Shining Armor and Cadence have returned from their honeymoon for a long time when the summer heat was starting to beat down on Equstria. Which meant most schools were having periods of many exams back to back. The school the Cutie Mark Crusaders attended was no difference. The trio was discussing in their tree house how to fix their grades before the school year ends.

"Okay, we need someone who can help me with my magic, Scootaloo with her flight and Bloom with, wait a minute, you aren't failing any classes!", said Sweetie Belle, counting their short comings and realizing Apple Bloom has none.

"Yes, but I want to learn about etiquette and business!", explained Apple Bloom.

"About that... Why?", asked Scootaloo.

"Simple... due to Apple Jack having done it, my family wants me to spend some time in Manehattan with relatives, the Oranges! I don't want to be a fish out of water like AJ did. Even if she got her mark, because of this.", explained Bloom. "From what AJ said, the Aunt Orange can be very demeaning."

"So we need someone who knows business, etiquette, flight and magic.", counted Sweetie Belle.

"You can ask Twilight.", threw Scootaloo into the room. Her friends looked at her as if she had lost he marbles. "Hey, she may not be able to help me, but she can help you! We know she tutored Trixie! Her Cutie Mark is magic! She is the Princess's personal pupil and a Canterlot noble, she must know etiquette!"

Sweetie Belle was thinking, "Scoota has a point. And knowing Twilight, it would be more surprising if she doesn't has a grasp on business stuff."

"So we ask her?"

"Looks like it, Bloom."

With that, the trio ran to her library, but there was only Moondancer who said she is out getting groceries with Spike. Moondancer told them, "You can wait here for Twilight's return and I could help you in the mean time."

As they considered her offer – she at least could help Sweetie Belle and maybe Apple Bloom – they saw their favorite Bat Pony gliding the zephyrs over Ponyville. Crowley was back in town! If Crowley isn't with Luna, she is with Twilight! They thanked Moondancer for her offer, but left and followed Crowley, even when they realized Crowley was flying to the Everfree forest.

Following Crowley, they arrived at a clearing. Crowley was circling the clearing, where Twilight stood. Wings out and spread out. The trio stopped in awe and massive confusion. Then Sweetie Belle said, "Maybe Trixie created thee wings with her illusion magic?"

Before her friends could agree, Twilight flew into the air and flew alongside Crowley. Said pony commented, "Your flight needs work, Twily."

"Crowley, let's see how you would fly after needing to constantly hide your wings.", answered Twilight. She stopped in the air. "Oh." She then swooped down to the three fillies, jumping them a bit. Trixie, who sat on the side and was reading, chuckled at that. Twilight was now in front of the three. "You three, please don't tell anyone about my wings."

Scootaloo was the first to speak up, "Of course! Promise! But we're still confused... how?"

"We don't know.", lied Crowley. "Twilight was born like that and had been always hiding her wings.", she explained as she flew down, before she landed besides Twilight. "Now what are you three doing here?"

"We wanted to ask if Twilight could tutor us!", explained Scootaloo. "Well, Bloom and Sweetie... but I suppose you can help me with my flight!"

"Mm, I think Crowley would be a bigger help.", said Twilight, "Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, what do you need tutoring in?"

"Magic...", admitted Sweetie Belle slightly embarrassed. Unicorns are embarrassed to admit they need help with something that should come natural to them.

"I need tutoring in etiquette and business.", said Apple Bloom, as if that request was the most normal thing in Equs.

"Hm, Crowley and I tutor you, if you promise to keep silent about this.", agreed Twilight. "Including your sisters and Rainbow Dash."

"Huh?", asked the trio.

"They don't know.", revealed Twilight. "Princess Celestia doesn't allow me to tell them, even though I want to."

"She has Cadence and me under a vow not to tell anyone. We literally can't talk to anyone about Twilight's wings unless they are already aware.", chimed Crowley in. Twilight perked up hearing this, but she was not really surprised that Celestia did that. "Mm, maybe Celestia changes her mind if even more ponies discover that secret of yours on accident."

"That would make things so much easier.", agreed Twilight. "Now let's get out of here and to my library."


Spring ended and summer was going strong albeit still far from peaking. It was on a sunny day when Celestia called Twilight to Canterlot. Even if Celestia won't have written that it is urgent, she won't have paid her parents a visit as they were on a trip with Night Light's brother and cousins. Albeit Shining Armour and Cadence were nowhere to be seen.

Walking into the throne room, all of Celestia's attention instantly shifted to her. Twilight knew matters were serious when Celestia came directly to the point. "Twilight, what do you know about the Crystal Empire?"

"Only that what Luna told me.", answered Twilight, "That it used to be Equestria's northern neighbor and ally, until Sombra took it over, forcing your hooves to curse it into the snow. And that the windigo's made the area a tundra."

"Right... Luna told Ponyville... well... it is back.", revealed Celestia, just slightly annoyed by her sister's story telling. "It is back, in a way, but I worry this means Sombra returned as well."

"In a way?"

"The capital, the castle and the surrounding city, is back, under a magical dome, protecting it from the cold. Albeit if the hiding curse broke, I worry the dome is next to break. The rest of the empire is still under ice. So it has only partly returned.", explained Princess Celestia. "This is why I called you, Twilight. I need you and your friends to go to the Crystal Empire, and find a way to either strengthen the dome... or find a solution to rid the empire of the ice, allowing it to return fully. I may have a pointer for that regard. Follow me, Twilight."

Celestia guided Twilight to her private wing of the castle. In the Princess's private study, Celestia opened a secret passage. Walking in, they climbed a spiral stair case, until they arrived on top of a tower. A tower of the northern part, a tower no one knew what it was for. The walls were just windows, blue curtains covering them, some gaps allowing ice to enter. Celestia's horn glowed golden and the curtains opened up, allowing Twilight to see far and wide outside the windows. If you ignore that the windows need cleaning. She even saw the Northern Cold. The room itself was just empty. Until a stone table emerged from the floor.

"What is this room?", asked Twilight.

"Honestly, this tower was supposed to be just a storage room for what I am going to show you, but the architects back then were a bit too enthusiastic to build this castle. I wanted it to be a bit smaller... like half the size of what the palace is today.", admitted Celestia. She then took a stone slap with her magic from the rectangular stone, revealing a storage room. In there was a dusty box with a shattered crystal. It looked vaguely heart shaped. "This crystal used to be what gave the Crystal Empire its power. The empire's magic was based on love, adoration and respect, attributes this heart collected and amplified."

Seeing the shards of such an artifact gave Twilight an eerily feeling. "In that case... are you telling me, Sombra destroyed it, allowing him to take over the Empire?"

"Somewhat yes. Radiant Hope used it to power the protection from the windigo's and Sombra's early attempts. When Radiant vanished, the only thing we found were these shards. I personally think Sombra broke it – somehow – and did something to Radiant.", clarified Celestia, "This is not the only Crystal Heart. While I don't think it was destroyed..." The princess sighed. "See for yourself."

Her horn erupted with darkest magic. Black goo-like, green, red and purple in between. A laser hot the shards and an illusion surrounded them. The crystal buildings made Twilight sure this was the Empire. But it wasn't shiny, it was dark and cold. "Is this the Crystal Empire?"

"At the height of Sombra's reign. While he didn't destroy the second heart, he hid it. It has to be somewhere in the castle of the Empire, but I have no idea where.", revealed Celestia. "This is my pointer, search the crystal heart. If not, let's hope the Elements work on Sombra, eve if it means we have to curse him and the Empire again."

"So the elements are just a back up plan. That magic you did, what is it?" said Twilight, adding a question.

"The darkest of dark magic, Twilight, albeit a small demonstration. Never use it, even I risk to be taken over by its corrupting qualities.", warned her Celestia. The Princess gave her the shards as the illusion fizzled out. "Maybe this serves as a clue for you. Go, collect your friends and go to the empire. Cadence and Shining Armor wait there for you."

"Shiny and Cadence?!"

"Yes. You see, I intent for Cadence to rule the Empire if things turn out well. That is, if they accept Cadence. To my knowledge Radiant Hope never left an heir behind." revealed Celestia. "But I think Cadence will be a great match, considering her love magic."

"We will manage! You can rely on me, Princess!" promised her Twilight.

"I know, Twilight..." She sighed again. "Listen, if things get hard, I allow you to reveal your wings, as a last resort."

"Understood!"


It was originally planned that Moondancer keeps an eye on the library in Twilight's absence, but Moondancer had to see the books in the empire. Twilight could empathize. Instead Trixie was left behind. She claimed she had some thinking to do. Lyra and Minuette wanted to come as well, but Twilight didn't want her friends – the ones without the Elements at hoof - to risk their lives, in case Sombra is really back and their search fails.

Soon they arrived at the Empire. The castle was odd. Besides just being a massive crystal, it stood on four pillars, the pillars forming the city square. The crystal city was perfect. Perfectly round, perfectly kept. A paradise for Rarity.

"Mm, the castle is massive, but not as big as Canterlot Castle. We should find the heart.", mused Twilight, as she saw the castle out their window when the train came to a halt.

Apple Jack disagreed, "We shouldn't bet all our apples on just finding it. For all we know that king did destroy it or hid it well. Maybe in an unsuspecting space, maybe somewhere super hidden. I doubt it just lays around."'

"I have to agree with Apple Jack.", agreed Moondancer. "If he can't destroy it – the princess isn't too sure if he was the one to break the first – then he must have it hidden somewhere were no one can use it against him. We should check the library first."

"Of course you and Twilight want to read some old books.", muttered Rainbow Dash as they exited the train.

"These books have been lost to time! Some of these domes must be unknown to Equestria and Equs as a whole!", argued Moondancer insulted. She then smirked and asked her, "Imagine you would have the chance to read a Daring Do book no one else has read?"

"Oh! That would be awesome." admitted Rainbow.

They were greeted by Cadence and Shining Armor. While Shining was just worried about Sombra returning, Cadence just looked uneasy. As they walked to the castle, Twilight asked, "Is something wrong, Cadence?"

"It is just that some ponies still want Radiant Hope back. I am unsure if they would accept me, I worry they reject me because I am not Radiant." said Cadence, looking around. Observing the crystal ponies.

"I am sure they will love, adore and respect you when they get to know you.", reassured her Twilight. "Now, where is the library?"


The library was vast. And vastly unknown. Twilight and Moondancer really struggled to focus on reading the books relevant opposed to any unknown book they get their hooves on. Either way, Twilight found nothing on Queen Radiant Hope. It was as if she was erased from history.

"This makes no sense if you consider how the locals speak of her!", said Twilight frustrated.

Fluttershy proposed a possibility, "Maybe they adore a romanticized false version of the old queen? Maybe she was erased because a few zealous ponies wanted to get rid of any imperfections?"

"That... could be?" admitted Twilight. Celestia told her about a group that tried the opposite with Luna.

"But where is the positive replacement then?", asked Pinkie Pie, as if that would invalidate Fluttershy's theory. "But what do I know."

"Oh my!", yelled Rarity. She rushed to Twilight, albeit still elegantly, with an old letter in her blue aura. "Look what I found!"

Twilight took it and read it. "Oh! This is a love letter from queen!"

Moondancer took a look. "Mm, reads like a rejection. Poor guy."

"None the less, this is a meaningful clue! A sample of her writing!", stated Twilight. Spike gasped as he fell from a stash of books. "Spike?"

"I forgot how nasty the first love potions were!", said Spike, giving the book that scared him to Twilight. "I accidentally read a description of a victim of the side effects."

"Why would you read that? Hope To you read something on accident?" asked Twilight.

"The book has the queen's name on it.", was his answer.

Twilight closed it and read the title. "Spike! You found her diary!"

"Spiky! Did you read a ladies diary?", asked him Rarity mockingly. He turned red as Moondancer and Twilight read the book.

"Mm, she writes about a suitor who won't accept a no... he carried around a love potion, she worries he used it on her... ah, then she describes what the potion may do based on the ingredients she found after studying it, albeit these are just an unproven theory.", summarized Moondancer the entries, "A studious queen, no wonder she was adored."

"Do you think the stuff was used on her? How scary!", said Fluttershy. "It would be one explanation why she wasn't found."

"You're right. Sombra couldn't touch her and the empire. Then she vanished. The power vacuum she left behind was what he needed.", theorized Twilight.

Pinkie then gave her a book. "Look what I found!"

After a quick read, Twilight said excitedly, "This describes how the heart was worked and used for! Mm, so this is what this stone in the plaza is for. It is a holster for the heart. Mm... no wonder Sombra wanted it gone."

Then her brother came into the library. While she and her friends searched in the library, Shining and the guards stripped the whole castle for the heart. "We found nothing. Not even another crushed heart.", he informed them. "Have you found anything?"

"Crystal heart manual.", muttered Rainbow Dash. "And a theory to what could have happened to Radiant Hope."

"Mm, interesting but not what we've been looking for.", said Shining. "Twilight, could you talk to Cadence? She is on the highest tower and very... not in a good mood. And she ignores me."

"Of course, Shining!", agreed Twilight and dashed out of the library. She ran up the main tower of the castle, until she reached the top, where she found Cadence, mopping around. She approached her sister in law. "Cadence, are you still unsure about the crystal ponies accepting you?"

"Is it so obvious that this bothers me?", she replied, looking to Twilight. "I'm not even a crystal pony or any sort of earth pony... and the constant talking about what happened to Radiant Hope..."

"Mm, they have accepted Radiant won't return, and most of them do not want that the empire gets fused into Equestria. Not to mention..." Twilight showed her the shards of the first crystal heart. "Your cutie mark, you, Cadence, you are all about love. One of the three attributes powering the heart. And Shiny, he is already well respected."

"And what is with the Admiration?"

"Oh, they will if you give them a chance to warm up to you.", said Twilight, "So please stop mopping here."

"In that case, I'm in the throne room if you need me.", said Cadence. "Maybe I should just try to interact with some of the ponies." Cadence walked the stair case down, Twilight following here. "Isn't it a bit stupid that I am overwhelmed with this? I am born a princess!" She sighed, "On the other hands, my parents made it clear I probably will never inherit the throne of Roam. And I always doubted Celestia chooses me as her successor."

"What makes you think that?", asked Twilight, "Alicorn's are long living, not immortal. We both know Aurora Dawn isn't an option."

Cadence sighed, her sister in law is wrong, but she can't tell her that. Stupid vows. "Maybe she chooses you, Twily."

"As much as she won't allow me to even tell my friends, I doubt that.", countered Twilight, annoyance and frustration lacing her voice. "On the other hand... Celestia did tell me that if things derail, like Sombra attacking, I am allowed to ditch the glamour to access my full abilities."

"Wow.", said Cadence surprised. "What a change."

"Yes, maybe she will let me tell the other bearers-"

"Not that! You didn't call auntie 'Princess Celestia'! You never drop it regardless how often she tells you to just call her Celestia!", clarified Cadence happily. "Let me guess, it is the frustration about the secrecy that makes you drop the title?"

"Out of ear shot, yes.", admitted Twilight. "Admittedly, I partly keep her calling that because I know it annoys her. If I am equal to her as she claims, why can't I tell the others?"

"That explains a lot!", she said. They arrived in the throne room. She then sighed. "While I want to be seen as their ruler... I just feel uncomfortable on that throne.", she said. "And no, that it is made of cold crystal isn't it. It feels so dark! Probably the history behind it." Cadence looked around to see if anyone was in ear shot. "Shiny already laughed at me for this."

"What an idiot...", replied Twilight absently. She walked closer to the throne. Dark history behind it... she also feels something is off with this throne. Spike them came to them. "Oh, Spike! What are you doing here?"

"Moondancer found a super old bottle of an equally old Love potion!", explained Spike. "I should tell Cadence to come and neutralize it."

"An ancient love potion? On it!", replied Cadence, running off. Taking the shards with her. Well, who needs the shards.

"Twilight?", asked Spike his sister-figure.

"Cadence said she feels something dark coming from the throne. 'Probably the history behind it', she said. Remember what Apple Jack said? In the train?"

"No? What do you have in mind?", asked Spike, slightly worrying.

"She said if he can't destroy it, he would hide it so that it can't be used against him.", she reminded him. "From what I've heard, Sombra was greedy for power..."

"Meaning?"

Then came Rarity run in. "Twilight, we need to talk!"

"What is it, Rarity?", asked Twilight.

"When Cadence came to neutralize that potion, the shards she carried... it felt like something.", said Rarity. "Since we're in the castle, I've been sensing something. A similar feeling to when I track gem stones."

"Right! Your cutie mark! Are you saying you feel the second heart? It is a gem, after all." reasoned Twilight.

"I think so but I am not fully sure. Partly because I can't pin point where this feeling comes from.", she said, feeling guilty. "It feels like it is over us, but at the same time, in reverse. But not under us. Ah, maybe it is the architecture skewing with my senses!"

"Mm... Rarity... do you feel something when you're near this throne?", asked Twilight.

"Oh?" Rarity stepped to the throne. Her ears began to twitch. "Mm, my gem sensing does go crazy, but I feel more odd by how weird this throne looks like. It looks fake, it doesn't match the rest of the castle."

"This is... very odd.", said Spike.

"Spike, write a letter to Trixie!", demanded Twilight. "She has to get here!"

"Twilight?", asked Rarity. "Why Trixie?"

"I need an expert for illusions. What you described sounds like an illusion. I want Trixie do check herself, as she specializes in illusions.", clarified Twilight. "Could you tell the others that I may be on something? Spike, stay close to me."

"Of course, dear!", agreed Rarity, she then left to the others.

"What now?"

"Now we wait for Trixie."