Many countless years ago, Prince Winter created many things, one of them being the first snows to cover Equus, which were imbuned with magic. Now, he has a chance to claim some of the last of these snows, but when he arrices at the caves with Princess Luna, they find a bit more than they bargained for. What do they find? What will happen? Will a relic of ages past be found?
It was mid December in Solstice, and the streets were brightly decorated with ribbons of blue and white, all in preparation for a very special day that onlly happened once a year.
The Winter Gala was held every December 21, the day of the Winter Solstice, and the day Solstice was built from the same magic that snow was made from. High adove the busy streets, in the Citadel, Prince Winter was planning something in no related to the Gala, which was in a week.
"Winter," said Nightmare Moon, "Are you sure you need to take a trip now? I mean, the Gala is in seven days!"
Winter turned to Nightmare Moon, a warm smile crossing his face. "This is something I've been meaning to do for years. I mean, what we're talking about here is the very first snowflakes, filled with all the magic of creation!" Winter had been planning this trip for centuries. There was a caven somewhere near Cloudsdale in Equestria, that held the last piles of snow from the First Year. What made this snow so special was that it was imbuned with magic, and could perform miracles. Of course, Winter had created this snow, but not to last this long. He had to know why it was still in existence, and if it's magical properties were still intact.
Nightmare Moon sighed. "Very well. I suppose there's no talking you out of this, is there?" Winter nodded. "Well, at least ask somepony to come with you. I hear Luna has been very stressed-out as of late, and could probably use a bit of adventure."
"Hmm," Winter said, considering. "Very well. I shall take Princess Luna with me if she wants to come."
"Thank you," Nightmare Moon said as she gave Winter a hug with one forehoof.
"Don't mention it," Winter said with a smile.
Cloudsdale, The Next Day...
Winter woke up bright and early, and was already at the base of the mountain when Luna arrived. She looked tired, but also quite determined and excited.
"You sure you wanna come," Winter cautioned, "It is a long way to the cave."
"We shall be fine," Luna said, all traces of fatigue suddenly disappearing. "Well, what are thou waiting for?"
Winter nodded and began making his way up the mountain, Luna close behind him. On the way up, they passed may other climbers, all headed for one summit or another. Eventually, though, Winter and Luna reached the edge of the snowy part of their journey to find an odd sight.
In the snow, clear as day and just as fresh looking, was a trail of hoofprints. While Winter would normally have dismissed them, he noticed two things. One, they were the prints of a foal and two, they were headed in the direction that he and Luna would be going. A sword materialized near Winter's right hand, and he grabbed the hilt.
"What is it," asked Luna.
Winter turned his head towards Luna and pointed to the hoofprint trail. "I don't think that we're alone up here."
Luna came up and examined the prints. "T'was a filly that came through here. We shall be cautious and on the lookout."
Winter nodded. The only thing worse than a young foal with a bit too much bravado was one that got themselves killed because of it. "Let's make haste. The caves aren't too far away, and the tracks seem to be going in the direction we're going."
Luna nodded and quickly followed Winter. For the next hour or so neither of them spoke, and it was dusk by the time they reached the caves.
"The tracks go into the cave," Winter said with curiosity. "Whatever would a filly come all they way out here for, anyway?"
"We would rather not be here to find out," Luna said nervously.
Winter turned and followed Luna's gaze. Off in the distance a snowstorm was brewing, and it appeared to be headed their way. "Well, we can't go back. We'll never outrun it."
Winter and Luna proceeded carefully into the cavern. The floor was covered in snow, rock and ice, and the hoofprint trail continued deeper into the caverns. It was then that Winter noticed something.
"Luna, look at the hoofprints in here," said Winter, pointing to a few.
Upon closer examination, Luna realized these prints were heavily iced over, and sme small rocks were already starting to fill some of them in.
"How long doth thou think they've been here," asked Luna.
"I don't know," said Winter, "But I would venture a guess at about one thousand years, give or take a few. And trust me, when it comes to snow and ice, I'm a foremost expert. Now then, we best press on."
Luna nodded as Winter's sword disappeared and his hand began to glow brightly in different shades of blue as he summoned his magic. Luna did the same with her horn as a blue flame appeared at Winter's fingertips.
"Will that not melt the ice," asked Luna.
Winter turned to Luna. "Oh no, absoluely not. It is a fire, yet, it doesn't radiate heat."
"Impressive," said Luna, sounding genuinely impressed.
"Thank you," Winter said, "Now then we best get moving."
Luna nodded and followed Winter deeper and deeper into the ever darkening caverns. They passed many side passages, but whoever the filly that came here before knew where she was going, as the trail continued down the path they were taking.
"Are you not afraid of the dark," asked Luna when the only light they had were Winter's fire and Luna's horn.
"No," said Winter, "Though I AM much more comfortable beneath your stars."
"We are flattered, Prince Winter," said Luna. "Thank you."
Winter nodded and they continued onwards. Not long afterwards they came to some type of blockage.
"What in Equestria," said Winter as he examined the blockage.
It was apparently made entirely from ice, and when Winter looked through it, he could vaguely see a large, empty chamber beyond, which was where the snows were supposed to be. He noticed the floor and pilliars beyond were covered in a fine sheet of what appeared to be ice, but he couldn't be sure.
"What doth thou see," asked Luna.
"Well," Winter said, "I see a large chamber that's coated in ice. From what I know, the snow should be just beyond this wall of ice, but now I think about it, this wall shouldn't be here in the first place."
"What doth thou mean?"
"The snow is magical, that is without question," said Winter, "Despite that, there is no way it can manipulate itself to make such a barrier as this." Witer placed his hand on the wall of ice. It felt natural, and cold. He lowered his hand. "I just don't understand it."
Luna came up to the wall and examined it closely. She then lifted her hoof and placed it...into the wall?!
Luna quickly pulled her hoof back and looked at Winter, a look of shock crossing his face. "What is it? What is wrong?"
"This is no normal ice," Winter said, "It's a magical barrier designed to look like ice, and to keep non-ponies, like Diamond Dogs, out."
"Should we go in?"
Winter considered Luna's proposition. She coud go in and find the snow, but would she be able to bring them back? This barrier was very powerful for him not to have detected, so he doubted anything other than a pony could pass through. And a barrier like this could only be deactivated from the inside, and he couldn't get inside...or could he?
Winter remember the Crystal Pendant, a relic he'd created from the same stuff as the Crystal Heart. It allowed one to transform into any other living thing. Catch was, it could only transform you into one thing at that was it, and Winter had only recently chosen that one thing. He pulled the heart-shaped pendant from one of his pockets and a smile crossed his face. There was a single catch he'd placed on this relic, though. Any godly entity that used it would be permanently transformed into whatever it was, and ran the risk of adopting the mannerisms of whoever it was. In the case of a demigod, they might forget who they were entirely.
'It'll be worth it,' Winter thought as he turned to Luna.
"You go on ahead. I'll se what I can do to get in. Don't worry, I'll find a way."
"Well, okay then," Luna said with a nod before walking through the barrier.
Luna passed throught the barrier, exiting with an audible ping, and was stunned to find not an empty cavern, as she had seen from the other side of the barrier, but a grand reception room, made completely from ice. She heard another ping, and turned to see not Prince Winter, but instead some mare she was unfamilliar with. She had a mane and tail that would make Fleur de Lis jealous, and a cutie mark exactly like Cadence's. Her mane and tail were many shades of light pink that were almost indistinguishable, but looked magnificent either way. Her coat was a white purer than even Celestia's. Her eyes were quite alluring, a shade of the most brilliant purple, catching Luna off-guard. Also quite noticeable was how well she was groomed, which only improved her overall appearance. She was also an Alicorn, and wore a set of silver regalia that had elements from Nightmare Moon, Celestia, Cadence and herself.
"Who are you," questioned Luna.
"I'm Crystal Heart," Crystal Heart said as the regalia flashed away, "You must be Luna. It's such a pleasure to meet a friend of my friend."
"Who doth thou speak of," questioned Luna.
"Hmm," said Crystal, "Oh, Prince Winter! Who else? Him and I are very good friends."
One question answered, Luna moved on to the next. "So then, where is Winter?"
"Oh," Crystal said, raising a forehoof to the back of her head. "Since he couldn't get through, he though I might, and so here I am. He was pretty upset about not being able to...get......in........."
Crystal trailed off as she finally noticed the room they were in. It really was beautiful, light glinting off ant through the icy walls of the great chamber. On the far side lay a small throne, too small for any Alicorn or adult pony, but the perfect size for a filly.
Luna followed Crystal's gaze to the throne. "Well, Winter did say something about a filly being in here."
Crystal nodded. "Yeah, I saw the trail. So, shall we go and explore?"
Luna nodded in agreement. "Would thou like to lead?"
"I would like that very much, thank you," said Crystal as she led Luna deeper into this Ice Palace.
The halls of the palace were wide and long, decorated with sculptures with agonizing detail and other things, some of which, like red velvet ropes, should not heve even been there. Still, Crystal and Luna pressed on, determined to find Winter's prize.
Eventually, the came to the last room, which, judging by every other room they'd explored, was the Palace Gallery.
"Doth thou hear that," asked Luna.
Crystal listened very carefully. Sure enough, there was humming coming form beyond the door.
Crystal turned to Luna. "On he count of three."
Luna nodded.
"One..."
"Two..."
"THREE!"
As Crystal finished the countdown, she and Luna burst throught he doors to find a filly that was thought to have died in the Cloudsdale Collapse 1000 years earlier.
"Oh, hi there," said the filly as she turned to face her visitors.
Luna was dumbstruck as she uttered her next words. "Snowdrop?"
Luna began to cry tears of joy as galloped forward, barreling right into Snowdrop with a tremendous hug. "Snowdrop, we thought you to be dead!"
"Dead," Snowdrop questioned, "Why would I be dead? I've only been in here...actually, I don't have any idea how long I've been in here. Pretty long, I'd think."
Luna nodded through her sobs. "Yes, yes you have."
Seeing Luna's joy at seeing this filly, Crystal let out a happy sigh before becoming fairly serious. "Snowdrop, one thousand years ago, part of Cloudsdale collapsed. The part that collapsed was where your house was."
"What," asked Snowdrop, shocked. "Did anypony get hurt? Is everypony alright?!"
"Sadly, no," said Crystal, "A few ponies did get hurt, and a few died. Those few included you, but a body was never found, obviously because you were never dead to begin with."
Snowdrop nodded. "After Luna visited, I decided to explore a little. I don't know, but something drew me to this cave, like a friend calling out to me."
Crystal pondered this for a moment. "You must share a connection with the snow, so the magical snows in this cave called you here."
Snowdrop and Luna looked frazzled, so Crystal explained. "Magical entities connected to certain element are drwn to vast quantities of said magic. Well, that's show Winter explained it, at least."
Luna nodded, the answer giving much more clarity to what Crystal had first said.
"Now then, shall we collect the Prince's snow and go," asked Luna.
Crystal thought for a moment before walking up to Snowdrop. She lit her horn and touch Snowdrop's forehead, but gasped and quickly backed away, panting.
"What is it? Is there something wrong," asked Snowdrop.
Crystal took a moment to recover her composure before she spoke again, but the news she delivered was anything but good. "This cavern has prevented Snowdrop from aging for the last thousand years. If she leaves, she will instantly age one thousand years."
"Doth thou mean," Luna began, but could not bring herself to finish.
"I do," Crystal said solemly, "If Snowdrop leaves this place, she will certainly die."
Snowdrop and Luna lowered their heads in sorrow while Crystal went into a state of deep thought.
"Unless..."
"Unless what," asked Luna eagerly.
"Well, it is risky, and there is a chance it might not work," said Crystal, "But I could make her an alicorn."
Luna was astonished. "Thou can do that?"
"Well, I did learn from the best," said Crystal, "Prince Winter, I mean. He taught me a spell to ascend other ponies into alicorns, but told me only to use it in dire circumstances."
"We think this is certainly a dire circumstance," Luna said, almosy pleadingly.
Crystal considered for but a moment. "Very well, but only if Snowdrop agrees."
Snowdrop applied instantly. "Are you kidding? I'd LOVE to be an Alicorn! Luna's may favorite Princess, and I've always wanted to be a little bit more like her!"
Crystal was warmed by the filly's enthusiasm. "Okay, then. Just remember, this is permanent."
Snowdrop nodded as the tip of Crystal's horn lit with a cyan glow the color of the Crystal Heart itself. She slowly lowered the tip to Snowdrop's forehead. In the moment Crystal's hron made contact, the room filled with a blinding blue light, but only for a second. When it faded, there were not two, but three alicorns standing in the room.
"Rise, Snowdrop of Cloudsdale, newest of the Alicorns," said Crystal in a regal tone.
Snowdrop opened her eyes. She didn't feel any different, but at the same time, she did feel different. She quickly ran to a nearby wall of reflective ice. Sure enough, a horn now protruded from her forehead. She spread her wings to find they were slightly larger, and looked far more regal.
"Holy Celestia," Snowdrop said as she began jumping up and down. "I'm an Alicorn! I'm an Alicorn! I'm an Alicorn!"
Luna and Crystal both smiled, Crystal because of how happy she'd made the little filly, and Luna because she finally hsd her best friend back.
Some Time Later...
"Is that all of it," asked Crystal.
"Pretty sure," Luna replied as she put a small satchel of the snow over Snowdrop's back.
They'd spent the last half hour packing up the snow Winter had come to collect, and there had been a lot of it. Thankfully, they were able to pack it all up easily with Snowdrop's help.
Crystal walked through the barrier, leaving Luna and Snowdrop alone in the Ice Palace. That was when Snowdrop noticed Luna was sad for some reason.
"Luna, what's wrong," Snowdrop asked.
"The snowflake you made," Luna said sadly, "It's gone."
Snowdrop smiled and produced a small flask fro under her wing. In it was the snowflake Luna had kept for so many years. "You mean this?"
Luna was speechless, and would've hugged Snowdrop if not for the satchel full of snow she was wearing. "How?"
"Well, it just appeared in the cahmber where you found me one day," said Snowdrop. "Here, I made it for you, so I want you to have it back."
Luna's eyes were moist as he took the flask in her magic and put it under her wing. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Snowdrop said before the two proceeded through the barrier to behold a sight nopony had ever in their wildest dreams expected to ever see.
Before them stood Crystal, shock being the only thing visible on her face. The focus of her gaze was a figure slumped against the wall. He wore a blue cloak, had white hair, and a black bodysuit. He did not breath, and a thin layer of frost already covered him.
John Winter, Prince of Solstice, an immortal, and last God to grace the face of Equus, was dead.
Crystal Heart stood silently in front of the tomb of Winter. The funeral had been hours ago, but for some reason, she had not moved since the crypt was sealed. Finally, she spoke to herself.
"How could this happen," Crystal asked as she pulled he Crystal Pendant from under one of her wings. She had collected it the day before, just before Luna and Snowdrop had came through the barroer. "How could it do this? It was designed to change my form, not create another body and transfer my mind into..."
Crystal trailed off as she realized that she was not alone. She turned to see Snowdrop standing behind her.
"Oh, umm, Snowdrop," Crystal said with shock, "I...I didn't hear you coming. What are you doing down here?"
Snowdrop didn't respond, and instead just stood and stared at Crystal. Finally, after becoming very uncomfortable, Crystal sighed.
"The necklace," Crystal said, holding it out with her magic, "Was supposed to transform, well, me, into what I am now. It looks like instead of it transfoming me, it created another being entirely, and put my consciousness into it."
Snowdrop nodded. She understood what Crystal was saying, for the mos part. "Is it permanent?"
Crystal nodded. "I was fine with it, but I had no idea this would happen."
"Well then, I suppose this little meeting never happened," suggested Snowdrop.
"Thank you," Crystal said. "So, what really brings you down to the Hall of Kings?"
Snowdrop shrugged. "Just exploring. Solstice is HUGE! I mean, this place, um, the Citadel, right? It's really big! To bad I'm blind, though."
Crystal came up to the little Alicorn and liter her head with a hoof. "You may be blind, but it seems to me that you can see just fine."
Snowdrop was confused. "What do you mean?"
"It's a riddle," Crystal said thoughtfully. "It means that while you cannot see with your eyes, you can visualize what's around you with your sense of hearing and smell, painting a picture of the world around you. That is a vauable gift, even for a pony who is blind."
"Really," asked Snowdrop. She'd never really though about how she always knew where she was going, even in unfamilliar places, but now that she thought about it, she realized Crystal was right.
"Really," said Crystal. "In truth, there are many who would envy you, not jsut for your accomplishments, but for your unique abilities."
"Do you envy me," questioned Snowdrop.
"Good heavens, no," said Crystal, laying a hoof on the filly's back, "But I do value you as a friend, not just to me, but to Luna as well."
Snowdrop looked up at Crystal and smiled. "Thanks, Crystal."
"Any time, Snowdrop," said Crystal. "Now, we best get going. I think there's a bakery in Solstice Square that sells the best fudge you'll ever eat."
Snowdrop began jumping up and down. "Oooohhh, fudge!"
Snowdrop's enthusiasm brought a smile to Crystal's face. "Come on, let's go!"
Some Time Later, at Solstice Treats...
Crystal and Snowdrop walked out of the shop with bags filled with candy. Snowdrop had really gone to town, and if it weren't for Crystal having been there, she might have just bought the entire shop! Perhaps Crystal shouldn't have given Snowdrop five thousand bits to spend, but it was a bit late for that now.
"Thanks for stopping by," said Stewart, the shopkeeper, as we the door began to close.
"You're welcome," called Crystal just as before the door closed. She turned to Snowdrop. "So, is this enough candy?"
Snowdrop just stared blankly at the mound in front of her. "I think I might've gotten too much candy." Both of them giggled at the comment before heading to the Winter Palace.
Crystal had to admit, it was different not being the center of attention at all times. Many people nearly stepped on her hooves, and she actually like it. Normally, everyone would clear a path as Prince Winter made his way through the Square. Now, as Crystal Heart, she didn't have anyone claring a path for her. It was just one of those little things that makes you realize how high and mighty you really are, or were.
They arrived at the Palace to find Luna, Nightmare Moon and Field Marshal Stormcry, leader of the Solstice Royal Army, waiting for them. Also there were Captian Nightshade of Nightmare Moon's Shadowbolts, and Captian Twilight of her Shadow Guard.
"LUNA! LOOK AT ALL THE CANDY CRYSTAL GOT FOR ME!"
Luna smiled as Snowdrop dropped the mass of confections in front of her best friend before raising an eyebrow at Crystal.
"I, umm," Crystal said, putting a hoof to the back of her head, "I gave Snowdrop five thousand bits to spend on whatever she wanted. Turns out all she wanted was candy!"
Luna and Nightmare Moon laughed at the joke, and the Captains and Marshal grinned, suppressing their laughter.
"Anyway, what's up with all the security? Did something happen?"
"Funny thing," said Nightmare Moon, "Winter was looking for a certain relic, and he told me that is he wasn't around if we found it to come to you."
Crystal was dumbfounded. If Nightmare was talking about what Crystal thought she was talking about, then big things were about to happen, and those things were more than likely not good things.
"Do you mean what you think you mean," said Crystal excitedly.
"I think so," said Nightmare. "We've found one of the Shards."
In modern times, there are six Elements of Harmony, but many thousnads of years ago, there was a seventh Element, the Element of Love. It had been destroyed by the intense hate that many races on Equus felt for each other, and when it shattered, so did the peace it had held, many races wiping each other out in mere days, ad the shards, each for one of the other Elements of Harmony, were flung across Equus. By this time, however, the ponies had learned to co-eist, and so were not affected by the shattering of the Element of Love. The Changelings were the hardest hit, their once grand appeareances being warped into what they are today.
Crystal was examining the Shard in the Winter's Study in the Winter Palace with Nightmare Moon and Luna. Snowdrop was also there, but was rather peroccupied with her candy.
"Where did you find it," asked Crystal.
"The cave where we found Snowdrop," Luna replied.
"So," said Nightmare, "Which Shard of Love is it?"
Crystal examined the nearly translusent shard carefully. It showed many small fractures examining from the jagged endges that had once connected it with the other pieces of the Element of Love.
She lifted her head. "If I'm correct, this it the shard of Magic, which would explain the barrier in the cave and why it was so powerful."
Nightmare looked at Crystal curiously. "Do you think it could have killed Winter?"
Crystal shook her head. "Absolutely not. The Shards of Love are powerful, but not enough so to kill a person."
Nightmare nodded solemly. "Alright."
Crystal peered out the window. "Hmm, it's getting late. Luna, perhaps you should raise th moon?"
"Agreed," Luna said before turning and leaving to do her duty as Princess of the Night, leaving Crystal, Nightmare Moon and Snowdrop with the Shard of Magic.
They were all quiet, save Snowdrop's munching on her candy, for quite some time. It was Nightmare Moon who finally broke the silence.
"What exactly fractured the Element of Love?"
Crystal turned to her. "All I can really tell you is what Winter told me, but he said that the Element of Love is the most powerful of the Elements of Harmony, and is therefore the most vunerable to the impressions of others. Winter created it, along with the other Elements, to try and end wars that had been raging across Equus. The anger of those who were fighting, howerver, were greater than the Element of Love could deal with, so it fractured, sending it's pieces to the far ends of Equus. He told me that when a time come that the Element of Love can exist, it's Shards will reveal themselves to Equus. As we have found the first Shard, I suspect such a time is upon us."
Nightmare nodded thoughtfully. "I see. If I may ask, what will the Element of Love do when it's completed?"
Crystal shrugged. "Winter said it might end all war, as it was made to do. He also said it might be far less powerful, but still substantially more powerful than all the other Elements of Harmony. He really wasn't sure, so I don't really know."
Nightmare nodded again as Luna returned from raising the moon.
"Tis a beautiful night tonight," said Luna thoughtfully, "There is not a cloud in the sky."
Crystal looked out the window and smiled. Indeed, there was not a cloud in the sky. She could see every star, and even the Milky Neigh Galaxy in the sky to the South, which is where she knew a world much like Equus was. To the North was a mass of beautiful pinks, blues and purples only visible from the Kingdom of Solstice. That was know as the Solstice Cloud, as it was just a giant cloud of gases Winter had suspended in space to add the the grandeur of Solstice at night.
"Magnificent, isn't it," said Nightmare, to which Crystal nodded. "Winter and I would sit for hours just sitting and gazing at their beauty, you know." She lowered her head, a tear coming to her eye.
Crystal raised Nightmare's head with a hoof. "I miss him, too. He was a great teacher when I was a filly, and raised my as if I were his daughter before I was old enouh and left. At least I saw him before he died." Nightmare Moon nodded. "If it makes you feel any better, we could stargaze together?"
Nightmare perked up at the suggestion. "That sounds nice, thank you."
Crystal nodded and was about to ask Luna and Snowdrop to join them, but noticed a sleeping Snowdrop draped across Luna's back. Luna looked up and saw Crystal looking at her and Snowdrop.
"She hath fallen asleep, and is having the sweetest dream at present."
Crystal nodded. "Perhaps take her to the guest rooms?"
Nightmare nodded. "A good idea."
Luna nodded and left with Snowdrop. A few minutes later, Nightmare and Crystal left for the Private Gardens.
When they arrived, they made their way to the spot Winter had set up for stargazing. Crystal felt weird, though. She did this almost every night, but this time she wasn't a male, or even human, for that matter. Still, while she changed, the stars and all their pleasure would not.
"Did Winter ever say how beautiful the stars at night are," asked Crystal, knowing the answer before Nightmare said it.
"Every night," said Nightmare, "He'd go on about how one group looked like me, or how another looked so nice, or how the entire sky just looked so beautiful, almost as beautiful as my mane." Nightmare sighed sadly. "That's what I miss most about him. The compliments."
Crystal sighed. "Yeah, he was like that even back when he was tutoring me. He's always say that I was his favorite student. Then his moon visits started, and soon after I finished my training. My only regret is not keeping in touch as well as I should've, because now he's gone."
"It's my fault Winter and you grew apart," asked Nighmare.
"I didn;t say that," said Crystal, stunned at Nightmare's accusation, "In fact, I admired the way he loved you. If I'd know my parents, I'd have wanted them to be just like him, loving and caring."
Nightmare nodded. "You got that right. He always was the best, wasn't he?"
"I'm sorry, what," asked Crystal. She had heard the question clearly, and had hoped it wouldn't come up so quickly.
'I guess I was wrong on this one,' Crystal thought.
"I wanted to know why Winter only started talking about you so recenty," asked Nightmare again, "I mean, the Winter Gala is only a six days away, and he's talking about his snow and you! He was usually quite focused when it comes to the Gala."
Crystal Heart was about to say something, but Field Marshal Stormcry came in.
Crystal and Nightmare turned to him and spoke in unison. "You could try knocking first!" When they realized what they just done, they both giggled a bit.
"What is this interruption about," asked Nightmare as she came down from her laughing fit.
"Apologies, my Princess," Stormcry said, "But Crystal Heart is needed elsewhere, and it is quite urgent."
Nightmare Moon let out a quiet moan. "Very well." She turned to Crystal. "We'll resume this talk in the morning."
Crystal nodded and followed Stormcry out of the garden, Nigthmare leaving through the opposite enterance.
"So, what am I need for," asked Crystal.
"Nothing," replied Stormcry.
Now Crystal was confused. Stormcry had just pulled her away from Nightmare Moon, current ruler of Solstice, just because he could? No, he was up to something, and Crystal was going to find out what.
"Well then, why did you come and get me if I'm not needed for anything," asked Crystal.
Stormcry shrugged. "My Prince was in danger, so I helped him out, as I always do. Is there a problem with that?"
Crystal stopped dead in her tracks. "What are you talking about? Winter's dead! how dare you..."
Stormcry cut her off. "Please, I know it's you. Your mannerisms haven't changed enough for me not to recognize you."
Crystal thought about trying to get around this, but it was obvious Stormcry had her all figured out. She sighed. "I guess I should've counted on you to figure it out."
Stormcry nodded. "Like I said, I know you better than anyone. What I don't know is why there's a real body in your crypt with your real face on it."
Crystal shrugged and levitated the Crystal Pendant from under her wing. "It must have created this body, then shoved my mind into it without me even realizing it."
Stormcry nodded. "Well, I do recall you saying it hadn't been tested, so the results could be anything."
"Right," said Crystal, "I never expected it to happen the way it did, though. Now everybody thinks I'm dead!"
Stormcry nodded. "Well, in all respects, you are dead. I mean, Winter would no longer exist either way, right."
"I suppose you're right," said Crystal, suddenly aware they were not alone at the same time as Stormcry. From out of the shadows stepped Nightmare Moon wearing a blank expression.
Crystal looked away from Nightmare and at the ground, ashamed. "How much did you hear?"
Nighmare stepped forward, her expression softening. "Enough."
Crystal looked up at her, tears starting to form in her eyes. "I'm sorry! I never meant for any of this to happen! I never thought..."
Nightmare put a hoof to Crystal's mouth, shushing her. "It's okay. I forgive you."
"Re..really," asked Crystal, holding back her tears.
"Why wouldn't I? I mean, Snowdrop and Luna are happier than I've ever seen them thanks to you," said Nightmare, "And if Luna's happy, so am I."
Crystal couldn't hold back, and broke down right there as Nightmare hugged her, letting her know that everything was, in fact, okay.
"Thank you," Crystal said after she'd calmed down.
"You're welcome," said Nightmare, "But I think it would be best if we don't tell Luna and Snowdrop just yet."
Crystal nodded. "Agreed. Besides, we still need to organize the Winter Gala, with or without me, er, Winter, um..."
"We get the picture," said Stormcry.
"Okay," said Crystal. "We also need to find the other Shards of the Element of Love. Can you see about getting Fate and Elegance? Perhaps Crystalia as well..."
"I'll see to it at once, milady," Stormcry said before walking off.
"Hmph," said Crystal in a mock-serious tone, "Even as a lady he treats me like everyone else."
She and Nightmare giggled as Stormcry rounded a corner, leaving their sight.
Crystal turned to Nightmare. "So, where should I sleep?"
Nightmare shrugged. "I suppose you can sleep in your quarters. After all, it is your room."
"Noted," said Crystal thoughtfully. "See you in the morning."
"See you as well," Nightmare said before they parted to turn in for the night.
Fanfare resonated through Solstice Square as the Shadowbolts did their fly-by, coloured smoke of blue, white, black and purple in their wakes. This was the sign that this year's Winter Gala had begun. It would normally have accomanied a speech from Prince Winter, be he was dead, but the Gala went on without him.
Snowdrop had gone with Luna back to Canterlot for the seasonal festivities. In a few days it would be Christmas, and after the Gala ended, Nightmare Moon, Moonless Midnight and Crystal Heart were to prepare to go to Canterlot for their festivities, Crystal taking the spot of her former self, Prince Winter.
"I must say, this might be the best Gala in years," said Crystal.
Nightmare nodded. "I must agree with you there. I've never seen the people so happy."
"And to think only a few days ago they were in mourning of my, well, Winter's death."
"Indeed," said Nightmare. "Shall we join in?"
Crystal nodded. "I don't see why not."
With that, Nightmare and Crystal rose from their chairs, showcasing their dresses that had been made by Princess Rarity. Though Crystal had seen her work before, she never expected the Princess to do such fine work last-minute. Still, the dress was beautiful, and brought out her mane. Nightmare's was much the same, although she'd commissioned hers months ago, and the craftsmanship was still the same. The only difference was that Crystal's had been made in less than six hours, a feat that not even the Rarity from Ponyville could beat.
"May I have this dance," a familliar voice asked. Crystal turned to see Stormcry not wearing his armor for the first time...ever. He was wearing a tailcoat-style overcoat, so the skirting split in two, much like one of the costs she'd once worn when she was Winter, but many, many years ago.
Crystal nodded. "You may, Stormcry."
Dancing with Stormcry felt many, many ways. Part of Crystal felt weird for dancing wih one of her oldest friends, and also standing on her hind legs, but at the same time, part of her enjoyed dancing with him and standing on he rhind legs, no matter how uncomfortable.
After a short while the dance was over, and Stormcry kissed Crystal's hoof before lowering her back to all fours.
"I must say, I am flattered," said Crystal as she put a hoof to her chest in a dramatic manner.
"What can I say," said Stormcry, "I know what the ladies and mares like."
Crystal raised an eyebrow before the both began to giggle a little. She had to admit, it was nice to see Stormcry when he wasn't tense or focused on protecting Solstice. To any girl he was quite charming, really. Sadly, he still was her underling, and their friendship was to stay just that.
"I'm sure you'll find that special someone," said Crystal.
"Oh, don't worry about me," said Stormcry, "Ladies like a man in uniform." He gave a chaming smile at a group of young women, who all smiled back and waved. "Of course, stunning looks tend to help!"
Crystal laughed. "Oh, grow up Stormcry."
Stormcry laughed in turn. "Just trying to impress you, milady."
"I appriciate the thought," said Crystal.
The rest of the Gala went quite smoothly. There were no drunken brawls, which was a pleasant suprise, as there usually was one within five minutes of having the alcohol put out. There were no robberies, as usual, and everyone generally had a splendid time, especially Nightmare Moon and Crystal Heart, the VIPs of the Gala. Eventually, the party began winding down, and people began leaving until only Nightmare, Crystal and Captains Nightshade and Twilight, and Marshal Stormcry remained, but they too soon left, leaving only Nightmare and Crystal in the now empty square as the sun set in the horizon. Soon, they too left, heading to their rooms to get out of their dresses before meeting up in the Private Garden.
10 Minutes Later, The Palace's Private Gardens...
Crystal Heart and Nightmare Moon lay staring up at the stars, just like they had when Crystal was still Winter. Still, the changes didn't really change much else, and Crystal was busy pointing out interesting patterns in the stars, and all the while Nightmare Moon listened.
"You know, this is nice," said Crystal.
"What is nice," asked Nightmare.
"Oh, I don't know," said Crystal, rotating to look at Nightmare, "You, me , here under the star...it almost like nothing happened, you know? Like I'm still Winter."
Nightmare nodded. "Indeed it is, talking and all." Both mares giggled at the comment.
"So, tomorrow we head to Canterlot, then?"
Nightmare nodded. "You may not be Winter, but you still have to come."
"Oh poo," Crystal said with a mock pout, making Nightmare giggle.
"I'll see you in the morning, then?"
"Yep," said Crystal as the two mares got up, leaving the Gardens empty while the stars shone brightly above.
Luna wrenched herself from the depths of her slumber to see what Snowdrop was so excited about. The last few days had been the best of both of their lives, and Luna hoped that would last many, many years into the future.
"What doth thou wish to showeth me," asked Luna as she made her way onto the balcony to a sight she hadn't seen in many years.
It was snowing in Canterlot! But it wasn't just any snow...
"Do you like them," asked Snowdrop, "I've been making them ever since I first got into that cave! Aren't they so beautiful!?"
Luna had to admit, the snowflakes were breathtaking. Each flake had such intricate designs, as if a master mason had sculpted them from stone. But these were ice, and had been made by Snowdrop, who'd had one thousand years to perfect her craft.
"They are beautiful, Snowdrop," said Luna.
Down below, the ponies were rejoicing, for Snowdrop's snow had not fallen in many, many years, and never in such vast quantity. There were celebrations going on, parades being planned, and many other things, but most of all, they were preparing for Christmas, as it was Christmas Eve.
"LOOK! There they are," Snowdrop said, pointing at a carrriage moving through the streets. There was an armored human sitting in front, while two strong-looking Bat Alicorns, obviously from Nightmare Moon's Shadow Guard due to their pitch black armor, pulled in front.
Snowdrop raced out of the room before Luna could even react.
"Snowdrop," Luna called before running after her, "Wait for us!"
Luna rushed into the hall to find the castle in a state of panic. Ponies were running about, screaming. Luna grabbed one of them.
"What is happening?"
The frightened mare could barely speak. "Ce..Ce..Celestia's gone N...Ni...Nightmare!"
Luna released the mare, who quickly galloped off. She was in shock. How could her sister, who had ruled Equestria well for so long, suddenly succumb to the Nightmare without any warning? Luna realized she had to find Snowdrop, and make sure Crystal and Nightmare Moon were alright.
After much searching, she found Snowdrop outside the castle with Crystal and Nightmare Moon, who had both only just arrived.
"We are afriad that thou must leave, right now," said Luna hurriedly.
"Why? They only just got here," said Snowdrop.
Nightmare was about to say something, but was interrupted when the doors to the castle blew open with a ball of flame. In the doorway stood Solar Flare, Celestia's Nightmare form.
"On second thought, let's go," Snowdrop said, her eyes wide. She had only been talking to Celestia a few hours before. "Could this be my fault," she asked herself under her breath so nopony could hear.
"Agreed," Stormcry said as the four Alicorns ran into the carriage. The Shadow Guards wasted no time and were immediately off, moving faster than they ever had before.
5 Minutes Later, Some Distance Away From Canterlot...
Behind them, a wave of flame was washing over the city. Somehow, Canterlot had been evacuated in the short time between when Celestia was corrupted and when Solar Flare exited the Castle. Luna could only watch as her home burned.
"I'm sorry," said Crystal, "Celestia said she'd found another Shard of Love, but thought there was something wrong with it. There was nothing any of us could have done if the Shard had indeed been defiled."
"We should have been there," Luna said, "This is not what we wished for Christmas."
Nightmare came over and gave her original a hug. "It may not be what you wanted, but we can still fix this, right Crystal?"
Crystal nodded. "It seems there are dark forces trying to prevent the reunification of the Element of Love. If that is so, then we must hurry. I will go into Canterlot and retrieve the Shard Celestia found. The rest of you head to Ponyville to meet up with Crystalia, Fate and Elegance. They might have located more Shards."
Everypony nodded in agreement.
"Right, let's go!"
~~~~~~~~
Solar Flare watched as the group of Alicorns split up, three going with the escort while one appeared to be coming back.
"Oooooh! This should be most entertaining," said a voice from behind her. She turned to see Discord sitting in a seat made entirely of flame. "My, I'm in the hot seat, aren't I?"
Solar Flare rolled her eyes. "Just be ready when the Alicorn arrives. Lead her to the Shard, then let the magic do it's work."
"As you wish," Discord said, "Or as I wish? Hmm, I never really understood that..."
Discord disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving Solar Flare alone on the Sun Balcony of the burning castle.
Celestia finally let down her disguise, exhausted from the effort it had taken to keep up. She had ordered the evacuation, knowing that somepony thought she wouldn't be able to detect the dark enchantment and dispell it. She decided to lay them, and make it seem like she really had turned to evil.
"So, Discord is already against us," Celestia said to herself, "Hmm, no suprise there, really. I just hope they can find the other Shards, and Discord doesn't realize the dark enchantment on the Shard is gone."
Celestia looked out to see which Alicorn it was, and was suprised to see an Alicorn that almost looked like a younger version of her, except with a longer mane and a cutie mark identical to Cadence's.
Crystal Heart was coming to get the Shard. Celestia almost felt bad...for Discord.
Crystal had reached the city gates sooner than she'd expected. She'd thought there would be at least a few minions to try and stop her, but there had been little more than burnt grass. She heard something behind her, and spun around, almost blasting General Alexander's head off.
"Jeeze, watch where you shoot that, you highness," said Alexander as he regained his composure. "Stormcry briefed me on the situation. It's good to have you back, my lord."
Crystal nodded. "I was never gon in the first place, and it's milady or Crystal now."
"Of course milady," said Alexander with a nod before following Crystal into the burning city.
As the duo moved through the city, buildings came tumblig down around them, unable to stand on their burnt supports, which snapped under the pressure. Some building continued to stand, but the roof of each and every building was an inferno of burning straw, hay and wood. All that really remained was Canterlot Castle, it's stone walls and tiled roof immune to the heat of the fires that surrounded it.
Crystal and Alexander entered the gates to the castle courtyard, and were met by a very amused Discord.
"Hello there," exclaimed Discord, "I have to admit, I didn't think anyone would still be around, save that Solar Flare. My, she is a bad one, isn't she?"
"Cut the games, Discord," said Crystal with authority, "Do you know where the Shard Celestia found is?"
"Of course I do," replied Discord, "Why wouldn't I? Oh, and I suppose you want me to take you to it as well?"
"You just read my mind," said Crystal.
Discord sighed. "Okay, then. You two are no fun at all. Follow me."
Crystal and Alexander followed Discord through the blackened halls of Canterlot Castle, the decorations laying charred and brittle along the corridors.
"I have a bad feeling about this, milady," Alexander whispered to Crystal as Discord stopped in front of a large door.
"Same here," Crystal whispered back as Discord opened the door, beckoning them in.
They obliged and entered the room. It was Celestia's study, naturally, and everything in it was no more than piles of ash.
Except the Shard, which lay in the middle of the floor.
Alexander proceeded to grab the Shard. As his fingers touched it, a draconic tale knocked him backwards of his feet and into the wall beside the enterance.
Crystal, who'd watched Alexander fly across the room, turned to face Discord. "TRAITOR!"
"Who, me," Discord said before flinging Crystal at the wall as well, "I am SHOCKED at this accusation!"
As he said that, and arc of energy flew from his claws right into Crystal and Alexander, injuring them badly.
"I never really did like any of you," Discord said, "Oh so high and mighty, no? To serve the Princesses and not fulfill my purpose? No, I will have my Cha.."
Crystal fired a bolt of powerful magic at Discord, sending him flying inot the opposite wall. In that moment, Alexander sprung from the ground, drwing his sword as he flew across the room, and plunged it into Discord's heart.
All was silent for a moment, then Crystal rose to her hooves, and Alexander to his feet.
"Well," said Alexander, turning to face Crystal, "I suppose that's tha.."
Alexander was stopped mid-sentence as a claw was plunged into hsi back, coming out through his stomach.
"ALEXANDER!"
Discord rose from the gronud, keeping his claw in Alexander. His colors had changed. There were darker, more evil in appearance. And his voice had deepened, all trace of humaor gone from anything he spoke.
"You believed that you could defeat ME!"
"RUN MILADY," Alexander screamed as he chopped off Discord's claw, making the demented draconquus scream in agony. TAKE THE SHARD AND GO, NOW! I'LL HOLD HIM BACK!"
Crystal nodded, quickly grabbing the Shard and racing out. Alexander turned back to Discord, who glared back with pure hate and madness.
"Let's see what you're made of," Alexander said before charging at Discord, who also leapt at him. "FOR SOLSTICE!"
~~~~~~~~
Crystal raced trhough the halls, kicking up ash as she went. Not looking where she was going, she ran headlong into something, and fell on her flank with an "Oof!"
Dazed, Crystal rubbed her head and looked up to see Princess Celestia instead of Solar Flare.
"What in Nightmare's name," said Crystal before Celestia grabbed her, pulling her out of the way as a rumble caused a burned bookcase to fall where she'd just been seconds before. "Thanks, but how are you..."
"Not Solar Flare," said Celestia, finishing Crystal's question. "I used my magic to disguise myself after I found the enchantment on the Shard and dispelled it."
Crystal nodded. "Very wise of you, but now we need to leave."
"What for," Celestia asked as Crystal rose to her full height, which was slightly taller than Celestia.
"General Alexander, one of the late Prince Winter's men, is battling Discord," said Crystal. "Discord's changed. He's no longer, well, himself."
Celestia nodded in understanding and the two Alicorns made their way out of the castle, through the still-burning streets, and out of Canterlot.
"So...what...now," Celestia asked, panting. They were just outside the gate, and Celestia was exhausted from all the running. She never really did run much anymore.
"We wait," said Crystal.
"For who?"
"Me," said a third voice. Crystal and Celestia turned to the gates to see General Alexander standing there, almost completely covered in blood. His left arm was missing, and was bandaged with fabric from one of the banners in the castle. In his other hand was gripped something large. With a great heave, Alexander threw Discord's bloody head forward, blood still trickling from it. "I'm not finished yet, milady."
Crystal nodded. "I never doubted you for a second."
Alexander nodded in return. "Do you still have the Shard?"
Crystal nodded, pulling the Shard from under her wing. "The Shard of Generosity, tainted with Greed, but cleansed by Celestia."
Alexander nodded. "Good. Let's go, then. Don't want to keep Nightmare Moon and the others waiting."
Crystal and Celestia both nodded, and the trio began making their way away from the burning ruins of Canterlot.
Carefully, Crystal placed the Shard of Generosity next to the Shard of Magic. Almost instantly, the two Shards shot together and fused along their long broken seam, leaving not even a line to show that it had been broken.
The group of gathered Alicorns, Changelings and two humans breathed a collective sigh of relief, Crystal especially. It had been a hard journey to get to Ponyville. She, Celestia and Alexander had been attacked numerous times by Shadow Ponies, servants of King Sombra, making it obvious as to who had tainted the Shard of Generosity.
"So, did you find the locations of any of the Shards," asked Crystal as she turned to Crystalia, Fate and Elegance.
"We learned where three of them are," said Crystalia, a changeling who was almost Celestia's identical twin, save for the fangs and the chitin that lie below her fur and feathered wings. She'd become this way by feeding of the love Celestia freely gave her to save her life.
"Did you tell everypony," asked Celestia.
Crystalia nodded. "We did, there is one far to the North-East, one somewhere in the Badlands, and one somewhere in the Everrfree Forest."
"Good," said Crystal, turning to the other, "Let's split up into-" Crystal stopped, noticing somepony was missing. "Where's Snowdrop?"
The gathered Ponies, Changelings and humans looked around franticaly for the Alicorn, but to no avail.
Snowdrop had simply vanished.
~~~~~~~~
Snowdrop pushed through the blinding snow of the blizzard, determined to press onwards in a losing battle of strength against nature.
After being told about the Shard to the North, she'd decided to head on after it on her own. It hadn't been that hard to slip away, being a filly, so nopony noticed that's she'd left.
Right now, though, she wished somepony had.
A gust of wind rippled through her feathers, nearly throwing her off-balance and into a snowbank, but she managed to stay upright. She knew nopony knew where she was, and as much as that bolstered her confidence, it made her feel afraid.
If she got hurt, nopony would know where to find her. If she couldn't go on, nopony could come and help her along...
"No," she said to herself, "I want to do this. I NEED to do this."
She took only one more step, and collapsed from the exhaustion of fighting the storm. It was futile. No matter how hard she fought, the storm would only fight harder. She began to crawl, but even that was difficult, the fresh snow building in front of her until she could crawl no more.
She was trapped, alone, and nopony knew where she was.
She was going to die.
Closing her eyes, though it mattered little since she was blind anyway, Snowdrop calmly accepted her fate. And waited for the cold to take her.
Over the din of the storm, she did not hear the flapping of wings, nor the gentle landing of something heavy in the snow, but she felt whatever it was when it picked her up.
It was scaly, almost like a snake, smooth, but not dry. It also had huge claws, which made Snowdrop instinctively fight back.
"NO! YOU'RE NOT EATING ME," she screamed.
"Hush, now," said a soft, feminine voice, filled with love and care, "I wish not to hurt you, but to save you, unless you were trying to kill yourself."
Snowdrop stopped fighting back. The voice of whatever had he in it's claw was not threatening or scary, but loving and beckoning, sincere in it's wish to see no harm come to her.
"Thank you," said the voice softly.
Snowdrop could feel herself being lifted into the air, higher and higher until whatever held her made off to the Northeast, carrying Snowdrop all the time.
Feeling no harm would come to her in the care of her savior, Snowdrop closed her eyes, quickly drifting off into peacful slumber.
Snowdrop's dream of flying through the starry skies with Luna slowly faded away as she left the realm of dreams and returned to the waking world. She sometimes wished her dreams were reality, because in them she could see. The dark purples and whites of the night sky and the stars, the shape of the clouds, all she could only see in her dreams. Sadly, they were but dreams, and now they were gone as Snowdrop finally opened her eyes.
She was in a very large bed in a very large room. The door itself was nearly ten times taller than Celestia. The walls were made from some dark, almost black stone, and were decorated with silks and velvets of many rich shades of purple, blue, silver and gold, though of the two accents, there was more silver. The bed she was in was a four poster with Royal Purple silk curtains that matched the silk sheets which hid the eggshell white ones below. It was all fairly surreal.
Wait, how am I actually seeing all this?
Snowdrop threw off the covers and ran to a nearby dresser. It was, despite the enormity of everything else, just the right height for here to peer into the mirror. What she saw amazed her.
Her eyes were not pale any longer, but were now a ligth shade of blue, the pupil clearly defined. Snowdrop gasped at her newfound ability. She had been born blind, and had never seen the world other than what Luna had shown her in her dreams. Now she could see! She heard something behind her and turned to the door.
The door opened and a large dragon of a species she'd never seen before stepped in. He looked evil, with his dark grey scales and pale red eyes, and talons that were sharp as knives. He was also quite tall, a bit over half as tall as the doorframe he stood in, and he was only on fours.
Snowdrop leapt across the room and under the covers of the bed at blinding speed, so fast that the dragon saw no more than a streak of pale blue go from the dresser to the bed.
"DON'T EAT ME," stammered Snowdrop, "I-I DON'T TASTE VERY GOOD!"
The dragon gave out a hearty laugh. "Now, why on Equus would I eat you? You're a guest of Lady Blackheart!"
"Lady Blackheart," Snowdrop asked, confused.
"Ah, well," said the dragon as he put a claw to his chin, "Blackheart is really the Princess, but she's always preferred being called Lady Blackheart over Princess Blackheart. You have to admit, Lady Blackheart has more of a ring to it, no?"
Snowdrop nodded as she peeked from under the covers. "It does."
The dragon nodded. "Well, I suppose I should introduce myself. I am Urnol, Captian of Her Majesty's Royal Guard. A pleasure to meet you, young Alicorn," he said with a bow.
Snowdrop nodded. "I'm Snowdrop."
"Just Snowdrop," asked Urnol as he rose.
"Yep, just Snowdrop." Feeling more confident, Snowdrop came out from under the covers and leapt off the bed. "What are you doing here, then?"
"Lady Blackheart has requested your presence," Urnol said. "I am to take you to her."
"Alright," said Snowdrop as she proceeded to follow the dragon. She wasn't sure what lay ahead, but she had a feeling it wasn't anything bad.
~~~~~~~~
Urnol led Snowdrop through many, many hallways and great room. There were only dragons, and they stared at her whenever she passed, as if they didn't know what she was. Urnol would always give them a look, and they'd return to whatever it was they'd been doing. Finally, they came to what could be considered the enterance area, as it had a grand staircase, which them came out onto the left side of. At the landing below was a tall door, taller than any other in the castle. Across the hall from it was an even taller door that was open, and Snowdrop could see the snow-covered gardens just beyond.
"In here," Urnol said. He'd decended to the landing, and was beckoning Snowdrop to the closed door. Snowdrop nodded, and came down to stand beside him.
"Now then," said Urnol, "As a guest of her Ladyship, you are not required to refer to her as milady."
"Is that all," asked Snowdrop.
"Well, yes," Urnol said simply, "Oh, and do try to be polite. She is the Regent of Darkness and Shadow, after all."
Snowdrop swallowed hard. Regent of Darkness and Shadow? What has she gotten herself into?
Urnol pushed open the great doors to reveal a room somewhat different from the others. The stone walls within were white washed, and there were colorful flower beds and trees that reached to the ceiling of clear crystal, so you could see the clear, blue sky above, and allowing natural light into the room, otherwise all the plants within would die.
At the far end of what Snowdrop assumed to be the throne room sat an enormous dragon that looked incredibly old. Her scales still gleamed like gemstones, but were cracked in some places and missing in others. Overall, this dragon was in rough shape, but her black scales, red eyes and pure white horns and claws made up for that, making her look very, very scary.
"Milady," Urnol said as he bowed before her, "I have brought your guest, as you requested."
"Thank you, Urnol," said the dragoness with a voice she recognized. Lady Blackheart herself had rescued her! "You may leave us."
Urnol nodded at his Lady's command. "As you wish." He stepped out, leaving Snowdrop alone with this strange dragon.
The Princess looked at her. "So, I suppose you're wondering why I, as Regent of Darkness and Shadow, haven't killed you?" Snowdrop nodded slowly in response. "It is because that though we may represent something, we do not have to live by what we represent. Look at my garden, full of life and free of evil, and it's beautiful, is it not?"
"It is very nice," said Snowdrop.
"Indeed it is," said the Princess, "Oh, and if you're a bit confused on what to call me, Blackheart will do just fine."
Snowdrop nodded.
"Good," said Blackheart, "Now, where was I...oh, yes. I DO represent Darkness and Shadow, but I don't live by Darkness and Shadow, there are plenty of others who already do that. Then again, having these gifts of Shadow and Darkness does have it's benefits..."
Blackheart was unable to finish. In that moment, she suddenly was enveloped in flame. When it disappeared, nothing but ash remained.
"HOLY CELESTIA," Snowdrop shouted, taking a step back. "Oh no, this isn't good. What if they think I killed her!?"
"Nobody's going to be thinking anything," said a voice from the pile of ash. Snowdrop turned just in time to see a dragon rise from the ashes, identical to the one that had been there seconds before, but smaller, only slightly smaller that Luna, and with no damage to her scales. "Wondering when that would finally happen."
Snowdrop was officially speechless. "Did you just..."
"Come back from the grave," Blackheart finished for her. "In a manner of speaking. Do you know what happens to an old Phoenix?"
Snowdrop nodded, seeing the point Blackheart was getting at.
"Well, I was born with that ability," said Blackheart. "Thing is, even if I'm killed, I'll just turn to ash and be reborn from them. It means that I, like you, am immortal, but to a lesser degree than you. I will age and die, but you won't."
"Really," asked Snowdrop. She was still getting accustomed to being an Alicorn, and her age was one thing she had yet to learn about.
"Indeed," said Blackheart, "Like Princess Celestia or Luna, you will age to a certain point, then you will stop aging completely."
Snowdrop nodded, but there was still one thing on her mind that only Blackheart could answer. "Why did you save me?"
"Well, that is the question, isn't it," said Blackheart, "Why would I, Princess of Darkness and Shadow, save you, a representative of goodness and light? I, too, am a representative of all that is good and light, despite my true purpose. I've found that you and your life are what you make of them, not what some greater power than yourself decides."
Snowdrop nodded. She was beginning to like this dragon.
"Well then, would you care to follow me? There's something I'd like to show you."
"I don't see why not," said Snowdrop with a nod.
Blackheart nodded and rose to her claws. She beagan walking to a side passage just behind the throne that Snowdrop hadn't noticed before. She decided that going with Blackheart would probably be the best course of action, and followed her down the passage.
Blackheart led Snowdrop through the long, twisting corridors. They passed through what seemed like an endless number of halls, and all the while Blackheart explained about her species and her Kingdom.
Her people were a species of dragon known as Shadow Dragons, and were meant to bring darkness while their counterparts, the now extinct Light Dragons, were meant to bring light. In reality, their roles became reversed. While the Light Dragons did bring light, they struck fear into the hearts of others and enslaved them. The Shadow Dragons did bring darkness, but with it came a love and appriciation for them and it, and they protected others. In the end, this resulted in a massive war between the Tainted Light and the Loving Dark, a war which ended the Light Dragon race completely. Even the Light Dragon hatchlings had fought to defend their right for dominion over what they'd viewed as 'lesser' races. The God-Prince Winter himself had joined the fray, banishing the Light Dragons of his own creation from all existence, as had the Queens of two nearby Changeling Hives.
Snowdrop was about to ask who they were when Blackheart stopped in front of a tall, frosted glass door. They had just climbed, or rather, flew up a long staircase, so Snowdrop assumed they were in the one of the many towers that she'd seen through the crystal roof of the throne room earlier, most likely the tallest one, located directly behind the throne.
"I must warn you," said Blackheart, "I am expecting a visitor shortly, so I would ask you not to be alarmed at the fact that she is a Changeling Queen."
Snowdrop nodded confidently. "It's okay. I already know three Changelings, two of which are Queens." Snowdrop recalled Midnight Blue, a pony she'd met nearly one thousand years prior. I wonder if she's still around...
Blackheart pushed open the tall doors to reveal an extravagantly decorated room, complete with four post bed, a desk, dresser, armorie and various other things, all appearing to be antiques, as their gold finish and purple velvet uphostery was slightly worn. There were two other doors in the room. One led to a balcony, and the other led to a rather large bathroom.
"What is this place," asked Snowdrop.
"My Youth Room," said Blackheart, "For when I, well, regenerate. I stay in here until I cannot fin the bed, then I move into my Adult Room, which is in the Southern Tower."
Snowdrop nodded as the buzzing of wings resonated through the air. Seconds later, a Changeling Queen landed on the balcony.
Her chitin and carapace were pure white, and her mane and tail were a light, almost reflective blue. He wings were elegant in shape, and had an ice blue tint to them. Overall, she looked familliar, but Snowdrop just couldn't place it.
"Snowdrop," said Blackheart, "This is Princess Crystal Shimmer of Diamond Shimmer Hive. She's Queen Crystalia's daughter, in case you haven't guessed."
"Queen Crystalia," Snowdrop exclaimed, seeing the resemblance, "Oh, I see! It just that, from what I've heard, Queen Crystalia had black chitin and no caraspace."
"Both are true," said Crystal Shimmer in a soft voice that fit her sleek beauty, "Celestia's intense love shanged her to what she looks like now, though I haven't seen her since Celestia died. Now that she's back, I do hope she'll visit the Hive, her subjects have missed her so."
"As have Fate's," added Blackheart, "Or the few that remain, anyway."
"What do you mean," asked Snowdrop.
"Well," Blackheart began, "Queen Chrysalis attacked Canterlot may years ago, long before Crystalia replaced Celestia. Queen Fate and all of Onyx Gleam Hive went to aid Canterlot. They won the battle, but were ambushed on their return journey by Chrysalis and a few of her more powerful Changelings. The chose a good spot, and were able decimate Fate's army before plundering the Hive while Fate rallied her remaining forces. Crushed by her failure, she face Chrysalis one final time, and was banished from Equestria until quite recently. Oh, did she propose to that Elegance White yet? Those two were always so good together, despite Celestia and Luna's displeasure of on of their Captains, an Alicorn, no less, dating a Changeling Queen."
"They're happily married now," said Snowdrop.
"Wonderful," said Crystal Shimmer with a smile.
"Anyway," said Blackheart, "Snowdrop, would you follow me to the balcony? I have something I want to show you."
Snowdrop nodded and followed Blackheart out onto the balcony.
The balcony itself was huge! It was so big that you could literally put a small house on it and it would fit. The view was spectacular. Below, a city of purple, red, black and white stretched to a tall black and silver wall that ran the length of the valley enterance. The castle was positioned at the mountain end of the valley, so as to give it a clear view of the lands before it as well as giving it a prominent place where it could bee seen for miles around. Beyond the wall lay snowy tundra, and just beyond that were green fields and forests, slightly lower in elevation. Snowdrop also saw, off in the distance, two extremely tall towers. One looked to be made of some clear crystal, and the other some type of black crystal.
"Diamond Shimmer Hive and Onyx Gleam Hive," Blackheart said, pointing first to the semi-clear tower, and then to the black one, "Tallest and most elegant of all Changeling Capitals."
"Wait, did you say captials?"
"Indeed," said Blackheart. "Those towers are the main Hives, but there are also lesser hives that surround them, somewhat like a city. There are also hives scattered around the territory, but serve their Queen in the Main Hive. In essense, they are much like Equestria, a capital city with smaller settlements within the borders of it's territory. Of course, most Changelings in The Badlands are nowhere near this sophisticated, and only have one settlement per territory, the Main Hive."
"It must be hard to manage," said Snowdrop.
"Not at all," said Crystal Shimmer, who had joined them. "With the use of the Hive Mind, everyling is always well-behaved and does what is asked of them, that is, if they want to. Lesser Changelings have as much free-will as any Pony, otherwise the disguises don't work all too well."
Snoedrop nodded. This was all so facinating! "Could you tell me more?"
"Of course I can," Crystal Shimmer said, "And I would be delighted to, anyway."
~~~~~~~~
Somewhere In The Tundra Near Black Onyx Hive...
Queen Fate, Queen Crystalia and Crystal Heart continued their trek. Ther trail they'd been following had ended hours ago, and they were now going on little more than the general direction they'd been going. The blizzard that had appeared a few hours earlier wasn't making it any easier, either.
"ARE YOU SURE SHE'S STILL EVEN ALIVE," shouted Crystalia against the din of the wind and snow.
"NO," replied Crystal, "BUT I HAVE TO BRING HER BACK EITHER WAY!"
"WHATEVER YOU SAY, PRINCESS WINTER," said Fate sarcastically.
Before they'd split up to look for the Shards, Crystal Heart had told the others who she really was and what had happened. None of them had been too suspicous, but Fate had made it a pointof honor to rub in the fact he was a she now.
"CUT THE CRAP, FATE," said Crystal, "WE SHOULD TAKE COVER IN THAT CAVE UNTIL THE STORM PASSES!"
Confused, Fate and Crystalia followed Crystal's hoof. Sure enough, there was a small cave enterance not too far away, just barely visible. As they drew nearer, they realized the reason they could see it was because there was a torch mounted outside. A spear lay against the snowbank that covered the rock, but otherwise they were the only one that appeared to be around.
"SHOULD WE GO IN," asked Crystalia.
"WE HAVE NO CHOICE," said Crystal, "IF WE STAY OUT HERE MUCH LONGER WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE!"
Together, the three mares entered the cavern. They instantly recognized the toolmarks on the walls, but they were worn with time. The wind, though still howling, was quiet enough for them to lower their voices.
"Who do you think built this," asked Fate.
"I don't know," said Crystalia, "It looks Changeling in origin, but as to who built it? I don't know. If I knew where we are, I might know who made this."
"I'd know too, you know," said Fate, as they were both from the area.
"Would you two lovebirds keep it down," said Crystal, "The cave continues inward. Come on, I feel in the mood to do some exploring."
"What if there's something in there," asked Crystalia.
"What if whatever that spear belongs to is out there and we just didn't see it because it saw us first," said Crystal.
Crystalia and Fate looked at each other. After a second's hesitation, the galloped after Crystal Heart, who was already making her way deeper into the caverns. What none of them knew was that this was actually a Changeling Hive, and there were Changelings in it...
...and the Changelings knew Crystalia, Crystal and Fate were there.
Crystal, Crystalia and Fate carefully made their way through the halls of the Changeling Hive. The torches had given way to intricate carved stone wall scones that held some type of glowing liquid that was extremely bright, almost like sunlight, which made their progress that much easier. Curiously, they had not yet encountered a single Changeling Drone, though the Hive showed obvious signs of inhabitance.
Some time after entering the sconed network, they'd stumbled upon a grandly decorated dinning hall. There were half-eaten meals that were still steaming, meaning that whatever had been there was still around somewhere.
"I'm not liking this," said Fate nervously.
"Don't worry," said Crystalia as they entered a large room, "We'll be fine."
"I think this msut be...," Crystal began, but was cut off as they were suddenly surrounded by at least two hundred drones, appearing from the various side passages.
"Stay your hooves, intruders," said the bulkiest of the group, "You are not welcome...QUEEN FATE!?"
Instantly, every Changeling was bent over. "Forgive us, your majesty. We did not realize it was you."
Fate was confused. If they're bowing to me, and we're as far North as Crystal says we are, then this hive must be...
"Is this Onyx Gleam Hive," asked Fate, sounding more demanding than she would have liked.
"Yes, your majesty," said the Changeling. "I am Intrepid, Captain and last of your Royal Guard."
Fate looked around at the changelings gatherd. There were her subjects, not Chrysalis', hers.
"But I thought you'd all been killed," said Fate.
"Most of us were," said Intrepid as he rose from his bow. "We've only been able to begin reproducing recently. Two months ago there were only ten of us."
"Really," Fate said, the shock in her voice noticeable.
"Yes, my Queen," Intrepid said, "But we have endured with the help of Diamond Shimmer Hive and the Kingdom of Shadow."
"My Hive still exists," asked Crystalia.
"Indeed," answered Intrepid, "Your daughter, Princess Crystal Shimmer, has been very generous with the Hive's Love Store, as she says that they have more than they need."
"What about the Kingdom of Shadows," asked Crystal.
"Those dragons," Intrepid said with a smile. "They have been a great help in reconstructing the outer Hive, and give us their Love freely, along with food and supplies in exchange for gems. Fear not, we have not raided the Royal Treasurey, but have gone into the jet mines for the gems."
"Jet mine? I thought this was Onxy Gleam Hive," questioned Crystalia.
"It was an Onyx mine, then that dried up," said Intrepid. "We dug a bit deeper, then we found the Jet Geode. It's actually a huge cave network that runs for many, many miles. We started mapping it nearly six hundred years ago, and we still haven't finished, even with our increasing numbers."
Fate nodded. "Well, at least they match my chitin, right?"
Intrepid let loose a hearty laugh before continuing. "Indeed they do. So, will you be staying?"
"Well...," began Fate. She wasn't sure whether to stay and help rebuild her Hive, or to continue on in search of Snowdrop. She felt a hoof on her shoulder and turned to see Crystal looking at her.
"It's okay," Crystal said, "They need you right now. Crystalia and I will continue the search once the storm passes."
"Thank you," Fate said before turning back to Intrepid. "Very well. I shall stay, for now."
A massive cheer went through the group of gathered Changelings. Once they finished, they returned to their normal duties.
"Perhaps we should celebrate," suggested Fate.
"An excellent idea, my Queen," said Intrepid brightly, "I'll get the preparations underway. I'd suggest you use the Hive Mind to inform everyling of the celebration. You do remember how to use it, right?"
Honestly, Fate had not used the Hive Mind in such a long time that she feared she might have forgotten how to use it. Regardless, she began to focus.
"Testing, testing, can you hear me," Fate said telepathically.
"Loud and clear, my Queen," said Intrepid, understanding her worry.
"To all Changelings of Onyx Gleam Hive, I, Queen Fate, have returned to you. To commemorate this, a celebration shall be held in the Grand Dinning Hall this evening. Come if you can, but if it is too difficult, don't try anything stupid, and stay where you are," Fate spoke telepathically to her Hive.
"A good speech," said Intrepid.
"We do have a Grand Dinning Hall, right," asked Fate.
"Yes," Intrepid, "Perhaps I should give you a tour of the Hive."
"That would be nice, thank you."
~~~~~~~~
Four Hours Later...
The feast and celebrations were in full swing, and everyling was having a good time. Even Crystal and Crystalia had joined in the festivities, and were thoroughly enjoying themselves.
"So, what do you think," asked Intrepid.
"I like it," replied Fate. "Everyling seems to be enjoying themselves, and that pleases me greatly."
As Intrepid nodded, a tall, elegant Changeling Queen entered the hall. Her chitin and carapace were both pure white, her eyes a shade of lightest blue, her mane and tail were a somewhat reflective blue, and her wings were tinted ice blue.
She scanned the room, but stopped when her eyes fell upon Crystalia, who had seen her first. After a moment's hesitation, both mares ran to each other, wrapping each other in a warm embrace when they met.
"Who's that," asked Fate.
"Princess Crystal Shimmer," said Crystal as she came up to Fate, "Future ruler of Diamond Shimmer Hive, and daughter of Queen Crystalia."
"Really," said Fate, "Why isn't her chitin black like Crystalia's was?"
"Crystalia was the first of her Hive, as were you," said Crystal, "Crystlia, however, starved herself once when her Hive had a Love shortage. This ruined her appearence, leaving it an empty template which Celestia filled with her love for Crystalia as a friend, changing her to look like Celestia. In all my years, though, this is the only occurence of this happening."
"And you've been around a long time," said Fate thoughtfully.
"Since the beginning," Crystal said simply.
Fate nodded and the two of them watched Crystal Shimmer and Crystalia's reunion warmly as the two began to cry. It warmed Crystal's heart to see such happiness, especially in such dark times.
As Nightmare Moon, Midnight Blue and General Alexander rounded the mesa, a fortress came into view. It was a tall, white tower surrounded by a tall, formiable courtyard and and wall, all circular. The walls normally had dunes against them, but those had been cleared, and the bodies of changelings and griffons littered the sand. This was Castle Rosethorn, home of General Act of Valor of the Royal Canterlot Guard. He had not been seen in decades, but due to the fact he was an Alicorn, plus the desolation before them, they were able to divulge that the General was still quite alive.
A bolt of silver magic, just barely missing Alexander's head, confirmed this.
"By Winter! Watch where you point that, you old coot!"
"Sorry," said a voice from the wall as the group approached, "Thought you were one of them. Here, let me open the gate for you."
Seconds later, the gate lurched and began moving upwards. Slowly, an aged Alicorn Stallion was revealed on the other side, wearing a polished set of Royal Canterlot Guard Armor with intricate ingraving, signifying his high rank.
"Welcome to Castle Rosethorn, Princess Nightmare Moon," said Valor with a bow, "What brings you out to this lonely part of the world?"
"The Shard of Loyalty," said Nightmare Moon, "We need it."
"Oh my," said Valor, "Has the time come already?"
"I'm afraid it has, Valor."
Valor was quiet for long moment, deep in thought. Finally, he spoke. "Very well, but we must make haste. Those Changelings might attack us again any minute, and the next wave is already overdue."
"Lead on, General," Nightmare said, but no sooner had she raised her hoof had a spear embedded itself where Alexander's arm had once been.
"GAH! EVERY SINGLE TIME," Alexander roared as he tore out the spear and there it straight through the head of the Changeling who'd thrown it. "Go, Princess. I'm in a mood for some action!" And with that, Alexander charged screaming a battle cry into the massive horde of Changelings that was approaching as the Caslte gate closed.
"He won't be able to hold them for long," said Valor.
"I would disagree, but we need to move," said Nightmare Moon.
"Of course," said Valor, "Follow me."
Valor quickly lead Nightmare Moon and Midnight Blue into the castle and through the many halls as if they were a part of him. Fact was, Valor had been stationed in Castle Rosethorn from the moment he'd finished basic training, and had quickly risen through the ranks, making him an expert at navigating the many halls of the castle.
It took them less than a minute to reach the Shard Chamber, but getting the Shard would be no small task.
"Can you deactivate the traps," asked Nightmare Moon.
"No," said Valor, "I'm sorry. They can only be turned off from the other side of the chamber. I would get the Shard myself, but I'm not as young as I once was."
Nightmare Moon nodded. While Valor was an Alicorn, he was not fully immortal, aging at an extremely slowed pace.
"It's alright, I can do it myself."
Quickly, Nightmare Moon slipped out of her shoes and collar, and used her magic to remove her helmet and place it on the ground.
"Are you sure," asked Valor, "One wrong move and you'll be done for."
"I'm sure," Nightmare Moon said. She reared up and leapt. Below her, the floor crumbled, revealing a pit filled with long spikes. She landed on the other side and gingerly dodged an enormous axe pendulum before proceeding onward.
She came to another pit, and jumped. Too late did she realize that this pit was more than just a hole. In the walls were small holes, and they suddenly began spewing poisoned darts at the defenceless Nightmare Moon. She saw them and closed her eyed, waiting for the inevitable...
...but it never came.
Nightmare Moon slammed down onto the cold stone on the other side of the pit, and narrowly dodged another axe pendulum. Looking around, Nightmare Moon saw Valor standing beside her.
Valor, seeing Nightmare Moon's plight, had grabbed a shield off the wall and charged through the traps, dodging them as if her were dancing. He raised the shield as he leapt, and the darts had embedded themselves in it.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Nightmare Moon said as Valor helped her up, "Thanks, but how did you do that?"
"Duty first," Valor said, "Protecting the people comes before protecting the self."
"That's very...noble," said Nightmare Moon, "I'm sure Winter would be impressed."
"Oh, I know," said Valor with a smile. "Shall we?"
Nightmare Moon and Valor navigated the last few traps and reached the Shard, which Nightmare Moon quickly lifted with her magic while Valor deactivted the traps, which made the trip back far less dangerous.
Once they returned to the enterance, Nightmare Moon placed the Shard into Midnight's satchel and put her armor back on. "Time to go."
"Are you coming with us," asked Midnight.
Valor thought for a moment. "Sure! All those Changelings want is the Shard, so the Castle will be safe, but you'll need a hand."
"Sounds good to me," said Nightmare, "Let's go."
~~~~~~~~~~
The sight they beheld when they opened the gate was one of gore and disgust. Green blood soaked the sands in front of the castle, the completly eviserated corpses of the Changeling attackers flowing from what little pieces remained of them. Fragments of chitin, carapace and organs littered the battlefield, and the smell of flesh was overpowering, and standing in the middle of it all, covered in the blood of his enemies, stood a very calm Alexander.
"Felling better," Nightmare asked.
"Much, thanks," replied Alexander, "I look like a mess, don't I?"
"Well," Nightmare said, "Just a little."
"How did he," sputtered Valor.
"When Alexander goes off in a blind rage," explained Nightmare, "Stuff happens."