hapter 8

The Crystal Empire Library's maze of histories would easily occupy Night Ash while the custom Elements were crafted. She could "see" most titles if the ink was thick on the bindings, or if any of the ornamentation was raised. The librarian had been more than helpful in showing where the unicorn could read about Equestrian history, as told by this kingdom a thousand years prior. It surprised her that a tyrant such as Sombra would allow a library to exist, as informed warriors are usually more successful ones.

Lapis had requested she look in their history section to see if she could find anything regarding him or the rest of his "family". He had explained to her that the Family were the first bearers of the Elements, his brother Cepheid the one who brought them home to help end the Discord war. She couldn't ask, but felt so confused by her master claiming to be the bearer of the Element of Laughter, but can no longer laugh. Was that night so traumatizing to him? He still did not tell the entire tale, only that his sister was banished, he fled before he faced the same fate, seeking solitude and researching many means of getting back at Celestia. When he came across the information about the Star Compass, he felt his victory almost assured. With that plan ruined, and the news of Twilight Sparkle's "Ascendance" he is slowly losing his grip on what sanity remained. She worried for him, and her words quiet and simple to Desert Sun.

Her research was quickly rewarded - thanks to the preservation of the Crystal Empire, their history books covered many things that the Canterlot Archives did not have (per Morning Star) and Lapis Umbral himself had lost. She poured over old maps, read journals from the Discord wars and before, journals of all sorts of spellcasters, and architectural logs covering most of the major construction of the empire. Fascinated but a touch confused, she continued reading, wondering where all the crystal unicorns had gone. She hadn't recalled "seeing" one in the entirety of her travels in the Empire. Would that have been Sombra's doing, once the Empire had been completed? Was the slave work so hard that the unicorns the first to go? That information wasn't in the texts.

Her best discovery came from one journal that discussed the magics of the empire's crystals - a full explanation of how each stone's internal magics helped form and sustain the empire, as the gems themselves had their own "Life" and could stave off the cold. Those ponies that lived here communed with these crystals, creating a strange symbiotic relationship that allowed these earth ponies to keep their kingdom alive and intact. The notes spoke of some conflict when it came to expansion, but those that left took a few of their own crystals along. So could there be another crystal kingdom out there? Her curiosities quickly brought her to taking notes, impressed that an earth pony colony would have this sort of magical access.... perhaps if this sort of "culturing" could be done elsewhere (perhaps in Drakengard?) even the earth ponies would have some touches of magic to them. She knew that Lapis would be pleased to hear this, and would certainly investigate it.

Sadly, what she had actually come for was barely referenced - much of the history did not speak of alicorns, as if this kingdom itself started as exiled. That would be a shame were that true, but mere speculation to this unicorn. She wrote quickly, knowing that she would have to return to Malachite Braid's to check on the new necklaces.

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Spike had received a second letter from Princess Celestia to pick up a few things for Twilight before they traveled to Canterlot. It was a short list but would likely take up a good part of his morning, as he was frequently stopped by the locals to ask after Twilight. He wasn't allowed to talk about her trip to Canterlot so remembering what Twilight told him (and the mountain of notes he had to memorize before she would even let him leave) he kept his answers brief, general, but cordial. He didn't mind the attention at all, but he also didn't want to be running errands all day!

He decided to head out of town first and visit Sweet Apple Acres. The farm was abuzz with a group of locals helping with the Zap Apple harvest. Apparently this was bucking day, and dozens of ponies were hurrying through the orchards to get the apples down before they vanished. Applejack was running hard, hauling carts and passing out buckets, not doing any of the bucking that day. Spike wondered why Big Macintosh wasn't doing the hauling that day.

Spike then spotted the big red stallion bucking at the trees - usually just a stiff kick with one hind leg - bringing all the apples down. He'd trot from tree to tree, give it one or two solid shots, then keep moving. Applejack was in place quickly to gather the bushels to bring back to the house so they could start on the Zap Apple Jam, which Granny Smith and Applebloom were well underway.

Spike tried to frantically wave down Applejack, but the farm-mare just galloped past. "Cain't stop now, Spike!" she called over her shoulder. "We're on the clock!"

"But I needed to talk to you about - Hurk, ack~~!" Spike's request ended with him hacking out a scroll. Confused, he picked it up to read.

"Dearest Applejack,

I would hope that you would have time after Zap Apple Harvest to bring some of your product to Canterlot as part of the Armoring Celebration. Please ensure your customers are cared for, but even one jar of Zap Apple Jam would be welcomed in our hallowed halls.

Princess Celestia"

"APPLEJACK!!" Spike frantically called after her. "It's from the Princess!"

She slid to a halt at that revelation, two bushels scattering all over the place. "SPIKE~!!" She shouted. "I gotta keep the crop movin! We gotta harvest TODAY or - "

Flashes behind Spike had him wheel around, seeing a few of the trees' apples vanishing. A chorus of farm complaints rang in the air, including Applejack walking her cart right up to Spike.

"TARNATION, SPIKE, IT COULDN'T WAIT ANOTHER HOUR??"

Spike looked around helplessly, the letter and the list in his hands. "But... I .... "

A hail of loose farm implements shooed Spike out of Sweet Apple Acres. The letter from the princess slipped from Spike's hands and flapped in the breeze, landing in Applejack's cart. Spotting it, the farm pony read it over. "Ain't gonna have any Jam to bring t' Canterlot. Barely gonna fill Filthy Rich's order..." she glowered in the direction of the retreating dragon. "An' I've had my fill of 'princesses' fer now," she wanted to shout after Spike but kept that opinion to herself.

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Fire Ruby had permission to watch Malachite work on the special order that the unicorn zebra had made. She knew that this jeweler, despite all that time enslaved, had quickly picked up where she had left off in her work, already turning heads with her signature "braid-celets" - soft gold headdresses that could actually be braided into a mane. The central part of the tiara could be set in any spectrum of stones, and filling those requests had Malachite scrambling for extra hooves for those. Demand was escalating, but the master jeweller knew that her new apprentice wished to atone for nearly losing such a large sale.

"You found the order 'too' specific?" she asked Fire Ruby as she folded the heated silver with a tool around a mannequin neck. "Ceremonial jewellery will always be pretty specific."

"She called them 'tributes' and I thought that was a lot of bits for a tribute."

"Wherever Farasipunda is, maybe silver is more valuable to them than gold.... or maybe gray is a national color? Do we even know what their flag looks like?"

Fire Ruby lowered her head. "I just thought it was odd.... and I'd never heard of gray diamonds."

"Those, I can tell you, are exceptionally rare. I only have one base stone that will be cut for the six necklaces." She hammered the silver band shut. "Just be careful how many questions you ask a customer, many get defensive. Once I calmed her down, she was so pleased with my offer she didn't negotiate."

Fire Ruby nodded. "So you're going to do well on this sale?"

"Going to get more than I could ask for just on the gray diamond alone, never mind the silver. And before you ask THAT question, she gave me half up front."

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Spike moped back into Ponyville, scraped up a bit from the tool tirade at Sweet Apple Acres. He decided to cheer himself up by stopping to see the apple of HIS eye next - the Carousel Boutique, and the lovely filly Rarity. His heart skipped a beat or two as his mind drifted away from Sweet Apple Acres to him rescuing her from a horrific fire started by an EVIL dragon, who he'd fight tooth and claw to assure her safety, then split his hoard with her. The daydream kept him wandering toward the building before another scroll caught in his throat. The lack of air interrupting his reverie and the scroll bouncing to the doorstep of the Boutique, coming to rest leaning on the door. The little dragon hurried to retrieve it, falling forward just as the door opened and the scroll dropping to the ground.

"Well, Hello, Spike," the lilting tones of the white unicorn's voice tickled his senses. "I wasn't expecting company, do come in."

Spike staggered through the threshold, tripping over his words, his tail and the scroll in one sloppy cartwheel. The scroll bounced into the air, where the seamstress pony caught it with a delicate touch of her own magic. "Is this for me?"

"Of course," Spike replied dreamily, "Anything for you, Rarity......"

She offered a small smile as she opened the scroll.

"Dearest Rarity,

I am extending an invitation on behalf of Fancy Pants and Hoity Toity to the Armor Ceremonies in the coming days. Your travel and hotel arrangments are paid. I only ask that you bring some of your finest creations, perhaps something new for Princess Twilight Sparkle. Have Spike contact me if you need anything.

Princess Celestia"

"Hoity Toity can't invite me himself?" She sniffed, rolling up the scroll and dropping it on Spike. "While it IS a trip to Canterlot and Fancy Pants will be there, I'm sure Hoity Toity will have nothing to do with me." She froze. "Goodness! If Hoity Toity has that much influence, what has he told Fancy Pants? Or Jet Set and Upper Crust? Or even-" she shuddered. "Photo Finish???"

She began frantically running around the boutique, material and implements swirling around her in similar panic. "New dresses in THREE DAYS??? And walking in with my reputation tarnished..... oh, Twilight, WHY have you done this to me?"

"Huh?" Spike was slowly recovering from his reverie.

"I've too much to do Spike, please be off."

"But I came here to - "

"No time!! Out~!!" Her magic hastily pushed the poor lovestruck dragon out the door.

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"Why you makin me do this, Dusty?"

"Because boss doesn't have anything for either of us to do!" Dustmite scolded his older brother. "Since the first mine's cleaned out, Boss told us to give the new one a once-over."

"Not like you're gonna do anythin but watch," Sandstone muttered.

"I'll be supervising and keeping Boss informed!"

"Yeah, whatever...."

The two continued exploring the newly-carved mine, Dustmite bounding along with two flashlights strapped to his tiny shoulders. "I'm guessing he started a new mine since Hatchet didn't have enough iron for armor...."

"Dunno, hadn't heard nothin....."

"Think there's anything else down here? Gems? Gold? Ghosts?"

"Don't even start, Dusty....."

Dustmite faced his brother, shining the flashlights in his eyes. "Aw come on - you ain't afraid of ghosts anymore, areya? Thought Boss knocked that out of ya."

Sandstone blinked hard and looked away. "Just not funny anymore."

"Wow, who stepped in your bowl of oats this morning?" The larger stallion mumbled a reply. "What what? Speak up, big pony, big voice." another mutter. "huh? Huh? speak up, my ears are kinda small."

"SLURRY!" Sandstone bellowed, echoing through the mine. Dustmite's initial reaction was laughter, knowing he could still get under his big brother's skin. The laugh stopped when a low rumble was heard.

"You're not that mad, are ya?" Dustmite asked nervously as the sound grew louder.

"Not me..."

The rumbling started an echoing chain reaction, the ground under their hooves shaking and adding to the reverberations. "You started a cave-in!" Sandstone exclaimed before launching for the exit, Dustmite right behind. The two stallions bounded through the narrow passageways, avoiding rocks that shook loose from the ceiling or crumbled from the walls. Sandstone shrugged off a couple of direct hits while his little brother dodged around the debris. A rush of air from deeper in the tunnel thrust them outside.

Dustmite never quite got his footing once into the valley, his trajectory only stopped by his much larger brother landing on him.

~~What was all that noise?~~ Umbral demanded in both of their heads.

~~Cave-in,~~ Sandstone reported. ~~sorry 'bout that.~~

~~Are you both unharmed?~~

~~I'm under something right now!~~ Dustmite protested.

Sandstone stumbled to all four hooves. ~~sorry 'bout that, too.~~

~~Is the entryway still accessible? I need you to go back in there.~~

Sandstone looked back to the entrance, which still had dust settling. ~~Think so. Why go back in there? Kinda dangerous....~~

~~I'm detecting traces of magic from inside. If you'd like I can send Desert Sun or Morning Star down to help you.~~

~~Desert Sun!~~ Dustmite eagerly suggested. ~~...since we don't know what we're lookin for....~~

~~She will be along shortly.~~

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"You've got a lot to answer for, Hot Head."

Thunder Arrow stood before the white pegasus colt, who didn't look the least bit repentant for his actions. "Care to tell me what you were doing out there?" Thunder Arrow continued. "Disruptions like that are expected at the Phalanx tryouts, but not for the Solar guard!"

"I was defending myself!" the colt insisted. "'Shorty' this and 'tiny' that.... so I told some of em they were gelding. Not MY fault they took offense."

"I don't mind banter on the grounds when you're training, but picking fights isn't how we do things around here anymore."

"You didn't stop Violet Force or Silver Shimmer," Hot Head jeered.

The pegasus officer chose not to answer how he truly felt. "They've made their own bed and have left Canterlot for darker pastures. Should I start questioning your loyalties too?"

"I was defending myself!" Hot Head repeated.

"I heard you the first time," Thunder Arrow smirked. "You'll have extra combat up to the Ceremonies. I catch you running away and you can forget becoming a Solar Guard."

"What, are you Flank Attack now?"

"Admittedly it was his idea. Mine was to strap you to the Dizzitron for a full minute and launch you over Cloudsdale. Solaris just wanted us to remove you from the guard tryouts entirely."

"That's not fair!!"

"Neither is a soldier running from a fight," Thunder Arrow replied in his most serious tone. "Dismissed."

The little white pegasus stomped out of the pegasus captain's quarters, seething from the reprimand. He took wing to find a rooftop to cool off..... and let someone know about his wayward flight.

~~No guards will be on dungeon duty. You were right, Lionheart.~~

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Spike walked through the streets of Ponyville, ignoring the stares and whispers of the local ponies. He knew they were talking more about Twilight than him, but his tie to Twilight launched many a hushed conversation. He trod to Sugar Cube Corner, hoping that at least Pinkie would listen. A glance over his shoulder reminded him, however, that he didn't even get what he originally set off to Sweet Apple Acres or to Carousel Boutique. His list requested a small bushel of regular apples and a more elaborate "disguise" outfit so that Twilight could walk through town without drawing attention. Spike wasn't sure if it'd fool Pinkie Pie, so going back was out of the question.

The instant he was through the threshold to the confectionery store he was gathered up by magic and dragged over to the two youngsters - Pumpkin Cake doing the dragging and Pound Cake celebrating by pounding the floor with his forehooves. The twins hugged the new visitor - just their size! Spike gagged a bit from how tight Pound Cake could embrace. A slightly frazzled Cup Cake hurried out to shoo her twins from their guest. "I'm sorry, Spike, they've been doing this to other foals all week!"

Spike offered a weak smile to the twins' mother as another coughing fit caught him off-guard, the scroll launching across the room and sticking into a half-finished cake. Spike covered his mouth too late. "Sorry, Mrs. Cake," he replied sheepishly. "I was actually here to order some of Twilight's favorite treats to bring back to cheer her up."

"ooh! ooh! I can do that!!!" Pinkie cartwheeled into the room, landing between the twins. She spotted the scroll sticking in the other cake and gingerly retrieved it. "Is this the recipe?" She asked excitedly.

Spike rubbed the back of his head. "I dunno, that just showed up too."

Pinkie flipped open the scroll.

"To Pinkie Pie and Mr. and Mrs. Cake:

I would be honored if you would supply the dessert buffet for the Armor ceremonies in the coming days. Canterlot has invited chefs from all over Equestria to create a complete dining experience for not only the new soldiers, but for another group who are to be recruited for duties in the Crystal Empire. Transport of confections can be arranged as necessary, and care will also be available for your little ones.

Princess Celesta"

Pinkie bounded over to Cup Cake and hugged her. "See? The princess LOVES cake! We'll make all kinds of desserts for everypony in Canterlot!"

Mrs. Cake offered a worried smile. "We only have a couple of days to put something together, and we've still got orders to fill....."

"Okey dokey Lokey!" Pinkie bounded for the kitchen. "Let's get dessert-ing!"

Before any of them could react, a thunderous crash shook the store. Mrs. Cake, followed quickly by her husband, dashed to the kitchen to find Pinkie under a mass of spilled flour, eggs, sugar and cinnamon. The twins cheered the chaos while Mr. and Mrs. Cake looked on in dismay. Spike decided to sneak out in case anything fell in his direction.

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~~The plan continues as promised, Master Lapis. There will be no guards in the dungeons during either ceremony. I have received confirmation~~

~~Thank you, Lionheart, this is pleasing news.~~

The alicorn felt like he was directing traffic in one of the bustling cities - so many reports coming in from everywhere.

~~Looks like your two zebras made a mess of the new mine,~~ Desert Sun called in. ~~Only odd thing I've found is a rotted old whip, but I think that's the magic you sought~~

~~Bring it- and the brothers - back here, and we'll see if it can be useful.~~

~~my research continues,~~ Night Ash sent, ~~I have found plenty of historical documents dating back to the Discord wars and some information about the construction of the Empire~~

~~Take as many notes as you can. When will you be picking up the necklaces?~~

~~I paid the asked price, they should be ready in two days' time.~~

~~Do confirm that, just so that I'll have all the armors ready to complement the necklaces.~~

Thinking of the armors reminded Umbral.... he needed to check in on his eager armorer.

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Spike was thankful for escaping at least one errand unscathed - though he guessed that there wouldn't be any sapphire cupcakes waiting for him on his next visit. His stomach growled a protest, but he decided not to eat until he had finished his errands. His green eyes scanned the skies, hoping that Rainbow Dash was either out practicing or napping on a low cloud. He recalled that the couple of times he'd been "Fully grown" he never had wings so he couldn't just launch up there and look for her.

He was in luck that afternoon - Rainbow Dash chose a low-hanging branch in the park to doze, Tank all tucked in at the base of the tree. The little dragon used Tank's shell to hop up with a chance of swatting Dash's tail to try and wake her up. His short leap did manage to catch her tail- but one claw hooked into a small tangle, sending both of them to the ground in a heap.

The rainbow-maned pegasus was back in the air once she realized what happened. "Spike~!" She complained. "Do you mind? I'm between practices, I need my rest!"

Spike pulled himself out of the dirt, finding himself eye-to-eye with Tank. "Well, it was kinda important, I was sent over here to -gach, kah~!!" Another scroll popped up, bouncing off the tortoise's shell.

"For what? To deliver a scroll?" She swooped down and scooped up the parchment, opening it with a couple taps from her hoof.

"Dearest Rainbow Dash,

The Armor celebrations are only a couple of days away! I request your presence to the ceremonies and celebrations. I would also recommend you pack your Wonderbolt uniform... just in case. I await your reply on behalf of Spitfire and the Wonderbolt team.

Princess Celestia"

Dash read the scroll over a few more times. "Bring my Wonderbolt gear 'just in case'? Huh, can't guarantee me another tryout, I guess..." She rolled her eyes and dropped the scroll on Spike's head.

"Does that mean you're going?"

"Of COURSE I'm going!" Rainbow Dash snapped, suddenly snout-to-snout with Spike. "Can't ignore a royal decree, can I?"

"You didn't sound all that happy about it....."

"'Just in case'? 'JUST IN CASE'?" Dash protested. "Did Princess Celestia even SEE my Academy numbers? Does she even talk to Spitfire? I bring my gear and I'll be sitting in the stands watching Midnight Strike or Star Hunter flying with the team!" The pegasus hovered in the air with her forehooves crossed. "If I don't get a look at this ceremony, I'll likely not get a look for the Gala."

"So bring your gear- you're not gonna know til you get there, right?"

"Already got a pretty good guess - so did 'Princess' Twilight put you up to this?"

Spike glared back at Dash. "That message was from Princess CELESTIA! I was also coming over here because the OTHER note I had from Princess Celestia had to do with assisting weather patrols over the train line, but you're not interested in that EITHER, are you?"

Rainbow Dash's expression dropped from anger to incomprehension. "Over the train line? From Ponyville to Canterlot?"

"AND to the far north for the railway expansion!!" Spike finished for her. "I've had stuff thrown at me, been thrown out of Carousel Boutique, and almost got kicked out of Sugar Cube Corner trying to run these stupid errands! So get it over with and buck me in the direction of Fluttershy's!"

The pegasus didn't have an answer for that. Spike stormed off, leaving Dash hovering, dumbfounded.

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~~There's really no easy way to ask about it, Morning Star.~~

The white unicorn sighed as the report from her friend Aurora was news she could have guessed. ~~If Twilight Suck-up became an alicorn, then there's gotta be a way to make it happen~~

~~Would someone actually write that down?~~ Aurora pondered. ~~That would be dangerous in the wrong hooves~~

~~Someone HAD to have written it down.... maybe Star Swirl the Bearded?~~

Morning Star hopped to her feet. ~~Can you get to that book? Would they even allow you to TOUCH it, now that you-know-who is a you-know-what?~~

~~THAT,~~ Aurora replied proudly, ~~I know I can get my hooves on~~

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Spike stomped up to Fluttershy's cottage, glaring at each animal outside as he approached. This had been too long an errand already, and he wondered if the shy pegasus would even answer her door if he knocked. He stood on the doorstep for a moment, reluctant to raise his hand to knock.

He counted to himself, and sure enough he coughed out another scroll. He decided to read it over first before knocking.

"Dearest Fluttershy,

While I know you have little interest in the Royal Guard, I would still like to extend an invitation to you and any of your animal friends to attend the Armor ceremonies and celebrations thereafter. The music your bird friends provide would be a lovely counterpoint to the Canterlot orchestra that will also be attending. I would hope you would attend in either case.

Princess Celestia"

Spike softened. Even he liked Fluttershy's birds. He continued to look over the scroll as he reached up to knock...

Only to once again have the door opened and him landing in a heap in the threshold. Angel, Fluttershy's white bunny, stood over the dragon tapping his foot impatiently. "What?" Spike grumbled. "I was getting ready to knock....."

Fluttershy put aside the book she was reading. "Don't worry about Angel bunny, Spike, he probably heard you coming and didn't want to wait until you knocked."

Spike clambered to his feet and brushed himself off. "I'm here for a couple of things, Fluttershy - first, would your bees be able to spare some honey for a cooking project?"

Fluttershy beamed. "Of course they can spare some! They always make extra because they know that so many people love honey."

Spike then handed her the scroll. "I also bring a formal request from the Princess."

Her aquamarine eyes widened. "The Princess? Oh, my...." she carefully gathered the scroll in her hooves and read it quietly. "oh.... oh dear... uhm, Spike, I don't know if I can convince the birds to leave Ponyville. I mean, they would love to sing for the ponies in Canterlot... but that's a LOT of ponies... and they'll make a LOT of noise......"

Spike sighed. "So no birds."

"No, I'm sorry, I just don't think they could handle it."

"Will you at least go to Canterlot?"

"Who will take care of my birds and all my other animals...?"

"You've got time," Spike assured her. "I think all the rest of the gang are going, so you should too."

"uhm...yes.... of course.... can I get back to you tomorrow? I have.... to ... uhm.... "

"Just come by when you've got a few minutes," Spike replied with resignation. He mechanically turned and walked out of the cottage, Angel slamming the door behind him.