The Crystal Empire Part 1
Pony's Log Number 301: Saving ponies and defeating evil isn't anything new, but Twilight and I have never been tested on it...
One fine day in the city of Canterlot, Princess Celestia was sitting on her throne busily just signing some routine paper work. It was then a guard burst through the doors.
"News from Northern Equestria!" said the guard before making a bow and removing his helmet, "Uh...Your highness."
"Yes?" Princess Celestia asked as her paperwork assistant took the work away.
"I am simply to tell you that it has returned," said the guard. Princess Celestia gasped.
"Find Princess Cadance and Shining Armor," Princess Celestia ordered to another guard standing near her.
"Yes, Your Highness," said the second guard as he, the other guard standing beside Princess Celestia, and the initial guard who came in, all left the throne room. Princess Celestia watched them leave.
Looks like the time has come... Princess Celestia thought as she used her magic to begin writing a letter.
"My dearest Twilight and Mario," said Princess Celestia, "you both must come to Canterlot at once..."
(Main Theme)
Inside the Great Oak Library, Mario and Twilight had received Princess Celestia's message and were busy gathering the materials they figured they would need for this "test" Princess Celestia was giving them. To say both ponies were remaining calm would be a gross understatement, Mario was having his panic attack in the second floor while his marefriend was having her own anxiety troubles downstairs on the main floor.
"Where are all my quills?" Twilight retorted with panicked breathing as she stopped pacing about, looked about, and then zipped off. Spike was just watching Twilight pace about as he held a light blue sack in his claws. Then Twilight found her quills and used her magic to toss them at Spike. Spike jumped into the air and grabbed them with the sack, the tips of the quills puncturing the bottom of the sack.
"Brbrbr. No, no, no, no, no..." Twilight babbled as she used her magic to search for a book, "Ugh. We need the Magic Compendium volumes 1 through 36! Where is it?!"
"Why not ask your coltfriend?" Spike remarked but was ignored as Twilight then sat down for a moment and ran off. As Twilight ran over to a shelf to grab a book and Spike headed over to her. The rest of the mane six minus Pinkie were there, just watching Twilight frantically trying to gather her materials. Then Twilight found a large dusty book on a high shelf. Spike got under it to catch it, but the book was so big that landed on top of him and flattened him for a moment. Spike quickly recovered as he tried to lift the book off of his back but was struggling to succeed. Twilight then headed toward another drawer.
"Flash cards! I should make some flash cards," said Twilight as she stacked them up into two piles and hovered them over to Spike, who had just barely gotten himself out from under the large book, "Spike, I'm gonna need you to quiz me. On everything. Everything I've ever learned. Ever. Then you can test Mario. This isn't going to be enough cards." As Twilight shoved the two stacks of note cards into Spike's arms as she scratched her chin before remembering something and made a mad dash to the other side of the room. Her friends just continued to watch Twilight, while Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow were concerned. Applejack was smirking to herself.
"Twilight, calm down," said Spike firmly as he set the note cards down on the floor, "It's just a test." Twilight froze before she looked at Spike with wide eyes. It was clear Spike had hit a nerve. A nerve he should have known by now to never mess with.
"Just a test?" Twilight repeated as she rushed at Spike and leaned into Spike's face with her hind legs in the air, "Just a test! Princess Celestia wants to give Mario and I some kind of exam, and you're trying to tell me to calm down because it's just a test?!" Twilight gave Spike a panicked looking face as she literally backed Spike into a wall. Spike cringed before equipping himself with an army hat and pillow padding around his body.
"Uh...yes," said Spike nervously. Twilight just glared at him angrily, her temper about to explode as a large ball of magical energy began to glow from her horn.
"I'd say she's handling this pretty well, considerin'," said Applejack casually. The four ponies all got out just in time.
"UUUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRGHHHH!" Twilight screamed in frustration as her magic ball exploded, sending the entire Golden Oak into the air, spun about, and then landed back into its original roots.
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! UGH!" Mario screamed and groaned as he landed a few feet away from the panting purple pony on his back.
"Well, that's one way to get me downstairs," Mario groaned, feeling rather dazed when Twilight turned around and gasped.
"Oh no, my schmoopy!" Twilight cried out as she rushed over to him and helped him up to his hooves, "I'm so, so sorry. I'm just so nervous about the test and then Spike said it was just a test and I..." Twilight stopped talking as Mario gave her a tender hug.
"Just like when you were a filly," Mario chucked, "A hug always helped calmed you down." Twilight giggled.
"Thanks," said Twilight, "But what about you, sweetie? Are you okay?"
"Well..." said Mario, as he pondered, a vision appeared of him sitting in the middle of the floor hyperventilating and later he was hugging his tail and humming to himself, "...I'm pretty nervous myself. Guess I just don't want to let Mom down. And...I don't want to let my girl down." Twilight smiled.
"I don't wanna let you down either," Twilight replied as they shared a nose nuzzle and chuckled to each other. Spike just rolled his eyes.
I did say I wanted them to get together, Spike thought, I'm just grateful the mush hasn't been too intolerable...mostly.
Back at Canterlot castle, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were just admiring a new stained glass window depicting Shining Armor and Cadance's bodies shaping into two halves of a heart. It was created to represent how their love had defeated the changelings not too long ago. Nearby was also a new staining glass window featuring Mario hovering in the air producing a pink heart from his horn while being surrounded by the other Elements of Harmony. Princess Celestia had created it as her way of saying that Mario was indeed the Seventh Element of Harmony. But getting back on track, the two Princess were admiring the first stained glass window.
"Are you sure you don't want me to go as well?" Princess Luna asked the elder alicorn as she gazed at the stained glass window.
"Yes, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor are already there," said Princess Celestia, "The others will be joining them soon."
"The Empire's magic is powerful," Princess Luna reminded her, "It cannot fall again, sister." Princess Celestia continued to stare at the stained glass picture.
"They will succeed at their task," said Princess Celestia definitively, "And when they do, we'll know that they are much closer to being ready." It was then the double doors that lead to the main hall opened.
"Ahem," said Twilight with a sheepishly.
"We're...umm...here...Mom..." Mario stuttered with the same facial expression. Princess Luna just looked at them skeptically while Princess Celestia gave the two ponies a warm smile.
"Trust me, little sister," said Princess Celestia to her younger sibling. Princess Luna said nothing as she walked past the two approaching ponies. She only exchanged a brief look with them before taking her leave.
"You wanted to see us?" Twilight asked as she and Mario placed their saddle bags on the floor, "To give us a test? We brought our own quills and plenty of paper to show our work." It was then a long roll of parchment got away from them.
"Oops!" said Mario, "Shoot..." Mario tried to grab the parchment but it got away. Princess Celestia just looked at the paper as it finished unrolling before her.
"Sorry, sorry!" said Twilight as she tried to use her nose to roll up the paper herself.
"My bad!" Mario added as he was about to grab the paper with his magic when Princess Celestia beat him to it and rolled up the paper herself. She then put all the writing materials back into their saddle bags.
"This is a different kind of test," said Princess Celestia.
"Oh...not a written test?" Mario implied, "Then...live demonstration? Do...Twilight and I have to magic duel each other?!" Both ponies looked rather uneasy at each other.
"Not that either, my son," Princess Celestia answered, giving them a serious look, "The Crystal Empire has returned." Mario and Twilight both gave the alicorn stunned and worried looks.
"The Crystal Empire?" said Twilight as she used her magic to scroll through her books, "I'm sorry, I-I thought we'd studied. Ooh, we don't think there's anything in any of my books in-"
"There wouldn't be," said Princess Celestia, "Few remember it ever existed at all." Mario and Twilight lifted their heads at her curiously.
"How come you never told us about it before?" Mario asked as he pulled out several notebooks, "I know you didn't cause I have archived every lecture you've ever given to me and Twilight."
"That's because even my knowledge of the Empire is limited," Princess Celestia answered as she lifted a giant crystal underneath a protective glass case, "But what I do know it that is contains a powerful magic." Princess Celestia then set the crystal before Mario and Twilight, who looked at it curiously until Princess Celestia fired a magic blast at it, making the giant crystal produce an image of the entire empire. Mario and Twilight backed away from the projection as it expanded on the floor before them. Mario and Twilight couldn't help but notice the tower that stood in the center of what looked like a big city. They could also see ponies made out of crystal living happily within the city.
"One thousand years ago," Princess Celestia explained, "King Sombra, a unicorn whose heart was black as night, took over the Crystal Empire." As Princess Celestia told the story, black crystals appeared around the image. Then a unicorn with a grey coat, black mane and tail, with a red horn, and green and orange glowing eyes appeared. He was also wearing steel armor around his body. He smiled and growled evilly as he had all the crystal ponies bounded and chained as they walked single file.
"He was ultimately overthrown," said Princess Celestia as shadowed figures of what appeared to be herself and Princess Luna as they fired a bright magic blast at King Sombra, "turned into shadow, and banished into the ice of the arctic north." King Sombra gave a loud roar as his shadowed form fell into a large crack in the ice and then sealed him inside. Mario and Twilight stared at the empire in amazement.
"But not before he was able to put a curse upon the Empire," Princess Celestia continued, "A curse that caused it to vanish into thin air. If the Empire is filled with hope and love, those things are reflected across all of Equestria." As the alicorn said that, the image of the empire disappeared from the crystal. She then made the crystal shine brightly as she mentioned hope and love.
"If hatred and fear take hold..." Princess Celestia then made her eyes look just like King Sombra's and fired a black beam at the crystal, producing black crystals that came rising at the two ponies. Twilight cringed in fear as Mario held her close protectively, but he was rather shaken up himself.
"Did...did you just use black magic?!" Mario exclaimed in horror as Princess Celestia used her normal magic to blast away the crystals.
"No, no, my son," said Princess Celestia as she landed back on the ground, "it is just an illusion. Sometimes in order to penetrate, access, or purify anything powered by dark magic, one must disguise their own magic to resemble the source. This allows your magic to be effective against it." Mario breathed a sigh of relief and nodded.
"Which is why I need your help in finding a way to protect it," Princess Celestia finished as she looked at the two ponies.
"You want us to help protect an entire empire?" said Twilight as she and Mario exchanged worried looks.
"It is, as I said, a different kind of test," said Princess Celestia as she placed the giant crystal back on its pedestal and under its glass case, "But one I'm certain you two will pass."
"So the test is actually a mission," said Mario to his marefriend, "and a pretty high-stakes mission too." He and Twilight looked at each other again before giving each other a nod.
"How do we begin?" Twilight asked bravely as she and Mario faced the alicorn.
"By joining Princess Cadance and Shining Armor in the Crystal Empire," said Princes Celestia as she walked by the two ponies.
"My brother is there?" said Twilight excitedly.
"And Cadance?" said Mario in the same tone.
"They are," said Princess Celestia, "And your Ponyville friends will join you there as well. I have every confidence you will succeed. And when you do, I'll know you two are ready to move on to the next level of your studies." Princess Celestia then guided both Twilight and Mario outside of the main hall where Princess Luna was standing just outside the double doors. The stern look she gave both Mario and Twilight melted what little confidence they had about their "test".
"But what if we fail?" Twilight asked worried.
"You won't," said Princess Celestia.
"But what if-" Mario tried to ask but Princess Celestia held a fore-hoof in the air to silence them both.
"You won't," said Princess Celestia firmly as the two ponies started to walk away, "But Mario, Twilight, in the end, it must be you and you two alone who ultimately assists Cadance and Shining Armor in doing what needs to be done to protecting the Empire. Do you understand?" They looked back at her.
"Mm-hmm!" said Twilight with a firm nod and a confident smile.
"Mm-hmm!" Mario added right after with a nod and smile of his own.
"Then go," said Princess Celestia, "There is no time to lose." The alicorn quickly shut the door in their faces. Mario and Twilight pondered to each other before taking their leave, but not before Mario wrapped a fore-leg around Twilight and nuzzled her head.
"I'm afraid, sweetie," Twilight admitted.
"Me too, sweetie, me too," Mario replied.
Outside the stairs leading inside the castle, Spike was just sitting and waiting for Mario and Twilight to come out with a bored look on his face. It was then Mario and Twilight came walking downstairs with their heads low.
"Ah! Twilight! Mario!" said Spike excitedly as he stood up, "That was fast! Let me guess, you both got a perfect score?" Mario and Twilight just looked at him before walking off.
"A-minus? B-plus?" Spike guessed and then gasped, "Did one or both of you..." he lowered his voice to a whisper, "fail?" Spike didn't get an answer as the two ponies just looked sadly into the distance. It was then Mario and Twilight walked forward and began to sing. Spike just smiled and lightly jogged up to them.
[Twilight]
I was prepared to do my best
[Mario]
Thought I could handle any test
[Twilight and Mario]
For I can do so many tricks
But I wasn't prepared for this
[Twilight and Mario - as they made their way down some side streets, some other unicorns were snootily walking about. Twilight, Mario, and Spike saw a waiter offer a mare a tall tea pot and a cup. Twilight then used her magic to pick up the tea pot and pour the tea into the cup.]
Levitation would have been a breeze
Fact and figures I recite with ease
"The square root of five hundred and forty-six is twenty-three point three six six six four two eight nine zero nine," Twilight recited as she sat just outside of the school office of a nearby professor.
"And one-hundred twenty eight to the fourth power is two hundred sixty eight million, four hundred thirty five thousand, four hundred fifty-six," Mario recited right after.
"They are both correct," said the pony named Bill Neigh, who was also known as the science pony, as he showed the same calculations in his black board.
[Twilight - She then picked up Spike and spun him around by standing on her hind legs, hugged him, and then dropped him as she frowned. Then she and Mario headed over to the edge of a tower balcony that overlooked the landscape. Spike rubbed his top scale to recover before joining them.]
I could ace a quiz on friendships bliss
But I wasn't prepared for this
[Mario and Twilight]
Will I fail, or will I pass?
I can't be sure...
[Spike - who stood on the tower edge]
They can't be sure...
[Twilight and Mario - she and Mario then headed toward a pond. Twilight then teleported from one lily pond to the next, making a pose as she did so. The first pose was an opening ballerina stance, the second post was a single fore-leg handstand, the third pose could be considered the intro position to a two legged curtsey or finishing pose to a gymnastic routine, and the last pose was on all fours but with her fore-legs in the air. Mario copied the same moves, except his handstand was on both his fore-legs and the third was a classic victory pose. He teleported to Twilight's right for the fourth pose.]
My mind is sharp, my skills intact
My heart is pure...
[Spike- standing in the background as the two ponies teleported and posed]
Their hearts are pure...
[Twilight - she and Mario are standing on their hind legs as they dance together, performing a small jump and then trotting forward holding fore-hooves with their heads reeled back. Spike twinkles toes as he follows them from behind, doing his own ballet solo.]
Oh, I taken my share of licks.
[Mario]
I've made it through the thin and thick
[Twilight- her face appears in the fore-ground]
But no, I wasn't
[Spike - his face appeared behind her]
Oh no, she wasn't
[Mario - his face appeared right after Twilight's]
Oh no, I wasn't
[Spike - his face appeared in the background]
Oh no, he wasn't
[Twilight and Mario- both of them do a solo ballet twirl together on their hind legs]
No I wasn't...
[Twilight, Mario, and Spike - As the three are seen singing together, the view panned out to show the entire Canterlot castle]
Prepared...for this!
A little later both Mario and Twilight arrived at the train station platform. Spike, still in good spirits, followed them from behind until his smile flipped over.
"Uh, prepared for what exactly?" Spike asked puzzled. Mario and Twilight looked at him sadly.
"Twilight! Mario!" said a voice as the two ponies turned to see Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow, and Fluttershy at the station platform waiting for them. Applejack was the first to reach them as she jumped up and hugged them each around the neck.
"Uh, did you pass?" Applejack asked curiously as the rest of the ponies caught up to them. Spike just smiled, until a certain pink pony appeared next to him.
"Are we gonna celebrate your awesomeness with Princess Celestia?" Pinkie asked, bumping Spike out of the way as she set her party cannon pointing upwards and then squatted down. Pinkie timed her jump perfectly as her party cannon blasted out some confetti at the same time.
"Not quite," said Mario and Twilight together, making both the confetti blast and Pinkie stopped in mid air. Pinkie returned to the ground looking puzzled as the confetti blast went right back inside of the cannon and lowered.
"We're going to the Crystal Empire!" said Twilight and Mario nodded in agreement. The other ponies looked perplexed.
"Huh?" they all said at once.
"Crystal what?" Rainbow asked but didn't get any answers.
It wasn't long before the main seven and Spike were riding a train heading towards the frozen arctic regions of Equestria. The train just gave a loud whistle as it made its way toward a lone station where the snow was falling heavily and the winds were howling. As soon as the door to their passenger car opened, Twilight and Mario both raised a fore-hoof to their faces as the others flinched at the bitter cold winds. Everypony except for Rarity, who had a pink scarf around her neck.
"Ha! And you all made fun of me for packing so many scarves," Rarity boasted.
"Well there's a fine line between being prepared and overdoing it," Mario remarked, "Poor Spike is buried alive under all that luggage!"
"I didn't say a word," said Spike with a grunt as he carried various bags that belonged to the marshmallow pony. Spike then slipped on some snow and dropped her luggage. One suitcase then opened, causing several scarves to go flying into the winds, "Whoa! Hey. C'mere..." Spike then faded out as he gave chase. Mario and Twilight led the group forward, trying to figure out where to go next.
"Twilight!" somepony called out. Twilight raised a fore-hoof over her face to see who it was. It was then she saw a familiar white stallion wearing a black scarf, snow mask, and some goggles. He quickly lowered his mask and goggles.
"Shining Armor?" said Twilight as she rushed over and gave him a hug. Mario just casually followed behind Twilight.
"Twily! You made it!" said Shining Armor excitedly and then turned to Mario, "So...you taking good care of my sister?" By now, Twilight had already told both her brother and Cadance that they were together now. While Shining Armor supported their relationship, he was still protective of Twilight for obvious reasons.
"He's my Schmoopy teddy bear!" Twilight remarked as she nuzzled his side with her head. Shining Armor covered his mouth to avoid laughing as the others snickered behind them. Mario blushed.
"Does that answer your question?" Mario remarked in an annoyed tone.
"Yes it does, little buddy," Shining Armor replied before getting serious, "We'd better get moving. There are things out here we really don't want to run into after dark." The group looked worried and Fluttershy gulped.
"What kind of things?" Fluttershy asked timidly.
"Let's just say the Empire...isn't the only thing that's returned," Shining Armor answered as Spike arrived carrying various scarves in his hands.
"I've got a good guess what the other thing might be," said Mario with a shiver, "Good thing I brought these just in case." Mario then pulled out the visor he has used during the changeling battle and put them on.
"Where are mine?" Twilight demanded.
"I never had the chance to make another pair, sweetie," said Mario as Twilight just pouted. Fortunately Shining Armor got everyone refocused so they could get on their way and the group began to their treacherous venture through the snow.
"Something keeps trying to get in!" Shining Armor explained, "We think it's the unicorn king who originally cursed the place."
"That would make the most sense to me," Mario answered.
"But Princess Celestia said Mario and I were being sent here to find a way to protect the Empire!" Twilight explained, "If Sombra can't get in, then it must already by protected."
"For the moment, sweetie," said Mario, "but I think Mom wanted us to find a stronger if not more permanent solution. Something that will keep Sombra out for good." It was then a loud howl was heard, making everypony stop moving. Fluttershy gasped.
"Th-that's one of the things, isn't it?" Fluttershy asked in a panic.
"Guh! We have to get to the Crystal Empire! Now!" Shining Armor shouted as everypony picked up their pace. It was then a black tornado appeared behind them and pair of glowing green and red eyes became visible. Poor Spike was petrified at the sight until Shining Armor scooped him up with his magic, making the dragon drop Rarity's luggage, as they all made a run for it. King Sombra growled and roared as he gave chase after them. Mario growled.
"You're not getting any of my friends, Sombra!" Mario shouted as he used his visor to target the only hit point, his eyes. He then launched his magic blast, which split into two and homed in on the eyes. King Sombra roared loudly as the magic blasts hit each of his eyes, faltering his advance on the group.
"Go, go!" Twilight shouted as she scooped Spike onto her back. However, King Sombra had already recovered and was continuing to give chase on the group.
"Almost there," said Shining Armor as they saw a giant blue done in the distance. Shining Armor then stopped and turned to face Sombra one-on-one.
"Shining Armor, wait up! WHOA!" Mario called out as he stopped to go help the stallion out, but was then picked up by Twilight's magic and carried away.
"Oh no, you don't!" Twilight yelled, "We just got together and I am not letting you risk your neck against Sombra!" It was then Shining Armor launched his own magic blast at King Sombra. However the shadow king was prepared and easy dodged the attack before he growled and lunged at Shining Armor as the white stallion prepared another magic blast. It was then the group had gotten within reaching distance of the blue dome and Mario had finally been set down so he could run on her own.
"I hope we don't go smack into that thing!" Mario called out as they kept running and managed to go through the barrier rather than smacking into it.
"Everypony okay?" Twilight asked out of breath. The rest of the ponies just gave a general okay at they tried to catch their own breath. It was then Shining Armor came diving through the barrier. All of his snow gear had been lost and there were some black crystals surrounding the top of his horn.
"Oh, no!" said Twilight as she rushed over to her brother so quickly that Spike fell off her back, "Shining Armor, your horn!" Shining Armor sat up and tried to make his horn glow, the black crystals acted like a barrier that prevented him from doing so. He just shook his head as the two just shared sad looks with each other.
"Sparkleriffic!" said Pinkie, but it didn't do much to lighten up the brother and sister's mood as Mario just rolled his eyes at her. It was then they joined the rest of the group as they marveled at what appeared to be the Crystal Empire. They stood before two giant crystal pillars that acted as the main gate into the Empire. Even the surrounding environment was must more pleasant with clear pleasant skies and soft green grass. It wasn't long before Shining Armor guided them down the streets that lead to the central tower, which was also the location of the Crystal Palace.
"It's gorgeous!" said Rarity as she marveled at the sights, "Absolutely gorgeous!" She then mumbled as she continued to fan girl over the crystals, "There are no words!" Rarity made the face of a pony that was clearly star struck.
"Focus, Rarity," said Applejack as she brought the marshmallow pony back to reality, "We're here to help Twilight and Mario, not admire the scenery." Applejack then walked off as Rainbow walked about in the background.
"Eh, I don't see what the big deal is," said Rainbow, "just looks like another old castle to me."
"A-p-guh!" Rarity spluttered as if somepony had shaved off her mane before she got into the blue Pegaus's face, "Another old...! Have you lost your mind? Look at the magni-" Rarity was then cut off when Applejack and Rainbow laughed and exchange a high hoof with each other. The other girls just chuckled and smiled as well.
"Very funny," Rarity muttered to herself.
"Leave Rarity alone you guys," said Mario, "This place is very beautiful." He turned to Twilight, "Sweetie, maybe you and I can have a little date here once our mission is complete."
"Well, aren't you romantic," Twilight remarked as they nuzzled each other. Shining Armor rolled his eyes and everypony made their way inside the castle.
Inside the main throne room was Cadance, who was sitting on a throne chair made out of crystal. One could tell that the pink alicorn was looking rather tired as her horn was glowing constantly and there were dark circles under her eyes. She was feeling rather glum for the moment.
"Cadance!" Twilight and Mario shouted. Cadance then smiled excitedly as she headed over to the two ponies.
"Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake!" the three ponies sang and danced together, "Clap your hooves and give a little shake!" The three ponies laughed as Rainbow and Applejack snickered.
"Can you believe Mario actually did that so openly?" Rainbow remarked as Applejack chuckled. Mario, who had heard Rainbow, gave them a glare when Cadance cringed as the barrier outside flickers like her horn.
"One of these days we need to get together when the fate of Equestria isn't hanging in the balance." Cadance then sighed, her exhaustion was now more clearly visible.
"Are you okay?" said Twilight.
"You don't look so good," Mario added with worry.
"Cadance has been able to use her magic to spread love and light," said Shining Armor as he stood beside the pink alicorn, "That seems to be what is protecting it. But she hasn't slept, barely eats. I want to help her, but my protection spell has been countered by King Sombra."
"Wuh? Cadance!" said Mario sternly, "I seem to recall somepony telling me that rest and good meals are important for being able to do your best all at times. That smart ponies don't run themselves ragged."
"This is different..." Cadance said in her defense.
"No it isn't," said Mario, "If you run out of energy, the consequences are going be much more serious. If sleeping means risking lowering the shield, then at least get a good meal in your stomach! Shining Armor, point me to the kitchen, I'm going to make the friend I call my Big Sister a meal fit for a princess! With dessert!"
"Ooh, ooh, ooh, can you make your famous Triple Chocolate Peanut Butter cake?" Shining Armor asked like a young colt, forgetting the food was for Cadance and not him. Cadance and Twilight giggled at his childish behavior.
"Sure, just point me to the kitchen," said Mario. Shining Armor gave him instructions and Mario was on his way. Cadance just rolled her eyes and breathed deeply.
"I had forgotten how overprotective Mario can be," said Cadance.
"Hey, you said you missed his cooking," said Shining Armor, "might as well let him make you something to eat."
"It's alright, Shining Armor," said Cadance, "I'm fine."
"She's not fine," said Shining Armor to Twilight, "She can't go on like this forever, and if her magic were to fade...Well, you saw what's out there waiting for that to happen." Twilight then looked outside for a moment.
"That's why we're here," said Twilight.
"Why we're all here," Applejack remarked behind the purple pony on behalf of the rest of the group.
"Mm-hmm," said the other ponies in agreement.
"Well, with Cadance putting all her strength into keep her spell going," Shining Armor explained, "and me trying to keep an eye on signs of trouble in the arctic, we haven't been able to gather much information from the Crystal Ponies."
"Crystal Ponies?!" said Rarity excitedly as she tugged her mane with her fore-legs, "Hahaha, there are Crystal Ponies?!" Rarity then realized everypony minus Twilight was giving her funny looks.
"Um, ahem," said Rarity sheepishly, "Please continue."
"But we have to believe one of them knows how we can protect the Empire without having to use Cadance's magic," said Shining Armor. It was then a green pipe appeared, made of crystal since that was material of the land, as Mario came out of it rolling a tray for a full course meal, dessert included.
"That was quick," said Twilight, "How did you cook that so quickly? Let alone bake the cake." Mario smiled.
"Pinkie taught me a trick on how to do speed cooking and baking," said Mario as he set the tray of food before Cadance, "I managed to catch the last part of the conversation and I agree. Somepony within the Empire must know something about how to defeat King Sombra. Looks like we've got some research to do." Twilight then pondered for a moment when she got an idea.
"A research paper!" Twilight exclaimed.
"Huh?" said Shining Armor as Candace looked puzzled.
"That must be part of our test," said Twilight excitedly, "to gather information from the Crystal Ponies and deliver it to you! This is gonna be great! I love research papers!" Cadance and Shining Armor looked stunned as Mario chuckled to himself.
"Don't I know it," Mario remarked.
"Yeah, who doesn't?" Rainbow muttered sarcastically to Pinkie.
"Oh-oh-oh!" Pinkie replied energetically, "Lemme guess! Is it Spike? Nono, Fluttershy! Rarity?" Pinkie then grabbed the two ponies and then gave the group a worried look. Mario groaned.
"Doesn't that pony know sarcasm when she hears it?" Mario remarked as Cadance chuckled. Twilight then got behind Shining Armor and hugged him.
"Don't worry, big brother," said Twilight, "I am really good at this sort of things. Especially with my schmoopy helping me." Shining Armor smiled, Mario blushed, and the rest of the group snickered.
"I'm never gonna get used to that nickname," Mario muttered to himself.
Later that day, the group had split up for the most part to go and ask the crystal ponies for information. Twilight, Mario, and Spike had decided to create their own group. For the moment, they were asking questions to a crystal pony named Autumn Gem.
"Are you sure? Absolutely sure?" Twilight pleaded.
"I'm sorry, I wish I could help you," said Autumn Gem in very depressed tone, "But I...can't seem to remember anything before King Sombra came to power." It was then a flash appeared featuring King Sombra's eyes, making her shudder, "I don't want to remember anything about the time he ruled over us."
"You poor thing..." said Mario sympathetically.
"King Sombra's spell must be why their coats aren't...crystally," said Twilight to Mario and Spike discreetly.
"Have we really been gone for a thousand years?" Autumn Gem asked.
"Yes," Twilight replied directly.
"If you think of anything, even the smallest thing..." said Twilight.
"Of course," said Autumn Gem as she went to close her door.
"Wait!" said Mario, "I can see that King Sombra has put you through alot, more than we could ever understand. If you are in ever need a friend, just know that our doors are open to you." Twilight just smiled. Mario had mentioned this to each crystal pony that they had spoken to. Twilight had wondered why at first, but she figured it out. Mario was just being true to his Element and was showing compassion and empathy to ponies who clearly suffered under King Sombra.
"Thank you," said Autumn Gem and then closed her door.
"Well, that was a total bust," said Spike as the group headed back into the street.
"Maybe the others are having better luck," said Twilight until she noticed Mario looked rather glum.
"Are you okay, sweetie?" Twilight asked.
"I just feel so much...pain, sadness, suffering," said Mario sadly, "that monster hurt these crystal ponies in ways that will take a lot of time to heal. I've...never sensed such emotions like this before..."
"Could be your new love magic," Twilight guessed, "It must let you sense when ponies are in pain and distress."
"I guess...you're right," said Mario quietly, "But it's so strong...I feel like I wanna cry..." Twilight hugged him, which helped him smile.
"Be strong, sweetie," said Twilight, "We'll find a way to help the crystal ponies."
Meanwhile, Rainbow was trying to get information out of another crystal pony named Fleur De Verre. In her own special way.
"A way to protect the Empire!" Rainbow demanded as she hovered above the crystal pony, "You know anything about it or what?"
"I wish I could help you. Really," Fleur De Verre replied in a depressed manner. Rainbow looked stunned before she flew back into the pony's face.
"Hold on!" said Rainbow, doing some boxing punches in front of the pony, "You gotta know something!"
"But...I don't have any information," said Fleur De Verre. Rainbow just grunted loudly as she slapped a fore-hoof over her face.
Elsewhere, Fluttershy was having trouble getting information as well. She seemed to having some trouble asserting some attention to herself.
"Oh, um. Excuse me!" Fluttershy stuttered, "Oh! Hello! Umm, I was just wondering." The crystal ponies just kept walking past her. Fluttershy then noticed a pair of crystal ponies just sitting at a nearby table. She narrowed her eyes at them, gritting her teeth as she raised a fore-hoof angrily into the air, before backing out of her attempt to be assertive.
"Oh, oh, that's okay," said Fluttershy with a nervous laugh, "um, you all look really busy." Fluttershy then just moved away hovering backwards from the two crystal ponies.
"Having trouble asserting yourself?" said a voice.
"EEK!" Fluttershy yelped as she turned around to see a familiar Pegasus stallion standing before her. He was quite recognizable without his guard uniform on.
"Shenran!" said Fluttershy excitedly as she hugged him happily, "What are you doing here?"
"Shining Armor asked me to be captain of his new royal guard here in the Crystal Empire," Shenran explained before adding sheepishly, "which has not been formed yet because no crystal ponies are volunteering. So...I'm more or less just a body guard to Princess Cadance when Shining Armor is patrolling the arctic."
"So...since Shining Armor is with Cadance," said Fluttershy with a smirk, "You're technically off duty for the moment."
"Pretty much, I mean Princess Cadance did ask me to see if I could offer any assistance to you and your friends," Shenran replied with a smirk, "but...I honestly did want to see you again..."
"I see. So...would...you...be willing to help me find some information?" Fluttershy asked, actually pretending to be shy.
"If you want me to," Shenran teased before Fluttershy grabbed one of his fore-legs and pulled him along. Since they were both Pegasi, they could easily hold hooves as they headed down the street together. As they disappeared, a certain pink pony appeared in the background using her random agility to move about. She was also dressed in black and wearing a pair of goggles on her head.
"Time to gather some intel!" said Pinkie as she scaled down a wall with some rope. At that moment, a pair of crystal ponies were looking at the center tower where the crystal castle was located.
"It just feels like something is missing," said one pony named Elbow Grease.
"I know," the pony named Night Knight answered, "It looks the same, but it doesn't feel the same."
"Because it isn't!" said Pinkie in a loud whisper as she appeared above them upside down, making the two crystal ponies flinch.
"A spy!" Elbow Grease gasped before she and Night Knight took off. Pinkie then screamed as she fell to the ground.
"A Spy?" said Pinkie indignantly, "How did they know?" She then looked up at her head, "Ah! Must have noticed my night vision goggles." She then put the night vision goggles on.
"Ooh! Night vision-y!" said Pinkie as she then took off in a hurry...
CLANG!
...right into a crystal lamppost.
While Pinkie went off to la-la land...
Oh that's right...she's always there...
So while Pinkie was knocked out, Rarity was trying to get intel in her own way.
Actually, she seemed to be visioning herself as a crystal pony and boasting about it.
"Hm-hm-hmmm," said Rarity as she daydreamed, "And when you flip your mane, it simply must create a rainbow of color. Oh! Wouldn't I look marvelous? So sparkly!" She tittered to herself happily as the other crystal ponies just gave her funny and disturbed looks before backing away from the marshmallow pony.
It wasn't long before the mane seven and Spike all regrouped back at the central area of the empire.
"I got nothing so far," said Rainbow sadly as she made her landing, looking rather exhausted.
"Oh, me neither," said Rarity quickly, not wanting to admit she hadn't exactly helped.
"Oh dear..." said Mario as Twilight and Spike looked rather disappointed. It was then Fluttershy arrived, but then unzipped herself and revealed that it was Pinkie instead. Mario, Spike, and Twilight looked rather disturbed.
"My cover has been blown," said Pinkie in a hushed tone, "I repeat, my cover has been blown!" Pinkie then took off as Spike just slowly backed away.
"Ooookay," said Twilight slowly.
"Hey y'all," said Applejack, "Look who I found with Fluttershy when I bumped into her!" Shenran just gave a shy wave to the group.
"Well, I'm sure they had fun searching information together," Rainbow remarked as the others giggled. Fluttershy hid her face behind her mane as her cheeks turned pink.
"Leave her alone, Rainbow," said Shenran, "Fluttershy brought me up to speed and we spent alot of time asking crystal ponies about any information."
"Did you find anything Shenran?" Twilight asked.
"I'm afraid not," said Shenran sadly and then Fluttershy stepped on the discarded disguise and nervously backed away from it. Shenran picked it up with a fore-hoof, "Wuh? Is this...Fluttershy?!" Pinkie chuckled sheepishly.
"If you fill it up with cotton, you can have your own life-size Fluttershy plushie to keep you company while on duty," Mario teased. Shenran's reply was tossing the discard disguise at Mario's face.
"Sorry, Twilight," said Applejack, getting everypony back on track, as Mario pulled off the discarded costume and tossed it behind him in disgust, "These crystal ponies seem to have some kinda collective amnesia or somethin'. Only thing I was able to get out of 'em was somethin' about a library." Twilight gasped.
"A library?" said Twilight as stars appeared in his eyes and then grabbed Applejack by the cheeks, "Well, why didn't you say so?!"
"Uh...thought I just did," said Applejack.
"Come on, sweetie," said Twilight excitedly as she grabbed Mario's fore-legs, "A library!"
"WAH!" Mario yelped as he was pulled away before he could respond and the others followed the couple to what appeared to be a giant building. As the doors opened, inside was a massive multi-story library filled with books galore. Twilight was in awe as the rest of the group made their way inside.
"I just...I don't even know what to...There are no words," said Twilight in amazement. Mario smiled.
"I love it when my marefriend gets like this," he said to the others, "she's so adorable."
"A-dork-able is more like it," Shenran muttered as Fluttershy and Rainbow heard him and snickered.
"Well, Mario is a dork," Fluttershy replied.
"So is Twilight," Rainbow added.
"I heard that!" Mario and Twilight said at once.
"Ahem," said an elderly crystal pony named Amethyst Maresbury, "May I help you?"
"Yes," said Twilight eagerly, "We're looking for a book."
"We have plenty of those," Amethyst Maresbury answered.
"You do," said Twilight as she twirled about happily on her hind legs, "You really do." Mario chuckled as Applejack approached the crystal pony.
"We're lookin' for a history book," Applejack told her, "Somethin' that might tell us how the Empire might've protected itself from danger back in the day."
"Yes. Of course," Amethyst Maresbury replied, "History, history...Ah yes." The six girls smiled and gave a squee as Mario and Shenran smiled hopefully. But then there was a long pause as the crystal pony said nothing.
"Which is where, exactly?" Twilight asked uneasily.
"I...I can't seem to remember," said Amethyst Maresbury sadly, "I'm not sure I actually work here."
THUD!
"Momma mia..." Mario groaned as he did a comedic plop to the floor.
"UGH!" Rainbow groaned as well, face-hoofing herself.
"We'll just take a look around," said Twilight, "I'm sure we can find it on our own." It was then all but Pinkie headed towards the shelves to start their search.
"Let me know if you find anything," said Amethyst Maresbury before walking away with a uncertainty in her demeanor.
"I like her!" said Pinkie before joining the rest of the group.
"Okay, let's lay some ground rules here for the two couples in this group," said Rainbow, "no kissing, cuddling, goo-goo eyes..."
"Rainbow, look! An ultra rare Daring Do book!" Shenran called out and pointed at a book shelf behind her.
"Where? Where?!" Rainbow said excitedly before she made a long face and saw that Twilight, Mario, Shenran, and Fluttershy had already disappeared.
"I walked right into that one," Rainbow remarked as Applejack snickered. It wasn't long before they had all split up to search the library shelves. Rainbow then stood on the top of crystal ladder as Applejack bucked it so Rainbow could scan the books quickly and dropped book after book from the top shelves to the floor. Fluttershy and Shenran were actually exploring the books at a more leisurely pace. They didn't even notice all the books drops right behind them or that Mario was skimming through them all and placing them back into the shelves. Pinkie searched the shelves by randomly jumping from one book to the next. Rarity yawned as she let Spike search the books for her. Alot of time had passed as Applejack was searching through her own stack of books and feeling rather discouraged.
"Uh, anyone else startin' to think this is a lost cause?" Applejack asked.
"We can't give up yet," Mario replied as he put some already searched books back into the shelves and then looked over to Twilight, who was searching through her own giant pile of books, "Found anything, sweetie?"
"No, no, no, no, no..." said Twilight frantically as she searched cover after cover until one book finally caught her interest, "Yes! "History of the Crystal Empire"!"
"Alright!" said Mario as he hopped easily from the upper floor to the one below. Twilight clutched the book happily as the rest of the ponies gathered around her.
"I just hope it has the answers we need," said Twilight as she opened the book. The others just looked at it with interest.
"A "Crystal Faire"," Twilight read aloud to Shining Armor and Cadance, whom the latter was looking more and more exhausted, "According to this book, it was established by their first queen and became their most important tradition. The Faire was held every year to "renew the spirit of love and unity in the empire so they could protect it from harm". My coltfriend, my friends and I could put it together. Everything we need to know is in the book!" Twilight and Mario both gave them a smile.
"That sounds pretty promising," said Shining Armor.
"Has Shenran joined up with you?" Cadance asked tiredly.
"Shenran?" said Shining Armor puzzled, "Is that where he's been all day?"
"Yes, he has," said Mario, "he said Cadance sent him to help us. I know for a fact Fluttershy was more than happy to see him join the group." Cadance nodded but then just closed her eyes. She clearly looked ready to drop to sleep at any minute. Mario and Twilight looked at her worried.
"We'll get started right away," said Twilight, "C'mon, Spike and Mario, we've got a Crystal Faire to put together!" Mario nodded as he followed Twilight. Spike did the same, but grunted since he not only had to carry the heavy book, but was holding it as Twilight was reading it to Cadance and Shining Armor.
Mario, Twilight, and Spike then headed through some double doors. Inside were the rest of the main six and Shenran as they sat at a large dark blue round table. Mario and Twilight approached the table with Spike right behind them.
[Twilight - She comes up to the table with Mario at her side. She then used her magic to place the book in the middle of the table. The others smile as the book opened.]
Princess Cadance needs our help
Her magic will not last forever
I think we can do it
But we need to work together
[Twilight and Mario]
We have to get this right
Yes, we have to make them see
We can save the Crystal Ponies with their history
[Rainbow Dash - first page they see was ponies doing a jousting tournaments as she worked on the costumes for it.]
It says that they liked jousting
[Rarity - another page showed the flag of the Crystal Empire as she gathered the materials to recreate the flag.]
They flew a flag of many hues
[Applejack - another page showed a crystal pony gathering berries as she and Pinkie collected the berries from a bush into a basket. She also eats a berry.]
Made of sweets of crystal berries
[Fluttershy - another page showed a picture of a frolicking ewe. It was then two ewes appeared from behind a small hill as Fluttershy and Shenran led and frolicked with them on their hind legs.]
They had a petting zoo with tiny ewes
[All eight ponies - shared looks with each other as they looked at the book further]
Oh, we have to get this right
Yes, we have to make them see
We can save the Crystal Ponies with their history
[Pinkie - turned the page herself as she saw a pony playing a flugelhorn. She then played the instrument herself, causing everypony to cringe and lean away.]
There was a crystal flugelhorn
That every pony liked to play
[Mario - turned a page to see ponies gathered around a large collection of tent-like stands. He helped to set up the tents before picking up a ball and tossing it a stack of crystal bottles, knocking them all over.]
Tents for fun and games galore
To have fun in their own way
[Twilight Sparkle - She stood before the Crystal Empire flag with her left fore-hoof over her heart.]
And the Crystal Kingdom anthem
Can you learn it in a day?
[All eight ponies - Rainbow helped to hang up some white flag banners around the set up stands as Twilight and Mario, the former holding the book with her magic, made sure everything was set up correctly. Fluttershy and Shenran arrived with the ewes. Pinkie bounced past next with the flugelhorn and Spike arrived carrying a large collection of balloons, which he let go as the balloons floated high into the sky. Then they are all together again to finish the song.]
Oh we have to get this right
Yes, we have to make them see
We can save the Crystal Ponies with their history
As the song ended, a zoomed out view showed that Crystal Faire was ready to go.
"This looks amazing!" said Twilight as she and Mario looked around, "I don't know how we could've done this without you!"
"I agree," said Mario, "This was definitely a team effort. Great job everypony!"
"One last check to make sure everything is in place, and then the festivities can begin!" Twilight pointed out as she cheeked the book. It was then Applejack noticed a small statue with a heart on top of it.
"What's this thing for?" Applejack asked as she gave the statue a slight tap with her fore-hoof, causing it to make a loud THUNK sound.
"The last page of the book mentioned a Crystal Heart as the faire's centerpiece," Twilight explained, "So I used my magic to cut one out of a crystal block." Mario whistled impressively.
"I didn't know you were so artistic," said Mario.
"You're not the only one whose multi-talented, sweetie," Twilight remarked as she kissed his cheek.
"Nice work, Twi," said Applejack, "Think we're ready to get this faire up and runnin'."
Pinkie now stood at the side of a giant balcony of the castle which overlooked the faire grounds. She took a deep breath and blew into the flugelhorn.
"FLUGELHORN!" she said as she blew into it loudly and took another breath. It was then Mario and Twilight approached the edge of the balcony with Cadance and Shining Armor right behind them.
"Hear ye, hear-" Twilight began.
"FLUGELHORN!" Pinkie shouted as she blew into the said instrument a second time, making Mario and Twilight cringe.
"Pinkie!" Mario snapped as Twilight glared back at the pink pony. Pinkie blinked before laughing nervously as the four ponies stared at her.
"My bad," said Pinkie bashfully.
"Ahem," said Twilight as she cleared her throat, "Hear ye, hear ye! Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor do cordially invite you to attend the Crystal Faire!" As Twilight made her announcement, several crystal ponies peeked out of their houses and work locations while some other ponies looked up from walking in the streets. Once they heard about the faire, several of the crystal ponies began to sparkle as they smiled and chatted excitedly with each other. Twilight and Mario smiled as Pinkie walked up to look as well.
"Alright!" said Mario as the three shared a high hoof together.
"Come on in, y'all," said Applejack as she lead them through the faire grounds, "Got food and drinks thataway, games and crafts are thataway. Crystal Heart to the back near the Princess."
"Did she say...Crystal heart?" said Elbow Grease as the other crystal ponies chattered amongst each other excitedly again and they began to enjoy themselves. It was then Rainbow appeared next to one rather timid crystal pony.
"We totally nailed it right?" Rainbow asked but didn't let the crystal pony answer before continuing, "Must be feeling a lot of love and unity about now!" The crystal pony looked rather uneasy as she headed to the stands where the food was.
"Gonna have some grub, huh?" Rainbow continued to frazzle the poor crystal pony, "What are you thinking? Crystal Empire berry pie? Maybe some crystal corn-on-the-cob?" Rainbow then looked to see that she had scared off the crystal pony.
"What is with these ponies?!" Rainbow bellowed.
Eeesh...and she complains that Pinkie gets too upfront and pushy with ponies?
Anyway, elsewhere in the faire grounds, two crystal ponies were looking around.
"Seeing all of this," said Autumn Gem, "I feel like I'm starting to remember."
"Me too," said Fleur De Verre. They then gasp as their own bodies sparkled.
"The Crystal Heart!" they exclaimed together.
"Do you think they really have it?" Fleur De Verre asked. Rainbow heard them and quickly hovered over to them.
"Of course we have it!" Rainbow answered for them, "Can't have a Crystal Faire without the Crystal Heart?"
"Of course you can't," said Amethyst Maresbury, "The whole purpose of the Crystal Faire is to lift the spirits of the Crystal Ponies, so the light within them can power the Crystal Heart, so that the Empire can be protected!" She then gasped as her own body sparkled.
"I do work at the library!" Amethyst Maresbury exclaimed.
"W-what's that about "powering the heart"?" Rainbow asked skeptically as Applejack was standing beside her.
"I just can't believe you found it," Amethyst Maresbury continued, "King Sombra said he'd hidden it away where we would never see it again! I only hope it will still be as powerful after all these years...! Mmm, funnel cake!" Rainbow made a strained groan as she and Applejack's eyes widened as the elder crystal pony left them alone. Rainbow then took off to where the makeshift Crystal Heart was. Twilight and Mario were just checking out the book when Rainbow covered the statue, and both ponies, with a blanket.
"What's are you doing, Dashie?" Mario asked annoyed.
"Why did you-" Twilight was about to add.
"I think we may have a problem..." said Rainbow nervously.
It wasn't long before Rainbow was up on the balcony with Twilight, Mario, Cadance, and Shining Armor. Mario and Twilight were rather upset.
"I didn't know it was an actual relic!" said Twilight as she searched the book, "The book didn't mention anything about the Crystal Ponies powering the Heart!" It was then Twilight turned to the last page and found that the actual last page was torn out.
"There was a page missing..." said Twilight.
"Looks like King Sombra was one step ahead of us," said Mario sadly.
"How did I not notice this?" said Twilight as she face-hoofed herself and then glared at Mario, "and how did you not notice this?"
"I guess I just didn't!" Mario protested.
"Well you're supposed to catch the details that I miss, sweetie!" Twilight shot back.
"Well nopony's perfect, sweetie!" Mario yelled.
"Well I thought you at least tried for my sake!" Twilight yelled back.
"So this is my fault?"
"Glad we agree on something!"
"Hey, I thought you promised not blame me for your mistakes!"
"I'm not because you missed the details, not me!"
"Oh yeah!"
"Yeah!"
"Mario, Twilight, stop it!" said Cadance in a stern but tired tone, "It's alright...these things...hap...end..." Cadance suddenly got very dizzy. Shining Armor caught her before Cadance could tumble to the floor. However there was trouble.
Cadance's horn stopped glowing.
"Twily...Mario..." said Shining Armor with worry. It was then a ominous howl was heard as the barrier protecting the Empire faded. Then black shadow clouds started to appear and began to completely surround the Empire. King Sombra's face then appeared from the shadow with a devious smile as he growled menacingly.
"Sweetie?" said Twilight fearfully as the two held each other close.
"Yes?" Mario replied in the same tone.
"We're in deep trouble," Twilight said.
"I agree," Mario replied and held Twilight a little tighter.
To be continued...
And season 3 is now underway with our new couple in a deep pickle!
I apologize if Mario seemed to be just an add on to the first song, but it was stated that he and Twilight were being tested so it seemed fitting that they sing that song together. As I said before, I'm not very good at song lyrics so I hope Mario's little add on to the second song didn't tarnish it in anyway.
Plus Shenran isn't going to be regular character. He's just getting alot of screen time because he's now part of the Crystal Empire. How often he appears and how much of a role he has after this arc will depend on how much you want to see him.
At the posting of this chapter, I have now surpassed over 50,000 views so thank you all for reading and enjoying my story!
Peace Pony Fans!