going to be okay to come with us to the Arctic? This mission…" Twilight Sparkle started.
"Of course I can!" The unicorn stated. "I probably just didn't realize how tired I was, that's all. You all know how early I prefer to go to bed, after all." She smiled at her friend to reassure her.
"Well… okay, but you have to let us know if you start feeling bad, okay?" Twilight said.
Rarity only nodded in reply.
She wasn't going to let down her friend, especially not her country. It didn't matter that the closer they go to their destination, the more off the gem-finder felt.
Princess Celestia sat in her private study, sipping tea while viewing the morning reports. "Sister, you are aware of whom the bearers of the Elements of Harmony are, right?" Princess Luna asked, walking into the room hurriedly.
Celestia gave her an odd look. "Of course, sister mine. Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty; Fluttershy, the Element of Kindness; Applejack, who embodies the Element of Honesty; the Element of Laughter which is Pinkie Pie, and--"
"And Generosity, which is Rarity." Luna interrupted.
The light mare raised a brow, wondering where this was going. "Yes, she is. Do you not think she is generous?"
Luna sighed in exasperation. "Have you forgotten, sister, the lore of the ancients? Long before our ascension to the throne, our parents told us of the ancient magic of the Crystal Empire. A prophecy had been foretold, had it not?"
Celestia chuckled. "Luna, those are just old pony tales." She turned back to the reports, sipping her tea languidly.
"You scoff at the ancients and their wisdom?" The moon princess asked in a tone that reminded her sister of her former dark heart. Papers flew in various directions as Luna's magical ki swept over the low table, demanding her sister's attention. "There have been many magical occurrences of which the ancients foretold. The prophecy of my return held true, did it not?"
Sensing her sister's ire, Celestia became serious. "I know that there is magic beyond our understanding, and that the ancients were wise. However, I do not think Rarity is the one from the prophecy. Princess Cadence has been sent to rule there, as I believe she is the one."
The two royals locked eyes for a moment before Princess Luna shook her head sadly. "Your willingness to stand by your convictions is honorable, sister. I just hope your convictions do not lead them astray. I pray for their lives, as you should, if your belief does not hold true." Her ki set her sister's work right once more as she walked out of the room.
Princess Celestia could not concentrate on her duties after her sister's confrontation. She, too, remembered the lore their parents told when they were young ponies. Once, she believed that the ancients knew everything, until her parents told her of Luna's dark future. Though it came to pass, as did the prediction of her return, Celestia did not fervently believe in magic as much as she had. While she lived with a healthy dose of respect and admiration for magic (she was, after all, an alicorn), she preferred to view life through a realistic objectiveness. Fanciful beliefs did not help battle forces and run a kingdom after all. She had consulted her advisers, read as much as she could and studied the stars, and she truly believed Princess Cadence would be the one to restore the Crystal Empire. Celestia refused to consider such a little pony as a savior, elements of harmony or not.
The night was wide, and furnished scant With but a single star, That often as a cloud it met Blew out itself for fear.
The wind pursued the little bush, And drove away the leaves November left; then clambered up And fretted in the eaves.
No squirrel went abroad; A dog’s belated feet Like intermittent plush were heard Adown the empty street.
To feel if blinds be fast, And closer to the fire Her little rocking-chair to draw, And shiver for the poor,
The housewife’s gentle task. “How pleasanter,” said she Unto the sofa opposite, “The sleet than May—no thee!”
---Emily Dickinson, Untitled Poem XXVI
As the train neared its destination, the ponies inside began to feel the chill that permeated through their very beings. Despite the scarves Rarity lent to the others, their shivers did not lessen.
“This-s-s i-s-s an un-n-natural c-c-cold-d-d,” Twilight stuttered. The others all nodded and did their best to huddle together until the train finally stopped. Reluctantly, everyone parted as the door opened to reveal Shining Armor, Twilight’s elder brother. He hardly spared a glance to his sister and her friends before ushering them from the train.
“Brother, w-why—”
Shining cut her off with a glance. His whispers over the howling wind revealed their necessity to keep quiet and hurry to the safety of the city. “King Sombra is always watching and listening, waiting; for what, we know not.”
The ponies nodded solemnly and stayed close together as they ran to the city.
“I sure hope it’s warmer in there,” Spike said.
The wind and snow suddenly became intense and abrasive, blocking their views of the city and of each other.
“Follow my voice!” Shining shouted. “He found us, but we need to hurry!” His ki surrounded himself, though it was a dim beacon in the angry whiteout.
Twilight also released some of her ki to help herd everyone to the city. “C’mon girls, we can do this!” The purple pony urged. "Rarity! Can you help?" Twilight shouted into the snow. She could only make out her purple mane.
The gem-finder could not reply; her ki was weak and essentially invisible to the others. She couldn't understand what was wrong. She felt weak and confused. Just go forward, she thought. Keep running; keep trying to expand the magic. She could hear the frantic hoofsteps of the others in front of her and she focused on the sound.
You can’t escape the fates.
Rarity slowed briefly, wondering who spoke those words. The sounds of the storm were deafening yet the whisper had briefly drowned all others out.
The barrier was so close; the dull city inside a welcome sight to the Mane Six. Rarity briefly looked behind her and saw dark-maned stallion, grinning at her with dangerously pointed teeth. She stumbled into the city limits, and fell, breathing hard. The others nearby were also winded, though Twilight was glaring at the gem-finder.
"Why didn't you help, Rarity?"
So surprised by the unprecedented acidic tone, Rarity was unable to reply quickly.
Twilight, thinking her friend's speechlessness was an act of defiance, continued her tirade. "We could have been lost, captured, or worse--dead! We needed you and you let us down. Sometimes, I wonder how you embody the element of generosity." Shaking her head in disappointment, Twilight Sparkle turned her back on Rarity.
"Come on girls," Twilight said. "Let's go to Princess Cadence."
The other ponies looked on the interaction in confusion. Surprisingly, Fluttershy's voice was strong: "No, Twilight."
The purple pony stopped, her glare turning to the timid pegasus. "Excuse me, Fluttershy?"
Fluttershy, as well as Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash were immediately uncomfortable, their ears laying flat against their heads.
Rarity broke in the sudden hostile environment. "Twilight, please, don't take your anger out on Fluttershy--or anyone else. I'm sorry I didn't answer you at first; I was still in shock." Though what she said was true, the gem-finder was more surprised at her friend's reaction which resulted in her silence.
Her friend hung her head. "You're right, Rarity. I'm sorry for saying all of that; it was uncalled for."
The gem-finder walked up to Twilight and put a hoof on her shoulder in understanding. "I understand. I would probably feel the same if our situations were reversed. And I will answer your first question, my friend: why did I not help?"
She moved away slightly, looking to the sky for a brief reprieve of the whole situation. It made her uncomfortable, to say the least. While she wasn't as versed in magical spells as Twilight, her magic had never failed her before.
Taking a deep breath, Rarity began telling everyone what had happened. She shivered when she mentioned the voice she heard. It unnerved her greatly, telling that part of her story. Everypony, including Shining Armor, listened in rapt attention.
"Rarity," began Twilight Sparkle. "I truly do apologize for my rudeness. This whole... thing," she gesticulated with her hoof, "has me extremely worried. I just have a bad feeling about this."
The gem-finder gave a weak smile to her friend. "I understand, so please don't feel badly about it. I'm not sure I would have done any differently if our positions were reversed."
"I just don't get it, though," Applejack chimed in. "What fate were you supposedly escaping from? It don't make sense."
Rainbow Dash landed next to Rarity to give her support. "I don't know what is going on, but we're gonna find out. You'll be okay, I promise."
Shining Armor cleared his throat, reminding the fillies of the reason they were brought to the Crystal Empire in the first place. "These two incidents may be related. After all, it was King Sombra out there, controlling the wind and snow. But inside of our city, you are safe."
It was truly then that the ponies noticed that stallion's haggard appearance. Dark circles ringed his eyes and his coat was lacklustre. "Brother," Twilight asked haltingly, "are you alright?"
He gave a tremulous grin in reponse. "I'm just a little tired and stressed out with this whole thing. But I'm glad you all came out here to help us."
"I promise that we'll do our best, brother." The others nodded in ascent.
"And we'll do it quickly so we can help the ponies recover from this melancholy!" Pinkie Pie cheered. Her ears drooped a bit. "All of this gray and emotionless atmosphere is no way for a pony to live." Solemn expressions were exchanged in empathy for the crystal ponies.
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. ― Lao Tzu
✿✿✿✿✿
Princess Cadence hunched over a large table, a multitude of books, scrolls, quills and bottles of ink surrounding her with their clutter. She blinked at the page in front of her, re-reading the blurry passage for the fourth time. She sighed and wearily dragged a hoof down her face. Nothing, absolutely nothing, she thought. I can't find anything to help these people, and all the while, Sombra's presence bears down with malicious intent.
A knock on the door to the library in which the princess sat startled her briefly, and she thus composed herself. "Come in," she voiced.
A guard poked his head in, eyes softening at the absolutely exhausted princess he helped protect. "Your highness, the Prince has retrieved the bearers of the Elements of Harmony. They will arrive shortly."
The pink alicorn nodded her head. "Thank you. Please show them in when they arrive." The guard, now dismissed, saluted her and shut the door behind him.
Cadence stood and stretched, moaning as her tense muscles relaxed. Her pink ki enveloped most of the books on the table and put them into their correct shelves, knowing she would not find anything useful in them. She continued cleaning the area for her guests, anxious for their input on the situation. The workplace was much less cluttered when again a knock sounded, preceding the opening of the door. It was opened wider this time to let the ponies pass through, Twilight Sparkle leading the winded-looking group.
A cry of delight was heard as the Princess and Twilight Sparkle hugged each other tightly. They were truly like sisters, and the alicorn struggled to keep her relieved tears.
Shining Armor entered the room last, touched by the picture of his wife and sister's embrace. He, too, had been nearly overcome by Twilight and her friends' arrival, though it conflicted with his feelings of embarrassment. After all, he was the big brother, and now a prince, and he should have been able to keep both of the mares in his life safe. Nonetheless, he was grateful for all the help he could get at this point.
"I'm sorry for the circumstances of our reunion, but I am truly happy you've all come," Cadence said, smiling.
"We're only too happy to help!" The purple unicorn exclaimed. She was truly happy to see her sister-in-law and brother, though it was dampened quite a bit as she truly looked at the Princess. She looked about as bad as her brother, and the situation truly sunk in. The mares broke their embrace as they turned to everypony in the room.
"Your highness," Rarity and Applejack said in unison, being the well-mannered and outspoken mares they were. They, along with Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie bowed formally.
A flush rose to the Princess' cheeks as she waved a hoof in front of her. "Oh please, don't bow, we're all friends here. You needn't be so formal, truly." The ponies rose from their positions and gave gentle smiles to the alicorn.
Shining Armor trotted over to his wife and sat down next to her. The other ponies followed his lead, sitting comfortably around the table. "I haven't really explained what has been happening, especially since we were a bit side-tracked getting here."
"Did you run into much trouble?" Cadence asked, a worried look coming over her visage, giving a cursory glance over her husband for injuries.
Shining huffed, rubbing his neck with one hoof. "Yeah, you could say that. Sombra unleashed a strong, blinding storm, and he came too close for comfort near us. That, and something really odd happened to Miss Rarity," he gestured with a hoof to the white mare.
Rarity, in a rare show of sheepishness, blushed hotly. "I apologize for adding undue stress to everyone," she said. "I--well, we--don't really know what happened, Cadence, but we were hoping that perhaps you could shed fresh light on this situation. Although," frowned the white mare, "I am unsure if it has anything to do with this King Sombra fellow."
"With that stallion, anything is possible," said the princess, a stormy look crossing her face. "I would hear your situation, my dear Rarity. It may help us."
Nodding, Rarity looked at the floor for a moment. It was still fresh in her mind, yet it seemed somehow fuzzy to her. "The girls and I came off the train--"
"--And me!" Spike added, slightly indignant.
"Yes, and Spike as well. Shining Armor greeted us when a swift yet fierce wind blew. He informed us that it was Sombra's doing and that we has best hurry to the safety of the city limits. We started running but snow blinded us and Twilight and Shining told us to stick together and follow the glow of their magic. Twilight implored me to use my ki as well, and I tried..." Rarity fell silent, trying to come up with words to phrase what happened as best she could. "It was like my magic was blocked; I remember a fierce headache, and a voice, laughing, saying something about not running from fate..." She continued frowning as she left off, but Twilight continued.
"Well, when we were safe inside, I kind of got angry at her," Twilight shuffled her front hoof. "She told us what happened, and it was decided that it was better to talk with you before anything else. I'm still sorry I got so angry with you, Rarity. I should have known there was a reason why your ki wasn't there."
"Oh my, that is quite an interesting adventure." Cadence, though slightly amused (only these girls would find so much trouble just stepping off a train!), was nonetheless worried. She shared a glance with her husband, seeing the curiosity and worry in his eyes, mirroring her own. "Unfortunately, girls, I do not know why such an occurrence happened. I have been searching this entire library for any information regarding Sombra. I do not think such an incident was mere coincidence, though. Perhaps there may be something in the books on King Sombra and fate," she offered.
"We can help you if you'd like," Fluttershy offered softly.
"A fresh set of eyes would be great," Cadence smiled appreciatively. "However, I should debrief you on the situation first. We don't truly know what is happening, or why. We know that Sombra was a king many, many years ago, and his rule was, for the most part, prosperous and just. We don't know how he came into power, either, since this was before the Arctic Frost came into Equestrian providence. He turned cruel and vicious towards his subjects, cast a curse upon them and their generations, before he was vanquished by Celestia. The citizens continued to be despondent and apathetic, so we knew he was not truly defeated."
The friends gave each other worried glances. "Have they been suffering all this time?" Twilight asked.
Cadence nodded her head, a despondent look across her face. "No one knew what to do for them. They lived, died, married and had children, and continued to work. But there was no drive, no passion, other than just living. Auntie sent me here, hoping that my magic could help them... if maybe they were shown love, what it felt like, the curse would break. But that's not the case, and so here you are." Her husband left a foreleg on her shoulder in silent support. She took a shaky breath. "Please, I don't-don't know what to do."
"Of course we'll help!" Applejack said, rousing a chorus of agreement from the other bearers of the elements of harmony. While it may has seemed presumptuous to others, the girls were usually of one mind in such situations. When asked for help, one spoke for the group to answer in the positive. Their dynamic was so strong, and the love between them was not lost on the young princess, that they seemed almost as one entity at times. They had magic all their own, magic that had nothing to do with the elements of harmony. It was strong and balanced. While unknown exactly what it was, it felt safe and trustworthy to any and every pony.
"So where do we start?" Asked Rainbow Dash. Her wings rustled slightly in apprehension.
"We should learn more about Sombra," Twilight voiced. "Books, logs, artifacts, whatever you can find. I doubt that the citizens would be open to conversation, but..." she shrugged. "We could try to ask around."
Princess Cadence cleared her throat, feeling slightly out of the loop. "I have done some research already, but there isn't much to go on," she admitted. She shuffled some papers in front of her before grasping it with her ki and handing it to her sister-in-law. "While it's not much, it is a start. Unfortunately, this land is not as self-sufficient as it should be, and I must see to this matter." She stood and stretched, instantly feeling more awake. "So much to do, not enough ponies to help," she grinned wryly.
Shining Armor chortled in agreement, He, too, had to defend his kingdom and his subjects, though the word was a sour taste in his throat. Though the stallion hated being referred as such, he was a prince; thus, he was shown his due deference. "We have faith in you girls," he added. Together, husband and wife left the library to tend to their respective tasks.
War does not determine who is right - only who is left.
—Bertrand Russell
Spike felt a little left out of everything. Here he was, in the Crystal Kingdom, and everyone was talking over his head, ignoring him. He wasn't a little kid anymore! Yeah, he was young, but he wasn't useless.
"—I just think that books are only one part of the equation, Twilight dear," Rarity sighed in exasperation.
"Yes, but I think that it would be better to start with the books. Cadence has made good progress already, but with more eyes—"
"Twi, we don't know what might or might now be relevant. Talking to the townsfolk can also help us find out what could be important. It would take less time that reading, since we—"
"Since we're not all eggheads like you Twilight!" Interjected Rainbow Dash. "Jeez, give us a break! I know books can help us, but we don't read as fast as you do."
"So why don't you split up?" Spike offered.
Silence reigned in the room as all ponies stared at the baby dragon.
"What?"
"Spike's right!" shouted Pinkie Pie. "We can get things done faster!"
"But faster is not always better, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash," said Twilight. "Look, if we have all of us working on one thing, each taking her--"
"—or his!"
"—Or his," the purple unicorn amended, "own perspective into consideration, we can take a lot away from reading."
"We understand, Twilight, we really do, but..." Fluttershy trailed off, looking to Rarity for assurance.
"But maybe, if we do both at the same time, while communicating our findings to each other, we can put a stop to this Sombra fellow sooner," finished Rarity for her friend. Fluttershy smiled gratefully.
"That's what I said!" Spike shouted. "Well, I didn't say that much, but that was the general idea."
"And it is a great idea, Spikey-Wikey," crooned Rarity. She stroked the spikes on his head affectionately. He loved the attention, but hated that she treated him just like her cat.
Twilight Sparkled just shook her head. She wasn't saying no, but she wasn't happy that her friends didn't realize the importance of studying before rushing off and, well, okay—maybe they had a point.
"You're right, girls. I'm sorry for being obstinate--I'm not used to working with, er, other ponies." She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Alright. We need to figure out a plan of action." Her purple ki wrapped around a nearby pen and paper. "So, how do we figure out who stays here and read, and who goes out to talk to ponies?" "Well I don't wanna be stuck here and read," Rainbow Dash griped. "Ew."
"Fine, you can talk to the citizens. Just don't badger them or be rude."
"Hey! I can be nice! I know what we're doing is important. I have manners, you know."
"Anyway," Twilight continued loudly, "Dash wants to work with the crystal ponies. Does anypony else want to work with her?"
"Ooh! Pick me! Pick me!" Pinkie Pie waved her hoof in the air.
"...Sure."
"Yay!"
"I will also talk to ponies," Rarity offered.
Twilight paused. "Are you sure, Rarity?"
"I wouldn't have offered otherwise. Why?"
"Nothing, I mean, it's just--"
"We don't know if that's safe is all, sugarplum," Applejack said.
"I'm not sure I understand. What are you implying, Applejack?"
The farm pony waved her hoofs in front of her frantically. "Nothin' bad, sweet pea! I'm just--we're just worried. What if Sombra tries something again? We don't know nothin' 'bout what happened."
"She's right, Rarity," Twilight nodded. "Maybe it would be better to stay in here, just in case--"
The white unicorn held up her hoof. "I understand your concern, girls, and I thank you for it. However, I don't think I'd be any safer in here. Twilight, your brother's shield is protecting all of us, including me. When we reached the entry point, everything stopped." She flicked her hair. "Besides," she continued, "I'm sure my charisma will come in handy when interviewing the citizens."
"Maybe, if it makes everypony feel better, I can go with her to guard her," Spike offered.
"That's a good idea, Spike!" The little dragon puffed up in pride. "But," Twilight added, "I'd feel better if you had some unicorns to guard you, Rares."
Applejack nodded. "It makes sense, seein' how your magic might be affected somehow," she said.
"I understand, girls. I'll do my best to be safe, but the important thing is to get this solved. If anyone finds any information regarding this strange dilemma with me, we should have a way to communicate with each other. Any pertinent information regarding this Sombra stallion, really." Rarity said. "Do you have any ideas for communication, Twilight dear?"
The purple unicorn put a hoof to her lip and tapped it twice. "Not yet, but gimme a few minutes. I'm sure I can come up with something. In the meantime," she started, "let's take a quick break and reconvene here in say, oh, fifteen minutes?"
"Alright everypony—"
"WAIT!"
Everypony winced at Pinkie Pie's loud exclamation.
Twilight Sparkle sighed, feeling a migraine coming on. "Yes, Pinkie?"
"It hasn't been fifteen minutes yet. We have three more minutes of freedom."
"Freedom?"
"Pinkie Pie, this isn't a lecture. We'll have more freedom later, but I just really want to get this done with, go home, and relax," Rainbow Dash said. "Right, Twilight?"
"Oh, yes, of course," she said as she shuffled her notes to the side. A blush rose to her cheeks. "Right. So I did come up with an idea for communication. But the thing is, I doubt it would work for anyone other than Rarity for two main reasons:
"First, as you've noticed, Rarity and I are unicorns. We know all ponies have their own magic, but none so blatant as unicorns and their horns. Not necessarily the source of our power, it is nonetheless a conduit for magic, conjuring, dispelling, et cetera. Without going into too much detail, each unicorn has his or her own magical signature. Being friends with Rarity, a fellow unicorn, we know one another's magical signatures very well by now.
"The second reason why Rarity is most likely the only other pony this would work for is that she is the only one that currently is carrying a compact. Between these two factors, I can surmise that it is possible to contact Rarity, and vice versa, through our magical signatures and a mirror, or a mirror-like substance, such as water."
"Woah," Applejack said. "That's pretty neat. I didn't know that you guys could tell each other's magic signature thing."
"Doesn't that ever get annoying? Like, is it a constant thing? How do you sleep?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"I wonder what my flavor would be if I was a unicorn..." Pinkie Pie pondered aloud.
"It is sort of like a flavor for every individual. You don't taste it, but everyone is different, though in families, magical signatures can be similar."
"Sweetie Bell's aura is very similar to mine, actually," Rarity said.
"Right. Anyway, that's the gist of it. May I see your compact mirror, Rarity?" Twilight held out her hoof.
Rarity nosed through her saddlebag until she saw the object in question. She gathered it in her ki and gently set it in her friend's hoof.
"Great, thanks. Okay, now let's see if this works..." Twilight concentrated on the magical spell she created, linking Rarity's aura (and her own as well) to her compact and allowing one to speak and listen from the mirrors. She had already previously linked her own magical signature to a bowl of water nearby. "I think it's done. Now I just need you to gently take hold of that bowl of water so it recognizes your ki, okay?"
"Of course." Rarity did as she was asked, levitating the bowl slowly, then lowering it. "Is that enough?"
"Should be. Let's test them out. All you need to do is go out in the hall. I will concentrate on your aura combined with mine in your compact via this bowl of water," said Twilight. "After that, if it works, stay out there and try doing the same with me, okay?"
"Oh, but how will I know if you are trying to contact me?"
"You should be able to hear my voice even if your compact is closed."
"I'm really curious though," Applejack said. "Why would Rarity just moving that thing help?"
"Well, every time one unicorn uses his or her ki to interact with an object, person, etc.," Rarity explained, "you leave a bit of your magical signature behind briefly."
"Yes, but I made sure to use a spell that traps a little bit of our ki to keep it there," Twilight said. "Now Rarity, if you would be so kind..."
"Oh! Of course, dear." The white unicorn stood and walked out of the library, closing the door behind her. Seconds later she heard Twilight's muffled voice from her compact. She grabbed it with her ki and brought it to her face.
“Test, testing, one, two, three. This is a test. Rarity, can you hear me?”
Opening it, she saw only her reflection. Feeling rather embarrassed, she spoke quietly: “Twilight?”
“Rarity? Can you hear me? I can hear you clearly.”
“Yes, I can hear you crystal clear dear. So I feel your ki more strongly when you are speaking this way. Should that be an indicator to answer this… er, you, through this way?”
“If possible. I cannot see you, and I am guessing you cannot see me.”
“Only my lovely visage appears.”
“That’s okay. I’m speaking through a bowl filled with water. Do you remember that bowl? Find your small ki there and mine as well. Keep your compact open and just speak, okay?” Twilight explained.
“I’ll try,” Rarity replied. She let go of her compact with her ki and put it in her hoof. She pictured the bowl in her mind, the room behind her, and the mix of the magical auras surrounding the object, through her compact. She felt connected through it somehow, like her compact was a telescope looking for foreign objects. She cautiously looked into her mirror and spoke.
“Twilight, can you hear me?” She waited for a response, maintaining the link at the same time. “Is it working?”
“Yes, I can hear you perfectly and concisely! I can’t believe this worked!”
Rarity merely smiled, happy for her friend’s success.
“Okay Rarity, now let’s test it out further, and keep talking to me. Go outside with Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie and we’ll see how well this works!”
After many tests, it was surmised that the mode of communication would work for their undertaking. Returning to the library, the girls split into their separate groups to determine the best method for their tasks.
“—an awesome group!” Dash said. “We’re so gonna kick butt!”
“But kicking butt isn’t a nice way to talk to ponies,” Pinkie said as she tilted her head.
Dash just face hoofed.
“We’re going to do the best we can, Pinkie Pie,” Rarity promised.
“How can we do the best we can if we’re kicking butt?”
“What I meant,” Rainbow Dash clarified, “is that we’re not kicking butt, but we do have a great team for this mission. Me, being charismatic and awesome, Pinkie… you’re energetic—”
“That’s an understatement,” said Rarity.
“And you’re, er, well-mannered.”
“Ahem!” Spike huffed.
“Oh, and Spike is, ah, helping the guards keep Rarity safe, right Spike?”
He puffed up his chest. “You got nothing to worry about, my fair lady!” He bowed to his not-so-secret crush.
“Thank you dear.” Rarity patted him on his head. “So, how should we approach this? Should we come up with questions to ask, or how to approach ponies?”
Pinkie tapped her lip thoughtfully. “Well, we’re looking for information on Sombra, right? We should probably just focus on that. I mean, what if someone else is having a conversation with us and we’re too busy to go talk to other ponies?”
“Alright, good point my dear.” Rarity levitated paper and a writing utensil. “So, focus on the previous king. How about asking if they know about this history of the monarchy? And anything about the annexing I suppose.”
“Why? What is annexing?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“It’s the taking, or occupying, a state or country into the taker’s kingdom or country.”
“Woah, that sounds cool and not cool at the same time.”
“Exactly. What are we missing here? Why are the citizens like this—because of a curse? If it is still in effect (which it seems to be), we may get some answers about the king himself.” Rarity wrote everything down.
“Well, why do we need this list then? We don’t have to ask every single question, especially if no one will talk to us. We need tact, you know?” Dash pointed out.
“Maybe we could just use it as a reminder, right?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“Sure, that works for me,” Spike shrugged.
“Before we go out, does anyone have anything to add to the list?” Asked Rarity. After receiving negative replies, she duplicated it thrice for every member of her group.
Questions to Ask Civilians:
--What do you remember of King Sombra’s reign?
--Have you, or anyone you know, ever met with him?
--Did you know the king personally?
--Did the king have any enemies?
--What was the transition like for the Crystal Kingdom to become part of Equestria?
--Do you know what happened to the king?
--Have you heard rumors that the king may have been cursed?
“Alright everypony, I guess this is it. It’s pretty late to start now though,” Rarity said, glancing into the darkened night. “How about starting early tomorrow?”
“Not too early! I stay up kinda late, but I’ll try to go to bed early tonight,” Pinkie Pie said.
“No problem for me,” Dash said.
“I’m in,” Spike nodded. “We should let Twilight know and get everything together for tomorrow.”
The three fillies (and young gentle drake) walked back to Twilight’s group.
“How’s it going guys?” Applejack asked. Fluttershy waved.
“Good, we’re pretty much all set, but we’ve decided to get on it early tomorrow,” Pinkie Pie stated. “What about you guys?”
“Pretty much the same thing. We’ve come up with a list of things to look for, and we’ve looked through a few books to start,” the farm pony said.
Fluttershy mumbled in accordance.
“This is a good start girls! I’m gonna stay up a little bit late to see about the history before King Sombra,” Twilight said and looked up from her book. “I’ll make sure guards are with you guys tomorrow. You all should eat a bit before going to bed, okay?”
The girls waved to their friend as they left to go find their chambers.
“Twilight, are you sure I should go with Rarity? I’m you’re number one assistant after all,” Spike said.
Twilight Sparkle smiled. “You are, Spike, but I think Rarity might need your help more this time around. Do you want to help me for now? If you just want to sleep you should—you’re still just a kid.”
“Nah, I’ll stay with you for a bit.”
The two smiled at each other before getting back to work.
I’ve been living for so long, Many seasons have passed me by. I’ve seen kingdoms through ages Rise and fall, I’ve seen it all.
I’ve seen the horror, I’ve seen the wonders Happening just in front of my eyes Will I ever Will I never Free myself by making it right? -Within Temptation, “Jillian (I’d Give My Heart)”
Waking up early was a bit of a chore for Rarity that day. She had been so nervous and yet excited somehow. Her quarters were adequate and much richer for the castle’s atmosphere, though she was too anxious to enjoy it. But she was determined to be able to start her task this very day. The girl’s rooms were all nearby as well, so she decided to wake up her group members to start their day.
“I heard ya already! Geez. I’m just gonna go to the bathroom first.”
“Meet me in front of Pinkie’s room, alright?” Rarity received no reply, but she heard shuffling sounds and so knew her friend was awake.
Next to check was Pinkie. Rarity raised her hoof and knocked gently. “Are you in there, dear? It’s time to wake up and start our mission today!”
She put her head to the door to hear better; whatever it was Pinkie Pie was doing, she did not want to know. She slowly backed away from the door just in time for the pink mare to shoot out a confetti canon. “I’m ready!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.
Dash opened her door to the sight of confetti everywhere, an exasperated Rarity, and a rather clueless Pinkie Pie. Typical kind of day stuff, she giggled. Their unicorn friend shot her a glare.
“Pinkie,” Rarity said, “I do not think we need your party, er, cannon for gathering information.”
“I know, silly! I just wanted to have your morning be extra special,” Pinkie Pie smiled.
“Okay slowpokes, let’s get this show on the road,” said Rainbow Dash, walking up to the two fillies.
“Oh, but where is Spikey-Wikey?” asked Rarity as said dragon ran to the group.
“I’m –huff- here –huff- and ready –huff- to go,” he said, catching his breath.
“Okay, we’re all here! Let’s do this mother!” The Pegasus pony fist pumped.
Pinkie Pie tilted her head, confused. “I’m sure we’ll talk to mommies, but we need to talk to daddies and the little ones, too. And old folks! They like to talk a lot.”
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. “Yeah, sure Pinkie.”
“Let’s get going, girls. And Spike,” added Rarity. The group trotted downstairs, chatting amicably. Upon getting to the door, the group was stunned. A group of 15 stallions were waiting and bowed upon meeting.
“Lady Rarity,” one soldier said, walking forward. His armor gleamed dully in the gloomy sky’s light. “We are to escort you about town this day. Have you a destination in mind?”
“Gentlecolts, I thank you for your service and protection, but might you be a tad too conspicuous?”
The guards looked to each other for answers, while the one in front of Rarity and the others shifted his weight slightly.
“We understand your mission, Ladies Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Lord Spike.” He straightened up. “However, our priority is your safety; therefore, we cannot accommodate otherwise,” he said.
Pinkie Pie craned her head. “What’s your name?”
The guard blinked, shocked. “Pardon?”
“Your name, what is it?” leered Dash. “You got one or not?”
“Rainbow Dash,” Rarity hissed. “Don’ be rude.”
But everypony disregarded the exchange. “My name is Raidon Charger, my ladies.” Raidon bowed briefly. “Are there any other concerns that I can help you with?”
Said ladies exchanged quick looks, though Spike was still staring the guard down. Rarity shook her head. “No, we have no more questions, sir. Thank you.”
“May we proceed then, Ladies and Lord?”
“We shall.”
The group (accompanied by the guards, of course) walked down the silent streets of the Crystal Empire. It was a strangely bright grey day within the safety of the barrier Prince Shining Armor maintained. The magicks of said prince and King Sombra’s curse fought, producing the strange atmosphere.
The air seemed hesitant yet anxious, affecting all the ponies within their group.
“I don’t like this,” Pinkie Pie whispered to Rarity and Rainbow Dash. “Things are… off.” Her ears twitched back, and her tail was tucked closer to her legs.
The multi-hued pegasus glanced at the guards ponies among them. “I know what you mean. We’ve never had guards with us before, and we’ve been through some crazy shit.”
Spike, who was slightly behind the ladies, flushed at the curse word. But things were certainly not right. He’d never had this apprehension among the royal guards before, and said as much to the girls.
“What about you, Rarity?” the dragon asked eagerly.
She startled a bit at her name, having been preoccupied with thoughts that were not pleasant.
“I think,” Rarity began slowly, “that we should keep our eyes and ears open. We should find somepony to talk to.”
Rainbow Dash was about to argue, but the look Rarity shot her delayed the outburst. The look said, we’ll talk later. She grunted in annoyance but nodded her head in agreement, along with Pinkie Pie. Spike merely kept his eye on his friends, staying silent.
Meanwhile, Princess Cadence had a scrying bowl before her, filled with water from Canterlot’s spring of clarity. Much like Twilight’s idea of communication, this allowed her to see and speak with her Aunt Celestia.
“Auntie?” she questioned. No matter how many times she did this, she felt a little awkward talking to a bowl of water.
Ripples in the bowl appeared briefly before Princess Celestia’s visage filled it. “Yes, my dear?”
Cadence smiled briefly. “Twilight and her friends made it here safely, and are working on a way to break this curse. Hopefully, the citizens will be free and all will be well again.”
The elder princess merely hummed in response.
“Was I received at a bad time, Auntie?” Cadence felt her cheeks redden in embarrassment, hoping she hadn’t interrupted her aunt’s busy schedule.
Princess Celestia turned her face to the mirror in her office. “Not at all, my dear. I was only day-dreaming, it seems. I apologize for the rudeness.”
“Ah, not at all, Aunt Celestia. I visited Twilight last night and we discussed her plans. There’s not much I can do, unfortunately.” Cadence fell silent for a moment before continuing. “I suppose there isn’t much any of us can do at the moment.”
“So the plan you and Twilight discussed is only information gathering? That is not out of place nor unhelpful. And you are a sovereign in that kingdom, though still part of Equestria. You can help if the situation calls for it,” the princess said kindly. “We all have our parts to play, and we cannot always choose which parts we must take part in.”
Princess Cadence considered her Aunt’s words and carefully replied: “And what parts are available, then?”
The white alicorn smiled mysteriously. “My dear, you always know just the right questions to ask. However,” she said with a harsh light in her eyes, “they will not be answered to your satisfaction.”
Cadence twitched back a little, a spear of anxiety piercing her heart. Never had she seen such a look on her beloved Auntie’s face.
In a blink the visage vanished, and all that was left was her normal smile, the light in her eyes gone.
“There are things you do not and will not know, for many reasons. Your safety, and the safety of my kingdom, is a part of it. You do not need to know. Events will unfold as they will, and you need only remember that you also have people, and a state, to look after. Do not forget, and remember that I love you, dear. Good bye for now.”
The bowl’s contents rippled before becoming still and clear once again. Cadence sat down, shaking slightly. This situation, whatever it was, was more serious than she could have ever imagined.
Perhaps she should speak to Twilight again.
“Fluttershy, how are you doing? Find anything?” Twilight Sparkle asked her friend.
“N-not really, just… some interesting information on the animals in this r-region.”
“Hmm,” thought Twilight aloud. “Well, we never know what could be useful after all. I have yet to find anything really, though the history of magicks sounds promising. “I think we need more information of this kingdom itself, sugarcubes,” said Applejack. “When and how did this become Equestrian territory?”
“Now that you mention it, we really don’t know much. I think we should talk with—Cadence!” Twilight shouted as her sister-in-law burst through the door.
The Princess’ ki covered the scrying bowl next to Twilight.
“Wha—” Twilight began before having a hoof cover her mouth. Cadence leaned in close to whisper in her friend’s ear:
“Am I currently blocking the magical energy of your bowl? Can no one hear what we are saying?”
The purple unicorn merely nodded, still having a hoof over her mouth. Princess Cadence sighed and relaxed, leaving Twilight free to speak.
“What is going on? What if Rarity and the others need us?”
The pink alicorn beckoned Fluttershy and Applejack closer. “Auntie… she—something serious is going on here, guys.”
They looked at each other. “Uh, no offence Princess, but I thought this situation was already pretty serious.”
Cadence nodded. “Indeed, it is, but events have happened that have led me to believe this is something dark, and unexpected. Even before now, there have been signs, but I just thought…” she shook her head. “Never mind. I must tell you and you must absolutely not speak of this to anypony else, especially with a scrying bowl or other such object nearby and active.”
“W-what about R-Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and S-Spike, your majesty?” Fluttershy whispered.
“They will know of this, too. I only came to warn you to be watchful of what you see, hear, read, and say. Have a care, especially if things seem awry and nonsensical. We must keep each other aware always.” The princess sighed. “It is nearing noon, is it not? I believe your friends should return for some lunch,” she said, looking meaningfully at each pony. “We will talk within one hour. Do not mention that I came here and spoke to you. I placed a spell upon the guards, so they will not think I ever left my office. Until the next hour.” Princess Cadence trotted out the door, leaving three confused ponies in her wake.
