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Chapter Text

As the last embers of Princess Cadance’s barrier spell died out, the citizens of the Crystal Empire prepared themselves for the awakening of their worst nightmares. The turquoise dome flickered as an echo of its creator’s exhaustion, and the smoky storm outside circled the Empire, waiting. It would be any moment now.

Shining Armor tried to support her. “My love. I love you.” He whispered, holding Cadance in his embrace and desperately attempting to fill her with strength. “Please hold on. Just a bit longer.”

It was of little use. The instant Cadance’s horn grew still, the frozen wasteland beyond them encroached on the Empire, along with the terrible vengeance of King Sombra. Neglecting the panicking civilians, he charged directly to the palace, creeping through the crystal corridors with a dark and swift magic. In the throne room, he met the royal couple.

Sombra let the shadows enveloping him fade away, until the base nature of his form was revealed: metal-plated and gray. Cadance was beginning to regain some of her strength as he approached.

“I see my empire has already managed to fall under the hoof of another rosy-haired monarch,” Sombra spoke, soft and low. “And an alicorn, no less.”

Using the bulk of her salvaged power, Cadance stood and addressed him as one would expect an alicorn to address a pony of shadows. She unleashed her wings. “My name is Princess Mi Amore Candenza, the Crystal Princess, and protector of the Crystal Empire. You are not welcome here, umbrum. Leave at once, and do not return.”

Sombra’s eyes widened. From the moment he had stepped into the throne room, a nagging, itching sensation had pulled at the back of his mind. This alicorn looked so familiar, like the whisper of a pony he saw in his dreams. His nightmares. A pang of fear, of hidden regret, gnawed at his skull. He realized why.

“Amore, of course.” Sombra drew closer, provoking Shining Armor to step between the two. “I thought I recognized that sanctimonious look in your eyes. Your predecessor had the same one.”

“Quiet, tyrant!” Shining Armor burst forward, a threat of fuchsia magic playing at the end of his horn.

Sombra stiffened, and his face fell serious. A purple haze breathed out of his eyes, harnessing the rage within him. In an instant, he seized Shining Armor with his magic and threw him across the chamber. Shining Armor’s body struck the cold crystal wall with impossible force, and he fell to the floor, his eyes forced shut. Cadance rushed to him.

“Shining Armor!” She found him still breathing.

“Control your pet, princess,” Sombra said indifferently, wiping a smudge off his armor plate. “I will not be interrupted.”

Cadance held the sorrow in her heart for a fleeting moment, then allowed it to sink inside. She looked up and met Sombra’s eyes, cold and grave.

“If you will not leave, then I will dispel you myself!”

The flickering light of her horn returned, and she released a blazing beam of magic. Sombra deflected it, flinching. The use of force from a Crystal Princess came as a shock to him. His surprise was soon replaced by fury, however, as Cadance sprang to restrain him.

The battle was intense and short-lived. Each side contributed fierce energies to the fight, and the ponies gathering below the palace could only observe in hopeless silence as the two sent blows back and forth, bursts of light bleeding out through the windows. At its final hour, it seemed as though Cadance might prevail. She had brought Sombra to a breathless kneel and was preparing a final strike. Sombra gazed up at her with clouded malice.

“It’s over, Sombra.” Cadance’s horn buzzed with energy.

Sombra smiled. “Indeed.”

A flash of darkness suddenly invaded her senses. Cadance buckled almost instantly, her eyes overtaken by the tainted green of her terror. Sombra took the moment to lift himself from the floor, recovering. Cadance was frozen, staring horror-struck at something in the distance. Sombra approached her.

“Now, that I have your true attention, Amore, there is something I want desperately to know.” He tilted up the end of her muzzle with his hoof. “What are you afraid of?”

At this moment, Shining Armor awoke. He blinked away the fog in his vision, and his eyes settled on the waning battle. Seeing the love of his life under the spell of such a beast reinvigorated him, and he rushed once again to attack Sombra. This time, he almost succeeded. Shining Armor caught Sombra’s neck in a glowing hold, threatening to choke him, but Sombra maintained his grasp on Cadance’s mind.

“Let her go!” Shining Armor demanded, his grip growing tighter around Sombra’s neck.

Suddenly, a black cluster of crystals broke through the hard shell of his horn, and the gleam of Shining Armor’s magic ceased instantly. He cried out in agony, the energy within him clawing desperately in his head, trying to escape. Once more, Sombra drove Shining Armor to the floor. The king let him writhe in the corner of the chamber, directing his focus again to the entranced Cadance.

“Well, princess, you need not tell your fear. I believe I’ve found it.”

Sombra’s darkness seized her then, and a terrible scowl plagued her face. His magic now controlled her.

“You’re a monster!” Cadance spat, the power of her love faltering, turning into something darker. “A monster!”

She saw it in that moment. An illusion, born of her own fear: Shining Armor fallen, vulnerable, and a target for Sombra’s wrath. The vision was so vivid and thorough that she truly believed it to be reality. In this waking nightmare, Sombra sent a blast of dark energy, pure and great, chasing after Shining Armor—designed to kill. Cadance did not think. She let her legs carry her as fast and as strong as they could, desperate to shield her husband from the blow. She had to save him.

In an instant, her flushed form disappeared over the side of the balcony. It plunged, plummeted. There was nothing that could be done—no one left to save her. Sombra heard the crushing sound of her demise. It was over.

“Please,” Sombra started, his horn bubbling and sizzling hues of dark royalty. “I am the King of Monsters.”

The Empire had fallen.

Chapter Text

Early morning in Canterlot was the best time to get things done. Twilight Sparkle recited this philosophy to herself every morning to persuade her to leave the enticing comfort of her bed, and she had lived by it for many years now. After her morning oats, she would arrange her things in a tidy saddlebag and set off into the orange gleam of the streets at first light, attempting to beat the inevitable rush of city ponies and tourists. She favored this hour for its lack of ponies and lack of forced socialization. At dawn, Canterlot was dim and quiet, as if nothing and no one could disturb the soundless harmony of the land.

She had aimed to get a head start on researching for her dissertation on Ancient Northern Equestria governmental processes; however, as she rounded the corner approaching Canterlot Library, a pair of ponies whispering at the newsstand caught her ear. They nestled a copy of The Canterlot Post between them, reading it with great interest. A stream of hushed words trickled out of their mouths, back and forth, a string of gossip not yet meant for the waking world.

Princess Cadance? Are you sure?

That’s what it says. Just two days ago.

Oh dear. I hope she’s all right.

Twilight’s ears perked up at her old foalsitter’s name. She had not meant to eavesdrop, but such a familiar sound was difficult to ignore. She stopped, and the newspony tending the stand noticed her.

“Care for a copy? Fresh off the presses. Breaking news from here and all the way to Saddle Arabia.”

Twilight’s anxiety over the two mares’ discussion had gotten the better of her, and she wordlessly slid two bits to the newspony for a copy of The Canterlot Post. Apprehensively, she opened the paper to the first page and read:

BREAKING: ANCIENT EMPIRE RETURNS, ALONG WITH EVIL TYRANT.

An empire in the Frozen North, thought to be thousands of years old, has returned seemingly out of nowhere this past week. Princess Cadance was assigned to govern the new kingdom, which locals call the “Crystal Empire.” Upon her arrival, the princess was thrust into an escalating issue with a mysterious unicorn figure named Sombra, attempting to seize the Empire for himself. Despite Princess Cadance’s efforts to stave off Sombra’s invasion, her magic failed, allowing the evil Sombra to conquer the Empire in a matter of hours.

Demanding to be called “King Sombra,” the new emperor has erected an impenetrable wall of black crystal around the Empire and already declared several laws and curfews effective immediately upon its citizens.

In a statement made only moments after Princess Cadance’s supposed surrender, King Sombra claimed to have killed the alicorn princess and captured her recently wed husband, Shining Armor. No evidence has yet verified either of these claims; however, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor are effectively considered missing. More information on this developing story will be released in the coming days.

Twilight’s body went stiff. This reporter had to be mistaken. Cadance could not be dead. After all of the years they had spent together? After finally becoming part of their family? It wasn’t possible.

Twilight had known about the Crystal Empire’s return. Shining Armor had told her when he and Cadance had departed for it almost a week ago, but neither had said anything about any danger they might encounter there. Her mind raced with fear and panic about her brother’s whereabouts, and with a deep, resistent mourning for her sister-in-law. She had to know for sure, but what could she do? Where could she go?

The answer sparked like a match in her brain. She did not debate it; she simply ran.

In a burst of light and with great effort, Twilight teleported herself into the sprawling halls of Canterlot Castle. Immediately, guards swarmed her from all angles, but her need for answers far outweighed her fear of guards, and she continued. Bit by excruciating bit, she brought herself closer to the throne room: teleport, run, teleport, run, teleport.

At last, she came to the towering doors of the throne room, and the shafts of two spears crossed in front of her, blocking the entrance. The accumulated guards from earlier in her journey now fell in behind her, and the overwhelming number of ponies surrounded her. She attempted to teleport one more time to get through the doors, but her energy from so many spells in succession had all but left her, and only a weak sputter emitted from her horn. She resigned herself to her inevitable arrest.

Then, the doors opened.

A tall, ivory pony stepped out into the hall—a pony Twilight had only seen before from afar. Everypony knew what Princess Celestia looked like, but few ever had the privilege of coming so close to viewing her in her splendor. As a filly, Twilight had seen Celestia at royal guard events she attended for Shining Armor, and most recently, at her brother’s and Cadance’s wedding. A passing word or two was all they had ever exchanged—pleasantries. Now, the ruler of Equestria stood proud and mighty before her, looking down at Twilight as if regarding a worm in her path.

“Your Highness–” Twilight started.

“Your Highness,” a guard interrupted her, “we caught this pony trespassing in the castle. What should we do with her?”

Celestia paused. She examined Twilight—carefully examined her—with an air of experienced focus. Then, a flash of recognition shot through her gaze, and she dismissed the guards.

“Leave her to me,” Princess Celestia said. “We will talk inside.”

The guards followed her orders swiftly and without question. The spears pointed at Twilight a moment ago now stood perfectly upright, resting. She stared wide–eyed at the perfect and orderly system of ponies before her. After a moment, she followed Celestia into the throne room.

The princess took her place on the throne and addressed Twilight. “You’re Twilight Sparkle, are you not? I have heard a great deal about you and your academic achievements. You have made quite an impression on the intellectual world.”

“Thank you, Your Highness, but I’ve come to you to talk about something–”

“We could have used a pony of your talents in my gifted unicorns program, although it is far too late now. What a shame.”

“Princess–”

“I read your comparative essays on pre-classical sorcerers. There were some inaccuracies, of course, but that is to be expected when so many records have been lost–”

“Celestia!”

Twilight’s fear had bubbled over, and she instantly wished to swallow the outburst that had escaped her lips. Princess Celestia stared down at her with restrained shock and a hint of irritation. Twilight backpedaled.

“Forgive me, Your Highness, but I’m not here to talk about myself. I need to know. Are the reports true? Was the Crystal Empire truly… conquered?”

Celestia paused for a long moment and then turned to admire one of the many stained glass windows adorning the walls of the room. This one featured Cadance and Shining Armor’s recent union. She gazed at it deeply, showing nothing of the anxieties meddling around in her brain.

Then, finally, Celestia spoke. “I am afraid the reports are accurate.”

Twilight stepped forward. “So then it’s true? About Cadance? And Shining Armor?”

At this, Celestia simply closed her eyes and lowered her head. She had said all that she was willing to say. Twilight could not contain the grief in her heart. Her legs folded beneath her, and she cried right there, long and hard, on the cold marble floor of the throne room. Celestia remained silent, allowing Twilight to unleash this painful and natural flurry of emotion. After what seemed to be a lifetime’s sorrow, Twilight’s sobs weakened to drained snivels, and Celestia spoke again.

“We are currently evaluating the situation and devising our response. This is not the first time King Sombra has taken control of the Empire, and he cannot be allowed to retake it.”

Twilight recovered her composure and stood. “Let me help.”

Her conviction finally pried Celestia's attention away from the window. “Excuse me?”

“That monster took my sister-in-law from me. He imprisoned my brother. He needs to pay.”

“Ms. Sparkle, you’re a talented scholar, but this has the potential to develop into a declaration of war. I do not see how you are equipped to handle such an endeavor.”

“I was accepted into the gifted unicorn’s program,” Twilight said, gravely. It was a moment in her life she rarely disclosed to anyone. “I failed the entrance exam, but I did have the skill to attend.”

“You? How could you have failed?”

“I have spent my life trying to find the answer to that question, Your Highness. After that day, I dedicated all my time to studying magic and became a scholar of the art. I’m certain that if I were to take that exam today, I would pass with no trouble.”

“I am sorry your former years transpired that way,” Celestia started, “but I still don’t understand how–”

“My brother was captain of the royal guard. I grew up learning and observing the functions of the Equestrian military. I can contribute. I promise.”

Celestia could not meet Twilight’s eyes. She said nothing.

Twilight took a breath and drew even closer. “When I was a filly, my parents took me to see the raising of the sun at the Summer Sun Celebration. Watching that burning light slowly slip up from under the horizon and consume everything, I had never seen anything so beautiful in my life. That light enraptured all those ponies in the crowd, but I only fixated on the godlike pony engulfed in shadow that was controlling it all. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. Her power was so fearsome, so glorious. In that moment, I decided that I would be like her someday. Strong and fearless.”

The princess retreated within herself for a time. They had not yet finalized the plans to address the Crystal Empire, and the new captain of the royal guard had not yet fully adjusted to the position. Celestia needed someone to take charge of this conflict alongside her, and no ponies would line up to fill that role. Here stood someone willing, yearning even, to fight. She sighed.

“Very well.” Celestia approached Twilight, holding out a wing with which to comfort her. “With my knowledge of your analytical experience, I believe you would do well as a war strategist. We have yet to solidify a team, so I will leave gathering ponies of equivalent minds to your best judgment.”

Twilight gaped up at her. “Head War Strategist? Are you sure? Do you really think things will escalate that far?”

“I do not know, but it is always best to be prepared,” Celestia said. “No matter how we respond to Sombra’s takeover, one thing is certain: he will not back down without a fight.”

Chapter Text

The right face of Rainbow Dash’s gilded helmet was still smudged from yesterday’s brush with Sky Stinger and his gaggle of pegasus guards. Like so many others, the fight had broken out after Rainbow Dash had outdone their crew members during their daily endurance training. Amid their third run, Dash had flown ahead of Sky Stinger’s friend, Pizzelle, and the group had punished her for it at mealtime. The blows were swift and painless—nothing new. Among their usual remarks of “know your place” and “stay in your lane,” several original phrases had come that Rainbow Dash had decided to commit to memory to strengthen her indifference. One of these came from Sky himself, who delivered a quite clever affirmation: “Don’t set a pace your wings can’t match, Rainbow Crash.” He meant it condescendingly, but Rainbow Dash took it as a challenge.

She knew the other guards disliked her, but she couldn’t care less. Serving in the royal guard kept her wings busy and distracted her from her failed dream of being a Wonderbolt. As it turned out, the Wonderbolt trainee-to-guard track was not too uncommon in the Pegasus Division. She had Spitfire to thank for the recommendation. However, what Dash had interpreted as a personal gesture of confidence turned out to be the advice the Wonderbolts’ leader gave out to every cadet who failed to make the cut. The E.U.P. took just about anypony who volunteered to serve. Rainbow Dash could only hope to do good within a class of ponies who viewed her as a worse version of themselves.

She finished polishing the rest of her armor and slipped each piece on casually, as she did each day. A superior officer approached her when she stepped out of the barracks and into the blooming daylight of the castle courtyard. Rainbow Dash’s heart sank in fear of being disciplined for yesterday’s incident. However, the guard was there for something entirely separate.

“There is to be an assembly in the west hall. Find your rank and be there in twenty minutes.”

Dash saluted the officer and watched as he flew off to deliver the message elsewhere. When he disappeared behind a spire, Dash let her shoulders relax. Assemblies were a standard part of their routine, but this one seemed different. The west hall was big enough to hold the entire royal guard. What kind of assembly was this that required all of them to be present?

Before she could think it over, a voice called out to her.

“Hey, Crash!” Rainbow Dash would recognize Lightning Dust’s conceited tone anywhere.

“Lightning Dust,” Dash responded, trying to sound uninterested, “you here to have another go at yesterday? Without those goons to back you up, I can take you, no problem.”

Her rival chuckled a little, then drew closer. “Actually, I was just going to ask if you wanted to fly to the assembly together. You got the memo, right? Sounds pretty serious.”

“Why would I want to go with you? D’you think I’ve forgotten everything that’s happened? It’s a miracle I survived being your wingpony at the academy.”

“Oh, come on,” Lightning Dust bumped Dash with her shoulder. “You know that’s an exaggeration. Spitfire doesn’t know what she’s missing.”

“Go find Sky Stinger and fly with him. You two get along just fine.”

Lightning Dust’s smirk flattened. “I’m done with Sky. He thinks he’s all that, but he’s nothing. I taught him that this morning.”

At this, Rainbow Dash glanced down and noticed a patch of dried blood staining Lightning Dust’s hooves. She shuddered. Lightning Dust had always been the type to take things to the extreme.

Lightning Dust spotted Dash’s concern and elaborated. “He’s fine, Crash—just roughed him up a little. You’ll see him at the assembly. Perfectly fine.”

The grand clock on the courtyard wall spelled ten minutes until their scheduled meeting time. Rainbow Dash groaned.

“So, what? You want me just to follow you around again like I did before, mindlessly? No thanks. I enjoy the painless lifestyle of thinking for myself.”

"Painless, huh?" Lightning Dust laughed, then went silent. Something in her demeanor changed, and suddenly she looked at Rainbow Dash with a sincerity that appeared entirely foreign to her face.

“Come on, Dash. No matter what we say or brag, nopony wants to be alone. We all need somepony, and you're no different.”

“Maybe. I just don't need you.”

Rainbow Dash took off into the clouds before Lightning Dust could respond. Her wings quivered. The thought that Lightning Dust could pity her sent shockwaves of disgust coursing through her. She could not appeal to that pity. Spitfire had ousted them from the academy for a reason, and Rainbow Dash would not repeat the mistakes that led them to that point. She wanted to forget those mistakes entirely. She had tried to, desperately.

Through a gap in the clouds, Dash saw flocks of pegasi guards heading toward the west hall, with Lightning Dust now among them. If Dash arrived late, she could sneak in the back way and nopony would notice her. She wouldn’t have to face Lightning Dust or Sky Stinger. So, squeezing herself between two pillars just outside the meeting-place, Dash waited.

“You’re late.” The recently appointed royal guard captain spotted Dash immediately when she entered the west hall. “Come stand in front.”

Rainbow Dash cringed. As she passed the countless faces in the crowd, she felt the sting of their schadenfreude piercing her skin. The captain directed her to a spot in the front, a half-empty space that acted as a divider between two pegasus squads. Next to it stood Sky Stinger.

Shit.

Dash packed herself into the spot and stared dead ahead, refusing to acknowledge the stallion’s presence. She felt his eyes on her, but hoped he would be so embarrassed about his fight with Lightning Dust that he wouldn’t acknowledge her. She was wrong.

“Hey,” he said.

Rainbow Dash said nothing. She kept looking forward.

“Hey. Rainbow Dash.”

Don’t respond.

“The silent treatment, huh? Well, can’t say I don’t deserve it.” He paused. “Look, I just want you to know I wasn’t thinking when I said those things yesterday. I didn’t mean it. And, I guess, I’m sorry. Or something.”

Dash couldn’t help it. She looked at him. She raised her eyebrows like she had no clue what she was looking at. It was at that moment that she saw the plump bruise encasing Sky’s right eye, and a path of minor, scattered cuts trailing down his jaw to the end of his neck. Now, it was Sky who looked away. The cheek guards of their helmets did little to hide the developing scars, but Sky tried his best to obstruct them.

“You’re crazy if you think I’d believe that apology for a second,” Dash said. “And if Lightning Dust put you up to this, then you can tell her that I’m not forgiving her, or you. I hate being lied to.”

“I don’t know what she sees in you,” Sky mumbled. “You’re just a mediocre flyer with too much confidence.”

Rainbow Dash scoffed. “Try looking in a mirror.”

“Attention, soldiers!” the captain suddenly barked, and a pair of guards raised their trumpets to announce the entrance of the princess.

Dash stood up straight, as she had been trained to do in the presence of royalty. However, it was not Princess Celestia who entered through the main doors of the west hall at that moment. Instead, a small purple unicorn trotted into the hall and took her place behind a podium before them. She tapped a pile of papers against the wood with her magic, clearing her throat.

“Good morning, um, royal guards!” The unicorn sounded as though she was nervous, but her expression was one of complete solemnity. “My name is Twilight Sparkle. I organized this assembly with you all to inform you of a significant operation in which you will participate.”

Rainbow Dash could not concentrate. She could have sworn that she had seen this unicorn before, but couldn't recall where. It must have been in Cloudsdale, but that would be impossible for a unicorn. Perhaps she had met this pony in her dreams. She settled on this idea, too exhausted to deliberate it further.

Twilight continued, “As many of you know, the newly reappeared Crystal Empire has been seized by an evil unicorn named Sombra. Our mission is simple: negotiate terms of surrender with this unicorn and, should he fail to comply with our request to relinquish the Empire, orchestrate a swift and brutal attack against his forces. We must reclaim the Empire by any means necessary.”

Rainbow Dash could see Sky Stinger trembling from out of the corner of her eye. Of course, they were all trained for combat, but none of them had ever known the prospect of battle. Their existence was primarily an aesthetic display of power—a threat more than anything. If Sombra had an army, it would surely be more experienced and bloodthirsty than theirs. Nothing could prepare them for that.

“The possibility of armed retaliation is great,” Twilight said. “You will all undergo mandatory preparative combat training, as I’m sure most of you have not seen battle. I will supervise this training and make sure you are all equipped to handle this fight.”

Someone in the crowd spoke up, “Who are you to be giving us orders?”

The captain’s horn flared, but Twilight shook her head at him. “I don’t mean to cause you all alarm, but I must also be honest. How else can I expect you to trust me?”

The crowd quieted as she spoke, “Princess Cadance, my sister–in-law, is dead. This, I cannot change. But, unless we act now, we all risk meeting the same fate! The ponies of the Crystal Empire are no doubt being subjected to unimaginable horrors at the hooves of King Sombra as we speak. It’s impossible to know the full scope of his power at this time, but we can’t just sit idly by while our brothers and sisters suffer!

“Princess Celestia appointed me Head War Strategist, should this confrontation lead to something greater. And as Head Strategist, I will do everything in my power to ensure we win, even if that means putting myself through Sombra’s wrath in the place of another innocent pony—even if that means sacrificing my life. Tell me, guards, will you join me in this righteous cause?”

Although no doubt meant to be inspiring, the moment the question left Twilight’s mouth, the west hall descended into chaos. The organized E.U.P. crowd became a mangled and horrified deception of itself. Screams of terror erupted from the mass of ponies, all scrambling to escape the room and unofficially resign from their posts. The unicorns trampled the earth pony division members, and the nimbler pegasi cut off the unicorns at the doors. Twilight stood stone-cold at the podium, simply staring at the unfolding mayhem before her.

Rainbow Dash hovered over the scene, watching as the captain attempted to control the panicking guards and seal the exits. She knew she should be scared, terrified even, but Dash saw something in this situation that nobody else could: an opportunity.

Chapter Text

Sweet Apple Acres was busy this morning.

The farm was busy every morning, of course. Still, Applejack had experienced an escalated sense of responsibility ever since Big Macintosh had thrown his back out attempting to tear down that old water tower all by himself a week ago. By the doctor's order, he was not to participate in any physical labor for at least three more weeks, which left his duties in the hooves of his capable sisters—only one of whom had the size and experience necessary to handle most of them. Applejack had been scrambling for the past few days to stay on top of everything, and she could feel herself starting to buckle under the pressure.

This morning, she found herself repelled upside down from the front gable of the barn, straining her neck to reach the upper walls with the paintbrush in her mouth. The intricate apple-themed details lining the exterior of the barn had faded with time, and Granny Smith had been pestering Big Mac about touching them up before the next family reunion, which was in a few months. Applejack had just managed to get the bright red base layer down when a familiar voice from below spooked the brush from her hold.

“Applejack, good morning!” Rarity’s graceful tone was easy to distinguish. “It’s a fine day, isn’t it? So fine, I thought I would take a stroll through the orchards. They’re just so beautiful this time of year. You maintain them so well.”

Applejack stared at the unicorn, dangling from the roof. Rarity appeared upended to her, but she could still make out the shape of her cowboy hat from within the saddlebag strapped to Rarity’s back. Wordlessly, Applejack lowered herself to the ground and collected her fallen tool. She knew Rarity had more to say.

“Of course, that’s not the only reason I came to Sweet Apple Acres.” Rarity blushed, pulling Applejack’s hat from her bag. “I’ve finished the mends on your hat, so now you needn’t worry about those frayed bits or loose threads!”

Rarity smiled, pleased with herself. Applejack took the hat from her grasp and planted it on her head. The accessory was a natural extension of her body.

“‘Preciate it,” Applejack muttered, and turned to continue her work. Halfway up the rope, Rarity called out to her again.

“You’ve been so busy the past few days, it was my pleasure to help.”

Applejack nodded, taking the brush between her teeth and soaking it in dark green paint for the apples’ flourishing stems. It was always this way with Rarity. She’d talk and talk until she wore herself out or Applejack gave her something to keep her busy and, preferably, away from the farm. Although Rarity’s consistent badgering could get on her nerves, Applejack was always polite, just as Granny had taught her. Some days were easier than others, though.

After a moment of tense silence, Rarity spoke up again. “I feel just terrible about Big Macintosh’s injury. I do hope he recovers soon. Seeing you take on so much responsibility is very noble, but I also worry about how much pressure you can put on yourself.”

Applejack struggled to respond with the brush in her mouth. “It’s nuffing ah can’t handle.”

“Of course, I knew you would say that. Still, I don’t suppose there’s anything I could help you with?”

“Nofe. Ah’ve got everyfing covered.”

“It’s no trouble at all. Perhaps there’s something I could mend or beautify–”

“Ah said ah’ve got it covered!”

The brush fell from Applejack’s lips again, and this time, so did she. The rope loosened, and she hit the ground before she could think to catch herself. Rarity hurried to her side in a panic.

“Oh, Applejack! Are you alright?”

Applejack stood, shooing Rarity away. “I’m fine, I’m fine. I’ve taken worse tumbles than that.”

“Here, let me help you.” Rarity produced a strand of ribbon from her bag and used her magic to tie it around Applejack’s leg, where a sizeable bruise was already forming. “There. Is that better?”

“It was fine before,” Applejack started, wincing as Rarity pulled the wrapping tight, “but thanks.”

“Is it that hard to accept assistance from others? You are in desperate need of some help. Surely I can do something for you with my talents.”

Applejack sighed. “You’ve been comin’ here offerin’ to sew up anythin’ and everythin’ I own for almost two months. I’ve never met anypony as addicted to seamstressin’ as you. Be honest. What’s the real reason you’ve been helpin’ me?”

Rarity went quiet. Another blush threatened to creep up her neck, but she smothered it quickly with a swallow. “Would you believe that I simply want to assist a fellow charming local business?”

Applejack couldn’t believe that. Plenty of ponies in Ponyville helped around the farm from time to time, but none had gone out of their way to be of service as often as Rarity. It had become a habit of hers, and Applejack could not make sense of it. Still, Granny’s influence superseded the doubts in her mind, and Applejack relented.

“Fine. We have an old quilt in the attic that Applebloom chewed a hole in as a baby. You can mend that.”

Rarity’s eyes lit up with excitement. She wrapped her arms around Applejack in a warm embrace and let a stream of gratitude gush from her lips. Almost immediately, Applejack pushed her away.

“Just don’t fuss over this, okay? Take yer time with it.” Then, Applejack added: “Please, take yer time with it.”

“Oh, of course! I wouldn’t dare take the restoration of a family heirloom so lightly.”

“Well, thanks, I guess,” Applejack said. “Just ask Granny to fetch it for you. She’ll know where it is.”

And with that, Applejack hoisted herself up to the gable for the third time, prepping her paintbrush for more work. Rarity turned and made her way to the back of the barn as Applejack had instructed her, smiling all the way.

When she finally left with the aged quilt, she allowed the comforting warmth of a blush to sink into her cheeks.

The pony working the animal feed stand stared confusedly at the pegasus in front of her, who was struggling to make a sound. The corners of the pegasus’s mouth were wriggling in quiet anxiety, as if she had never attempted to communicate with another pony before. She had been stuck like this for several minutes, and a considerable queue had begun to form behind her, all of its members’ growing impatience plain upon their faces. After one last effort to open her mouth, a white rabbit sprang up from the pony’s back and began instructing the salespony with muted points and jabs.

A bag of these nuts, the bunny conveyed, and a few of these berries, too.

When the animal was finished, his flustered owner had managed to produce a change purse from her saddlebag, gently laying ten bits on the wooden countertop and receiving the sack of goods in her mouth with unfailing silence. As they left the stand, the rabbit gave her a forceful kick to the back of the head, and that was all. Business continued as usual.

Fluttershy rarely came to town. She made a point of staying away from town as often as possible. However, with the growing number of animals making their home at her cottage outside of the White Tail Woods, she found herself needing to make more frequent stops to the market to keep up with their demand. Being out of practice with society for so long made her visits a struggle, though at least Angel was always there to rescue her from complete humiliation should her conversation skills fail, which was often the case.

She stuffed her purchase into her saddlebag, cautiously eyeing the market-faring ponies around her. “I know you’re disappointed in me, Angel, but I’m trying my best.”

In response, Angel simply rolled his eyes.

“You know I hate taking the train all the way here. I’d much rather forage in the woods for our little friends’ food,” Fluttershy sighed. “There are just too many of them now to rely on that alone.”

They made their way out of the marketplace and through the center of Ponyville. On the front steps of the town hall, a tan mare was delivering a speech to a gathering crowd. Fluttershy set out to sneak her way past the audience, but a quick yank on her mane by Angel stopped her dead in her tracks.

“If we don’t leave now, we’ll have to wait an hour for the next train,” Fluttershy whispered. Angel didn’t give in. He pointed at Mayor Mare, standing behind a podium.

“Citizens of Ponyville, it is with deep regret that I address several rumors that have been going around for the past few days. I have just received a statement from Canterlot that I hope will clear up some of the confusion, although I warn you, this information may not be easy to hear.”

The mayor unfurled a large scroll and adjusted her glasses, preparing to articulate the contents of the letter. Fluttershy attempted to leave once again, but Angel wouldn’t let her budge an inch. Whatever was in that letter, he wanted to know.

Mayor Mare cleared her throat and read: “Dear ponies of Equestria, I write to you today for the sake of transparency in my leadership, and not as a means of spreading panic or dissent across our beautiful country. By now, news of the Crystal Empire’s takeover and Princess Candence’s death has reached every corner of the land. Although essential details are still under evaluation, I cannot deny the accuracy of these most basic facts.”

The crowd, which had been lively with soft murmurs and chatter, had all but silenced now. Fluttershy was caught in the back, too frightened to move. The mayor continued:

“This is no doubt a tumultuous time in our nation’s history, but I have every confidence that with the passion and collaboration of all our citizens, we can emerge from the opposite end of this tragedy stronger and closer than ever. Which brings me to the main object of this statement: I, Princess Celestia, along with my key advisors and the order of the Earth, Unicorn, and Pegasus Guard, will be issuing our response to King Sombra’s offense. The results of this negotiation will determine the fate of both the Crystal Empire and Equestria as a whole, and will be shared with the public as soon as possible.

“Should this conflict escalate into something greater, I ask for the Equestrian ponies’ cooperation and understanding in navigating whatever comes next for our nation. You are our hope. You are our future. Thank you for your trust."

The mayor stopped reading, startled by the words that had just left her mouth. The square was quiet, solemn. No one could quite dictate their response to such a world–altering statement. Most knew, in their hearts, that a letter like this would not have been published unless the possibility of war was greater than peace.

The one who knew this most of all, however, was Fluttershy. She broke away from the crowd, ignoring Angel’s incessant tugging on her mane and galloping toward the train station as fast as she was able.

When she reached the platform just above the tracks, she let a whimper escape her lips, hardly releasing the flood of dread trapped in her chest. Fortunately, she had arrived just in time to catch the next train to the White Tail Woods, and breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the engine puffing steam just a few hundred feet away.

When she boarded the train, Angel gave her a look that said, Back home?

“If I couldn’t leave the woods before, there’s no way I can now,” Fluttershy told him. “Not with that war on the horizon. Oh, what are we going to do?”

Angel erupted into a frantic series of movements, desperately trying to pantomime dramatic scenes of martial victory with every gesture. He ran, he jumped, he pretended to die. Fluttershy stared at him, her eyes puffy with tears. He eventually grew exhausted and collapsed, out of breath. When he looked back up at her, Fluttershy’s face was downcast, and she couldn’t meet his eyes.

“Sometimes,” she started, “I wish I could really understand you.”

“Daughters, receive thy supper!”

The crackling voice of Igneous Rock Pie ricocheted across the many surfaces of the old family rock farm, gradually reaching each of the Pie sisters before escaping into the emptiness of an open field. Pinkamena was the last to hear the call.

She had been absently chipping away at a block of fresh slate, her mind wandering anywhere and everywhere other than where she presently stood. Crumbs of shale littered the ground before her, threatening to become a mound of sediment as she continued to dig into the rock, forgetting the purpose of her work. When she failed to respond to the first cry, Limestone was quick to send out a second.

“PINKAMENA!” Limestone’s voice shattered the pink pony’s daydreams.

“What?” she responded.

“DINNER!”

Pinkamena sighed, finally noticing the puddle of pebbles she had created, and made her way across the field to her family’s farmhouse. Inside, everyone had already arranged themselves habitually around the dining table. The only vacant seat was beside Maud, which Pinkamena slipped into without a sound. Before each pony sat a bowl of rock soup, the same as every other evening, which gave off no aroma and was hardly warm enough to be considered soup at all. Pinkamena stared at it blankly.

“Dear siliceous Creator,” Igneous Rock began, “we thank thee for thy bounty we are about to receive, and humbly beg thee for thine favor in the coming harvest. With grateful hearts, we honor thee.”

The rest of the family repeated this final line, then turned their attention to their meals, politely sipping their broth and taking delicate bites from the rocks in their bowls. Pinkamena ate with them, though with a tentative air that none at the table cared to notice or address. Supper, as always, was a noiseless occasion. The only sound rippling around the room was the crunching of gravel against teeth as the family chewed.

Pinkamena couldn’t stand the silence. It was almost worse than the monotony of the farmwork; always sacred and ignorant. Nothing was expressed in their family. All of her feelings were bubbling up with great energy inside her, and no one could sense their rise—no one, except Maud. She knew that Pinkamena was going to say something even before she opened her mouth. She gnawed on her rock a bit slower.

“So,” Pinkamena started, earning her weary glares from all around the table, “I’ve been thinking.”

“Gah. Don’t start,” Limestone jeered, rolling her eyes.

“I’m ignoring you.” Pinkamena didn’t even spare Limestone a glance. “Anyway, I was thinking, since Maud’s birthday is coming up, why don’t we do something special to celebrate? I could make some yummy desserts, put up some decorations—you know, make this a real party.”

“Don’t you remember what happened last time you decided we needed one of your parties?” Limestone spat out the last word as if it tasted bitter in her mouth. “It took us forever to clean up that mess.”

“It wasn’t a mess,” Pinkamena muttered. “I just think Maud deserves a super amazing day because she’s a super amazing pony!”

Limestone wouldn’t let up. “You do this every year, and the answer is always the same: we don’t have time for parties, and we don’t have time for your crazy antics.”

“You won’t even give it a chance! I’ll throw a party even better than the one I threw all those years ago. You’ll love it, I promise!”

“The answer is no, Pinkamena!”

“But–”

“NO!”

“Daughters! Be still!” Igneous Rock shot up from his chair, pounding a hoof on the table. The room went quiet.

After a moment, Pinkamena dared to continue. “Nopony ever wants to smile around here. You’re all fine just being serious and never having fun.”

“Our traditions have sustained our lineage, and we shalt not stray from their steadfast path.” Igneous Rock gave her a grim look. “The sin of thy mark hast stained our conviction enow. We needeth not one more memorial of thy familial contradictions.”

“But it’s who I am.”

“The problem lies therein,” he responded. “Tis thee who is’t wilt changeth. Being thee hast hath brought a blight upon our name.”

These words changed something in Pinkamena, and she suddenly drew back from the table. Tears formed in her eyes, and she could not suppress the whimper that escaped her lips. Maud reached out for her, but Pinkamena had already broken away from the table and rushed to the threshold, where she stopped. She turned back, lingering over each of her family members’ faces.

“Well, maybe you should consider that not being me hurts me.”

And with that, Pinkamena left them, racing out the front door and running as fast as her hooves could carry her.