Sunset Shimmer and Sterling Honor undertake their mission to retrieve the Elements of Harmony
With Harmony restored to Equestria, everypony needs to get back to work. Princess Luna is off to the Crystal Empire to guide the Crystal Ponies back into modern society, and Sunset Shimmer and Sterling Honor set off to retrieve the lost Elements of Harmony.
What starts out as a simple retrieval mission quickly grows complicated, and things don't seem to be making sense in the Crystal Empire either. As Sunset and Sterling travel across Equestria they start to unveil the seeds of a far darker plot than either expected - and a danger to Equestria that none were prepared to face.
Sunset Shimmer panted heavily as the road flew underneath her hooves. She was a brilliant amber unicorn with a long, vivid crimson mane striped with brilliant yellow stripes. On her haunches was a crimson and yellow cutie mark in the shape of a stylized sun, the colors twisting into a pattern reminiscent of a yin/yang symbol. She wore a set of leather saddlebags, each carrying a copy of her cutie mark, but was otherwise unadorned.
The object of her frustration turned his head back and laughed. “I thought you said you could keep up!” he taunted. Sterling Honor was a pure white unicorn with the body of a career soldier. Immaculately groomed, and dressed in a light barding carrying the silver, blue and gold colors of Equestria’s royal guard. His own saddlebags carried only the royal seal of Equestria, which was a stylized blue alicorn and a white alicorn circling together. They did not seem to be impacting his ability to gallop.
Sunset growled and increased her speed to match Sterling’s pace. “I… ORDER… you… to… slow… down!” she panted.
Sterling laughed again, and gradually reduced his speed to a mere trot. “All right, all right,” he chuckled softly. “I suppose you have that right, after all. But I did warn you that we would be running a lot!”
Sunset offered a breathy sigh of relief as their speed came down, and she trotted alongside Sterling as she caught her breath. “Yes… but… as I remember… you are here… to assist me. So let me set the pace!”
Sterling grinned. “Come now, I’d like to recover the Elements of Harmony before I’m old and gray!” He took a deep breath and smiled as he looked up into the bright blue sky. “But… it really is a nice day for a run. Thanks for indulging me for so long.” He winked. “I was certain you’d have given up before we even reached the bridge.”
“That was all downhill!” laughed Sunset. “It was the three miles since then that started to wear on me!”
“Only three miles?” asked Sterling, the grin widening. A warning glare from Sunset caused him to good naturedly back off from the taunt. “All right, all right. But we could have taken the train?”
It was Sunset’s turn to grin. “I knew you’d tease me the entire way if I didn’t let you run a little bit. Besides,” she sighed contentedly, admiring the sky herself, “it’s only a day’s trot. It was dark for so long, it… it just feels wonderful to be out in the sun again.”
Sterling frowned just a little at those words, though he nodded. “It does,” he agreed. “But… it makes me wonder. It’s not my place to ask, but… have you heard how Princess Luna is doing?”
Princess Luna was the blue alicorn from the royal seal, and her sister Princess Celestia was the white alicorn. Celestia could raise the sun and begin each day, whilst Luna would raise the moon and paint the night sky. But one thousand years ago Luna was not content, seeing that many more ponies preferred the day to the night. In a fit of jealousy she created the alter-ego of Nightmare Moon to terrorize and control the population of Equestria, only to be defeated by her sister and magically banished to the moon.
Ten years ago, Nightmare Moon escaped from her prison and successfully seized control, banished Celestia, and placed a curse of eternal night upon the land. Only a few months ago, Celestia escaped her own prison and eventually, they reconciled. This ended the reign of Nightmare Moon and both Luna and Celestia now ruled together and in peace.
Sunset Shimmer and Sterling Honor both played a role in this reconciliation - Sunset on behalf of Princess Celestia, and Sterling on behalf of Nightmare Moon. Despite originally having opposing viewpoints, they found a mutual admiration and now, they were working together to retrieve ancient artifacts lost in Equestria - The Elements of Harmony. As it was Sunset who actually lost them, she was tasked to lead the quest. To repay his debt to Equestria, Sterling suspended his duties as Captain of the Guard to assist her.
Sunset’s smile turned a little sympathetic. “I guess Celestia wouldn’t necessarily have given you any briefings. But… if you asked, I’m sure she would have told you!”
Sterling shook his head emphatically. “That would be as improper as it gets. The guard do not ask their Princess how her sister is doing!”
Sunset chuckled. “I bet you count as a friend by now. You could always write to her yourself. ‘Dear Princess Luna: How are you doing in the Crystal Empire? Is it cold? Have you made any friends? Could you please bring back Eternal Night?’”
The Crystal Empire had been lost even before Nightmare Moon happened. While still young rulers, Celestia and Luna faced a cruel unicorn named King Sombra who had subjugated the Empire, putting all Equestria at risk. Although they defeated him, his own cursed magic dragged the entire Empire into the shadows with him. Celestia managed to restore the Empire after her escape from exile, whilst Luna was able to re-imprison the likewise restored Sombra. However, the residents of the Crystal Empire had now been away for over a thousand years, and so Princess Luna returned there to aid them in adjusting to the world.
Sterling clenched his teeth a bit and growled softly. “You still have that knack for crossing the line of decency, Sunset Shimmer.”
Sunset’s expression softened. “Oh… yeah. That was a little tactless, wasn’t it? Sorry. I know you are sincere in your new role, I really do.”
Sterling grunted, and nodded once. “You’re forgiven.” He smiled a little. “I had better get used to it, I’m stuck with you for a while.”
Sunset smiled again, and her eyes lifted skyward as she thought back. “The last I heard was just a few days ago. Princess Luna feels like she’s having some success helping the Crystal Ponies adapt to their return to the modern world… although their remoteness seems to help. She didn’t outright say it, but Princess Celestia thinks that Princess Luna appreciates being so far away from everypony else for her own benefit too, since nopony there had to live through the whole Nightmare Moon thing.”
Sterling nodded and he looked forward along the road. “Open disrespect towards Princess Luna’s return is rare, but I still do not appreciate it. Princess Luna gave the ponies everything they asked for.”
Sunset spoke a little more softly. “I know you don’t like to think of it that way, but… she also took most of it away in the first place. It took Celestia’s return to put things right.”
Sterling grunted softly. “I suppose…”
Sunset smiled reassuringly. “I like to keep Celestia’s point of view in mind. She told me to remember that it’s done, it’s over, and if Equestria herself could forgive Luna, then everypony else should be able to do the same. I’ve never seen Celestia happier.”
Sterling’s expression softened a bit. “The castle is much warmer than I ever remember it being.” He sighed, a little more heavily than he intended. “But we are still making reparations. It is hard to be completely content.”
Sunset grinned and bumped into Sterling’s shoulder. “Hey. You’re making yours right now, as my duly appointed Royal Guard. Once we get those Elements back, your debt will be repaid. That’s got to be worth something.”
Sterling took the bump good naturedly, and grinned slyly at Sunset. “You’re right,” he agreed. “And so we mustn’t waste everypony’s time with this idle gossip. Expedition Harmony: double time!” With that he broke back into a gallop, dust trailing up behind him.
"Wha… Hey! Wait!" exclaimed Sunset. She too broke into a gallop, trying to catch up. "Ugh, I told you that I hate that name!"
And so they travelled along the road at a brisk walk/run pace (with heavy emphasis on the running), until finally reaching the outskirts of Neighagra Falls. The sun was inching towards the horizon and they slowed back to a trot. The open road gently began to turn to city streets around them.
"Finally," gasped Sunset. "I'm about done. Maybe we should have taken the train after all!"
Sterling laughed, although it was clear that he was also getting fatigued. "You did well," he complimented. "We'll make a soldier out of you yet!"
"Ugh," responded Sunset, although she smiled. "Well, at least we're here."
"Remind me again why the first element we need to retrieve is here?" prompted Sterling.
It was Sunset's turn to look chagrined. "I told you," she muttered. "I sold it to the pawn shop… I needed bits to pay for hotels…"
Sterling chuckled a little bit. "You're sure it's still here?"
"It's got to be," nodded Sunset. "Even though it seemed to be dead, I convinced them that it was magic and got a lot of bits for it. It's priced so highly for a stone that nopony knows what it does… only a ridiculous pony would spend that kind of money on it." She pointed towards the horizon. "I think we'll have to wait for morning, though. Look, Celestia is lowering the sun."
"Oh," paused Sterling. "Do you mind if we wait here for a moment? I want to watch the moonrise."
Sunset grinned widely and shoulder-bumped him. "You old softie. Of course… we can wait. After that, we'll check into our hotel, then maybe grab some dinner and check out the falls."
Sterling nodded, and the two of them watched as the sun glided silently towards the horizon. The shadows grew long and the sky went from a bright azure to a deep blue, darkening gradually. As the final golden arc slipped below the horizon, they cast their gaze skyward.
"Princess Luna is starting her part," observed Sterling. Stars began to emerge as rapidly brightening points of sky, scattered across the sky. They seemed random at first, but as points emerged gradually constellations become recognizable. All at once the eastern horizon began to glow, and the silvery bright disc of the moon began to climb into the sky, lighting the fields and the roads with a soft, magical light.
"The boundary between light and dark," commented Sunset. "They both do such beautiful work with the transition. Princess Celestia says I'm being silly, but I think they are making up for lost sunrises and sunsets both."
Sterling Honor smiled as he lowered his gaze from the sky. "There is something magnificent in the movement," he agrees. "Well, shall we check in and stow our bags?"
Sunset nodded, and they trotted into town. As a tourist town, Neighagra Falls was as busy as expected, but they found their hotel and got checked in to adjoining rooms without incident. Dinner was a quick bite at the hotel restaurant - a simple hayburger for Sunset and a rather more nutritious meal of oats and fruit for Sterling. Then they took a walk down to see the waterfalls which gave the town its name.
As expected, the falls were magnificent. Thousands of moons old, rushing water had carved a massive waterfall that arced around an invisible point for almost half a mile, dumping thousands of gallons of water every instant. Equally powerful were the hundreds of ponies jockeying for position to look at the falls, but the two of them did get an unobstructed view for a few moments, at least.
Finally, it was time to retire for the night. Sunset was ecstatic as they made their way back to the hotel room.
"The falls were amazing!!" she gushed.
"So were the crowds," grunted Sterling. "If I'm to protect you, I don't want to have to deal with very many of those."
"Relax," chuckled Sunset. "Nopony there wanted anything but a look at the water. Besides, I'm pretty good at taking care of myself."
"I remember," nodded Sterling. "Still…"
"This is the easiest part of our mission," assured Sunset. "No bad guys to chase, no sleuthing necessary. We have a good night's sleep, pop over to the pawn shop in the morning, and Celestia pays for the Element. Bam! One down, five to go."
"Then we still need to decide where to look for the next one," reminded Sterling.
"I know," replied Sunset, pausing as they approached the hotel. "But we'll have to take that one step at a time. Maybe we'll get some kind of clue when we pick up the first one. If not, we have to take it back to Canterlot anyway… maybe Celestia's magic can divine something once we have it."
Sterling nodded. "That is probably the best we can do for now. So, I will wish you a good night. I'm in the next room, and I'm a light sleeper. If there is any trouble, just make some noise. I'll be there on the double."
Sunset laughed. "Seriously, Captain, enjoy your night. We'll retrieve the Element in the morning and take it back to Celestia. It couldn't be simpler!"
Sunset leaned across the desk towards the pawn shop proprietor, an older earth pony with a medium build and green fur. Despite his age, he looked like he could still deal with unruly tourists and it was clear that he was currently deciding whether Sunset qualified.
"I told ya it's gone. I got lotsa other gems you can look at."
"No, it has to be THAT one!" cried Sunset. "It was here just a few moons ago, I know it was!"
The shopkeeper rolled his eyes. "Yeah. The stupid thing was here for ages. I paid way too much for it. Got convinced it was magic and… wait… you look familiar…?"
Sunset turned to Sterling. "Help me?" she whispered, desperate.
Sterling stepped forward, causing the shopkeeper to cast a nervous glance at the royal barding. "Can you help us at all, sir?" asked Sterling.
"Look," replied the shopkeeper. "I dunno what the deal with this stone is, but I don't got it no more either way. It sold just a couple days ago."
"Days?!" exclaimed Sunset.
"Can you tell us anything about the pony who bought it?" asked Sterling, patiently ignoring Sunset's rising panic.
The shopkeeper snorted a bit, a wry grin on his face. "Yeah, she was real eager and real snooty too. She slammed the bits down on the counter and told me to give her the 'element' and don't ask any questions. I told her I didn't know what she was talking about, and she just pointed at the stone."
"So you just gave it to her?!" exclaimed Sunset.
"Look, miss, maybe you don't get how a pawn shop works? I buy things, and then later, I sell them. She put down enough bits, so yeah, I gave it to her and I took the bits. I was glad to be rid of it."
"Do you have any idea who she was, or where she went?" persisted Sterling.
The shopkeeper outright laughed. "Oh yeah… couldn't miss her. She left a stack of fliers right on my desk."
"Fliers?" asked Sterling and Sunset simultaneously.
"Oh, yeah," laughed the shopkeeper. "I just binned them. But, she also tacked one up on the bulletin board over there. You can take it if you want it. I don't think anypony cares."
Sunset and Sterling headed towards the door. On the wall next to it, a large bulletin board was posted. Next to the 'quick bits' signs and ads for free pets was a large, glossy print advertising an event just outside of the city. The face of a grinning azure unicorn with dark violet eyes gazed confidently back at them. Her mane was a pale cornflower blue with even more pale stripes, largely hidden underneath a huge wizard-style hat, dark blue adorned with white and yellow stars. Huge text blared her name: "The Great and Powerful Trixie".
The shopkeeper laughed as they looked at each other. "Yeah. Wait till you meet her in person. She's setting up just a couple miles up the road, if the flier is right. Probably the closest place she could afford. I doubt she gets a lot of tourist traffic out there, though."
---
It didn't take too long to trot out of town and reach the field promised by the flier to host "The greatest magical spectacular in all Equestria!" The field was just off to the side of the road and was rather barren. A small enclosed wooden wagon sat in the middle of the field, with room for about two dozen ponies to sit in front of it. A small trail of smoke came from the wagon's flue, suggesting that the occupant was inside.
Sunset climbed the short staircase that sat along one side, and knocked on the door. Using her magic, she held the poster up next to her, while Sterling stayed back on the road.
Inside was the sound of shuffling items, and then the door opened. Standing inside the wagon was the unicorn from the poster, though not currently wearing the large hat. Sunset caught a glimpse of her cutie mark and recognized it from the poster - a magic wand superimposed on a swish of magic. Behind her, Sunset noticed that the wagon was exceptionally cluttered. Trixie cocked an eyebrow quizzically at Sunset.
"Miss Trixie?" asked Sunset. "Can we talk to you for a moment?"
Trixie's eyes caught the poster, and her expression registered understanding all at once. "Trixie is VERY sorry," she began. "But Trixie is currently heating up her dinner oats, and has no time for fans right now. Come to the show tonight, and after the show Trixie will be happy to sign your poster. The show costs 10 bits."
The door closed, leaving Sunset standing helplessly on the step. "What do we do now?" Sunset asked Sterling.
Sterling grunted and stepped forward. "Let me try," he offered. Sunset stepped down and Sterling stepped up, hammering on the door authoritatively. "Miss Trixie, please open this door!"
The door opened again and Trixie appeared, looking somewhat irritated. She opened her mouth to speak, but as soon as she recognized the royal coat on Sterling's armor she only squeaked. She jumped back and the door slammed shut again.
Sterling hammered on the door again. "Miss Trixie!" he insisted. "We want to speak to you!"
"No!" squealed Trixie from inside the cabin. "Trixie isn't here! You have the wrong wagon! Go away!"
Sterling evaluated the door carefully. "I could just break it down," he offered.
"What?!" exclaimed Sunset. "No! Don't be ridiculous!"
"Trixie can hear you!" called the voice from inside the wagon.
Sterling ignored the voice. "Well, we need to determine whether she has the element or not, don't we?"
"Yes," conceded Sunset. "But we aren't here to steal it from her." She turned towards the door. "Trixie! Princess Celestia sent us. Did you purchase a gem from Try'n'Buy in Neighagra Falls a few days ago?"
It was quiet inside the wagon, and Sunset listened carefully for a moment before trying again.
"Trixie, listen to me. That gem is an Element of Harmony. We really need to know if you have it!"
There was a sudden flash and a puff of smoke behind them. As they spun around, Trixie was walking towards them. She was wearing her hat and a matching cape, and floating above her glowing horn was the gem that Sunset remembered from all those years ago. It was a blue, crystal shaped gem, longer than it was wide and cut with sharply pointed corners. It sparkled above her, rotating slowly.
"So! You come seeking The Great and Powerful Trixie's amazing Element of Magic?"
Sunset's jaw dropped. "You… you activated it!?"
Trixie smirked. "The Great and Powerful Trixie is the most stupendous unicorn in all Equestria! There is no magic that is beyond her! It is only natural that even Princess Celestia would come to Trixie for magical advice and knowledge! You… you did say you were here on behalf of the Princess?"
Sterling drew himself up into a more formal stance, and Sunset nodded to Trixie. "My name is Sunset Shimmer," she said, and then pointed to Sterling. "And that's Sterling Honor. We are recovering the Elements of Harmony."
Trixie smiled, looking rather triumphant. "Well, it's wonderful that you have confirmed Trixie's suspicions. Now that Trixie controls the Element of Magic, her power will expand exponentially!"
"Wait…" drawled Sunset, leaning in a bit. She studied the slowly rotating gem for a few moments. "That's not the Element of Magic…"
Trixie looked stunned for just a moment. "Wha… don't be ridiculous! Of course it is! Only Trixie would be able to control such power!"
"No," confirmed Sunset. "That's the Element of Laughter. I'm the one who… who sold it."
Trixie lost all pretense. "What?!"
Sunset stepped closer, turning her head to study the gem as it floated above Trixie's horn. "Still, I can't believe that you activated it. I tried for so long! How did you do it?!"
Sterling stepped forward and cleared his throat. "Regardless," he stated, "we have to confiscate it. It is the property of the Crown."
Trixie took a fast step back. The gem stopped glowing and spinning, and immediately darted back, closer to Trixie and nearly under her cape. "Oooooh! NO you don't! Trixie paid good money for this, and now that you have confirmed that it IS an element, Trixie is NOT letting you take it! Trixie never got any compensation for the Alicorn Amulet, but that was under Night. We were promised our freedoms back! You don't get to just take Trixie's magic away again!"
"YOU had the Alicorn Amulet!?" exclaimed Sunset.
Trixie stuck her nose up into the air. "Of course! Trixie worked many hard hours to earn that artifact, and the Night Guard just took it away! Well, Trixie worked just as many hours for this Element, and she's going to use it to PROVE she is the greatest unicorn in all Equestria!"
Sterling actually growled. "That amulet caused a LOT of trouble…"
"THAT is not Trixie's concern," snorted Trixie. "If you guardsponies had let Trixie keep it, then whatever that trouble was wouldn't have happened. As far as Trixie is concerned, she is still owed compensation."
"All right, all right, settle down," calmed Sunset. "Look, what's done is done. I'm sorry about your work, Trixie, but we are prepared to compensate you for the element. The Crown will cover any costs you incurred. We'll cover the Alicorn Amulet, too, if you'll just help us out here."
"Celestia didn't say anything abo…" started Sterling, but Sunset cut him off with a quick shh!
Trixie frowned, clearly unhappy, but for the moment she didn't speak.
"Trixie, the Elements of Harmony are important to Equestria. We need to gather them back together."
"Trixie will need compensation for the cost of the element," she began. "And the cost of the Alicorn Amulet. And for the lost revenue for the shows she can not perform while she is escorting you back to Canterlot."
"What?!" exclaimed Sunset.
Trixie raised her head and looked at Sunset, her eyes narrowed. "Trixie will hand over the element only to Princess Celestia herself. Trixie has sworn no oath to any other. If Princess Celestia asks for the element then yes, Trixie will hand it over. Until then, Trixie will hold the element and no other will."
Sterling just rolled his eyes and looked at Sunset for instruction. Sunset paused for a moment, looking down the road back towards Canterlot. Then she turned back and nodded to Trixie. "Agreed."
Trixie's mood brightened immediately. "Wonderful! Trixie was brewing tea, she will bring some out for you. Then she needs to prepare for her show tonight, which you will of course stay and watch. After the show, Trixie will loan you some sleeping bags to sleep by the wagon, and we will leave in the morning." She hesitated. "Trixie would offer to let you stay in the wagon, but there is really no room at all."
Sunset started to interject, but Sterling cut her off. "That will be fine, Miss Trixie. Thank you very much."
---
The show itself began at dusk. It started with the wagon literally unfolding to present a stage with pinwheels, sparklers, and other flame emitters. Trixie appeared on stage and proceeded to boast about her abilities to the dozen ponies who showed up for the next forty-five minutes, interjected with plenty of lights, sounds, smoke and explosions. For all that Trixie bragged, Sunset was surprised to see no magic that she herself could not have easily performed. Even the grand reveal of the Element of "Magic", as Trixie still called it, consisted of letting it spin and sparkle above Trixie's horn while more explosions went off all around her.
The one exception was the fireworks at the end. While Sunset could have produced the magic that created them - arguably even Sterling could have - Trixie's mastery of this one form of magic was evident. They were breathtakingly beautiful and creative - and generated genuine applause from the small audience that attended.
After autographs had been signed and the small crowd had dispersed, Trixie came back out with two small sleeping bags. Sunset received them while Sterling worked on starting a fire.
"That was a really lovely show, Trixie," offered Sunset. "Especially the fireworks!"
Trixie smiled. Some of her bravado was tempered after the effort of her show. "Yes, Trixie's specialty. Trixie always tries to leave her audience wanting more."
Sunset hesitated a bit. "I… notice you didn't really use the element much?"
"Well, yes!" Trixie retorted. "Trixie… doesn't want to overdo it, or frighten her audience! Why, if the true depths of her power were known…"
Sunset frowned a bit, but persisted. "How… how did you activate it, anyway? I tried for years. It never responded to me, not even a little bit!"
Trixie smirked. "Trixie is just that amazing!" she retorted. She paused for a moment, and then added. "Element of Laughter, huh?"
Sunset nodded. "I'm certain of it."
Trixie snorted. "Well, Princess Celestia is welcome to have it back then. That's clearly the wrong element for Trixie to control anyway! After she pays Trixie's expenses for recovering it, of course."
Trixie went back into her wagon and closed the door. Sunset thought she heard an additional bolt being drawn, and smirked as she carried the sleeping bags nearer the fire.
"Here you go," she offered to Sterling, and then stretched out her own sleeping bag. "Tell me why we aren't sleeping back in the city in a nice hotel?"
Sterling chuckled as he caught the sleeping bag in his own magic, stretching it out. "Come on," he teased. "It's a nice night, and we can enjoy Luna's moon. Besides, if we went back to the city, we could come back in the morning and find the wagon gone. Then it's another day of finding her new location, another night of waiting, and probably another day's worth of 'compensation'."
"Trixie can hear you!" shouted a muffled voice from inside the wagon.
Sunset grinned softly. "Well, all right. That makes sense." Then she gasped.
"What is it?" asked Sterling, lowering his armor to the ground next to his bed.
"I've never seen you without your armor before," teased Sunset. "Your cutie mark is a… I'm not sure what that is. Five colored circles connected to a hub? It almost looks like the way the Elements of Harmony used to be displayed."
Sterling chuckled softly. "Oh, that. Not quite… I got it when I felt my connection to Equestria and realized I would stand with her forever. Loyalty, strength, leadership, dedication and magic, all coming back to the central point which represents Equestria herself."
Sunset made an impressed sound. "You know it so well… it makes my sun seem so very simple."
"Nonsense," chided Sterling. He climbed into his sleeping bag. "Now tell me why she's coming back to Canterlot with us?"
Sunset hummed. "Well… I think her concerns are valid enough. I'm sure Princess Celestia will pay her back for the Alicorn Amulet too." She grinned. "And it's only for one day."
When the rising sun hit Sunset's eyes and slowly brought her back to a waking state, she found that Sterling Honor had already straightened out the camp, cleaned up the fire, and packed away his sleeping bag. She cast her eyes around slowly, and saw him sitting off to the side a bit, facing Trixie who was speaking animatedly to him.
"... and of course, Trixie could tell you were impressed with her magical abilities, not to mention Trixie's steadfast convictions to stay true to what she believes in! Trixie simply adores a stallion in uniform, so you never know. If you play your cards…"
Sterling coughed loudly as he noticed Sunset stirring, and hurriedly got to his hooves and trotted over to her. "Sunset Shimmer! Good to see you are awake! We need to pack up and get moving, we don't want to lose any daylight!"
Sunset was surprised to see he looked somewhat fatigued, and a little relieved to see her awake. Her eyes interrogated him, and he replied very softly.
"She talks in her sleep - rehearsing her show. The strange voice kept waking me up all night. Then she came out here and wouldn't stop talking…!"
"Trixie can hear you," called Trixie from across the field, slight irritation in her voice.
"Sorry Trixie," called Sunset back. "I'll roll up my sleeping bag and we can be on our way!"
"I don't think she can really hear us," muttered Sterling.
After Trixie stowed the sleeping bag, she locked her wagon and cast a protective spell on the door. Then she pointedly put the element around her neck on a small chain, so that she wore it as a simple necklace.
"Remember," Trixie warned. "Trixie gives the element only to Princess Celestia. Touch it and the deal is off, and Trixie will unleash all of her powers upon you!"
"It's all right, Trixie," soothed Sunset. "We're on the up and up. We'll get you there by this evening."
"Wonderful!" exclaimed Trixie. "You know, since Princess Celestia is repaying Trixie anyway, Trixie knows this wonderful haycake stand on the other side of the city. They cost a little more, but Trixie promises they are the best haycakes in northern Equestria. Trixie will treat you!"
Sterling rolled his eyes as Sunset smiled. "Um, sure, Trixie, as long as it's not too far out of our way."
"Oh, just a couple of miles," assured Trixie. "It doesn't take long at a trot!"
By the time the detour included the extra distance, two wrong turns, and a forty-five minute line, Sunset could see that Sterling's patience was wearing thin. Trixie kept up a steady stream of excited, happy chatter the whole time that largely centered on herself, but never had much of substance. By the end Sterling's ears were pressed flat to try to block some of it.
Still, as Sunset bit into the haycake, she had to admit that Trixie was right about it. She had never tasted anything so delicious. Even Sterling paused in his steady stride for just a moment as he bit into his.
Sunset mused as she chewed her haycake, and finally spoke her thoughts aloud. "After we return this element to Princess Celestia, we still have to figure out where to go for the next one…"
"Oh, Trixie knows where the next one is," offered Trixie through a mouthful of cake. "Las Pegasus."
"What?!" gasped Sunset. "How do you know that?"
"Trixie read about it in the Weekly Whinny," she replied. "It's being used in a new show."
"The Weekly Whinny," snorted Sterling, "last week reported that there were flying saucers over Vanhoover, and that they landed to buy oats then left without tipping."
"Trixie trusts her sources," asserted Trixie. "Why, this week's issue has a very revealing article about how ponies in the north are suddenly wearing denser socks than usual! VERY mysterious."
"Are we there yet?" moaned Sterling.
"Hush," chided Sunset, grinning a bit. "Trixie… can you tell me how you activated the element? I tried for years, and never got anything. You've only had it a couple of days!"
"Trixie is… just… that amazing!" Trixie stammered. She stomped ahead a few paces, leading them for a moment, before slowly dropping back beside Sunset again.
"Trixie knew it was special," she began. "Trixie knew long enough ago to save up for moons to be able to afford it, all the while hoping that nopony else would recognize it. But the only time it did anything was when ponies were laughing at Trixie… it would glow a little. I guess now Trixie knows why."
"So, you didn't activate it?" asked Sunset. "But the effects?"
Trixie smirked. "No pony is better than Trixie at misdirection and illusion, NO pony! Trixie just enchanted it to glow and sparkle and spin. But Trixie would have gotten it, given time. Don't ever underestimate The Great and Powerful Trixie!"
For a while, Trixie stopped talking, and just walked quietly with them. But when they crested a hill and the mountains of Canterlot rose before them, she stopped.
"This element was Trixie's big chance. Do I really have to give it up?"
"Yes," snapped Sterling.
"Yes," replied Sunset, much more gently. "I promise Celestia is prepared to pay for your troubles."
Trixie frowned. "Trixie wants a new wagon, too. Her wagon is too small, and in poor repair. She can barely perform her show."
The sun was setting by the time they reached the castle. With Sunset and Sterling as escorts, they led Trixie through the hallways, upstairs to the grand hallway outside the throne room. Beyond the great doors, across the hall, and on the large balcony they knew Celestia would be performing her daily duty, lowering the sun so that her sister could raise the moon, all the way from the Crystal Empire in the north. Sunset and Sterling waited patiently, but Trixie ran around from corner to corner, from item to item, her mouth wide.
"Trixie has never seen such things! The artistry! The detailing! The sheer grandeur! This castle is amazing! Trixie MUST perform here!"
Besides the guards watching Trixie out of the corners of their eyes, nopony paid her much mind as she ran about and gushed at everything. But then the grand doors opened.
The guards dropped immediately into a bow, and Sterling was in perfect sync with them. It took a moment longer, but Sunset also bowed as Celestia came through the doors into the hallway.
Princess Celestia stood nearly twice the height of the average unicorn, tall and elegant with a pure white coat. Her horn spiraled nearly two feet off the top of her refined head in front of a golden crown. Her mane swirled behind her, pastel-colored plasma stripes in continuous motion as her magic fed through it. Her long neck fed down to a solid body supported by four long, thin legs, each with a golden shoe capping the hoof. A golden breastplate wrapped around her chest and was secured behind her neck, leaving the rest of her body bare. Large feathered wings were folded at her sides, reaching back to her cutie mark - a large, bright orange sun emblazoned on each flank. Behind her, her tail flowed with the same magical plasma as her mane.
Trixie just stood, jaw agape in the middle of the hallway as she stared at the Princess. Celestia seemed tired for a moment, but recognizing the group in front of her she smiled broadly, and stepped forward.
"Sunset Shimmer! You have returned earlier than I expected!" She extended her wings to Sunset, who stood and returned the embrace with her hooves.
"Yes, Princess," replied Sunset. "I'm sorry we came to you so late in the day!"
Celestia clicked her tongue and raised her head to look at Trixie. "And who is this?" she asked, bemused.
Sunset opened her mouth to reply, but was interrupted by Trixie who seemed to snap back to awareness.
"Princess Celestia, prepare yourself!" she began. "You are about to experience the most amazing, the most jaw-dropping, most spectacular experience known to pony kind! I am the one! I am the only! Presenting…" Trixie was suddenly surrounded by a poof of smoke. As it cleared, she was still standing in the same place, but had risen onto her hind hooves and spread her forelegs out in a very showy gesture. "... The Great and Powerful Trrrrrrrrixie!!"
Celestia's own jaw dropped as she stared for a moment, but then she laughed and applauded by stomping her hooves appreciatively. Sterling cast a sideways glance at the unexpected display, and even Sunset looked bemused. Celestia cleared her throat and grinned.
"My apologies, that was just very unexpected. Guards, as you were!"
Sterling and the rest of the guards stood again. The guards returned to their attention stance, while Sterling remained alert nearby. Celestia approached Trixie.
"To what do I owe this honor, Great and Powerful Trixie?" asked Celestia.
Trixie grinned mischievously. Sunset noticed that at some point during the smoke bomb the element had disappeared, so she had a feeling that she knew what Trixie was about to do. She decided not to say anything.
"Princess Celestia," repeated Trixie. "I must ask for complete silence for the feat of magic that I am about to perform. As you can see, there is nothing up my sleeves!"
Sterling quietly noted that Trixie wasn't wearing anything with sleeves, but Celestia watched attentively, nodding.
Trixie began to move her hooves in swirling patterns before her, and a slight glow appeared in the air as her horn lit. "I call upon the ancient powers," she chanted. "I call upon the magic that has protected Equestria for generations of ponies! I call upon all that is Great and Powerful to bring us back that which has been lost!"
The glow intensified, and little sparks appeared. "Princess Celestia, I present to you…"
There was a flash of light and a cloud of smoke, and as the smoke cleared, the element was suspended between Trixie's hooves, spinning slowly. "THE ELEMENT OF MAGIC!!"
Celestia's eyes widened, and she smiled broadly, applauding once again. "Wonderful!" she cried. She leaned in close, suddenly a little more serious. "Is that really the Element of Magic?"
"Laughter," corrected Sunset as she stepped in. "Trixie had it for us."
"Saying it's the Element of Magic is much more dramatic for the act," grumbled Trixie.
Celestia nodded and chuckled. "I completely understand, Miss Trixie. Canterlot is grateful to you for returning it to us." She hesitated, and nodded her horn towards the element. "May I?"
Trixie nodded, and Celestia's horn lit. She brought the element back towards herself, studying it. "It's been so long since I've seen them… it still looks the same as after…."
Her voice trailed off softly. After a moment she stopped staring into the element, and the smile returned to her face. "Once we have them all gathered, Luna and I can try to activate them again. Did you get any clues for the others?"
"Trixie knows…" began Trixie, but Sunset cut her off.
"We don't, Princess. Nothing came up." Trixie sniffed at Sunset and stuck her nose into the air.
"Will you please take Trixie down to accounting and see if they are still awake? Have them reimburse any expenses she has accrued on our behalf. Then take her to housekeeping and have them outfit a room for her to stay in tonight."
Trixie looked surprised. "Wait… Trixie gets to stay IN THE CASTLE?"
Celestia smiled softly. "Well, of course, dear. I couldn't possibly send you away after your long journey."
Trixie looked absolutely ecstatic, and began chattering rapidly to Sterling as he led her away, his ears flat against his head once again. Celestia invited Sunset back into the throne room with a nod of her head.
Once they were inside, and the door closed, Celestia relaxed her stance a bit. "It looks like you found a new friend," she suggested.
Sunset chuckled. "I don't know if I'd say that. We're so different!"
"I like her," chuckled Celestia. "A little brash, but she's fun. Are you taking her with you?"
"Oh, gosh!" exclaimed Sunset. "I don't think Sterling likes her."
"He'll warm up to her," suggested Celestia. "He always starts like that."
"Do you think we should?"
"Friends are important," emphasized Celestia. "I think I would at least offer."
Sunset pondered. "Well, we'll see if she wants to. But I don't know where to go next."
Celestia nodded, her mood suddenly much more business-like. "That's why I wanted to speak to you in here. You're going to the Frozen North next. Princess Luna has located an element there, you just need to go collect it. We'll have to outfit you with some warm clothing, but otherwise it should be simple." She smiled apologetically. "It will be a much nicer visit than your last one… I hear the Crystal Ponies are very welcoming to visitors."
Sunset thought back to her last experience in the Frozen North. Celestia had just recovered the Crystal Empire from its thousand year exile, inadvertently bringing back the evil King Sombra as well. Defeating him had been a challenge for all of them, but ultimately Luna trapped him in an eternal dream, and their success led to the re-unification of the two sisters and the return of harmony to the land.
But the Crystal Ponies who called the city home didn't come back until Luna had returned to lead them through the veil. Most ponies in Equestria had not even met a crystal pony yet, and that included Sunset.
"Enjoy your evening in Canterlot and rest up, Sunset," advised Celestia. "I bet you didn't think this quest would be so easy? Don't worry. We'll all keep working with you to track them down."
"If we're already two down," grinned Sunset, "then we might even be done this month!"
Celestia smiled. "I'm sure there will be a little more to it than that, but there's nothing wrong with being optimistic!"
A light tapping on the door woke Sunset earlier than she would have liked. The plush bed she was sleeping in was warm and she was having one of her favorite dreams, in which she was playing intense rock music for a boisterous and energetic band in front of a crowd of screaming fans.
The maid pony looking in from the doorway sounded apologetic. "Sorry to wake you, Miss, but Sterling Honor requested that I ask you to join him in the North Gatehouse at your convenience."
Sunset looked towards the window and realized with some guilt that she had slept rather late. The sun was already climbing high in the sky, and they had a long way to go today if they were going to make it to the Crystal Empire.
"Thank you," mumbled Sunset softly. "I'll join him as soon as I can."
The maid closed the door, and Sunset yawned and stretched out her hooves. "He's going to taunt me all day about this," she thought to herself. "I wonder if Trixie left already? Celestia wanted me to invite her along…"
Sunset thought back to her last visit to the Crystal Empire. Princess Luna herself had flown her there. She smiled to herself. Despite all that trip had meant, it had worked out, and travel by Alicorn was certainly the fastest way to get around.
"I suppose we'll have to take the train, instead," she thought to herself. "I wonder when the last one leaves? I better not take too long to get ready. I'll just wash up and check in with Sterling. If I know him, he's already packed for both of us."
Canterlot Castle was well equipped to deal with guests, and Sunset knew her way around quite well. While the richer rooms reserved for dignitaries included private facilities, more common guests had to utilize the shared showers. Even this was quite pleasant, as Canterlot took every opportunity to flaunt luxury at anypony lucky enough to stay there.
As Sunset stepped into one of the enclosed shower stalls and turned on the water, she realized that the next shower was also running. Not only that, but the occupant was singing loudly.
"... and I captivate… 'cause I'm powerful and great!"
Sunset blinked for a moment, then realized why the voice had caught her attention. "Trixie? Is that you?"
"Of course it is!" came back the indignant response. "Who else would have such a strong and beautiful singing voice?"
Sunset laughed softly. "I… okay. I was kind of afraid that you might have left already. I slept in!"
Trixie snorted loudly. "Trixie was awake as Celestia raised the sun! She has helped Sterling Honor prepare for our journey and rewarded herself with this well-deserved luxury shower."
Sunset nodded. "Oh, good, cause I needed to ask… wait. You're coming with us?"
Trixie laughed derisively. "It's perfectly clear to Trixie that her brilliant insight and magical talent will be of utmost importance on your mission. And you will need Trixie's help in Las Pegasus."
"I don't really think the Weekly Whinny is a good source," began Sunset. "But all right, let's get going!"
"You go ahead," called Trixie in a sing-song voice. "Trixie is not finished soaking yet."
Sunset washed up quickly and then shut off her own water. As she hopped out of the stall she grabbed one of the oversized towels to dry herself off with. She cast a glance towards Trixie's shower and observed the massive plumes of steam leaking around the door… Trixie had been there for a while. She chuckled and made her way out as Trixie began singing once again.
"You better believe… I've got tricks up my sleeve…"
Sunset made her way quickly towards the North Gatehouse, and found Sterling deep in conversation with the guard on duty there. When he noticed her approaching, he thanked the guard and dismissed her, trotting quickly over to Sunset.
"You're finally awake!" he teased. "I thought I was going to have to send a pegasus in with a bucket of water!"
Sunset smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry, Sterling. I hope we aren't running too late?"
Sterling shook his head. "Well, we missed the early train. And.. we probably won't make the noon train either. But the good news is you should be awake when we arrive around midnight on the late train!"
Sunset cringed a bit, but Sterling shook his head again and smiled. "It's all right. It's a lot easier for Princess Luna to receive us in the evening anyway. And… as much as she never stops talking, Trixie did a good job helping to prepare for the trip. Turns out when you travel as much as she does, you do learn a skill or two."
Sunset managed a smile. "That's good to hear. I didn't think you liked her very much."
Sterling grimaced a bit. "She's a little self centered… and after we were done I sent her back into the castle just to get some quiet time. I do admit her organizational skills impressed me. I don't know how useful she'll be, but she seems to think she's coming along anyway."
Sunset nodded softly. "She's in the showers. Celestia thinks it's a good idea to take Trixie, anyway."
Sterling nodded as well. "If Princess Celestia says it, then that's enough for me." He tilted his head. "Trixie is still in the showers? I sent her into the castle almost two hours ago!"
Sunset chuckled. "Well, she seemed to be enjoying herself."
Sterling made a thinking sound, and then shook his head. "Well, we have about three hours till we need to be at the train station. All our supplies have been sent ahead, and I have the tickets. So we just need to show up. If you don't require my presence, I think I might put in some exercises with the guard until then?"
Sunset made a shooing motion with her hoof. "Go on. Get in all the running you can!" she teased.
***
The train station was a bustling, busy affair with ponies filing onto the train as it built up steam for the upcoming trip. It had already whistled twice, and Sunset pranced in place as she looked around nervously, stretching as the tried to look over and around ponies.
"Where is she?" she asked for the fifth time.
Sterling merely looked annoyed, and cast a glance towards the engine where the engineer was doing his final checks. "We really should get on board," he noted. "Trixie probably just changed her mind."
The conductor hopped on board the last car and shouted out, clearly heard above the noises of the engine and chattering ponies. "ALL ABOARD!"
Sunset pranced faster and was about to agree with Sterling when suddenly she spotted Trixie crossing the platform. She was taking her time, walking as if in a dream, and she still had one of the castle towels wrapped around her mane.
"TRIXIE, OVER HERE!!" shouted Sunset. Trixie saw her and turned towards them.
"Oh, Trixie had the best shower," she gushed.
Sunset's jaw dropped. "You just got out of the shower?"
"Oh yes," replied Trixie. "Oh, before we board, Trixie needs to pick up something to read…"
The train whistle blew, and a blast of steam shot from the engine.
"No time!" retorted Sterling. He got around Trixie and Sunset and hurridly pushed them towards the car. Sunset leapt onto the car as it slowly started to move, while Trixie daintily accepted the offered hoof of the conductor and stepped aboard as if it were nothing. She was followed by an agitated Sterling.
"You folks find a seat," offered the conductor. "I'll come by for tickets in a little while."
Trixie was still acting as if she were on a cloud. "Trixie will have to visit the castle every time she comes to Canterlot," she offered.
Sterling shook his head and led the two mares through the car, until they found a set of open bench seats. They sat, and for once Trixie was quiet, lost in her relaxation and looking out the window as the train slowly left the station and started to pick up speed.
"Well… I've never been very good at just waiting," muttered Sterling, looking around the car carefully. I think I'll just do a quick recon of the train."
"Don't interrogate anyone," teased Sunset. "But if you find a book vendor, send her back to us!"
The ride itself was rather uneventful. Over time, Trixie tired of looking out the window, and actually put on a simple magic show for some bored fillies. Her slight-of-hoof tricks were ideally suited to the small car, even if her boistrous voice wasn't, and the children seemed delighted to see "magic so great and powerful that Trixie doesn't even need to light her horn". She signed several autographs after the show, and returned to her seat.
For her part, Sunset had found that the vendor cart had a classic "model in a bottle" kit. It was dusty and had been there for a long time, but she was amusing herself by diligently aligning the tiny pieces of an ancient Equestrian sailing ship. It was delicate work that required some concentration to maneuver the tiny parts through glass, and at one point she had become so focused that she was shocked to realize that Trixie was watching from the other side of the bottle. But, after the initial shock faded, she realized Trixie was just watching, and appreciated it.
For his part, Sterling was relatively restless. He knew there was no threat on the train - he'd checked it end to end repeatedly. Some of the ponies were watching him with open annoyance when he trotted past yet again. At last, he dared to make his way to the engine. The greying old earth pony operating the train glared back at him.
"Git back to th' passenger car! Y'ain't s'posed to be up here! I'll… oh. Well, I'll be. It's you again. Y'here to take m' train again? We're already movin', there ain't much y'can do now!"
Sterling smiled. "Hello Mr. Hostler. I thought I recognized you boarding earlier."
"Ain't seen yah since that landslide last year. Y'never got back on the train!"
Sterling nodded. "I am sorry about that. I had… I was called ahead to help the Queen."
"Magic?" interrogated Mr Hostler.
Sterling nodded again. He thought back to the last time they did this. He had commandeered the train to take himself and his troops to the Frozen North, in order to support Princess Luna's attempt to stop a corrupted Celestia. The engineer had been unimpressed, but eventually warmed up, and the two of them had talked for an hour or so before being forced to stop to clear a landslide on the tracks.
During the clearing of the tracks, he'd been pulled away by a magic that even now he couldn't fully understand, but he had ended up in the newly restored Crystal Empire with Sunset Shimmer and the Princesses, working to help restore it.
"I don't trust magic, yet. I like my train. It's real, y' can feel it, and it goes when you tell it to go. Well, come in, grab a seat, and open the lockbox there. The cider's gotten better now that the trees are getting proper light. Ya can tell me your story, if it ain't all still secret?"
Sterling smiled. "I'd appreciate that. I'm not very good at just sitting and waiting." He sat down, and found the indicated lockbox. Inside were several bottles of Sweet Apple Acres cider. He offered one to the engineer, and took one for himself.
He mused that now he was heading back to the Crystal Empire once again, this time to just visit Princess Luna, and collect an Element of Harmony. No empire-threatening mission this time, and no complex moral drama either. Just a simple escort…
Mr Hostler opened his bottle, and the fragrant scent of carbonated apple flooded the cabin. He took a drink and then cast a glance towards Sterling. "So, what's the mission this time, Mister Captain of the Guard?"
"Call me Sterling," replied Sterling with a gentle smile. "I'm actually not the Captain right now. I'm just escorting somepony as we perform a retrieval mission."
Sterling tried to decide how much to share. Finally, he shrugged a bit… the mission wasn't confidential. "The Elements of Harmony."
Mr Hostler let out a low whistle. "Ya don't do a lot o' simple, easy missions, do ya? And ya figure there's one in the Crystal Empire, then?"
Sterling nodded. "We're picking it up from Princess Luna. Then… well, I'm not sure where we're looking next. I don't suppose you've heard anything?"
Mr Hostler shook his head. "Jus' lost, is all I've heard." He was quiet for a moment, then continued. "I have heard a bit 'bout Princess Luna, though."
Sterling tilted his head, and leaned forward a bit. "Oh?"
The engineer hmmed for a moment. "Y'remember I told you that I like Princess Luna, right? So don'cha be thinkin' I believe this for a moment."
"What have you heard?"
"Well… some of the crystal ponies are complaining. Saying she's no better than Nightmare Moon was, and shouldn't be in charge of the Empire."
Sterling was shocked. "What? That's madness. Without Princess Luna the crystal ponies would still be trapped in Sombra's spell."
"Oh, I know," repled Mr Hostler. "An' I hear it's not many ponies complain', but it's there. Any o' th' ones I've met been right grateful, though."
"So you've met some crystal ponies?" asked Sterling, interested.
"Oh, yea! Some o' them want t' travel. Really 'mazin' lookin' ponies."
"Still," muttered Sterling. "It's vexing that ponies who were not even there would have anything to say about Nightmare Moon."
Mr Hostler shook his head again. "Don' let it get t'ya. There's always somepony gotta complain, no matter how good they got it."
***
The late afternoon faded on to sunset, and then the stars came out and the moon rose as night followed them into the north. Outside the train, the warm weather faded and snow capped mountains rose up around them. As the train climbed, the snow caps became snow fields, and light flurries fell around the ever-advancing train.
The tracks had been extended since the return of the Crystal Empire, and soon the city lights rose up on the horizon, refracted and projected by the crystal structures that made up the city. Part of that light was powered by the Crystal Heart that spun underneath the castle in the center of the city - a beacon of love and hope that spread that message from here to all Equestria.
As Sunset looked out the window to admire this view, Sterling returned to the car.
"The engineer tells me we'll be at the station in about fifteen minutes. I trust all is well here?"
"Trixie wants a haycake," muttered Trixie, staring out the window again.
The stunning architecture of the Crystal Empire caused rainbows of light to be refracted everywhere, but Sunset found it hard not to stare at the equally stunning crystal ponies. True to their name, they looked as if they were carved from living crystal, and also refracted the light around themselves. Finally, she was forced to look away as the train stopped at the station and the doors were opened.
Sterling, Trixie and Sunset exitted the train and collected their bags without incident. Trixie immediately opened her saddlebags and pulled out a scarf, warm boots and a woolen hat. Sunset had to admit that Trixie did seem prepared, especially as they exitted the station and the cold winter winds blasted their faces.
"I forgot how cold it was up here!" complained Sunset.
Sterling chuckled, but a passing crystal pony sneered at her.
"Then maybe you regular ponies should stay in Canterlot and leave the Crystal Empire to the crystal ponies. We like it just fine!"
Sunset's jaw dropped as the pony moved off into the crowd. "That was rude!"
Sterling shook his head. "Nothing to worry about. I was warned there was the occasional malcontent. I guess we can't expect everypony to be friendly."
"Trixie is perfectly comfortable," offered Trixie. Sunset only rolled her eyes.
"Over here!" called Sterling. "I've found our coach!"
"We have a coach?" asked Sunset.
Sterling chuckled. "Of course. We're guests of Princess Luna herself."
A rather ornate crystal wagon sat near the curb, and the driver helped them load their bags, and held the door as they got into it. "Welcome to the Crystal Empire," he offered.
"Where are we going now?" asked Trixie as they settled into the coach. "Trixie has been travelling all day, and she wants another shower."
"After your four hour shower this morning?" asked Sunset, incredulous.
Sterling chuckled. "This coach will take us to the Crystal Castle, and we are scheduled to meet with Princess Luna. I'm not sure what she will be doing when we arrive, but I'm sure we won't have to wait long."
It didn't take long to reach the castle, magnificently rising taller than any other structure in the center of the city. From the train station, it was nearly a straight run along one of the many spokes that branched out from the center, and they were able to admire the beauty of the crystal all around them, shining and glowing in the ample moonlight. As they pulled up, they were surprised to see Princess Luna waiting for them in front of the castle steps, flanked by two crystal ponies wearing the armor of the Crystal Guard.
Princess Luna stood nearly as tall as Princess Celestia with a similarly tall and elegant build. Her coat was a deep blue and her horn spiraled an easy eightteen inches off the top of her head. Nestled against her horn was a small black crown, polished to gleam in the moonlight. Swirling off her head, her mane was a translucent blue plasma in continuous motion, sparkling with randomly appearing points of starlight as her magic fed through it. Her long neck fed down to a thin body supported by four long legs, each with a polished black shoe and guard capping the hoof. A black breastplate emblazened with a crescent moon wrapped around her chest and was secured behind her neck. Like her sister, she had large feathered wings folded at her sides, reaching back to her cutie mark, which was a black cloudy shape with a bright crescent moon. Her tail flowed behind her with the same magical plasma as her mane.
The coach door was opened, and Sterling stepped out first, dropping immediately into a bow. He was quickly followed by Sunset who likewise bowed, and then Trixie who was still acting as if in a dream. Sunset gave Trixie's leg a not-so-subtle kick and Trixie bowed as well.
Princess Luna smiled and dipped her head in recognition. "Please, friends, rise. Welcome to the Crystal Empire. I trust your journey was smooth?"
"Quite, your Highness," replied Sterling. He remained in his bow until after Trixie and Sunset had both returned to standing, and then stood at attention. Luna smiled at him.
"At ease, Sterling Honor," she told him, and he relaxed his stance just a little. Luna then approached Sunset and embraced her with a foreleg. "Sunset Shimmer, it is good to see you again." Luna then tilted her head as she looked at Trixie.
"You are the Great and Powerful Trixie," observed Luna.
Sunset's jaw dropped. "Wait! You know Trixie, Princess Luna?"
Trixie smirked and puffed out her chest proudly. "Well, of course Princess Luna will have heard of the Amazing and Stupendous Great and Powerful Trixie!"
Luna chuckled softly. "I fear that we may have caused her some inconveniences in the past." She smiled to Trixie. "Welcome to the Crystal Empire, and you have my apologies for the trouble you faced during Night."
Trixie looked confused for just a moment, but she quickly snapped to recognition. Then she smiled, and nodded her head. "Canterlot has reimbursed Trixie for her troubles and all has been forgiven!" Then, in a softer voice, she added, "But, thank you Princess."
Luna smiled, and then looked at them. "Please, come upstairs. I have had tea and haycakes prepared. We can spend some time catching up and I can give you the element."
Sterling nodded and moved towards the coach's baggage area. Luna tutted and shook her head. "Sterling Honor, you are a guest. The guard will handle the baggage. Come along!"
Luna led them up the stairs into the entrance, and the two guards busied themselves fetching the bags from under the coach. Inside the castle, the crystal lined walls were polished smooth. They were dark in some places and bright in others. Some parts of the walls carried the light from internal lamps, while others carried the silver glow from the moon outside. Some of the stands and displays were likewise crystal, and it was all very ornate.
Soon they reached an open room flanked by two more guards. The guards bowed as Luna approached and led the group through the double doors, which were closed behind them. Inside the room was a long table, and at one end of the table was set a tea service and a crystal tray stacked with a half dozen lightly frosted haycakes.
Luna sat at the head of the table, and Sunset took one of the next seats. Trixie sat next to Sunset and immediately reached for a haycake, while Sterling stood at attention on the other side of Princess Luna.
Luna lit her horn and levitated the teapot, pouring tea into each of their cups before setting it back down. As she did so, she chided Sterling.
"Sterling Honor, will you not sit down and join us for tea like a proper pony?"
Sterling actually stood stiffer. "I… I think I would prefer to stand, Ma'am."
Luna smiled and levitated his teacup to him. "Then at least stand easy and take your tea. That's an order!" She winked.
Sterling grimaced at first, but then he smiled and captured the teacup with his own magic. His stance became more comfortable as he nodded. "Yes, Ma'am. Thank you Ma'am."
Luna seemed satisfied and turned back towards Sunset as Trixie seemed focused on her snack. "So, Sunset Shimmer. Celestia tells me that you have already retrieved one other element?"
Sunset nodded, and took a small bite from her own haycake. It was delicious, almost as good as the little stand Trixie had led them to, but with a uniquely sweet icing. "Yes, Princess," replied Sunset after swallowing. "Actually, Trixie had it!"
Luna looked interested, and turned her attention towards Trixie, who was magically playing with the silverware. "Indeed?" asked Luna. "It would appear that you have a talent for locating powerful magic, Trixie."
"Yes, Trixie is amazing," replied Trixie distantly. Then she seemed to snap to attention and looked back at Luna. "I don't suppose you'd be able to return Trixie's Alicorn Amulet?"
Sterling notably stiffened up again, and Sunset gasped. But Luna only smiled and shook her head slowly. "No, I'm afraid that artifact no longer exists, Trixie."
Trixie looked disappointed. "Well, perhaps Trixie will find something else on the way to Las Pegasus…" She went back to work shaping the silverware.
Luna looked back to Sunset. "Las Pegasus?" she asked.
Sunset exhaled in frustration. "Trixie thinks there is an element there, and wants to go there next. But her source is the Weekly Whinny."
Luna made a thoughtful sound. "I'm not familiar with that publication."
Trixie interjected, still sounding distracted. "They had a lovely article about the crystal ponies wearing thicker socks than normal. Did you notice that, Princess?"
Luna seemed confused. "Socks are… rare. But I've seen a few…?"
"It's fine, Princess," replied Sunset. "They print silly stories to sell papers and most ponies don't take it very seriously."
Trixie huffed as Luna relented with some uncertainty. "I… see. Very well then. How has Celestia been? Her letters are fine but I have not seen her in months now."
"Oh," replied Sunset, smiling again. "She's doing really well, Princess. I haven't seen her this happy for a long time. She's really proud of you!"
Luna's ears drooped a bit. "I wonder if she should be," Luna said softly. "After all the evil I have done."
"Princess!" exclaimed Sunset. "You've been making amends! Look at all you've accomplished here already! The Crystal Empire is thriving!"
Luna sounded frustrated. "Yes, but… the crystal ponies know about my past as Nightmare Moon. Sometimes they call out at me and tell me to leave. They say I was never a crystal princess and don't deserve to lead them."
Sterling snorted. "They were not even here for Nightmare Moon. They have no cause to say anything." He immediately looked chagrined for speaking out.
Luna shook her head. "I really thought this would be the one place in all of Equestria where I wouldn't have to deal with that part of my past. But even if they weren't here, they still speak out, Sterling Honor."
"But," started Sunset hesitantly. "Celestia didn't mention reading any of that in any of your letters?"
Luna nodded, slowly. "I… would rather Celestia not know about this, yet. I am doing my best to reach out to the crystal ponies. But when I hear the dissent… sometimes I wonder if they even blame me for their banishment."
Sterling frowned a bit and shook his head. "That was King Sombra, your Highness, not you. I spoke to a pony who has talked to many crystal ponies. All but a few malcontents are grateful to you. Don't let them trouble you."
Luna sighed softly, and then nodded. "Perhaps you are right."
Sunset nodded as well. "Of course he is. Believe me, Princess, you can't let guilt lead you. I know first hand the way it plants doubts into your mind. You are doing good things here."
"These haycakes are especially good," mumbled Trixie through another one. Beside her plate, her napkin draped over silverware bent into the shape of a pony - the result resembled her own show outfit.
Luna managed a small smile. "You are all correct, of course. Well, let me at least present you with what you have come for." Her horn lit again, and she presented an oblong pink gem with sharp facets that rotated slowly before her face. "The Element of Kindness," she reported. "Although I can not say how it came to be here, we found it in the city." After a pause she added, somewhat wistfully. "It has been so long since I have seen the elements, it will be nice when you have brought them all together once again."
Even Trixie lifted her head to watch as Sunset took the element in her own magic, admiring it for a few moments before storing it in her saddlebag. "I hope you and Celestia will be able to activate them, Princess Luna."
Luna smiled wistfully. "Perhaps. We shall have to wait and see."
Conversation grew lighter, but as even that started to wane, Trixie insisted on performing some of her magic show. This seemed to lighten Princess Luna's mood even more, and she was grinning widely as Trixie rounded off her show with a personal card trick.
"And was your card… the THREE OF HEARTS?" declared Trixie dramatically, displaying the card from the top of her deck.
Luna's expression fell and she replied almost apologetically. "Oh, no… I'm so sorry, it was…"
Trixie raised a hoof in a quick snap. "Uh uh! Clearly Trixie's mistake, for your card never made it back into the deck at all!" She swished her hoof through Luna's ethereal mane and presented the card that suddenly appeared there. "The EIGHT OF CLUBS was there all along!"
Luna actually whinnied and stomped her hooves in appreciation. "Wonderful! I couldn't even detect the magic!"
Trixie bowed deeply and smiled widely as she reshuffled her card deck and stowed it back into her saddlebags. "Thank you, Princess!"
Luna wiped a tear of laughter from her eye as she looked around the group. "It has been wonderful seeing you all again, and meeting you, Trixie. But with apologies, I still have my nightly duties to get to. You may stay in here as late as you like, and the guards will take you to your rooms when you are ready to rest. Please see me before you leave in the morning."
Sterling and Sunset bowed as Luna got up to leave, and after a moment Trixie followed suit. "We will, Princess," said Sunset. "Thank you for your help and your hospitality."
After Luna left, Sunset looked over at Trixie, who was organizing her saddlebag.
"You're really into performing, aren't you?"
Trixie stopped what she was doing and looked up, serious. "It is Trixie's life calling. There is nothing else Trixie could do."
Sunset smiled. "You know, I might be able to teach you a little spell or two to help with the slight-of-hoof. I mean, you're really good, I can't even see how you do it when I know where to look. But, if you're interested…"
Trixie closed her saddlebag slowly, and smiled genuinely. "I might be…" she said softly.
***
Although the bed was comfortable and the room kept warm against the cold winds outside, Sunset was finding it difficult to sleep.
She found herself back in Ponyville from all those years ago, trapped in the courtyard waiting for the appearance of Princess Celestia. Ponies crowded the courtyard to the point where she could barely move, pressing fowards towards the balcony.
"Get back, everypony! It's not going to be Princess Celestia!" she cried out.
But the crowd ignored her warnings, pressing forward further. She found herself pressed to the very front of the crowd just as a flash of lightning revealed Nightmare Moon on the balcony. Then it was not just Nightmare Moon, but the corrupted Celestia stood beside her, sending a geyser of flame into the stormy night sky as the two of them laughed maniacally together.
"Oh no! No! This can't be!" cried Sunset. She realized her mistake and clamped her hooves over her mouth.
But it was too late. In a snap movement too fast to be real, both Nightmare Moon and Celestia focused their corrupted gaze upon her. The crowd of ponies pressed her ever closer, as the dark queens bared massive fangs and prepared to strike…
"AHHHHH!" screamed Sunset as she snapped awake.
Her door slammed open and Sterling was standing there in an offensive stance. "Sunset Shimmer! Are you all right?" he demanded.
Sunset yelped again at the surprise, and placed a hoof over her chest to calm her racing heart. She nodded, slowly. "Just… just a bad dream."
Sterling's eyes were all that moved as he scanned the room slowly. Finally satisfied, his stance relaxed a little and he stepped into the room, nodding.
"It's this castle," he offered gently. "I had trouble sleeping myself. Keep thinking back to the things I saw in Sombra's traps."
Sunset nodded slowly. "I guess it's true that our last visit wasn't really very comfortable, at least at first. Do you think we should tell Princess Luna?"
Sterling shook his head. "No," he asserted. "Princess Luna is already under enough stress. What if she felt bad for not coming to resolve your… our bad dreams in time? It's just bad memories of this place… we'll be fine when we move on."
Sunset took a deep breath, and swung herself out of the bed. "Well… I… don't really want to go back to sleep right now. Why don't we head downstairs and see if we can get a tea from the kitchen?"
They were surprised to enter the kitchen and find an exhausted looking Trixie sitting there, chewing on a haycake and using her magic to idly swirl a spoon in a teacup full of warm tea.
"Trixie? How come you're up?" asked Sunset.
Trixie looked over towards Sunset and smiled just a little bit. "Oh, Trixie was hoping she'd have some company. The maid didn't want to sit with her."
"Did you have a bad dream, too?"
Trixie looked chagrined. "Trixie's dreams are always great!" she insisted. Then she continued in a softer voice. "But Trixie doesn't want a magic enhancing artifact anymore…"
***
Conversation was light around the table, but it was only about half an hour before Princess Luna joined them in the kitchen. She, too, seemed tired, but in reasonably good spirits.
"Oh! So you are here! The maid told me that I'd find you in the kitchen. Pray tell, why are you in here and not in your rooms?"
Sterling spoke first. "Apologies, your Highness." He smiled. "I thought it best to keep these two on military time, so we could make our way back to Canterlot."
Luna seemed surprised at first, but then she nodded. "Efficient as always, Sterling Honor. But I suppose that explains why they look so tired."
Sunset smiled apologetically, and Trixie simply face-planted onto the table. Luna uttered a small yawn herself.
"Forgive me if I don't join you this morning, but, it was a long evening. I need to go soon and lower the moon for morning, and then I will need to get some rest. I trust you can find your way back to the train station?"
"Of course, your Highness," responded Sterling. "I have it under control."
Luna smiled. "Thank you, Sterling Honor. Sunset Shimmer!"
Sunset lifted her drooping head and looked towards Luna. "Yes, Princess?"
"Please give my sister my best, and…" Luna stepped forward and summoned something into her magic field, passing it to Sunset. Sunset was surprised to find a copy of the Weekly Whinny.
Luna smiled. "I was too curious. I agree with your assessment that it is mostly silly, but… there may be elements of truth to many of the stories. I think you should follow Trixie's suggestion and go to Las Pegasus next."
Sunset nodded slowly. "Well, if you say so, Princess. I suppose we don't have any other leads."
"Indeed," agreed Luna. She yawned again. "Please forgive me. It was wonderful to see you all, but it's so hard to be social when morning comes. I must see to my duties now. Please write me when you have news."
Sunset nodded and smiled as she stowed the paper into her saddlebag. "Thank you, Princess. It was lovely to see you again too."
Sterling nodded as well, snapping to attention and stomping his hoof. "Farewell, Princess Luna. Thank you for your support."
"mmrrmat en mrrmblful ickxie anks 'oo…" muttered Trixie into the table.
It took some effort and with some dragging of hooves, they packed up and made it to the train station about an hour later. Soon they were boarding a mostly empty train back to Canterlot, and just fifteen minutes after that they were finally enjoying a restful sleep as the train rolled down the tracks.
They only spent a day in Canterlot, long enough to rest up, refresh their equipment, and book a new train. Soon enough they were on the way to Las Pegasus. Trixie had never been so talkative, and her excitement was painfully obvious.
“You are going to love Las Pegasus,” she gushed. “It is the most amazing city in Equestria! There is always something going on, and everything is a showpiece, and everypony is doing something interesting!”
Sterling flattened his ears against his head as Sunset stifled a giggle. Trixie completely ignored them, continuing without an apparent breath.
“They have massive hotels and the most amazing food! You can ride a roller coaster indoors! And the magic shows...” she actually took a breath emphasize how important this was. “The MAGIC shows!”
“But Trixie,” began Sunset.
“There are so many things that Trixie needs to show you! We have to go to the River Hotel, and to the Illusion, and...”
“Trixie!” interrupted Sunset, more forcefully.
Trixie seemed to become aware of them once again. “Yes?”
“Where do we go to find the Element?”
“Oh!” exclaimed Trixie. “Why didn’t you say so? Trixie has that all sorted out.”
“Oh, yes! Flim and Flam run a magnificent show in Las Pegasus. They have the element... here is their announcement.”
“Flim and Flam?” asked Sunset.
Trixie levitated an old paper towards Sunset, who captured it in her magical field. “’The most Majestical Stuntacular in All Las Pegsasus featuring the Stone of Spectacle Trademarked Flim and Flam Enterprises,’" Sunset read aloud. "That’s one heck of a title.”
“Trixie would have gone for something far more modest,” sniffed Trixie.
Sterling looked over Sunset’s shoulder. “I have to admit it’s still the best lead that we have. And if it is an Element, Trixie, you think they will give it to you?”
Trixie laughed. “Even the Great and Powerful Trixie is not going to talk a show pony out of their top billed artifact. But Trixie will come up with a plan.”
Sunset read the advertisement again and then mused, “I wonder, might we see the show before we try to talk to them?”
“That might be a good idea,” offered Sterling. “If they present this ‘stone’ we can get a good idea whether it actually is an Element before we waste anypony’s time.”
Sunset nodded and smiles. “And Trixie, remember. We are in Las Pegasus for a mission, not a sight-seeing trip. We won’t have time to see every show in town!”
Trixie pouted a bit. “You can’t go to Las Pegasus and not see the shows.”
“That’s exactly what we’re doing,” confirmed Sterling. “You’re just going to have to accept it.”
...
As they disembarked in Las Pegasus, the first thing that struck Sunset was how chaotic it seemed. There were ponies moving everywhere, in every direction. Obvious tourists, obvious locals, obvious workers, every pony seemed to have somewhere to go and somewhere to be that was not where they currently were.
Sterling was tense, scanning the crowd for threats, but Trixie was absolutely escatic.
“Can you feel the energy in the air? Trixie is so excited to be here again! Trixie might have to put on an impromptu show!”
“Trixie doesn’t have time to put on a show,” snapped Sterling. “Which way do we need to go?”
Trixie gave an exaggerated sigh and looked around quickly to get her bearings. She chose a direction and indicated with her hoof. “Flim and Flam’s resort is this way. I suppose we can at least check in and perhaps Trixie can get a spa treatment before the show?”
Sterling frowned, but Sunset actually smiled. “Actually, Trixie, a spa treatment sounds like just the thing right now.”
“All right,” offered Sterling. “While you ladies relax, I think I’ll do some scouting and just see what we’re getting ourselves into.”
...
Sterling returned to his room an hour later with an exasperated sigh. Las Pegasus was just far too chaotic to make sense of what was going on. He had at least learned the layout of the rather large resort, and secured tickets to the show, but with at least an hour left to spare, he decided that even he could use a nap before catching up with Trixie and Sunset.
The bed was overly soft for his liking, but as a soldier, he was used to sleeping when and where he could. He was out rather quickly.
A sudden noise snapped him awake, and without betraying that he was awake, he half-opened his eyes to scan the room. At first he saw nothing, but then a flash of light revealed a pony standing near the window. He didn’t recognize her at first, but then a second flash revealed the tall form and shifting mane of Nightmare Moon, her eyes glowing in the dark.
Sterling was out of bed and bowing in a flash. “Y... your Majesty? What are you doing here?”
“I would ask you the same question.” Her voice was cold and hard, and she stared at him unblinkingly.
“I... but... we are questing for the Elements of Harmony. Are you not still in the Crystal Empire? Why... why are you Nightmare Moon?”
Her eyes narrowed. “Is it upon you to question a ruler of Equestria?”
Sterling flushed, and bowed lower. “No, no! No, your highness. My apologies.”
“Then answer me. Why are you in Las Pegasus? What are you doing here?”
“Why... Trixie recognized an artifact here that we believe to be an element. We... we told you about it in the Crystal Empire. Do you not remember?”
“Of course I remember!” snapped Nightmare Moon. “I did not think you would have taken her word so seriously.”
“I... well... Sunset felt it was worth following. We should know by tonight.”
“I see.” Nightmare Moon stepped a little closer. “And then after this, what?”
Sterling frowned a bit. There was something very wrong about this interrogation. “I... I don’t know, your highness. There should be two more elements to locate, but we don’t yet have any clues.”
“Excellent,” replied Nightmare Moon.
“Your highness?”
“Tell nobody, Sterling Honor.” Her horn lit a brilliant green and the light filled Sterling’s eyes as she lowered it to his forehead. “Back to sleep for now.”
Exactly on time Sterling’s eyes snapped open and he looked around the room slowly. The ladies would be finished their spa treatment and it was time to meet up with them for the show.
“It was... a dream?” he wondered. But if it was just a dream, why was he sleeping on the floor?
---
It took longer than he liked to locate Sunset, even though she was waiting more or less exactly where they had agreed. She waved a hoof to catch his attention and he trotted over quickly.
“Where’s Trixie?” he asked, impatient. “The theatre opens in 10 minutes.”
“I don’t know,” replied Sunset with some frustration. “She wandered away and I lost sight of her in the crowd.”
Sterling stamped a hoof with irritation and looked around again. “We can wait a few minutes, but with so many ponies wandering around, it’s going to take us long enough to get to the theatre, let alone get inside.”
Sunset nodded. “If she’s not here by the time the theatre opens, we’ll have to go without her.”
Sterling rolled his eyes. “We’ll never hear the end of it if we do.”
“Did you find anything interesting in your ‘recon’?” asked Sunset, grinning a bit.
“Nothing very much. I know the layout of the resort, and of course I got the tickets. They aren’t very good, everything was apparently sold out long ago.”
“That doesn’t matter much,” replied Sunset. “As long as we can see the stone I should be able to tell if it’s an element or not. I hope they plan to present it.”
Sterling nodded towards the wall. “It’s all over the posters... it’s hard to imagine the ‘Stone of Spectacle’ won’t make an appearance.”
Sunset nodded as well. “Good point. Anything else?”
Sterling shook his head. “I ended up in my room, where I... I took a nap.”
Sunset grinned and nudged Sterling’s shoulder. “Good boy! Can’t have you falling asleep during the show! Our spa treatment was amazing... I feel as refreshed as if I took a nap too!”
They watched the crowds for a few more minutes, desperately straining to catch a glimpse of Trixie in any direction. At last, Sterling called it.
“We’re going to have to get moving if we want to get seated. She must have gotten distracted by something, maybe some other show.”
Sunset shook her head, but agreed. “I guess she knows her way around well enough that we don’t have to watch her. Let’s go see what we can learn from the show.”
It took minutes to cross the massive resort, but at last they found the theatre, where a large crowd was slowly filtering into the theatre through three massive doors. It was moving slowly, as each pony’s ticket was carefully examined by a burly usher at each door. Sunset and Sterling joined the crowd and started inching closer to the entrance.
“I have to admit, it’s really ornate!” gushed Sunset, looking around and trying to peer through the doors into the theatre.
Sterling grunted agreement, and glared towards one of the ushers who was trying to juggle several groups of ponies at the same time. “Not terribly efficient, though.”
“SUNSET! STERLING!”
The loud voice drowned out all chatter and for a moment the volume in the atrium was lowered as faces turned towards the source. Standing at the top of a small staircase attached to the wall was Trixie. As Sunset and Sterling turned to look, she grinned and waved them over to her with her hoof.
Sterling took a quick glance at the throng that they were now in the middle of, as some ponies stopped paying attention and went back to filtering into the theatre.
“She can’t be serious. I’m not getting out of line now?”
Sunset sighed, and motioned for Trixie to come down and join them instead. Trixie frowned.
“COME! TO! TRIXIE!”
Again, the loud voice, clearly magically amplified. This time most of the ponies looked towards Sunset and and Sterling, and a few of them chuckled sympathetically.
“We better go see what she wants,” sighed Sunset.
Sterling rolled his eyes and put the tickets away in his saddlebags. “Whatever you say,” he grumbled.
The two of them started to push their way back through the crowd, with plenty of ‘excuse me’s and apologies. At last they reached the base of the stairs and climbed up to Trixie, who disappeared through the door at the top and beckoned them in.
“Where were you, Trixie?” asked Sunset as she followed. “The show is about to start!”
Trixie grinned triumphantly. “The Great and Powerful Trixie has been using her amazing status as a well known stage performer to introduce herself to the cast!” Her voice lowered and she whispered very quickly to Sunset. “Play along.”
Sunset blinked and looked at Sterling as Trixie motioned to someone through the next door. A moment later a pink pegasus with a long, multi-colored mane came into the room and smiled. “Are these your assistants, Trixie?”
Trixied beamed and nodded. “Mi Amore Cadenza, Trixie would like to present her manager, Ms Sunset Shimmer, and Trixie’s personal security escort, Mr Sterling Honor.”
Cadenza curtsied. “I’m so pleased to meet you! Trixie told me about how excited you all were to see Pony Fantastique, and that she’d personally promised you a good seat. I can’t deny a fellow performer, you know show biz ponies need to stick together! You can use the producer’s box, I don’t think we have any other guests tonight!”
“Oh!” responded Sunset. “Yes, well, we wanted to see if there was anything that might benefit the Great and Powerful Trixie’s most magnificent act, Miss Mi Amore.”
Trixie kicked Sunset’s back leg discreetly, muttering under her breath. “Tone it down...”
Cadenza didn’t seem to notice. “Oh, please, call me Cadence.” She looked towards Sterling Honor. “And you were Sterling, was it?”
Sterling nodded curtly. “Yes ma’am.”
Cadence giggled. “You pick tough security, Trixie. Well, I need to get ready here, let me show you to your box and you all just enjoy the show! I’ll catch up with you later to see what you thought!”
---
The box overlooked the orchestra pit and made it very easy to see the stage. After Cadence bid them to enjoy the show one last time and made her way downstairs, Sterling glared at Trixie.
“WE are YOUR staff?” he demanded.
Trixie grinned widely. “Hah, Trixie told you she knew her way around Las Pegasus.” She leaned over the edge of the balcony and pointed towards the back. “YOUR tickets were way back there!”
Sterling rolled his eyes and sat down grumpily. Sunset shook her head but chuckled. “I suppose... thank you, Trixie. From here it will be much easier to sense any latent magic.”
Trixie smirked and took the center seat, stretching out and making herself comfortable. “Of course! Only the best when you travel with Trixie!”
“So you’ve worked with this one... Cadence... before?” asked Sterling.
“Oh, no,” replied Trixie. Her grin never faded. “Trixie recognized her from the posters, and caught her as she was making her way to the dressing rooms. After talking for a little bit Trixie convinced her that she must have heard of Trixie’s amazing magic show, and told her how much Trixie’s assistants were desperate to see Pony Fantastique. When you have the silver tongue of Trixie, it’s easy.”
Sterling grunted. “A little deceptive. Was it necessary?”
Trixie waved him off. “It’s show business! Everypony tells little white lies to make stronger connections. Trixie didn’t say anything that will get us in trouble. And look at the magnificent box Trixie has got for us to share!”
Sterling snorted and turned his attention back towards the stage. Sunset smiled and nodded to Trixie.
“Well, I admit it’s a lot more comfortable. Thank you, Trixie.”
As the show started, Cadence was the first one on-stage. She flew around the stage, dropping glitter as she flew, while stallions mock-swooned underneath her to heavy orchestral music. Though a simple entrance, all three of the ponies found it enthralling, and enjoyed it immensely.
As she exitted, two tall, lanky unicorn stallions took the stage dressed in formal tuxedos. They had pale olive coats, while their manes and tails were a dull red with white stripes. The slightly shorter of the two sported a bushy mustache.
“Fillies and gentlecolts, allow me to introduce myself!” said the taller one. “My name is Flim...”
“... and I am Flam!” added the other.
“Brothers?” mused Sterling. “They have nearly matching cutie marks.” Sure enough, both had sliced-apple related cutie marks. Flim sported an apple slice, while Flam seemed to have an apple with a slice cut out of it.
Then they spoke together. “We’re the world-famous Flim-Flam Brothers! And we’re proud to welcome you to Pony Fantastique!”
Sterling settled back with a satisfied grunt.
“Make sure you stick around for the grand finale,” advised Flam.
“The presentation of the amazing and spectacular...” continued Flim.
“Stone of Spectacle!” they completed together.
“But first...” hinted Flim. Then almost as quickly as it had faded, the music suddenly picked up in rhythm, and multiple acts made their way out. Like a three-ring circus, there was too much to watch at once as ponies flew, tight-rope walked, blew fire, and performed simple illusions. When one act finished, it was smoothly replaced by an all new one. Flim and Flam quietly faded back and left the stage.
Trixie leaned over the balcony watching intently, a massive grin on her face. Sunset did her best to keep up, finding it hard to take everything into account. Sterling sat back in his seat, a grimace on his face, but his eyes darted around frequently, taking stock of the theatre as a whole.
The entire event lasted about 90 minutes until at last the stage grew quiet, save for a single bright spotlight in the center. Flim and Flam entered together as a single string instrument kept up a suspenseful rhythm.
“And now, my friends...” began Flim.
“The moment you have all been waiting for!” continued Flam.
“The spectacular...” gushed Flim.
“... the stupendous...” added Flam.
“... the STONE OF SPECTACLE! (Trademark Flim and Flam Brothers.)” they completed together. A small dias raised from the center of the stage as the audience leaned in close to see. On the dias was a glass display case with a brightly lit gem inside of it. Sunset leaned over the balcony herself to study it.
“We brothers found this gem in a daring...” began Flam.
“... and might I add extremely dangerous...” inserted Flim.
“Extremely dangerous,” emphasized Flam.
“... journey to the long-lost island of Atlanthoof!” finished Flim!
“With the help of our brave seapony guides...” continued Flam.
“... we located and extracted this amazing amethyst, especially for you...” Flim flourished towards the audience as they finished together.
“...our amazing audience here in Las Pegasus!”
There was loud applause as Flim and Flam took their bows. Then the gem’s stand began to descend back into the stage.
“Wait!” cried Sunset softly. “Is that it!?”
“Hush!” admonished Trixie.
“But they didn’t DO anything with it!”
Trixie rolled her eyes. “You don’t understand anything about show business.”
Shortly after the music picked up again, and all the performers who had graced the stage during the show returned to join Flim and Flam. They lined up across the stage and took their bows as the announcer called each name in turn. The theatre erupted into sustained applause that lasted until well after the curtain had closed, and then ponies began the slow process of filing their way out.
“What do we do now?” asked Sunset.
Trixie fell back into her seat with a contented sigh. “Why, we wait of course. Cadence will come and ask us what we thought of the show.”
“Are you sure she’ll come?” asked Sunset.
“Certainly,” replied Trixie. “That’s part of being a gracious host!”
Sunset hmmed and looked over towards Sterling. “What did you think of the show? You were pretty quiet.”
Sterling smiled. “What I saw of it was entertaining... but I was mostly keeping an eye on the security of the theatre. They are pretty alert when the stone comes out, and I’d suspect it’s stored backstage somewhere.” He eyed Sunset carefully. “What did you think? Is it an Element?”
“It was pretty hard to tell...” offered Sunset hesitantly. “It was only on-stage for a few minutes, and they never even opened the case. There was some kind of magic resistance on the glass, though that’s not unusual for something valuable. It certainly looked like an Element, but I wish I could see it closer.”
“Trixie has that arranged too,” offered Trixie with a smirk.
“Oh?” asked Sunset, her ears perking. “Did you get us a backstage tour, too?”
Trixie’s smirk grew. “Better than that.”
Just then there was a light knock from outside the box, and Cadence appeared, still wearing her stage costume. “Hello, Trixie!” she called in a sing-song voice. “Did you enjoy the show?”
“It was spectacular!” gushed Trixie. “And my assistants loved it too! Didn’t you?”
“Oh... oh yes!” added Sunset. “Actually I really liked the fire breathers. Who said dragons were the only creatures who could do that?”
“Ooh, yes!” replied Cadence. “It makes me a bit nervous, but they are really the most professional performers I’ve ever seen. They are so careful to ensure nopony gets hurt!” She looked to Sterling. “What was your favorite part?”
Sterling forced a smile and grunted a bit. “Oh... um. I guess I liked the dancing gerbils?”
Cadence laughed! “Oh! You’re an animal lover! That’s wonderful!”
Sterling shrugged but his expression softened a bit. Cadence turned back towards Trixie.
“Flim and Flam are ready to see you. They only have a few minutes to spare, but when I told them the Great and Powerful Trixie wanted to talk to them, they were really eager!”
“Of course!” replied Trixie. “Who wouldn’t be?”
Sterling rolled his eyes as they all got back to their hooves to follow Cadence out.
“This way,” advised Cadence as she led them down a different set of stairs and towards the backstage area. After winding their way through several passages, she called back to them.
“Flim and Flam are right through here,” she called as she stepped through a final doorway. Trixie lifted a hoof to halt Sunset and Sterling.
“Follow Trixie’s lead,” she whispered.
Ahead of them they heard Cadence speaking to Flim and Flam. Trixie seemed to be listening intently, concentrating.
“Flim and Flam,” Cadence called. “I’ve brought Trixie and her helpers for you. She’s... oh... she was right behind me?”
Before anyone else could speak, Trixie spoke in a loud, commanding voice, using her magic to make it sound as if it were coming from all around them.
“Come one, come all! It’s time once again to witness the amazing, show-stopping abilities of the Mare of Magic! Presenting the one, the only, The Grrrrrrreat and Powerful TRRRRIXIE!”
On the final word she tossed a smoke bomb and ran forward under cover of it. By the time it dissipated, she was reared up on her hind hoofs with her forehooves spread triumphantly.
Cadence gasped and then applauded with her hooves as Sunset and Sterling quietly made their way in behind Trixie. Flim and Flam smirked a bit as they looked at Trixie.
“So, Great and Powerful Trixie! So nice of you to visit our little corner of Equestria!” offered Flim.
“I do hope you all enjoyed the show!” added Flam. “What was your favorite part of it?”
“To be honest,” offered Sunset. “I was really hoping to learn more about the Stone of Spectacle!”
Flim and Flam cast brief glances at each other, then looked back to Sunset.
“A most remarkble gem!” offered Flim.
“Worth at least several millions bits,” confirmed Flam. “There is no object in Equestria like it!”
“But what does it do?” persisted Sunset.
“Do?” repeated Flim, as if confirming he heard correctly. “Why, the powers of the Stone of Spectacle, trademark Flim and Flam Brothers, has powers beyond the mere comprehension of ponykind!” Flam nodded.
“Like what?” persisted Sunset.
Trixie interjected by literally stepping in front of Sunset and shoving her aside with her flank. “That’s enough silly questions, Sunset. Flim and Flam are very busy ponies. The important thing is that we all enjoyed the show very much!”
Flim and Flam smiled and looked back to Trixie again. “So does that mean that you are interested in becoming a part of it?”
“Trixie!” exclaimed Sunset. “What are you doing?!”
Trixie settled back onto her hooves and smiled. “Oh, settle down.” She looked back towards Flim and Flam. “As you can see, Trixie’s staff are very easily concerned, but I assure you that they are the highest quality and will be great assets to your show. Sunset is the best time manager in Equestria, and Sterling knows more about security than any pony you’ve ever seen. Trixie simply won’t participate without them.”
Flim and Flam glanced at each other for a moment longer than before, but when they looked back they sported broad grins. Flam spoke first.
“All right, Trixie! We’d be happy to take on you and your staff...”
“... on a provisional basis...” noted Flim.
“... until your first show, and we see how the audience responds,” finished Flam.
“Of course,” noted Flim, “you’ll be responsible for your own expenses until we are satisfied that you will fit in with the Pony Fantastique family!”
“Oh!” exclaimed Cadence. “That’s wonderful! I can show them around!”
“Excellent!” exclaimed Flam. “We’ll leave them in your capable care, Cadence! Miss Trixie, shall we say first of the month for your debut performance?”
Trixie grinned. “You won’t be disappointed! After you see Trixie perform, you’ll have her as top billing!”
Flim and Flam grinned at each other. “Confidence! Absolutely a positive trait for a performer in Las Pegasus. Very well, my brother and I have to go start the evening’s accounting.”
“Goodbye Flim! Goodbye Flam!” called Cadence as they made their way out. She turned towards Trixie. “Oh! This is so exciting! We haven’t had a real magic act in Fantastique in forever!”
Sunset frowned. “Trixie, can we talk to you over here for a moment?”
Trixie rolled her eyes and smiled at Cadence. “Just a moment, Trixie needs to calm her help.”
Sunset, Trixie and Sterling stepped a few paces away while Cadence waited uncomfortably.
Sterling spoke first, hissing through a loud whisper. “Did you seriously just sign us all up to work a Las Pegasus show?”
“Oh, relax,” replied Trixie. “You wanted to find the Element, and Trixie did it. You wanted a way to inspect it, and Trixie did that too. Cadence will show us around and she’ll take us right to it if we ask her to.”
“Well...” began Sunset hesitantly. “I suppose that might be true...?” She looked to Sterling for confirmation.
“Surely you don’t intend to stay through next month to perform?” Sterling asked Trixie.
“Well...” began Trixie.
“Trixie!” hissed Sunset.
“Very well!” huffed Trixie. “I’m sure we’ll be done before then. But it will be a terrible thing to deny Trixie’s fans such a grand appearance.”
Sterling frowned as he thought about it for a moment. “All right,” he finally conceded. “But tone down the ‘assistant’ and ‘helper’ bits, will you? I don’t care for that very much.”
“Fine, fine,” replied Trixie, waving him off. She immediately turned back to Cadence and grinned widely. “All set. Shall we find Trixie’s dressing room?”