The sun was beginning to set on the kingdom of Kal Equa. Celestia and Luna were doing their best to help the Kal Equian ponies restore as much of their kingdom as they can. Together with the other unicorns, they used their magic to restore the damaged walls while earth ponies did their part by doing construction on the damaged homes and buildings. But among that repairs were still the mourning of ponies that lost friends and family from Queen Chrysalis' and her Changeling's attack on the kingdom. King Centurus was still recovering from his injuries he sustained from the attack, but he was much happier now that his regal comrades were there to help him and his subjects.

However, the loss of the Jewel of Kal Equa was still lingering in his mind. For generations, that magical gem was the source of the life and flourishing state of Kal Equa. Without it what would happen? Will the riches of the land wither and die? Will his people survive? These thoughts haunted his subconscious. The sun was nearly completely set when Celestia, Luna, and the other ponies decided to rest for the day. Though there were some damage throughout Kal Equa, but it looked so much better than from the previous night.

"That should do it for now,'' Celestia breathed, a bit exhausted.

She'd been using her magic almost nonstop the entire day. In addition to the day's tasks, she was also in the process of using her potent magic to setting the sun, so she was a bit tired. Luna nodded, she too showing signs of fatigue, her horn glowing a shimmering cobalt as he prepared to raise the moon.

"Yes Tia. Everypony did great today. Despite this tragedy, it's reassuring to know how everypony can still work together to repair their kingdom.''

After bidding farewell to the surrounding ponies, they flew towards the castle to visit Centurus. Once at the castle, they went to Centurus' room where he was eating his dinner, some kind of soup. As he levitated his spoon to his mouth, he saw the sisters come in and smiled.

"There you two are. I hope things went smoothly today, with the restoration?'' Centurus asked.

The two regal sisters nodded. "Yes, everything went well. You subjects were very considerate and respectable to us,'' Celestia said with a smile.

Luna nodded and added, ''Yes, if this keeps up, Kal Equa will be good as new in no time.''

Centurus nodded wholeheartedly, but then looked away with a frown. Celestia and Luna both looked at each other and looked sadly at the king. Know what he was thinking, Celestia spoke with a faint, reassuring, ''Centurus, I know what you're thinking. Your kingdom is going to be fine.''

Centurus let out a sigh. "I just don't know. The Jewel of Kal Equa was the reason that we thrived for so many generations. I don't know how long we can last without its power.''

"Don't say such things Centurus. Kal Equa will not fall. We will get the Jewel back!'' Luna spoke with determination.

Celestia nodded firmly,'' Luna's right. You just need to have faith.''

Centurus looked at the two sisters who smiled reassuringly at him. A soft smile came across his face. "I have faith in you two, my dear friends. That's good enough for me.''

Celestia and Luna nodded with smiles. After some short conversation, Centurus looked out his window, the sun completely set replaced by the pale moon as the golden and cobalt glows of Celestia and Luna's horns faded.

"You two have been such a relief and joy to see, but I think we can take repairs from here,'' Centurus said, a hint of reluctance in his voice.

Celestia and Luna seemed shocked by this sudden comment. "Leave? But there's still work to be done here!'' Luna argued.

"I know, but from what you've told me this...Changeling Queen must be planning something terrible if it bothers you with disturbing visions,'' Centurus reasoned.

The two sisters thought for a moment. "Yes, but,'' Luna began slowly, but Centurus shook his head.

"You must find the reason why she needs the Jewel of Kal Equa. Not just for Kal Equa's sake, but for the sake of Equestria.''

Celestia stepped forward with a serious expression. '' Yes, you're right my friend,'' Celestia said reluctantly.

Luna whipped her head to her sister to argue. ''But Sister!''

Celestia raised a hoof to silence her. "Luna, he's right. It's obvious the Queen is planning something terrible to try to take over Equestria. We must figure out what that plan is and stop her!''

Luna looked at her sister and then looked down in defeat. Celestia turned her gaze to Centurus. "Are you sure you will be alright Centurus?''

Centurus chuckled. "C'mon on Celestia, I'll be walking again in now time. I'm an impenetrable fortress.''

Celestia giggled. "Is that so? Well for an impenetrable fortress you've gotten roughed up quite a bit.'' Celestia and Luna laughed as Centurus looked away embarrassingly.

After a few moments, Celestia and Luna prepared to make their departure. "I will write soon to check on you Centurus,'' Celestia said, embracing her royal friend.

"I just wished your visit was for a more, brighter cause,'' Centurus responded regrettably.

"Don't worry it will be next time after this crisis has been dealt with,'' Luna said with a calm smile.

Centurus smiled and nodded, but became more serious. "Be careful out there. However powerful the Changeling Queen was in the past, I feared her powers increased drastically.''

The two sisters nodded sternly. "Yes, but it doesn't matter, we will stop her,'' Celestia frowned as Luna agreed.

After saying their last goodbyes, the two sisters took flight into the night sky. As they flew above Kal Equa, the ponies waved goodbye to the princesses. After returning their waves, the two flew eastward. Soon they were out the boundaries of the kingdom and over the sea. Celestia couldn't help but gaze back at Kal Equa sadly.

Luna noticed this and spoke, ''Don't worry sister. Centurus and Kal Equa will be fine. They are a strong kingdom.''

Celestia turned to her sister and gave her a soft smile. "Yes, your right Luna. It was just I've never expected to see Centurus in that condition.''

Luna blinked a few times before grinning playfully.

"What?'' Celestia asked blankly.

"Did something happen between you two while I was absent for a thousand years?'' Luna asked, an eyebrow raised with a sly smile.

Celestia faltered as she denied anything that happened. "What...why...no of course not Luna. We're just...good friends that's all!''

Luna continued to grin at her sister, obviously not believing her. "Besides, I don't have time for romance. Duty comes before pleasure,'' Celestia added, a blush on her face.

Luna chuckled. "It's quite understandable if you have feelings for him. He IS quite handsome after all.''

The two shared a laugh. After their moment, Luna looked at her sister seriously. "So what now Tia?''

"We're going back to Arcanus. We'll tell him about our discovery and hopefully he'll too has some answers,'' Celestia answered sternly.

Luna nodded silently and the two made their way to Arcanus' tower. The journey took almost two days, but they finally arrived at his tower, the moon shining in the night. The landed at the base of the tower and made their way inside and up to the top to Arcanus' chamber. Before they could knock on the door, it opened by itself. The two went up to find the chamber littered with open books. Clearly Arcanus was doing all he can to find any answers they may need. Arcanus sat in the center, his head pointed downward looking into the basin full of water. As the two Alicorns walked forward, Arcanus lifted his head and spoke.

''So you've finally returned?''

The two nodded.

"And how is Kal Equa fairing?'' Arcanus asked.

''It's doing well. We've arrived there just in time thank Chiron,'' Celestia sighed.

Luna nodded, 'Yes, King Centurus was badly wounded and...some ponies lost their lives in the attack, but Kal Equa's restoration is going smoothly. Though it will take some time...and healing,'' Luna said albeit sadly on her last few words.

Arcanus sighed deeply, hoof stroking his beard. "I see, this truly was an unnecessary tragedy.''

"Yes it was,'' Celestia added, gravely, but then sternly." However, we did found out who was behind the attack.''

Celestia and Luna told Arcanus about Queen Chrysalis and their history with her and how she was the one who attack Kal Equa and how the visions were involving her...and how she stole the Jewel of Kal Equa. After giving him all the information they've gathered, Arcanus bowed his head in thought before speaking.

''Changelings you say?''

The two sisters nodded, angry frowns upon their faces. "Correct, and their wretched queen!'' Luna snarled.

"The creatures that can take the form of others and sustain themselves by feasting on another's love,'' Arcanus spoke sternly as Celestia and Luna listened. "And in these visions we've seen a red gem and now a green gem that is the Jewel of Kal Equa which turned its once barren lands into the flourishing beauty it is today.''

Luna stepped forward and spoke, ''That's correct Arcanus, but why these gems? What could she be planning with them?''

''Arcanus sighed in discontent, turning his bandaged eyes towards the princess of the night. "I honestly don't know, but it's obvious that the Jewel of Kal Equa has a sort of purification or healing powers. It seemed to have been able to bring life back to what was an utter lifeless land.''

Celestia nodded understandingly. "Yes, and a gem that can sustain an entire landscape for centuries must be a powerful artifact.''

"And let's not forget the red gem!'' Luna added. ''We still don't know what abilities it possessed, but according to Centurus, the queen was able to single handily take out numerous guards and did most of the damage to Kal Equa despite having her army of Changelings with her.''

Celestia nodded with a frown, ''Yes, and even after absorbing the love the last time we've faced her I wouldn't say she was THAT strong. Perhaps...perhaps the red gem somehow increases her powers. And by the look of Kal Equa, too drastic levels.''

"Just as I was deducing Celestia,'' Arcanus responded in his deep, resonating voice.

Luna began speaking, determination and pride in her voice. "This is good, this very good Tia. We've unraveled the hidden secrets that caused us to come here...to why these visions are appearing and what they mean!''

Celestia looked at Luna with a calm smile. "Yes Luna this is good news in deed, but its only part of the mystery solved. We still don't know the queen's true intentions with these gems.''

Arcanus nodded. "Yes but we do know this: these two gems seemed to grant the queen unique powers. An increase in her magic and the life giving powers of the Jewel of Kal Equa. However, I can't shake the feeling that these gems aren't enough.''

Luna nodded in agreement. "I agree, increase in power doesn't mean one is invincible. And being able to replenish life back to other objects? It doesn't make sense.''

Celestia thought deeply, before a surprised expression came on her face. "Arcanus, is it possible that there are more gems that the queen is looking for?''

Arcanus tilted his head slightly downward. "It is...a possibility. But if so, just how many other of these mysterious gems she may be looking for I just don't know.''

Celestia and Luna looked at each other as Luna spoke. "We must stop her sister,'' Luna said darkly. "Who knows how much stronger she can get if she collects anymore of these gems, if there are any!''

Celestia spoke seriously, ''Believe me I know Luna, but we don't even know where the Changelings reside. They could be anywhere. Celestia turned her gaze to the mystic. "Arcanus, can you possibly help us?''

Arcanus said nothing. After a few moments of silence, he raised his hooves over the basin. He recited a strange incantation under his breath while is horn gave off a billowing bluish white aura and in moments, the water from the basin rose and formed a blue, glowing sphere above their heads. Celestia and Luna walked cautiously to the center as the sphere started to shift inside, until finally revealing faint images of a dark, stone landscape that appeared to be a castle. The two Alicorns winced as the image shifted to Chrysalis laughing maniacally as the red and green gems glowed in front of her.

"That's her...the Changeling queen!'' Celestia scowled.

The sphere of water suddenly collapsed into the basin as Arcanus' spell ended. "It appears the queen resides in a stone castle of sorts, but I can't seem to get a fix on its located. The spell is being blocked, preventing me from fully finding its locating. These gems must be more powerful than I imagined,'' Arcanus said gravely.

"Do not feel so somber Arcanus, you've done wonderfully,'' Luna spoke up with a small smile.

Celestia nodded with a soft smile, ''Luna's right. I knew we made the right choice by coming to you my friend.''

Arcanus gazed up to the two princesses and smiled ''Thank you, you two flatter me so much.'' Arcanus' face then fell to one of upmost seriousness. "But this threat isn't over.''

Celestia and Luna nodded with a frown.

"If this queen is collecting gems to increase her power, then we must plan with caution.'' The great unicorn continued, bowing his head in thought.

"What do you propose Arcanus?'' Celestia asked intently.

Arcanus raised his head. "There is a spell that I would like to teach both of you.''

Celestia and Luna faces become one of shock at the proposal. "What spell are you going to teach us?'' Luna asked intrigued.

"A very powerful spell to be used only as the very last resort. A spell that I've created not too long ago,'' Arcanus answered with a stern gaze.

The two sisters gasped softly and looked at each other. "You've created a new spell?'' Celestia asked amazed.

Arcanus let out a chuckle, ''Yes Celestia. Magic is ever flowing and constantly changing, like the wind. Like combining two colors together to form a new shade, creating virtually a limitless assortment of colors. And just as there are limitless shades of color in the world, there is an almost limitless possibilities of magic, including those that has still yet to be created. And besides, believe it or not, I don't just sit around and read all day.''

Celestia and Luna couldn't help but laugh gently before Luna spoke in a more serious tone. "What does this new spell do Arcanus?''

"Mind you, this is a very difficult, yet powerful spell to execute. By myself, it is amongst the most powerful spells a unicorn can cast but with you two, it could without a doubt greatly surpass my own efficiency of using it. And if you're successful, it could very well defeat the Changeling queen and her army and avoid the use of the Elements of Harmony,'' Arcanus remarked sternly.

Celestia and Luna's mouths were agape in disbelief of the description of such a mighty spell, but they closed them and nodded firmly. They walked forward and stopped in front of the unicorn.

"We understand Arcanus. We're ready to begin,'' Celestia said seriously with Luna nodding.

Arcanus nodded as his horn began to glow with that bluish white aura. Suddenly, the chamber and all its contents morphed and shifted and before the two royal Alicorns knew it, they found themselves in a completely different setting. Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus were no longer in a chamber, but in a vast, strange location unlike anything they have ever seen. The outskirts of ground was of bluish color and seemed to stretch to infinity in all directions, even though it seemed to have a definite atmosphere limiting its size. Above them was a starry, night sky that was moonless but illuminated by a colorful aurora constantly moving about in the sky. Celestia and Luna gazed around their new surroundings, completely mesmerized by the landscape.

"Oh my, this dimension…tis nothing short of beautiful,'' Luna spoke breathlessly, her eyes gazing into the rippling sky.

Celestia nodded, a small smile, ''Indeed. Certainly nothing like I've ever seen in my life.''

Arcanus stood up and walked towards the two sister and cleared his thought, causing Celestia and Luna to break from their trances and look at the powerful equine.

"Very well, let's began.'' Arcanus said, his horn beginning to glow.

Away in the stone castle of the Changelings, Chrysalis sat in her throne room cackling with glee as she levitated the red gem, and the green Jewel of Kal Equa. Her Changeling subjects horded the massive hall, giving off hissing noises as she gloated her recent victory.

"Yes, these gems are everything I've read about in the Book of Omniscience. Just with one stone I struck down anypony that so foolishly stood in my way!''

As Chrysalis gave a low, dark chuckle, the red and green gems floated next to each other and gave off a combined red and green light. Chrysalis' eyes dilated as the light showed her glimpse of a monastery of some kind in a mountainous terrain. A grey coated pony with glasses and a white lab coat was then shown as he observed an oval, smoothed, blue gem. As the light subsided, Chrysalis let out an evil laugh.

"And now, my treasures have shown me the location of yet another gem. This is just too easy!''

Chrysalis then flew upward and addressed her subjects. "Rest up my subjects, for soon we shall venture out to find another Cosmic Gem. And like the other two, I'll obtain this one just as easily!''

Her Changeling army cheered with hissing sounds as Chrysalis grinned wickedly. "Yes, I'll enjoy killing the fools that get in my way and every creature on this world shall fear my power!''

As Chrysalis relished in her glee, a Changeling trotted through the crowd and kneel at the base of the throne.

"Forgive me your malevolence, but we've just caught these intruders trying to sneak inside the castle.''

Chrysalis leered down at the minion before shifting her gaze to the crowd which started to part as five Changelings dragged two Kal Equian guards, one brown and one grey, trapped in a sickish, green substance. The minions threw the guards towards the throne, their helmets rolling to the side from the impact. Chrysalis glared at the two as she flew down to them, her Changeling servants backing away as she did so.

"So, you dare to intrude in my castle?'' Chrysalis sneered venomously.

The guards glared at her, "Wretch! You've attacked our kingdom and almost killed our king!'' the brown guard shouted.

Chrysalis chuckled darkly, "Well of course, you're kingdom housed a precious gem that is rightfully mine. Plus it was the perfect place to test my newfound powers.''

The grey guard growled, ''You foul, evil...you've killed innocent ponies. Killed comrades of ours! You will pay with your life!''

Chrysalis frowned disdainfully at the two before turning and flying up to the seat of her throne. "You are right my dears, somepony will pay with their life. Unfortunate...that pony, or should I say ponies...ARE YOU!'' Chrysalis cried out.

As she did, she tuned and her horn glowed a billowing, green aura and fired two bolts of magic at the guards. The guards didn't even have time to scream for instantly the bolts hit them, they disintegrated, green embers floating gently on the ground where they stood and slowly going out. The Changeling minions backed further and cowered, murmuring at the display they've witnessed.

Chrysalis leered at the crowd of Changelings, ''Behold my subjects. That is the fate of those that dare stand in the way of our greatness. Of MY greatness!''

Chrysalis let out another dark laugh. However, something seemed different about her, for towards the end of her last statement, her voice was even more warped, with a male like, dark voice speaking along with her. One can only imagine the evil that Chrysalis will wrought if she gathers these... Cosmic Gems.