> Tales From the Crystal Empire
>  by Mystic Sunrise
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The First Day of your New Life
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today marked a special day in the Crystal Empire, though it was not marked on any calendar as any kind of holiday or special event. But for the crystal ponies, it did not need to be, for this day came around only once in a lifetime. Twice if you should be so lucky to live so long.

Crystal Empress Venus had announced that she was expecting a child soon, not too long ago. Alongside Prince Consort, Earth Shatter, the two had never looked happier when they had announced the news to the whole empire.

Few could ever remember a couple that loved each other more than these two. While Earth Shatter's official roles were few, none would argue that their empress had not chosen well with her choice of who she fell in love with. Not a few mares, though, were jealous that they had not managed to snag the stallion themselves. But they never held it against Venus. 

But now though, something had changed. While it had not been said yet, rumors from the Crystal Palace said that something was up, and as was the case with most rumors, it was soon all over the city.

"I heard that the empress was rushed to the Royal Hospital this morning."

"I heard that she has gone into labor. I hope she is alright."

Whatever the case may be, it was obvious that something was going on. The Crystal Palace had been locked down, and the Imperial Guard turned away all visitors. Court had been canceled, and nopony was allowed inside.

Despite what some might call the worrying signs, few crystal ponies felt terribly worried. Nothing felt wrong around the palace. In fact, a sense of calm seemed to have settled over the spire, as if the Crystal Heart itself was waiting for something.

The few ponies old enough to remember something like this, counseled those around them, saying that if something was truly wrong, they would soon find out and not to worry. In fact, this was a day for celebration.

Soon, and nopony could really say why the whole city seemed to be waiting for the good news of some kind. Even though they did not know why they did, or what they waited for.





Venus fought back a pained cry, as another contraction racked her body. She settled instead for glaring at the doctors around her. "Doctor, I swear on the Armor of Eternity itself that if you tell me to relax one more time, I am throwing you out of the window and letting gravity decide what happens to you!"

White Diamond only smiled. He was used to hearing all sorts of things from expecting mothers on a day like this, so this did not bother him in the slightest. "You are doing great, your highness. Only a few more pushes and your daughter will be out."

Venus seethed, as she pushed with all of her might, just like she had been told to. "Great? How is this going great?! I have been at this all day! I am far from feeling great, doctor! And you are not helping!"

Diamond chuckled, recalling a long-ago memory of another pony saying the same thing. "Your mother said much the same thing when she gave birth to you, and you came out fine. And I should know. I helped deliver you myself. It was almost word for word what she said as well."

Venus bit back another shout. White Diamond was one of only a few living ponies who remembered a time when her mother had been Crystal Empress, and she had only been the Crystal Princess, and even further back before she had ever been born. And despite the unimaginable agony, she was in at the moment, she still liked him. He was also one of the few that knew her Personal Name, Rose Quartz, and despite all the grief she had given him over the years about one thing or another, he still stood by her.

No matter how mad and angry she was at the moment.

Another contraction wracked her body, but this one felt ten times worse than the ones before it, as her wings shot out, nearly knocking several ponies over the process. She tried to smile and apologize, but the pain was too much, and she bit down on what she really wanted to say.

White Diamond, though, nodded and moved in closer. "Okay, your highness. Now push!  Push as you have never pushed before! You are almost there."

Venus did as she was told and pushed with all of her might. This went on for several minutes, and she feared that something was wrong. Until the pain and agony shot through the roof, and she cried out as the pain rose higher and higher. Before finally, it all stopped, and Venus fell back on the pillows with an exhausted gasp, sweat pouring down her face. For a moment, no sound filled the room.

And then the cries of a newborn filly filled the air, and everypony breathed an audible sigh of relief. Immediately one doctor put a cool rag to Venus's forehead, while another tried to make her as comfy as possible.

White Diamond smiled as he helped to clean the filly off before handing her daughter to her. "Congratulations, your highness. A beautiful, baby girl."

Venus took her daughter in her hooves, careful not to move too much. The filly's cries soon subsided, and she opened her eyes, looking at Venus with wonder and love. The filly smiled, giggling as she reached up with her tiny hooves.

Venus giggled as she lowered her head, letting her daughter touch her. That made the filly giggle even more. At that moment, Venus had never seen anything more beautiful than the tiny bundle in her hooves.

Her daughter's coat was mostly lavender, with the lavender fading to pink along her wings' edges. Her mane and tail were both midnight blue, with three color stripes of lavender, blond yellow, and Fuschia running through them. Her horn was the same color as her coat.

Wait. Horn?

Venus blinked before looking again. Her daughter did in fact have a horn, a small nub poking through her mane. Just for a moment, blue light of magic flickered along the horn, before disappearing. The doctors had noticed it as well, and were just as surprised, murmuring among themselves about what it could mean. White Diamond though only shook his head, too old now to be surprised at much of anything anymore. He quickly moved to the door, informing the Imperial Guard outside that all was well.

Coming back to the empress's side, he smiled at both of them. "Well. I can say for sure that I did not expect to see that." He shook his head. "We will give your daughter a normal checkup. But I am not sure what to look for now that we know she has a horn. Unicorns are rare in the Crystal Empire as you know."

Venus nodded. As much as it hurt, she handed her daughter to the waiting hooves of Diamond, holding her for as long as she could. The filly's eyes filled with tears at being separated from her mother, and she looked ready to cry again desperately trying to get back to her mother, wiggling her hooves in desperation in Venus's direction.

Venus smiled gently as she leaned over and kissed her daughter's forehead. That seemed to do the trick, as her tears evaporated. "Do not worry. Mommy will see you again very soon. I promise," Venus whispered.

The filly didn't look convinced, but she seemed to calm down, as White Diamond left to do her checkup, while another doctor came to the empress's side with a cold glass of water, which Venus was more than happy to take.

"Do you have a name for her, your highness?" The mare asked.

Venus though about it for a moment. She considered several, but one kept coming back to the fore more and more. Finally, she smiled and nodded. "I do, in fact."





Later that day, hundreds of the Crystal Empire's citizens thronged to the front of the Crystal Palace. News had gone out that an announcement was soon to be made about what was going on with the Crystal Empress.  With rumors of why the palace had been locked down as it had been still going strong, more than a few were worried that something could be wrong. They hoped not. But the feeling would not go away.

But with the lockdown ended, and the Imperial Guard now seemingly in a much better mood, few believed that the news would be anything but happy.

The crowd hushed as the Royal Herald came to the balcony of the Empress's Bedroom. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before he began. "Citizens of the Crystal Empire. I am happy to announce that on this day, Crystal Empress Mi Amora Venus has given birth to a beautiful, healthy, baby girl. Both mother and daughter are fine and are even at this moment resting."

That ended all the rumors and bad feelings as the ponies below him stomped in approval, and the mothers among them felt their hearts go out to the empress, knowing the feeling.

But the Herald was not done. "The empress has also decided upon the filly's name. Let it be known now and for all time, that Princess Mi Amora Amicitia has this day, come to the Crystal Empire. May her reign, when the day comes, be a long and prosperous one!"

That was all the crystal ponies needed, as they began to cheer and stomp their hooves enthusiastically, the Crystal Heart itself glowing brightly as the love of the empire swelled to new heights.
> An Old Friend
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Empress Venus pinched her nose. "You are sure of this, Captain?"

Blue Diamond nodded. "Yes, your highness. The snowstorms are getting worse. Ponies swear that they can hear eerie howling out in the wastes. But nopony knows what is causing them."

Pink Diamond nodded. "There was also a delegation from the Unicorn Tribe earlier today."

Venus frowned. This was not what she needed right now. "Did they ask what the Pegasus and Earth Pony Tribes asked?"

Rose nodded grimly. "That we return the ponies of their tribes that have come to the Crystal Empire to them. Or there would be trouble."

Venus scowled, a rare sight for her. "I have told Bullion, Hurricane, and Puddinghead this more times than I care to count. Anypony of any tribe that comes to the Crystal Empire, and seeks safety, is under my protection. If they chose to stay, then they have the full rights of the crystal ponies. Some of those ponies have families now. I refuse to destroy the lives they've made for themselves."

Blue and Pink shared a look. They knew that better some that feeling. Blue had married a unicorn mare that had come seeking the safety of the empire. They were expecting their first child for crying out loud, while Pink was engaged to a rather dashing former Pegasus Knight. For crying out loud, Venus was going to marry them herself! Pink was her longstanding Chamberlain, and one of the few that the empress could genuinely call a friend, that wasn't a part of her family.

Blue shook his head. "We sent them away with the same warning. I am not sure how much longer King Bullion will take it. But with the tribes at each other's throats, I do not think he will try anything."

Venus nodded, glad of some good news at least. She looked around the table one last time. "Is there anything else we must discuss?"

Blue Diamond and Pink Diamond shook their heads. Nodding, Venus dismissed them with a wave of her wing. Bowing, the two made their exit, anxious to get home before the sunset.

Venus sighed once the door closed behind them. As much as she might put on a mask, she was concerned deeply about the worsening snow storms out the shield of the Crystal Heart. For now, the empire was fine. But there was something very wrong going on. For now, though, Venus was more than happy to drop the Crystal Empress visage and spend time in the role she loves the most. That of a mother. Amicitia should have been up from her nap by now.

With a very un-empress-like giggle, Venus left the Conference Room behind and turned her steps to the Private Rooms of the palace. Nodding to the few Imperial Guard along the way, she soon came to her own room and the Nursery where her daughter slept. Though it did not appear so, both rooms were connected, so that mother and daughter would be far apart.

As neared the door to the Nursery, Rose could hear voices from inside. Rose smiled. Cadenza, or Cadance as she preferred to be called, was probably the best thing that had ever happened for Amicitia. She was the closest the filly had to a big sister, and the feeling was mutual. She should still be here at this time. Rose paused outside the door, not wanting to interrupt whatever the two might be doing at the moment. 

"It's bigger on the inside!" Came her daughter's voice in a squeaky high pitch.

"Is it? I hadn't noticed," came a stallion's voice. One that stopped Rose in her tracks, her smile growing. It was a voice she had not heard in a long time. But one she remembered well, as she pushed the door open.

Amicitia's room was much like any other filly or colt's room, with her stuffed animal friends scattered all over the place and piled atop her bed. A window looked down on the Crystal Empire below. What stood out though, was the big blue box standing against a wall. The words 'Police Public Call Box' hung over the door. Whatever they might mean, for Rose had never figured it out. And she had been to the planet it came from. Several times in fact. The doors were currently open at the moment, and her daughter's rump was sticking out, bouncing back and forth excitedly.

Rose chuckled. "You could at least knock next time, Doctor."

Amicitia gasped in shock before pulling herself out of the box and rushing over and hugging her mom as hard as she could. Rose giggled as she leaned down and nuzzled her daughter, even as a light brown earth pony stuck his head out of the box. "Ah! Venus! Still holding down the fort I see."

Rose chuckled as she picked up her daughter and set her on her back. "And I see you still wear the same face I remember." She looked inside the police box. It still looked as she remembered it from her youth. "All by yourself?"

The Doctor shook his head. "Yes. I have not been by Earth in some time now. Probably needs all the help it can get."

Rose nodded. "I am sure. They do have a habit of attracting trouble."

Amicitia looked back and forth between the two. "How do you know him, mommy? And what the hay are you wearing?" She asked, pointing at the odd-shaped thing on the stallion's head. 

The Doctor chuckled. "This, my dear, is a fez. Fezzes are cool."

Amcitia stuck her tongue out. "Yuck."

Rose chuckled. "As for how I know him, he is an old friend of mine. We used to adventure across time and space. For a time anyway."

Amcitia tilted her head in confusion. "What happened?"

Rose's ears fell. "I saw how dangerous the universe is. But I also saw how beautiful it can be. It helped become the pony I am today."

The Doctor nodded. "I brought your mother back to right the moment we first left Equss. It was only a few moments for everypony else, but it had been much longer than that." He tapped the police box. "This, my dear, is a time machine. Time And Relative Dimension In Space. TARDIS for short."

Amicitia gave it a unconvinced glare. "Looks like a big blue box to me."

Rose and the Doctor just rolled their eyes. "What brings you back to Equus then, Doctor? Surely, we are not that interesting?" Rose asked.

The Doctor chuckled. "Not yet anyway. This world is so unlike many other worlds where ponies are so predominant that I have seen. I am curious to see how it all plays out in the end."

Venus frowned. There was that feeling again. That the Doctor knew more than he was willing to tell. It had driven her crazy once, and it still did now as she remembered all the times the future of Equus had come up. "You know what's going on outside the Crystal Empire then?"

He nodded sadly. "Yes, I know full well what is going on outside the Shield. But some things must happen if this world has any future to speak of. I got my hands dirty once, sticking my nose in. It cost me, my people. I will not do it again."

Venus' earls wilted. She knew enough of the Last Great Time War to know what he spoke of. What had happened to Gallifrey. It was not a pleasant memory for her.

Amicitia looked between the two, very confused. "What's he talking about, mommy?"

The Doctor shook his head. "A very bad memory, my child. Ask your mother when you are older. She knows the story."

Amicitia waited a few seconds before smiling widely and spreading her wings. "Okay, I'm older now! Now tell me?"

Venus giggled as she ruffled her daughter's mane. "When you are a few years older, honey."

Amicitia groaned and sat down with a huff, pouting as she crossed her hooves. "Fine. Be like that."

The others chuckled. The Doctor bowed before returning to the TARDIS. "I really wish I could stay longer. But something tells me that if I do, I will miss something that I will regret for the rest of time."

Rose and Amicitia shared a confused look. "Like what?" Amicitia asked.

The Doctor paused a moment, before grinning widely. "I have no idea! But it is going to be fantastic! I just know it. Allons-y!" And disappeared into the TARDIS, closing the door behind him.

Rose took several steps back, as Amicitia watched in awe as the box revved for a moment, before gradually disappearing from sight. "He's weird," she grumbled.

Rose chuckled as she looked at her daughter. "Yes. Yes, he is. But there are few with a bigger heart than him. You get used to it after a while."

Amicitia wasn't convinced as she gave the spot where the TARDIS had once been a glare. "Will he come back? I never even got to explore it! I wanted to explore it," she pouted.

Rose giggled as she kissed her daughter's forehead. "You will get another chance, Amicitia. He has a habit of popping up whenever he is needed. He will be back one day. And who knows? He might even bring a friend along with him next time."

Amicitia didn't look entirely convinced but only nodded, as she snuggled into her mother's coat, hoping that Cadance might come back later. She had said she needed to do something. She just hoped the greatest foal sitter in the history of foal sitters was okay.
> A New Foalsitter
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amicitia eyes the young Pegasus in front of her with a critical eye. There was something fishy going on here, and she didn't like it. Nope. Not one bit, as she looked up at her mother. "Who is she?"

Venus sighed. "She is your new foalsitter, Amicitia. Please do not scare her off as you have the last several."

Amicitia scrunched up her face. "I hate broccoli. It's all green and icky!" She pouted, sticking her tongue out to prove her point.

Venus rubbed her snout irritably as she tried to keep her composure. "I am sorry about this, Cadance. My daughter is usually not this difficult. She likes meeting new ponies most of the time. I do not know why she is acting like this."

Cadance chuckled. "It's no trouble, your highness. This isn't the first time somepony has reacted like this when they first meet me."

Venus nodded, before smiling. "I must insist you do not use my title while you are here. I have heard nothing but good things about you from around the empire. Do not treat us any differently than you would other ponies."

Cadance's ears lowered. She wasn't sure she could do that. This was the Royal Family for Lumena's sake! This was nothing like her other fillies and colts she looked after. Forget getting grounded. She'd be lucky not to get banished from the Crystal Empire if she screwed this up.

Venus saw the hesitation, and her own ears wilted. This happened every time she needed a new foalsitter for her daughter. No matter how hard she tried to make them comfortable, they never could treat them as normal ponies. She scooted her daughter forward, hoping she would have more luck. "Go on, Amicitia. Say hello. Don't be afraid."

Amicitia pouted but did as her mother asked. Oddly, being this close to the Pegasus was comforting and warm. Like being wrapped in a big fuzzy blanket. She liked it whatever it was. She squinted at the older filly. "You're really pink," she said after a moment.

Cadance blinked in surprise, before giggling. "Yes. Yes, I am. Mom says I get it from her side, but dad also says the same thing. So I don't know who to believe. I got asked a lot about it when we moved here."

Amicitia gasped, pointing a hoof. "You lived outside the Shield?"

Cadance nodded. "We did. In the Pegasus Enclave. But we were forced out for something stupid mom and dad still won't tell me about. When I'm older I guess."

Amicitia groaned. "I hate it when grown-ups say that! Mommy says it all the time. I'm plenty old enough to know. I'm four!"

Cadance giggled before her eyes widened in surprise as Amicitia's horn poked through her mane for the first time. This was new.

Amicitia saw where her eyes went and sighed sadly. "Ponies always stare at me when they see my horn. It's why I hide it. Nopony tells me what I am. Nopony else looks like I do. I hate being different like this."

Cadance's heart fell as she heard the sorrow in the filly's reply. She truly hated being different from other ponies like she was. Not as a princess. But as whatever kind of pony, she was. It was all she could take as she heard Amicitia sniff. She quickly pulled the filly into a hug with a wing. Amicitia didn't seem to care as she buried her head in Cadance's shoulder. The older filly looked up at the empress with a pleading look.

Rose nodded and backed quietly out of the room, leaving the two alone for now. Her head fell in despair as she headed for her first meeting. She hated not being able to do more for her daughter for this problem. She could only hope that Cadance could help in some way.

For Amicitia's sake, and for her own broken heart, Rose hoped so.





Venus sighed irritably as she left the Conference Room as she glared back at the armored Pegasus that sat with a scowl at the table. "If Commander Hurricane cannot be bothered to come here himself, then I have nothing more to say to you or to him."

The stallion's scowl grew. "This could mean war, your majesty. I suggest you consider your words wisely."

Venus laughed, but there was no mirth behind it. "You think I haven't heard it all before? Use that empty space between your ears. Armies have broken themselves against the Shield. Many more never made it that far. There are things out there on the tundra that even I fear. Atali has been seen recently."

The stallion snorted in derision. "Ymir, the Frost Giant's daughter? Old wives tales. Nothing but words from ravening mad ponies too long in the cold. I had thought you smarter than that, your highness."

Venus smiled sweetly. "For your sake, Captain Weatherbe, I hope so. But I have lived a long time, and have seen many strange things. Things that would break the minds of many. But that is neither here nor there. There is a room prepared for you. In the morning, you can return with my reply. Do not make me regret it."

Weatherbe looked ready to argue this, but Venus turned on her heel and left, leaving no doubt her thoughts on the matter.

As soon as she was out of sight, Venus sighed irritably. These demands from the Three Tribes were becoming increasingly irksome. How weak did Bullion, Hurricane, and Puddinghead, think she was? That she would just roll over and give them all that they demanded of her. Not asked. Demanded. As if she was nothing but a common noble. The Umbra had thought the same.

Now they were extinct and the pony they had sent in to weaken the empire was dead by the hooves of the one pony who had ever stood by him.

She shook her head, pushing the unpleasant memories aside as she headed for her daughter's room. None of the staff had reported anything wrong, so Rose hoped against hope that this could work. It was almost time for lunch.

As she came to the door, she heard excited voices from beyond. Not wanting to interrupt, and curious as to how things were going, she strained her ears to see what Amicitia and Cadance might be talking about.

"So what do you think of colts?" Cadance asked with a giggle.

Amicitia gagged. "Yuck. Boys are icky. Who needs them?"

Cadance giggled in return. "You say that now, but you might change your mind when you grow up."

Amicitia snorted, earning a giggle from Rose herself as she imagined the indignant look on her daughter's face. "Grown-ups are a bunch of dumb-dumbs. They do dumb stuff all the time."

"Even your mother?" Cadance asked shrewdly.

Amicitia gasped in horror. "Except mommy! She's smarter than everypony put together. And that's final! Royal Order!"

Cadance giggle-snorted, before breaking into laughter. A moment later, Amicitia joined in. A sound that put a smile on Rose's face as she turned to leave, letting the two have their privacy. She could wait.

"I think this is the beginning of something wonderful," Rose said as she headed for the Dining Hall with a spring in her step.
> Personal Guard
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I still believe that this is too early," Amicitia grumbled as she completed the poster that would soon go up around the empire. 

Venus rubbed her temples. "I understand your concerns, dear. But it is never too early to start your Personal Guard. The world outside is not as benevolent as we may wish it to be."

Amicitia nodded as she looked at her mother. "I understand that, mother. But I have no reason to go outside the Shield. Let the Tribes freeze to death. That we were not even considered for the Summit says all we need to know of what they think of us."

Venus frowned. She too was not happy about the explicit snub in not being invited to the recent Leader's Summit. "It is not the Tribes I fear, honey. Many things from the Tundra can come inside the Shield. You cannot stay in the city forever."

Amicitia's ears fell. It was true, and it had been made even more clear when an Ice Worm had claimed her father's life. She sniffed at the thought. "I miss daddy."

Rose's heart sank as she pulled her daughter close. "I miss him too, honey. But that is why I feel you must start now. I started mine at the same age as you. I have never regretted that decision. Mother thought I was crazy when I did."

Amicitia snorted as she picked up the poster in her magic. "I just hope that I am doing this right. The Imperial Guard doesn't have enough to pick from. I know. I triple-checked."

Venus looked down and was surprised at what she read. "Are you sure you want to do it this way, Twilight? This will cause quite a stir when ponies see it."

Twilight nodded as she headed for the door. "I mean it. If I am going to do this, then I will do it my way. And if ponies do not like it? Who are they going to complain to? You? This is my choice, mom. Not yours, or anypony else's."

Rose giggled as Twilight left the room, a spring in her step. "Then for the Mother's sake, Twilight. I hope you are right."





Crystal Dawn wasn't sure what was going on, as she pushed her way through the crowd gathered in front of the Crystal Heart. "What the hay is going on around here? Did I miss a party or something?"

Her friend Rose Quartz, who had gotten here earlier, finally saw her and pulled her to the front. "There you are, Crystal! Haven't you heard?"

Crystal shot her a look. "Heard what? I just got here. What's the big deal?"

Rose pointed to a signboard that stood before the heart. "This. Big news from Princess Amicitia, and I know you're going to be excited about it."

Crystal rolled her eyes before starting to read and was surprised to see what was written there.

'To all citizens of the Crystal Empire.

We are formally announcing the opening of posts for my Personal Guard. Mares need only apply. Any stallion wishing to do so should apply instead for the Imperial Guard. 

Those mares who wish to do so should gather in the morning before the Crystal Heart. I will be there to personally welcome each and every one of you. I look forward to getting to know any and all who apply.

This, formally and officially announced, on the first of Primus. Signed Princess Mi Amore Amicitia Zorya Spes Equus. Crystal Princess and Heir of the Crystal Throne.'

Rose whistled. "You know it's important when she uses her full name." She smirked at her friend. "So. When are you going to join, Crystal?"

Crystal shot her a look. "Who says I'm going to do anything with this?"

Rose's smirk only grew as she poked her friend. "Oh, come on. I've seen how you look at her when she comes into your shop. I think she likes you."

Crystal blushed. "So what? Mom and dad always say I should not treat ponies differently. No matter who they might be."

Rose nodded. "But I know you've thought about joining the Imperial Guard before. Your mom was in it wasn't she?"

Crystal smiled. "Yeah. Made it to Captain of the Guard as well. Back when Empress Amore was still the ruler. But she was never part of her Personal Guard. What chance do I have?"

Rose shrugged. "I don't know. But I seriously doubt Princess Amicitia cares. And who knows? Depending on how many apply, you might end up as her Life Guard as well."

Crystal giggle-snorted. Now that was funny. Her? As the main guard for the princess, and future empress? Not in a million years. But the more she thought about it, the more it felt like something she wanted to do. And if there was one thing Crystal was known for, it was never stopping once she started.

"Oh. What the hay," she smiled, seeing several other mares thinking the same thing. "It does sound fun. What's the worse that can happen?"





The next morning, Crystal stood with at least three dozen other mares before the Crystal Heart. All of them were about the same age as Princess Amicitia herself, though several were older.

The princess herself was there as well, as was Captain Ironhoof, Captain of the Imperial Guard. "I hope you know what you are doing, princess," he said quietly.

Amicitia shot him a look. "Then it is a good thing this is out of your hooves, captain. If this somehow turns into a disaster, then you can tell me "I told you so" all you want. Until then, however, keep your opinions to yourself. Or I will personally make sure you are on permanent latrine duty from now on. Am I understood?"

Ironhoof had the decency to look horrified at the thought. Amicitia hated to have to say it like this. But she was sick and tired of ponies close to the Royal Family telling her the same thing. This was her choice, nopony else's, as she looked out across the crowd.

Several ponies she knew, while many more she did not. That was good. It made things easier moving forward. She hoped, as she stepped forward and began to speak. "Ponies. Thank you for coming. Before we begin, I want to say something."

The ponies all shared confused looks as the princess paused for a moment. What did she mean by that?

Amicitia sighed. "I want to get to know each and every one of you personally. I do not want complete strangers in my life like this. I want ponies that I know I can trust. Ponies that I know I can rely on. Above and beyond as my Personal Guard."

"What do you mean?" One of the older mares asked, earning a glare from Ironhoof, but a smile from Twilight as she stopped him with a pointed look.

Her smile grew. "I want you. All of you. To protect me not because I am the princess. Not because it is your duty. But because you care about me. As your friend first, and your princess second."

This caused quite the stir, as the girls began to talk among themselves about what this could mean. Amicitia knew that this would happen, however as she held up a hoof for silence. "I understand that this might be difficult for some of you. But all of us, together. We can make this work. If you will have me?"

At this, she stopped and waited to see how they would all react. It was no longer in her hooves, as they all began to talk among themselves. Amicitia could have listened in with her magic. But she refused to do so. It was not fair to them. This had to be their own decision. Not hers.

Finally, however, one pony stepped forward. Amicitia recognized her as someone she had met before in a sweet shop of all places. It was all it took. One by one, each and every mare stepped forward. As one, they bowed, going to one hoof. "We swear it," they said.

Amicitia just barely held back a squee as she spread her wings and held a hoof on the first pony to step forward. "Then formally swear the oath. And let none ever doubt you again."

As one, every mare spoke. "We swear our lives and souls to Princess Amicitia Zorya Spes Equus. Above and beyond any other, we swear ourselves to her. Let no harm or foul pass us, on pain of fate worse than death. This we swear. On the Prime Magic and the Armor of Eternity. From now till the end of time."

Amicitia seemed to grow as the oath was sealed. "And I accept happily your oaths. Let none stand between you and me ever again. Not even my mother. From this day forward, this I swear."

The magic in the air soared to new heights before it was absorbed into each and every one of the mares in the ceremony, as they opened their eyes, and Amicitia bid them rise. In their eyes, she could see something new. Something she looked forward to getting to know better.

This was not the end of course. There were still many things for them to learn before they swore their Eternus Oath, and Twilight wanted to get to know all of them personally and individually.

But as she locked eyes for a moment with a mare with a pink and blue mane, Twilight swore that it would all be worth it.
> Rivals
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Crystal slumped onto her cot with a groan. "I swear the captain has it out for me. So my spear was a bit off aim. It's not like I was aiming at him! And it wasn't even a close call."

Fair Facet smirked as she slid onto her own bunk above her. Her snow-white coat stood out next to her flaming orange mane. Her eyes sparkled like cut emeralds, harboring a hardness that spoke of wisdom and discipline beyond her years. "I think he has it out for all of us, Crystal," she giggled.

Crystal shot her a look. "Please. You get off easy with that damn shield spell of yours. The rest of us have to get by the old-fashioned way."

Fair just smiled, and before long Crystal found herself smiling as well before both of them broke into helpless giggles as the older mare rolled onto her back. "What can I say? It's a gift."

Crystal rolled her eyes as her head fell onto her pillow. A month into this and a part of her was wondering if this had been a good idea. Her whole body hurt in places she didn't know she could hurt. Was it even possible for her to drop out? Nopony ever had as far as she knew.

One thing, though, kept Crystal from finding that out. Her growing rivalry with Fair Facet. Something about the unicorn just drove her up a wall, and the feeling seemed to be mutual. That they shared a bunk did not help matters.

As much as they competed, however, they were fast becoming friends as well. Maybe it was the drive to outdo each other. Perhaps it was just teenage hormones talking. Neither one knew, and neither Fair nor Crystal really cared.

"You two are enjoying this way too much," Amber grumbled, as she flopped down onto her bed across from the pair. The Pegasus looked like she had just run a marathon back to back, her tan coat still wet from their earlier workout. 

Fair shrugged. "I rather work for it, Amber, than the princess just gives this to us. We're meant to protect her with our lives. We can't be weak, or the tundra will eat us all alive."

"Does she need us though?" Ivy asked as she joined Amber on her bed. "Don't tell me you've never wondered what kind of pony she is. I've never even heard of a pony with both a horn and wings."

Crystal shot her a dangerous look. "That is out of line, Ivy. It isn't our place to question her."

"Then I welcome it," a new voice at the far end of the barracks said, sending all three dozen mares in the room into a frenzy of standing to attention as Princess Amicitia entered with an unknowable look on her face.

Amicitia looked around, seemingly searching for something, though what was anyone's guess, before sighing. "Please. Don't let there be any secrets between us. How many of you are thinking the same thing as Ivy?"

Suddenly, nopony could meet her gaze at all, and even the eldest mares looked away in shame. Amicitia's ears fell as she nodded. "That is what I thought."

"Your Highness. Please forgive me. I-" Ivy began, but a hoof on her lips silenced her as the princess shook her head.

"Don't be," Amicitia said with a smile, before looking around. "None of you should be. I have asked myself that same question for years, and I will tell you what I know."

Everypony was taken aback as the princess, their future empress, slumped and sniffed as if the weight of the world was on her shoulders. "I don't know what I am. A  winged unicorn?" She asked, flaring her wings and pointing at her horn. "A horned Pegasus? A genetic freak? I don't know. Mother of All, I don't know, and I hate it!"

That was all Crystal could take as she pulled the princess into a hug, as Amicitia sniffed again. "Begging your pardon, princess. But does it really matter? I don't care what kind of pony you are."

"None of us do," Amber added, getting a unanimous round of nods and hoof stumps from the entire room, a sight that made Amicitia's heart soar.

Alongside that, she felt something else as relaxed in Crystal's grip. Something warm and fuzzy. She quickly quashed that train of thought. That was wrong of her, and she should know better than that.

Even if Crystal Dawn did have a nice flank. "Thank you," she nodded as the two pulled apart, before smiling widely. "I knew that this was not a mistake. All of you." Her smile grew as looked around the room, and the feeling was contagious, and soon everypony was smiling as well. 

"Not to be rude, but did you come out here just for all this?" Fair asked after a moment, earning a glare from Crystal, but earning a giggle from the princess herself.

"As a matter of fact, no," Amicitia smirked. "That was part of the reason of course. If you all are going to be my Personal Guard, then it's time we get to know each other better. Join me by the Crystal Heart in thirty minutes. Full armor and packs. We're going on a little trip."

Everyone shared a confused look. "Who though?" One asked.

Amicitia only smiled wider. "All of you. And this is not a request before any of you think so."

That sent everypony scrambling, almost running over each other as Amicitia giggled before skipping out of the room.

Crystal was no different as she scrambled to grab all of her gear. Oh, why did it have to be now of all times? She was still sore from the training session earlier that day.

"Hooves off the princess, Crystal," Fair grumbled down to her. "Your lucky Princess Amicitia doesn't seem to be the beheading type. What if her mother had seen that? Or how you looked at her flanks?"

Crystal glared back at her. "So what? I prefer mares. Deal with it, Fair. I didn't know I needed your permission for that!"

Fair snorted. "You don't, and I could care less who you like. It's none of my business. But she is our princess and our future empress. Remember that. You would have better luck getting to the moon than ever having a chance with her."

Crystal growled as Fair slipped into her armor, before adding her pack and joining the others at the barrack entrance. Oh, that was it. Nobody talked to her like that and got away with it. Someone needed to put that damn unicorn in her place.

And Crystal Dawn was more than happy to do so.