I woke up to the smell of pancakes. I sat up in bed and inhaled deeply. I couldn’t help but grin to myself.
I walked down the stairs to the kitchen and found Rarity flipping the last pancake onto the stack. I yawned as I stepped off the stairs.

“Good morning.”

She smiled at me.

“Good morning. Did you get enough sleep?”

“Probably not. You?”

“I only woke up an hour ago.”

“Less than me. That’s a ‘no’ then.”

I sat at the table, looking over the breakfast she’d made.

“You definitely have better cooking skills than me. I can only make grilled cheese and pasta.”

“Well I’ll have to teach you. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You should at least know how to make waffles or pancakes.”

She placed a short stack in front of me and kissed me on the cheek. Before she could back away, I turned and kissed her on the lips. She giggled.

“Haven’t you had enough?”

“I don’t think I ever will.”

“Hush. Eat your food.”

I dug in and sighed as the syrupy flapjacks hit my tongue.

“Delithuth.”

“Don’t talk with your mouth full. I might trade you in for a well-mannered model.”

I swallowed the bite and grinned.

“Well-mannered? I thought you kept me around because I’m cute. Manners were never on the table.”

“Manners are always on the table darling. Don’t expect to enjoy this situation for long if you decide to be otherwise.”

“Noted. May I please have some milk?”

“You may.”

She passed the milk carton to me and our hooves touched. I could have sworn I saw her shiver when I brushed her hoof with mine. I smiled.

“You okay?”

“Yes. It’s just... I like the way you touch me. When you brush against me in the lightest way. There’s something very sensual about it.”

“I’ll make note of that as well.”

I took another bite, this time swallowing before I spoke.

“What are your plans for the day?”

She pouted.

“I need to work on my line a little more. Though I can think of other things I’d rather be doing.”

“I’m classified as a ‘thing’ now?”

“Shut up.”

“Make me.”

She stood up from her chair and came over to me. She leaned in close, her nose touching my ear, and whispered.

“Clean up the kitchen and I’ll find you something else you can do.”

Instant goosebumps.

———————————

I convinced Rarity to go on a walk with me before she got to work. We walked through the meadows around town, enjoying the scenery.
We made our way to the town square and found Applejack and Rainbow Dash standing next to an apple cart.

“I’m telling you, it adds up.”

“You dont know for sure though.”

“You have to admit it AJ. She’s been acting so..weird the last few days.”

They hadn’t noticed us approaching. Rarity chimed in.

“Who has?”

They both jumped. They turned to us and put on nervous smiles.

“Hey guys!”

“We didn’t see you comin’.”

I chuckled.

“That much is obvious. So who’s been acting weird?”

They looked at each other.

“Nopony.”

“Nopony at all.”

Rarity looked at me. She was just as convinced as I was. We both turned to the mares.”

“Who?”

Rarity shook her head.

“You were talking about me, weren’t you?”

They both looked guilty.

“Honestly you two. If you thought I was..out of sorts, you could have asked me about it.”

“Rainbow here didn’t think you’d tell us anything.”

“Well if my theory is true, she definitely wouldn’t have said anything.”

I stepped forward.

“And what is this theory exactly?”

Rainbow hesitated for a moment. She swallowed and spat it out.

“I think Rarity has a boyfriend.”

She’d said it so fast it barely registered in my ears. I glanced at Rarity, my brow arching. She winked at me, a sign to have a little fun. I looked at Rainbow and smiled.

“Do you have any theories on who could have caught her eye? She seems rather picky when it comes to stallions.”

She feigned offense.

“Really you three! My personal life is not gossip.”

Applejack took her hat off.

“Ah’m sorry Rarity. We couldn’t help it. I mean..none of us has a special somepony. I guess we’re just a might jealous.”

Rainbow Dash glared at Applejack.

“I’m not jealous! I just want to know who she’s walking around with. We’ve gotta figure out if he’s good enough for her.”

I chuckled.

“Oh most definitely. You don’t want her with some sort of weirdo.”

I backed up next to Rarity. She pressed herself against me and we waited. Rainbow was still going off.

“Exactly! Thank you Shade. We’re just worried about you Rar-“

Her voice died as she stared at the two of us. Applejack smiled.

“Congratulations you two.”

Rainbow just kept staring.

“You? And...you?”

“Honestly darling, is it that hard to wrap your head around? Shade is my boyfriend.”

Wow! I liked that word!

“When did y’all have time to get together? I feel like we woulda noticed.”

“My business trips to Canterlot.”

“Seriously? How long has this been happening?”

I chimed in.

“We’ve only gone out once.”

“Twice. I count the first dinner.”

“Really? I do too! So twice.”

“And you’re boyfriend and girlfriend?”

“Rarity is right Rainbow. Is it that hard to get?”

“We should throw a party!”

Where had Pinkie even come from?

———————————

I spent the day reading while Rarity worked on her line. It was peaceful. We’d steal glances at each other every once in a while. I was happier than I’d ever been in a long time. And from the way she looked at me, I think she felt the same way too.
It was early afternoon when Twilight came by.

“Hello you two! Having a good day?”

“Hey Twilight. Yeah. We’ve just been here. Don’t be offended if Rarity doesn’t respond. She’s in the zone.”

Rarity nodded as she continued to put pins into fabric. Twilight pulled out a scroll.

“A letter came for you Shade.”

“Probably Celestia then.”

I grabbed the scroll and opened it.

Dear Shade

I hope you’ve been enjoying your time off. I just received a letter from Cadance detailing a problem they’re having in the Crystal Empire. They’re having difficulty tracking down the right information and I thought you could be of assistance. Would you please take the first train tomorrow and see what you can do to help?

Celestia

The Crystal Empire! That was a great opportunity. I let Twilight read the letter and her eyes grew big.

“I hope everything’s okay up there.”

“Okay where Twilight?”

Rarity had taken a break and come over to us. I sighed.

“Celestia has asked me to go help with a problem in the Crystal Empire.”

“Oh.. When do you leave?”

“Tomorrow morning.”

“Will you be able to help them?”

“I hope so. It seems more like they need help with the research.”

“And you’re just the pony for the job!”

“You’re not upset?”

“How can I be? It’s your job. You don’t complain about me doing mine, so how can I do the same with yours?”

“You’re too perfect.”

“Shut up.”

I kissed her cheek.

“Awww!”

Oh yeah. Twilight was still here. She was smiling.

“You two are so cute!”

——————————

I laid in bed next to Rarity, catching my breath.

“I don’t want to leave.”

“I know. But we all have our duties.”

“Is the Crystal Empire as beautiful as I’ve heard?”

She smiled.

“No. It’s more so.”

“I wish you could come, but I have no idea how long I’ll be.”

“It’s okay. I’ve got the fashion show to worry about anyways.”

“I’ll stay in touch though.”

“You’d better.”

I kissed her forehead. She stared into my eyes for the longest time. I stared back into hers. I could get lost in her eyes forever if I was allowed. And I wouldn’t want anypony to find me. I sighed.

“I think I’m falling for you.”

I froze. Had I really just said that? She was silent for several seconds. My heart was pounding. She smiled and scooted closer to me, nuzzling my neck.

“Well now you can’t leave.”

——————————

I stood at the station, the train waiting to depart. The girls had all come to see me off. I hugged each of them. Rarity was the last one. I hugged her the tightest. When I pulled away, she pulled me back into a kiss. The girls were whispering and giggling, but we didn’t care anymore.
I boarded and kept my eye on Rarity until the train was far from the platform. I felt some tears in my eyes as Ponyville vanished quickly. Love was rough. I didn’t know I could miss one pony so much as I missed Rarity now.
I distracted myself with a book, but it was finished about halfway into the journey. I took to walking through the train cars. I had read a bit about trains, and ridden them a couple times, but had never really looked at one closely. The intricacies of locomotives was fascinating. I was able to convince the engineer to let me watch him for a bit. I left when he said we were about twenty minutes away and returned to my seat. I had been next to that engine for so long, I couldn’t believe how quiet the rest of the train was in comparison.
I looked out the window at the snowy tundra we were passing through. I’d never seen snow before. It was so pure-looking.
I looked ahead and nearly fell out of my chair. There it was! The Crystal Empire! The snow stopped abruptly and we were in a beautiful, Spring day. I had read about the weather magic they had here, but this was beyond anything I had imagined! It was a paradise in a frozen waste. I looked up at the palace. Was everything made of crystals like that? I became fidgety in anticipation of stepping off the train into this new kingdom.
The train began slowing down and I jumped from my seat. This was so exciting! There was the platform. The train slowed even more. I looked to the platform and saw Shining Armor waiting for me. He waved as my car pulled up near him. I went to the door and jumped onto the platform. And then it hit me.

“Yikes! Even for an eternal Spring, your kingdom is still colder than the rest of Equestria.”

“You get used to it. How’ve you been Shade?”

“Doing well actually! How are things up here? What’s going on?”

“We’d better get to the palace if we’re going to discuss why you’re here.”

I didn’t argue. I just wanted to get somewhere warm. It wasn’t drastically colder, but it was enough degrees that I wished I had brought a jacket.
I followed him into the city. I couldn’t believe it! Everything was so shiny! And the Crystal ponies!! They were stunning! Many of the ponies we passed stopped and waved to Shining Armor. He waved back and continued. They didn’t seem phased by me. I liked it.
The palace grew larger as we approached it. I was looking straight up by the time we got to the stairs.

“Amazing!”

“Not too shabby, huh?”

“Marrying royalty has its perks.”

“Don’t tell Cadance I married her for the house. I’ll be on diaper duty for a month.”

“Two months if you’re not careful.”

I laughed as Shining Armor panicked. Cadance had appeared at the top of the stairs.

“Hi sweetie! I didn’t actually say that.”

She smiled.

“Okay. But I’m watching you. It’s good to see you Shade. I’m glad you could come.”

“Thank you for inviting me to your kingdom. Shall we get inside to discuss the situation?”

“Can’t deal with a little cold?”

“Not at all.”

She laughed and led the two of us inside. Much better! I looked around the halls.

“Wow!”

“You think this is impressive? Wait until you see the library.”

“Good selection?”

“The largest in all of Equestria. Take the Canterlot library and triple it.”

That stopped me in my tracks.

“Triple?!”

“Is that too much for you?”

“No! That’s exciting!”

She giggled and turned to Shining Armor.

“I told you books were his thing.”

“No. You said books get him excited.”

“Same thing.”

I cleared my throat.

“I can clear this up for you right now if you’d like.”

They turned to me, curious.

“I do get excited by books, but not half as much as I do...when I see my girlfriend.”

Cadance beamed.

“That’s great! I’m so glad you’re putting yourself out there.”

Shining patted my back.

“So who’s the lucky mare?”

I smiled.

“Rarity.”

They looked at each other in surprise.

“Rarity? As in Twily’s friend Rarity?”

“Is there another?”

“Aww! You two must make such a cute couple!”

“That’s what Twilight said.”

“Have you kissed her yet?”

How much should I tell?

“Maybe..”

Cadance hugged me.

“You’ve come a long way since our conversation, haven’t you.”

I whispered in her ear.

“Further than you might think.”

She pulled away, her mouth agape. I winked at her and she smiled. Shining Armor looked between us.

“I’m missing something again, aren’t I?”

“Nothing you need to be concerned with honey. Why don’t we get into the nursery and tell Shade why he’s here.”

They led me into the nursery. Flurry Heart was playing with some blocks on the floor. She began making noises as her parents entered. When she saw me she laughed. Was I funny looking?
Shining Armor picked his daughter up and put her in her crib. Cadance sat down, her smile fading.

“Yesterday we found patches of dead grass.”

“Is that not normal?”

“Not for here. The love of the Crystal ponies keeps the kingdom green and vibrant.”

“So...is the love disappearing?”

“No. And after we discovered the grass, we found this.”

She summoned a box from near the doorway. As it opened I looked inside. It was a crystal. A dark, black crystal.

“I take it this isn’t the normal variety.”

Shining Armor shook his head.

“We haven’t seen this type of crystal since Sombra.”

“You think he’s coming back?”

“We’re not sure. We need more information.”

“And that’s where I come in. You think there are answers in the library.”

Cadance nodded.

“The library has information on everything about the Empire. We’re hoping that the answer lies within one of the books there. It’s just a lot for even a small group of ponies to do.”

I straightened up.

“I accept the challenge.”

“We thought you would. Plus you’ll have some help.”

“From who?”

“Sunburst. He’s our most knowledgeable pony in the kingdom. He’s nothing short of a wizard in his own right.”

Impressive. Why did I recognize the name?

“So when do you want me to begin?”

“Immediately if you can. I’ve already told Sunburst to meet you over at the library. You can’t miss it. It’s one of the largest buildings in the city.”

“I’ll get over there right away.”

I followed the halls back to the stairs and looked around the immediate area. Ah! Biggest building was right. I couldn’t believe it! This was a library? I ran towards the building, my heart racing at the prospect of all the new knowledge I could gain from here.
I entered the library and skidded to a halt.

“Sweet Celestia.”

Books. Every last inch of space was filled with books in the most grand library I had ever seen! I stared at it for a full minute in reverence.

“You must be Shade.”

I turned to find a unicorn clad in a robe. I smiled and held out my hoof.

“Sunburst I take it.”

He shook my hoof and nodded.

“I’ve taken the liberty of pulling every book on the Crystal Empire and the surrounding areas. I thought that would be a good place to start”

“That’s perfect. Though I have a another subject I believe will be of help to us. How much is there on dark magic?”

“Dark magic? Those books are kept under lock and key.”

“I’ll need them all. Something dark seems to be at the root of this and I plan to be prepared. Can I look at those books as well?”

“I’ll go and fetch the keys. The books I have ready are in the study on the left.”

“Thank you Sunburst. By the way. You’re name is familiar to me. Have we met before?”

He shook his head.

“Never. But you’re from Ponyville, right? I’m sure you’ve met my friend Starlight.”

“That’s it! You’re her friend from childhood, aren’t you?”

“Yeah. She’s spoken about you once or twice before in letters. I’ve looked forward to meeting you.”

“It’s good to meet you too. The study on the left you said?”

He nodded.

“You go ahead and start. I’ll see to the other books.”

I followed the nearest hall and opened the first door on the left. It was a good sized study with a desk in the middle. And surrounding the desk were stacks of books. I was impressed. There had to be at least two hundred books in here. These were all about the Empire?
I took a seat st the desk and grabbed the nearest book. I took a deep breath and cleared my head.

Imagine you’re in a cloud, rising above all else.

Thank you Rarity. My meditation was the fastest way to prep for a serious research session. I felt myself empty of all else, ready to accept the knowledge I was about to absorb. I kept my eyes closed as I opened the book. I felt the pages; soft to the touch, but crisp at the edges. I slowly opened my eyes and exhaled.

“Time to go to work.”

I began. The pages started flying immediately. I had never started so fast before! I finished the first book in three minutes.

“Okay. We’re running hot today.”

I grabbed the next book and started again. And then the third. Fourth. Seventh. Twelfth. Twentieth. Fortieth. It was around that time that Sunburst reappeared with a cart of books.

“I grabbed everything. It barely all fit on the cart!”

“Good. Put it over there.”

I waved to an empty corner and continued reading. Sunburst put the cart away and then sat down.

“You really can read fast. I thought they meant you knew how to skim efficiently.”

“No point in skimming. You miss stuff that way. Can you move the next stack closer?”

He slid another stack towards me as I wrapped up book 42. I picked the top book and kept going.

“How do you do it?”

“Do what?”

“Read like this.”

“Changelings can absorb information to better blend into their environment.”

“I understand that. But how do you do it? You’re not a changeling anymore.”

“I...honestly hadn’t thought about it. I just do it.”

“Interesting..”

I put down book 45 and took a breather.

“The history of this kingdom is fascinating! But it only goes up to before Sombra’s rule. Was there no record kept during that time?”

Sunburst thought for a moment.

“Yes! It was kept in the same place as the dark magic books. So it should be...”

He ran to the cart and looked st the spines.

“Here! It’s the only record that was ever written. The pony that wrote this knew that the Empire shouldn’t forget even its darkest moments.”

I grabbed the book and started. I almost stopped after a few pages though. There was a lot of detail in this account. I shuddered every few pages, which at my reading speed essentially made it look like I was constantly shivering from the cold. I was surprised that the author had been able to write some of this down.

“Do you need a coat? You look cold.”

“What I need is a memory spell.”

I closed the book.

“Have you ever read this?!”

“No. Is it that bad?”

I threw the book to him.

“Find the author and ask their permission to burn that book.”

He looked at me in shock as I picked up another book.

“Some moments are best left forgotten.”

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